5/02/02

CULTURE LIST

THURSDAY, MAY 2

PERFORMANCE

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof: Live Arts presents the Tennessee Williams classic in which Big Daddy's family gathers to celebrate his 65th birthday on a Mississippi plantation. Live Arts, 609 E. Market St. $11-14. 7:30pm. 977-4177, x108

TUNES

Hackensaw Boys with The Old Crow Medicine Show, Faster Than Walking, and Colonel Catastrophe at the Jefferson Theater: It's time to party like its 1923! This bluegrass and old time music showcase, aptly titled Oldtime in the Springtime, is sure to put some spring in your step, be you two or 102. Beverages and hors d'oeuvres included. $15. 6:30pm.

Edamame upstairs at Tokyo Rose: Don't be fooled, Max Katz and her crew haven't left the safety of Tokyo Rose, just changed the old moniker. Rely on them to jazz you up every Thursday night, 9:30 on. No cover. (W)

Bobby Graves at Baja Bean. No cover. 10pm. (W)

Chris Winter Band at Coup DeVille's. No cover. 10pm. (W)

Blues Night at Dürty Nelly's. $4. 9pm. (W)

Mar e Marada at El Girasol. No cover. 10pm. (W)

The Victrolas at High Street Steak and Grill. No cover. 8:30pm. (W)

John D'earth and friends at Miller's. $4. 10pm. (W)

DJ Mighty Matt at Mountain View Grill. $5. 10pm. (W)

Vandyke Brown at Outback Lodge. $5. 10pm.

Inner Rhythm at Rapture. $6. 10pm.

Jerry Jeff Walker at Starr Hill. $25. 9pm. This is a Listening Room Series show.

FRIDAY, MAY 3

ART

Learning art: Students from UVA's fifth-year program in studio art exhibit their work in the Fayerweather Gallery through May 17. Exhibits change weekly to feature individual artists and their diverse interests including installation art, printmaking, painting, sculpture, and photography. Closing receptions are held at 5:30pm each Friday that's tonight! in the gallery on Rugby Road. 924-4298

PERFORMANCE

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof: See Thursday, May 2. Tonight's performance is at 8pm.

No Shame Theater: Got a short performance piece that's begging for an audience? Show up at No Shame Theater and try it out. Just get there early enough to sign up for an available open slot. Live Arts LAB, 609 E. Market St. $7 at the door. 11pm. 295-2774

Contra dance: The Albemarle Chapter of the Country Dance and Song Society sponsors a contra dance at the Municipal Arts Center on 1119 Fifth St. Ext. just above I-64. A beginner's workshop starts at 7:30pm; the dance starts at 8pm. Shawn Brenneman serves calls to music provided by the Contrarians. $6. 296-4352

Charlie Brown: Four County Players brings to life a half-dozen figures from the beloved comic, including, of course, the characters of Charlie Brown; his sassy younger sister, Sally; the philosophical, security-blanket-clutching Linus; Beethoven-loving Schroeder; the irascible, psychological-advice-dispensing Lucy; and, of course, the hippest character in the bunch, Snoopy. You're a Good Man Charlie Brown plays through May 19. 8pm. $8-12. 832-5355

THINK

Same old mugs?: UVA law and public affairs Professor A. E. Dick Howard talks about "The Changing Face of the Supreme Court" in the Rotunda Dome Room, 3-5pm. Free tickets available online at http://www.virginia.edu/facultysenate/speakers/2020/reserve.html.

FAMILY

Singing hens?: Old Michie Theatre presents a live theater adaptation of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales at 7pm. The production, a collection of medieval stories portrayed by local youth actors, includes 14th century period style and costumes, live music and dance, singing hens, special alchemy effects, audience participation, and a shadow puppet plague scene. Tickets $6 advance, $7 at the door. Group rates available. 221 E. Water St. 977-3690. www.oldmichie.com

Shakespeare for kids: Linda Campbell Franklin, author of the My Heart 2 Heart Diary series, presents "Singing with the Bard" at Barnes & Noble at 7pm. Kids ages 8-11 can get into the creative mode and make up songs just as Shakespeare did. Free. Please call to register. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598

TUNES

Clare Quilty at Outback Lodge: One rockin' sexually balanced band. Two guys, two girls put down a mélange of rock and pop. A little sweet, a little sour, Clare Quilty keeps you on your toes. $6. 10pm.

Paul Curreri CD Release Party with special guests Nickeltown, Jan Smith, Danny Schmidt, devon, BJ Kocen at Starr Hill: Folkies from far and wide come together to celebrate a very special birth, From Long Gones to Hawkmoth, Paul Curreri's new album. This is going to be an evening of acoustic bliss you don't want to miss. $6. 8pm. See Tunes feature, page 29.

Danny Morris Band at Fridays After Five on the Downtown Mall: The second in the annual Fridays After Five series features the Danny Morris band and their wide range of musical influences. Morris was former guitarist for the Nighthawks. Free.

Four at Miller's. $3. 10:30pm.

SATURDAY, MAY 4

FAMILY

History on foot: The Albemarle County Historical Society begins a new season of walking tours of historic downtown Charlottesville. Every Saturday now through October, tours leave at 10am from the McIntire Building for a one-hour stroll around Court Square viewing reminders of over 250 years of history. A $3 donation per person is suggested. No reservations required. Children under 12 and school groups are free. Group tours can be arranged for other times as well. 200 Second St. NE. 296-1492

Get quackin': It's that time of year again... time when little yellow duckies start Quackin' for a Cause. This is the fifth year for the Junior League of Charlottesville's annual fundraising fun fair at Darden Towe Memorial Park, 1-6pm. Festivities include arts and crafts, carnival games, the Kidzone, performances, sports clinics, food, and much more. The highlight of the festivities, though, is the eagerly anticipated Quackin' for a Cause Duck Race. Those who want to get in on the action can adopt a single duck for $5, a six quack for $25, or a whole flock of 18 ducks for $75. Ducks can be adopted on-line or at Fridays After Five this week. Call the Junior League for additional adoption opportunities. Admission to the fair is free. 971-2937. www.jlcduckrace.com

Wine and more: James Madison's Montpelier hosts the annual Montpelier Wine Festival from11am to 6pm. In addition to sampling wines from 11 of the region's award-winning wineries, festival-goers can enjoy cooking demonstrations, picnic on the grounds of the historic Montpelier Steeplechase Course (bring your own or buy from vendors), take a tethered hot air balloon ride, stroll through the Revolutionary War Encampment, enjoy live music and entertainment, browse the artisans' village with live demonstrations and unique gifts for sale, explore the Montpelier grounds, and more. For an extra $5 ($3 for children), visitors can also tour the historic mansion. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the gate, $5 for kids ages 12-20, kids under 12 free. Rt. 20 in Orange County. For tickets call 800-594-8499 or www.montpelier.musictoday.com.

Mother's Day surprise: Psst! Dad! You can help the kids create a beautiful surprise for mom at the Virginia Discovery Museum from 10:30 to 11:30am. Ceramist Sandi Barber from Wolf's Den Studio will be on hand to help kids ages 3-5 decorate a trinket box with their magical little fingerprints just for Mom. Boxes will be taken to Sandi's studio for blazing and will be available for pick-up Wednesday before Mother's Day. Cost is $12 for members, $14 for non-members. All materials are included. Please pre-register. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025

Beloved bunny: Old Michie Theatre presents a puppet play adaptation of Margery Williams classic story The Velveteen Rabbit. This touching tale of the power of a young boy's love is brought to life with music, lighting, and hand-carved puppets from the Czech Republic. Shows are 11am, 2pm, and 4pm. Tickets are $5. 221 E. Water St. 977-3690. www.oldmichie.com

Getting fleeced: The Frontier Culture Museum holds their annual Wool Days with events and activities designed to enhance our appreciation for this cool fiber from 10am to 2pm. Costumed staff will demonstrate hand sheering with the museum's Cotswold sheep at 11am and 2pm. Other demonstrations throughout the day include cleaning fleeces and the processes involved in transforming the wool into fabric. Military re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line will also be encamped at the museum this weekend. History and military info abounds. Included in the price of general admission. Rt. 250 west in Staunton. 540-332-7850

Playing with art: The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond offers Saturday family workshops where kids ages 5-10 can learn about art and make some of their own. This week, kids can strap on the safety goggles and explore the process of working in 3-D with wood as the sculptural medium. Inspiration from the galleries includes a folding screen, zany furniture, and Egyptian coffins-- all beautifully crafted from wood. The workshop takes place in the Children's Art Resource Center off the museum's main lobby from 9:30 to 11am. Parents may accompany the kids. $10, $8 for members. Registration can be handled by phone. Boulevard and Grove in Richmond. 804-340-1405

Celebrate science: The Science Museum of Virginia celebrates National Science and Technology Week from 10am to 4pm. Career-minded kids and others can browse the booths as local colleges and companies showcase new science applications and cutting-edge technologies. 2500 Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. www.smv.org

Tales of old: See Friday, May 3.

NATURE

Montpelier wine festival: This annual weekend festival features award-winning wines from 11 regional vineyards. Enjoy music, specialty foods, activities for children, hot air balloon rides, and Revolutionary War re-enactors. 11407 Constitution Highway (Route 20). 540-672-0017

City market: The Charlottesville City Market is now open every week in the H&R parking lot between Water and South Streets downtown. Vendors from the community sell fresh local produce: lettuce, spinach, asparagus, and strawberries; homemade breads, pies, pastries, and cookies; and a selection of annuals, perennials, herbs, shrubs and flowers. 7am-noon. 970-3371

Chirp!: Take your pick of bird walks. See Nature feature, page 26.

PERFORMANCE

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof: See Thursday, May 2. Tonight's performance is at 8pm.

Charlie Brown: See Friday, May 3.

Advanced improv: Brad Stoller offers the opportunity to hone your performance skills through improvisation. Join him on Saturday mornings through June 8. Live Arts LAB, 609 E. Market St. 10am. $45-60. 977-4177, x100

Explosive monkeys: The Third Annual Charlottesville Festival of Contemporary Dance and Improvisation speeds up with two nights of explosive movement by This Body, This Earth, a dance company from DC directed by former Zen Monkey Jen ClarkStone. New Dance Space on the Downtown Mall. 8pm. $8 at Spencer's Music, Water St. 295-7856

Actors' intensive workshop: Based on the principles of Suzuki and Viewpoints, this actor training is designed to develop courageous theater artists. Suzuki is a rigorous physical discipline which trains actors to uncover a full emotional and physical commitment to each moment on stage. Viewpoints is a movement philosophy influenced by postmodern dance with applications to acting. In this class, instructor Donal Oldaker shares his Viewpoints training from the Saratoga International Theater Institute. The workshop culminates in the performance of informal compositions by participants. Saturdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25 from noon to 4pm. Live Arts, 609 E. Market St. $65-80. 977-4177, x100

Ballroom dance: Join the Charlottesville US Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association for ballroom and swing dancing. Municipal Arts Center, 1119 Fifth St. Ext. 7:15pm. $5-10. 980-8159

BOOKS

Funny straight man: Los Angeles Times critic Thomas Curwen says of Richard Russo, "He's a Raymond Carver without the grunge, a funny Richard Ford and, on the not-so venerable campus of WCPU, an American Kingsley Amis." Offer your opinion at New Dominion Bookstore this morning at 10:30 as Mariflo Stephens leads a discussion about Russo's new book, Straight Man. The gathering is part of a monthly series of book discussions on the mezzanine. 404 E. Main St. on the Mall. 295-2552.

THINK

Rollicking radio, Batman!: Comic books-- they're not just for kids anymore. Northern Virginia Community College's Robert Brown interviews Virginia Tech Professor Matt McAllister, co-editor of Comics and Ideology, on public radio's "With Good Reason." Tune in to WMRA at 8pm (encore at 8:30). Missed it? Show airs again Wednesday on WVTF at 7:30pm. www.virginia.edu/vfh/WGR

TUNES

Speak-Out! for Peace and Justice Festival: Hurry on over to the lawn of the Albemarle County Office Building for a festival with a purpose! No Woodstock, the Speak-Out Festival celebrates the "fundamental right of all America to speak freely and openly about their views." There will be family activities, food, and performances by devon, Danny Schmidt, Tiger Lily, and many others. Free. 11am.

Acoustic Charlottesville at Live Arts. Free. 8pm.

Gibb Droll at Outback Lodge. $6. 10pm.

TigerLily with Jim McAvoy at Rapunzel's Coffee & Books. $5. 8pm.

SUNDAY, MAY 5

NATURE

Photo contest: Have you taken an exceptional photograph? One that is so representative of Virginia that you can almost hear the water rushing, the birds singing? Or the leaves crunching underfoot? Then enter the Wintergreen Nature Foundation annual photo contest. Submit up to five photos, 4x6 or 3x5; include the title and put your name and address on the back. Negatives will be requested for winning photos. Mail to TWNF Photo Contest, C/O Karen Asher, 18 Bellflower Lane, Nellysford 22958. Deadline is May 15. For more information call 434-325-7453

THINK

Peace and quiet: Spend today in silent meditation (10 am-5pm) at Sevenoaks Pathwork Center in Madison, followed by a light dinner and a sacred music concert at 7:30. Bring your own lunch and meditation cushions. $5 suggested donation; dinner $12, concert $14 ($10 for seniors). 540-948-6544

Inner planes: P.M.H. Atwater, author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Near-Death Experiences, discusses "America's 9-11 Emergency and Beyond, as Viewed from the Inner Planes of Spirit" at the Best Inn of Staunton, exit 225 off I-81 north. 3-5 this afternoon. 540-350-4391

PERFORMANCE

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof: See Thursday, May 2. Today's performance is at 2pm.

Explosive monkeys: See Saturday, May 4.

Charlie Brown: See Friday, May 3. Show today is at 2:30pm.

FAMILY

Art craft: Young Friends of the University of Virginia Art Museum (formerly the Bayly) gives kids of all ages the chance to make art of their own at the Spring Family Festival from 2 to 4:30pm. This hands-on workshop offers inspiration from the exhibit "Treasures from the Earth: Art of Southwestern Native America" and provides stations for weaving, jewelry making, and painting pre-fired pottery with Native American designs. There will also be storytelling, traditional Native American music, and refreshments too. Free, but reservations are required. Rugby Road. 243-8874. www.virginia.edu/artmuseum/Programs/familyday.html

Spring fling: Free Union Country School hosts a Spring Fair 11am-3pm today. Activities for the whole family include pony and donkey rides, live music, a moonwalk, food, games, face painting, and lots more fun. Free Union Road. (Rt. 601). 978-1700

Family dancin': Sure an' it will be a good time if you show up at the Ceili (pronounced Kay-lee) at Greenwood Community Center from 6:30 to 9:30pm. Families are welcome to join this traditional Irish social dance sponsored by the Blue Ridge Irish Music School. The monthly event features live music and resembles American square dancing. A workshop will be held from 6:30 to 7pm where beginners can learn the basics. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 8-16, and $20 for families. A reduced rate is available for members of the school. Rt. 691 in Greenwood. 823-2122

Wine and more: Noon-5pm. See Saturday, May 4.

Tales of old: 3pm. See Friday, May 3.

Wool and more: See Saturday, May 4.

Celebrate science: Noon-4pm. See Saturday, May 4.

TUNES, BOOKS, PERFORMANCE

Down-home in the LAB: Local folk musician Paul Curreri joins bluesologist Victor Cabas, musician Brady Earnhart, and New Yorker artist Andy Friedman as part of Friedman's tour for Drawings & Other Failures-- his recently released book of drawings, Polaroids, and poetry. Among the subjects to be discussed are the "artist's spiritual link with and fondness for country blues." A down-home evening not to be missed. $5, 8pm.

TUNES

Jazz Trombonist Harry Watters at Sojourners United Church of Christ and at First United Methodist Church: Local jazz musicians including bassist Peter Spaar, drummer Aaron Binder, pianist Tom Mulherin, and the trombone ensemble, Mr. Jefferson's Bones, support D.C.'s Harry Watters for two performances. Free, 9:30am at the Church of Christ, 5pm at the First United Methodist.

The Hogwaller Ramblers at Escafé. No cover. 10pm. (W)

Dead Night at Michael's Bistro. No cover. 9pm. (W)

John D'earth Quartet at Miller's. $4. (W)

DJ Mighty Matt at Mountain View Grill. $5. 10pm. (W)

George Melvin at Rococo's. No cover. 7pm. (W)

MONDAY, MAY 6

THINK

Stop suicide: The Mental Health Association of Charlottesville/Albemarle wants to lower the local suicide rate. For National Suicide Prevention Week, tonight from 7 to 8:30pm the group is sponsoring a "community conversation" and inviting everyone to share ideas about our community's crisis response. Northside Library, Albemarle Square.

BOOKS

First time?: Never been to a book club before? There's a first time for everything. Barnes & Noble welcomes newcomers to discuss the best-selling story of an underdog racehorse, Seabiscuit. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 7:30pm. 984-0461

TUNES

Man Mountain Jr.: Some blues, some reggae, a little hip/hop? Find out how it all works together tonight at Orbit Billiards at 10:30. Help solve the mystery! No cover. 984-5707

Haider's Five at the College Inn. No cover. 8pm. (W)

George Melvin at Rococo's. No cover. 7pm. (W)

Josh Diehl Quartet at South Street Brewery. Free. 10pm. (W)

Holiday Inn and Atsushi Miura upstairs at Tokyo Rose. No cover. 9pm. (W)

TUESDAY, MAY 7

TUNES

Jamie and Rolland at the Blue Moon Diner. No cover. (W)

Steve and Timmy Ryalls at Dürty Nelly's. $3. 8pm. (W)

Project Rowland (William Walter and Andy Rowland) at Michael's Bistro. $3. 9pm.

George Turner Trio at Miller's. $3. 9pm.

Monticello Road at Outback Lodge. $3. 9pm. (W)

George Melvin at Rococo's. No cover. 7pm. (W)

B.C. upstairs at Tokyo Rose. No cover. (W)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8

PERFORMANCE

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof: See Thursday, May 2. Tonight's performance is at 7:30pm.

TUNES

DJs Mason and Myson at Orbit: Are you ready to get your groove on? Well, how about at least holding a beer and bobbing your head to the beat? You can do both every Wednesday at Orbit, where two D.J's mean twice the fun. No cover. 10:30pm. (W)

Ezra Hamilton at the Blue Moon Diner. No cover. 10pm. (W)

Bennie Dodd at Coupe DeVille's. No cover. 10pm. (W)

B.C. at Mellow Mushroom. No cover. 11:30pm. (W)

The Belding Principle at Michael's Bistro. $3. 10pm.

Jeff Decker and Mike Rosensky Quartet at Miller's. $3. 10pm. (W)

The Modern Groove Syndicate at Outback Lodge. $3. 10pm. (W) See Prowl, page 28.

George Melvin at Rococo's. No cover. 7pm. (W)

William Walter featuring Tucker Rogers at South Street Brewery. No cover. 10pm.

Beleza upstairs at Tokyo Rose. No cover. (W)

THURSDAY, MAY 9

PERFORMANCE

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof: See Thursday, May 2. Tonight's performance is at 7:30pm.

BOOKS

Female Fitzgerald: The Season of Lillian Dawes has drawn favorable comparison with The Great Gatsby, but with a heroine who routinely forms aliases out of anagrams of her real name, readers should expect more than beautiful shirts. Author Katherine Mosby discusses her second novel at New Dominion Bookshop on the Downtown Mall at 5:30pm. 295-2552

TUNES

Girl Harbor with Field Machine and Trixie Delicious at Tokyo Rose: Unfortunately Girl Harbor can't be a contender in our year-long best band name contest, as they come from that metropolis of all metropoli, NYC. Good solid rock from some very nicely dressed young men. $5. 10:30pm.

Bobby Graves at Baja Bean. (W)

Chris Winter Band at Coupe DeVille's. No cover. 10pm. (W)

Blues Night at Dürty Nelly's. $4. 9pm. (W)

Mar e Marada at El Girasol. 10pm. No cover. (W)

The Victrolas at High Street Steak and Grill. No cover. 8:30pm. (W)

Wynn Walent at the Mellow Mushroom. $5. 10pm.

John D'earth and friends at Miller's. $4. 10pm. (W)

DJ Mighty Matt at Mountain View Grill. $5. 10pm. (W)

Inner Rhythm at Rapture. $6. 10pm.

Edamame upstairs at Tokyo Rose. No cover. (W)

CAPTION FOR PICTURE

Artist Andy Friedman, known for his work in New Yorker magazine, jams with local folkster Paul Curreri. The two perform, along with other area musicians, at Live Arts LAB space on Sunday, May 5, in support of Friedman's new book, Drawings and Other Failures.

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