Cultural Calendar, July 21-28, 2005
THURSDAY, July 21
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 - Final Week
Be Aggressive: Take a vacation to cheerleaders, smoothies, Southern California, suburban sprawl. Downstage theater. Call for times.
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): 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. 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. Upstage theater.
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).
Heritage Repertory Theater
Culbreth Road, 924-3376.
My Way: This musical tribute to Frank Sinatra features 56 great songs, all recorded by "Old Blue Eyes." 7:30pm in the Helms theater.
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.
Shenandoah Shakespeare
10 S. Market St., Staunton. 540-885-5588
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. Tonight's performance includes a "talk back" session, a chance to meet the actors after the show. 13 W. Beverley St., Staunton. 540-851-1733.
FAMILY
Kids Write: Young authors in grades 6-12 can learn the basic tools of creative writing at Gordon Avenue Library presented by instructors from the Charlottesville Writing Center. 2-4pm. Free. Registration is required, and participation is limited. 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.
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 Scottsville Library. Folks will be tapping their feet and playing along as they "Sing with C. Shells." 10am. Free. 330 Bird Ave. 286-3541. Also at Northside Library at 3pm. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
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.
FAMILY AND 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.
WORDS
What the Bleep?: Loved the film? Let's talk about it. Why are we here? What about paradigm shifts, quantum reality, consciousness, altered states? Discuss it all and more, every third Thursday, 7-9pm. $5. Registration required. Info: 296-2930.
Guatemala Now: Alex Davis presents photos from his recent travels in Guatemala, and leads a discussion on the country's tumultuous political, social, and cultural history tonight at Better Than Television. A traditional Guatemalan meal will be served. $5 suggested donation. 7pm. Underneath the Jefferson Theater on the Downtown Mall. 465-0690.
TUNES
Fourteen Plus One: March marked the end of a break from performing for All of Fifteen, due in part to burnout from a particularly grueling tour and in part to the closing of Tokyo Rose, one of their favorite venues. "Atomic seems to have kind of taken the place of Tokyo Rose," says All of Fifteen bassist Jim Franck. Yet somehow, tonight's show marks the local modern rock outfit's first appearance at the petite guacamole haven.
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.
Open mic night at Kokopelli's. No cover, 7pm.
The Nice Jenkins at Mellow Mushroom. No cover, 10:30pm.
Thompson/D'earth at Miller's. $4, 10:30pm.
Club Retro at R2. $3, 10pm.
Salsa Night at the Satellite Ballroom. $8/$6, 8pm.
FRIDAY, July 22
ART
Cityscapes: Meet artists Richard Crozier and Edward Thomas at a special reception for their work at Les Yeux du Monde. 5:30-7:30pm. A percentage of the sales goes to FOCUS, the Women's Resource Center. 115 S. First St. 973-5566.
Meet the Master: Master glassblower Dan Scogna opens his exhibition at Sunspots Studios in Staunton with a wine and cheese reception. Scogna discusses and signs his artwork which will be on display through August 21. 5-8pm. In the wharf shopping district, near the train station in downtown Staunton. 540-885-0678.
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.
Fourth Friday Gallery Walk: The Free Trolley stops at many downtown Staunton galleries– open 'til 9pm– several of which are hosting receptions for featured artists. Co-Art Gallery, Board & Batten House Gallery, The Brownstone Gallery, The Frame Gallery, and Middlebrook Gallery are among the open venues. 5-9pm.
FAMILY
Kids Read: Barnes & Noble's Young Readers Book Club meets tonight and every 4th Friday. Book lovers ages 7-12 years old will discuss Winners Take All by Fred Bowen. Parents are welcome to enjoy the reading and discussion with their children. 7pm. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.
Kids Write: See Thursday, July 21. Today's program is at Central Library, 2-4pm. 201 E. Market St. 979-7151, ext. 3.
FAMILY AND WALKABOUT
All's Fair: See Thursday, July 21.
STAGE
Midsummer Night's Dream: Four County Players enter Shakespeare's enchanted forest at the ruins at Barboursville Vineyards. Gates open 90 minutes ahead of each performance so visitors can stroll around the grounds, bring a picnic, or order a $14 meal at least three days in advance. Sorry, no alcohol– unless you want to try the local wine, which is available for purchase. Bottom, Titania, Puck, Cobweb, and friends lark about in the summer twilight through August 14. $20, $18 /seniors and students; $14/children. Gates 6:30, show 8pm. 20 miles north of Charlottesville at Routes 33 and 20. 540-832-5355.
Heritage Repertory Theater
My Way: See Thursday, July 21.
Spitfire Grill: See Thursday, July 21.
Shenandoah Shakespeare
10 S. Market St., Staunton. 540-885-5588
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. 2 and 7:30pm.
Music at Twilight: Ash Lawn Opera Festival singers perform in "Broadway Bound," a collection of hit and theme songs from Broadway shows– everything from favorites by Rogers and Hammerstein, Cole Porter, and Gershwin to current hits direct from the Great White Way. $10-15. 8pm. (Grounds open at 6pm for picnicking.) Ash Lawn-Highland, five miles beyond Monticello on James Monroe Highway off Route 53. 979-0122.
Live Arts Summer Theater Festival- Last Week
123 E. Water St. 977-4177
Polish Joke: Humorously and touchingly chronicles one young fellow's hysterical struggle with his own ethnic identity. Downstage theater.
Under Cover of Night and Unacceptable Reality, Polish Joke: See Thursday, July 21.
Out Here in the Stars: See Thursday, July 21.
FAMILY AND WALKABOUT
All's Fair: See Thursday, July 21. 3-10pm today and through Sunday. Rt. 20 north. 540-672-2271.
WORDS
Love in War: Despite her day job as a mild-mannered business professor, New York author Katherine Mosby is no stranger in literary circles. Not only has she won the Book-of-the-Month Club's Award for Fiction, but her previous work was recognized by Booksense and the New York Times as a 2002 Notable Book of the Year. She'll be in Charlottesville today to introduce her new novel, Twilight, the story of a woman's sexual and political awakening in the years leading up to World War II. Noon, at New Dominion Bookshop. Free. 404 E. Main St. 295-2552.
Fiddling around with Jung: Len Worley discusses Carl Jung's mid-life crisis of faith and his discovery of the value of dreams, play, and interactive imagination. Alex Canton provides mood music on the Hungarian fiddle. Above the Bozart Gallery, 211 W. Main St. next to the Mudhouse. 7:30-9pm, $10. Limited to 30 participants. Reservations: 293-3271. visionaryquest.org.
TUNES
Rogan Brothers with Darrell Rose and Timi and Steve Ryalls at Fridays After 5.
DJs Heddings and Daggett at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.
The Fulltones at Fellini's #9. No cover, 10pm.
American Dumpster with Eli Cook's Red House Blues Band at Starr Hill, $7/$5 advance, 10pm
Wooden Wand and The Vanishing Voice at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar
The Biscuit Burners with Jan Smith at Gravity Lounge, 8pm.
Got Too Hot: The Biscuit Burners don't seem to have the regional appeal enjoyed by many bluegrass bands, largely because they aim for a more progressive sort of bluegrass. "We're not a rowdy bar scene sort of band. We need to be listened to, because there are a lot of heavy arrangements and quiet voices," says banjo and guitar player Shannon Whitworth. "Ironically, we get a great response out in California and Oregon," she says. Let's hope Gravity will be kind to them as well.
Steppin' Stone at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.
Robin Wynn at Kokopelli's. $5, 8pm.
The Wintergreen Chamber Players at the Summer Music Festival. $25/$20 advance/$8 kids, 8pm.
The Semi-Casuals at the Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.
The Houserockers at an Elks Swim Team Fundraiser at the Elks Lodge. $10/$5 kids, 8:30pm.
Fletcher Bridge at the Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.
Darth Sketchy's Transmissions from the Dark Side at R2. $3, 10pm.
SATURDAY, July 23
ART
Peek at Privates: Friends of African and African-American Art, a membership support group for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, kicks off a series of tours of private collections in the Richmond metro area today. The first tour in the three-part series is of the Chesterfield County home of Derrick Johnson and his extensive collection of 20th-century African-American art, which includes works by Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, and Maurice Evans. In addition to contemporary paintings and limited-edition graphics, Johnson's collection also includes examples of the traditional arts of Africa. 200 N. Boulevard, Richmond, 804-204-2704.
FAMILY
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.
Cookies: What happens when you give a mouse a cookie? Little literati can ask the mouse himself when he appears at Barnes & Noble at 11:30am. You can even find out what happens when you give a kid a cookie at this event. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.
In Country: Visitors to the Science Museum of Virginia can explore the history of our country through the story of country music in the IMAX film Country Music: the Spirit of America opening today through September 30. More than 50 of country music's top stars including Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson, and Dwight Yoakam are spotlighted as they perform classic songs of the past 100 years. $8.50. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 804-864-1400. smv.org.
Up Close: Critter lovers can slither into the secret world of reptiles at Maymont's "Animal Encounters: Reptiles." This encounter includes fun facts and a little quality time with Maymont's snakes. 3pm. $4/$3 members. Reservations required. 1700 Hampton St., Richmond. 804-358-7166, ext. 333. maymont.org.
Behind Closed Doors: Curious kids ages 5-100 can walk through the "Employees Only" door for a special peek at the inner workings of the Maymont Nature Center. Visitors have the rare opportunity to see just how much it takes to care for thirteen aquariums and more than 200 animals. 1pm. $5/$4 for members. Register at the Visitor Center desk on the day of the program. 1700 Hampton St., Richmond. 804-358-7166, ext. 324. maymont.org.
FAMILY AND WALKABOUT
All's Fair: See Thursday, July 21. 8:30am-11pm today.
WALKABOUT
Photography Workshop: Joshua Taylor teaches the finer points of photography at this two-session workshop at the State Arboretum of Virginia. Learn how to capture dramatic images of flowers and herbs, and become a better overall photographer in the process. Bring your gear, and the $86 fee ($72 for members). 9am July 23 and 30 at the State Arboretum of Virginia. Reservations required. 540-837-1758.
Invasive Plants Workshop: Don't fall victim to hostile invaders. This workshop will use the Thomas Jefferson Parkway as a classroom to identify and analyze the big bullies of the plant world and the ways in which they alter the native habitats of our favorite indigenous species. 9:30am at the Monticello Garden Shop. $10. 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 .
Mountain Morning: Join a Wintergreen Nature Foundation naturalist for an interpretive hike through the mountains of Wintergreen. Moderate difficulty. $3 members, $6 non-members. 10am. 325-8169.
Vino for Vita: Tip a glass of Virginia wine to benefit ALS (also known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease) patient programs here in the Mid-Atlantic. C&O Restaurant is catering the event, with live music provided by the Dave Moore Trio. There will also be a silent auction. 4-7pm at Ednam Hall. $100 each ($175 / couple). Details: 804-559-7814.
River Canoeing Clinic: Learn the basics of safe paddling with the Rivanna Conservation Society. 9am-1pm on the Rivanna Reservoir. Members free. $20 non-members. Register: 984-5678.
STAGE
Midsummer Night's Dream: See Friday, July 22.
Heritage Repertory Theater
My Way: See Thursday, July 21. There are two shows today in Helms Theater: 2 and 7:30pm.
Spitfire Grill: See Thursday, July 21. Two shows in Culbreth Theater today are at 2 and 8pm.
Live Arts Summer Theater Festival- Final Week
Afternoon of Entertainment: Be Aggressive, Polish Joke, Under Cover of Night, Complete History and Unacceptable Reality. See Thursday, July 21 and Friday, July 22.
Foot by Foot: An evening of dance with local performers and choreographers featuring new works by Matthew Olwell, Emily Oleson and others. Tap, step-dance and clogging meet modern and hip-hop for an all-out dance party! $10. Call theater for times. 977-4177.
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. 2pm.
Three Musketeers: See Thursday, July 21. 7:30pm.
Ash Lawn Opera Festival
Annie Get Your Gun: Irving Berlin's classic staging of the life of Annie Oakley follows Annie's adventure with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, where she falls for the show's star, Frank Butler. Their good-natured rivalry leads to love and hi-jinks, but Annie must make some tough choices if their romance is to survive. Get to Ash Lawn-Highland early for a 7:15pm lecture by Harriet Resio, founder and artistic director of Opera Vicksburg and drama teacher at Western Albemarle High School, before the first two performances tonight and tomorrow night. Show 8pm. Doors open for picnicking 6pm. Five miles beyond Monticello on James Monroe Highway off Route 53. Info: ashlawnopera.org or 293-4500. Order tickets at 979-0122.
TUNES
Stories of Wind: Australian world music composer Ash Dargan presents a concert of rare musical dialogues between two of the oldest wind instruments in the world, the didjeridu and the Native American flute, at the Kluge-Ruhe collection. 6pm. $5; $3, seniors and children under 12. Parking at the Peter Jefferson Place office park with shuttle service to and from the concert at the Kluge-Ruhe. Bring blankets and/or lawn chairs. 400 Worrell Drive, Pantops Mountain. 244-0234
Just Freakin It: Ezra Hamilton brings his duo interpretation of The Hamiltons to Atomic Burrito tonight. Where the full band is a funk ensemble, the stripped down version features just Ezra and drummer Will Coles– and a whole lot more improvisational freedom. "We try to dig deeper stylistically," says Hamilton. "We take anything we'd do with the full band, and just freak it." That typically involves Ezra on guitar, but Coles might end up playing a trap kit, a setup involving congas and Latin percussion, or even just working a drum machine.
The Hamiltons Duo with Acoustic Groove Trio at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.
Benny Dodd at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.
Peyton Tochterman and High Society at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.
The Boomerangs at Kokopelli's. $5, 8pm.
The Rogan Brothers at Orbit Billiards. No cover, 10:30pm.
Smoove at R2.
Bella Morte, The Elderly, and No Gods No Monsters at the Satellite Ballroom. $10/$8, 9pm.
Pre-Warped: Bella Morte's scheduled trip to Europe may have been sidelined by guitarist Tony Lechmanski's injured hand earlier this year, but they swing back into orbit at the Satellite Ballroom tonight." We're trying to take the next step up," says bassist Gopal Metro. "Our sound is more accessible than it once was." That's exactly how they ended up with a show as part of the Warped Tour next month.
The Wintergreen Summer Music Festival Academy in concert. $15/$10 advance/$5 kids, 2pm.
The Wintergreen Festival Orchestra plays Brahms' 4th Symphony at the Summer Music Festival. $33/$28 advance/$18 kids, 6pm.
SUNDAY, July 24
FAMILY AND WALKABOUT
All's Fair: See Thursday, July 21. 9am-4pm today.
WALKABOUT
Help Mason: Domino's pizza is raising money for Mason Thomas, a local child with cancer, by donating 50 percent of sales from all the area Domino's today. Pitch in, eat up! More info: helpmason.com.
Timely Title: The Paramount Theater's summer film series continues with director Billy Wilder's zany 1959 comedy, Some Like it Hot. 2pm. $6, $4 age 18 and younger. Paramount Theater on the Downtown Mall. 979-1922.
Tube the James: Tubing is the requisite summer activity in these parts, and today's the day. Slide your fanny in the big black tire tube with the Outdoor Adventure Social Club. 11am. $10, plus membership fee. 760-HIKE or outdoorsocial.com for details and registration.
Winged Wildflowers: Walk with butterfly expert Mike Scott and learn to identify and count the butterflies at the Ivy Creek Natural Area. 1pm, meet in the Education Building. Free. 973-7772.
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.
River Trip: Cruise down the Rivanna and help clean the banks along the way. 10am. Departure site will depend on the water level. 984-5678 for details.
Mountain Morning: Join a Wintergreen Nature Foundation naturalist for an interpretive hike through the mountains of Wintergreen. Moderate difficulty. $3 members, $6 non-members. 10am. 325-8169.
STAGE
Annie Get Your Gun: See Saturday, July 23.
Midsummer Night's Dream: See Friday, July 22. Today's times are earlier: gates at 5; show at 6:30pm.
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
Ann Reborn: These days Ann Rabson is a blues pianist, but she laid her roots locally decades ago– with a guitar and a different name. "Ann Stuart" frequented clubs like The Mousetrap and the C&0 in the mid 1970s, and tonight her older, wiser alter ego stops in at Gravity Lounge. "I made my living with the guitar for 20 years before I ever played piano," says Rabson, meaning that we can expect to see a little of both tonight.
Dan Sebring at the Blue Bird Café. No cover, 6pm.
The Wintergreen Festival Orchestra plays Brahms' 4th Symphony at the Summer Music Festival. $33/$28 advance/$18 kids, 3pm.
The Vulgar Bulgars at Kokopelli's. $5, 7pm.
MONDAY, July 25
WORDS AND WALKABOUT
Old News: The Center for Christian Study presents the week-long course "Historical Theology II: Christian Doctrine since 1500." 6:30-9:30pm today through July 28, and 9am-4pm Friday and Saturday, July 29-30. 128 Chancellor St. $80; $45 students. 817-1050. studycenter.net.
ART
No Specifics: The Central Virginia Watercolor Guild meets for a discussion about abstract art by Ellie Cox. 1pm. Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church, 717 Rugby Road. 979-4291.
Moments in Time: New photographs by Poul Ober and Lon Holmberg are on display at the Arts Center in Orange through September 11. Holmberg, formerly a documentary filmmaker for the Army in Vietnam, exhibits Polaroid landscapes and interiors, digitally scanned and printed on watercolor paper, suggesting the intimacy of 19th-century watercolor sketches. New Yorker Ober shows a collection of travel and landscape photos as well as portraits. A reception honoring the artists begins at 5pm. 129 E. Main St. in Orange. 540-672-7311 or artscenterorange.org.
FAMILY
Healing Hearts: Hospice of the Piedmont offers "Journeys through the Seasons," an art therapy bereavement camp for children and teens (6-14) who are affected by the serious illness or death of a loved one. The four-day summer day camp today through Thursday 9:15am-12:15pm each day at the Journeys Center. For more information and an application call 817-6900.
TUNES
Sarah White and the Pearls at the Starr Hill Cocktail Lounge. Free, 9pm.
Atomic Klatch with Steve Richmond at Atomic Burrito. Free, 9pm.
Matt Willner and Friends at the Buddhist Biker Bar. No cover, 10pm.
Joseph Mills at Fat Daddy's. No cover, 9pm.
Susan Cowsill at Gravity Lounge. $10, 8pm.
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 26
STAGE
Heritage Repertory Theater
My Way: See Thursday, July 21.
Spitfire Grill: See Thursday, July 21.
WALKABOUT
Rock Climbing: Practice makes perfect. Join the Outdoor Adventure Social Club for some training on the plastic rocks at ACAC Rocks. 7pm. $10, plus membership fee. Registration required. 760-HIKE or outdoorsocial.com.
WORDS
Dominion Discussion: Faith Andrews Bedford discusses her book, Barefoot Summers, at the New Dominion Bookshop toady at noon. Free. 295-2552.
FAMILY
Growing Tales: Dancing elephants, dogs, and bears come to life when storyteller Jane Crouse tickles your ears, frees up your wiggles, and fills you with giggles with Funtastic Stories from the Story Vine. There's something for all, with tales small and tall at Central Library. 10:30am. Free. 201 E. Market. 979-7151.
Film Festival: The seats are first come, first served at Regal Cinema's Family Film Festival today featuring Elmo in Grouchland and Garfield. 10am. Free. Seminole Square (behind K-mart). 980-3333.
STAGE
Annie Get Your Gun: See Saturday, July 23.
TUNES
"The Blue Ribbon Café" featuring CJ Stagger at Atomic Burrito. Free, 10:30pm.
Umlaut at Rapture with DJ Audio Rapture and DJ Pathogen. $6/$4 21+, 9pm.
WEDNESDAY, July 27
STAGE
Heritage Repertory Theater
My Way: See Thursday, July 21.
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. 8pm in Culbreth Theater. Prices vary. Culbreth Road. 924-3376.
Shenandoah Shakespeare
10 S. Market St., Staunton. 540-885-5588
Three Musketeers: See Thursday, July 21.
Ash Lawn Opera Festival
Madame Butterfly: Love gone wrong and cultural misunderstanding– sounds like a sure-fire double-header for today. Follow the tragic story through to the end at Ash Lawn tonight. Show 8pm. Doors open for picnicking 6pm. Five miles beyond Monticello on James Monroe Highway off Route 53. Info: ashlawnopera.org or 293-4500. Order tickets at 979-0122.
DANCE CARD
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
Born to Perform: Young artists in grades 6-12 can cozy up to an open mic in a coffeehouse setting at Northside Library. Teens should sign up now for this chance to share their poems stories, comedy, or music with an audience of peers. 4-5:30pm. Free. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
Growing Tales: See Tuesday, July 26. Today's program is at Crozet Library at 10am. In the old train station on Three Notch'd Road. 823-4050. Also at Gordon Avenue Library at 3pm. 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.
More Tales for Tots: Lisa and Alyson read sweet nighttime stories to the 5 and under crowd at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.
Film Festival: See Tuesday, July 26.
FAMILY AND WALKABOUT
Mind Your Manners: At Ash Lawn's "Wednesday workshops"– this one on "Dance and Deportment"– modern socialites ages 6 and up can learn the customs of everyday life in the 18th and 19th centuries at Ash Lawn-Highland. Practice proper ballroom etiquette, learn dances, and send secret courting signals with a fan. 11am-noon. $3.50 workshop fee in addition to regular admission charge. Reservations required. 1000 James Monroe Parkway. 293-9539.
WALKABOUT
Teen Coffeehouse: Born to perform? Then head over to Northside Library for an open-mic session today 4-5:30pm. Share poems, stories, comedy, or music. For students entering grades 6-12. Registration required. 973-7893.
TUNES
Jim Waive and the Young Divorcees at Atomic Burrito. Free, 10:30pm.
B.C. at the Buddhist Biker Bar. No cover, 10pm.
Karl Denson's Tiny Universe at the Charlottesville Pavilion. Free, 7:30pm.
Bennie Dodd at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.
Beleza Brasil at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.
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.
Dhammapada at The Virginian. No cover, 10pm.
THURSDAY, July 28
STAGE
Annie Get Your Gun: See Saturday, July 23.
Heritage Repertory Theater
My Way: See Thursday, July 21.
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
Comedy of Errors: See Friday, July 22. Tonight's show includes a "talk-back" session with the actors before the show.
FAMILY
Growing Tales: See Tuesday, July 26. Today's program is at Scottsville Library at 10am. 330 Bird St. 286-3541. Also at Northside Library at 3pm. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
More Tales for Tots: See Wednesday, July 27.
TUNES
Tooting their Horns: UVA's summer trombone workshop explored trombone repertoire in a week and a half of intensive study with distinguished faculty who offered students a mixture of private lessons, master classes, lectures, and public concerts. Tonight a faculty trio is joined in concert by participants of the workshop for a program of music by Arcangelo Corelli, J. S. Bach, Frigyes Hidas, Gordon Jacob, Gunther Schuller, Walter Ross and others. 8pm. $10 at the door Old Cabell Hall. 924-3052
The Rumba Chamber at Atomic Burrito. Free, 10:30pm.
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.
Raquy and the Cavemen with Kawakib and Adara Janaani at Gravity Lounge, $5, 8pm
Greg Howard, Darrell Rose, and Matt Wyatt at Kokopelli's. $7, 8pm.
The Nice Jenkins at Mellow Mushroom. No cover, 10:30pm.
Thompson/D'earth at Miller's. $4, 10:30pm.
Club Retro at R2. $3, 10pm.
The George Turner Trio with Madeline Holly Sales at Zocalo. No cover, 9pm.
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.
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.
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 exhibition featuring ready-to-assemble works by 29 artists, which museum visitors construct. 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. See Art feature.
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.
Don't miss the last two days of artist Randall Sinner's performance-sculpture exhibition, "38 of 50," addressing capital punishment in America, on display at New Art Across the Bridge, through Friday, July 22. 209 Monticello Road. 242-0905.
Les Yeux du Monde presents "Focus on Charlottesville," an exhibition of local cityscapes by Richard Crozier and Edward Thomas. Meet the artists at a reception on Friday, July 22, 5:30-7:30pm. 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 will be donated to the Rock House Preservation fund. 101 E. Main St. 984-2232.
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church displays Darin Schoeny's exhibition entitled "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 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. 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. 293-2876.
L'étoile Restaurant displays paintings by local artists Barry Gordon, Malcolm Hughes, and Christian Peri. 817 W. Main St. (across from the Amtrak Station). 979-7957.
Radar
On July 21, The Artisans Center of Virginia opens an invitational exhibition of Virginia textile artists participating in Fiberarts Design Book 7. The show runs through August. An opening reception is scheduled for Saturday, July 23, 2-4pm. 601 Shenandoah Village Drive, exit 94 off I-64, Waynesboro. 540-946-3294.
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. Opening July: "Moments in Time: Photographs by Poul Ober & Lon Holmberg, which will run through September 11. 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. 434-979-4884.
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 at http://avenue.org/piedmont. Deadline: Friday, July 29. 971-2787.
FEATURES/FEATURES/FEATURES
ART
DIY at UVA: Artists plan, visitors execute
BY LAURA PARSONS
Back in the late 1960s and early '70s, Peter Max, with his neon-hued cosmic designs, was Pop Art's it boy (he even made the cover of Life magazine). One summer my groovy dad delighted my brother and me by giving us the Peter Max Paper Airplane Book. We spent hours tearing out the pages, folding each carefully along the designated lines, and then winging our supersonic psychedelic aircraft around the backyard. Art was so much fun!
That delicious memory flew back to mind when I encountered the "The Paper Sculpture Show," a touring exhibition currently visiting the University of Virginia Art Museum. Twenty-nine artists have created plans for objects to be made from paper they've provided, but it's the viewers who actually do the assemblage and construction.
Stacks of diagrams and worksheets line the far wall of the museum's upstairs gallery. In the middle of the room are three workstations, designed by artist Allen Wexler, each surrounded by a three-table-and-bench unit arranged like a pinwheel. The individual carrels offer cutting surfaces and boxes of scissors, rulers, glue-sticks, rubber bands, toothpicks, pencils, and tape– everything a visitor needs to cut, fold, and fix each artist's vision into reality.
As participants browse the row of available projects, it becomes clear that some artists have focused on results, such as Aric Obrossey, whose "Paper Work Glove, Recto Verso," yields a stunning patterned glove held together by rolled paper plugs. Others are more process-oriented, interested in the participants' act of following instructions, like David Shrigley, whose "The Paper Sculpture" offers an elaborate and hilarious 22-step plan for a plain sheet of paper, which concludes with one word: "Unfold."
Arranged around the periphery of the gallery are previous visitors' artistic efforts. The variations and innovations are highly entertaining, especially when the anonymous crafters have taken the artists' ideas in unexpected directions.
For instance, birds from Fred Tomaselli's "Guide for Spring Molt and Courtship Display," migrate into several other artists' projects, appearing perched in the open face of a Patrick Killoran "Disposable Watch" and surreally viewing a little art in Glenn Ligon's tiny paper gallery, "Pictures at an Exhibition."
Sure, the "The Paper Sculpture Show" probes serious art questions, such as who is the author of an artwork, the planner or the executioner? And who determines the success or failure of the final object? And which is most important artistically– concept, process, or result?
But when push comes to shove, shove those questions aside and simply have fun making some art!
"The Paper Sculpture Show" is available for audience participation and viewing through August 14 at the University of Virginia Art Museum. 155 Rugby Ave. 924-3592.
