Cultural calendar, July 28-August 11, 2005
THURSDAY, July 28
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.
Honor the Prizewinners: Charlottesville Parks and Rec summer therapeutic playground program presents its annual talent show and awards presentation. Join the young participants, volunteers, and staff of the program in honoring these talented local kids. Talent show 2pm, awards ceremony 3pm. Walker School Gym, 1700 Rose Hill Drive. 970-3264.
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.
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.
Ash Lawn Opera Festival
In the Gardens at James Monroe's House Route 53
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. 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.
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. 7:30pm. Stay after the show to "talk back" to the actors.
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 Scottsville Library at 10am. 330 Bird St. 286-3541. Also at Northside Library at 3pm. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
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.
TUNES
Raquy and the Cavemen: Tonight, Raquy and the Cavemen hit Gravity Lounge with a progressive fusion blending rock and electronica with influences from Turkey, Iran, Egypt. "We're going to have a local belly dancer, which is something that we try to do at every show to make the show visual," says Caveman Liron Peled, who plays guitar, drums, and synth. They'll be joined by dancers Kawakib and Adara Janaani– and hopefully a few spectators, as audience participation is encouraged.
Raquy and the Cavemen with Kawakib and Adara Janaani at Gravity Lounge, $5, 8pm.
Junior Moment (four-piece eclectic/Americana band) at "Thursday Tunes at Noon." Noon-2pm. East (post office) end of the Downtown Mall.
Salsa Night at the Satellite Ballroom. $8/$6, 8pm.
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.
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.
The Grove at the Outback Lodge. $5, 10pm.
Club Retro at R2. $3, 10pm.
The George Turner Trio with Madeline Holly Sales at Zocalo. No cover, 9pm.
FRIDAY, July 29
FAMILY
Young at Art: The Virginia Discovery Museum hosts a First Fridays event featuring works of young local artists. 5:30-7:30pm. Free. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.
STAGE
Heritage Repertory Theater
My Way: See Thursday, July 28.
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
Blackfriars Playhouse
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.
Ash Lawn Opera Festival
In the Gardens at James Monroe's House Route 53
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. Doors open for picnicking 6pm. Show 8pm. Info: ashlawnopera.org or 293-4500. Order tickets at 979-0122.
Shakespeare in the Ruins
Barboursville Vineyard, Barboursville
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.
TUNES
Paul + Keith: Guitarist and songwriter Paul Curreri haunts the Gravity Lounge tonight with his solo show. He's not planning any big surprises, but he's stoked about his opener: "Keith Ganz is hands down one of my favorite guitar players on the planet," he says; Ganz, reputedly a tremendous Curreri fan in return, will be joined by vocalist Kate McGarry for a performance which Curreri enthusiastically insists ought not to be missed.
Paul Curreri with Keith Ganz and Kate McGarry at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8:30pm.
DJ Rebecca at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.
Terri Allard with Jan Smith at Fridays After Five. Free, 5pm.
Morwenna Lasko and Jay Pun at Sidetracks. Free, 5pm.
The Nature Boys Jazz Quartet at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6:30pm.
The George Turner Trio at Fellini's #9. No cover, 10pm.
Big Circle at the Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.
Groove Nation with DJ Edit at R2. $6, 10pm.
Dance all night at Club 216 with DJ Frank Rivera. Membership required.
Letting Down Their Hair: Tonight Rapunzel's faithful open mic night undergoes a dramatic transformation. "We've been doing our normal open mic night for several years now, and we've never had bluegrass people show up," says owner Sara Taylor. "This is an experiment– we're dedicating an entire open mic show to bluegrass." The chicken pickin' and foot stompin' start at 7:30 in the packing shed in Lovingston.
SATURDAY, July 30
FAMILY
Suspended Imagination: Summer Saturdays return to Ash Lawn-Highland with master puppeteer Bob Brown. Visitors young and not so young can travel back in time to join gallant knights, lovely ladies, and all sorts of fantasy creatures in this fun-filled marionette extravaganza. Bring friends and a picnic lunch. 11am. $5. 1000 James Monroe Parkway. 293-4500. ashlawnopera.org.
Ride 'em Cowboys: Kids learn the bicycle rules of the road and practice safe biking at the third annual Safe Routes Bicycle Rodeo. Young riders ages 6-14 navigate eight safety stations that challenge their balance, coordination, and knowledge of bike safety. Charlottesville police officers and local bike experts help kids learn to signal, turn and stop, avoid road hazards, and load their bikes on a CTS bus. The first 100 kids to arrive receive a free bike helmet, and all participants will be entered in a raffle for lots of great prizes, including bike safety gear and the grand prize of a new bike. Kids must bring a bike to participate. 9am-noon. Free. Buford Middle School parking lot. 295-6554.
WALKABOUT
Tomato Tasting: Fruit? Vegetable? Decide for yourself at Monticello's tomato workshop. Examine and rate several tomato varieties now available to gardeners. 9:30am at the Monticello Garden Shop. $10, registration 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 .
Kayak Roll Class: Learn to roll, roll, roll your boat with the Outdoor Adventure Social Club. 10am. $10, plus membership fee. 760-HIKE for info and reservations.
Salsa Fest: Celebrate the bounty of summer with Oakencroft wines, fresh tomato, and that world-famous salsa. Tours, tastings, and light fare will be available, as will live music. 11am-5pm at Oakencroft Winery. $10 including glass. 296-4188 ext. 21.
Dig It: Experience a day in the life of an archaeologist at the Wintergreen Nature Foundation's Field Studies Institute. The program includes a field survey and documentation of a 6,000-year-old site in the Blue Ridge, with laboratory analysis, classroom slide presentations, and discussions of Native American history. 9am. Fee. 325-8169.
Guest Chef: Enjoy a four-course feast paired with six Barboursville wines. 1pm. Fee, and reservations are required. 540-832-7848.
House of Rocks: Tour the historic "Rock House" across from Washington Park that's currently being restored by the Legal Aid Justice Center. 1-2pm in conjunction with the African American Heritage Festival. 1010 Preston Ave. 977-0553.
Cat Control: Help control the pet population by taking a feral cat to Charlottesville's first high-volume spay/neuter day clinic. Free. Sponsored by Voices for Animals and the Companion Animal Fund. To make an appointment, reserve a humane trap to help get your local feral cat to the clinic, or for other details call 979-1200.
STAGE
Me Too, Mr. Faulkner: In this dramatic adaptation of the novel The Wintering, the late Joan Williams depicts her 13-year relationship with Nobel prize-winning author William Faulkner. Williams was a 19-year-old college student and aspiring writer in 1949 when she made an unannounced pilgrimage to meet Faulkner, 31 years her senior. Williams died last year. The play is adapted and directed by her son, Charlottesville resident Matthew Bowen. Shows are today at 8pm ($8) and tomorrow at 3pm ($5). Advance purchase recommended. Gravity Lounge.
Midsummer Night's Dream: See Friday, July 29.
Heritage Repertory Theater
The Price: See Thursday, July 28. Today's performance is a 2pm matinee.
My Way: See Thursday, July 28.
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. Prices vary. 8pm in Culbreth Theater. Culbreth Road. 924-3376.
Shenandoah Shakespeare
Comedy of Errors: See Thursday, July 28.
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. 2pm. 13 W. Beverley St., Staunton. 540-851-1733.
Ash Lawn Opera Festival
Annie Get Your Gun: See Thursday, July 28.
Up and Coming: Hear young singers Alissa Anderson, soprano, and baritone Joseph Flaxman from Ash Lawn Opera's apprentice artist program in concert at First Presbyterian Church on Park Street today and tomorrow. 3pm. Free. 293-4500.
TUNES
Sit on the Loveseat: Tonight the Matthew Willner Blues Thang will probably opt for its less abrasive name, "Loveseat," as group members plan to abandon their usual stomping grounds of Miller's and Atomic Burrito for the posh world of Fellini's #9. Guest artists Darrell Rose, Spencer Lathrop, and Jeff Romano join the crowd. And how does Willner think the upscale environment will affect the show? "We might be a little quieter, but that's about it," he says with an audible smirk.
Whistle Stop: Hometown boys Old School Freight Train chug back into town after a long stint on the road as the backing band for mandolin player David Grisman. "We've been playing really nice venues," says bassist Darrell Muller. "He's a master of acoustic music." They'll meet another master when they open for Loretta Lynn at the Charlottesville Pavilion tonight, and they'll play one of the nicest venues around when they open for Grisman– but not back him, as he'll be playing with his quintet– at The Paramount in October.
Loretta Lynn at the Charlottesville Pavilion. $49.50/$39.50/$29.50, 8pm.
Danny Schmidt and Louis Ledford at Rapunzel's, 7:30pm.
Dance all night with DJ Frank Rivera at Club 216. Membership required.
The Ames Coleman Trio with Swage at Atomic Burrito. 11pm, free.
Superjock JJ at Fat Daddy's. No cover, 9pm.
Loveseat at Fellini's #9. No cover, 10pm.
Osmotic at Gravity Lounge. $5, 10:30pm.
Beleza Brasil at the Oakencroft Vineyard. $10, 1:30pm.
Travis Elliott at Orbit Billiards. No cover, 10:30pm.
Heretics in the Lab at the Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.
BLAST!! '80's party at R2. $5, 10pm.
Salsa night with Bio Ritmo at the Satellite Ballroom. $10, 8pm.
Drakkar Sauna at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. No cover, 9pm.
SUNDAY, July 31
WALKABOUT
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.
Salsa Fest: See Saturday, July 30. 11am-5pm at Oakencroft Winery. $10 including glass. 296-4188 ext. 21.
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.
Climb On: The Outdoor Adventure Social Club heads out to the real thing for some beginner/intermediate rock climbing. 9am departure. $18 fee, plus membership. 760-HIKE or outdoorsocial.com.
International Distance Triathlon: You know you want to. 8am at Walnut Creek Park. Visit the Ragged Mountain Running Shop or call 293-3367 for registration information.
STAGE
Me Too, Mr. Faulkner: See Saturday, July 30. Today's show is at 3pm. $5. Gravity Lounge. Advance purchase recommended.
Up and Coming: See Saturday, July 30. Today's Ash Lawn Apprentice recital features Zachary Poholek, bass, and Jendi Tarde, soprano.
Shenandoah Shakespeare
Hamlet: See Friday, July 29. Today's performance is at 2pm.
Ash Lawn Opera Festival
Annie Get Your Gun: See Thursday, July 28.
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.
Crooked Road at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6pm.
Randy Kohrs at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.
Beleza Brasil at the Oakencroft Vineyard. $10, noon.
MONDAY, August 1
FAMILY
Join the Club: The 4-H Cloverbuds are signing up new members. Kids ages 5-8 meet once a month to learn about plants, animals, and a variety of other aggie topics. Parent involvement is expected. 3:30-4:30pm. Free. Stony Point Ruritan Club, Rt. 600 in Stony Point. Call to sign up. 984-0727.
TUNES
Chris Scruggs at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.
George Melvin at the South Street Brewery. No cover, 7pm.
Kitchen Stairs at the Starr Hill Cocktail Lounge. No cover, 9pm.
TUESDAY, August 2
STAGE
Ash Lawn Opera Festival
Annie Get Your Gun: See Thursday, July 28.
Shenandoah Shakespeare
The Three Musketeers: See Saturday, July 30. Tonight's family night performance begins at 6:30pm.
WALKABOUT
New County Digs: Come together with the community to celebrate this annual drug and crime prevention event at the new Albemarle County Office Building on 5th Street Ext. the Enjoy canine demos, urban response vehicles, the crime scene van, fingerprinting, games, giveaways, and refreshments. Tours of the new county office building will also be available. 5-8pm (tours begin at 3:30pm). Free. 296-5841.
Acupuncture and you: How does acupuncture care help you, your symptoms, your issues? Presented by Ron Greathead, 1110 Rose Hill Drive, Suite 100, Reservations please. 962-2770. First Tuesday of every month. Free. 7-8pm.
WALKABOUT AND FAMILY
Albemarle County Fair: Our own annual celebration of fun in the country opens today. This year's Albemarle County Fair features amusement rides, live music, games, livestock shows, agricultural and home arts exhibits, kids activities, and the ever popular array of outrageously fun contests including husband calling, watermelon seed spitting, bubble gum blowing, hot dog eating, frog/toad jumping, turkey calling, cross-cut sawing, and fiddling. 4-11pm. $6 adults, $2 kids 6-12. At the North Garden Fair Grounds on Route 29 South, nine miles south of town. 293-6396 or albemarlecountfair.com for a complete schedule.
Summer Golf Class: First of four weekly golf lessons for beginners and advanced beginners with G. L. Kirby. Tuesdays 5-6:30pm. $50 city residents; $75 county residents. Meet at Pen Park. 970-3260.
FAMILY
High in the Sky: Karen Lyles, the "Juggling Lady," entertains kids of all ages with an extravaganza of extraordinary feats at Central Library. Word on the street is that Superman may make an appearance, too. 10:30am. Free. 201 E. Market St. 979-7151, ext. 3.
Here's the Scoop: Crozet Library celebrates the success of their summer reading program with an ice cream social for kids of all ages. An unidentified superhero will reportedly be lurking in the vicinity. 7pm. Free. Three Notch'd Road in the old train station. 823-4050.
Film Festival: The seats are first come, first served at Regal Cinema's Family Film Festival today featuring Clifford's Big Movie and Fat Albert. 10am. Free. Seminole Square (behind K-mart). 980-3333.
TUNES
Travis Elliott at Atomic Burrito. Free, 10:30pm.
Matthew Willner and Friends at the Buddhist Biker Bar. No cover, 10pm.
WEDNESDAY, August 3
STAGE
Heritage Repertory Theater
My Way: See Thursday, July 26.
Spitfire Grill: See Friday, July 29.
Shenandoah Shakespeare
Comedy of Errors: See Thursday, July 28.
Ash Lawn Opera Festival
Madame Butterfly: See Friday, July 29.
DANCE CARD
Hustle: Berkmar Ballroom's weekly chance to shake what your mama gave ya. Berkmar Drive. 975-4611.
Country Dance Night: Couples dancing and line dancing. Dance lesson (free with cover charge) 7-8pm. Dancing 8-11pm. $7 cover, full-time students, $2. Fry's Spring Beach Club, 2512 Jefferson Park Ave. 977-0491.
FAMILY
Shed a Little Light: Crafty folks ages 6 and up can design and create their own hand-punched lantern during today's craft workshop at Ash Lawn-Highland. Bring a lunch and picnic in the gardens. 11am. $3.50 workshop fee in addition to regular admission charge includes guided tour of the home of President James Monroe. Reservations required. 1000 James Monroe Parkway. 293-9539. ashlawnhighland.org.
Musik Garten: Kindermusik teacher Linda Reidenouer helps wee ones move and groove at the Virginia Discovery Museum. At 10am, preschoolers ages 3-5 can take imaginary trips as they sing and act out songs that teach colors, shapes, and numbers with music. The 11am class lets babies 2 and under swing, swish, dance, clap, bounce, twirl, tap, and do finger plays. Included in the price of admission. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.
Fun in the Stacks: It's Wacky Wednesday at Northside, Gordon Avenue, and Scottsville Libraries. Folks are invited to see how many wacky changes they can find in the library or the staff and take home a wacky prize for their efforts. Free. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
More Tales for Tots: The 5 and under crowd can hear storybook favorites at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.
Film Festival: See Tuesday, August 2.
WALKABOUT
Quilt On: Get your hands on history and learn how local artisans made quilts at Ash Lawn-Highland. 11am-noon. $3.50 workshop fee in addition to regular admission charge, reservations recommended. 293-9539.
Civil War History: Join The Wintergreen Nature Foundation for a Civil War-themed day trip to Appomattox Court House National Historic Park. Departs from the Trillium House at 7:45am. $15 ($12 Foundation members), reservations required. 325-8169.
Star Talk: John Avellone speaks on amateur radio astronomy at the monthly meeting of the Charlottesville Astronomical Society. Afterward, gaze at the stars. 7pm. McCormick Observatory, McCormick Road. All are welcome. Free. 957-4231.
Albemarle County Fair: See Tuesday, August 2. 293-6396 or albemarlecountyfair.com for a complete schedule.
TUNES
The Pearls at Atomic Burrito. Free, 10:30pm.
Benvolio at Gravity Lounge. $5, 7pm.
Bennie 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.
Dhammapada at The Virginian. No cover, 10pm.
B.C. at the Buddhist Biker Bar. No cover, 10pm.
THURSDAY, August 4
ART
Skirting the Issue: View a collection of works by Nicole Truxell in the Gallery at Starr Hill. Truxell designed the skirt– painted with a landscape of the Blue Ridge mountains– that Olga Carpenter, Mrs. Virginia 2005, wore in the state costume contest during the July 27-28 Mrs. America pageant in Las Vegas. The exhibit opens with a reception 5-7pm today and hangs through August. 705 W. Main St. 466-977-0017 x 23.
STAGE
My Way: See Thursday, July 28.
Lettice and Lovage: See Saturday, July 30.
Ash Lawn Opera Festival
Annie Get Your Gun: See Thursday, July 28.
Shenandoah Shakespeare
Hamlet: See Friday, July 29.
FAMILY
More Tales for Tots: See Wednesday, August 3.
Fair Enough: See Tuesday, August 2.
WALKABOUT
Spanish Conversation Group: La Tertulia, a Spanish conversation group, meets tonight and the first Thursday of each month in the Jefferson Room at the Central Library to brush up on studies. All levels welcome. 7pm. 979-7151 or .
French Conversation Luncheon: Rendezvous this morning and the first Thursday of every month at L'etoile restaurant on West Main street across from the train station a parler. 11:30am. Details: 971-1118.
WORDS
Dive, Dive: This month, the Greene County Library's book discussion group takes on Shadow Divers: The true adventure of two Americans who risked everything to solve one of the last mysteries of World War II, by Robert Kurson. This journalistic narrative tells of John Chatterton and Rich Kohler, two deep-sea wreck divers who dove to a mysterious wreck lying off the coast of New Jersey in 1991. 7pm. 985-5227.
TUNES
Israel Vibration at Starr Hill. $20/$18, 9pm.
Reggae heavyweights Israel Vibration blend cultural and religious themes with island music using rich vocal harmonies at Starr Hill tonight. Those harmonies went from three-part to duets after the departure of founding member Albert "Apple Gabriel" Craig, a process chronicled by their last few studio albums, but what about the live show? "Come and see for yourself," offers vocalist Cecil "Skeleton" Spence mysteriously. The duo that remains just wrapped up nine weeks in Europe, so obviously there's still something noteworthy left.
VCR and The Points at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.
Las Gitanas at Fellini's #9. No cover, 9pm.
Thompson/D'earth at Miller's. $4, 10:30pm.
Karaoke at Fat Daddy's. No cover, 8:30pm.
George Melvin at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6:30pm.
Karaoke at Damon's Sports Grill. No cover, 9pm.
The Nice Jenkins at Mellow Mushroom. No cover, 10:30pm.
FRIDAY, August 5
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.
On the Frontier: The Frontier Culture Museum continues their summer First Fridays series. The grounds are open for strolling and picnicking, and the four historic farms welcome visitors. 6-8pm. Rt. 250 west in Staunton. 540- 332-7850.
Fair Enough: See Tuesday, August 2.
ART
Today is First Friday: Check out galleries all over town.
Healing Wings: Paintings from "The Angel Series" by Marta Sanchez hang at Fusion August 5-31. The Angels seek to bring healing to survivors of sexual violence, encouragement to advocates who support them, and awareness to the affected community. Enjoy a wine and cheese reception today 6-8pm. 923-3354.
STAGE
Ash Lawn Opera Festival
Madame Butterfly: See Friday, July 29.
Shenandoah Shakespeare
Three Musketeers: See Saturday, July 30.
Culbreth Theater
My Way: See Thursday, July 28.
The Price: See Thursday, July 28.
Midsummer Night's Dream: At Barboursville Vineyards. See Friday, July 29.
TUNES
DJ Third Degree with the Illbots at Atomic Burrito. Free 11pm.
The Pones at Fellini's #9. No cover, 10pm.
Osmotic at Garden of Sheba. $3, 10pm.
Mary Wirth at Art Upstairs. No cover, 5:30pm.
Dance all night with DJ Frank Rivera at Club 216. Membership required.
Junior Moment and Tye River Trio at Rapunzel's. No cover, 8pm.
SATURDAY, August 6
Men's Health Fair: A panel of health experts led by Dr. Charles Myers offer lectures and a question and answer session about all areas of men's health. Free and open to the public, breakfast included! Registration required. 8:20am-12:30pnm. Martin Luther King Jr. Performing Arts Center. Charlottesville High School, Melbourne Road. 800-306-2432 or cancer-foundation.org/healthfair.html.
Blackberry Harvest: Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery opens its doors to the public for blackberry picking and wine tasting. 9am-6pm. Fee. 2800 Berry Hill Road, Nellysford. 361-1266.
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.
Summer Fruit Tasting: Sweet, fresh fruit in the summer. You just can't beat it. Learn the history of fruit growing in Virginia while enjoying an informal feast in the Monticello "fruitery." 9:30am. Meet at the Monticello Garden Shop. $10, registration required. 984-9822.
Bottoms Up!: Burnley Vineyards' annual summer cabernet tasting. 11am-4pm. $7.50, including wine glass. 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 .
First Saturday Bird Walk: Summer sights highlight the August bird walk at the Ivy Creek Natural Area, led by Lou Tanner of the Monticello Bird Club. Beginners welcome. Meet in the parking lot. 7:30am. Free. Earlysville Road. 973-7772.
Albemarle County Fair: See Tuesday, August 2.
FAMILY
Fairy Tale Magic: Two puppeteers from Applause Unlimited combine their talents in an award-winning presentation of three Hans Christian Andersen stories for Ash Lawn-Highland's Summer Saturday Series. Puppetry, masks, and storytelling fill the stage as the performers manipulate over 20 hand puppets, rod puppets, and marionettes. Bring friends and a picnic lunch. 11am. $5. 1000 James Monroe Parkway. 293-500. ashlawnopera.org.
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.
STAGE
Midsummer Night's Dream: See Friday, July 29.
Ash Lawn Opera Festival
Annie Get Your Gun: See Thursday, July 28.
Up and Coming: Summer apprentice series concert features Melissa Sumner, soprano, Adam Martin, baritone, and Maayan Lipiner, mezzo-soprano, at the First Presbyterian Church on Park Street. 3pm. No charge.293-4500
Shenandoah Shakespeare
Hamlet: See Friday, July 29.
Heritage Repertory Theater
My Way: See Thursday, July 28. Today's shows are a 2pm matinee and 7:30pm.
Spitfire Grill: See Friday, July 29. Today's show are a 2pm matinee and 8pm.
TUNES
Dance all night with DJ Frank Rivera at Club 216. Membership required.
Tommy Wood at the Albemarle County Fair. $6/$2 children, 7:30pm.
Bottle Babies with The Elderly at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.
Sierra at Fat Daddy's. ???, 21+, 9pm.
The George Turner Trio with Lori Derr at Kokopelli's. $5, 8pm.
X-Porn Stars with Watershed and Man Mountain Jr. at Starr Hill. $8/$6, 10pm.
SUNDAY, August 7
Blackberry Harvest: See Saturday, August 6.
Bottoms Up!: Burnley Vineyards' annual summer cabernet tasting. 11am-4pm. $7.50, including wine glass. 832-2828.
Sunday Polo: See Sunday, July 31.
Albemarle County Fair: See Tuesday, August 2. 293-6396.
FAMILY
Rollin' on the River: Rhythm on the River rolls into its seventh season of monthly outdoor concerts. Tonight's feature is Charlottesville Swing Orchestra with John D'earth. 6pm. Free. Dorrier Park in Downtown Scottsville. rhythmontheriver.org.
Good Clean Fun: The Children's Museum of Richmond serves up a celebration of National Kids Day with a large dollop of nostalgia and a super-size portion of fun. Families are invited to return to those thrilling days of yesteryear when baby-boomers enjoyed "low-tech" toys and games such as hula hoops, yo-yos, limbo, jump rope, and sack races. Live music by the group "Lunch Money." Old-fashioned backyard barbecue fare, including hot dogs and lemonade, available for purchase. Free ice cream. Lots of other prizes and surprises. Noon-5pm. Included in the price of admission. 2626 W. Broad St., Richmond. 804-474-2667. c-mor.org.
STAGE
Ash Lawn Opera Festival
Annie Get Your Gun: See Thursday, July 28.
PVCC Hosts Ash Lawn Artists: Join members of the Ash Lawn Opera Festival at PVCC's V. Earl Dickinson Main Stage. Enjoy arias from the season's repertoire, opera standards, and chamber music. A reception with the artists follows the performance. 2-4pm. $15 at the door. Proceeds benefit the PVCC Educational Foundation.
TUNES
Members of the Ash Lawn Opera Festival at PVCC. $15, 2pm.
Open mic night at Atomic Burrito. Free, 9pm.
Rhythm on the River with John D'earth and the Charlottesville Swing Orchestra. Dorrier Park in Scottsville, free, 6pm
Bob Weir and Ratdog at the Charlottesville Pavilion. $37/$32/$27, 7:30pm.
King Golden Banshee at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6pm.
Dan Sebring at the Blue Bird Café. No cover, 6pm.
MONDAY, August 8
TUNES
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.
Joseph Mills at Fat Daddy‚s. No cover, 9pm.
Matthew Willner and Friends at the Buddhist Biker Bar. No cover, 10pm.
TUESDAY, August 9
FAMILY
Film Festival: The seats are first come, first served at Regal Cinema's Family Film Festival today featuring Anastasia and Wild Thornberrys. 10am. Free. Seminole Square (behind K-mart). 980-3333.
STAGE
Ash Lawn Opera Festival
Annie Get Your Gun: See Thursday, July 28.
Shenandoah Shakespeare
The Comedy of Errors: See Thursday, July 28. Tonight's family night performance begins at 6:30pm.
TUNES
Travis Elliott with Andrew Gregory at Atomic Burrito. Free, 10:30pm.
Raven's Place, Between Home, Serenity, and All of Fifteen at the Satellite Ballroom.
B.C. at the Buddhist Biker Bar. No cover, 10pm.
Bennie 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. No cover, 7pm.
Dhammapada at The Virginian. No cover, 10pm.
WEDNESDAY, August 10
Candle Making Workshop: Learn the art of colonial candle making at this hands-on workshop at Ash Lawn-Highland. 11am-noon. $3.50 workshop fee in addition to regular admission charge, reservations recommended. 293-9539.
Natural History: Head north to the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC with The Wintergreen Nature Foundation. Check out the Smithsonian's new exhibits, and peruse old favorites. 7am departure. $27 ($20 for Foundation members). Reservations required. 325-8169.
Zinnia Show: What is a "zinnia," anyway? Find out at this annual show, sponsored by the Dolley Madison Garden Club. Wander among the competitors or sit in on a horticulture class. 3-4:30pm at the Orange Train Station. 295-2257.
STAGE
Ash Lawn Opera Festival
Madame Butterfly: See Friday, July 29.
Shenandoah Shakespeare
Hamlet: See Friday, July 29.
DANCE CARD
County Dance Night: See Wednesday, August 3.
WORDS
Miss Manners: The Wednesday evening book group discusses Diary of a Provincial Lady by E.M. Delafield. The Provincial Lady has a nice house, a nice husband, and nice children. She never raises her voice, rarely ventures outside of town, and was, after all, part of what made Britain great. Come explore this niche of Victorian society. 7:30pm at the Gordon Avenue Library. 295-2612.
FAMILY
Shed a Little More Light: Crafty folks ages 6 and up can dip their own beeswax candles during the Wednesday craft workshop series 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 charge includes guided tour of the Monroe house. Reservations are required. 1000 James Monroe Parkway. 434-293-9539. ashlawnhighland.org.
More Tales for Tots: See Wednesday, August 3.
Fun in the Stacks: See Wednesday, August 3. Today things get wacky at Crozet Library in the old train station on Three Notch'd Road. 823-4050.
Film Festival: See Tuesday, August 9.
TUNES
Jim Waive and the Young Divorcees at Atomic Burrito. Free, 10:30pm.
The Pernice Brothers and Royal Gun at the Satellite Ballroom.
Robin Wynn at Sidetracks, with a special discount on the new album. No cover, 4pm.
THURSDAY, August 11
FAMILY
Someone to Look Up to: This month's Mommy & Me (& Daddies, Too) activities celebrate our local heroes during Police and Firefighter Appreciation Day at Barracks Road Shopping Center. 10am-noon. Free. 977-4583.
More Tales for Tots: See Wednesday, August 3.
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.
Ash Lawn Summer Festival
Annie Get Your Gun: See Thursday, July 28.
Shenandoah Shakespeare
Three Musketeers: See Saturday, July 30. Tonight's show includes a "talk back" session with the actors after the 7:30pm show.
TUNES
B.C. at Atomic Burrito. Free, 10:30pm.
Thompson/D'earth at Miller's. $4, 10:30pm.
George Melvin at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6:30pm.
Karaoke at Fat Daddy's. No cover, 8:30pm.
Karaoke at Damon's Sports Grill. No cover, 9pm.
The Nice Jenkins at Mellow Mushroom. No cover, 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.
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.
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.
Les Yeux du Monde presents "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. (See Art feature, page x.)
The Main Street Market Galleria presents the sculptural artwork of Bill Hess through July. In August, Rudger Clawson shows his latest paintings. 416 W. Main St. 244-7800.
Transient Crafters presents the work of Haley Jensen through July. In August, the gallery showcases the watercolors of Jenni Elle in an exhibition entitled "Not Just Florals."118 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 972-9500.
Through August, 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.
Through the end of 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. In August, Andrew Hersey displays a solo photography show. Ten percent of proceeds from sales 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. A closing reception will be held July 29 at 5pm. 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," 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 August, Pat Howe presents "The Colors of Summer," an exhibition of acrylic paintings. 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. In August, the venue displaya Allen Sandy's oils. 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. In August, Luther Gore presents a show of oils and watercolors entitled "Cloudscapes: An Intrusion of Airplanes." 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. In August, enjoy the gallery's "Associate Show," a collective display of members' artwork. 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. In August, Jack Cacciatore presents his photography. 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.
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
The Artisans Center of Virginia is showing an invitational exhibition of Virginia textile artists participating in Fiberarts Design Book 7. The show runs through the end of August. 601 Shenandoah Village Drive, exit 94 off I-64, Waynesboro. 540-946-3294.
Andy Acquaro shows his photographs at Scottsville's The Gallery for Healing during August. 330 Valley St., Studio c (around back). 434-286-4400.
Nellysford's Basic Necessities presents "Gallic Dream," Ted Pfaltz's photographs of France. Route 151. 434-361-1766.
At Richmond's Virginia Museum of Fine Arts catch "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 "Moments in Time: Photographs by Poul Ober & Lon Holmberg, which runs 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.
Pottery by Janice Arone and Mary Ann Burke, plus other handcrafted artwork is on view at The Barn Swallow. 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 seeks 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 avenue.org/piedmont. Deadline: Friday, July 29. 971-2787.
FEATURES/FEATURES/FEATURES
ART
City sights: Making the ordinary extraordinary
BY LAURA PARSONS
Growing up in a small Virginia town where everything seemed crushingly familiar, I used to play a game with myself to stave off boredom. I would pretend my humdrum hometown was instead a city in another state– or, better still, a foreign country– where I was visiting for the first time. The mundane suddenly became exotic, and everyday details leapt out to snag my attention.
Local artists Richard Crozier and Edward Thomas take a similar approach to Charlottesville. Focusing on often-overlooked locales, they produce oil-on-board cityscapes plein air (i.e. painted outdoors onsite) that direct viewers' glazed-over eyes to the vivid life all around us. Their joint exhibition, "Focus on Charlottesville," currently hangs at Les Yeux du Monde.
Crozier and Thomas offer similar impressionistic styles, using broad brush strokes and comparable palettes to articulate parked cars, train trestles, and street corners. Considering Thomas was formerly Crozier's student, the parallel makes sense.
But subtle differences distinguish the two. Thomas opts for slightly more intense colors than Crozier, and his brushwork trends toward chaotic. Sometimes this works to his advantage. Crozier and Thomas both depict the rail overpass on Fourth St. SE– Crozier looks south while Thomas looks north– and here Thomas holds the edge in energy and vibrancy.
Nevertheless, Thomas' success is spotty. His "Yulan Magnolia, UVA Gardens in Spring," features a Jeffersonian serpentine brick wall that turns muddy and graceless via his impatient, imprecise strokes. The painting pales further when compared to Thomas' beautifully rendered "Green Truck, Fifth SW," where an old pick-up parked between two yellow stucco houses becomes dazzling as the artist manipulates green in various ways throughout the image.
Crozier's work, on the other hand, is reliably consistent, revealing a practiced maturity (no doubt you've run across the UVA professor painting in unlikely locations around town). Enamored of the unremarkable, Crozier makes out-of-kilter traffic signs and even a wintry Taco Bell worthy of our attention. His strokes announce themselves less forcefully than Thomas', but they convey Crozier's subjects with confidence and economy.
Particularly engaging are Crozier's elongated panoramic paintings. In "Starr Hill," which extends across two panels, the artist presents a sunny, affectionate view of the parking lot and salvage yard that sit enclosed by chain-link fence on the corner of Eighth and Elsom streets.
What Crozier and Thomas offer is the remarkable ability to show us a Charlottesville we know so well yet have never really seen before.
Edward Thomas and Richard Crozier's exhibition, "Focus on Charlottesville," is on view at Les Yeux du Monde through July 30. 115 S. First St. 973-5566.
