Cultural calendar, July 7-14, 2005
THURSDAY, July 7
DANCE CARD
Slippery: Belly dancing and pole dancing lessons at the Berkmar Ballroom. Rio Road. 975-4611.
ART
Star Search: Dakota Road Productions holds open auditions and crew sign-ups for its 2005 production season. Actors to fill 40 roles, directors, assistants, producers, cameramen, and editors needed for productions starting July 19. 8:30pm. McIntire Room, Central Library, 210 E. Market St. 977-4137 or .
STAGE
Off the Cuff: Whole World Theater presents live improv comedy at Garden of Sheba. 8pm. $6 (or free with dinner). Every Thursday. 609 E. Market St. 466-9574.
Comedy of Errors Shakespeare's shortest play concerns twins– both named Dromio– and another set– both named Antipholus. The twin Dromios are slaves, employed to look after the Antipholus two, but then there's a shipwreck, a ransom, much falling in love and escaping to convents. Hence the name of the play. As expected, at the end everyone is saved, rescued, or married. 7:30pm. 109 Culbreth Road. 924-3376.
FAMILY
Teen Magic: Kids in grades 5-12 with a passion for magic won't want to miss "Magic with the Amazing Monticup: A Workshop" at the Crozet Library. Local professional magician Peter Monticup demonstrates his magic skills and then teaches you a few tricks, too! Bring along a quarter and a deck of cards to use for tricks; all other props provided. 2-3pm. Free. Registration required. Three Notch'd Road. in the old train station. 823-4050.
Look Whooo's Talking: Today's program is at Scottsville Library at 10am. 330 Bird Ave. 286-3541.
Tales for Tots: See Wednesday, July 6.
WORDS AND WALKABOUT
Grow Old Gracefully: Exercise physiologists and UVA faculty members Arthur Weltman and Glenn Gaesser (who is also the author of Big Fat Lies) present "Aging 101," a discussion of their work and findings in the value of fitness exercise as people age. Sponsored by the UVA Institute on Aging, Weltman and Gaesser speak 7-8:30pm at the Albemarle Square ACAC. 500 Albemarle Square, 243-5695, .
TUNES
B.C.: "We figured out that we liked Sunday nights a few years ago, because it's a dedicated drinker's night– no amateurs," says B.C.'s Stephen Barling. Would you expect any less from a group so infamous for its filthy lyrics? Can Atomic Burrito hold its own tonight? "It turns into a fraternity party there sometimes," exclaims Barling of Atomic's remarkable revelry. Be there at 11pm to see for yourself. No cover.
Tom Proutt, Emily McCormick, and Mary Gordon Hall at the East End of the Downtown Mall. Free, 12pm.
The Elderly, Insurgency, and The Smashcasters at the Outback Lodge. $5, 10pm.
The Nice Jenkins at Mellow Mushroom. No cover, 10:30pm.
Brady Earnhart and Nickeltown at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.
Salsa Night at the Satellite Ballroom. $6, 8pm.
Karaoke at Fat Daddy's. No cover, 8:30pm.
Karaoke at Damon's Sports Grill. No cover, 9pm.
David Wiley, David Kim, and Norman Krieger headline at the Wintergreen Summer Music Festival's Opening Night Gala. $85, advance purchase required. Cocktails at 5pm, concert at 6pm.
Thompson/D'earth at Miller's. $4, 10:30pm.
Open Mic Night at Kokopelli's Café, no cover, 7pm.
Robbie Collins: This local guitarist recently took his act as far as California, but tonight he brings his solo guitar stylings, often perplexingly modern and traditional at the same time, back home to Charlottesville at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. 9pm. Donations accepted.
Originals: Under the guidance of Academy Award-winning director Paul Wagner and local director of photography Todd Free, teenage musicians Brandon Dudley, Keicon Cherry, Danielle Purpura, Ross Bollinger, and Ari Berne screen original music video projects tonight at 6pm at the Music Resource Center. 105 Ridge St. 293-6992.
FRIDAY, July 8
FAMILY
Girls Only: Young ladies ages 8-11 who love American Girl books and dolls can join the club…the American Girl book club at Barnes & Noble. Tonight the group reads and learns about Kaya, the very earliest American Girl, and makes a Native American craft. 7pm. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.
Feathered Friends: Young ornithologists will want to flock to Maymont for a morning of fun and an exploration of the world of birds. Kids ages 4 and up and their parents will meet Maymont's owls, hike to the Aviary, and paint a gourd birdhouse to take home. Meet at the Nature Center. 9:30am. $20 per parent & child pair. Reservations required. 1700 Hampton Street, Richmond. 804-358-7166, ext. 333. maymont.org.
STAGE
Heritage Repertory Theater
Rounding Third: Two little-league coaches. One wants to win at all costs. One wants the kids to have fun. It's gonna be a long season! The play features Heritage Rep veterans and real-life little league coaches Martin Beekman and Richard Warner. 7:30pm in Helms Theatre. Prices vary. Culbreth Road. 924-3376.
Lettice and Lovage: Peter Shaffer's (Equus, Amadeus) comedy finds Lettice Douffet, an eccentric tour guide at the most boring historic house in England, using her imagination to enliven her tours, to the delight of her audiences and to the dismay of her employer, Lotte Schoen. Lotte fires Lettice, but the two women begin an unlikely friendship based on their refusal to accept the mediocre in modern life. Opens tonight at 8pm in Culbreth Theater and runs for six performances through August 4. Prices vary. Culbreth Road. 924-3376.
Shenandoah Shakespeare
Hamlet: Anyone who needs to read a description of what this play's about definitely needs to get on over to Staunton and check it out. Prince of Denmark, Ophelia in the stream, Laertes, and alas, poor Yorick! It's all here. 7:30pm. 10 S. Market St., Staunton. 540-885-5588.
Live Art Summer Theater Festival Opens Tonight
Be Aggressive: Take a vacation to cheerleaders, smoothies, Southern California, suburban sprawl. 7pm Downstage theater.
Polish Joke: Humorously and touchingly chronicles one young fellow's hysterical struggle with his own ethnic identity. 9:30pm Downstage theater.
The Complete History of America (Abridged): From those fruit-loops who brought you The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) and The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged), this intellectual vaudeville of the last 500 years of American history surveys explorers, wars, scandals, triumphs, and culture. 7:30pm Upstage theater.
Under Cover of Night: Late at night, are there really monsters in your closet ... under your bed ... or is your imagination merely giving form to shadows cast by the moonlight ... Anything's possible in the dark ...
Shows with….
Unacceptable Reality: A bewildered couple suddenly find themselves in the throes of "Unacceptable Reality," where rigid rules are imposed. In their quest for release, the couple agrees to perform nursery rhymes and song. Before their fate is declared, they must participate in an impromptu spelling bee. 10pm Upstage theater.
WORDS
Mind Travel: Robert Bruce, author of Astral Dynamics and Practical Psychic Self Defense, is– according to his website– "an internationally respected mystic, hands-on metaphysical researcher, and arcane experimenter." Now how many of those come to Charlottesville? Get over to see him yourself (go in person, but after the talk, you might be able to just send your mind next time) tonight at 7pm. Quest Bookshop, 619 W. Main St. 296-2772.
WALKABOUT
Democrats Discuss: Charlottesville and Albemarle-area Democrats gather monthly at Rapture Restaurant on the Downtown Mall for "Second Fridays," an informal social and political rap session. 6-8 pm. 979-6421.
TUNES
The Manhattan Project with DJ Lem at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.
The Nature Boys Jazz Quartet at Fellini's No. 9. No cover, 6:30-9:30pm.
Dreaming Isabelle at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.
Stoned Wheat Things and Hard Rain at Fridays After Five. No cover, 5pm.
Elephant Minor at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.
Soul Sledge at the Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.
Open mic at Rapunzel's. No cover, 7:30pm.
The Wintergreen Chamber Players at the Summer Music Festival. $25/$20 advance/$8 kids, 8pm.
Jennifer D'ville's Birthday Bash with special guests Grace Kelly & Miss Gay Charlottesville, Kristina Kelly. Dance after with DJ Frank Rivera at Club 216. 11pm. Membership required.
Clare Quilty: "On this album we totally went electronic," says singer Jenn Rhubright of the mostly-rock band Clare Quilty's newest album. She happily likens the results of this studio experimentation to Morcheeba and Portishead, but that technical ambition might come back to haunt them at the CD release show at Starr Hill tonight. "There are still a few tracks that we've never played live before," she says nervously. But the moment is at hand: it might be a train wreck, but at least they'll make sure it's a fun one. The Hamiltons and The Naked Puritans join them tonight. $8/$6 advance. 10pm.
SATURDAY, July 9
FAMILY
Rise and Shine: Visitors to the Frontier Culture Museum can wake up with the farm folks with a Sunrise Meadow Walk and Picnic Breakfast. This early morning guided nature walk provides a new feel to the frontier. Bring your own or reserve a picnic breakfast to enjoy after the hike. Meet at Museum Visitor Center. All ages welcome. 6-9am. Free. Prepared picnic breakfast $7 each. Reservations required. Rt. 250 west in Staunton. 540-332-7850, ext 165. frontier.virginia.gov.
Inventive: Kids ages 5 and up can put on their thinking caps and become inventors at the Virginia Discovery Museum. The "By Kids For Kids Brainstorm Challenge" is a fun, fast- paced series of hands-on building sessions that starts with an idea and ends with an invention. 10:30am. Free. Sign up is on a first come, first serve basis the morning of the program. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.
WALKABOUT
Rock House Renovation: Find out more about that unusual little "Rock House" on Preston Avenue across from Washington Park and the groups now trying to save it. This Community Meeting is designed to both share information on the renovation effort and to educate the neighborhood about the house's past. Refreshments provided. 11am. Zion Union Baptist Church, 1015 Preston Ave. Info: 977-0553.
Come and Get It: Unity Church hosts "Circulation Day." Here's how it works: Items collected by church members and are offered to the public at no charge. Zilch, zero, nada. 7-11am. 2825 Hydraulic Road. Info: 4978-1062.
Monticello in Bloom: After discussing the history, culture, and traditional role of summer perennials, you'll get a chance to tour the display gardens of the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants. 9:30am at Tufton Farm. $10. Reservations required. 984-9822.
Polo Match: Join the Piedmont Polo Club (formerly Piedmont Women's Polo Club, but now all-inclusive) for a night of polo action in the rolling hills of Albemarle. 6:30pm. Forest Lodge Road, off Old Lynchburg Road. 977-POLO or .
Fairview 5K: Challenge the course around the Fairview Swim & Tennis Club before the heat sets in. 7:30am start. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. $17 race day, $15 advance. Visit the Ragged Mountain Running shop or Monticello.avenue.org/fairview for registration information. 293-3367.
STAGE
Heritage Repertory Theater
Rounding Third: Two little-league coaches. One wants to win at all costs. One wants the kids to have fun. It's gonna be a long season! The play features Heritage Rep veterans and real-life little league coaches Martin Beekman and Richard Warner. 7:30pm in Helms Theatre. 103 Culbreth Road. 924-3376.
Lettice and Lovage: See Friday, July 8.
Live Art Summer Theater Festival
Be Aggressive: See Friday, July 8. 9:30pm.
Sylvia " . . .you'll see that Sylvia is more than just a name or a gene, or a psychological symptom, or anything else that tries to pin her down. She's far more than any of that, with fleas." 7pm Downstage theater.
The Complete History of America (Abridged): See Friday, July 8. 10pm.
Under Cover of Night and Unacceptable Reality: See Friday, July 8. 7:30pm.
Shenandoah Shakespeare
Comedy of Errors: See Thursday, July 7.
DANCE CARD
BRIM Full: The Blue Ridge Irish Music School (BRIMS) Traditional Ensemble perform Irish music, song, and dance at Rapunzel's in Lovingston. 8pm. $5, under 12 free. 263-6288 or .
TUNES
Mensa Select and Single Spies at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.
The Greg Ward Project at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.
Uncle Henry's Favorites at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.
Inner Space at Orbit. No cover, 10:30pm
Dub Is A Weapon at the Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.
Five Bolt Main with This Means You, Sedementrous, and Lo Fat at the Satellite Ballroom. $12/$10 advance, 7:30pm.
Sparky's Flaw and Florez at Starr Hill. $7/$5 advance, 9pm.
The Blue Ridge Irish Music School at Rapunzel's, 7:30pm.
Wilderness and The Internet at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. Donations accepted, 9pm.
The Wintergreen Summer Music Festival presents Vivaldi's "Four Seasons." $33/$28 advance/$18 lawn/$8 kids, 6pm.
Dance all Night with DJ Frank Rivera at Club 216. Membership required, call club for details.
SUNDAY, July 10
ART
Love it or Loathe it? View and comment on entries in the Urban Habitats Architecture Competition– one of them shows plans for the new incarnation of the Sunrise Trailer Court in Belmont! 5-6:30pm. Campbell Hall, UVA School of Architecture, review rooms A-D on the second floor. Free parking in Lot A9 on Culbreth Road. 984-2232 or
WALKABOUT
Woods Walk: Tour the 250-yeard-old wonder of James Madison's 200-acre "old growth" Landmark forest at Montpelier, one of the best preserved wooded areas in the Commonwealth, looking today just about as it did in Madison's time. This special guided tour highlights the features of the summer forest and discusses ways the landscape changes over the course of the year. 2pm. Included in $11 general admission fee. 540-672-2728.
Unleashing the Creative Spirit: Unity Church hosts a six-week series entitled "Spirituality in the Arts" today and every Sunday through August 7. The series explores the creative process in dance, film, writing, music, and visual arts. A different art form is featured each week at 10:30am. Senior Center, 1180 Pepsi Place. 978-1062.
Pastors For Peace: Volunteers from around the world are challenging the Cuban trade and travel embargo by collecting humanitarian aid during a two-week, cross-country Caravan to Cuba. Locally, the Charlottesville Center for Peace and Justice hosts a dinner reception followed by a presentation by Caravan participants to support the cause. 6pm. Thomas Jefferson Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church. 717 Rugby Road. 984-7442.
Fiddle in an Hour: Master fiddle teacher Mary Hardy Roberts makes it happen at Humpback Rocks' "Fiddlin' and Frolics." Learn the basics, then play some 19th century farm family games. 2pm at the Humpback Rocks Visitors Center, Milepost 5.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Free. 540-943-4716.
Sunday Polo: Polo is back, and this summer it's happening at King Family Vineyards. 1:30pm every Sunday, weather permitting. Free. 6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet. 823-7800.
STAGE
Noises Off: How often do you get to fall on your face at an audition and know you've done well? Come slap, tickle, and trip for director Larry Goldstein to try for a role in Noises Off. Show dates September 15-October 15. Roles for five men and four women ages 18 and up. Tonight and tomorrow night. 7pm. Callbacks July 13. Live Arts, 123 E. Water St. Fourth Floor. Info: 977-4177 x100.
DANCE CARD
Sunday Salsa: The Charlottesville Salsa Club sponsors a weekly opportunity to learn and practice salsa and other dances in a smoke-free nightclub atmosphere. A basic lesson (usually salsa) gets the evening started at 8pm. Complimentary water and sodas. The Outback Lodge, 917 Preston Ave. 8pm-midnight. $3-5. cvillesalsaclub.com or 979-7211.
TUNES
Nix the Dave Bartok at Jaberwoke on Sunday
Suburban Scum and Riot Act at Atomic Burrito. Free, 9pm.
Dan Sebring at the Blue Bird Cafe. No cover, 6pm.
George Melvin at Fellini's #9. $5, 9pm.
The Dreamsicles at Gravity Lounge. $10, 8pm.
Dave Bartok at Jaberwoke. No cover, 21+, 10pm.
The Wintergreen Summer Music Festival presents Vivaldi's "Four Seasons." $33/$28 advance/$18 lawn/$8 kids, 6pm.
MONDAY, July 11
WALKABOUT
Go Deep: This month's meeting of the Sea Devil Divers features a discussion and book signing with Joe Burnworth, author of No Safe Harbor. 6:30pm at Rococo's Restaurant. All interested divers welcome. 2001 Commonwealth Drive. 975-5570.
Talk About It: Black Women, White Women, All Women in Dialogue hold their monthly meeting in the North Room at the Gordon Avenue Library. Open to the public. 5:45-7:15pm. 1500 Gordon Ave. 295-2612.
All Aboard: The National Railway Historical Society's Rivanna Chapter convenes at Golden Corral on U.S. 29 for their monthly meeting, featuring Big Power, a documentary about high-powered diesel trains. Pay-as-you-go dinner/social at 6pm, followed by the program at 7pm. Visitors welcome. 980-7285.
WORDS
African-American Authors Book Group: This month's book is Limbo: A Memoir by A. Manette Ansay. As always, discussions are open to the public and new members are welcome. 7:30pm. Barnes & Noble. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.
DANCE CARD
Hip and Hop: Join the intermediate hip hop workshop to learn the routine that goes with the chorus of 50 Cent's "hate it or love it." 8:30 p.m. Studio 206, 206 W. Market St. 510-681-8255 or .
TUNES
Atomic Klatch with Steve Richmond at Atomic Burrito. Free, 10pm.
The Red Hot Chilly Pickers at Dr. Ho's Humble Pie. No cover, 7pm.
George Melvin at the South Street Brewery. No cover, 7pm.
Open mic night at Baja Bean. No cover; signups at 8:30pm, show at 9pm.
TUESDAY, July 12
FAMILY
Kids Write: Young authors in grades 4-6 can learn the basic tools of creative writing at the Northside Library presented by instructors from the Charlottesville Writing Center. 2-3:30pm. Free. Registration is required, and participation is limited. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
Whoo's Awake at Night?: The folks from the Wildlife Center of Virginia introduce midnight marauders to nocturnal friends and explain how creatures of the night find their way in the dark at Central Library. 10:30am. 201 E. Market St. 979-7151, ext. 3.
Film Festival: The seats are first come, first served at Regal Cinema's Family Film Festival today featuring Lemony Snickett and Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. 10am. Free. Seminole Square (behind Kmart). 980-3333.
WORDS
Tuesday Afternoon Book Club: This month's book is Good Grief by Lolly Winston. All welcome. 1:30pm. Barnes & Noble. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.
TUNES
The Points, Humungo Ginormous, and The Elderly at Atomic Burrito. Free, 10:30pm.
Chandler at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.
Joseph Mills at Fat Daddy's. No cover, 9pm.
WEDNESDAY, July 13
STAGE
Live Arts Summer Theater Festival
Polish Joke: See Friday, July 8. 7pm Downstage theater.
Sylvia: See Saturday, July 9. 9:30pm. Downstage theater.
The Complete History of America (Abridged): See Friday, July 8. 7:30pm. Upstage theater.
Shenandoah Shakespeare
Comedy of Errors: See Thursday, July 7.
DANCE CARD
Hustle at Berkmar Ballroom, Rio Road. 975-4611.
Street Salsa: Salsa Dura Dance Company offers beginner classes with Caroline Davis, intermediate with Tiffany Sanchez. No partner necessary. Second and fourth Wednesdays. 8pm. $8 adults/ $6 students. Municipal Arts Center, 1119 Fifth St. SW. 510-681-8255.
FAMILY
Don't Flutter By: The Butterfly Lady (aka Linda Marchman) comes to the Virginia Discovery Museum for a special presentation. Dressed as a butterfly, Marchman discusses the majestic Monarch and its migration to Central Mexico each year, the lifecycle of all butterflies, butterfly conservation, and more. See live and preserved specimens of butterflies and caterpillars. Weather permitting, a butterfly release and an insect safari happens at the conclusion of the program. $15, $10 members. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.
Kids Write: See Tuesday, July 12. Today's program for young authors in grades 6-10 focuses on fiction at Northside Library from 2-4pm. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
Whoo's Awake at Night?: See Tuesday, July 12. Today's program is at Crozet Library at 10am. Three Notch'd Road in the old train station. 823-4050. Also at Gordon Avenue Library at 3pm. 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.
More Tales for Tots: The 5 and under crowd can get wild about Harry as they enjoy favorite storybook stories about characters named Harry at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.
Film Festival: See Tuesday, July 12.
FAMILY AND WALKABOUT
Dig It: Young physical anthropologists ages 8-adult can get down and dirty learning about the lives of plantation residents as they participate in an archaeological excavation at the home of President James Monroe, Ash Lawn-Highland. Bring a lunch and picnic in the gardens. 11am. $3.50 workshop fee in addition to regular admission includes tour of the house. Reservations required. 1000 James Monroe Parkway. 434-293-9539. ashlawnhighland.org.
WORDS
Cosmos Conversations: Second in a monthly series of discussions about our place in the universe. How is the quality of life on Earth changing, and how do our extra-terrestrial friends fit into the picture? 7-8:45pm. Central branch, Jefferson-Madison Library. Market Street. Info: 361-2507 or .
TUNES
Pop In: UVA African music expert Heather Maxwell leads her Afro pop ensemble headlong into the quizzical glances it's been getting from the Charlottesville community ever since the Afro pop Festival in October. "You're going to hear at least four different languages," she says, aware that her project is about as far outside the mainstream as Charlottesville can handle. You're also going to hear a slew of exotic instruments, including Maxwell herself on the kamalen ngoni, a lute-like instrument from Mali. $8, 7pm. Gravity Lounge.
Jim Waive and the Young Divorcees at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.
Benny Dodd at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.
Karaoke at Jaberwoke. No cover, 21+, 10pm.
The Mike Rosensky and Jeff Decker Quartet at Miller's. No cover, 10:30pm.
Open jam at Rapunzel's. 7pm.
The Wintergreen Summer Music Festival Academy in concert. $15/$10 advance/$5 kids, 7pm.
Josh Mayo at Fat Daddy's. No cover, 9pm.
THURSDAY, July 14
STAGE
Off the Cuff: Whole World Theater presents live improv comedy at Garden of Sheba. 8pm. $6 (or free with dinner). Every Thursday. 609 E. Market St. 466-9574.
Live Art Summer Theater Festival
Be Aggressive: See Friday, July 8. 7pm Downstage theater.
Polish Joke: See Friday, July 8. 9:30pm. Downstage theater.
Under Cover of Night and Unacceptable Reality: See Friday, July 8. 7:30pm.
Heritage Repertory Theater
The Price: HRT salutes the life and work of Arthur Miller with this production of one of his lesser-known masterpieces. After the death of their father, two brothers meet for the first time in years to arrange for the sale of an attic full of possessions. But the past is not so easily disposed of in this drama of loyalty and betrayal. 8pm in Culbreth Theater. Culbreth Road. 924-3376.
FAMILY
Getting Down: This month's Mommy & Me (& Daddies, Too) activities at Barracks Road Shopping Center have kids movin' and grovin' to the music. 10am-noon. Free. 977-4583.
Whoo's Awake at Night?: See Tuesday, July 12. Today's program is at Scottsville Library at 10am. 330 Bird St. 286-3541. Also at Northside Library at 3pm. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
Kids Write: See Tuesday, July 12. Today's program is for young authors in grades 4-5 at Gordon Avenue Library 2-3:30pm. 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.
More Tales for Tots: See Wednesday, July 13.
WORDS AND WALKABOUT
Celebration of Art, Wine and Music: Les Yeux du Monde Gallery's pulling out all the stops, with paintings by Richard Crozier and Edward Thomas, wines by Veritas Vineyards, and music from George Turner and Lori Derr. It's an evening or culture for your eyes, stomach, and mind. 6-8:30pm. $35, RSVP by July 11. Proceeds benefit FOCUS Women's Resource Center. 293-2222 ext. 30 for details. See Tunes.
TUNES
The Mineral Bluegrass Festival featuring Ralph Stanley at Walton Park in Mineral. $35/$30 advance, noon-11pm.
Cobalt Blue at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.
Karaoke at Damon's Sports Grill. No cover, 9pm.
Karaoke at Fat Daddy's. No cover, 8:30pm.
The Jim Waive Band at the East End of the Downtown Mall. Free, 12pm.
George Melvin at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6:30pm.
The Nice Jenkins at Mellow Mushroom. No cover, 10:30pm.
Kattiwankis at the Outback Lodge. $5, 10pm.
The Wintergreen Festival Orchestra plays Gershwin and Broadway tunes, among others. $33/$28 advance/$18 kids, 7pm.
Little of This, Little of That: George Turner's description of tonight's gig makes it sound like most others: "We'll be doing some jazz standards, some Latin stuff, some bossa nova stuff, and a couple of original tunes." But this one is different. First of all, he'll be leaving the Trio at home, sharing the stage only with singer Lori Derr and bassist Cameron Rawlston. "Without the drummer, it's a little more intimate and less driving," Turner says. The overall purpose of the performance is just as likely to give you the warm fuzzies: it's part of a benefit for the FOCUS women's resource center. Yes, $35 is and atypical ticket price; just think of it as an investment in karma. Les Yeux Du Monde, 115 S. First St.
Upcoming and Ongoing
FAMILY
Passport, Please: Charlottesville/Albemarle County Convention and Visitors Bureau gives folks an incentive to have fun. Visit six participating sites (two each from Arts & Entertainment, Heritage/Museum, and Restaurant/Retail/Accommodations categories), get your passport stamped, and win a free t-shirt. Passports available at either visitor center location. Free. Good through the end of the year. In the Monticello Visitors Center building (Rt. 20 S.) or at 100 Fifth St. NE, in the Market St. parking garage. 293-6789. soveryVirginia.org/passport.
Circus: Kids don't need to run away to join the circus this summer, because the circus has come to them. It's the current Back Gallery exhibit at Virginia Discovery Museum, and kids are the stars of the show. Included in the price of admission. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.
Tavern Tour for Kids: Family is the focus of Michie Tavern's living history tours available through Labor Day. Throughout the summer, kids can participate in Mr. Michie's Treasure Hunt (the prize is a sack of gold coins– well, ok, there's chocolate inside), dress up in 18th century clothes, make herb sachets to take home, write with a quill pen, dancing a Colonial reel, and more. Offered daily 11am-3:30pm. Free to local residents or included in general admission. Rt. 53. 977-1234.
WALKABOUT
Humpback Rocks: Stroll through a re-created 19th century Appalachian farm, complete with traditional music, on your way up to the breathtaking view from the Humpback Rocks overlook. Visitor's Center open every day 10am-5pm. Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 5.8. 540-943-4716.
Downtown Tours: The Albemarle-Charlottesville Historical Society offers walking tours of historic downtown Charlottesville every Saturday at 10am. Tours leave from the McIntire Building across from Lee Park and cover over 250 years of community history in one hour. $3 suggested donation. 296-1492.
Glassy Classes: Try your hand at a one-day glass blowing class– create a paperweight, ornament, or a hand-blown vase. Class times and themes vary, as do fees. 202 S. Lewis St. in Staunton near the old train station. Registration info: 540-885-0678 or .
Parkway Nature Walks: Monticello offers guided walking tours of the Thomas Jefferson Parkway, the linear park along the Route 53 entrance to Jefferson's estate, every Sunday morning through November. 9:30am. No fee. Meet at Kemper Park at the base of the Parkway, a quarter-mile east of the intersection of Routes 53 and 20. 984-9822.
ART LIST
Through August 14, the McGuffey Art Center presents three shows. The main gallery offers "Layers," an exhibition featuring works by two or more collaborating artists. In the downstairs hall gallery, Mimi Tawes displays whimsical and semi-abstract sculptures. And throughout the hallways, the annual Summer Group Show features pieces by over 50 member artists. 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973. See Art feature.
The University of Virginia Art Museum presents "David Winograd: Tilted Horizon," an autobiographical photographic examination of women and society, through August 14. Also on view through August 14:"The Paper Sculpture Show," a traveling exhibition featuring ready-to-assemble works by 29 artists, which museum visitors construct. Plus "loose leafs," an exhibition of work by Monica Angle, is on display through July 17. Don't miss "After Collage," a show of mixed-element work by contemporary artists including John Baldessari, Katherine Porter, and Frank Stella, which continues through August 27. 155 Rugby Road. 924-3592.
Second Street Gallery is wall-to-wall with "Constant Battles: Installation by Anne Kesler Shields," on view through August 13. 115 Second St. SE in City Center for Contemporary Arts. 977-7284.
Through July 9, Les Yeux du Monde features bronze work by Steven Strumlauf downstairs and oil paintings by Sonia Fox upstairs. 115 S. First St. 973-5566.
The Main Street Market Galleria presents the sculptural artwork of Bill Hess during July. 416 W. Main St., 244-7800.
Transient Crafters presents the work of Haley Jensen during July. 118 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 972-9500.
During July, The Charlottesville Community Design Center presents James Hall's photographic series, "Artifacts of Light and Memory: The C.B. Holt 'Rock House.'" All proceeds go to the Rock House Preservation fund. 101 E. Main St. 984-2232.
Beginning July 10, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church displays Darin Schoeny's exhibition, "Interior/Exterior Landscapes. A reception is scheduled for 11am. 717 Rugby Road. 977-5411.
During July, the C&O Gallery features the watercolors of Hal Shugart. 511 E. Water St. (next to the C&O Restaurant). 971-7044.
During July, the 5th Floor Gallery at Keller Williams displays watercolors by Mercedes Lopez, abstracts by Caroline Cobb, mosaics by Danielle Dorsett, and acrylics by Elaine Colletti. Ten percent of proceeds from artwork sold goes to Habitat for Humanity. Suite 500, Citizens Commonwealth Building (UVA Credit Union), 300 Preston Ave. 220-2200.
Through August 31, Angelo displays "Marsh + Sea," an intimate group of oil paintings by award-winning painter Robin Braun. 220 E. Main St. 971-9256.
The Kluge-Ruhe Collection of Aboriginal Art presents "Seeing the Other: The Human Image by Indigenous and non-Indigenous Artists," on display through August 13. 400 Worrell Drive, Peter Jefferson Place (off Route 250 East at Pantops). 244-0234.
For its July show, The Gallery @ 5th & Water offers still lifes by painter Kathy Craig. Located in the upstairs foyer of Henderson & Everett, P.C. 107 Fifth St. 979-9825.
Sage Moon Gallery presents a July exhibition of sculptures by prolific local artist David Breeden. 420 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 977-9997.
View "New Directions," an exhibition of oil paintings by Nina Ozbey, at Art Upstairs during July. 316 E. Main St., above The Hardware Store, on the Downtown Mall. 923-3900.
For the month of July, BozArt Gallery features "Another Beautiful Day in Paradise," an exhibition of portraits by Gigi Payne and Tim Lingo. 211 W. Main St. 296-3919.
The Virginia Discovery Museum presents "Paintings in Symmetry," an exhibition of work by young Palmyra artists Wren and Jude Bolick, in its Kids art Gallery during the month of July. 524 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 9771025.
Painter Doris deSha shows her latest exhibition, "Garden Variety," at Hotcakes through August 12. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 434-823-9515.
Fellini's #9 features the oils and pastels of David Reed during July. 200 W. Market St. 979-4279.
During July, La Galeria presents "Nature Photography," a display of work by Mary Porter. 1919 Commonwealth Drive (next to Rococo's). 293-7003.
Glo is currently showing paintings by Christian Peri. 225 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 295-7432.
Sunspots Studios in Charlottesville features work by Doug Sheridan during July. Meadowbrook Shopping Center (behind Anderson's Foods). 977-5531.
Blue Ridge Beads & Glass displays new paintings and art glass by Jerry O'Dell. 1724 Allied St. 434.293.2876.
L'étoile Restaurant displays pa
Paintings by local artists Barry Gordon, Malcolm Hughes, and Christian Peri. 817 W. Main St. (across from the Amtrak Station). 979-7957.
Radar
Local fave Dave Moore, former proprietor of the Dave Moore Studio, has new bird-centric paintings on display at Scottsville's The Gallery for Healing. 330 Valley St., Studio c (around back). 286-4400.
Nellysford's Basic Necessities presents "Gallic Dream," Ted Pfaltz's photographs of France. Reception begins at 1pm. Route 151. 434-361-1766.
Richmond's Virginia Museum of Fine Arts presents "Capturing Beauty: American Impressionist and Realist Paintings from the McGlothian Collection." The exhibition of 35 noteworthy works includes pieces by Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent, and Winslow Homer, among others. Also on view: "The Council: Serving VMFA since 1955," a display of objects supported by the Council's gifts. Both shows run through September 18. 200 N. Boulevard. 804-204-2704.
The Arts Center in Orange features "The Art of Motorcycle Design," which will be on view through July 23. 149 E. Main St., Orange. 540-672-7311.
Madison's Sevenoaks Pathwork Center features "Rebellion Held in Compassion," an exhibition of pastel paintings by Cynthia Haney, which is on display through July 13. 403 Pathwork Way, Madison. 434-295-8315.
The Barn Swallow features pottery by Janice Arone and Mary Ann Burke, plus other handcrafted artwork. Route 682 off 250W. 979-4884.
The Ed Jaffe Gallery features paintings and marble sculptures by Ed Jaffe, plus abstract photographs by Marc Jaffe. 108 W. Main St., Orange. 540-672-2400.
Staunton's Middlebrook Gallery offers contemporary art and fine crafts, including sculpture by Ken Smith. 5 Middlebrook Ave. 540-885-9955.
Other
Local independent film company, Dakota Road Productions, LLC, holds open auditions and crew sign-ups for its summer line-up on July 7, 7-8:30pm in the Central Public Library's third-floor McIntyre Room. 210 E. Market St. 977-4137.
The University of Virginia Art Museum announces "Summer Arts @ the Ix," its creative programs for 4th-12th grade students. First session: July 18-22. Second Session: July 25-29. Students' art will be displayed August 16-24. Tuition: $220 for members; $255 for nonmembers. A limited number of full scholarships are available for students with financial needs. For more information, contact Lili Grabbi at 434-243-6830 or .
FEATURES/FEATURES/FEATURES
ART
Twofers: Sum greater than parts?
By LAURA PARSONS
When an exhibition statement's first sentence reads, "The only requirement for participating in this show was collaboration," you can be pretty sure you're in for a hash. And "Layers," currently on display at the McGuffey Art Center, fulfills its mish-mash promise. Nevertheless, despite the haphazard quality of the exhibition, its spirit is lively and fun.
Two or more artists combined efforts to create the show's pieces, which range across sculpture, painting, multi-media, glass, and fiber arts. Some participants passed works back and forth; several created individual pieces inspired by a shared theme; and still others worked together simultaneously.
Viewing "Layers" is like going to a potluck– on the table you'll find the artistic equivalents of potato-chip-topped tuna casserole and Jello salad alongside gourmet wild mushroom risotto.
Occasionally, a dish defies easy labeling, like Sea Aviar's and Domenico Palamenti's "Inquiry," which features a dual-skulled skeleton of an imaginary beast dangling from tree-branch grids above a dark pool on the floor. The carcass and a bone sunk beneath the greenery-strewn water are provocative, but numerous suspended "leaves" (twigs between waxy paper) feel unnecessarily excessive, as if the collaborators didn't know when to say "when."
More pointed is "American Device," an eight-part creation by junk-loving Andy Faith and Chris Headings. Each artist made four mixed-media political commentaries, starting with wood rounds and old post office-box doors. Also noteworthy are three abstract monotypes by Farida Hughes and Elsabe Dixon that feature a trio of ovals set against backgrounds rich with saffron, russet, and steel blue.
The strongest works in the gallery, however, share a central panel. On the left hang two still lifes, "Homage to Pattye L." by Elizabeth Crawford and "Homage to Elizabeth" by Pattye Leggett. Each painter uses her exquisite style to capture subject matter typical of the other. Crawford offers a Leggett-like fruit arrangement, and Leggett gives us a Crawford-like composition involving plastic film canisters on a tan tabletop.
On the panel's right side, Robin Braun and Rob Browning have collaborated on a shared painting, creating a surreal seascape that combines themes characteristic of each artist's work. Above a stormy, lightning-struck ocean, a little Braun bee flies over a red Browning house sitting lonely on a spit of sand, an unseen sun illuminating its single black-shuttered window. The effect is like a quietly disturbing dream.
In the cases of Leggett and Crawford, and Braun and Browning, two brushes are sometimes more interesting than one.
"Layers" is on view in the main gallery of the McGuffey Art Center through August 14. 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973.