6/13/02 in the Hook

CULTURAL CALENDAR

Events from June 13-June 20, 2002

THURSDAY, JUNE 13

BOOKS

Hall of Famer: Washington D.C.-based Christina Bartolomeo's first novel was adapted for a Hallmark Hall of Fame television movie. Her new novel is called The Side of the Angels and is available for purchase and signing at Barnes & Noble. 7pm. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 985-0461. See book feature on page 23.

Love on the picket lines

Side of Angels offers novel take on love

By ELIZABETH KIEM

I think my problem is that I'm happily married and have been for most of my relative maturity. That must be why I have trouble relating to stories about "the good guys and the bad guys and how a woman learns to tell the difference," as Christina Bartolomeo's newest novel purports to be.

Which isn't to say that you have to be a woman looking for love in all the wrong places to enjoy The Side of Angels. But if you aren't, it might help to have a keen interest in organized labor, public relations, or lapsed Catholicism. Either that or a counter-productive propensity to call your infuriatingly meddling mother even as you are running late for an important business meeting. Most importantly, you should be prepared for an improbably happy ending.

PR agent Nicky Malone (yes, she acknowledges the absurdity of her hard-boiled name) is just recovering from a nasty break-up when she finds herself dispatched to bleak New England to back the cause of a nurses' strike. The action happens to be headed up by another of Malone's ex-boyfriends-- this one her one true love, the one that got away. Much exasperation, sarcasm, and remorse ensues, but it all works out in the end-- for the nurses and the good guys, at least. The bad guys get their comeuppance as well.

Bartolomeo has a gift for the salty wit that Malone, with her urbane irony and soft spot for manly men, revels in. Her language is vibrant, if sometimes over-seasoned. For every sublime turn of phrase ("Hub had a heart like a St. Bernard on acid") there is sure to be a wincingly trite characterization: "...Ron, whose morals were flexible on a good day and priced for quick sale on a bad day." For every amusing generalization (men who appear to be deep in thought are probably just hearing the NBA theme song in their head), you'll meet the sort of sweeping statements that make less fed-up feminists a tad leery: "even the most unattractive men find mates without half trying. Not fair, really when women too often prune and tweak at even our most minor faults in order to qualify for love and acceptance."

Maybe I'm out of touch with the rest of the 31 year old women out there. But pruning and tweaking I save for my eyebrows... and it's not for the sake of love and acceptance.

Christina Bartolomeo is at Barnes & Noble tonight, June 13, 7pm to discuss The Side of Angels.

THINK

Over there: Guenter Burghardt, European Union ambassador to the United States, speaks about "The Present and Future of the Transatlantic Relationship." Miller Center, 2201 Old Ivy Road, 11am. Free and open to the public. 924-0921

Be debt-free: Debtors Anonymous meets every Thursday at 7:30pm in the Trinity Episcopal Church library (second floor), 1042 Preston Ave. 973-8464

Save your pet: Basic first aid techniques for cats and dogs. American Red Cross, 1105 Rose Hill Dr., 6-10pm. $35. Call 979-7143 to register.

PERFORMANCE

Floyd Collins: A bluegrass musical about a young man who finds the wonders of a cave, the season's final show is directed by John Gibson. Live Arts, 609 E. Market St. 8pm. $12-15. 977-4177.

TUNES

Donna the Buffalo at Starr Hill: Guitars, keyboards, accordion, fiddle, bass, drums and washboard swirl around you when Donna The Buffolo takes the stage. With a rabid fan following, this show is sure to be an event-- a groovy dictum to the gods of good time rock n' roll. $12 adv./$14, 8pm.

This Bike Is A Pipe Bomb w/ The Devil is Electric and Abe Froman at Tokyo Rose: A Planit-X records showcase of sorts; all three bands have albums out on this Indiana record label. T.B.I.A.P.B. is almost as hard to write as the first band's full name, and if that tells you something about the band's music, consider youself a savant. Lighter punk rock presented in the most undignified of manners. $5, 10:30. See tunes feature on page 29.

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

Chicken Head Blues Band 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)

**Donna the Buffalo at Starr Hill. $12 adv/$14, 8pm.

Edamame upstairs at Tokyo Rose. 9:30, No cover. (W)

Metaphorically Country

This Bike is a Pipe Bomb wanna folk you up

BY MARK GRABOWSKI

Growing up, I was amused and sometimes amazed to find that standardized tests seemed to be my bitch. Bubble here, bubble there, somehow I kept ending up on top when the scores were given out. Nowadays most of my early fire/luck has burned off; I guess I still have my moments, but sometimes I feel like quite a dullard. One piece of standardized testdom that has stuck by me through the years, seemingly tattooed in my memory, is the difference between a metaphor and a simile; yes folks, thanks to umpteen years of public schooling, I can unequivocally say that This Bike Is A Pipe Bomb is a metaphor. They are also a rockin' good folk/punk trio.

Hailing from Pensacola Florida, This Bike Is A Pipe Bomb has a loose and loud sound, but you can tell the band started out with the original intention of playing country-- they even perform a cover of "16 Tons" by Merle Travis. Lead singer/guitarist Rymodee's high register vocals scream at you in a down-home style Charlottesvillians should be well acquainted with (Hackensaws, Hogwallers). Terry Johnson plays some admirable bass and sings backup, her lines skating around Rymodee's energetic-but-simple guitar strumming like the intrepid star of some video game past, dodging cars, logs, or whatnot. Teddy Helmick is a reported jack of all trades; here he keeps fine time, shuffling behind the others and frequently slipping into a locally familiar bluegrass-like beat.

Rymodee is also learned in the harmonica, which makes appearances on a number of their tunes, along (at least on recordings) with the viola playing of a mysterious character named Spot. Sometimes they sound a little like cult-favorites the Vaselines-- the Scottish indie/folk/pop quartet who partially gained prominence thanks to constant banding by Nirvana's Kurt Cobain (Nirvana covered their song, "Jesus Doesn't Want Me For A Sunbeam" on their MTV Unplugged performance). Sometimes they sound like Jeff Tweedy's more rock/pop contributions to alt-country superstars Uncle Tupelo.

Rymodee's vocals are often garbled beyond recognition, but using the song titles as a guide, it is possible to get the gist of what he is saying on most of their songs. "Of chivalry and romance in a dumpster," speaks of love and dumpster diving. The "Black Panther Song" starts out something like, "The Black Panther Party are you ready for me/ after 25 years of signs can't you see me." Yeah, I have no idea what he's talking about either, or even if my transcription is correct, but the point is it's fun stuff, rousing good-time music, performed by clever and with-it individuals, and if you are looking for a good time tonight, what more could you ask for?

This Bike Is A Pipe Bomb performs with The Devil is Electric and Abe Froman at Tokyo Rose on Thursday, June 13. $5, 10:30.

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

PERFORMANCE

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.

Synergy: The third annual summer intensive sponsored by the Zen Monkey Project will culminate with a two-night public performance, featuring five dancers with varied artistic backgrounds. New Dance Space, 105 N. First St. (above Hamilton's on the Downtown Mall). 8pm. Free admission. 295-7856.

Floyd Collins: See Thursday, June 13. This show is sold out.

TUNES

Sandra Hall at Fridays After Five on the Downtown Mall: Known for her belting vocals, the blues run deep in Sandra Hall. Koko Taylor is a singing touchstone for Ms. Hall, for those of you in the know, but for those that aren't picture 12-bar blues with an inspired, vocally talented leader. Free.

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

Naked Puritans at Dürty Nelly's. No cover, 9:30pm.

Cowgomoo at Mountain View Grill. $5, 9pm.

Small Town Workes at Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.

Jazz Night w/ Quentin Parker at Rapunzel's Coffee & Books. No cover, 7pm. (W)

Peter Rowan and Tony Rice at Starr Hill. $22, $20 adv., 10pm.

Chemistry at Vinegar Hill Grill. $3, 9:30pm

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

FAMILY

Flying high: The Virginia Aviation Museum hosts Air Fair from 10am-4pm. This celebration of aviation includes static aircraft displays, remote control planes, air pressure demonstrations, Carpenter Science Theater productions, and fun for the whole family. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for kids ages 4-12. At the Richmond International Airport, 5701 Huntsman Road in Sandston, Virginia. 804-3622. www.vam.smv.org.

Monticello for minors: Starting today, Monticello offers special tours for families with children ages 4-11. Tours run daily, on the hour, and include hands-on experiences and a child-friendly focus. Register at the ticket office. Included in the price of admission. Thomas Jefferson Parkway (Rt. 53). 984-9822.

Wine country: Wintergreen Performing Arts hosts the Mountaintop Wine Festival in the Evans Center (adjacent to Wintergreen's main lodge) from noon to 5:30pm. More than 50 wines from ten Virginia wineries will be featured along with savory epicurean delights, live music, craft exhibits, and the unbeatable beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tickets are $12, discounts are available for advance ticket purchases. Wintergreen Resort in Nelson County. 325-8292.

FAMILY AND THINK

Emancipation celebration: Dating back to 1865, Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery. Piedmont Virginia Community College hosts this second annual community celebration of African-American freedom from 11am-6pm. Activities include educational exhibits, presentations, cultural performances, hands-on activities for children, historical re-enactments, food, and entertainment for the whole family. Rt. 20S. 961-5203.

Plantation days: Monticello brings the sights and sounds of the early 1800s to life on Mulberry Row, the plantation "street" along which Monticello slaves lived and worked. From 10am-5pm, costumed artisans interpret the trades and domestic activities that were practiced by Jefferson's enslaved and free workers. Included in the price of admission. Thomas Jefferson Parkway (Rt. 53). 984-9822.

PERFORMANCE

Synergy: The third annual summer intensive sponsored by the Zen Monkey Project will culminate with a two-night public performance, featuring five dancers with varied artistic backgrounds. New Dance Space, 105 N. First St. (above Hamilton's on the Downtown Mall). 8pm. Free admission. 295-7856.

Swing Dance: Charlottesville Swing Dance Society hosts their monthly dance with John Festa playing DJ. Free lesson from 8-9pm, followed by the dance, which runs till midnight. $6-12. http://monticello.avenue.org/swing/ or 980-2744.

Floyd Collins: See Thursday, June 13.

Everybody dance: The Charlottesville Swing Dance Society hosts its monthly dance at the Greek Orthodox Church. A free lesson is held from 8-9pm, and the dance takes place from 9pm-midnight. $6 students/$9 members/$12 nonmembers. Perry and McIntire roads. 924-3177.

NATURE

A tisket, a tasket: Laura Kron, basket weaver extraordinaire, will teach this three-and-a-half-hour hands-on workshop. The session will begin with a brief history of basketry, a discussion of the variety of materials nature offers, and a display of different weaving techniques and designs. Participants will then construct their own sturdy basket to use in the garden or home. 9:30am and 2pm. $20 covers all materials. Tufton Farm. 434-984-9822

Free bird: Phil Stokes of the Virginia Native Plant Society will lead a wildflower walk at the Ivy Creek Natural Area. Free. Meet at the barn. Route 743 (Earlysville Road) just past Albemarle High School. For more information contact DeDe Smith at 973-7772

Batteaux season

A boat for all ages

BY LYNN JO JAMESON

School's out, and so begins the scramble for summertime fun. Seasoned parents know most of the options, but every once in a while something pops up on the radar that is so uniquely Virginia that it begs for a little notice. Before humidity kicks off a real southern scorcher, and movement is relegated to pools and grocery stores, a little drive into the country may just be in order. Heading to the James River for a picnic or a stroll or a tubing adventure always seems to bring out the best in people, but the James wasn't always just a destination spot for weekenders.

The 2002 James River Batteau Festival is celebrating its 17th year of flat-bottomed boat fun. These boats (or batteaux) were used to transport tobacco and other goods from areas in Central Virginia to Richmond in the late 1700s. The boats were generally from six to eight feet wide, 40-50 feet long and were constructed of white oak. The Festival is mostly for fun and to raise awareness of the importance these boats played in Virginia's history. The Virginia Canals and Navigations Society would also like to use this event to promote the building and operation of authentic replicas of James River Batteaux as well as to call attention to the James River basin as a geographical community of special significance to Virginia and the nation and to promote awareness of the river as an important natural resource.

Beginning Saturday, June 15 in Lynchburg, 12 batteaux are expected to launch their crafts along with several canoes and head south. Monday, June 17 should see them in Wingina camped out for the evening where dinner will be available along with ice and drinking water. Tuesday brings them into Howardsville, just north of where the Rockfish River meets the James. Wednesday is the traditional stop at Scottsville where historical demonstrations, (spinning, weaving, basket making) food, and music continue all day and into the night.

The experience should resonate with historical authenticity and reveal Scottsville as a thriving river town complete with commerce and pedestrians. So drive a little and see a lot in Scottsville.

For maps and more information about fees, camping, and general participation check the website at www.batteau.org. Scottsville is located on Route 20 south of Charlottesville about 15 miles. Howardsville and Wingina are both located on Route 626 southwest of Scottsville 10 and 17 miles respectively.

TUNES

Kool Hand Luke at Outback Lodge: One of the few genres that have gained prominence in my lifetime (along with grunge and that "revolutionary" electronic music), rap-metal lately seems to be on the decline. Luckily for Kool Hand Luke, these boys are more than one trick ponies, also combining regge and country (?) into their midst; and who knows, maybe their stew is the next big thing. $6, 10pm.

Earth To Andy w/ Small Town Workers: Near -locals Small Town open for big-throated Earth To Andy. With a sound sometimes reminescent of early 90's one speculacular hit wonders Space Hog ("In The Meantime"), Earth To Andy pack big guitars and even bigger singing make you yearn for the time when Nirvana roamed the earth. $10/8 adv., 10pm.

Bobby Graves at Awful Arthur's. No cover, 10pm.

Joshua Mayo at Blackstone's Coffee Company. No cover, 8:30.

Innerspace at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.

Hogwaller Ramblers at Dürty Nelly's. No cover, 9:30pm.

**Kool Hand Luke at Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.

BlueSkye w/ the Back Porch Boys at Raunzel's Coffee & Books. $5, 8pm.

George Turner Trio at South Street Brewery. No cover, 10pm.

**Earth To Andy w/ Small Town Workers at Starr Hill. $10/8 adv., 10pm.

Bad Motor Scooter at Vinegar Hill Grill. $5, 9:30pm.

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

FAMILY and THINK

Plantation days: See Saturday, June 15.

NATURE

Early bird: Catch the worm with Nancy and Bill Corwin for an early morning bird walk around Lake Monocan. Learn to identify our feathered friends by sight and sound. Meet at Lake Monocan. Bring binoculars and field guides. $5 non-members. 434-325-7451

PERFORMANCE

Sunday Salsa: Join the Charlottesville Salsa Club for their weekly dance at The Down Under Dance Club at the Outback Lodge, in the Preston Plaza, on Preston Ave. 8pm-midnight. $4-6. 979-7211.

Floyd Collins: See Thursday, June 13. Today's show is at 2pm.

TUNES

A slide show on Mount Everest by Jeff Evans at Starr Hill: A change of pace for one of C'ville's premiere music venues, relax and wile away the afternoon in its cool confines while enjoying that ode to suburbia, the slideshow. $10, 4pm.

Sundried Opossum at Dürty Nelly's. No cover, 6pm.

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

Red Dog Divas at Mountain View Grill. $5, 6pm.

Dead Night at Michael's Bistro. No cover, 10pm. (W)

John D'earth Quartet at Miller's. $4, 10pm. (W)

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

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

MONDAY, JUNE 17

FAMILY and BOOKS

Cheap Thrills: Registration begins for Jefferson-Madison Regional Library's teen summer reading program, "Cheap Thrills" and also for the younger set's "A Hoppin Place" program. Newsletters, reading logs, book reviews, prizes and the hit "Survivor" online book challenge are all part of the package. Not to mention a great cause: Heifer International, a worldwide organization dedicated to ending hunger by providing livestock. Find out more online at jmrl.org or 979-7151 ext. 3.

FAMILY FEATURE

Book it

Summer's made for reading

BY LINDA KOBERT

The summer I turned nine, my mother started taking my siblings and I into the city to go to the public library. Books could be checked out for three weeks, so that's how often we made this trip. I would gather a stack of mysteries and young adult novels sure to last me the entire 21 days and then some. Heaven forbid I should be caught bookless.

Some folks in Charlottesville don't want kids to be caught bookless this summer either. Summer reading programs at Jefferson-Madison Regional Library start June 17 with prizes for kids who meet their reading goals and loads of cool programs to keep them coming back for more.

Bookworms up to age 11 who sign up for "Discover a Hoppin' Place @ Your Library" will receive a reading log along with a nifty sack to carry that stack of reading materials. Adolescent booklovers ages 11-18 can sign up for Cheap Thrills, the reading program just for teens. Kids set their own reading goals and keep a record of their progress. Even kids who don't read yet can participate by having someone read to them. Reading logs can be turned in at the local library branch once a week for a special prize.

Writing readers can scribe a review of something they've read and see it published in the Cheap Thrills or Cheap Thrills Junior Newsletters. The Cheap Thrills program has two book discussion groups scheduled with snacks at each biweekly session, and books participants can keep if they like. And no one should miss the ice cream socials and kick off parties scheduled at many library branches. Teens have their own gala kick off event: a chocolate festival at Central Library on June 24.

Barnes & Noble Bookstore is sponsoring a summer reading program, too. The booksellers invite kids in grades one to six to dive in and read at least eight books to receive a coupon good for a free book. Readers' journals can be picked up in the children's section of the store. Books need not be purchased; even library books and those borrowed from friends will do, as long as the material is age appropriate and up to the child's reading level.

Brochures detailing the summer programs for both "Discover a Hoppin' Place" and "Cheap Thrills" are available at all JMRL branches. The summer reading program takes place June 17-August 3. Participants should register for book discussion groups and pick up the first book ahead of time. Free tickets for the chocolate festival are available at all branches. Central Library's number is 979-7151, ext. 3. Barnes & Noble is in the Barracks Road Shopping Center. Their "Dive into Books" program runs May 28-September 3. 984-0461.

TUNES

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

Johnson County Sheriffs at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.

Night of Beats at Michael's Bistro. $2, 10:30pm.

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

Holiday Inn, and Atsushi Miura upstairs at Tokyo Rose. No cover, 9:30pm. (W)

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