THURSDAY, May 15 FAMILY Lunar madness: A public observing session for the lunar eclipse takes place tonight at Ivy Creek Natural Area. See Family feature.

Read to me: Barnes & Noble's preschool story time celebrates Mother's Day with stories about mothers and grandmothers for the five-and-under crowd. Stickers and cookies are part of the fun, too. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.

TUNES John D'earth and friends at Miller's: The experimental jazz of John D'earth is a common sound around town&emdash;what, you haven't see him yet? What are you waiting for, the next big thing? Get down to Miller's and see him tonight. $4, 10pm. (W)

Bobby Graves at Baja Bean. No cover, 9pm.

Jim Waive at the Blue Moon Diner. No cover, 8pm. (W)

Chicken Head Blues Band at Dürty Nelly's. $4, 9pm. (W)

Beija-flor at El Girasol. 10pm, no cover. (W)

The Jessup, Mills & Snider Trio at Escafé. No cover, 10pm. (W)

The Victrolas at High St Steak & Grill. No cover, 9pm.

Hard Rock Night: Sedamentreous with Navel and Big Fast Car at Outback Lodge. Free, 10pm.

Spiral Gypsy at Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. No cover, 8pm.

B.C. at the Virginian. No cover, 10:30pm. (W)

FRIDAY, May 16 PERFORMANCE Steel Magnolias: Four County Players offers the well-known play that was a hit movie starring Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Olympia Dukakis, and several other high-power Hollywood women through May 25. Barboursville Community Center on Route 678 between Routes 33 and 20, Barboursville. 8pm. $8-12. 832-5355.

No Shame: Join the weekly line-up of performers at this open mic for actors, if you dare. Live Arts LAB Space, 609 E. Market St. 11pm. $5 at the door. 977-4177.

WORDS Sick a'bed: Northside Library features the previously untold story of Woodrow Wilson's debilitation during his second term and his wife Edith's cover-up and effective control of the White House during those years. Edith and Wilson is reviewed by Mary Baldwin professor, Catharine Brown. 300 Albemarle Square, noon. 973-7893.

FAMILY Star struck: The view is out of this world at Public Night at McCormick Observatory from 9-11pm (weather permitting). See Family feature, page 37.

TUNES Tom Principato Band with John Featherston Band at Fridays after Five on the Downtown Mall: The Fridays after Five season is in full swing with the blues of the Tom Principato Band and the John Featherston Band. $3, 5:30pm.

Monticello Road at Mountain View Grill: The always entertaining straight-ahead rock band Monticello Road make songs ready for radio play, and that's not too shabby. $5, 9pm.

Vandyke Brown at Outback Lodge with guest: Catch the city-slickers-to-be, rock/pop group Vandyke Brown, at one of their last shows before they relocate to NYC. $5, 10pm.

Curtis Burch with David Via and Corn Tornado at the Prism Coffeehouse: Founding member of the New Grass Revival Curtis Burch contributed lead guitar, vocals, and Dobro to each of the group's five records. This is the final weekend of the Prism's 2002-2003 season. $14/$12, 8 pm.

William Walter & Co. at Jaberwocky. $3, 10:30pm.

Stone Stew (jazz fusion) at Miller's. $4, 10pm.

Poetry & Fiction Open-Mic at Rapunzel's Coffee & Books. Free, 7:30pm.

Solar Return at Tokyo Rose. $5, 10:30pm.

Them Against Them at Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. No cover, 7pm.

Hogwaller Ramblers at Dürty Nelly's. $3, 8pm.

SATURDAY, May 17 PEFORMANCE Doug Schneider and Company: Local singing sensation Doug Schneider, who has appeared on every local stage to rave reviews, will be joined by Kate Lambert, Jeff Dreyfus, Mary Elizabeth Forbes, and Rita Dove for an evening of entertainment to benefit the Live Arts Operating Fund. Gather for wine and hors d'oeuvres at 7pm; the show begins at 8pm. Coffee and light desserts served at intermission. Live Arts LAB Space, 609 E. Market St. $25 per person. 977-4177, ext. 309. See Performance feature.

Murder mystery: Join the Jefferson Players for their weekly delve into the world of murder and intrigue over a four-course buffet meal. They offer the comedy by Jason Campbell, It's My Party and I'll Die If I Want To. Courtyard Marriott, 1201 W. Main St. 7pm. $29.90. 977-1144 or jeffmanor.com.

Swing dance: Join the Charlottesville Swing Dance Society for a free East Coast Swing Lesson from 8-9pm, followed by dancing from 9pm-midnight, with music by DJ Dave Moldover. Municipal Arts Center, 1119 Fifth St. Ex. $6-12.980-2744 or http://avenue.org/swing.

Steel Magnolias: See Friday, May 16.

WORDS Nancy Drew on horseback: Rita Mae must love this gal. Mt. Sidney resident Alison Hart reads and signs her newest book on equestrian sleuths, Danger at the Wild West Show. Barnes & Noble, Barracks Road Shopping Center. 1pm. 984-0461.

Speak out: Community equity hearings by the NAACP to encourage reports of racial injustice and discrimination in the UVA and Charlottesville communities are held today from 12-3pm at the Quality Community Council, 327 W. Main St. Local and state NAACP officials will be in attendance. 296-8673.

WALKABOUT Batesville day: The Batesville 10K is well known across the state as one of the most scenic and challenging races around. It's also the oldest race in the area to have maintained the same course. This year, a 5K Hunger Walk is added, with proceeds going to the Batesville Food Pantry. Race and walk begin at 8am with registration starting at 7am in Page's field. $12 before May 17, $15 day of race. For more info call 823-5927 (10K) or 823-7330 (5K). The Batesville Day Parade follows at 11am.

Monroe's merlot?: Ash Lawn-Highland hosts its ninth annual Virginia Wine Festival 11am-5pm todaoy and tomorrow. Selected local wineries offer choice vintages for tasting and sale. Zydeco and jazz music, gourmet foods, and crafts demonstrations. $10 advance, $15 at the door (reduced rates for children). 293-9539. See Walkabout feature.

Bike race: If you're into pedaling-&endash; uphill-&endash; then head on over to Wintergreen for the first 7.7-mile Wintergreen Ascent Bicycle Race. The race will be run as a "time trial" event, wherein racers are started individually at 30-second intervals and timed over the distance. There will be categories and prizes for all ages and ability levels. The route will begin in the vicinity of the Ski Barn store on Route 664 in Nelson County and traverse west on 664 to the entrance of Wintergreen Resort. The first group of cyclists will start at 10am, and the last group to start should finish by 3pm. For more information on the Wintergreen Ascent, visit the web site at wintergreenresort.com To enter the competition, call the Charlottesville Racing Club at 979-7145. To watch, call 325-8180.

FAMILY Feel the buzz: An unusual cacophony of sounds fills the Virginia Discovery Museum today as they open their new Back Gallery exhibit, "Good Vibrations." It's an odd orchestra of strange instruments, new sounds, and acoustic experiments where budding musicians can explore the art and science of sound. Kids can bang a drum, whistle, and hum, and see how simple sound waves create the joyful noise called music. Included in the price of museum admission. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025. vadm.org.

Git along little doggie: Kids of all ages are invited to a cowboy party at the Virginia Discovery Museum. Author Lawson Drinkard will be there with his book Riding on the Range: Western Activities for Kids, and dishing up lots of yippee yahoo fun. Books will be sold and signed. A portion of the profits benefits the museum. 10:30-11:30am. Free. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025. vadm.org.

Going buggy: Young entomologists can get up close and personal with the insect world at Crozet Library. Kids five and up can listen to stories and go home with their own personal bug catcher. 10:30am. Free. Registration required. In the old train station on Three Notch'd Road. 823-4050.

Art class: Clothing tells surprising tales about cultures and time periods in a family workshop at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. In the studio, participants will create a truly contemporary American fashion innovation: a tie-dyed t-shirt. The workshop for kids ages 5-7 takes place from 9:30-11am. The one for kids 8-12 is from 11:30am-1pm. Cost is $11 per person/$9 for members. Meet in the Children's Studio, off the main lobby. Call to register. 2800 Grove Ave., Richmond. 804-340-1405.

Slave quarters: The sights and sounds of the early 1800's come to life on Monticello's Mulberry Row, the plantation "street" along which slaves lived and labored. Costumed artisans interpret the trades and domestic skills practiced by TJ's enslaved and free workers. 10am-5pm. Included in the cost of admission. Thomas Jefferson Parkway (Rt. 53). 984-9822. monticello.org.

Slave life: Montpelier guides offer tours of James Madison's plantation's slave community every Saturday now through October. 11am. Included in the cost of admission. 11407 Constitution Highway (Rt. 20 in Orange). 540-672-2728. montpelier.org.

Estate tour: A special tour of James Madison's Montpelier focuses on the legacy of William and Annie duPont (who purchased the plantation in 1901) and their daughter, the famed equestrian Marion duPont Scott. Every Saturday now through October. 2pm. Included in the cost of admission. 11407 Constitution Highway (Rt. 20 in Orange). 540-672-2728. montpelier.org.

TUNES AND FAMILY On the air: Fans of "Tell Us A Tale" can join a live taping of the Sunday radio show at the Prism as storytellers Peter Jones and Jen Hoffman tell fractured fairy tales. The two will be joined by Jan Smith Band along with local bluegrass band King Wilkie in this final performance of the season. As a special treat, this show will be videotaped for possible airing on public television. Folks can attend either or both of two shows to be recorded today, one from 1-2pm, the second from 2:15-3:15. The results will air on WTJU 91.1 FM on Sunday, May 18, from noon-2pm. Donations accepted. 214 Rugby Road. 978-3603. tellusatale.com.

TUNES North Branch School presents Bandfair, featuring The Terri Allard Band, Bluzonia, Karma Bums, Tiger Lily, and Kow Pi at the Rockfish Valley Community Center in Nelson County: Celebrating 20 years of fostering respect, non-violence, and environmental responsibility, The North Branch School is pleased to present an outdoor celebration of the arts. Festival will include "activities for children, crafts to purchase, and field events," as well as the all-important food! $30 families/$10 adults/$5 children, 3-8pm.

John Renbourn & Jacqui McShee at the Prism Coffeehouse: The Prism's 2002-2003 season finale features two key members of the "seminal" British folk-rock band Pentangle. $22/$18 advance, 8 pm.

Betty Gone Bad at Buffalo Wild Wings. $2, 9pm.

Innspace at Jaberwocky. No cover, 11pm.

Sunny Weather at Miller's. $4, 10pm.

Ex Porn Stars at Outback Lodge. $7, 10pm.

BlueSkye with Vyktoria Pratt Keating at Rapunzel's Coffee & Books.

DJ Nite: Soft Control at Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. No cover, 8pm.

The Dawning DJ night: DJ Kay Devoi and DJ Justice at Tokyo Rose. $5, 10pm.

SUNDAY, May 18 PERFORMANCE Steel Magnolias: See Friday, May 16.

WORDS Letters from the James River: The Scottsville Council for the Arts celebrates the release of Riverbanks to Mountaintops, a unique collection of original stories and poems of 45 rural residents of the James River-bend area. Reception with light refreshments and copies for sale. 4-6pm. Tri-County Riding Club, Route 715 off Route 20 South at Keene. 268-8808.

FAMILY Slave quarters: See Saturday, May 17.

WALKABOUT Skate against terrorism: As part of a multi-city effort to support the 9/11 Families Give Back Fund, the Charlottesville Ice Park has been selected to host a Skate-a-Thon today from 1-3pm. To find out more, call 817-2400 ext. 640.

Winged wildflowers: Walk with butterfly enthusiast Mike Scott to seek and identify Ivy Creek's early butterflies. A short presentation will precede the walk. Meet at 1pm in the Education Building at the Ivy Creek Natural Area, off Earlysville Road. Free. 973-7772.

Monroe's merlot?: See Saturday, May 17. See Walkabout feature.

TUNES David M. Bailey Concert at Crozet Baptist Church. Free, 5:30pm.

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

Matt Wilner at Mellow Mushroom. No cover, 8pm. (W)

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

King Golden Banshee at Dürty Nelly's. $3, 8pm.

MONDAY, May 19 TUNES Open Mic Night at Baja Bean. No cover, 9pm.

Jackson Gibson at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10:30pm. (W)

Max Collins at Michael's Bistro. No cover, 10:30pm. Experimental acoustic. (W)

Open Mic Night at Miller's. Free, 9:30 sign up/10pm start.

George Melvin at South Street Brewery. No cover, 9:30pm.

TUESDAY, May 20 WALKABOUT Open meditation: The Joshua Tree Mindfulness Center holds a quiet meditation from 7:15-8:15am, and again from 5:15-6:15pm. Cushions, small benches, and chairs are provided. No fee. 2125 Ivy Road (in the plaza next to Foods of All Nations). 244-3144 or .

Pruning 101: Landscape Architect Ian Robertson talks about pruning techniques at tonight's meeting of the Charlottesville Horticulture Club. 7pm. Senior Center, 1180 Pepsi Place. Free. 293-6871.

FAMILY Dolley party: It's Dolley Madison's birthday, and Montpelier is celebrating with free cake for visitors from 11am-3:30pm. Those who share Dolley's birthday get free admission, too. 11407 Constitution Highway (Rt. 20 in Orange). 540-672-2728. montpelier.org.

TUNES Matthew Willner upstairs at Tokyo Rose: B.C. takes a break from their weekly upstairs Tokyo Rose performance, and Matthew Willner picks up the slack. A one-man band of sorts, Willner uses his magical effects pedals to create a guitar based whirlwind of sound with some synthesizer elements and "a heavy emphasis on improvisation." No cover, 9:30pm.

Jamie and Rolland at the Blue Moon Diner. No cover, 8pm. (W)

Glenn Mack at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10:30om. (W)

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

Blues N' Stuff at Miller's. $3, 10pm.

Clarence and Gabriel at Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. No cover, 8pm.

WEDNESDAY, May 21 FAMILY Little literati: The five-and-under crowd can play in the garden with bugs and butterflies at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. Stickers and cookies are part of the fun, too. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.

PERFORMANCE AND WALKABOUT Country dance night: Arrive early (7pm) and take a Two-Step lesson, then join the fun of couples dancing and line dancing. Fry's Spring Beach Club, 2512 Jefferson Park Ave. 8-11pm. $4-7 at the door. 977-0491.

WALKABOUT Guided meditation: The Joshua Tree Mindfulness Center, a new community-based meditation center, hosts a weekly discussion-meditation series led by local instructors. Topics include joy, fear and anger. Brief talks will feed into meditation practice. Come to any or all sessions. 7pm-8:30pm. No fee. 2125 Ivy Road (in the plaza next to Foods of All Nations). For more info, call 244-3144 or e-mail .

WORDS A Generation of rebels: Roanoke College Professor John Selby discusses his work of socio-military history, Virginians at War: The Civil War Experience of Seven Young Confederates. Three of them are women on the home front. Barnes & Noble, Barracks Road Shopping Center, 7pm. 984-0461.

TUNES Marshall Crenshaw with David Sickmen at Starr Hill: The timeless retro-pop of Marshall Crenshaw continues its 20-year reign. Still going strong, Crenshaw has a back-catalog that could choke a horse, so you are sure to get your money's worth at Starr Hill tonight. $15, 9pm. See Tunes feature.

Bennie Dodd at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10:30pm. (W)

Jeff Decker and Mike Rosensky Quartet at Miller's. No cover, 9pm. (W)

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

Jimmy O (singer and guitarist) at South River Grill Restaurant in Waynesboro.

THURSDAY, May 22 PERFORMANCE Bat Boy, the Musical: Before the crowds line up for opening night, catch the hit Off-Broadway show taken straight from the headlines of the tabloids. Tonight is preview night, and tickets are free for the asking. Live Arts, 609 E. Market St. 8pm. 977-4177.

WORDS Stream of conscience: The protagonist in Peter Skinner's debut novel, White Buffalo, confronts his conscience and his spirituality alongside a Flathead Indian and a sexy Denny's waitress. Reading and signing at Barnes & Noble, 7pm. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-0461. See Words feature.

FAMILY Little literati: See Wednesday, May 21.

TUNES Mary Prankster at Michael's Bistro: The quirky rock of MP with the extensive beer list of MB? It's an initial match made in heaven. Outrageous! $4, 9pm.

Bobby Graves at Baja Bean. No cover, 9pm.

Jim Waive at the Blue Moon Diner. No cover, 8pm. (W)

Chicken Head Blues Band at Dürty Nelly's. $4, 9pm. (W)

Beija-flor at El Girasol. 10pm, no cover. (W)

The Jessup, Mills & Snider Trio at Escafé, No cover, 10pm. (W)

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

Hard Rock Night: Lyman with Social Outcast ub, & Vevlo Eel at Outback Lodge. Free, 10pm.

The Wailers at Starr Hill. $20, 9pm.

Grasping at Laws upstairs at Tokyo Rose. No cover, 9:30pm. (W)

The End's Tavern at Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. No cover, 8pm.

B.C. at the Virginian. No cover, 10:30pm. (W)

ONGOING AND UPCOMING WALKABOUT Amusements: Albemarle County Parks and Recreation Department has discount admission tickets for Kings Dominion, Water Country, and Busch Gardens. You don't need to be a county resident to purchase these tickets, which will be available through the summer while supplies last. Third floor of the County Office Building. 401 McIntire Road. 296-5844.

Behind the scenes: Now through the end of October, Montpelier guides take visitors on special tours of rarely seen rooms in the mansion made famous by James and Dolley Madison. Offered every half-hour from 10:30am-4pm. Included in the cost of admission. 11407 Constitution Highway (Rt. 20 in Orange). 540-672-2728. montpelier.org.

Mental health: May is Mental Health Month is a national campaign designed to bring about awareness of mental heath issues, as well as to eliminate the stigmas associated with talking about, thinking about, seeking help for or sharing concerns over mental health. To find out how you can participate, or to find out more, contact Kate Gaston of the MHA at 977-4673 or .

FAMILY Discovering plants and animals: The Virginia Museum of Natural History at UVA offers another Lewis and Clark exploration. Visitors can learn about plants and animals that the Corps of Discovery encountered on their historic journey in the new exhibit "Natural History Pioneers: The Flora and Fauna of the Lewis and Clark Expedition." Free. 104 Emmet St. 982-4605.

Space kids: Now through June 15 aspiring astronauts can take off on an Aero Adventure at the Science Museum of Virginia. Kids can try their hands at rescuing a malfunctioning satellite, flying across the arctic, and figuring out how ice and altitude can affect flight performance. Included in the price of admission. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.

Because it's there: Visitors to the Science Museum of Virginia can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the daredevils who struggle to reach the vertiginous summit at 29,028 feet in the IMAX film "Everest." Tickets are $6.50. The combination ticket that lets you also see the exhibits is $10.50 kids 4-12, $11.50 adults, $11 seniors. Call for times and reservations. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.

Monkey around: The legendary primate researcher Dr. Jane Goodall leads viewers to a remote area in Tanzania to visit a few of her long-time friends in the IMAX film Jane Goodall's Wild Chimpanzees at the Science Museum of Virginia through June 14. Tickets for the film only are $6.50, but get the package deal and see the exhibits too. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.

Food and shelter: The Children's Museum of Richmond hosts an exhibit that helps kids learn some of the wilderness skills the Lewis & Clark crew needed to make it through the journey[sigma] things like navigating by the stars, building forts, and tracking animals for food. Interactive displays help modern adventurers record their observations and identify unknown animals. A replica of a Sioux tipi is displayed, and Native Americans will drop by to share their skills. 2626 W. Broad St. 804-474-2667. c-mor.org.

Nature walks: Each Sunday at 9:30am, from now through the end of October, Monticello offers a free guided walking tour of the Thomas Jefferson Parkway, the linear park along the Route 53 entrance corridor to Jefferson's mountaintop home. The leisurely walks led by naturalist Jay Kardan cover three miles and last about two hours. Meet at Kemper Park, at the base of the Parkway. Rain or shine. Call 984-9822 for more info.

ART LIST Through August 16, "Object Lessons," an exhibit which answers frequently asked questions about Aboriginal art, and "Manguri Weaving," a touring exhibition of weavings by women of the central and western deserts, are on view at the Kluge Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection, 400 Peter Jefferson Place, off Route 250 East at Pantops. 244-0234.

Students of the Renaissance School exhibit their work at the school through May 30. 406 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 984-1952.

Fred Goldman's abstract paintings hang at Bozart Gallery this month. This show runs through June 1. 211 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. 296-3919. bozartgallery.org

The works of Barry Gordon and Malcolm Hughes are on display at L'etoile restaurant through May. 817 W Main St. 979-7957.

Paintings by artist Cristian Peri hang at Higher Grounds Café through May 31. 112 Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 971-8743.

John Ruseau and Desmond Cormier share an exhibit at the John Ruseau Gallery. 112 W. Main St. in York Place on the Downtown Mall. 977-0627.

Govisual presents "Tidepools of Olympic National Park," an exhibit of color photography by Victoria Dye, through June 5. 208 Third St. NE. 293-4475.

Gerald Mitchell exhibits new work as a benefit for the Thomas Jefferson Food Bank. The show hangs through May 30 at the Jeweler's Eye, 201C E. Main St. 979-5919.

Trisha Orr's "Eurydice Paintings for the Opera Orpheo," runs through May 31 at Les Yeux du Monde @ Dot2Dot, 115 S. First St. 973-5566. See Art feature.

Follow your nose to Transient Crafters to breathe in "Herbal Comfort: Love Your Body" with Sandy Goodson of Mossy Path Herbals and Sandy Adams, floral designer and herbalist, through the end of May. 118 W. Main on the Downtown Mall. 972-9500.

The C&O Gallery shows David Eakin's Virginia landscape paintings, "More than Places," through May. 511 E. Water St. 971-7044.

At the University of Virginia Art Museum, newly acquired Joseph Cornell boxes and collages are on exhibit through June. Also, "Re-Imagining Ireland: Irish Art Today," works by living Irish artists, runs through June 8. Summer Arts @ the Museum, a three-session art program for kids, begins July 7. Rugby Road. 924-3952

At Art Upstairs, enjoy Nina Ozbey's watercolor exhibit "Transitions," through May 31. 316 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall above the Hardware Store Restaurant. 923-3900.

At Angelo: "The Art of the Wedding," photographs by local wedding photographer Pam Perugi Marraccini, through June 30. 220 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 971-9256.

Mike George shows new paintings at the Mudhouse in May. 213 W. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 984-6833.

The McGuffey Art Center hosts "Navigation," an exhibit of new photography by Will May. Also: Kelly Lonergan's mixed-media collage exhibit "The Pilgrims;" Michael Fitts' new paintings on metal; and the 2003 area high school exhibition, featuring work by students from area high schools. All exhibits through June 1. 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973.

Second Street Gallery presents DC-based artist Jae Ko's "Ink and Paper" through June 1. 201 Second St. NW. 977-7284.

The Oakwood Arts Foundation and the UVA present "Our View," a photography contest for area high school students. Contact Merry or Frank Thomasson at 977-3552 or for info. Deadline for submission is May 19.

Radar

"Fresh Paint: New Paintings" by Ann Thérèse Verkerke runs through May 31 at Café Bocce. 330 Valley St. Scottsville. 286-4422.

"Harmonies From Life," watercolor and oil paintings by Ray Martin, will be on view at the Front Street Gallery through May 31. 773 Front St. Lovingston. 263-8526.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts presents "Despite Many Adversitites, We Are Still Here," photographs of Native Americans by Carolyn DeMerritt, through July20. Also "Uncommon Legacies," Native American art from the Peabody Essex Museum. 2800 Grove Ave., Richmond. 804-204-2704.

FEATURES/FEATURES/FEATURES ART Fading: Orr's work mirrors Eurydice's fate

BY AARON STEINBERG Clearly, the Orrs have cornered the market on the Orpheus and Eurydice myth. Poet Gregory Orr has retold the entire story in short poems that he subsequently published as Orpheus and Eurydice. And then his wife, Trisha, created artwork for the Piedmont Virginia Community College performance of Christoph Willibald Gluck's opera, also titled Orpheus and Eurydice.

Orpheus was, of course, the man who descended to the underworld and talked Hades into letting him bring his love, Eurydice, back from the land of the dead. The one catch Hades imposed was that Orpheus couldn't turn around to see if she was actually following him. He had to trust that she would be there.

Just before they reach the light, however, he can't help himself and turns around, only to watch Eurydice fade back to the underworld. It's a tragic story, and one can only hope that the Orrs-- so invested in the tale-- rent some dumb romantic comedies every once in a while.

Trisha Orr's exhibit offers no clues about how she conceived the work and how she intended it to function, both on stage and in a gallery, but there seem to be some obvious concessions to the former medium.

Orr's paintings are all still lifes of flowers and they are for the most part big, magnified images-- as if intended to be seen from the back of an auditorium. These close-ups of blooming flowers, typically a single flower bloom, come in small sets of two or three. In each set, Orr moves from a relatively straightforward realism to light abstraction while using the same image as a guide.

So the sunflower in "Sunflower I," appears as if submerged under choppy water in its companion painting. Its background brightens from a solid blue to aqua. The white lantern flower simply depicted returns again in a squiggly, unbroken-line style that gives it a look not unlike a plate of noodles.

The single bud of a rose reappears, looking semi-deconstructed. The shadows in its folds fade into the background, and the petals seem to be barely connected to one another. Obviously, the energy of the exhibit comes in the movement from realism to abstraction and as Orr's paintings go from I to II and III.

Trisha Orr's "Eurydice Paintings for the Opera Orpheo," runs through May 31 at Les Yeux du Monde @ Dot2Dot. 115 S. First St. 973-5566.

PERFORMANCE Fun for funds: Live Arts hosts musical fete

BY TOBY EMERT If you've ever been to a musical play in Charlottesville, you have probably seen local star Doug Schneider. He has performed on every stage in town. From appearing in Four County Players' community-style productions to his professional gigs at Heritage Repertory at the University, he has proved himself a versatile and committed actor, singer, and comedian. He's well-respected by his theater colleagues and well-loved by audiences for his consistently fine performances.

It's easy to call Schneider one of Charlottesville's favorite entertainers. It makes sense, then, that he would be tapped to help raise some needed funds for the operating budget at Live Arts. With the construction of their new theater on Water Street, the dip in audience attendance as a result of recent global concerns, and the end of their current season approaching, the theater that has become the leading player in the drama scene in town is feeling the pressure to bolster its budget with several special events.

Enter Doug Schneider and friends. This weekend he takes the stage in the intimate LAB Space for an evening of what promoter Linda Zuby is calling "music and fun." Schneider will perform a set of tunes from his myriad stage roles with Greg Harris, founder of New Lyric Theater, on the piano. He will be joined by several other well-known performers, including Kate Lambert, Jeff Dreyfus, Mary Elizabeth Forbes, and Pulitzer-prize-winning poet Rita Dove.

With chances to win great prizes in a raffle that will take place during the evening, wine and hors d'oeuvres before the show, and coffee and dessert at intermission, the performance promises to be a rather elegant and entertaining way to spend a Saturday evening in town.

So, flee the University area during graduation weekend, plan for an outing that includes memorable music and interesting party-goers, and lend your support to Live Arts as they move into the next phase of their evolution.

Your good deeds won't go unnoticed.

The Live Arts Fundraiser is Saturday, May 17. Wine served at 7pm; the show begins at 8pm. 609 E. Market St. The $25 ticket price includes coffee and dessert during intermission. Call the box office at 977-4177, ext. 309, to make reservations.

FAMILY Music for Moms: Annual Tandem event rocks BY LINDA KOBERT

I just got back from the spring jazz concert at my kids' school, and I'm still buzzing. Music at Tandem Friends School could be the hottest scene around. These talented young musicians don't just play their part from a page of notes, they feel the harmonies and rhythms in their souls and perform with all the inspiration of the stars.

So, although I never use this forum to tout an event with which I have such a personal connection, I'm making an exception this time to let folks know about Tandem's Mothers' Day Music Festival taking place on May 10.

This annual outdoor jam fest invites the community up to the school's beautiful campus just south of town to experience an eclectic mix of student talent back-to-back with a collection of local professionals, all of whom donate their time. At least 14 musical groups will perform on the program, which includes everything from rock to bluegrass, folk to blues, and of course, jazz. Word has it there will even be a bagpipe on hand. Among the notables performing are local rock bands Clair Quilty and Vandyke Brown. Mike Rosensky, a local jazz favorite heard every Wednesday night at Miller's, is also in the line-up.

"The Mothers' Day Music Festival is a Tandem tradition that started out as a school fundraiser in the early '90s," says long-time faculty member Tom O'Connor.

Internationally known jazz trumpeter John D'earth, who taught music at Tandem back then, performed with his band, Cosmology. Dave Matthews, who was just starting his rise to stardom at the time, played the festival two years in a row &emdash; once performing solo because the rest of his group couldn't make it. DMB band-members-to-be Stefan Lessard and Tim Reynolds were also on the early programs.

For the past several years, the tradition has been carried on by students who, when the grown-ups lost interest, decided they didn't want to let the festival die.

In addition to the music, the afternoon will be filled with prizes, games, face painting, and lots of fun for all members of the family. Big Jim's will be serving bar-b-que, and Chaps will be dishing up dessert. Dozens of prizes will be raffled, including gift certificates and merchandise from local businesses and the grand prize of a weekend stay on Chincoteague Island. All prizes have been donated to the festival, which is raising money for the school's scholarship fund.

"Even before our kids were old enough to be in school, we'd look forward to the Mothers' Day Music Festival," says parent Mary Sokolowski. "It's a wonderful event in a fabulous environment."

The Tandem Mothers' Day Music Festival takes place Saturday, May 10, beginning at 1pm. Admission is $5; raffle tickets are $10 and include admission. Mothers get in free. Tandem is on Mill Creek Road across from Monticello High School. 296-1303.

TUNES Still got "it": Crenshaw's 20-year itch BY MARK GRABOWSKI If you are like me, you have had more late night conversations revolving around the statement "Generally speaking, meaningful pop musicians just lose it after a few years of productivity," than you've had birthdays (and by "pop," I mean "popular," as in rock/folk/pop/R&B, etc.).

The "it," of course, refers to that which can't be described, that nebulous aligning of the stars and planets, of practice, hard work, and maybe the right cocktail of intoxication (of any kind) that turns a great musician into what lies beyond. Few musicians ever get "it," but those who do seem to feel the warm bath of knowledge's light only for a short period of time.

Singer/songwriter Marshall Crenshaw will be playing Starr Hill on May 21, and as I own copies of his latest 1999 release, #447, and his self-titled 1982 debut, I thought it might be an interesting study to compare the two with the concept of "it," and "losing it" subtly dwelling in the back of my mind. For this experiment I will look at each album's big single in an attempt to rein in the sample size and make it easier for yours truly.

When it was released, Crenshaw's self-titled debut was hailed by critics as the next big thing, and though it did make a respectable climb up the Billboard charts of that year, it did not exactly set the world ablaze.

Listening to "Someday Someway" from that album now, its timeless nature is apparent-- although something of the early '80s musical climate clings to the track. "I can't stand to see you sad, I can't bear to hear you cry," Crenshaw sings with a melody so simple it spans only four notes.

The track sounds great, even all these years later, which has surely something to do with Crenshaw's songwriting style-- imagine Buddy Holly, time-warped into the early '80s New Wave scene, and you have a pretty good idea of what's going on with Crenshaw's muse.

Of course, the first thing that strikes you when you put on "Television Light," the first single off #447, is the innovation in recording technology in the last 20 years, but even making room for the jump in production value, the track still pulses with the energy of Crenshaw the Younger.

Some of the elements that made his debut stand out are missing-- gone is the superbly textured '50s echo, and the instrumentation, along with the songwriting, have both taken a quantum leaps forward in complexity. But what was truly endearing about Crenshaw then is still found in spades on #447-- an emphasis on a catchy, strong melody.

The fact of the matter is, whatever the "it" Crenshaw had on his 1982 debut album, it can still be heard almost 20 years later on #447-- meaning, young scientists, that you should get your lab-coated selves down to Starr Hill and check out what 20 years of "it" means to a set list.

Marshall Crenshaw performs with David Sickmen at Starr Hill May 21. $15, 9pm.

WALKABOUT Monroe's merlot?: Ash-Lawn hosts wine fesitval BY CHRISTINA BALL Raise your glasses. It's time to toast President James Monroe, winemaker.

Does that sound funny? That's because, despite his efforts, Monroe was much more skilled at governing a new nation than he was at growing grapes in virgin-- and fungus-infected-- Virginia soil. But his noble attempts are more than reason to celebrate the history (and now sparkling success) of winemaking in Virginia at the 9th Annual Ash Lawn-Highland Virginia Wine Festival Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18.

Did you realize Virginia is now the fifth largest producer of vinifera wines in the nation? Maybe that's why new wineries seem to be sprouting up each season, and with them festivals, festivals and more festivals.

Though touring individual vineyards like Barboursville (a slice of Italian heaven in the heart of Virginia) is a not-to-be missed educational and sensory experience, festivals are the perfect way to sample and learn about a variety of different wines and wineries in one shot. Both more established vineyards-- like Barboursville, Horton, and Wintergreen-- and younger vintages like Brad McCarthy's Blenheim Vineyards and the Christensen Ridge Winery, will be popping and pouring under the Ash-Lawn Pavilion. Rain or shine.

A fine wine is finer when paired with perfect foods. That's why, in addition to reds, whites, sparkling, and dessert wines, the festival will also offer a selection of mouth-watering gourmet appetizers prepared by Pierce McCleskey of 20 South Catering. Or you can test your taste buds and find out how versatile wine can actually be by sipping it along with a finger-licking plate of authentic Carolina barbeque or Cajun catfish, which will be served up by George Spry's team from GMJ DeLites.

Why sip in silence? Popular band Zydeco Crayz will get feet stompin' on Saturday, and the Red Hot Smoothies enliven Sunday afternoon with their oh-so-smooth jazz tunes. (Try comparing the various wines to genres or pieces of music, and see where that takes you...)

And you don't have to be 21 to join in the fun. Edward Faine, author of the "Little Ned" stories, will be present to read from his books and maybe even teach a few cowboy tricks. Several crafters will also be on site to demonstrate and discuss their handiwork and, as always, Monroe's stately country retreat will be open for tours.

So don't whine. There's plenty to do in the Charlottesville area this weekend. All you need is a car--- and a corkscrew.

Ash Lawn-Highland hosts its ninth annual Virginia Wine Festival May 17-18, 11am-5pm. Each day, selected local wineries offer choice vintages for tasting and sale under the Ash-Lawn pavilion. Zydeco and jazz music, gourmet foods, and crafts demonstrations. $10 advance, $15 at the door (reduced rates for children). 293-9539. Ash-Lawn Highland is located off Interstate 64 (Exit 121) 2.5 miles beyond Monticello.

WORDS Ride it out: Stick with White Buffalo By ELIZABETH KIEM

The trick to reading Peter Skinner's debut novel, White Buffalo, is not to put it down. This is a book with a powerful pulse and a disdain for traditional storytelling. Once you enter its flow, it is monumentally satisfying; once you relegate it to the nightstand, its magic settles, separating into awkward layers of metaphor and digression. It's a book that doesn't allow for "coming up for air."

Skinner's story is the satisfying synthesis of two decades worth of poetry&endash; 20 years of isolated inspirations that came out of the crucible as a semi-autobiographical story of conscience and self-discovery. The scattered roots of the story are not apparent in the reading, however, and its characters are as seamless as they are self-contained.

The protagonist, Jack Williston, returns home after a long stay in Europe to settle his family estate, which, because it encompasses two-thirds of Washington State and all the struggling communities within, is no mundane task.

He must come to terms with his family's legacy and responsibilities while finding his own voice and the love of his life. All this while slumming in a deserted Sears department store.

Joining Jack on his adventures with government agencies, hallucinogenic products, and a strong-and-silent-style inner quest is Fast Eddy Rainwater. Fast Eddy is a visionary, a Flathead Indian, and Jack's earliest childhood friend.

Lorraine springs from a loving genesis of Denny's and Airstreams. She's Botticelli's answer to trailer-trash and a truly old soul. It doesn't take long for her to cross paths with Jack and Fast Eddy, and the rest is history of the most spiritual, holistic sort.

The themes of White Buffalo are familiar: respect for the land, respect for man, hope from despair, justice from truth. But Skinner deftly evades cliché. The brooding Jack is downright smart in chronicling his genealogy, which includes a count who commits suicide by tying a clock around his neck.

The stealth-sidekick, Fast Eddy, proves to be a gourmand with a flair for interior decorating. The lovely Lorraine, despite her tendency towards heaving breasts, open lips, and heavy eyelids, sports spiky black hair under her work-wig ponytail.

A lot gets accomplished in White Buffalo's mere 100+ pages. Not only do several people experience personal transformations, but the earth itself undergoes something of a resurrection (or at least a freak growth spurt). Skinner's distracted writing style may throw you at points, but it's best to persevere, as it's not easy getting back in the saddle once you hop off White Buffalo.

Peter Skinner reads from White Buffalo May 22 at 7pm. Barnes & Noble, Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-0461.

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