Cultural calendar, July 14-21, 2005
Cultural calendar, July 14-21, 2005
THURSDAY, July 14
DANCE CARD
Slippery: Belly dancing and pole dancing lessons at the Berkmar Ballroom. Rio Road. 975-4611.
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 Arts Summer Theater Festival
Polish Joke: Humorously and touchingly chronicles one young fellow's hysterical struggle with his own ethnic identity. 9:30pm Downstage theater. 123 E. Water St. 977-4177.
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. $8-30. 8pm in Culbreth Theater. Culbreth Road. 924-3376.
Shenandoah Shakespeare
10 S. Market St., Staunton. 540-885-5588
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. Tonight, talk with the performers after the show. 7:30pm. 10 S. Market St., Staunton. 540-885-5588.
FAMILY
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 Scottsville Library at 10am. 330 Bird St. 286-3541. Also at Northside Library at 3pm. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
Kids Write: Young authors in grades 4-6 can learn the basic tools of creative writing at Gordon Avenue Library presented by instructors from the Charlottesville Writing Center. 2-3:30pm. Free. Registration is required, and participation is limited. 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.
Comic Relief: Young doodlers ages 6-12 can learn the basics of crafting cartoons in an interactive workshop with cartoonist Jim Sizemore at Crozet Library. 2-3pm. Free. Registration required. 201 E. Market St. 979-7151, ext. 3.
Superheros in Our Midst: Rumor has it that Spiderman will make an appearance at Scottsville Library today in celebration of their Summer Reading Program, "Superheroes: Powered by Books." Library staff are preparing spidery games, a web of stories, and surprising treats. 2pm. Free. 330 Bird St. 286-3541.
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.
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.
WALKABOUT
Bargain Days: It's an old-fashioned swap meet&endash; and a Charlottesville tradition&endash; happening this weekend on the Downtown Mall. The sidewalk sale features a little bit of everything: clothes, books, jewelry, gifts, antiques, furniture, and much more. Open all day.
TUNES
CD Release "Sesshin": The sesshin sessions resulted in one of the most intimate local jazz albums in recent memory, and those warm fuzzy feelings even filter down to the adorable typesetting. The project involves a host of local heavyweights, including Andy Thacker and John D'earth, who in tandem drench calypso folk standard "Sans Humanite" in mandolin and trumpet for 32 exquisite bars. Drummer and architect James McLaughlin warns that since all the members are accomplished musicians with prior engagement, tonight's Gravity Lounge album release will be the only show in the foreseeable future to feature the entire lineup at once. Take this one on faith; otherwise, you might not realize how much you like the album until it's too late to catch them live. $5, 7:30pm.
Fair Weather for CD Release: Sharing the bill with Sesshin are the Fair Weather Bums, who will be promoting their first release in a trio format. Singer/guitarist Peyton Tochterman is thrilled about the new lineup. "We couldn't find any bluegrass trios that did three instruments and three-part harmonies like this," he says– the group is fleshed out by singer/mandolin player Andy Thacker and singer/bassist Darrell Muller. According to Tochterman, their sound remains rich despite slimming down. "It's surprisingly full," he says. "Well, not surprisingly. We knew it was going to be that way."
The Mineral Bluegrass Festival featuring Mac Wiseman (above) and other icons at Walton Park in Mineral. $35/$30 advance, noon-11pm.
Cobalt Blue at Atomic Burrito. Free, 10:30pm.
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.
Thompson/D'earth at Miller's. $4, 10:30pm.
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. 293-2222 ext. 30 for details.
FRIDAY, July 15
FAMILY
Star Struck: The view is out of this world at Public Night at McCormick Observatory from 9-11pm (weather permitting). UVA's research telescopes on O-Hill will be pointed heavenward, and Astronomy Department staff and students will be on hand with a slide show and answers to starry questions. Free. McCormick Road. 924-7494.
FAMILY AND WORDS
Potter Party I: Muggles and wizards in grades 4-8 are invited to celebrate the long-awaited release of the latest J.K. Rowling masterpiece, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, at Northside Library. Party-goers should have read at least one of the books in the popular series to prepare for the games, trivia, and crafts. Refreshments will be served. 2:30-4pm. Free. Registration required. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
Potter Party II: This one is at Barnes & Noble. Match wits with Harry Potter trivia, create your own magical wands, guess the number of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, have a photo taken with Hagrid, and more. Costumes are encouraged. The fun starts at 8pm. The new book will be unveiled, and sales begin promptly at midnight. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-0461.
Comic Relief: See Thursday, July 14. Today's program is at Central Library. 201 E. Market St. 979-7151, ext. 3.
STAGE
Heritage Repertory Theater
The Price: See Thursday, July 14.
Shenandoah Shakespeare
The Three Musketeers: D'Artagnan heads for Paris with an old horse, his father's letter of recommendation to the head of the King's Musketeers, and a recipe for a miracle wound-healing salve. Although he loses the letter and sells the horse, he's allowed entrance into the Musketeers and is accepted into Athos, Porthos, and Aramis' ranks. The story follows the four friends' heroism in saving an Englishman (Buckingham) and acting valiantly at every opportunity until we learn whether D'Artagnan will become a true musketeer. Prices vary. 7:30pm 13 W. Beverley St., Staunton. 540-851-1733.
Live Art Summer Theater Festival
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.
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.
WALKABOUT
Bella Venezia: Revel in the good life of Italian wine, food, and music at Italy On Main's new monthly Aperitivo cocktail party series. Each night features Veneto wine tastings, authentic Venetian antipasti treats, an Italian history discussion, and live Vivaldi on the violin (well, not him exactly, but someone who plays his music). This month's focus is Venice; Sicily takes center stage in August. 5:30-7:30pm. 406 W. Main St. in the Main Street Market. $25, tickets in advance. 220-4300.
Information Session: The Outdoor Adventure Social Club offers a photo show and social hour. 8-10pm. Free if you RSVP. 420 E. Main St. #3. outdoorsocial.com or 760-HIKE.
Bargain Days: Continues today on the Downtown Mall. Open all day.
WORDS
Asian American Poetry Reading: Emerging and established Asian-American poets gather at UVA for the 2nd Annual Kundiman Asian American Poetry Retreat. Readers include Lawson Inada, Patrick Rosal, Aimee Nezhukumatathil and the 2005 Kundiman retreat participants. At Kaleidoscope on the third Floor of Newcomb Hall. Free. 8pm. Details: .
TUNES
Loveseat at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.
William Walter at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.
Corey Harris and Las Gitanas at Fridays After Five. No cover, 5pm.
No Evil and Hooverville at Gravity Lounge. Free, 8pm.
Down Til Now at Kokopelli's. $5, 8pm.
Travelin' Men: The Small Town Workers are going big time. After a three-week Charlottesville residency at R2, they've started trying to take their show up and down the east coast and as far west as Chicago. "We've never been big on playing in town more than once every six to eight weeks," says frontman Mike Meadows, and now that they have one eye on the horizon at all times, opportunities to catch them live such as tonight's Outback show may become even rarer. $6, 10pm.
Bill and Linda Staton at Rapunzel's. No cover, 7:30pm.
Garden of Sheba: Greg Ward Project (acoustic roots). No cover, 8pm. Las Gitanas. $5, 10pm.
The Wintergreen Chamber Players present clasics as part of the Summer Music Festival. $25/$20 advance/$8 kids, 8pm.
Bob Williamson on piano, 6-9pm, Betsy Thomson (folk/celtic), 10pm-1am, no cover. Fellini's #9.
The Mineral Bluegrass Festival featuring Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver at Walton Park in Mineral. $35/$30 advance, 11am-11pm.
SATURDAY, July 16
FAMILY
Corps of Discovery: Pint sized explorers can climb aboard a covered wagon for a frontier experience at the Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center. A team of oxen will demonstrate their prowess. Keelboat tours are also available. The center is open every Saturday at Darden Towe Park. 10am-2pm. Free. Rt. 20 north. 979-2425.
Seeing Stars: Members of the Charlottesville Astronomical Society invite star gazers to their summer star party at Ivy Creek Natural Area. Celestial wonders, with a special focus on the Moon and Jupiter, can be viewed through telescopes set up by the Barn. 8:30pm. Free. Earlysville Road. 743. 973-7772.
WALKABOUT
Bouquet Today: Explore the process of floral decoration from growing, to harvesting, to arranging at Monticello's popular Flower Arranging Workshop. 9:30am at the Monticello Visitors Center. $10, reservations required. 984-9822.
Democratic Roundtable: Don Wells speaks on the future of Social Security&endash; and what the debate is really about&endash; at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Democratic Breakfast at JABA. 9:30am. Free, and the public is welcome. 647 Hillsdale Drive. 971-8082.
Cook with the King: Chef Alex Montiel opens up his kitchen for a hands-on cooking class at King Family Vineyards. Not only will you get to see fine food preparation in action, you'll get a glass of wine and lunch. 10am-12:30pm. $50 per person, pre-paid reservations required. 823-7800 or .
Plantation Community Weekend: These guided walking tours visit Mulberry Row and other plantation-related sites near the mountaintop and focus on the African-American community at Monticello. Each tour lasts about 45 minutes and leaves on the hour from 10am to 3pm from in front of the Monticello Museum Shop. 984-9822.
Wine Welcome: The glass matters. Compare a variety of wines in different sized glasses and learn how pick out the distinct flavors and characteristics of each. 11am-4pm at Burnley Vineyards. $7.50 per person. 540-832-2828.
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 .
Trim a Trail: Pitch in with the Outdoor Adventure Social Club and help build a trail for The Nature Conservancy. 10am. $2 plus membership fee. 760-HIKE.
Bargain Days: Continues today on the Downtown Mall. Open all day.
STAGE
Heritage Repertory Theater
The Price: See Thursday, July 14.
Live Arts Summer Theater Festival
123 E. Water St. $10-15. 977-4177
Be Aggressive: Take a vacation to cheerleaders, smoothies, Southern California, suburban sprawl. Downstage theater.
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." Downstage theater.
The Complete History of America (Abridged): See Friday, July 15.
Under Cover of Night and Unacceptable Reality: Friday, July 15.
Shenandoah Shakespeare
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. 2pm.
Hamlet: See Thursday, July 14. Tonight's show is at 7:30pm.
TUNES
Celebrities Galore: As if the honorees themselves weren't enough, at tonight's Jay Pun and Morwenna Lasko CD release party at Gravity Lounge, Devon Sproule and Paul Curreri will be on hand to open. Just when you started to wonder what had happened to Pun and Lasko, subjects of a recent joint Hook article, it appears that several months of focused local buzz have kicked them into high gear. After tonight's Gravity gig, they plan to start touring. Etopia ebbs and flows considerably over its 45 minutes, blending aggressive acoustic guitar and soaring fiddles into a lush sound soup and then roaring right back with raucous bouts of bluegrass, dissonance, and scat singing. It also features guest appearances by big-time bluesman Corey Harris, drum machine cyborg Johnny Gilmore, up-and-coming bassist Ken Woodward, and Darrell Rose's distinctive talking drum. $7, 8pm.
You Guys Are Girls and Travis Elliott at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.
Dhammapada at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.
Groove Train at Fat Daddy's. $5, 21+, 9pm.
The Great July Git Down at Fox Haven Farm with Red Rooster, Robbie Collins, food, drinks, and camping. Festivities at 4, grub at 6, music at 7.
Peyton and Andy (from Fair Weather Bums) at Fellini's #9. No cover, 10pm-1am.
Southside at Orbit Billiards. No cover, 10:30pm.
Zuill Bailey and the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra play Edward Elgar and Bach at the Summer Music Festival. $33/$28 advance/$18 kids, 6pm.
This Means You at the Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.
The Gypsy Chicks at Rapunzel's. No cover, 7:30pm.
The Mineral Bluegrass Festival featuring Phoenix at Walton Park in Mineral. $35/$30 advance, noon-11pm.
The Blackwood Brothers Gospel Group at the Covenant Church, 1025 Rio Road. Free, donations accepted, 7pm.
SUNDAY, July 17
WALKABOUT
Pollination Partners: Learn how nature's various forces work together to support the annual pollination process on this Sunday afternoon stroll. 2pm at the State Arboretum of Virginia. $6 ($4 for Arboretum members). No reservations needed, just meet at Information Pavilion at Blandy Farm. 540-0837-1758.
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.
Early Music Meeting: The Shenandoah Recorder Society meets on the third Sunday of every month to discuss the recorder and early music in general. Open to all. 5pm at Christ Episcopal Church. 295-1395.
Plantation Community Weekend: See Saturday, July 16. Each tour lasts about 45 minutes and leaves on the hour from 10am to 3pm from in front of the Monticello Museum Shop. 984-9822.
Wine Welcome: See Saturday, July 16. 11am-4pm at Burnley Vineyards. $7.50 per person. 540-832-2828.
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
Open mic night at Atomic Burrito. Free, 9pm.
Dan Sebring at the Blue Bird Cafe. No cover, 6pm.
Flashbulb Diary at Gravity Lounge. $5, 2pm.
Barbershop Quartet night at Gravity Lounge. $10, 7pm.
Zuill Bailey and the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra play Edward Elgar and Bach at the Summer Music Festival. $33/$28 advance/$18 kids, 3pm.
Evan Mook (jazz piano) at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6:30-10pm.
MONDAY, July 18
FAMILY
Solve This: Young Sherlock Holmes types in grades 6-12 should gather their clues and bring along their assistant to help solve the "Monday Afternoon Mystery on Market Street" at Central Library. Gumshoes can test their sleuthing skills to find out whodunit in this contest that involves refreshments, prizes, and lots of fun. 2pm. Free. Registration is required. 201 E. Market St. 979-7151, ext. 3.
TUNES
Open mic night at Baja Bean. No cover; signups at 8:30pm, show at 9pm.
Bob Benetta 3 at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.
Gear up for the Rolling Stones show in October with a Stones double feature at the Satellite Ballroom's Cinema and Draft night– Gimme Shelter (8pm) and Ned Kelly (10pm).
George Melvin at the South Street Brewery. No cover, 7pm.
TUESDAY, July 19
FAMILY
Musical Moment: Tidewater singer-songwriters Cindy Kays and Shelley Craig get the whole family moving and making music to a magical mix of many musical styles in an entertaining presentation at Central Library. Folks will be tapping their feet and playing along as they "Sing with C. Shells." 10:30am. Free. 201 E. Market St. 979-7151.
Down with That: Hip teens in grades 6-12 can learn all the right moves at "Hip Hop Happening," a dance workshop at the Gordon Avenue Library. Edna-Jakki Miller of the DanceFit Movement Center hosts this introductory workshop. 2-3pm. Free. Registration required. 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.
Film Festival: The seats are first come, first served at Regal Cinema's Family Film Festival today featuring Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie and Spongebob Squarepants. 10am. Free. Seminole Square (behind Kmart). 980-3333.
Kids Write: See Thursday, July 14. Today's program is at Northside Library. 2-3:30pm. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
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
Travis Elliott and Rudy Karkosak at Atomic Burrito. Free, 10:30pm.
Matthew Willner and Friends at the Buddhist Biker Bar. No cover, 10pm.
Mike Mulvaney at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.
Joseph Mills at Fat Daddy's. No cover, 9pm.
WEDNESDAY, July 20
STAGE
Live Arts Summer Theater Festival
Out Here in the Stars: From Three Penny Opera and the smoky cabarets of Berlin and Paris all the way to Broadway, join us for a musical excursion through an amazing collection of songs by Kurt Weill featuring Marthe Rowen and Dan Stern with Linda Blondell on piano on the fourth floor– music and dance and fun! All shows start at 8pm. Splendora's gelato is extra. Pay-what-you-will ($5 suggested).
Polish Joke: See Thursday, July 14.
Sylvia: See Saturday, July 16,.
The Complete History of America (Abridged): See Friday, July 15,
Shenandoah Shakespeare
Hamlet: See Thursday, July 14. 7:30pm.
Heritage Repertory Theater
My Way: This musical tribute to Frank Sinatra features 56 great songs, all recorded by "Old Blue Eyes." 7:30pm in the Helms Theater. Culbreth Road.
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.
WORDS
Social Justice: The faith and politics book group discusses the latest book by Charles Marsh, The Beloved Community: How Faith Shapes Social Justice, From the Civil Rights Movement to Today. Meet in the Madison Room at the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, Market St. downtown. 7-8:45pm.
FAMILY
Comic Kids: Young jesters can learn how to act like a real clown at the Virginia Discovery Museum's Clown School. The fun includes costumes, face painting, and lots of clowning around. 2:00pm. $15 for non-members, $10 for members. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.
Anime Afternoon: Anime aficionados in grades 6-12 are invited to gather with other like-minded admirers of this Japanese animation style to watch an anime film, munch popcorn, and chat about your favorite anime shows and characters at Northside Library. 2-4pm. Free. Registration required. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
Musical Moment: See Tuesday, July 19. Today's presentation 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 find out if mice really do like cookies at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.
Film Festival: See Tuesday, July 19.
WALKABOUT
Open Hearth Cooking: Kick it old school at Ash Lawn-Highland while learning the art of open hearth cooking and early American food preparation. 11am-noon. $3.50 workshop fee in addition to regular admission charge, reservations recommended. 293-9539.
Potter's Field: Hypertufa is a lightweight stone-like material that has been fashioned into durable plant pots and stepping stones for generations. After a short discussion of the formula and variations, join Carrie Seltzer and Lisa Green for a hands-on demonstration of this useful garden skill, and mold your own container. 9:30am at the State Arboretum of Virginia. $30 (Arboretum members $24). 540-0837-1758.
Wednesday Film Series: This week, check out Witnesses, a Croatian film by Vinko Bresan at the Greene County Library's weekly series. Set amid the atrocities of war in the Balkans, Witnesses is an award-winning film that interweaves the story of a small town with the larger theme of ethnic hatred. 7pm. Free. 985-5227..
TUNES
Go Hear It!: Even though the Chapman Stick is a stringed instrument that can create a wall of sound, stickist Greg Howard has invited John D'earth, Jamal Millner, and Matt Wyatt to back him at Gravity Lounge tonight. The quartet routinely turns original compositions, jazz standards, and pop covers into exploratory improvisation only to turn right back around and conclude with something familiar. $5. 8pm.
The Pearls at Atomic Burrito. Free, 10:30pm.
B.C. at the Buddhist Biker Bar. No cover, 10pm.
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, 7-10 pm.
The Wintergreen Summer Music Festival Academy in concert. $15/$10 advance/$5 kids, 7pm.
THURSDAY, July 21
ART
Togetherness: As part of the McGuffey Art Center's "Spotlight Series," artists with work in the current show, "Layers", talk about collaboration in the arts. 7pm in the main gallery. 102 Second St.
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 Arts Summer Theater Festival
The Complete History of America (Abridged): See Friday, July 15.
Out Here in the Stars: See Wednesday, July 20.
Be Aggressive: See Thursday, July 14.
Under Cover of Night and Unacceptable Reality: See Friday, July 15.
Heritage Repertory Theater
My Way: See Wednesday, July 19. 7:30pm. In the Helms Theater. 924-3376.
Spitfire Grill: A young woman, recently paroled from prison, moves to a small Wisconsin town to start her life over. Her journey and her impact on the lives of the skeptical townspeople around her is the subject of this warm, heartfelt new musical with a country flavor about acceptance, redemption, and second chances. 8pm in the Culbreth Theater. Culbreth Road. 924-3376.
Shenandoah Shakespeare
Three Musketeers: See Friday, July 15. Tonight's 7:30pm show is followed by a conversation with the performers.
FAMILY
Kids Write: See Thursday, July 14. Today's program is for kids in grades 6-12 at Gordon Avenue Library from 2-4pm. 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.
Musical Moment: See Tuesday, July 19. Today's presentation is Scottsville Library at 10am. 330 Bird Ave. 286-3541. Also at Northside Library at 3pm. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
More Tales for Tots: See Wednesday, July 20.
WALKABOUT
All's Fair: Orange County kicks off the county fair season at Montpelier today. Live music, fiddle contests, 4-H goat show, pizza eating contest, lumber jack show, Jack Russell race, and so much more. 3-10pm today, through Sunday. Rt. 20 north. 540-672-2271.
TUNES
All Of Fifteen at Atomic Burrito. Free, 21+, 10:30pm.
THINK at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.
Jan Smith at the East End of the Downtown Mall. Free, 12pm.
Karaoke at Damon's Sports Grill. No cover, 9pm.
Karaoke at Fat Daddy's. No cover, 8:30pm.
George Melvin at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6:30pm.
The Navigators at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.
The Nice Jenkins at Mellow Mushroom. No cover, 10:30pm.
Thompson/D'earth at Miller's. $4, 10:30pm.
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.
Bead Business: Studio Baboo presents weekly classes in bead stringing and jewelry making on the Downtown Mall. Call the shop for specifics. 244-2905.
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 .
Yes, Yoga: What is Kundalini Yoga? It purifies the body and liberates the spirit. $5 per class, 7:30pm Tuesdays & Thursdaysin the attic of the Glass Building. 313 Second St SE. 293-7439.
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 in the hallways, the annual Summer Group Show features pieces by over 50 member artists. 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973.
The University of Virginia Art Museum presents "David Winograd: Tilted Horizon," an autobiographical photographic examination of women and society, which runs through August 14. Also on view through August 14: "The Paper Sculpture Show," a traveling exhibit featuring ready-to-assemble works by 29 artists, which museum visitors construct. "Loose leafs," an exhibition of work by Monica Angle, is on display through July 17. And be sure not to 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.
Not to be missed, artist Randall Sinner's performance-sculpture exhibition, "38 of 50," addressing capital punishment in America, will be on display at New Art Across the Bridge, July 18-22. 209 Monticello Road. In addition, Sinner will set up a display and demonstration on the Downtown Mall, Wednesday, July 20. 242-0905.
On July 14, Les Yeux du Monde opens "Focus on Charlottesville," an exhibition of local cityscapes by Richard Crozier and Edward Thomas. A percentage of sales from the show goes to Focus Women's Resource Center. 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, through the end of 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. See Art feature.
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church displays Darin Schoeny's exhibition, "Interior/Exterior Landscapes." 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.
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.
Lucy Alford's "Bodies of Land: In Praise of Homelands," featuring oils, wood, and poetry, is on display at Fusion during July. Proceeds benefit Doctors without Borders and help support the artist's upcoming trip to Egypt to teach. 412 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 923-3354.
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 Kathleen Craig. Located in the upstairs foyer of Henderson & Everett, 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.
Paintings by local artists Barry Gordon, Malcolm Hughes, and Christian Peri are on view at L'etoile Restaurant. 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. 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.
Lovingston's Eye of the Beholder gallery, located in the Packing Shed, features work by E. Hudson, G. Mankie, and D. Garland. Front St. 295-8097.
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
The Piedmont Council of the Arts is seeking nominations for the 2005 Arts Awards. Categories include individual, business, education, organization, and lifetime achievement. Nomination forms are available by phoning the PCA office or online at http://avenue.org/piedmont. Deadline: Friday, July 29. 971-2787.
FEATURES/FEATURES/FEATURES
ART
Haunting images: Rock House's alluring decay
By LAURA PARSONS
What an exciting year 1926 was for members of Charlottesville's African-American community! Washington Park opened. Builders were putting the finishing touches on Jefferson High School, the city's first black public school. And successful Vinegar Hill businessman Charles B. Holt built a unique house, constructed of local stone, at 1010 Preston Ave., in a thriving neighborhood.
But times change. Holt's once-fine home, known locally as the "Rock House," now stands empty, abandoned for more than 30 years. Its interior of left-behind furniture and crumbling plaster barely hints at its former life through layers of dust and decay.
Such melancholia has a beauty all its own, though, a Tennessee Williams-like wistfulness, that photographer James Hall compellingly captures in "Artifacts of Light and Memory," currently on view at the Charlottesville Community Design Center.
Using natural light and long exposures, Hall lovingly reveals the textured minutiae of the Rock House's deterioration– the varied ways its paint cracks and peels or the blue walls mildew-mottled a robin's egg blue. Hall's color images comprise both atmospheric interior shots, where the subject is architectural space, and close-ups of decomposing details, which are more akin to abstract paintings.
In "Blue Door," an oddly shaped wooden door stands ajar in the middle of a splotchy blue wall. A window, just out of view on the left, illuminates the room, but no light penetrates the doorway's interior, creating an ominous ambience. Five hooks high above the doorway at ceiling's edge and a blue broom handle lying on the dusty floor add to the mystery, leaving the room unsettled in its stillness.
Hall achieves a similar effect with "Stairway," in which a dark banister atop white posts diagonally crosses a mildewed greenish-blue wall. Shot from above, the stairs descend into shadows. The gorgeous result is like a visual ghost story.
In a completely different vein, Hall's "Divisions of Time" holds the eye with an abstract composition that explores color and texture. On the right, an area of peeling and blistered blue paint ends abruptly at a vertical crack, after which the white wall is bare save for a few flecks of blue and green.
Sales from Hall's exhibition will benefit the Legal Aid Justice Center, which hopes to renovate the Rock House and eventually re-locate its offices there. The historic structure certainly deserves preservation. But, that said, I'm grateful Hall had his artistic way with it before the conservationists have theirs.
"Artifacts of Light and Memory: The C.B. Holt 'Rock House'" is on display through the end of August at the Charlottesville Community Design Center. All proceeds from the show benefit the Rock House Preservation fund. 101 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 984-2232.