Cultural calendar, August 25-September 1, 2005
THURSDAY, August 25
DANCE CARD
Slippery: Belly dancing and pole dancing lessons at the Berkmar Ballroom. Rio Road. 975-4611.
STAGE
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. Stay after the show to "talk back" to the actors. 10 S. Market St., Staunton. 540-885-5588.
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.
FAMILY
Tales for Tots: The 5 and under crowd can enjoy storybook favorites about sports at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. Cookies and stickers are part of the fun. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.
FAMILY AND WALKABOUT
Circus in the Sky: Join members of the Monticello Bird Club to watch the nighthawk's aerial acrobatics as swoop and dive for their dinner at Ivy Creek Natural area. Bug spray recommended. 6:30pm. Free. Earlysville Road (Route 743). 973-7772.
WORDS
Smart Start: UVA medical student and 23-year-old author Josh Richardson, discusses his student-to-student guidebook for new college students tonight at Barnes and Noble. Get the facts straight from the source. 7-8pm. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-0461.
TUNES
The Nice Jenkins at Mellow Mushroom. No cover, 10:30pm.
Robin Wynn and Andrew Gregory at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.
Debbie Hunter at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.
Open mic night at Kokopelli's. Free, 8pm.
Salsa Night at the Satellite Ballroom. $6/$8, 8pm.
B.C. at Southern Culture. No cover, 9:30pm.
Duncan Sheik at Starr Hill. $15, 9pm.
Michael Tamburo at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. $3, 9pm.
George Turner, Madeline Holly Sales, Darrell Muller, and Robert Jospé at Zocalo. No cover, 9pm.
Thompson/D'earth at Miller's. $4, 10:30pm.
Karaoke at Fat Daddy's. $5/Free 21+, 8:30pm.
Karaoke at Damon's Sports Grill. No cover, 9pm.
The Violent Femmes at the Charlottesville Pavilion. $22/$17/$10, 7:30pm.
FRIDAY, August 26
ART
Adios Megan: Les Yeux du Monde says goodbye to Megan Marlatt's "Ten Years After the NEA: Ten Years of Painting," at a closing reception tonight, 5:30-7:30pm. 115 S. First St. 973-5566.
Hello Aussies: The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection welcomes a new exhibit showing how Aboriginal artists use perspective and point-of-view to depict landscapes and stories of the ancestral Dreaming with an opening reception tonight, 5:30-7:30pm. Peter Jefferson Place, Pantops Mountain. 244-0234.
Sipping at Sunspots: Welcome the work of Marti Mocahbee with a wine and cheese reception today. Influenced by the classic designs of Greek, Celtic, and Japanese cultures, Mocahbee's work is characterized by elegant form and highly detailed glaze design. 5-8pm. Sunspots Studios in the Wharf shopping district, near the Staunton train station. 540-885-0678.
Ideal Collection: Join other lovers of Americana at the UVA Art Museum's Fourth Friday reception celebrating the opening of the fall exhibit, "A Jefferson Ideal: Selections from the Dr. and Mrs. Henry C. Landon III Collection of American Fine and Decorative Arts." 5:30-7:30pm. Members free, $3 non-members. 155 Rugby Road.
FAMILY
Down and Dirty: Little wigglers ages five and up can worm their way into nature as they learn about worms, composting, and decomposition with Maymont's Wonderful World of Worms. Participants will dish up some dirt pudding and make a composting bin to take home. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Nature Center. 10am. $20. Reservations are required. 1700 Hampton St., Richmond. 804-358-7166, ext. 333. maymont.org.
Kids Read: Barnes & Noble's Young Readers Book Club meets tonight and every 4th Friday. Book lovers ages 7-12 years old will discuss Winner 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.
STAGE
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. 13 W. Beverley St., Staunton. 540-851-1733.
WORDS
Francophile: Wendy Ayres-Bennett, a French scholar from Cambridge University, visits UVA to discuss the role of women and language in 17th century France. 3pm in New Cabell Hall, Room 345. Free. 924-4630.
TUNES
Believe It: It's been 10 years since Charlie Pastorfield and the Believers disbanded, but Pastorfield, who still plays in town with Big Circle, isn't worried about the upcoming reunion show. "Big Circle rarely plays in public," he says. "With the Believers, that's all we did, probably 200 nights a year." This year, it'll probably be just one percent of that, but you can catch one of the two shows this Friday at the Satellite Ballroom. "We all still keep in touch," he says. "It's one of those bands that didn't end badly." Or, in a way, at all. Charlie Pastorfield and The Believers at the Satellite Ballroom. $12/$10, 9pm.
Return of Funk Tank: Man Mountain Jr. bassist B.J. Pendleton looks back fondly on the old Funk Tank shows at Orbit Billiards. So much so, in fact, that he's bringing them back after a two year absence. "It's good because it helps us build relationships with other bands," he says. The shows featured Man Mountain Jr. jamming with an assortment of other local musicians. "The question is always 'Who's in the funk tank?'" he continues. So, of course, we ask him just that, and he says "I don't know." Good work, hotshot. The Beetnix, a hip-hop group with Damani Harrison, The Hook's celebrated Prowler, is one possibility.
Munch to Music: Sip bubbly beverages and chat up the performers at the Staunton Music Festival's gala and benefit concert, then listen to Mozart, Purcell, Soler, Mahler, and some spirituals as you bob about the dessert bar. 7pm. President's House at Mary Baldwin College.
Seminary Road?: It'll be a busy week for Monticello Road. For starters, they'll be playing an increasingly rare local show at Jaberwoke tonight. "It's easy to overdo it," says frontman Kyle Rannigan. Nevertheless, next week they'll be headlining at "Rhythm on the River," Scottsville's answer to our own Fridays After Five. It'll be a farewell show of sorts for guitarist Vaden Cox. "Vaden's going to… well, for lack of a better term, seminary," explains Rannigan. Surprised? Join the club. "I wouldn't have predicted it either," says Cox. He'll have a farewell show that's all his own on September 1 when he brings his solo act to Gravity Lounge. Monticello Road at Jaberwoke. No cover, 11pm.
Vernon Fischer (romantic classical guitar) at Keswick Hall's Fossett's. 6:30-10:30pm. Reservations recommended.
Centric at Atomic Burrito. No cover, 10pm.
The Hamiltons and Jay Pun and Morwenna Lasko at Fridays After Five. No cover, 5pm.
The Steve Kessler Quartet at Gravity Lounge. $10, 8pm.
Dina Phearson at Kokopelli's. $5, 8pm.
Quentin Parker at Rapunzel's. No cover, 7:30pm.
Beleza Brasil at the Blue Bird Café. No cover, 6pm.
Fletcher Bridge at Coupe DeVille's. No cover. 10pm.
SATURDAY, August 27
ART
Down the Road: Meet artist Yakima Bokoles and view her new work today at a reception at Scottsville's Gallery of Healing. 5-9pm. 330 Valley St. Studio C (around back). 434-286-4400.
WORDS
Kokopelli Journals: Join author Laura Cockerille Giannini as she introduces Kokopelli, a stray she adopted and who stars in her adventure narrative about his life. Book signing and storytelling. 6-9pm. Doubletree Hotel, Route 29 North. kokopellijournals.com or 540-832-7048.
FAMILY
Say Cheese: The whole family is invited to have some mouse fun at Northside Library. This special family story time includes 45 minutes of stories, songs, and crafts featuring– you guessed it– mouse tales. 10:30am. Free. Registration required. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
TJ for Children: Now through September on weekends only, young visitors can still take advantage of Monticello's kid-friendly Tours for Children and their Families. Folks can request this special tour at the admission desk. Included in the price of general admission. Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Rt. 53. 984-9822.
WALKABOUT
Jefferson's Mountain: This two-hour natural history trek will take participants up, over, and through the forests of Monticello mountain. 9:30 am at the Garden Shop. $10, reservations required. 984-9822.
Triple Threat: Run, bike, and swim around the Walnut Creek off-road course at the X-Terra Triathlon. 8am. Visit Ragged Mountain Running Shop or call 293-3367 for details and registration.
Kitten Shower: Did you know that the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA receives more than 300 cats and kittens every month? Come out to support the SPCA and go home with your own little bundle of fur at the second-even Kitten Shower. From 10am-4pm, the SPCA will have baskets of kittens ready for adoption, plus fun and games for the family. Bring a donation or a gift from one of the local pet shops (that's the shower part, get it?). 3355 Berkmar Drive. 973-5959.
Blue Moon Festival: Enjoy live Bluegrass, southern cuisine, and special wine discounts&endash; the kind you only see "once in a blue moon"&endash; and First Colony Winery's annual summer festival. $20/person includes tour, tasting, glass, food, and music. Pre-paid reservations required. $10 children 12 & under. Noon- 5pm. 877-979-7105.
Cooks Class: Dig in with Chef Alex Montiel at the King Family Vineyards' gourmet cooking class. Course fee includes a welcome glass of wine and lunch. Prepaid reservations required. $50/person. 434-823-7800.
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 .
Democratic BBQ: Nosh with local Democrats, talk politics, and just kick back under the summer sun in Crozet Park. The festivities begin at 5pm with a cash bar and silent auction under the tents. The BBQ dinner starts at 6. Public welcome. $20/person on the day of the BBQ, or $15 in advance. 295-1405 for tickets and info.
Music of the Blue Ridge: Learn first-hand the differences between the Appalachian and the hammered dulcimers at "Differing Dulcimers," a presentation by old-time artists Dinah Ansley and Sarah Armstrong. 2pm at the Humpback Rocks farm. Free. Blue Ridge Parkway. 540-943-4716.
TUNES
Handel Times Two: Eugenia Zukerman and David Schrader play Handel's Conata in F for flute and organ at the Staunton Music Festival. Free, 3pm. Trinity Episcopal Church, Staunton. Hang around the Valley town 'til 7pm for Handel's "Hercules: A Musical Drama in Three Acts" sung in English at the Blackfriar's Playhouse. $20; seniors, $15; students, $10. 10 S. Market St. stauntonmusicfestival.com or 540-885-7873.
Pickin' for the Po-lice: The Virginia Ramblers seem to have found their niche. When guitarist and singer Charles Frazier rattles off a list of their recent performances, they all seem to have the suffix "Bluegrass Festival." "It's just the nature of the beast," he says with a shrug. This time, the prefix is "Scottsville;" the festival, to be held at Horseshoe Bend Farm, is a benefit for the town's police department.
The Scottsville Bluegrass Festival at Horseshoe Bend Farm, $30/$25 advance, 11am.
Crash Everest and Pash at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.
Groove Train at Fat Daddy's. 21+, 9pm.
Intense City at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.
Fletcher Bridge at Kokopelli's. $5, 8pm.
The Rogan Brothers at Orbit Billiards. No cover, 21+, 10pm.
BLAST!! at R2. $5, 10pm.
Rainer Maria, Hail Social, and The Nethers at the Satellite Ballroom.
The Virginia Jihad at Rapunzel's, 7:30pm.
Mint Condition at the Wild Wing Café. No cover, 9pm.
Evan Mook Trio (with Pete Spaar and Keith Willingham) at Felinni's #9. No cover, 10pm.
Vernon Fischer (romantic classical guitar) at Keswick Hall's Fossett's. 6:30-10:30pm. Reservations recommended.
SUNDAY, August 28
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.
Down from the Mountain: 17-year-old wonder-grass musician, Heather Berry &endash; who's already on her sixth CD release &endash; showcases her down home style in traditional style at the historic Humpback Rocks farm. 2pm. Free. Blue Ridge Parkway. 540-943-4716.
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.
FAMILY
TJ for Children: See Saturday, August 27.
WORDS
Kokopelli Journals: See Saturday, August 27. Author Laura Cockerille Giannini is at the Doubletree today signing copies of her book and launching the concept of Kokopelli into the world. 3-6pm. Route 29 North.
Peaceful Protest: Peter Gelderloos, an activist based in Harrisonburg, discusses his new book, How Nonviolence Protects the State, at Better Than Television under the Jefferson Theater on the Downtown Mall. 7pm. Free. 295-0872.
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
Grand Finale: The Staunton Music Festival's grand finale concert. Selections by Debussy, Quilter, Copland, and Brahams. Blackfriar's Playhouse. $15/$10/$8, 7pm. 10 S. Market St. stauntonmusicfestival.com or 540-885-7873.
George Melvin at Fellini's #9. $5, 9pm.
Pierce Pettis and Scuffletown at Gravity Lounge. $10, 7pm.
Las Gitanas at Kokopelli's. $3, 7pm.
Dan Sebring at the Blue Bird Café. No cover, 6pm.
Andrew Gregory at The Virginian. No cover, 10pm.
B.C. at Miller's. No cover, 11pm.
THINK at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.
MONDAY, August 29
TUNES
Max Collins at Jaberwoke. No cover, 10pm.
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.
Travis Elliott at The Virginian. No cover, 10pm.
TUESDAY, August 30
WALKABOUT
Hunt Smart: A three-day hunter safety course is being offered to all local residents ages 10-up at Albemarle High School. 6-9:30pm. Free. Call the Community Education Office at 975-9450 to register.
FAMILY AND WALKABOUT
Tarantella?: International Folk Dancers meet every Tuesday 6-8:30pm at the Senior Center on Pepsi Road. Free. Beginners welcome. Info: 960-2227.
TUNES
Travis Elliott at Atomic Burrito. Free, 10:30pm.
Umlaut at R2. $4/$6, 18+, 10pm.
Joseph Mills at Fat Daddy's. No cover, 9pm.
Matthew Willner and Friends at the Buddhist Biker Bar. No cover, 10pm.
Greg Ward Project at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.
WEDNESDAY, August 31
ART
Don't Sleep Through It: Jennifer VanWinkle opens her not-to-be-missed installation, "Doubleness: Peripheral Memories," which runs through September 21, at the Piedmont Virginia Community College gallery. Meet VanWinkle today at a reception, 5-7pm. V. Earl Dickinson Building. 400 College Drive. 434-5203.
Tucker Box Tour: Enjoy a guided tour of current exhibitions at the Kluge-Ruhe collection, followed by lunch in the gallery. Bring your own lunch or order one the day before for $7. Program 12:15-1:30 pm. Reservations required. Reserve space: 244-0234. 400 Worrell Drive, Pantops Mountain. 244-0234.
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 AND WALKABOUT
Paper Quilling: Kick it old school at Ash Lawn-Highland while learning the traditional American art of paper quilling. Create your own greeting card the old fashioned way, using paper quilling techniques. Artist Russel Hubert teaches this centuries-old decorative art popular in the 19th century. Intended for ages 8 and up. Bring a lunch and picnic in the gardens. 11am-noon. $3.50 plus regular admission ($5 for locals), includes tour. Reservations required. 1000 James Monroe Parkway. 293-9539 or ashlawnhighland.org.
More Tales for Tots: The 5 and under crowd can enjoy storybook favorites at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. Cookies and stickers are part of the fun. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.
TUNES
Man Mountain Jr.'s Funk Tank at Orbit Billiards. No cover, 21+, 10:30pm.
Go and The Horns of Happiness at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. No cover, 9pm.
B.C. at the Buddhist Biker Bar. No cover, 11pm.
Bennie Dodd at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.
Josh Mayo at Fat Daddy's. No cover, 9pm.
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.
Chris Jamison and William White at The Virginian. No cover, 10pm.
THURSDAY, September 1
STAGE
Shenandoah Shakespeare
All's Well that Ends Well: Helena, the beautiful daughter of a deceased physician, is in love with Bertram, whose lack of redeeming virtues makes no difference to her. Oblivious to the whole situation, Bertram goes to live with the ailing King of France. Helena pursues him and miraculously cures the King, earning his undying gratitude and his decree that she can marry anybody she wants at the French court. Guess who she chooses? But Bertram not only refuses to get it on with Helena, but flees, sending word that he will not recognize her as his wife until she becomes pregnant with his child and captures the heirloom ring from his finger. How can you not go? Tonight is preview night– pay what you will 7:30pm. Blackfriar's Playhouse. 10 S. Market St., Staunton. 540-885-5588.
FAMILY
More Tales for Tots: See Wednesday, August 31.
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
The Hardest Part: This month, the Greene County Library's book discussion group takes on Waiting, by Ha Jin. This "quiet but absorbing novel" reflects the changes in Chinese life under Communism from the 1960s through the '80s, and offers a glimpse into a world "alien to most Western readers." 7pm. 985-5227.
TUNES
Vaden Cox at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.
Las Gitanas at Fellini's #9. No cover, 9pm-midnight.
Thompson/D'earth at Miller's. $4, 10:30pm.
Karaoke at Fat Daddy's. $5/Free 21+, 8:30pm.
Karaoke at Damon's Sports Grill. No cover, 9pm.
The Nice Jenkins at Mellow Mushroom. No cover, 10:30pm.
Upcoming and Ongoing
ART
Columbus to Kerouac: Through January 3, 2006 UVA's Harrison Small special collections library presents a selection of treasured manuscripts, books, and artifacts tracing some of the remarkable journeys that brought us from 1492 to the mid-20th-century era of social protest. Main Exhibit Gallery, McCormick Road. 924-6040 or lib.virginia.edu/harrison. Call ahead or check website for hours.
WORDS
Learn Italian in an Italian Setting. Charlottesville's only gourmet language and culture school, Ecco Italy, is now enrolling for "ECCO UNO: Italian for Beginners." Morning and evening classes: Tuesdays 10-11:30am (September 6-December 13) and Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm (August 31-December 14) section. $225. Visit ecoitaly.com or call 434-825-4390 for more info or to enroll. 406A W. Main St. in The Main Street Market.
DANCE CARD
Hip-Hop: Two sessions of new six-week dance performance class to choose from: Session 1: Sundays August 28-October 9 excluding Labor Day weekend. Rehearsals 7-8:30pm. Session 2: Mondays August 29-October 10 excluding Labor Day weekend. Rehearsals 8:30-10pm. Attendance required at all rehearsals. Students will create their own costume, and the class will culminate in a final performance TBA in October. Participants must demonstrate a command of the choreography in order to perform. $85 each class. Pre-registration is required at 510-681-8255 or email . Both at Studio 206 downtown.
WALKABOUT
Sharing Sadness: Hospice of the Piedmont offers eight-week bereavement support groups starting in early September. These groups are open to the community and are led by trained Hospice staff and volunteers. If interested, please call 434-817-6900 or 800-975-5501 to learn more details regarding locations and times. Come share the journey of grief with others who have similar loss.
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.
Yes, Yoga: Kundalini yoga purifies the body and liberates the spirit. Experience it for yourself for $5 per class, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm in the attic of the Glass Building, 313 Second St. SE. 293-7439.
WALKABOUT AND FAMILY
Trail Training: Every year more than 2,000 local schoolchildren learn the ways of nature as they walk the trails of Ivy Creek Natural Area with volunteer guides. Those with an interest in nature and an enthusiasm for working with children are invited to participate in a free guide training course starting September 6 and lasting for six consecutive Tuesday mornings from 9:30am-noon. Call to sign up or find out more. 973-7772.
FAMILY
Kindermusik: Join a music class for parents and kids together. Licensed Kindermusik educator Dana Wassenaar offers classes for infants, toddlers, young children and combined age groups. Weekday, evening, and weekend classes begin in September. Registration required. Info: 245-9888. .
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.
Trail Training: Every year more than 2,000 local schoolchildren learn the ways of nature as they walk the trails of Ivy Creek Natural Area with volunteer guides. Those with an interest in nature and an enthusiasm for working with children are invited to participate in a free guide training course starting September 6 and lasting for six consecutive Tuesday mornings from 9:30am-noon. Call to sign up or find out more. 973-7772.
TJ for Children: Monticello offers Tours for Children and their Families daily throughout the summer. Families should request this special tour at the admission desk. Included in the price of general admission. Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Rt. 53. 984-9822.
Tavern Tour for Tots: Family is the focus of Michie Tavern's living history tours available now through Labor Day. Throughout the summer, kids can participate in Mr. Michie's Treasure Hunt (the prize is a sack of gold coins– well, okay, 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 the price of general admission. Rt. 53. 977-1234.
ART LIST
On August 27, the University of Virginia Art Museum opens "A Jefferson Ideal: Selections from the Dr. and Mrs. Henry C. Landon III Collection of American Fine and Decorative Arts," which will remain on display through November 23. 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 closes August 27. 155 Rugby Road. 924-3592.
Les Yeux du Monde presents Megan Marlatt's "Ten Years After the NEA: Ten Years of Painting," on view through August 30. The gallery hosts a closing reception for the artist on Friday, August 26, 5:30-7:30pm. 115 S. First St. 973-5566.
The Piedmont Virginia Community College Gallery features a not-to-be-missed installation, "Doubleness: Peripheral Memories," by artist Jennifer Van Winkle, which runs through September 21. An artist's reception is scheduled for Wednesday, August 31, 5-7pm. V. Earl Dickinson Building. 434-5203.
The University of Virginia's Newcomb Hall Gallery displays photographer Richard Robinson's "Dreaming in Italian" through September 9. 924-8825. See Art Feature, page 44.
The C&O Gallery shows Richard Bower's "Seventeen Paintings" until August 31. 515 E. Water St. (next to the C&O Restaurant). 971-7044.
Through the end of August, the Main Street Market Galleria presents Rudger Clawson's latest paintings. 416 W. Main St. 244-7800.
Transient Crafters presents the watercolors of jenni elle in an exhibition entitled "Not Just Florals," on display until August 31. 118 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 972-9500.
Just a few days left to catch the Charlottesville Community Design Center's show of James Hall's photographic series, "Artifacts of Light and Memory: The C.B. Holt 'Rock House,'" through August 31. All proceeds go 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.
Beginning August 29, the Northside Library features the Piedmont Pastelists member show of pastel paintings, on view through September 30. 300 Albemarle Square. For info, contact Dick Carpenter, 974-6010.
Through the end of August, the 5th Floor Gallery at Keller Williams features a solo show of Andrew Hersey's photography. 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.
Marta Sanchez's "The Angel Series," which draws attention to sexual violence and its survivors, is on display at Fusion through August. 412 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 923-3354.
For its August show, The Gallery @ 5th & Water showcases Pat Howe's "The Colors of Summer," an exhibition of acrylic paintings. Located in the upstairs foyer of Henderson & Everett, P.C. 107 Fifth St. 979-9825.
Through September, the 302 presents work by Pacific Northwest artists Lisa Sheets, Doug Kinney, and Sultan Mohamed. 300 W. Main St. (top floor&emdash;enter on Ridge St.). Contact: .
Sage Moon Gallery presents an August exhibition of Allen Sandy's oils. 420 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 977-9997.
During August, Starr Hill features work by Nicole Truxell in its gallery. 709 Main St. 977-0017 x 23.
Vanity Salon and Serenity Spa feature the photography of Aimee Susanah and Nick Kessler during August. 1112 E. High St. 977-3332.
Luther Gore presents a show of oils and watercolors entitled "Cloudscapes: An Intrusion of Airplanes," at Art Upstairs, through August 31. 316 E. Main St., above The Hardware Store, on the Downtown Mall. 923-3900.
Charlottesville-Albemarle Art Association members Sandra Austin, Blake Hurt, Ed Mochel, Gigi Payne, Coy Roy, and Ralph Schultz have work on view at the Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Airport through November 7. Airport Road. 295-2486.
For the month of August, BozArt Gallery presents its "Associates Show," a collective display of members' artwork. 211 W. Main St. 296-3919.
During August, Jack Cacciatore presents his photography at Fellini's #9. 200 W. Market St. 979-4279.
Through September, Romney Brand presents "Sparkles of Light," a show of neo-primitive oil paintings, at Breadworks. 923 Preston Ave. 979-1470.
Glo is currently showing paintings by Christian Peri. 225 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 295-7432.
Blue Ridge Beads & Glass displays new paintings and art glass by Jerry O'Dell. 1724 Allied St. 434.293.2876.
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
The Artisans Center of Virginia presents 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.
Sweet Briar College opens "Paula Helenveld: Ancient Wisdoms and Natural Actions at Akrotiri 1500 BC" on August 25 in its Benedict Hall Gallery. The show remains on view through October 30. Plus, in the Babcock Gallery, Sweet Briar presents "Sue Johnson: Fragments from the Alternate Encyclopedia," which is on display through October 16. 800-381-6100.
Beginning August 27, Yakima Bokoles shows new work at Scottsville's Gallery of Healing. Opening reception, August 27, 5-9pm. 330 Valley St., Studio c (around back). 286-4400.
During August, local art impresario Monty Montgomery displays his latest exhibition, "assorted flavors," at Richmond's ADA Gallery. 228 W. Broad St. 804-644-0100.
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. In addition, the museum features a rotating series of paintings under the umbrella title of "An Enduring Legacy: Paintings Acquired Through the J. Harwood and Louis B. Cochrane Fund for American Art," 200 N. Boulevard. 804-204-2704.
The new Virgnia Holocaust Museum Art Gallery presents an exhibition of paintings by G. Roy Levin, on view through December 31. 2000 E. Cary St., Richmond. 804-257-5400.
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.
In Lexington during August, the Nelson Fine Arts Gallery displays "Et Hoc Genius Omne," an exhibition of paintings by Kelly Gravely Mattox. 27 W. Washington St. 540-463-9827.
Lovingston's Eye of the Beholder gallery, located in the Packing Shed, features work by E. Hudson, G. Mankie, and D. Garland. Front St. 295-8097.
The Barn Swallow features pottery by Janice Arone and Mary Ann Burke, plus other handcrafted artwork. Route 682 off 250W. 979-4884.
The Ed Jaffe Gallery features paintings and marble sculptures by Ed Jaffe, plus abstract photographs by Marc Jaffe. 108 W. Main St., Orange. 540-672-2400.
Staunton's Middlebrook Gallery offers contemporary art and fine crafts, including sculpture by Ken Smith. 5 Middlebrook Ave. 540-885-9955.
Other
The Central Virginia Watercolor Guild has a few bus seats available for its September 20 field trip to view art in Washington, DC. The bus will depart Charlottesville at 7:45am and return at 8:45pm. Info: 842-2350 or 489-5445.
The annual Fluvanna Heritage Trail Foundation Art Show invites artists to submit recent work celebrating the region's heritage for its juried exhibition, which opens October 1. Deadline for entry is Friday, September 23. Entry forms are available at Court Square Studio and Maggie's House in Palmyra, the Fluvanna County Library, and the Community Center in Fork Union. For more information, call Martha at 434-589-6545 or email .
FEATURES/FEATURES/FEATURES
ART
Déjà vu: Robinson's past perfect photos
BY LAURA PARSONS
We all have our idols– those who excel at what we ardently aspire to do (my own word-filled pantheon includes adventure writer Tim Cahill and Salon.com's Heather Havrilesky). And, yes, there's something to the cliché, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
But here's the catch: faithfully following in someone else's creative footsteps means never making new tracks (which is why I will not call you "my tender little crabcakes," á la Havrilesky– tempting as it may be).
And that brings us to Richard Robinson, black and white photography's equivalent of a tribute band. No question– Robinson, whose exhibition "Dreaming in Italian" is currently on view at UVA's Newcomb Hall Gallery– has the ability to create exquisite photographs. All 20 images in the show reveal his talent for observation and composition. The toned silver gelatin prints also highlight Robinson's skill in the darkroom, where he evokes a stunning range of tones, adding a subtle sepia tinge.
Beautiful, granted, but I can't escape the feeling that I've seen Robinson's photographs before. His images echo the work other photographers– Andre Kertesz, Eugene Atget, Walker Evans, and Henri Cartier-Bresson– all virtuosos from the first half of the 20th century.
Sometimes, the shots seem to pay specific homage. For example, Robinson's "Lips Poster," juxtaposing a juicy billboard ad with bland apartment buildings, appears inspired by Evans' 1936 "Houses and Billboards."
Elsewhere, Robinson– perhaps unintentionally– seems to be running through a generic shot list of photographers' greatest hits: reflection in shop window, pigeon casting shadow, stone stairs, old women sitting on the street, dog portrait, etc. To his credit, he executes each image with loving finesse. And anyone unfamiliar with photographic history would certainly be wowed. But lovely as Robinson's work is, there's little new here.
One photograph, however, hints that Robinson may yet tear himself away from his masters' lenses. In "Roma Rower," an expanse of uninterrupted, dark water fills the lower three-quarters of the image. Into the center of the upper image comes a tiny, bright skiff, powered by a white-backed rower, whose oars leave parallel trails of expanding circles in their wake. Curving across the top of the frame above the boat, watery reflections ripple with buildings and an arched bridge, rising on the right and providing startling illumination.
The composition is unusual and captivating. And, for a change, the photograph reminds me of no one but Richard Robinson.
Richard Robinson's "Dreaming in Italian" is on view at the University of Virginia's Newcomb Hall Gallery through September 9. Third floor, Newcomb Hall. 924-8825.
CULTURE OPENER- Femmes storm into town: Still 'selling out' after all these years
BY VIJITH ASSAR
When one imagines the Violent Femmes on tour, it's all too easy to picture the Warner Brothers' Tasmanian Devil rampaging through the Australian outback, limbs flailing in a storm of destruction and entertaining noises.
They'll whirlwind their way into town on the August 25, but unlike Taz, their fury has a purpose: they're touring in support of Permanent Record, a career overview which, oddly enough, was designed to appeal to the broadest audience possible– "the casual fans," as guitarist and lead singer Gordon Gano fondly calls them.
Twenty years ago, he might not have cared about them at all.
Stranger still is the fact that it's their second "Best Of" compilation, the first being a 10-year retrospective released– well, about 10 years ago.
Recently, an interview with Gano provided The Hook with an interesting insight into a band whose members are now as far away from their first "Greatest Hits" album as they then were from their initial impact.
The Hook: Your market has always been hard to nail down. What kind of crowd do you draw these days?
Gano: Well, it's interesting. Many of the group's biggest fans weren't born when the first album came out. It does change depending on the venue, but we always get two generations quite easily.
The Hook: That's an interesting gap to straddle.
Gano: With us it's always a mix. Some fans leave us, and the words they throw around are "sold out," even if nothing's different except that we're more popular. Even before our first record came out, there were people who were describing themselves as "former Violent Femmes fans." But then sometimes we play these shows– these rare occasions where we play a folk festival or something– where people have never heard us before, and they always end up liking us.
The Hook: Folk festivals?
Gano: Yeah, they're usually pretty receptive. We've played a few up in Canada, and one traveling show headlined by Joan Baez. And we all do other sorts of music, so we don't lose our minds.
The Hook: Speaking of which, your bassist, Brian Ritchie, having conquered everything else already, recently began focusing on a type of Japanese bamboo flute?
Gano: Yeah, he's completely dedicated to it. It's an everyday practice for him.
The Hook: How has your show changed over the years?
Gano: It hasn't, except that we've all gotten better at what we do, like our singing is a little more in tune. And Brian can play even more instruments.
The Hook: What does it feel like to look back and realize that the poster child for youthful expression has matured into the consummate rock and roll professional?
Gano: You're just guessing about that maturity part, right? That's a lot to assume.
Fans, former fans, and future former fans converge on the Charlottesville Pavilion at 7:30pm Thursday, August 25. Tickets $10-22. charlottesvillepavilion.com