Cultural Calendar: 11/17/2005-11/24/2005

THURSDAY, November 17
FAMILY
Theory of Relativity: Families United Through Adoption hosts a discussion of the book Parenting from the Inside Out by Dan Siegel and Mary Hartzell. Merging attachment theory and brain research, the book explains how attuned parenting helps us raise healthy and secure children. This discussion will be helpful to all parents– adoptive and non-adoptive. 6:30-8:30pm. Free. Reservations are appreciated but not required. 408 E. Market St., Suite 204, near the Central Library. 923-8253.

Students with Disabilities: PREP/Parent Resource Center hosts a free workshop on 504 plans. This federal legislation provides educational accommodations for students with chronic health issues, ADHD, or other health restrictions. Howard Kallem and David Berkowitz from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights explain the nuts and bolts of this often confusing subject. 6:30-8:30pm. Free. Reservation requested. Albemarle Resource Center 1200 Forest St. 975-9400, ext. 2342.

Knightime: Bob Brown Puppets present a Renaissance Faire at Northside Library. Colorful marionettes show up as knights, dragons, and jesters who perform with toe-tapping music. 4pm. Free. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.

Tales for Tots: The 5 and under crowd can enjoy storybook favorites about Thanksgiving at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.

STAGE
Cloud 9: UVA's fall drama festival offers the Obie award-winning Cloud 9 by Caryl Churchill. Director Betsy Tucker describes the play as a "funny, farcical look at sex and power." Final performance tonight at 7:30. $14, discounts for students and people 60+. Helms Theater, Culbreth Road. 924-3376.

Call of the Wild: For this new musical, playwright Jon Lipsky combines and adapts Jack London's classic Alaskan adventure novels Call of the Wild and White Fang into a single story exploring the humanity in every creature and the idea of unconditional love. Bill Barclay's music is a blend of music hall, honky-tonk, and folk styles. Final performance during the UVA fall drama festival tonight at 8. $16, discounts for students and people 60+. Culbreth Road. 924-3376.

Having Our Say: Live Arts presents this collection of anecdotes and memories recounted by 103-year-old Sadie and 101-year-old Elizabeth Delany, two sisters living together in Mount Vernon, NY. When the play opens, the sisters invite the audience to listen to 100 years of family history, professional struggles, and personal triumphs. 7:30pm, $12. 123 E. Water St. 977-4177.

Blackfriars Theater
10 S. Market St., Staunton.
540-885-5588
Paula Poundstone Live in Concert: Appearing on stage with a stool, microphone, and a can of Diet Pepsi, Paula Poundstone's ability to create humor on the spot is legendary. There's a wonderful synergy to each of her one-of-a-kind two-hour shows. She improvises with a crowd like a jazz musician, swinging in unexpected directions without a plan. Paula is so quick and unassuming that audience members leave complaining that their cheeks hurt from laughter! A limited number of seats still available. 7:30pm, $35.

WALKABOUT
Mercury Testing: Worried that you might be at risk for mercury poisoning? All it takes to find out for sure is a few minutes and less than an inch of your hair. The Sierra Club and Student Environmental Action at UVA host a free mercury hair testing event to determine the levels of mercury in Charlottesville women. 10-11:30am at Arlington Hair Studio, 1924 Arlington Blvd. Call Joshua Low at 804-225-9113 to register.

Grow Slow: This month's meeting of Advocates for a Sustainable Albemarle Population features a discussion on optimal population size with Rich Collins, a retired UVA professor and head of UVA's Institute of Environmental Negotiations. 7:30pm at the Westminster Presbyterian Church library. All members of the community are welcome. 974-6390 or stopgrowthasap.org.

Think While You Drink: Claude Delfosse, owner of DelFosse Vineyard and Winery, steps behind the bar at VaVino as guest bartender from 6-8pm. He'll pour his wines free of charge, and will be available to answer questions or just chat about wine. 974-9463.

WORDS
Living, Learning, and Leading: Dr. LuoLuo Hong, dean at West Campus Arizona State University, discusses her work as an activist, educator, motivator, comedian, and survivor encouraging students to make positive changes in their lives. Free, 7-9pm. Newcomb Hall ballroom. 982-2361.

TUNES
Satisfaction at R2. The best in R&B, top 40, and hip-hop. Ladies free all night/men $5.

Silent Diner with Shane Hines and the Trance at the Outback Lodge. $5, 10pm.

Salsa Night at Satellite Ballroom. Lessons 8-9pm, dancing all night! Doors 8pm, $6.

Monkey Worx Drum Showcase featuring Ezra Hamilton at Atomic Burrito. No cover, 10:30pm.

Joseph Mills at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.

George Melvin at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6:30pm.

Slaid Cleaves at Gravity Lounge. $15/$12, 8pm.

Marc Broussard, Brandi Carlile, and the Gibb Droll Band at Starr Hill. $14/$12, 9pm.

Go and Voltage at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. Donations accepted, 9:30pm.

Thompson/D'earth at Miller's. $4, 10:30pm.

Karaoke at the Lazy Parrot Grill. No cover, 8:30pm.

The Nice Jenkins at Mellow Mushroom. No cover, 10:30pm.

Silent Diner and Shane Hines and the Trance at the Outback Lodge. $5, 9pm.

Clarence Green's Chameleon Project at Zocalo. No cover, 9pm.

FRIDAY, November 18
ART
Barn Swallow Pottery: Opening reception for this month's show by Janice Arone and Mary Ann Burk (pottery), Joe Sheridan (twig furniture), Lotta Helleberg (textiles), Leslie Chisholm (jewelry), and John Grant (photography). 5-8pm. Rt. 682, Ivy. 979-4884.  

Love Magic: "Yilpinji: Love Magic and Ceremony," the current show at the Kluge-Ruhe aboriginal art gallery, is an exhibition of prints by artists exploring the traditions of love magic rituals among the Kukatia and Warlpiri people of the Tanami Desert. The opening reception for the show, which will be up through January 15, is 5:30-7:30 tonight. 400 Worrell Drive, off Route 250 East at Pantops. 244-023.

ART AND FAMILY
Eye for Art: Today is the deadline for those with an eye for a good story to put their talent to work in the 18th annual Writer's Eye Competition at the University of Virginia Art Museum. Children in elementary through high school can view a selected group of art works at the Museum and write an original poem or short story in response to one of the pieces. Forms and instructions are available at the Museum. Tuesday-Sunday, 1-5pm. Free. Rugby Road. 924-7458. virginia.edu/artmuseum.

FAMILY
Get Real: Real boys… and girls too… take the stage at the Old Michie Theatre in Pinocchio. The play, based on the classic Carlo Collodi tale, tells the story of a marionette puppet who yearns to become a real boy. 7pm. $7.50. 221 E. Water St. 977-3690. oldmichie.com.

No Time for Toys: Babes in Toyland marches onto the stage as Black Box Players, a local community theatre group, present this family friendly musical classic at Burnley-Moran Elementary School Auditorium. 7pm. $8. Rt. 250 Bypass. 970-7600.

Star Struck: The view is out of this world at Public Night at McCormick Observatory from 7-9pm (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.

WALKABOUT
Jeffersonian Thanksgiving Festival: Experience what Charlottesville was like during the American Revolution. Mingle with famous statesmen, soldiers, craftsmen, clergymen, and citizens gathered for a day of public Thanksgiving with about 150 costumed actors at several venues downtown. There will also be a rededication of Court Square, speakers, period music, dancing, historic illumination, and more. 6-7:30pm. Details: 249-4032 or jeffersonthanksgiving.org.

Greek Festival: Celebrate the Mediterranean life at the Charlottesville Greek Festival. Enjoy a mini-taverna, plenty of tasty Greek delicacies, entertainment, and more. A traditional Greek meal is availableat ala carte price. Vegetarian options also available. 10am-8pm at the Greek Orthodox Church, McIntire Road and Perry Drive. 973-4091.

Bella Lombardia: A cocktail party with an educational twist, Bella brings together the wines, food, culture, and language of Italy. This month sample seven Lombard wines introduced by Robert Harllee, nibble a variety of Lombard foods, learn about Italian futurism, enjoy a live opera aria, and more. $30. 5:30-8pm. 220-4300 for reservations.

Ice Action: The Virginia hockey team takes on Virginia Tech at the Downtown Ice Park tonight at 10pm. UVA students free, general public, $6. uvahockey.com.

 WORDS
Adaptation: Stephen Shifflet leads a discussion of New Yorker staff writer Susan Orlean's classic non-fiction work, The Orchid Thief, at Northside Library's Books Sandwiched In reading club. Noon-1pm. Free. 973-7893.

Checks and Balances: USA Today reporter and author Joan Biskupic discusses the legacy of Sandra Day O'Connor and the future of the Supreme Court with Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson at the Miller Center Forum. 11am at 2201 Old Ivy Road. Free and open to the public. 924-7236.

 STAGE
Night of January 16: This 1933 drama is still relevant today amid sensational trials and business scandals. In an unusual twist, a jury of audience members decides how the performance ends. 7:30pm. $10 adults, $8 seniors and students. PVCC, 500 College Road. 961-5376.

Having Our Say: See Thursday, November 17. Tonight's show is at 8pm.

Good Man: The Albemarle Players present You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, with a student-faculty cast. Fun for the whole family. 8pm, $8/$7 adv. Albemarle High School, Hydraulic Road. 975-9300 x 4213.

Shenandoah Shakespeare
10 S. Market St., Staunton. 540-885-5588
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? 7:30pm.

TUNES
Here at Last: Neuronimo guitarist Thomas Gunn releases his debut album, Sleeping Giants, at Gravity Lounge tonight– sort of. At the official release at Rapunzel's on October 29, the discs weren't ready. "What's coming out on Friday is actually the first time it's being seen," he says. "I made copies to make the people happy who came to see me, but this is the first time the artwork is being seen.

Thomas Gunn and Jeff Romano at Gravity Lounge. $5, 7pm.

Drag show followed by dancing with DJ Frank Rivera at Club 216. Membership required.

Groove Nation (Stroud) at R2. Top 40, R&B, Dancehall, Reggaeton, Hip-Hop. $6 before 11:30pm/$10 after.

Osmosis at the Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.

George Turner and Royce Campbell at Bashir's. No cover, 10pm.

Bob Bennetta at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6pm.

2 Red Shoes at Fellini's #9. No cover, 10pm.

Dreaming Isabelle at Gravity Lounge. $1, 10pm.

Osmotic with Shane Gamble at the Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.

Junior Moment at Rapunzel's. No cover, 8pm.

The Impossible Shapes at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. Donations accepted, 9:30pm.

Karaoke at Damon's Sports Bar and Grill. No cover, 9pm.

Vernon Fisher at Fossett's at Keswick Hall. 6:30pm.

 SATURDAY, November 19
ART
Barn Swallow: See Friday, November 18. Hours today are 10am-5pm.

ART AND FAMILY
Aboriginal Tales: Val Walker directs Story Theatre for children ages 5-11 and their families at the Kluge-Ruhe Collection. Children enact the Aboriginal story Moonglue playing various roles and using a variety of props. A book of Aboriginal rhymes by artist Alick Tipoti will be used as a warm-up exercise and a way to learn vocabulary from the Torres Strait Islands. 1:30-3:00pm. Free. Reservations required. 400 Worrell Drive, Peter Jefferson Place. 244-0234.

FAMILY
Pieces of Another World: Former Hook staffer Mara Rockliff reads from her book about a child's visit to a meteor shower, and a UVA astronomer talks about meteors. Illustrator Salima Alikhan does an art project with children. Copies of book available for sale. 12:30 and 2pm. $3 members, $5 nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Virginia Discovery Museum, east end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.

 Get Ready for College: An admissions consulting firm presents a seminar to college bound students at the Renaissance School. 9-10:30am (seniors) Tips for presenting an impressive application; elements of a good application essay; interview strategies; and how many schools to apply to. 10:45-11:30am (juniors, sophomores, freshmen) Tips on finding schools that interest you; visiting college campuses; resume building: what you can do today to prepare for applying to college. Seating is limited. Free, but registration required. 406 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 984-1952. RenaissanceSchool.org.

 Into the Closet: Peter and Lucy venture into the magical land of Narnia as the Carpenter Science Theatre Company performs The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. This main stage production opens today and runs through January 1. 1pm and 3pm. $8. 2500 W. Broad St. 800-659-1727. smv.org.

 Puppets in the City: Esther, the country mouse, and Priscilla, the city mouse, discover the true meaning of friendship after each one visits the other's home. Old Michie Theatre presents a whimsical puppet adaptation of this classic children's tale. 11am, 2 and 4 pm. $5. 221 E. Water St. 977-3690. oldmichie.com.

 Wonderful Wizards: Young fans can celebrate the exciting release of the fourth Harry Potter movie with a full day of magic at the Children's Museum of Richmond. Featured events include an International Quidditch Cup Tournament, wand-making, and rousing readings from The Goblet of Fire. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and others will be on hand to meet and greet. Intended for ages 4 years old and up. 10am-4pm. Included in the cost of general admission. 2626 W. Broad St.

 The Right Stuff: What's it like to be on the cutting edge of flight? Test pilots Scott Crossfield, Warren Hall, and Gary Freeman share their personal adventures at the Virginia Aviation Museum. Crossfield is the first person to fly the X-15. Hall flies test aircraft for NASA. Freeman has tested Navy F-14, F-18, and A-4 fighter planes. 10:30am-4pm. Included with museum admission. 5701 Huntsman Road, Richmond International Airport. 804-236-3622. vam.smv.org.

Get Real: See Friday, November 11.

No Time for Toys: See Friday, November 11.

STAGE
Having Our Say: See Thursday, November 17. Tonight's show is at 8pm.

Night of January 16: See Friday, November 18.

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– and time's running out. 7:30pm.

Comedy of Errors: Shakespeare's shortest play concerns twins– both named Dromio– and another set– both named Antipholus. The twin Dromios are slaves, employed to look after the Antipholus two, but then there's a shipwreck, a ransom, much falling in love and escaping to convents. Hence the name of the play. As expected, at the end everyone is saved, rescued, or married. 2pm.

WALKABOUT
The Tech Game: Charlottesville's football season is nearing its end, but not before the Cavaliers face in-state rival Virginia Tech. Ticket prices vary, and good luck finding one. Info and tix: 800-542-UVA1.

Skating Show: Local figure skaters Ryan and Miriam Edwards are headed to the Junior National Figure Skating Championships in Jamestown, New York, in 2006. Watch their competition program, "Mask of Zorro," today at a benefit skating show at the Ice Park with other local skaters too. 5:30pm, pay-what-you-will. 817-2400.

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 

Truffle Dinner: Chef Melissa Close and Chef Craig Hartman present a four-course truffle dinner paired with six wines. Reservations required. Barboursville Vineyards. $125/person, all-inclusive. 7pm. 540-32-7848.

Jeffersonian Thanksgiving Festival: See Friday, November 18. 6-7:30pm all over downtown. Free. 249-4032.

 WORDS
Kokopelli Journals: Laura Cockerille Giannini reads from her book about a reservation dog who led her into all sort of adventures. 2-6pm Almost Home Pet Adoption Center, Rt. 29 South, Lovingston. $5 from each book's sale benefits the adoption center. 540-832-7048. kokopellijournals.com.

TUNES
Dance all night at Club 216 with music by DJ Frank Rivera. Membership required.

Smoove (DJ Ism) at R2. Soulful House, Classic Funk, Old Skool Dancehall, Hip-Hop, and Go-Go. $5 before 11:30pm/$8 after.

American Dumpster and The Falsies at the Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.

Missing Mason at Fellini's #9. No cover, 10pm.

Devon Sproule and Robin Wynn at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.

The John Jorgerson Quintet at The Prism. $22/$18, 8pm.

XPS and DJ Quarter-Roy at Starr Hill. $8/$6, 10pm.

Mary Robinson, Bob Bowen, and Bill Edmonds at the Blue Bird Café. No cover, 6pm.

Eli Cook at Rapunzel's, 7:30pm.

Down 'Til Now at the Wild Wing Café. No cover, 9pm.

Jazz night at the Blue Bird Café. No cover, 7pm.

Vernon Fisher at Fossett's at Keswick Hall. 6:30pm.

SUNDAY, November 20
ART
Barn Swallow: See Friday, November 18.

STAGE
Give it a Try: Try out tonight and tomorrow night for a role in Live Arts' February production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. 7pm. 123 E. Water St. 977-4177.

Good Man: The Albemarle Players present You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, with a student-faculty cast. Fun for the whole family. 2pm, $8/$7 adv. Albemarle High School, Hydraulic Road. 975-9300 x 4213.

Night of January 16: See Friday, November 18. Today's show is a 2:30pm matinee.

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. 2pm.

DANCE CARD
Sunday Salsa: Ninety percent salsa and 10 percent merengue, cha-cha and more. Every Sunday with the Charlottesville Salsa Club at the Outback Lodge. 8pm-midnight.

FAMILY
Get Real: See Friday, November 11. Today's performance is at 3pm.

No Time for Toys: See Friday, November 11. Today's performance is at 3pm.

WALKABOUT
Freebie: Ash Lawn-Highland hosts its annual open house tours today, the anniversary of the Monroes' move to Highland in November 1799. All sorts of activities abound, and admission to the house is free. 1000 James Monroe Parkway, 2.5 miles past Monticello. 293-9539 or ashlawnhighland.org.

Early Music Meeting: The Shenandoah Recorder Society meets on the third Sunday of every month to discuss the recorder and early music in general. 5pm at Christ Episcopal Church. Open to all. For more information, call 295-1395.

Pet Nutrition Seminar: Confused about pet foods? Want a healthier pet? This seminar teaches about pet food ingredients, natural alternatives, raw food diets, and more. 2pm. Free, but call 296-7048 to reserve a space. Animal Connection, 1701E Allied St. in the McIntire Business Park across from Circa.

Jeffersonian Thanksgiving Festival: See Friday, November 18. 6-7:30pm all over downtown. Free. 249-4032.

TUNES
Hot Hot Heat, We Are Scientists, and The Redwalls at Starr Hill. $15, 9pm.

Suzanne McDermott at Windmore's Festival of Trees at the Depot in Culpeper. Free, noon, 2pm, 4pm.

The Spinns and The Points at Atomic Burrito. No cover, 10:30pm.

Hell on the Nine Mile featuring Matthew and Aaron Olwell at Gravity Lounge. $8, 6pm.

Dan Sebring and Bill Edmonds at the Blue Bird Café. No cover, 6pm.

B.C. at Miller's. No cover, 11pm.

MONDAY, November 21
PERFORMANCE
Give it a Try: See Sunday, November 20.

WALKABOUT
Silver Gavel Unit: The local chapter of the National Association of Parliamentarians welcomes members of the community interested in learning about parliamentary procedure and Robert's Rules of Order. The group meets today at 10am in the Virginia National Bank board room at 1900 Arlington Blvd. 540-832-2365 for details.

No Parkway, Yes Transit: Help make the switch from subsidizing endless sprawl with more roads to supporting walkable development with convenient transit, bike paths and sidewalks. Walking and biking rally at 7pm at City Hall. 882-1069.

WORDS
Hero Reading: Discuss the first swashbuckling hero novel of the 20th century, The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy, with the Nelson County Library Book Club. Noon to 2pm. Free. 263-5904.

TUNES
sesshin Session: James McLaughlin's "sesshin" project started as a blend of Old School Freight Train members with occasional jazz nuggets inserted by some of the area's best known musicians. Tonight they add another couple of elements: Hornsby sax man Bobby Read, who's recently found himself sitting in for a handful of shows. "I've really had a lot of fun playing with those guys," says Read. "It's interesting playing jazz related music with Darrell and Jesse, because they're coming at it from sort of a different background. They seem to really have their heads around it, though." Clare Quilty's Jenn Rhubright adds to the mix.

sesshin featuring Bobby Read in the Starr Hill Cocktail Lounge. Free, 7:30pm.

DJ Steve at Atomic Burrito. No cover, 10:30pm.

The Greg Ward Project at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.

Max Collins and Friends at the Outback Lodge. $2, 10pm.

George Melvin at the South Street Brewery. No cover, 7pm.

The Falsies and Mark Rock at Southern Culture. $0, 10:15pm.

Open mic night at Baja Bean. No cover, signups at 8:30pm, show at 9pm.

Matthew Willner at Miller's. No cover, 10pm.

Travis Elliott at the Virginian. No cover, 10pm.

TUESDAY, November 22
WALKABOUT
Songs Under Construction: Singer/songwriter Thomas Gunn discusses the creative process of songwriting, and plays acoustic music, too! 7pm, free. Crozet Library, in the old Train Station. Three Chop't Road. 823-4050 or jmrl.org.

TUNES
Sketchy at R2. No cover, 10pm.

Travis Elliott at Atomic Burrito. No cover, 10:30pm.

B.C. at the Outback Lodge. $2, 10pm.

Karaoke at City Limits. No cover, 9pm.

Ezra Hamilton at Mono Loco. No cover, 10pm.

WEDNESDAY, November 23
STAGE
Shenandoah Shakespeare
10 S. Market St., Staunton.
540-885-5588
The Three Musketeers: See Sunday, November 20. Today's show is at 7:30pm.

FAMILY
More Tales for Tots: The 5 and under crowd can enjoy storybook favorites at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.

WALKABOUT
The Many Footprints Before Us: Walk back in time and experience life at Wintergreen as it was thousands of years ago. Easy-moderate hike. 10am at the Wintergreen Nature Foundation. $6 (Foundation members, $3). 325-8169 to register.

TUNES
Jam with Jam (and maybe Peanut Butter, Too): Greg Howard's show tonight at Gravity Lounge will have a seasonally appropriate sheen of altruism– it's a benefit for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank for which admission will run $7 plus something nonperishable and yummy. "This time of year, people usually make donations to local charities," he says. "I realized that there was a big risk that the publicity for the hurricane relief efforts was going to make people forget, and the local need doesn't go away."

Greg Howard's Jam for Abundance at Gravity Lounge. $7, 8pm.

Jim Waive and the Young Divorcees at Atomic Burrito. No cover, 10:30pm.

Evan Mook at Fellini's #9. Solo at 7pm, trio at 10:30pm.

Guillotine X at the Outback Lodge. $5, 10pm.

Corey Harris with Jay Pun and Morwenna Lasko at Starr Hill. $12/$10, 9pm.

Mary Robinson and Friends at the Blue Bird Café. No cover, 6pm.

B.C. at the Buddhist Biker Bar. No cover, 11pm.

Bennie Dodd at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.

Karaoke at Fat Daddy's. No cover, 9pm.

Evan Mook at Fellini's #9. No cover, 8-11pm.

Karaoke at Jaberwoke. No cover, 21+, 10pm.

The Mike Rosensky and Jeff Decker Quartet at Miller's. No cover, 10:30pm.

Acoustic Groove Trio at Mono Loco. No cover, 10pm.

Open jam at Rapunzel's, 7pm.

THURSDAY, November 24
STAGE
Shenandoah Shakespeare
10 S. Market St., Staunton.
540-885-5588
Comedy of Errors: See Saturday, November 19. Stay after tonight's 7:30 show to chat with the cast.

DANCE CARD
Salsa Night at Satellite Ballroom. Lessons 8-9pm and dancing all night long! $6.

TUNES
Satisfaction at R2. The best in R&B, top 40, and hip-hop. Ladies free all night/men $5.

Joseph Mills at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.

Thompson/D'earth at Miller's. $4, 10:30pm.

Karaoke at the Lazy Parrot Grill. No cover, 8:30pm.

The Nice Jenkins at Mellow Mushroom. No cover, 10:30pm.

Upcoming and Ongoing
DANCE CARD
Cut a Rug: Terry Dean's Dance Studio gets everybody ready for a winter of indoor fun. Beginning dance classes in hustle (Monday, 7:30-8:15pm), waltz (Tuesday, 7:30-8:15pm), rumba (Wednesday, 7:30-8:15pm), samba (Thursday, 7:30-8:15pm), tango (Friday, day, 7:30-8:15pm), all levels West Coast swing (Friday, 8:15-9:00pm). Dance Party every Friday, 9-10:30pm ($10). Individual classes $10 per person per class. Friday class and dance party $10 inclusive. 1309 A. Seminole Trail. Details: 977-3327 or terrydeansdancestudio.com.

Square Dance Classes: Learn to do-si-do with the pros. The Virginia Reelers Square dance club offers beginning square dance classes on Tuesday nights. 7pm at Woodbrook School. Open to all, no experience necessary. Details: 296-9704.

Dancing 'Round the World: Learn circle, line, and partner folk dances from all over the world to authentic music from the Balkans, Middle East, South America, USA, and Africa. Beginners welcome. Ezher N. Uremiz instructs at the Senior Center, Pepsi Place. Tuesdays 6-8:30pm. 823-9705.

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.

WALKABOUT
Michie Tavern: Local residents can preview the Tavern Museum's Jamestown 1607-2007 commemorative exhibit and its 18th century fashion display. Free. Open daily 9am-5pm. Rt. 53 opposite Monticello. 977-1234.

Senior Basketball: Charlottesville Parks and Recreation offers basketball for seniors 55-up at the Key Recreation Center, 800 E. Market St. through February. Mondays 9:30-11:30am. 970-3271.

UVA Polo: Polo goes year round (well, almost). The university's nationally ranked squad has an indoor/outdoor facility on Forest Lodge, on the left off Fifth Street Extended, and they play every Friday night at 7pm, rain or shine. $2 students, $4 non-students. Info: student.Virginia.edu/~polo. 979-0293.

Ninja Yoga: Toward a revolution of consciousness. Suitable for all levels of expertise. Free and open to the public at "Better than Television," a new community center in the art space under the Jefferson Theater. Times vary. 295-0872.

 Know When to Fold 'Em: The local chapter of Gamblers Anonymous meets every Tuesday night at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 717 Rugby Road. 296-2284.

ART AND FAMILY
Eye for Art: Those with an eye for a good story can put their talent to work in the 18th annual Writer's Eye Competition at the University of Virginia Art Museum. Through November 18, children in elementary through high school can view a selected group of art works at the Museum and write an original poem or short story in response. Forms and instructions are available at the Museum. Tuesday-Sunday, 1-5pm. Free. Rugby Road. 924-7458. virginia.edu/artmuseum.

FAMILY
Dog Daze: The Science Museum of Virginia is going to the "Dogs." It's their latest rotating exhibit that explores all the archetypes of Man's Best Friend. Visitors can don gigantic dog ears to locate and hear termites, examine dog and wolf skulls to see how they differ, explore a canine family tree, learn a bit of dog body language, watch a video of life from a wolf's perspective, and so much more. Dogs includes interactive exhibits, multi-media displays, artifacts, photo murals, and dioramas that include taxidermied wild canines and sculpted modern domestic dogs. Included in the price of admission. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.

Invasion Persuasion: Young outdoor types in 1-5 grades are invited to participate in the national 2005-2006 Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl Garden Club poster contest. This year's contest is dedicated to helping prevent the spread of invasive species in our nation's forests, but posters do not necessarily need to have this theme. Deliver posters to the Dogwood Garden Club Chairman by December 1. For rules and to arrange for pick up of posters, call 979-9900.

Take a Hike: Young outdoorsmen can discover what camping is all about at a new exhibit at the Back Gallery at the Virginia Discovery Museum. Visitors can follow a map to their campsite in the deciduous forest of the Blue Ridge, pitch a tent and settle into a sleeping bag, or enjoy all the outdoors has to offer including hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife. Through January 15. Included in the price of admission. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.

Playing Doctor: The Health Hut comes to the Virginia Discovery Museum from its former home at the UVA Children's Hospital. This interactive collection of activities helps kids learn about their bodies, health care, and making healthy choices. Slim Goodbody, for example, gives the inside scoop on the heart, lungs, and other organs. In the doctor's office, kids can view x-rays and examine patients. Discover the five senses, find out how much you weigh and how tall you are, and much more. This exhibit will be displayed in the Back Gallery for the next year. Included in the price of admission. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.

ART LIST
The University of Virginia Art Museum presents "Mi Cuerpo, Mi Pais: Cuban Art Today," on display through December 23. Also, "A Jefferson Ideal: Selections from the Dr. and Mrs. Henry C. Landon III Collection of American Fine and Decorative Arts" runs through November 23. 155 Rugby Road. 924-3592.

Through November 20, the McGuffey Art Center presents "An American in New Zealand: In Search of an Honest Life," an exhibition of Ann Cheeks' mixed-media paintings in the main gallery. In the downstairs hall, Steve Taylor shows "Hardware," a collection of oil paintings, and Juli Godine displays "Recent Pastel and Oil Still Life." Upstairs, photographer Murray Whitehill presents "A Resemblance to Reality, Digital Portrayals," and photographer John Grant shows "Recent Botanical Prints." On November 22, the McGuffey opens its annual Holiday Group Show, which will run through December 31. 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973.

Second Street Gallery presents "Ju-Yeon Kim: Recent Paintings" in the Main Gallery and "True Defenders of the Craft: Drawings by Warren Cragshead" in the Dové Gallery. Both shows run through November 26.115 Second St. SE (in the Charlottesville City Center for the Arts). 977-7284.

Les Yeux du Monde features two exhibitions, on view through November 26: "Drawings" by Christophe Vorlet and "Recent Paintings" by David Summers. 115 S. First St. 973-5566.

During November, UVA's Off Grounds Gallery presents an intriguing collaborative exhibition by almost 30 faculty, alumni, and artist friends under the title "The Land of Wandering: Exquisite History Volume I." 300 W. Main St., first floor (Ridge St. entrance). 924-6122.

Gallery 302 features paintings by Aaron Staengl during November. 300 W. Main St., Suite 302 (top floor, Ridge St. entrance). More info: .

Painter Nell Finger presents "Colors of Water" at Art Upstairs during November. Above the Hardware Store on the Downtown Mall. 923-3900.

Thirteen artists associated with local watercolorist Lee Alter have mixed-media works on display at ALC Copies during November. 1170 Emmett St. (corner of Barracks Road). 295-2679.

Piedmont Virginia Community College Gallery displays its Art Faculty Exhibition, which runs through November 30. Earl Dickinson Building. 434-5203.

The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection features "Yilpinji: Love Magic and Ceremony," exploring love magic rituals of the Kukajta and Warlpiri peoples of the Tanami Desert region. On view through February 18. 400 Worrell Drive (Pantops). 244-0234.

During November, Transient Crafters presents "Collaborative Creations," a show of works created by two or more artisans. All works displayed are open to bids in a silent auction to raise money for the cooperative. 118 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 972-9500.

Through November, the C&O Gallery presents "The Road Show," an exhibition of 20 new landscape paintings by David Eakin. 515 E. Water St. (next to the C&O Restaurant). 971-7044.

The Abundant Life Chiropractic and Gallery offers "Inner Spaces," a show of "fresh, bold abstracts" by Kim Baldt, on view during November. 201 E. Main St., Suite Q. 979-5433.

C'ville Coffee hosts an exhibition of paintings by Eugenia Rausse during November. 1301 Harris St. 817-2633.

Through November 28, The Charlottesville Community Design Center examines visions for the future of transportation in our fair city with the exhibition, "Destination: West Main." 101 E. Main St. 984-2232.

Angelo presents watercolorist Nga Bui Katz's exhibition, "Windows of the Soul," on view through December 31. 220 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 971-9256.

During November, James Covert shows his non-representational oil paintings at the Mudhouse. 213 W. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 984-6833.

Painter Lindsay Michie Eades presents "Faces" at Fellini's #9 through November 30. 200 W. Market St. 979-4279.

Artist Gerald Mitchell displays work to benefit the Charlottesville Free Clinic at The Jeweler's Eye during November. 201 E. Main St. 979-5919.

For its November show, The Gallery @ 5th & Water presents paintings by mother-daughter duo Anne & Sallie Meade in an exhibition entitled "Relative Impressions II." Located in the upstairs foyer of Henderson & Everett and Stoneking/vonStorch. 107 Fifth St. 979-9825.

In November, Sage Moon Gallery showcases oil paintings created plein aire by Jennifer Young. 420 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 977-9997.

The November show in the Laughing Lion Gallery is "Flesh Forms (don't bring the kids)," new paintings by Terrence Pratt. 103 E. Water St. (above London's). 984-4000.

This month, BozArt Gallery presents "A Celebration of Life," an exhibition of oil paintings by the recently deceased Vidu Palta. 211 W. Main St. 296-3919.

La Galeria offers a November showcase exhibition, "Pastels from Italy," by Barbara Albert. 218 W. Market St. (next to Vinegar Hill Theater). 293-7003.

Enjoy Cary Oliva's various photographic works at BodyLogic during November. 416 E. Jefferson St. (in Court Square). 971-7765.

For the month of November, New Dominion Bookshop features paintings by Patsy Walsh from her City Market Series. 404 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 295-2552.

Sidetracks is showing the hand-colored pen and ink drawings of Natalie Estrellita, "Touch the Hem of your Government," on view during November. 218 W. Water St. 295-3080.

Through November 28, artwork by Clark and Greenbrier Elementary School students is on display at City Hall. 605 E. Main St. 245-2414.

The Central Virginia Watercolor Guild has new work hanging at the Albemarle County Courthouse through November. 410 E. High St. 964-1423.

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

Gordonsville's Galerie LaParliere & Studios presents "Couleurs d'autmne," featuring work by Paula Pritchett and Bill Remington, on view through December 9. 117-A S. Main St. 540-832-3786.

The Williams School of Commerce at Washington and Lee University in Lexington offers a dual exhibition entitled "North and South," by painter Eric Fitzpatrick. The show remains on view through December. 540-458-8602

Richmond's Virginia Museum of Fine Arts presents "Dazzle" the first of four exhibitions under the title "Look Here," highlighting the museum's permanent collection, on view through January 29. The VMFA also 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 Virginia 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 "Equus II," a collection of work by area artists celebrating horses, on view through December 31. 149 E. Main St., Orange. 540-672-7311.

Barboursville's Nichols Gallery showcases work by Gray Dodson, Philip Koch, Frederick Nichols, and Tom Tartaglino in an exhibition entitled "Into the Mountains," on view through November 27. 540-832-3565.

Madison's Sevenoaks Pathwork Center features "Healing Artists," an exhibition of work by Magali Boehlen, Karen Collins, Cindy Haney, Trilbie Knapp,, and Alegria Barbara Strauss, which runs through December 3. 540-948-6544.

Nellysford's Spruce Creek Gallery presents "Rothwell and Rothwell," an exhibition of paintings by Junk Ono Rothwell and functional pottery by Nan Rothwell, on view through November 8. Route 151. 434-361-1859.

Lovingston's The Eye of the Beholder gallery offers "Stopping Points," featuring paintings, drawings, and photographs by Elizabeth Hutson. Located in the Packing Shed on Front St. 996-5058.

The Barn Swallow features pottery by Janice Arone and Mary Ann Burke, plus other handcrafted artwork. Opening reception Friday, November 18. See the calendar for more information. 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.

Other

VSA arts of Charlottesville/Albemarle invites artists with disabilities, ages 13 and up, to submit work for the Sixth Annual VSA Art Show. Ready-to-hang art will be accepted November 28, 29, and 30 at the Independent Resource Center, 815 Cherry Ave. The show will be on display at the Martin Luther King Performing Arts Center, January 13-March13, 2006. For more information, contact Mildred Spicer, 970-3264.

FEATURES/FEATURES/FEATURES
ART
Kim's chi: How does it all work?
BY LAURA PARSONS
Where does a drawing end and a painting begin? Can collage be internal as well as external? Such questions began percolating as I viewed Ju-Yeon Kim's abstract canvases at Second Street Gallery. But, upon close study of her deceptively harmonious pieces, my main thought was "This should not work."

Kim wields wild brushstrokes of intense color, renders exquisitely detailed flowers with the faintest of graphite lines, and stipples geometric shapes with rigid rows of coppery dots, all within the same canvas. Strange paramecium-like shapes move through clusters of stylized white blooms bursting forth in three-dimensional acrylic paint while beneath, blocks of watercolor-like washes drip haphazardly.

Such disparate elements cascade across Kim's seven large and 11 small canvases (there are also two works on paper) with surprising fluidity, gaining dimension and definition by the artist's use of negative space. Areas of Western modernism collide with traditional Eastern designs– yet miraculously don't clash. Each canvas appears like a garden in which some mad horticulturalist has created an organic chaos from a thriving kaleidoscope of plants.

None of it makes sense, and yet all of it makes sense. "I want it to be ambiguous," says Kim, who resists naming her works lest the titles influence viewers' interpretations.

Having grown up in Korea, Kim arrived in the U.S.10 years ago to study painting. "I came to America thinking I could be whomever I wanted, but soon I wasn't sure exactly who that was," she writes. "My paintings deal with that uncertainty and confusion, which show up visually as contradictions and create energy."

Within her personal emotional explorations, Kim freely alternates between drawing and painting, two dimensions and three– sometimes adding pasted-in petals and flowers. She layers precise floral patterns reminiscent of her Korean heritage between freeform jolts of color representing Western abstraction. Occasionally, Kim includes figural references– a robe, or perhaps a leg– but these are always left unarticulated, like half-relevant memories.

Her smaller pieces are particularly compelling. The compositional approach is similar to the larger canvases, but the limited size yields a concentrated energy and intensity that gives each a jewel-like quality.

With so much going on at so many levels in Kim's paintings, close scrutiny can prove dizzying. Fortunately, certain elements– like a patch of indigo flowers in the fourth canvas– provide anchors to which the eye can return for balance.

Or the viewer can simply step back and let the up-close cacophony again coalesce into unexpected harmony.

"Ju-Yeon Kim: Recent Paintings" is on view at Second Street Gallery through November 26. 115 Second St. SE. 977-7284.

BUZZ BOX- Heating up: Elevator takes group to top
BY VIJITH ASSAR
Hot Hot Heat started out with a sizable dose of indie rock credibility, and amazingly enough, even mainstream MTV success didn't do much damage to it. That was thanks to the single "Bandages" which was so damn lovable from the get-go that it evolved into the sort of crossover hit that makes the MTV audience pay more attention to indie instead of just pissing off all the hipsters.

With the weight of expectation now squarely on their shoulders, the band is currently on tour in support of Elevator, which occasionally even raises the bar in terms of snazzy pop chops.

The Hook: Much ado is made of the artistic changes the band went through before making it big– first starting as a noisy synth group and then finally going rock and roll. What do you think were the most important parts of that transition?

Steve Bays: The thing about that style is that it was really cool and it was really fun, but we kind of painted ourselves into a corner. If your sound is known for the instruments you're playing, there's only so much you can do. We wanted to be known for the songs we were writing. I like the idea of being able to make every album different. Make Up The Breakdown was different, and Elevator is different, and the new record that we're about half finished with is even darker and heavier.

The Hook: So you're already that far along on the next record?

Steve Bays: Yeah, we've just been writing a lot on the road, and we rehearse for about two hours a day. We're hoping to go into the studio about March or April. It's a bit more driving, and the songs are a bit more epic. It might have been from playing larger venues. Now we just like larger, sprawling songs.

The Hook: You're just trying to fill the space?

Steve Bays: Yeah, it's fun. On Elevator we have this song "Jingle Jangle." That one translates really well.

The Hook: Why did the guitarist leave just as you were reaching the peak of your success?

Steve Bays: He was brutally burnt out. We had this huge big blowout, and we all just wanted to quit. We were all just going insane. Plus, he was getting more into obscure folk stuff. It took us a year and a half to find our new guitar player, Luke. We were waiting to find someone who just blew us away, and he's one of the best musicians I've ever heard. It makes for a weird new chemistry in the band. We're all eager to impress each other.

The Hook: What changed for you after the MTV success?

Steve Bays: I think the main thing that affects us is just the pressure of each other. Whenever we've done something, we're like, "Okay, we can't do that again." There's definitely pressure within the band. It feels like we have something to prove to each other.

The Hook: What was your reaction when you found out there was a Steve Bays imposter on Myspace.com?

Steve Bays: The Internet is so weird. He was trying to get girls to send him naked pictures of them, and he promised he'd take them on tour. At the time, I didn't have any idea what myspace was, but now we have our own page.

The Hook: So have you tried to contact the guy?

Steve Bays: No, I didn't want him to get any satisfaction out of it.

For the ultimate in delicious irony, let's hope this article finds its way to him. Likewise, you should find your way to Starr Hill on November 20.

TUNES INTERVIEW- We can't forget: Corey Harris feels the pain
BY VIJITH ASSAR
Blues guitarist Corey Harris may be touring around the world right now, but sandwiched between dates in Spain and Portugal is a hurricane relief benefit show right here at home. Given his own history in New Orleans, he had a lot to say about the ongoing reconstruction efforts.

"We've had a lot of traveling. We've been all over Italy, except for the extreme south. Tomorrow we go to Slovenia. We don't really play a full blues show. It depends. We've played some blues clubs where we play a full blues set, and then we've had some clubs where we don't have much blues.

"We've had some shows where we don't play any blues at all. I like to have the freedom to play whatever I want. The material on Daily Bread was open to where people wouldn't recognize it as blues anymore, which is good because it's opening up the market as well. We're about to go tour in the Caribbean.

"I don't play very often in Charlottesville at all, but I know there have been commendable efforts to get people out to support the cause.

"I wanted to make sure I did something, because it would be wrong for me to do nothing. I owe my career to New Orleans– that's where I started playing. My grandmother is from New Orleans, and I grew up eating red beans and gumbo and all that. It would be criminal for me not to do anything.

"I think that with the media we deal with in the states, we deal with short attention spans, and I want to make people remember. This is one of many tragedies we deal with– there are probably people suffering in Kashmir right now, too.

"I think that a lot of history has been lost, obviously. Take the radio station WWOZ– they've lost a significant amount of their archives. New Orleans had a lot of audio files and memorabilia, and a lot of those collections were destroyed– either washed away or destroyed by mold and mildew.

"And then you have those musicians who lost everything, like Henry Butler, who's one of the best piano players alive. He lost all his equipment, all his pianos, his archives, sheet music, photographs, everything. We gotta do something, man."

#

CULTURE MASTER LIST
THURSDAY, November 3
STAGE
Cloud 9: UVA's fall drama festival opens tonight with the Obie award-winning Cloud 9 by Caryl Churchill. Director Betsy Tucker describes the play as a "funny, farcical look at sex and power." Cloud 9 continues in the Helms Theatre November 4, 5, 9&endash;12, and 15&endash;17 at 7:30pm. $14, discounts for students and people 60+. Culbreth Road. 924-3376.

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. Stay after tonight's 7:30 show to chat with the actors.

FAMILY
Adoption Option: November is Adoption Awareness Month, and Families United Through Adoption is celebrating with Adopt Talk, a series of discussions about the adoption option. Tonight's session focuses on issues prospective parents need to consider before they decide to adopt a child. "Do I Want to Adopt?" includes conversation about grieving the loss of infertility, being prepared for the child's grief, and helping their child understand adoption, along with potential life changes and the extra attention their child will need when she or he joins their family. The conversation is led by social worker and parent educator Chris Walker. 6:30-8:30pm. Free, donations accepted. 408 E. Market St., suite 204, near Central Library. 923-8253.

Tut, Tut! Eighty-three years ago this week, archaeologist Howard Carter led an expedition that discovered the undisturbed burial chamber of Egypt's child-king, Tutankhamun, who became pharaoh at the age of 9. Many priceless artifacts from King Tut's tomb are now on tour in the US, and while Northside Library is not among the tour's venues, local princesses and princes can go there to create their own cartouche in hieroglyphics, hear the story of the mummy's curse, and sample some ancient Egyptian "candy." 4pm. Free. Registration required. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.

Tales for Tots: The 5 and under crowd can enjoy animal tales at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.

WALKABOUT
French Conversation Luncheon: L'Alliance Française de Charlottesville meets the first Thursday of every month for casual, relaxed French language practice. Held at the restaurant L'Etoile on W. Main St. 11:30am. Details, Andrée Nesbit at 971-1118 or .

A Bit Late, But…: A restored version of the 1973 film, The Spook Who Sat by the Door, shows tonight at Better than Television. A black man plays Uncle Tom in order to gain access to CIA training, then uses that knowledge to plot a new American Revolution, turning the American dream into a nightmare! 6:45, no charge. Discussion follows. 295-0872.

Spanish Conversation Group: La Tertulia, a Spanish conversation group, meets 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 .

Wine Workshop: Tim Gorman, owner and winemaker at Cardinal Point Vineyards, steps behind the bar at VaVino as guest bartender tonight from 6-8pm. He'll pour his wines free of charge, and will be available to answer questions or just chat about wine. 974-9463.

TUNES
Gong Show: Charlottesville Gamelan Ensemble meets Thursdays to play music from Indonesia on bronze gongs and xylophones and is currently actively looking for new members to join the ensemble. Singers and percussionists (even beginners) welcome. 7:30-9pm. Call for directions: Cindy Benton-Groner 979-4818.

Technosonics: The fourth installment of the annual program hosted by the UVA Computer Music program happens tonight. Judith Shatin and Matthew Burtner welcome composer Douglas Repetto, whose work with plants fits right into the program's ecological theme. Once of his older pieces involves "teasing" a plant by manipulating its natural photokinetic responses, flipping switches on and off whenever it starts to grow close to a light source. This time, however, the plant won't be his victim– it will be his conductor. For "Molto Lento (with plant conductor)," participants position themselves on the stage and mimic the moving leaves. "The plant I use for this is a Prayer Plant, which folds its leaves up at night, so if it's at the right time and we get lucky, we might get some action," says Repetto, laughing again. The plant is probably having even more fun.

Technosonics VI: Ecology and E-Music. 8pm. Free. Old Cabell Hall. 924-3984.

The Sad Lives of the Hollywood Lovers at Atomic Burrito. No cover, 10:30pm.

Peyton Tochterman and High Society and Doug and Telisha Williams at Gravity Lounge. $5, 7:30pm.

Sanawon at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. $7/$3, 10pm.

Silent Diner at Mellow Mushroom. No cover, 10:30pm.

November's Child at the Outback Lodge. $5, 10pm.

Joe Ayers at the Prism. $10, 7:45pm.

Salsa Night at the Satellite Ballroom. $6, 8pm.

Beleza Brasil 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 Nice Jenkins at Mellow Mushroom. No cover, 10:30pm.

Acoustic Groove Trio at Mono Loco. No cover, 10pm. Dangus Kahn and The Tornadoes at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.

George Melvin at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6:30pm.

FRIDAY, November 4
ART AND WORDS
Enduring Innocence: Architect Keller Easterling talks about her book, Enduring Innocence: Global Architecture and its Political Masquerades, in which she explores the global urban landscape that exists outside normal constituencies and jurisdictions– resorts, information technology campuses, retail chains, golf courses, ports and other hybrid spaces. 5-6:30pm in Room 153 of UVA's Campbell Hall. 924-4298.

WORDS
Hear 'bout Old Hickory: University of Texas history professor H.W. Brands examines the life and political career of one of the country's most controversial figures, Andrew Jackson. Book signing follows. 10:30am. Free. Miller Center Forum. 2201 Old Ivy Road. 924-7236.

Local Literature: Author Victoria Airisun reads from Androgyny, Rebirth, and Mother Earth at Starr Hill. A signing follows. Free. 7:30pm.

WALKABOUT
Information Session: The Outdoor Adventure Social Club offers a photo show and social hour. 8-10pm. Free if you RSVP. 420 E. Main St. #3. outdoorsocial.com or 760-HIKE.

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.

Get Real: Real boys– and girls, too– take the stage at the Old Michie Theatre in Pinocchio. The play, based on the classic Carlo Collodi tale, tells the story of a marionette puppet who yearns to become a real boy. 7pm. $7.50. 221 E. Water St. 977-3690. oldmichie.com.

STAGE
Had Enough?: UVA's fall drama festival continues today with the opening of Ntozake Shange's Obie-winning For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf, directed by guest artist and professor Theresa M. Davis of West Virginia University. For Colored Girls… continues in the Culbreth Theatre November 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 at 8pm. 8pm, $14, discounts for students and people 60+. Culbreth Road. 924-3376.

Shenandoah Shakespeare
10 S. Market St., Staunton. 540-885-5588
Hamlet: Anyone who needs to read a description of what this play's about definitely needs to get on over to Staunton and check it out. Prince of Denmark, Ophelia in the stream, Laertes, and alas, poor Yorick! It's all here. 7:30pm.

TUNES
The Wave: When teenage rockers The Wave won a cool thousand bucks at ACAC's Battle of the Bands, they showed remarkable self restraint: instead of blowing it like many of their irresponsible peers might have, they instead funneled it back into the project and had their debut album mixed by Jeff Romano. "I wanted to show my friends what I did in my spare time. Then it took off to the next level, and now the CD is coming out," says guitarist Willie Denton-Edmundson.

The Wave at Gravity Lounge. $5, 4:30pm.

The Silent Type: Nathan Altice, frontman for Richmond-based band The Silent Type, attended UVA and played around town a few years back, mostly as a solo artist. He's excited about playing in town again, even though his old stomping grounds are no more. "I don't really know of any venues since Tokyo Rose shut down," he says. Who knows? Maybe the eccentricity of the Twisted Branch will win him over.

The Silent Type at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. $5/$3, 9pm.

Drag Show followed by dancing to music by DJ Frank Rivera at Club 216. Membership required.

Mark and Suzanne Slezak at Art Upstairs. No cover, 6pm.

Beleza Brazil at the Blue Bird Café. No cover, 7pm.

Clumsy Lovers at the Satellite Ballroom. $8, 8pm.

The Stabones, Supreme Commander, Group 36, and Vikings Deli at the Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.

Paddy Keenan at The Prism. $18/$15, 8pm.

Dougie Maclean at Starr Hill. $25/$20, 8pm.

The New Dominions at the UVA Chemistry Auditorium. $5, 8:30pm.

Vernon Fisher at Fossett's at Keswick Hall. 6:30pm.

SATURDAY, November 5
ART
Gallery Talk: Jill Hartz and Andrea Douglas talk about the current exhibit, "Mi Cuerpo, Mi País: Cuban Art Today." The special exhibit showcases work by contemporary Cuban artists drawn from the collection and on loan to the museum. Free and open to the public. UVA Art Museum. 155 Rugby Road. 924-3592.

WALKABOUT
Build Green: Attend a seminar and tour houses around town built using environmentally sound green building practices. "Building Green: Practical steps for Eco-friendly Residential Design and Construction" runs 10am-noon at the Charlottesville Albemarle Visitors Center on the Downtown Mall. $10 /person, $15 / couple. 1-5pm– on your own or in carpools– tour eight buildings with a variety of green building innovations ranging from energy efficiency and non-toxic materials to alternative heating systems, sustainable flooring, green roof designs, landscaping and much more. 977-0934 or .

UVA Football: Charlottesville's pigskin tradition continues to roll, this time against Temple. Ticket prices vary. Info and tix: 800-542-UVA1.

Montpelier Hunt Race: Travel north for the annual celebration of steeplechase racing and Southern hospitality at Montpelier, the Virginia Piedmont estate of President James Madison. Admission prices and parking fees vary. Gates open 9:30am. First race 1pm. Ticket info: 540-672-0027.

Fall Barrel Tasting: Taste the new Horton Vineyards wines from the barrel and enjoy the fall colors in beautiful Orange County. $5/person includes glass. 540-832-7440.

Pressure Drop: Free blood pressure screening happens the first Saturday of every month. No appointment necessary– walk in and stay healthy. 10am-noon. Martha Jefferson main lobby. Locust Avenue. Free parking. 971-5959.

Vinegar-Making Workshop: Review the basic principles of vinegar-making and learn how to use vinegar in preparing vegetables, meat, and dressings. 9:30am at the Monticello Garden Shop. $10; registration required. 984-9822.

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.

Chef School: Spend a few hours in the kitchen at King family Vineyards with Chef Alex Montiel and learn his culinary secrets. $50 fee includes class, wine, and lunch. Prepaid reservations required. 10am-12:30pm. 823-7800.

Community Sale: The Friends of Barboursville sponsors its 4th annual Community Yard & Bake Sale at the Barboursville Ruritan Club and adjacent Barboursville Pavilion. Furniture, toys, clothes, collectibles, books, baked goods, oh my. Sale starts at 7am at the intersection of Rt. 33 and Route 20. 540-832-3800.

WORDS
Cuban Art Today: UVA Art Museum director, Jill Hartz, and curator, Andrea Douglas, present this gallery talk in conjunction with the exhibit "Mi Cuerpo, Mi País: Cuban Art Today." Often working with limited resources, contemporary Cuban artists are pushing the boundaries of expression and technique. The talk is free and open to the public. 2pm. 924-3592.

FAMILY
Down Beat: Jeff Beatman tells stories and sings songs for wee ones at the Children's Museum of Richmond at 11am and 1pm. Also, in the America Recycles exhibit, kids can play games and make are with recycled materials from 11am-3pm. Included with the price of admission. 2626 W. Broad St., Richmond. 804-474-2667.

Apple of My Eye: The Cove-Garden Ruritan Club and Vintage Virginia Apples offer another chance to celebrate with their third annual Apple Harvest Festival. City folks can taste the apples at Rural Ridge Farm in North Garden and enjoy cider pressing, apple butter, Brunswick stew, hayrides, live music, crafts, historic exhibits…even learn to grow your own. Proceeds benefit the local community. 10am-5pm. Free. Rt. 29, 8 miles south of I-64. 297-2326. vintagevirginiaapples.com.

Open Road: Not only is Monticello Avenue the way into Belmont, it's also the local branch of the information superhighway. Monticello Avenue, the Computer Lab at Central Library, provides free Internet access to the public and free website hosting services to nearly 200 local non-profit organizations. This valuable community resource is celebrating its 10th anniversary with an Open House. 2-4pm. 201 E. Market St. 295-4410.

Sleepless in Charlottesville: Sleep-deprived parents are invited to a workshop designed to make you and your baby snooze. UVA nursing professor Emily Drake helps participants understand sleep patterns and sleep needs of infants and offers flexible approaches and practical tools to address the challenge of getting a good night's sleep. Free childcare available. 10:30am-noon. Free. Registration required. MACAA, Park Street. 296-4118, ext 257.

More Misfortune: Lemony Snicket's dark and gloomy stories about the doomed Baudelaire orphans get another book bigger with the publication of The Penultimate Peril. Fans can celebrate the release of this the 12th in the Series of Unfortunate Events with readings, games, and prizes at Barnes & Noble. 11:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.

Puppets in the City: Esther, the country mouse, and Priscilla, the city mouse, discover the true meaning of friendship after each one visits the other's home. Old Michie Theatre presents a whimsical puppet adaptation of this classic children's tale. 11am, 2 and 4 pm. $5. 221 E. Water St. 977-3690. oldmichie.com.

Get Real: See Friday, November 4.

STAGE
Call of the Wild: UVA's fall drama festival continues with tonight's opening of Call of the Wild. For this new musical, playwright Jon Lipsky has combined and adapted Jack London's classic Alaskan adventure novels Call of the Wild and White Fang into a single story exploring the humanity in every creature and the idea of unconditional love. The music by Bill Barclay is a blend of music hall, honky-tonk, and folk styles. Call of the Wild continues in Culbreth Theatre November 5, 7, 9, 11, 15 and 17. 8pm, $16, discounts for students and people 60+. Culbreth Road. 924-3376.

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. 1pm.

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? 7:30pm.

TUNES
William Walter: It's been a couple months since the debut album from William Walter and Co. hit the stores, so let's check in and get the story so far: "I'm about to make more copies, because I'm about to run out," says Walter. "I guess that's good." The Acoustic Trio is at the Starr Hill Cocktail Lounge tonight with the few remaining copies.

William Walter's Acoustic Trio at the Starr Hill Cocktail Lounge. No cover, 9:30pm.

Dance all Night with DJ Frank Rivera at Club 216. Membership required. 10pm.

Vernon Fisher at Fossett's at Keswick Hall. 6:30pm.

Centric and Silent Tongue at Atomic Burrito. No cover, 10:30pm.

The Jen Chapin Trio and Margaret Parsons at Gravity Lounge. $10, 7pm.

Joy Makers, Gospel Express, Family & Friends, Freddy Frazier and The Blue Ridge Ramblers at the Living Stones Church. Donations accepted, 1pm.

Maria Rolls and the Blues Train at the Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.

Jeff Little at the Prism. $15/$18, 8pm.

Dice Fly High at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. Donations accepted, 9:30pm.

Jazz night at the Blue Bird Café. No cover, 7pm.

The Matthew Willner Four at the Buddhist Biker Bar. No cover, 10:30pm.

SUNDAY, November 6
STAGE
Shenandoah Shakespeare
10 S. Market St., Staunton. 540-885-5588

The Comedy of Errors: See Thursday, November 3. Today's performance is a 2pm matinee.

FAMILY
Get Real: See Friday, November 4. Today's performance is at 3pm.

WALKABOUT
Judging the Judges: Public Defender Jim Hingeley speaks on the subject "Are Judges Fair to Everyone?" part of the Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church's "faith in action" series. Discussion follows. 11:15am. Summit House, 717 Rugby Road. 293-8179.

Holiday Cooking Class: Join the former executive chef of the Boars Head Inn, Alex Montiel, and learn how to prepare an unforgettable holiday meal as First Colony Winery. $45/person includes class, three-course meal, wines, tour, and tasting. Reservations required. 10:30am or 2pm classes available. 979-7105.

Fall Barrel Tasting: See Saturday, November 5. (540) 832-7440.

TUNES
Sexy Spatulas: Hear Felix Mendelssohn's Piano Trio in D minor, the Wind Quintet Op. 95 by Johann Foerster, and Brohuslav Martinu's "Revue de Cuisine," a ballet based on the lustful misadventures of a group of kitchen utensils in the inaugural concert of the UVA chamber music series. 3:30pm, $10, $5 students, under 18, free. Old Cabell Hall. 924-3984.

Carrie Newcomer and Krista Detor at Gravity Lounge. $15/$12, 8pm.

Dan Sebring and Bill Edmonds at the Blue Bird Café. No cover, 6pm.

B.C. at Miller's. No cover, 11pm.

MONDAY, November 7
WORDS
History Gets Interesting: Eric Larson's The Devil in the White City: Murder, magic and madness at the fair that changed America is this month's selection. The magical appeal of the 1938 World's Fair and the horrifying dark side of 19th century Chicago are both revealed in Larson's fascinating book. 7:30-9pm. In the old railroad station at 5791 Three Notch'D Road. New members welcome. 823-4050.

TUNES
Uncle Earl and Abigail Washburn at Gravity Lounge. $10, 7pm.

The Perceptionists featuring Mr. Lif and Akrobatik at the Satellite Ballroom. $15/$12, 9pm.

sesshin featuring Greg Howard in the Starr Hill Cocktail Lounge. Free, 7:30pm.

Open mic night at Baja Bean. No cover, signups at 8:30pm, show at 9pm.

Matthew Willner at Miller's. No cover, 10pm.

Travis Elliott at The Virginian. No cover, 10pm.

George Melvin at the South Street Brewery. No cover, 7pm.

TUESDAY, November 8
WALKABOUT
Conserve Locally: The Board of Directors of The Rivanna Conservation Society meets from 6:30-9pm at Piedmont Virginia Community College. The meeting is open to the public and is free of charge. 971-1553 or .

Ecco Cibo: Take an Italian cooking class with a cultural twist! Join Chef Howie Velie and Italian teacher/food writer Christina Ball of Ecco Italy for a delicious, multi-faceted exploration of the regional nuances of Italian cuisine at the next Ecco Cibo class on the cuisine, culture, wines, and history of Lombardy and its stylish capital city, Milano. Learn how to make (and then eat!) dishes like crespelle (Italian crepes) filled with gorgonzola and risotto alla milanese (w/saffron) while picking up a few Italian language and travel pointers as well. 6:30-9pm. $75 per person includes class, dinner and regional wine tasting. Seasonal Cook in the Main Street Market. 825-4390 or visit eccoitaly.com.

TUNES
Travis Elliott at Atomic Burrito. No cover, 10:30pm.

The Rebel Baroque Orchestra and the Deutsche Naturhorn Solisten play Telemann, Bach, and Handel at Old Cabell Hall. $24/$20/$10, 8pm.

B.C. at the Outback Lodge. $2, 10pm.

John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, Robben Ford, and Eric Bibb at the Paramount Theater. $39/$36/$33, 8pm.

Project/Object with Ike Willis and Napoleon Murphy Brock at Starr Hill.

Karaoke at City Limits. No cover, 9pm.

Matthew Willner and Friends at the Buddhist Biker Bar. No cover, 10:30pm.

Ezra Hamilton at Mono Loco. No cover

WEDNESDAY, November 9
STAGE
Shenandoah Shakespeare
10 S. Market St., Staunton. 540-885-5588
Hamlet: See Friday, November 4. Today's performance is a 10:30am school matinee.

The Comedy of Errors: See Thursday, November 3. Stay after the 7:30pm show to "talk back" to the cast.

FILM
Kilowatt Ours: Subtitled "A Plan to Re-Energize America," this film follows director Jeff Barrie on a search for solutions to today's urgent environmental problems. Meet the filmmaker and a panel of experts to learn how to reduce energy bills and use power from the wind and the sun. $5 general, $3 students, 7pm. Newcomb Hall Theater, UVA. Info: kilowattours.org.

WALKABOUT
Ring Around the Rosy: The cultural impact of plagues is the subject of the Medical Center Hour today. In the Middle Ages, waves of bubonic plague– the Black Death– decimated the population and transformed Europe's social, cultural, and political institutions. Pandemic disease is a threat today, with potential far-reaching consequences we can barely anticipate. Herbert Swick and UVA's Duane Osheim explore the lessons the past teach us about future plagues and their impact. 12:20-1:30pm. Free. Jordan Hall conference center, Lane Road. 982-3280.

Go Native: Sherry Buttrick with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation discusses the use of conservation easements to preserve open spaces at the monthly meeting of the Virginia Native Plant Society. 7:30pm in the Education Building at Ivy Creek. Public is welcome. 293-8997.

WORDS
The Arming of America: David L. Roll has written the definitive biography of Louis Johnson, Franklin Roosevelt's architect of industrial mobilization and Harry Truman's second secretary of defense, and there are parallels between the battles Johnson waged and those in the current Bush administration. He discusses the work as part of the Miller Center Forum series. 11am. Free. 2201 Old Ivy Road. 924-7236.

FAMILY
Opt to Adopt: Families United Through Adoption continues the conversation about the adoption option. Tonight's session asks the question, "What is a home study anyway?" Social worker and parent educator Chris Walker helps prospective parents explore this requirement of the adoption process from a licensing as well as a therapeutic perspective. 6:30-8:30pm. Free, donations accepted. 408 E. Market St., suite 204, near Central Library. 923-8253.

More Tales for Tots: The 5 and under crowd can enjoy storybook favorites about food at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.

TUNES
Jim Waive and the Young Divorcees at Atomic Burrito. No cover, 10:30pm.

The Red Hot Chilly Pickers at Dr. Ho's Humble Pie. No cover, 7pm.

Guillotine X at the Outback Lodge. $5, 10pm.

Medeski Martin and Wood at Starr Hill. $20, 9pm.

Mary Robinson and Friends at the Blue Bird Café. No cover, 6pm.

B.C. at the Buddhist Biker Bar. No cover, 11pm.

Bennie Dodd at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.

Evan Mook at Fellini's #9. No cover, 8-11pm.

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.

THURSDAY, November 10
STAGE
Shenandoah Shakespeare
10 S. Market St., Staunton. 540-885-5588
Hamlet: See Friday, November 4. Today's performance is a 10:30am school matinee.

All's Well that Ends Well: See Saturday, November 5.

FAMILY
More Tales for Tots: See Wednesday, November 10.

WALKABOUT
Blandy Hike: Tour the Blandy Experimental Farm with Marion Lobstein, botanist and Wintergreen Nature Foundation expert. He'll share the history of the Farm and give a tour of the grounds. Bring lunch. $20 for Foundation members and $25 for non-members. 8am; registration required. 325-8169.

Think While You Drink: Philip Ponton and Riaan Rossouw, winemakers at Oakencroft Vineyards, step behind the bar at VaVino as guest bartenders tonight from 6-8pm. They'll pour wines free of charge, and will be available to answer questions or just chat about wine. 974-9463.

Money Making: Charlottesville Venture Group presents its 8th annual Charlottesville business forum, entitled Leadership Challenges in a Growing Business. Today and tomorrow at the Darden School. Workshops, speakers, panels, gala reception, and more. Fee. Info: 979-7259 or cville-venture.org.

WORDS
Go South: Hal Crowther discusses his new collection of essays, Gather at the River: Notes from the Post- Millennial South, which covers subjects as diverse and as authentically Southern as Faulkner, the Branch Davidians, Dolly Parton, and the Iraq war. New Dominion Bookshop. 414 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 5:30pm. 295-2552

TUNES
David LaMotte and Mary Gordon Hall at Gravity Lounge. $8, 7pm.

Wells Rachel Nevada at the Outback Lodge. $5, 10pm.

Wayne Reese at the Prism. $10, 7:45pm.

Mofro at Starr Hill. $12/$10, 8pm.

Cristal at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. Donations accepted, 9:30pm.

Thompson/D'earth at Miller's. $4, 10:30pm.

Karaoke at Damon's Sports Grill. No cover, 9pm.

The Nice Jenkins at Mellow Mushroom. No cover, 10:30pm.

Acoustic Groove Trio at Mono Loco. No cover, 10pm.

Joseph Mills at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.

George Melvin at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6:30pm.

CULT UPCOMING AND ONGOING

DANCE CARD
Cut a Rug: Terry Dean's Dance Studio gets everybody ready for a winter of indoor fun. Dance classes in beginning bolero (Monday, 7:30-8:15pm), beginning salsa (Tuesday, 7:30-8:15pm), beginning waltz (Wednesday, 7:30-8:15pm), beginning foxtrot (Thursday, 7:30-8:15pm), beginning rumba (Friday, day, 7:30-8:15pm), all levels East Coast swing (Friday, 8:15-9:00pm). Dance Party every Friday, 9-10:30pm ($10). Individual classes $10 per person per class. 1309 A. Seminole Trail. Details: 977-3327 or terrydeandancestudio.com.

Square Dance Classes: Learn to do-si-do with the pros. The Virginia Reelers Square dance club offers beginning square dance classes on Tuesday nights. 7pm at Woodbrook School. Open to all, no experience necessary. Details: 296-9704.

Dancing 'Round the World: Learn circle, line, and partner folk dances from all over the world to authentic music from the Balkans, Middle East, South America, USA, and Africa. Beginners welcome. Ezher N. Uremiz instructs at the Senior Center, Pepsi Place. Tuesdays 6-8:30pm. 823-9705.

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
The Bobs Are Back in Town: The talented, irreverent four-person a cappella group The Bobs present a demo and workshop, followed by a question and answer session Friday, November 11. 7:30 pm. $5 adults. Children 18 and under free, but reservations required. Earl Hamner Jr. Theater off Route 151 in the Rockfish Valley Community Center (Rockfish Elementary School, eight miles from Route 250, right on Route 635, Schoolhouse Lane). 361-9092.

STAGE
Midsummer Night on the Range: Tandem Friends School's fifth grade offers a novel production of Midsummer Night's Dream set in Wyoming. Lysander and Demetrius duel, cowboy Bottom twangs "Home on the Range." Friday, November 11, 5:30pm. 296-1030 x 408.

WALKABOUT
UVA Polo: Polo goes year round (well, almost). The university's nationally ranked squad has an indoor/outdoor facility on Forest Lodge, on the left off Fifth Street Extended, and they play every Friday night at 7pm, rain or shine. $2 students, $4 non-students. Info: student.Virginia.edu/~polo. 979-0293.

Loosen Up: Counselor Len Worley offers a talk for parents and educators on alternatives to the current zero tolerance approach to drugs now considered ineffective for many students. "Adults lose credibility with youth when they give alarmist and one-sided perspectives about drugs," Worley says. Come see what you think of the approach. 7-9pm Saturday, November 12. $15. The Community Meeting Space, 1117 E. Market St., two blocks east of Guadalajara restaurant. 434 293-3271.

Ninja Yoga: Toward a revolution of consciousness. Suitable for all levels of expertise. Free and open to the public at "Better than Television," a new community center in the art space under the Jefferson Theater. Times vary. 806-8529.

Sharing Sadness: Hospice of the Piedmont offers eight-week bereavement support groups starting this month. 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.

ART AND FAMILY
Eye for Art: Those with an eye for a good story can put their talent to work in the 18th annual Writer's Eye Competition at the University of Virginia Art Museum. Through November 18, children in elementary through high school can view a selected group of art works at the Museum and write an original poem or short story in response. Forms and instructions are available at the Museum. Tuesday-Sunday, 1-5pm. Free. Rugby Road. 924-7458. virginia.edu/artmuseum.

FAMILY
Dog Daze: The Science Museum of Virginia is going to the "Dogs." It's their latest rotating exhibit that explores all the archetypes of Man's Best Friend. Visitors can don gigantic dog ears to locate and hear termites, examine dog and wolf skulls to see how they differ, explore a canine family tree, learn a bit of dog body language, watch a video of life from a wolf's perspective, and so much more. Dogs includes interactive exhibits, multi-media displays, artifacts, photo murals, and dioramas that include taxidermied wild canines and sculpted modern domestic dogs. Included in the price of admission. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.

Take a Hike: Young outdoorsmen can discover what camping is all about at a new exhibit at the Back Gallery at the Virginia Discovery Museum. Visitors can follow a map to their campsite in the deciduous forest of the Blue Ridge, pitch a tent and settle into a sleeping bag, or enjoy all the outdoors has to offer including hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife. Through January 15. Included in the price of admission. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.

Playing Doctor: The Health Hut comes to the Virginia Discovery Museum from its former home at the UVA Children's Hospital. This interactive collection of activities helps kids learn about their bodies, health care, and making healthy choices. Slim Goodbody, for example, gives the inside scoop on the heart, lungs, and other organs. In the doctor's office, kids can view x-rays and examine patients. Discover the five senses, find out how much you weigh and how tall you are, and much more. This exhibit will be displayed in the Back Gallery for the next year. Included in the price of admission. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.

First Friday, November 5

The McGuffey Art Center celebrates its five November exhibitions– multi-media artist Ann Cheeks in the main gallery, painters Steve Taylor and Juli Godine in the downstairs hall, and photographers Murray Whitehill and John Grant upstairs– with a reception, 5:30-7:30pm.. 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973.

Second Street Gallery welcomes "Ju-Yeon Kim: Recent Paintings" and "True Defenders of the Craft: Drawings by Warren Cragshead" with an opening, 6-8pm. Artists' talks at 6:30pm. 115 Second St. SE in City Center for Contemporary Arts. 977-7284.

Les Yeux du Monde opens its November exhibitions of drawings by Christophe Vorlet and paintings by David Summers with a reception 5:30-7:30pm. 115 S. First St. 973-5566.

The 302 spreads out the treats for the exhibition of Aaron Staengl's paintings, 5:30-9pm. 300 W. Main St., Suite 302 (beside the Lewis & Clark statue). 924-5405.

UVA's Off Grounds Gallery hosts an opening for its collaborative exhibition by almost 30 faculty, alumni, and artist friends, 5-7pm. 300 W. Main St., First Floor (Ridge St. entrance). 924-6122.

The snacks will be divine when the C&O Gallery welcomes "The Road Show," an exhibition of Bath County landscapes by David Eakin, 5-7pm. 515 E. Water St. (next to the C&O Restaurant). 971-7044.

Transient Crafters opens its "Collaborative Creations" exhibition with a reception, 6-9pm. 118 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 972-9500.

Art Upstairs welcomes Nell Finger's "Colors of Water" with food and drink from 6 to 9pm. Above the Hardware Store on the Downtown Mall. 923-3900.

Angelo celebrates watercolorist Nga Bui Katz's exhibition, "Windows of the Soul," with a reception, 5:30-8pm. 220 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 971-9256.

Meet artist Gerald Mitchell at a reception, 5-8pm, and enjoy the show of his work that benefits the Charlottesville Free Clinic. The Jeweler's Eye, 201 E. Main St. 979-5919.

The Laughing Lion Gallery celebrates "Flesh Forms (don't bring the kids)," a show of new paintings by Terrence Pratt. 6-8pm.103 E. Water St. (above London's). 984-4000.

The Abundant Life Chiropractic and Gallery opens "Inner Spaces," a show of "fresh, bold abstracts" by Kim Baldt, with a reception, 5:30-7:30pm. 201 E. Main St., Suite Q. 979-5433.

Noshing is also fun at the Charlottesville Community Design Center reception for "Destination: West Main,", 5-8pm. 101 E. Main St. 984-2232.

Enjoy "A Celebration of Life," paintings by the late Vidu Palta, at BozArt Gallery, and enjoy the reception, 6-9pm. 211 W. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 296-3919.

The Gallery @ 5th & Water welcomes its exhibition, "Relative Impressions II," paintings by mother and daughter Anne & Sallie Meade, with a reception, 5:30-8pm. 107 Water St. 979-9825.

First Friday is always fun at Sage Moon Gallery, and this month will be no exception as it celebrates its exhibition of Jennifer Young's plein aire paintings, with nibbles and sips, 6-9pm. 420 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 977-9997.

Fellini's #9 hosts an opening for painter Lindsay Michie Eades' show, "Faces," 5:30-7:30pm. 200 W. Market St. 979-4279.

La Galeria celebrates its exhibition, "Pastels from Italy," featuring work by Barbara Albert. Drop in between 5 and 8pm for goodies. 218 W. Market St. (next to Vinegar Hill Theater). 293-7003.

Sidetracks welcomes the hand-colored pen and ink drawings of Natalie Estrellita in an exhibition entitled, "Touch the Hem of your Government," with a reception, 5:30-7:30pm, featuring music by the Acoustic Rogan Brothers. 218 W. Water St. 295-3080.

BodyLogic hosts a reception for Cary Oliva's photographic works, 5-8pm, featuring acupuncture demonstrations at 6pm and 7pm. 416 E. Jefferson St. (in Court Square). 971-7765.

New Dominion Bookshop celebrates is display of paintings by Patsy Walsh with a reception, 5-8pm. 404 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 295-2552.

Cult Art List
The University of Virginia Art Museum presents "Mi Cuerpo, Mi Pais: Cuban Art Today," on display through December 23. The Museum also presents "A Jefferson Ideal: Selections from the Dr. and Mrs. Henry C. Landon III Collection of American Fine and Decorative Arts" runs through November 23. 155 Rugby Road. 924-3592. See Art Feature.

In November, the McGuffey Art Center presents "An American in New Zealand: In Search of an Honest Life," an exhibition of Ann Cheeks' mixed-media paintings in the main gallery. In the downstairs hall, Steve Taylor shows "Hardware," a group of oil paintings, and Juli Godine displays "Recent Pastel and Oil Still Life." Upstairs, photographer Murray Whitehill presents "A Resemblance to Reality, Digital Portrayals," and photographer John Grant shows "Recent Botanical Prints." 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973.

Through November 26, Second Street Gallery presents "Ju-Yeon Kim: Recent Paintings" in the Main Gallery and "True Defenders of the Craft: Drawings by Warren Cragshead" in the Dové Gallery. 115 Second St. SE (in the Charlottesville City Center for the Arts). 977-7284.

Les Yeux du Monde features two exhibitions, on view through November 26: "Drawings" by Christophe Vorlet and "Recent Paintings" by David Summers. 115 S. First St. 973-5566.

During November, UVA's Off Grounds Gallery presents an intriguing collaborative exhibition by almost 30 faculty, alumni, and artist friends under the title "The Land of Wandering: Exquisite History Volume I." 300 W. Main St., First Floor (Ridge St. entrance). 924-6122.

Gallery 302 features paintings by Aaron Staengl during November. 300 W. Main St., Suite 302 (top floor, Ridge St. entrance). More info: .

Painter Nell Finger presents "Colors of Water" at Art Upstairs during November. Above the Hardware Store on the Downtown Mall. 923-3900.

On November 4, Piedmont Virginia Community College Gallery opens its Art Faculty Exhibition, to run through November 30. A reception for the exhibition is scheduled for November 9, 5-7pm.V. Earl Dickinson Building. 434-5203.

The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection hosts "Above and Beyond: Perspectives in Aboriginal Art," which examines how Aboriginal artists use perspective and point-of-view to depict landscapes and traditional stories. The show is on view through November 5. 400 Worrell Drive (Pantops). 244-0234.

During November, Transient Crafters presents "Collaborative Creations," a show of works created by two or more artisans. All works displayed are open to bids in a silent auction to raise money for the cooperative. 118 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 972-9500.

Through November, the C&O Gallery presents "The Road Show," an exhibition of 20 new landscape paintings by David Eakin. 515 E. Water St. (next to the C&O Restaurant). 971-7044.

The new venue Abundant Life Chiropractic and Gallery offers "Inner Spaces," a show of "fresh, bold abstracts" by Kim Baldt, on view during November. 201 E. Main St., Suite Q. 979-5433.

C'ville Coffee hosts an exhibition of paintings by Eugenia Rausse during November. 1301 Harris St. 817-2633.

Through November 28, The Charlottesville Community Design Center examines visions for the future of transportation in our fair city with the exhibition, "Destination: West Main." 101 E. Main St. 984-2232.

Angelo presents watercolorist Nga Bui Katz's exhibition, "Windows of the Soul," through December 31. 220 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 971-9256.

Painter Lindsay Michie Eades presents "Faces" at Fellini's #9 through November 30. 200 W. Market St. 979-4279.

Artist Gerald Mitchell displays work to benefit the Charlottesville Free Clinic at The Jeweler's Eye during the month of November. 201 E. Main St. 979-5919.

For its November show, The Gallery @ 5th & Water once again shows paintings by mother-daughter duo Anne & Sallie Meade in "Relative Impressions II." Located in the upstairs foyer of Henderson & Everett and Stoneking/vonStorch. 107 Fifth St. 979-9825.

In November, Sage Moon Gallery showcases plein air oil paintings by Jennifer Young. 420 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 977-9997.

During November, the Laughing Lion Gallery presents "Flesh Forms (don't bring the kids)," a show of new paintings by Terrence Pratt. 103 E. Water St. (above London's). 984-4000.

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 November, BozArt Gallery presents "A Celebration of Life," an exhibition of oil paintings by the recently deceased Vidu Palta. 211 W. Main St. 296-3919.

La Galeria presents a November showcase exhibition, "Pastels from Italy," by Barbara Albert. 218 W. Market St. (next to Vinegar Hill Theater). 293-7003.

Enjoy Cary Oliva's various photographic works at BodyLogic during November. 416 E. Jefferson St. (in Court Square). 971-7765.

For the month of November, New Dominion Bookshop features paintings by Patsy Walsh from her City Market Series. 404 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 295-2552.

Sidetracks presents the hand-colored pen and ink drawings of Natalie Estrellita in an exhibition entitled, "Touch the Hem of your Government," on view during November. 218 W. Water St. 295-3080.

Through November 28, artwork by Clark and Greenbrier Elementary School students is on display at City Hall. 605 E. Main St. 245-2414.

The Central Virginia Watercolor Guild has new work hanging at the Albemarle County Courthouse through November. 410 E. High St. 964-1423.

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.

Paintings by local artists Barry Gordon, Malcolm Hughes, and Christian Peri hang at L'etoile restaurant. 817 W. Main St. (across from the Amtrak Station). 979-7957.

Radar

On November 11, Lovingston's The Eye of the Beholder gallery opens "Stopping Points," featuring paintings, drawings, and photographs by Elizabeth Hutson. Reception, 4-8pm. Located in the Packing Shed on Front St. 996-5058.

The Williams School of Commerce at Washington and Lee University in Lexington offers a dual exhibition entitled "North and South," by painter Eric Fitzpatrick. The show remains on view through December. 540-458-8602

Richmond's Virginia Museum of Fine Arts presents "Dazzle" the first of four exhibitions in the "Look Here" series, highlighting the museum's permanent collection, on view through January 29. The VMFA also 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 Virginia 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 "Equus II," a collection of work by area artists celebrating horses, on view through December 31. 149 E. Main St., Orange. 540-672-7311.

Barboursville's Nichols Gallery showcases work by Gray Dodson, Philip Koch, Frederick Nichols, and Tom Tartaglino in an exhibition entitled "Into the Mountains," on view through November 27. 540-832-3565.

Madison's Sevenoaks Pathwork Center features "Healing Artists," an exhibition of work by Magali Boehlen, Karen Collins, Cindy Haney, Trilbie Knapp, and Alegria Barbara Strauss, which runs through December 3. 540-948-6544.

Nellysford's Spruce Creek Gallery presents "Rothwell and Rothwell," an exhibition of paintings by Junk Ono Rothwell and functional pottery by Nan Rothwell, on view through November 8. Route 151. 434-361-1859.

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.

Cult Art Feature- Cuba libre: Visual voice sin translation

BY LAURA PARSONS

How much do you have to know to appreciate a work of art? The first time I heard "Chan Chan" from the Buena Vista Social Club, my heart ached at the beauty of its minor chords. Yet, not speaking Spanish, I couldn't understand a word of its lyrics, let alone what the song might mean to a Cuban listener.

I confronted a similar experience of partial blindness when viewing the University of Virginia Art Museum's exhibition, "Mi Cuerpo, Mi País: Cuban Art Today." Translated "My Body, My Country," the show encompasses paintings, prints, photographs, and multi-media works by contemporary artists grappling with issues of identity in the post-colonial, post-Communist Revolution, ethnically mixed, male-dominated world of Cuba.

Although Cuban artists remain dependent on Fidel's Castro's government for basic support (such as a place to live and work), creative freedom continues to flourish. Museum director Jill Hartz observes in her exhibition statement that art coming out of Cuba today is "often confrontational, politically and aesthetically, and in keeping with or ahead of current trends in the world of international art."

In other words, "Mi Cuerpo, Mi País" is loaded– packed with personal and cultural reflections that may or may not be accessible to non-Cuban viewers. The show's signage– presented in both Spanish and English– provides résumé-like bios of each artist but includes perhaps only a sentence devoted to thematic concerns.

That said, many of the show's pieces are clearly iconic, revolving around a central figure who embodies an aspect of Cuban society.

Aimée Garcia Marrero's painting, "Rumpe Cabezas" ("Break Heads") offers a feminine yet androgynous head, reminiscent of propaganda posters, placed in the center of torn newspaper bits arranged like a shredded map. A needle at the end of a red thread dangles from the corner of the head's right eye, a tear of domestic blood, while a river of red stitches re-connects several paper scraps.

"Mi Cuerpo, Mi País" is particularly strong in its presentation of contemporary Cuban photography. Both of Juan Carlos Alom's images are ominous, arresting, and difficult to leave. The multi-pierced head of "Sin palabras" de Caminos Secretos ("Without words," from Secret Paths), bisected by a streaking arc of darkness, appears like a sleeping god, full of potent energy.

Any cultural meaning it holds remains a mystery to me, but as with the other works in the exhibition, I know there's more there than meets my eye.

"Mi Cuerpo, Mi País" is on view at the University of Virginia Art Museum through December 23. 155 Rugby Road. 924-3592.

BUZZ BOX- Gospel: Words from the blues master

BY VIJITH ASSAR

So many heavyweight musicians owe their career

to John Mayall that he simply had to be elevated

to icon status. In the mid 1960's, Mayall's band The

Bluesbreakers was home to a lot of the people who

mattered to British rock, including pre-Stones

Mick Taylor, pre-Cream Jack Bruce, pre-Cream

and Pre-Eric Clapton Eric Clapton, and an

impressive percentage of Fleetwood Mac. Forty

years later, Mayall is still going strong– this week,

he spearheads the Rockin' Blues Revue tour at the

Paramount Theater, supported by Robben Ford

and Eric Bibb.

 

The Hook: Do you think that the blues is a

continually renewing genre, or do you feel like

there was a golden age?

John Mayall: The blues in general has gone

through several golden ages. The first was all the

country blues artists, and then when Muddy

Waters started the electric blues in Chicago, that

was another golden age. There have been

resurgences– BB King now. It seems to happen

every decade or so.

The Hook: Do you find it intimidating to play a

style of music so heavily steeped in tradition?

John Mayall: I never found it intimidating. All the

players in London when we started out were so

interested in what we were doing, we never

questioned that aspect of it.

The Hook: "Beyond Control" is probably one of

the only tsunami blues songs around. Do you

think there are limits to what one can effectively

express through the blues?

John Mayall: No. I think if it's all coming from an

honest and personal point of view, blues players

are the people who tell their story and make their

comment on what's going on in the world, and as

long as it's within the blues medium, I think the

honesty is the main aspect of it.

The Hook: "British blues" is often given its own

categories. As one of its founders, what do you

think are its most important characteristics?

John Mayall: It's probably easier to think in terms

of individual artists instead of country by country.

We're all coming from the same place, but the

blues is an American art form.

The Hook: Do you think the audience for this is as

strong as it was several years ago?

John Mayall: As far as I'm concerned, yeah. I still

get waves of younger fans coming to the shows.

The Hook: Who are your favorites from the

newest crop of blues guitarists?

John Mayall: I like Shannon Curfman and Jonny

Lang. Those two stand out. Eric Steckel is the best

of them all, and he's only 14 years old. He plays on

my new album, Road Dogs. The blues is alive and

well in every generation.

The Hook: What advice would you have for a

hotshot young blues guitar player?

John Mayall: First of all, don't think in terms of

being a hotshot. That's the last thing you should

be thinking of. The main thing is to listen to as

much music from the history of the genre as

possible. Go back to the earliest recordings, and

start with that and just absorb it all. It's a really

rewarding journey.