THURSDAY, October 23
ART
Everyday machines: Combining "the detritus of everyday life" with musings about the relationship between machines and nature, "Object to Image: Recent Photographs of Pam Fox" is on view at the Esther Thomas Atkinson Museum at Hampden-Sydney College through December 12. Artist's reception and gallery talk happens 4:30-6:30pm today. Hampden-Sydney. 434-223-6134.

PERFORMANCE
Swing swap: The Charlottesville Swing Dance Society holds this weekly east coast swing practice session with recorded music. 7:30-9pm. Albemarle County Office Building auditorium, 401 McIntire Road. Free. 980-2744.

WORDS
On the same page: Archaeologists and Native Americans are often seen as being at cross-purposes when it comes to documenting Indian history. But tonight UVA professor of anthropology Jeffrey Hantman is joined by members of the Monacan Indian Nation in a free panel discussion about their collaborative efforts and new understandings bridging academic and tribal gaps. Rotunda Dome Room, 4pm. Reservations recommended. 1-866-UVAOutreach.

Cherry tree, shmerry tree: Local author Henry Weincek explores the true source of George Washington's "only unavoidable source of regret," his ownership of slaves before he became a Revolutionary. Weincek reads from his book, An Imperfect God, at New Dominion Bookstore on the Downtown Mall at 5:30pm. 295-2552.

Cross-cultural Badlands: Local poet Debra Nystrom reads from her collection Torn Sky, about growing up in South Dakota with the Swedes and the Indians. Betty Sue Jessup Library, PVCC. 500 College Drive. 7:30pm. 961-5203.

FAMILY
Little literati: The five-and-under crowd can hear the storyteller's favorites 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.

Parenting teens: Children, Youth, and Family Services offers a four-week class on "Surviving the Teen Years" starting tonight. $15 for the series. Call for information and registration. 296-4118, ext. 235 or 224. .

TUNES
The Mammals with Ruth Ungar & Tao Rodriguez-Seeger at the Prism: The Prism and UVA's School of Continuing and Professional studies present this non-credit course focusing upon the history of old tome music. Taught by Kevin Donleavy with help from Pete Vigour, this hour-long class will be followed at 8pm by a weekly live performance. $12/$10 advance, 7pm.

Tam-Lin at Rapunzel's Coffee & Books: Whimsy and fantasy meet in Tam-Lin, a play based on a Scottish fairy tale. A youth theater group presentation, the play is directed by Marian Pearce. $5, 8pm. 924 Front St., Lovingston. 263-6660.

Jim Waive (country-folk) at the Blue Moon Diner. Free, 8pm (W)

Karaoke Night with DJ Wild Wes at Buffalo Wild Wings. Free, 9pm (W)

Jack with the Permutations at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.

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

Jan Smith Band (roots-rock) and Lauren Hoffman and the Lilas (indie-rock) at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.

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

Hard Rock Night: Navel and Another Word For Blue at Outback Lodge. $3, 10pm.

Game Night at Rapunzel's Coffee & Books. Free, 5pm. (W)

Middle Eastern Belly Dance Class at Rapunzel's Coffee & Books. Free, 6:30pm. (W)

Bob Schneider (roots rock) with Jeff Klein at Starr Hill. $15/$13 advance, 9pm.

Kathy Olsen Trio (jazz) upstairs at Tokyo Rose. Free, 9:30pm. (W)

FRIDAY, October 24
PERFORMANCE
No Shame Theater: Up for a theatrical nightcap? Join performers at this alternative venue for original material by anyone about anything. The first 15 people who show up get a spot on stage. Or you can just watch the carryings on. Live Arts LAB, 609 E. Market St. 11pm. $5 at the door. 977-4177.

King Lear: Shenandoah Shakespeare presents the Bard's monumental tragedy at the Blackfriars Playhouse. 7:30pm. 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $10-26. 540-885-5588.

Into the Woods: Tandem Friends School presents Steven Sondheim's Tony award-winning Broadway musical, in which everybody's favorite fairy tale heroes find out what life is like after "happily ever after." $10 adults, $6 children, students, and seniors. Community Hall, 279 Tandem Lane. 296-1303, ext. 237. See Performance feature.

A Fortune in Antarctica: Offstage Theater presents Charlottesville playwright Joel Jones' wild and wildly funny verse play about bumbling polar explorers, lusty Eskimos, and gun-toting penguins. The show is performed "camp style," so bring your own pillows, blankets, or lawn chairs. Closes this weekend. 8pm. Plan 9 Outer Space on the Corner. $8. 979-9999.

WALKABOUT
UVA Homecoming: Alumni, students, and the Charlottesville community are invited to enjoy free food, live music, and beverages, 6-9pm in Mad Bowl. Coach Al Groh and the football team are due to make an appearance around 7:30pm. Madison Lane and Rugby Road.

The Orchid Society: Annual fall show and sale. Fashion Square Mall. 9am-9pm. 975-4231.

WORDS
Art for $ sake: The Fringe Festival hosts a panel discussion on creating art in a market economy. With artists Pierre Huyghe and Tim Rollins and Ruby Lerner of Creative Capital Foundation, moderated by UVA's Johanna Drucker. UVA Art Museum, Rugby Road, 9:30am. 982-5277.

Say a prayer: Specifically, the Serenity Prayer, passed down through the decades and onto cross-stitched cozies nationwide. Elizabeth Sifton reclaims the true history of the graceful prayer written by her father, Reinhold Niebuhr, in 1943 and of the men and women who devoted their lives to the causes of social justice, racial equality, and religious freedom. Book signing and forum at the Miller Center, 2201 Old Ivy Road. 11am.

Future of Hollywood: The Virginia Film Festival presents the first of two panels sponsored by the Center for Social Media. The Center's Pat Aufdherheide moderates a discussion of recent developments in the film industry. With Jonathan Rintels of the Center for the Creative Community, Frank Pierson of the Academy of Motion Pictures and Janet Graham Borba of HBO. Free. Regal Cinema on the Downtown Mall, 4pm. 982-5277. See Words feature.

Native wisdom: A multimedia presentation on Navajo and Tibetan sacred wisdom along with a book signing by anthropologist Peter Gold, author of Navajo and Tibetan Sacred Wisdom: The Circle of the Spirit, an introduction to perennial wisdom ways shared by Navajo Indians and Tibetans. Co-sponsored by Quest Bookstore and Center for South Asian Studies. Room 108, Clark Hall. 7pm. $10, or $5 students. 295-3377.

Nelson artifacts: Nelson County, that is. Celebrate the opening of the Nelson County Museum of Rural History at Nelson County High School at 4pm. Presentations by UVA professors on Depression-era Virginia followed by dinner and a talk by William Young of Lynchburg College on pop culture of the 1930s. Rt. 29 South of Lovingston. 434-544-8544.

FAMILY
Star struck: Fans of the stars have an extra chance this month to view heavenly bodies through UVA's giant-sized telescopes at Fan Mountain Observatory. 6pm-1am. Free, but tickets are required. 13 miles south of town off Rt. 29. 924-7494.

Headless horseman rides again: The Old Michie Theatre offers its annual Halloween treat with their live production of the classic Legend of Sleepy Hollow. 7pm. $7 at the door. 221 Water St. 977-3690.

Ghosts on the mountain: Spirits have taken over Misty Mountain Camp Resort where a Haunted Hayride takes fearless travelers over six years old into the hills for some spine-tingling action. See Family feature.

Ghostly past: Brave souls can walk with the ghosts of Charlottesville's past at the Albemarle County Historical Society's Spirit Walk. See Family feature.

Ghosts in the barn: Montpelier's barn is haunted, and young ghost busters are invited to get in on the action. See Family feature.

Ghostly mystery: Clue Mansion seems to be cursed, and the Stony Point Ruritans are inviting folks to come on out and try to solve the mystery. See Family feature.

TUNES
The Clumsy Lovers at Ashland Coffee & Tea: Folk/pop group the Clumsy Lovers have one of the best names I've heard in a while, intelligent lyrics to match, and great musical sensibilities. $10, 8pm.

Joanne Juskus and Near Oblivion at Gravity Lounge: Contemporary folk singer Joanne Juskus's sound leans back to the '60s, but there's no question that she's writing in the modern age. $5, 8:30pm.

Bio Ritmo at Outback Lodge: Salsa comes alive for what's sure to be one of the Lodge's most hopping shows of the year. $8, 10pm.

Cephas & Wiggins at the Prism: A live broadcast for the WTJU Jazz Marathon, featuring the "reigning Kings of the Piedmonty Blues," guitarist and vocalist John Cephas and harmonica player Phil Wiggins. $18/$15, 9pm.

Late Night Comedy performances by the Levity Lounge at Gravity Lounge. $5, After the evening's musical performance.

Ever G and the Crew (authentic Jamaican reggae) at Garden of Sheba. $7, 10pm.

Tam-Lin at Rapunzel's Coffee & Books. $5, 8pm.

Pits, Jimmy& the Teasers, and Hillbilly Werewolf at Tokyo Rose. $5, 10:30pm.

SATURDAY, October 25
ART
Starving artists need $: Exhibits and performances accompanying the Virginia Film Festival include Aboriginal art pieces from the Bula Bula Collective, an evening with David Gulpilil, and performance art by Bill "Reverend Billy" Talen, through November 1. "Filthy Lucre for Starving Artists" party tonight $10 ($5 students) at the former IGA building, Ridge St., across from the Omni Hotel. 242-3265 or fringe .

PERFORMANCE
Knight of the Burning Pestle: Shenandoah Shakespeare presents Francis Beaumont's raucous Elizabethan farce at the Blackfriars Playhouse. 6pm. 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $10-26. 540-885-5588.

Saturday night swing swap: Charlottesville Swing Dance Society offers an evening of swing dancing and a variety of other dances. The band is the Daryl Davis Band, and a free East Coast Swing dance lesson is included with admission from 8-9pm. 9-midnight. Halloween costumes highly encouraged for the costume contest with prizes!! Orthodox Church, 100 Perry Drive. $12 adults, $6 students, $9 members. Info: 980-2744 or avenue.org/swing.

Into the Woods: See Friday, October 24.

A Fortune in Antarctica: See Friday, October 24.

Audition workshop: Clinton Johnson offers a workshop on Susan Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize-winning TopDog/UnderDog. Receive audition tips and techniques, read from the script, and find out how to stand out at the auditions, which seek two African American actors in their 20's-40's. 1-3pm. Live Arts LAB, 609 Market St. $10 Live Arts members, $15 general. 977-4177.

WALKABOUT
Tip a glass: Stone Mountain Vineyards hosts an open house. 1376 Wyatt Mountain Road, Dyke. 11am-5pm. 434-990-WINE. stonemountainvineyards.com.

Humanitarian aid service project: Members of the Women's Relief Society of the Church of Jesus have collected supplies for hygiene kits, newborn kits, and school kits to distribute to those in need around the world. Lunch provided for volunteers coming to assemble the kids. 1618 Hydraulic Road. 9am-noon. Info: .

Charlottesville stamp fair: An opportunity for stamp collectors to purchase a broad selection of United States and foreign stamps. 10am-5pm. Holiday Inn at 1901 Emmet Street. Free. 703-273-5908.

The Orchid Society: See Friday, October 24.

Monticello apple tasting: Explore the essence of the apple, its history, culture, and taste. Reservations required, call 984-9822. Meets at the Tufton Farm nursery, $10. Route 53.

UVA homecoming: Interactive games, balloon artists, face painting, and more. 12-2pm in Nameless Field (by Memorial Gym), followed by the 3pm homecomings game vs. Troy State. For information about football tickets call 800-542-UVA1 (8821) or 924-UVA1 (8821).

Autumn Hill: 17th annual barrel tasting of 2003 wines as well as cellar tours and wine appreciation discussions. Vertical Cabernet Sauvignon tasting. Homemade soup and bread. Rain or shine. Bring a picnic lunch. No reservations required. $6 includes glass. 985-6100.

Overnight backpacking trip in Dolly Sods, West Virginia: A Blue Ridge Mountain Sports guide leads an easy walk with great views. $40. 977-4400.

March on Washington: Demonstrate to bring out troops home from Iraq. Charlottesville Center for Peace and Justice buses depart from the west side of U-Hall at 8am. Students $10-$20 (sliding scale), adults $20 (or more, if possible). Funds available for those in need. 540-456-6028.

Club Read: ESL students in grades 1 through 12 meet for help with reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English. Saturday mornings, 9-11am at the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library. 201 E. Market St.

FAMILY
On the air: "Tell Us A Tale," central Virginia's popular children's radio program, returns to the Prism as they travel the globe trying to uncover "Which Witch is Which." Hosts Peter Jones and Jen Hoffman lead the fun in this live taping of the show that airs on WTJU 91.1 FM on Sundays from noon-2pm. The folk rock band Nickeltown will be on hand with some original and not-so-original tunes along with some young poets reading their very original work. Fans can come in costume and join either or both of two shows to be recorded today, one from 1-2pm, the second from 2:15-3:15. Donations accepted. 214 Rugby Road. 978-3603. tellusatale.com.

Planting seeds: Johnny Appleseed bounds on stage at The Old Michie Theatre. Hand-carved marionettes perform the American folk tale at 11am, 2pm, and 4pm. $5. 221 E. Water St. 977-3690. oldmichie.com.

At large: A band of notorious criminals is loose in the Crozet Library. Detectives ages 8-12 can help track them down with activities, games, and stories that help them get to know how the library works. 10am. Free. Registration required. In the old train station on Three Notch'd Road. 823-4050.

Only the fearless: Courageous kids in costumes can come to Scottsville Library for a frightful morning of Halloween stories and crafts. 11am. Free. 330 Bird St. 286-3541.

Cauldron chemistry: Young mad scientists can make slime, oobleck, and fake blood; catch Frankenstein Fever in a scavenger hunt; watch pennies shatter and nitrogen boil; see the Carpenter Science Theatre Company's play Frankenstein Lives!; and take in a triple-feature Halloween-inspired planetarium show at this special Halloween afternoon at the Science Museum of Virginia. Noon-4pm. Included in the price of admission. Play is $5 extra. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.

Ghostly museum: The Virginia Discovery Museum is closed to the public for Haunted Museum Halloween Bash. See Family feature.

Ghosts on the mall: Charlottesville's Recreation and Leisure Services hosts Downtown Safe Halloween Festival. See Family feature.

More ghosts: Maymont's barn is also haunted-- a Boo Barn, they call it. See Family feature.

Headless horseman rides again: See Friday, October 24.

Ghosts on the mountain: See Friday, October 24.

Ghosts in the barn: See Friday, October 24.

Ghostly past: See Friday, October 24.

Ghostly mystery: See Friday, October 24.

TUNES
The Naked Puritans with Ezra Hamilton at Outback Lodge: This power-pop crew continues its long drive for perfection, this time playing after the sweet, smooth pop sounds of Ezra Hamilton of X-Porn Stars and many other fantastic acts. $6, 10pm.

Perfect Strangers at the Prism: Balky won't be around this time&endash; traditional bluegrass from these veteran Rebel Recording artists is the only entertainment you'll get for the evening. $18/$15, 8pm.

John Brown's Body with Spookie Daly Pride at Starr Hill: The "roots-reggae" sound of John Brown's Body is sure to have Starr Hill dancing, but you can see for yourself tonight. $10/$8 advance, 10pm. See Tunes feature.

Phatback Boogaloo (hard bop, swing, and funk) at Bistro 151. No cover, 9:30pm.

Reggae Dance Party with special guest DJs at Garden of Sheba. Free, 10pm.

The Courtney Hollow Band (bluegrass) at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8:30pm.

Late Night Comedy performances by the Levity Lounge at Gravity Lounge. $5, After the evening's musical performance.

Plutonium featuring Houston Ross on bass & vocals, Matthew Willner on guitar & vocals, and William Coles Jr. on drums at Mellow Mushroom. No cover, 10:30pm.

Joanne Juskus and Near Oblivion at Mountainview Grill. $5, 8pm.

Rule of Thump featuring guitarist Chris Leva (Guano Boys), bassist Ryan Hughes, and drummers Eric Stassen and Matt Wyant at Orbit. No cover, 10pm.

Heather Berry & the Berry Pickers (bluegrass/gospel) at Starr Hill. $5, 8pm.

The Fair Weather Bums (bluegrass) at Shebeen. No cover, 9:30pm. (W)

The Dawning: Tristan, Dj- Audio Rapture, and Dj-Rite Bastard at Tokyo Rose. $5, 10:30pm.

SUNDAY, October 26
PERFORMANCE
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.

Sunday night dance party: The Charlottesville Swing Dance Society holds this weekly west coast swing practice session with recorded music. 7-9pm. $3. Dance Center, 380 Greenbrier Drive. Free. 980-2744.

Into the Woods: See Friday, October 24. Today the show is at 7pm.

A Fortune in Antarctica: See Friday, October 24.

Much Ado about Nothing: Shenandoah Shakespeare presents a spirited production of the Bard's lighthearted romantic comedy at the Blackfriars Playhouse. 10 S. Market St., Staunton. 2pm. $10-26. 540-885-5588.

FAMILY
Park it: Area residents are invited to Cultural History Days at Sundays in the Park this week. McIntire Golf Course will be off-limits to golfers from noon until dark so others can play and learn about some of the fascinating history of the park from local experts. Dogs are welcome, but must remain on the leash. Free. 970-3589. charlottesville.org.

Headless horseman rides again: See Friday, October 24. 3pm today.

Ghostly past: See Friday, October 24.

WALKABOUT
Charlottesville-Albemarle Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show & Obedience Trial: Montpelier hosts this perennial favorite. 8:30am-4pm. $2 per vehicle. Orange. 978-2873.

Autumn Hill: See Saturday, October 25.

Rivanna Trail: Learn all about the urban walkway at a lecture at the Ivy Creek Natural Area. Education building. Free. 293-5901.

Blue Wheel bicycle celebration: Blue Wheel Bicycles is honoring its 30th anniversary with a ride from 11am to 4pm. The ride will begin and end at White Hall vineyard, which will offer free tastings after the ride. The event is open to riders at all levels, and is free, although you must pre-register. 977 1870.

WORDS
I Get Around: Robert Michael Pyle has been a butterfly conservationist in Papua, New Guinea, and a guest lecturer at the University of Alaska. His books include Where Big Foot Walks and Nabokov's Butterflies. He's at Ivy Creek Natural Area for a reading sponsored by UVA's Brown College for Environmental Literature. Earlysville Road. 2pm. 924-7859.

WORDS
Against the odds: In Nathan Ballard, suffering from cerebral palsy was called mentally retarded by the Tuscaloosa Alabama City School. Two decades later, he worked for the US Secretary of Health Education and Welfare and addressed Congress at the White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals. Today he's at New Dominion Bookstore with Charlottesville resident Michael Rogers, MACAA activist and co-author of Nathan. 404 E. Market St., 295-2552.

Soul Care: Wendy Miller of Eastern Mennonite Seminary and author of Learning to Listen leads classes at Park Street Christian Church. 9:30 and 11am. 1200 Park St. 296-3155.

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

Encore! Theatre Company presents A Midsummer Night's Dream at Gravity Lounge. $10, 7pm.

The New Deal (ambient jazz) at Starr Hill. $15/$12 advance, 9pm.

MONDAY, October 27
WORDS
Classic act: Anne Carson, a Canadian poet, essayist, classics scholar, and writer whom Michael Ondaatje calls "the most exciting person writing in English today," reads from her work at UVA Bookstore. 8pm. 924-6675.

WALKABOUT
Christmas assistance: People needing help with Christmas can register starting today with the Salvation Army. Through November 7, hours are 3-6pm Monday-Friday. Applicants must bring social security card and photo ID and verification of expenses and income. 9am-noon today at Giant Food on Pantops Mountain. Info: Major Sandra Smith. 295-4058, ext. 104.

TUNES
Travis Elliot at the Virginian: Acoustic pop from Travis Elliot. Well constructed originals, and a few choice covers-&endash; perfect music to drink to, gazing into your crush's eyes. No cover, 10:30pm.

Open Mic Night with Charles Davis at Baja Bean. No cover, signup 8:30pm/9pm. (W)

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

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

Open Mic Night at Miller's. Free, 9:30 signup/10pm start. (W)

George Melvin (piano merriment) at South Street Brewery. No cover, 9:30pm. (W)

TUESDAY, October 28
PERFORMANCE
LiveArts Acting LAB: This weekly Tuesday night class with instructor Carol Pederson allows actors to review the fundamentals of acting technique, brush up audition skills, and explore scenes from the plays in LiveArts' new season. Drop-in session from 7-8pm, full session from 7-10pm. The Attic, The Glass Building, 313 Second St. SE, Studio 208. $10 drop-in. 977-4177 x100.

WORDS
Old Dominion machine: The League of Women Voters hosts UVA Professor Emeritus Clifton McCleskey, author, historian, and expert in Virginia politics, who will discuss politics in the Commonwealth. Monticello Conference Center, 201 Monticello Ave., noon. Open to public. Lunch, $8. Reservations: 295-8898.

Mason-Dixon chronicles: The stories of 19th century white and black residents of two rural counties of Virginia and Pennsylvania form the structure of In the Presence of Mine Enemies: War in the Heart of America, UVA professor Ed Ayers' new book. Ayers drew upon UVA archives to refer to every known Civil War era document about the two localities on opposite sides of the Mason-Dixon line. Ayers reads and discusses his book at the UVA Bookstore at 6pm. 924-1073.

Passages: Malcolm X Prize for literature winner Caryl Phillips writes fiction and non-fiction focusing on the legacy of the Atlantic slave trade and the African diaspora. He speaks as part of Sweet Briar College's ongoing International Writers Series. Florence Elston Conference Center. 8pm. Free. 434-381-6477.

TUNES
Karaoke Night at Baja Bean. Free, 8pm. (W)

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

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

The George Turner Quartet (jazz) at Orbit Billiards. No cover, 9pm.

The Big Wu with Waylandsphere at Starr Hill. $10/$8 advance, 9pm.

WEDNESDAY, October 29
PERFORMANCE
MFA Reading Series: New Dominion Books hosts weekly readings by writers from UVA's MFA program. 8pm. Free. 924-6675.

Tartuffe: Shenandoah Shakespeare presents a new production of Moliere's comic masterpiece in the Blackfriars Playhouse. 7:30pm. 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $10-26. 540-885-5588.

Much Ado: See Sunday, October 26. Today's show is an eye-opener at 10:30am!

Country dance night: Couples and line dancing at Fry's Spring Beach Club. Runs simultaneously with the Club's Latin dance night. Dance lesson free with cover. Lesson 7pm, dancing 8-11pm. 2512 Jefferson Park Ave. $7 cover, $4 full-time students. 977-0491.

Latin dance night: Latin dancing at Fry's Spring Beach Club. Runs simultaneously with the Club's country dance night. 8-11pm. 2512 Jefferson Park Ave. $7 cover. 977-0491.

WALKABOUT
Mount Pleasant: A Wintergreen excursion to Amherst County to hike through the George Washington National Forest to a beautiful rock outcropping with an amazing view. This moderate hike is approximately five miles. Bring lunch and water and register by Tuesday at noon. $7 members and $5 non-members. 325-7453.

FAMILY
Tricks and treats: Gordon Avenue Library invites ghosts, goblins, and ghouls to come in costume to a Halloween party. Stories, games, treats, and maybe a trick or two. 4pm. Free. No registration required. 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.

More little literati: The five-and-under crowd can listen to spooky Halloween stories 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.

TUNES
Benny Dodd (cover-man) at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm. (W)

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

Caveman (rock) at Orbit. No cover, 10pm. (W)

Open Jam at Rapunzel's Coffee & Books. Free, 7pm. (W)

Middle Eastern Belly Dance Class at Rapunzel's Coffee & Books. Free, 6:30pm. (W)

Mark Goldstein and Tusker (acoustic rock) upstairs at Tokyo Rose. No cover, 9:30pm. (W)

THURSDAY, October 30
ART
Paradoxical: The McIntire Lecture series fall season continues with Mariet Westermann's "Jan Steen and the Performance of Paradox." 6pm. 160 Campbell Hall, UVA. 934-6122.

PERFORMANCE
Much Ado: See Sunday, October 26. Tonight's show is at 7:30.

Swing swap: The Charlottesville Swing Dance Society holds this weekly practice session with recorded music. 7:30-9pm. Albemarle County Office Building, 401 McIntire Road. Free. 980-2744.

Scene acting study for teens: In this weekly Thursday evening class, students age 13-19 explore language and character while sharpening skills of self-awareness, observation, and articulate use of the voice and body. Classes run until October 30, and culminate in a final presentation in Live Arts' new space. Instructor: Amanda McRaven. Live Arts LAB, 609 E. Market St. 5-7pm. $60 Live Arts members/$75 general. 977-4177 x100.

Tam-Lin: PVCC Theater Arts Program presents a Celtic Halloween Evening for the entire family with a dramatic retelling of Tam-Lin. The fiery Jennet McKenzie reclaims her ancestral castle and her doomed lover from the eerie fairy host in a rich tapestry of music, poetry, drama and dance. 8pm. Rapunzel's Books and Coffee, 924 Front St., Lovingston. $5 individual, $15 family ticket. 361-0100. See Thursday, October 24.

FAMILY
Little literati: See Wednesday, October 29.

Parenting teens: Children, Youth, and Family Services offers a four-week class on Surviving the Teen Years starting tonight. $15 for the series. Call for information and registration. 296-4118, ext. 235 or 224. .

TUNES
Lake Trout with Ulpa at Starr Hill: Lake Trout are back again, and the group just have a way with sound, combining the organic and synthetic with a percussive mastermind. $10/$9 advance, 10pm.

Jim Waive (country-folk) at the Blue Moon Diner. Free, 8pm (W)

Karaoke Night with DJ Wild Wes at Buffalo Wild Wings. Free, 9pm (W)

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

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

Game Night at Rapunzel's Coffee & Books. Free, 5pm. (W)

Middle Eastern Belly Dance Class at Rapunzel's Coffee & Books. Free, 6:30pm. (W)

Kathy Olsen Trio (jazz) upstairs at Tokyo Rose. Free, 9:30pm. (W)

Upcoming and Ongoing:
WORDS
Writer's Eye: Students grade 3-12 are invited to join the 17th annual Writer's Eye literary competition by submitting prose or poetry inspired by art on exhibit at the University of Virginia Art Museum. Eleven local teachers and writers will read and review entries. Writer Mariflo Stevens is the prose judge, and state poet laureate George Garrett will judge poetry entries. Winners are announced in the spring. Info at virginiaedu/artmuseum or 924-7142.

PERFORMANCE
Scholarship: The Charlottesville Vocal Arts Society holds a competition in March and April 2004 to determine the winner of a $1,000 music scholarship to be given to a local student in grade nine through college. Any student who resides, works, or attends school in the area is eligible. Maximum age for entrants is 25. Application and more information available on cvillevocalarts.org or from 296-2238.

WALKABOUT
Habitat for Humanity: Volunteers with a yen to build or paint for a good cause needed for projects in the area. 293-9066.

The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA Rummage Extravaganza: Saturday, October 25 through Sunday, November 2, 11am to 7pm. A Sneak Preview Sale happens Friday, October 24, for $10 for anyone over 12. The sale is at the old Moore's Lumber building on Pantops. 295-2915. See Walkabout feature.

Staunton Architecture and Garden Tour: Every Sunday in October, this guided tour happens 10:30am-12:30pm to raise money for student scholarships to Nature Camp. Call Juliette to reserve your space at 540-885-1733 or meet at 10:30am sharp in Woodrow Wilson's Garden at Coalter and Frederick Streets. $5.

Join in the conversation: English as Second Language learners interact with native English speakers at the Dialogue Café. In the Adult Learning Center at 1000 Preston Ave. Thursdays 11:30am to 1pm. 245-2815.

Historic Downtown Charlottesville: Walking tour given by the Albemarle County Historical Society. $3. Meet at the McIntire Building, 200 Second St. Saturdays 10am. 296-1492.

Madison's will: The last will and testament of James Madison is now on display at Montpelier. The four-page hand-written document plus codicil was executed in April 1835, little more than a year before the President's death. The will is visible in the Document Gallery on the first floor of the Montpelier mansion and joins a new exhibit of rare versions of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. 9:30am-5:30pm through October. For more information and directions see montpelier.org or call 672 2728.

Last week for farmer's markets: The more the merrier. Charlottesville's is on Saturday mornings, the Scottsville Farmer's Market is open Thursdays 4pm-dark, through October, under a tent in Scottsville's town Park. Crozet Farmer's Market: is on Saturdays 8am&endash;12pm. 1156 Crozet Ave. (corner of Jarman's Gap Road) Backyard gardeners and new vendors always welcome. Call 823-7878.

Seminar on stained glass: Every Saturday, geared to the beginner but open to anyone. Call by Friday to reserve a spot. Blue Ridge Glass &Craft, McIntire Business Park at 1724 Allied St. Free. 3:30-5pm. 293 2876.

Settling down: Midday Meditation, Tuesdays 12:15pm-12:45pm and Thursdays, 12:15pm-1:15pm. Free, but donations are accepted. Gesher Center, 1824 University Circle. 970-7836

FAMILY
Turkey call: The Boar's Head Inn is looking for turkeys for their 22nd annual Turkey Trot to take place on Thanksgiving morning. The event benefits UVA's Children's Medical Center and includes a 5K race, costume party, baby jogger parade, "Best in Show" dog competition and more. Registration $20 adults, $15 kids under 15 before November 7. 200 Wellington Drive. 972-6074.

IMAX to the max: The five-story IMAX screen at the Science Museum of Virginia has a plethora of offerings this fall. Extreme offers a glimpse into the unique relationship between nature and humanity including athletes involved in big wave surfing, ice climbing, skiing, snowboarding, windsurfing, and rock climbing. Body works: If you like to know how things work from the inside out, you'll love the film on the inner workings of The Human Body. Westward ho!: Fans of Lewis and Clark can join the great adventurers and the Corps of Discovery on their grueling two-year trek across the continent in Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West. Call or see website for schedules and costs. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.

Measuring up: The Virginia Discovery Museum returns home this month with a new roof and a new interactive Back Gallery Exhibit. "The Magical Measurement History Tour" explores the tools, units, and reasoning behind the evolution of measuring. Included in the price of admission. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025. vadm.org.

Pickin' apples: Now through October 31, folks are invited to join in the harvest and pick apples at Carter Mountain Orchard. Pre-picked fruit is also available along with fresh cider and the orchard's famous apple cider donuts. Priced per pound. Bags are available. Off Rt. 53. 977-1833. See Photophile.

Discovering plants and animals: The Virginia Museum of Natural History at UVA offers another Lewis and Clark exploration. Visitors can learn about the plants and animals that the Corps of Discovery encountered on their historic journey in the exhibit "Natural History Pioneers: The Flora and Fauna of the Lewis and Clark Expedition" through December 11. Admission is free. 104 Emmet St. 982-4605.

Star search: Two centuries ago, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark didn't have GPS. They and other explorers used the stars to navigate uncharted lands and waterways. The Science Museum of Virginia gives modern travelers the chance to "Follow That Star!" in their new multimedia Planetarium show now through January 11. Included in the price of admission. 2500 West Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.

ART LIST
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church is showing the pencil and tempera paintings of Jesse Colvin through November 2. 717 Rugby Road. 293-8179.

"Up Close," paintings by Eugenia Rausse, runs through October 30 at the New Dominion Bookshop. 404 E. Main St. 295-2552.

Rick Cocke exhibits his recent work at the Mudhouse through October. 213 W. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 984-6833.

Karine Nguyen-Tuong's "Walls of France" is on view at Mountain Air Gallery through October. 107 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. .

Photographer Doug Dertinger exhibits "HOMEFRONT/wonderworld" at the Fayerweather Gallery through October 31. Rugby Road. 924-6123.

Paintings by Gloria Mitchell are on display in October at The Artful Lodger, 1807 Seminole Trail. 970-1900

Hullihen Williams Moore's exhibit of Shenandoah photography is in place at the ArtSpace gallery in the third floor of Newcomb Hall through November 2. The photos are to be published by the University of Virginia Press. 924-4164.

The 2003 Fringe Festival puts $ in your eyes with exhibits and performances accompanying the Virginia Film Festival. Highlights include Aboriginal art pieces from the Bula Bula Collective, an evening with David Gulpilil, and performance art by Bill "Reverend Billy" Talen. The exhibit is in place through November 1 at the former IGA building, Ridge Street, across from the Omni Hotel. See Art Feature.

The C&O Gallery shows Tamra Kirschnick's "Paintings" through October 31. Next door to the C&O Restaurant, 511 E. Water St. 971-7044.

At the Art Upstairs Gallery, "Impressions of Umbria," paintings by Betty Gore, are on view through October 31. Above the Hardware Store Restaurant, 316 E. Main St., on the Downtown Mall. 923-3900.

John J. Trippel exhibits new work at City Centro Café through the end of October. 323 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 996-2655.

"Art and the Natural World," an exhibit featuring science themes, is on display at the Science and Engineering Library's new reading room. The exhibit is a highlight of the library's grand opening in Clark Hall, and will be up through the academic year. The exhibit features work by UVA art faculty. 924-3628.

Paintings by Darrell Rose are on display at Spencer's 206 through October. 218 W. Water St. 295-3080.

Through November 1 at the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection, "Whichaway? Photographs from Kiwirrkura 1974-1996" by Jon Rhodes, and "Sacred Circles: The Tingari Cycle in Western Desert Art." 400 Peter Jefferson Place, off Rt. 250 east at Pantops. 244-0234.

PVCC art faculty member John Hancock's "Making for Home" art exhibit runs through October 29 in the PVCC gallery in the V. Earl Dickinson Building. 501 College Drive. 977-3900.

John Ruseau exhibits work at John Ruseau Watercolors in York Place on the Downtown Mall. 112 W. Main St. 977-0627.

"Technogaia," work by Mark Graves and Clark Whittington, is on display at Gravity Lounge. 103 S. First St. technogaia.net. 977-5590

Jerry O'Dell's paintings and stained glass creations are on view at Blue Ridge Glass & Crafts. 1724 Allied St. 293-2876.

In October, the McGuffey Art Center presents work by artist Vee Osvalds, painter Caroline Cobb, mixed-media sculptor Andy Faith, and collage artist Rhonda Roebuck. All shows run through November 2. 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973.

Amy Mitchell Howard is featured at Bozart this month. Her mixed media works are on display through November 3. 211 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. 296-3919.

In October, Transient Crafters presents "Reflections and Illusions," the kaleidoscopes of Tom Ramsden, through October. 118 W. Main on the Downtown Mall. 972-9500.

At the University of Virginia Art Museum, "Steam Power: Railroad Photographs of O. Winston Link," runs through December 21. October 21 through November 30, the museum features Pierre Huyghe's video installation, "Third Memory." Also at the museum, "Purple with Love's Wound," Tim Rollins' collaboration with K.O.S. (Kids of Survival), middle-school students from the South Bronx, runs November 9. 155 Rugby Road. 924-3952.

At Les Yeux du Monde at Dot 2 Dot, paintings, prints, and sculpture by Bill Fisher, David Freed, and Ami Oliver-- all artists featured in the film "Long Art" by David Williams, which will be screened at the Virginia Film Festival. Also at Les Yeux, Russ Warren's "From the Sketchbooks." Through the end of October. 115 S. First St. 973-5566.

"Children of Shenandoah," Betty Brubach's pastel and oil portraits of members of families displaced by creation of the national park, are on view through October at the Queen Anne Bed and Breakfast on Main Street, Stanardsville. 985-4832.

Radar

Marcus Alan Vincent exhibits "Sojourn in a Dream" at the Williams School Library at Washington and Lee University through December 31. Lexington. 540-458-8602.

The Baker Gallery at Woodberry Forest School features the paintings and sculpture of John Lynch in an exhibition entitled "Applied Metaphysics," through October 31. North of Orange on Route 15. 540-672-3900.

Sunspots Studios in Staunton offer live glassblowing demonstrations every day by master glassblower Phillip Nolley and art glass artist Minh Martin, both in residence. Corner of Lewis and Middlebrook streets in downtown Staunton, across from the train station. 540-885-0678.

Danette Zirkle exhibits "Tell Me About the Rabbits," an exhibit she describes as "bunnies, critters, and country scenes" in acrylic, through the end of October in the Bank Building in Harrisonburg. The corner of Market and Mason streets in Harrisonburg. .

Combining "the detritus of everyday life" with examinations of the association of machines and nature, "Object to Image: Recent Photographs of Pam Fox" is on view at The Esther Thomas Atkinson Museum at Hampden-Sydney College through December 12. Hampden-Sydney. 434-223-6134.

"Extremely real, extremely warped," that's the word on Robert Lazzarini's sculptures. The artist's distorted realism of is on view through January 4 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. 2800 Grove Ave. Richmond. 804-204-2704.

"Art from the Dark Side" tours, and creepy avant-garde videos will be a scream at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts "Halloween After Hours" party. Thursday, October 30, 6-9pm. $10. 2800 Grove Ave. Richmond. 804-204-2704.

Vidu Palta's "Recent Paintings," a show of still lifes and the natural world depicted in oils, runs through October 31 at Caffé Bocce. 330 Valley St., Scottsville. 286-4422.

FEATURES/FEATURES/FEATURES
ART
Cha-ching: Check out the art in aisle 7
BY LAURA PARSONS

What better venue for the $-themed 2003 Fringe Festival than that icon of American consumption, the supermarket? Beneath a relentlessly cheerful leftover border reading "Unconditional Guarantee 100% Money Back," the Virginia Film Festival's multi-arts sideshow of visual installations and performances has taken up residence in the old IGA on McIntire Road.

The main space features a non-juried exhibit consisting primarily of individual and group projects by UVA students. Although some pieces' ties to the cash-ola motif seem stretched, several entries successfully play off the theme. Liz Pisciotta has created a literal paper trail by arranging receipts along the concrete floor in "~1' x 93': 2 years: $36,000." John-Phillip Sheridan's "Residual" presents five large color-saturated nature photographs, each bearing evidence of the constructed world of commerce, such as the red blink of a radio tower stinging the edge of an enormous tree. In an untitled work by Majkin Klare, price tags with warnings about mass consumption dangle from a celestial map of the U.S. strung in pink across the ceiling.

No exhibit about money and art would be complete, of course, without the presence of former Charlottesville wunderkind Steve Keene, labeled the "assembly-line Picasso" by Time magazine. Hundreds of Keene's pink, red, and white paintings lie stacked on a blue tarp surrounding a plywood "honor box," where buyers can deposit $5 for three works.

"My paintings are like trading cards," says Keene. "You can buy them, keep them, then give them away if you want."

In contrast to the uneven and disparate offerings in the main space, a side room displays the unified work of the Bula Bula Collective, a group of Australian Aboriginal artists. Seemingly unconcerned with individual voice, the paintings on bark, canvas, and hollow logs (some of which are didjeridoos) all use earth pigments of red, ochre, olive, and black, and share a stylized approach to their subject matter.

Scheduled performances include One Red Blood: An Evening with David Gilpilil on October 25, featuring the noted Aboriginal actor, dancer, and artist. And on October 26 New York-based performance artist Bill Talen will raise the roof with his Emergency Preaching from Reverend Billy of the Church of Stop Shopping. Directed by Charlottesville native Savitri Durkee, Talen will be accompanied on piano by Art Wheeler.

Known for taking his anti-consumerism gospel into Starbucks and the Disney Store, Reverend Billy proclaims, "It is necessary to get radical at this time! "Radical-alujah! Change-alujah!"

The Fringe Festival runs through November 1 at the former IGA building on McIntire Road. The Fringe Gallery is open daily 1-5pm. One Red Blood: An Evening with David Gilpilil, 8pm, October 25, $10 ($7.50 for students). Emergency Preaching from Reverend Billy of the Church of Stop Shopping, 1pm, $7.50 ($6 students). 242-3265, .

WORDS
Film Fest panels: Audience gets to star
By ELIZABETH KIEM

Unless you're one of those readers who turn straight to the Words column upon receipt of the weekly Hook (and if you are, I thank you), you can tell from the cover that this is the Film Festival weekend.

Of course there's a hotly anticipated football game going on as well, but while there's no telling what will happen at Scott Stadium on Saturday, you can rest assured that the four-day film fest will be a shining moment for Charlottesville. That's because, as trumpeted by the Indiewire critic Peter Brunette, Virginia Festival filmgoers are "the most intelligent I've seen at any festival, bar none."

Now it's my duty to credit festival organizers as well as audiences for the intellectual caliber of the film program (disclosure: I'm the Festival publicist). With over a half-dozen timely, provocative, and free discussion panels, it would be hard for the VFF not to live up to its intellectual reputation.

This year the focus of the panels will be squarely on the problematic relationship of art and money, as demonstrated best on television. Sponsored by American University's Center for Social Media, expert panelists will look at the "Future of Hollywood" through the lens of mega-mergers and FCC rulings shaking up the industry; on Saturday the question is whether public culture is "at risk," because of insufficient funding for independent film and TV.

While the titles seem, at first blush, to be dissecting two different media species, there's a common beast. Panelist Jonathan Rintels of the Center for the Creative Community notes that the public receives more of its news from The West Wing and Law & Order than from network news-&endash; and these are programs threatened not a whit by low budgets, but by encroaching monopolization of "in-house" network producers. Where's an Aaron Sorkin to go?

The Center for Social Media is itself in the midst of a month-long film festival featuring work with an impact on human rights-- so clearly, Charlottesville, you've got some competition in the intelligent audience front. Better put down the popcorn and start asking some thoughtful questions.

"The Future of Hollywood" with Pat Aufdherheide, Frank Pierson, Jonathan Rintels, and Janet Graham Borba is free and open to the public at Regal Cinema on the Downtown Mall, Friday, October 25, 4pm. "Public Culture at Risk" takes place Saturday, October 26, at 2:30pm at the Regal.

WALKABOUT
Treasure hunt: SPCA sale tantalizes again
BY SOPHIA COUDENHOVE
Let's face it, a large rummage sale is not for the faint of heart. Lured by the friend who found a tatty-looking evening dress that needed only new buttons and a wash to become spectacular, one sets off determined to do likewise. But after several hours of digging, one emerges with a bag full of tin cups, moldy curtains, and clothes that, while admittedly cheap, don't happen to fit.

If all this sounds familiar enough to send you straight to Kmart, it might still be worth taking on the challenge of the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA Rummage Extravaganza, which runs this year from Friday, October 24 through Sunday, November 2.

Intimate it isn't, but only the most reluctant shopper can fail to be impressed by it. It's not just the size (the sale fills an entire lumberyard); it's the military precision that seems to have gone into organizing it. And this, combined with the worthy cause, makes a visit to the SPCA sale a more rewarding experience than similar forays might be.

Twice a year, between 200 and 300 volunteers go to a vacant building and turn it into a sort of second-tier Macy's. Shelves are screwed to the walls board by board, and 120 clothing racks are dusted off and set up in the empty Moore's building at Pantops.

There's a special ladies clothing boutique, as well as individual sections for such things as books, housewares, children's clothes, toys, small appliances, television and furniture. Each item must be sorted, tested, priced, labeled, and displayed, adding up to what chief organizer Jan Cubbage estimates to be at least 16,000 hours of work.

Women take home silverware for polishing and linens for washing and sometimes ironing. And as long as it works, there's almost nothing Cubbage won't take on.

"Yesterday I accepted a car and a boat," she says. Then there's the police to call for traffic control.

Of course in a perfect world, rummage sales would have a personal shopping department, but a sale as well organized as the SPCA one might be the next best thing.

An event whose beginnings in a basement raised $150, last fall's sale brought in $207,000, a significant portion of the organization's revenue. This year's profits will go towards the new SPCA shelter, set to be completed next March at a cost of over $4 million.

The existing shelter's roof is in serious disrepair, among other problems. The upgrade will have a veterinary technician on site 24 hours a day, an operating room for spaying and neutering, and vastly improved facilities to deal with serious cases such as the recent victims of animal cruelty.

All in all, a worthy place to have a ball pawing through piles of potential treasures.

The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA Rummage Extravaganza happens Saturday, October 25-Sunday, November 2, 11am-7pm each day. A Sneak Preview Sale happens Friday, October 24, for an entrance fee of $10 for anyone over 12. Moore's Lumber building on Pantops. 295-2915.

FAMILY
Spooks afoot: Places to scare you silly
BY LINDA KOBERT

Thick cobwebs and bloody appendages have started showing up in my front yard. A grotesquely carved pumpkin lights my doorstep. Eerie organ music greets me when I walk through the door. And it's not just at my house. This weekend, spirit beings seem to be lingering everywhere around town, inviting intrepid night stalkers to join in some hair-raising adventures.

The Virginia Discovery Museum, for example, is closing its doors to the public on Saturday because the place will be haunted. Goblins and ghosts ages 2-7 who want to get in on Halloween-themed exhibits, hands-on activities, and dynamic demonstrations can still sign up for the 2:30-4:30 session for $5 per person. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.

Charlottesville's Recreation and Leisure Services is actually inviting fearsome (and friendly) fiends to the Downtown Safe Halloween Festival on Saturday, October 25. Costumed creatures ages 1-6 and 7-12 can join the costume contest parade at 1:30 at the amphitheater. Carnival games and festival activities will be stationed throughout the Mall, and participating merchants will welcome trick-or-treaters until 6pm. Older kids can get their kicks at the Boo House at the Downtown Recreation Center. Free. 970-3267. charlottesville.org.

Spirits have taken over Misty Mountain Camp Resort, too. A Haunted Hayride takes fearless travelers over six years old into the hills for some spine-tingling action on Friday and Saturday nights. $5. Rt. 250 west of Crozet. 540-456-6409.

If you're that brave, you can walk with the ghosts of Charlottesville's past at the Albemarle County Historical Society's Spirit Walk on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 24-26. The nighttime tour of downtown visits all the best haunts of the past with stories from folks who were "there." Tours start every 15 minutes each night. $12 adults, $5 children. 296-1492.

Clue Mansion seems to be cursed, and the Stony Point Ruritans are inviting folks to come on out and try to solve the mystery on Friday and Saturday from 7-10pm. $2. Rt. 20 north to left on old Rt. 600 (Watts Passage), right into Ruritan Club driveway. 293-2344.

Further a field, Montpelier will open its Haunted Barn for the daring to explore on Friday and Saturday from 7-8:30pm. Tickets are $7 per person, and it's recommended for kids ages 7-12. Rt. 20 in Orange County. 540-672-0025.

Maymont's barn is also haunted-- a Boo Barn, they call it-- where costumed kids of all ages can safely share the spooky side of the season from noon-4pm on Saturday. $5 per child. Reservations required. 1700 Hampton St., Richmond. 804-358-7166.

There's a little something strange going on for goblins of all ages this weekend&a great time to get out and haunt and be haunted.

PERFORMANCE
Fairy tales: Sondheim musical sounds familiar
BY STEPHEN BOYKEWICH

Ah, childhood. Those few sweet years when all you had to fear was having your nose bloodied, failing a test, and getting spanked with a wooden spoon-- all in the same afternoon. When your greatest preoccupation was what arcane psychological torture the class Svengali would unleash on you at recess. When the sole mystery in life was why your best friend had just hit you with a rock.

No wonder they put us to sleep with stories about witches and ogres. It was the only thing that made us feel comfortable.

Still, some people can't let childhood go. I'm not just talking about the Saturday-night crowd at Rapture. I'm talking about Steven Sondheim, whose fairy-tale fantasy, Into the Woods, goes up at Tandem Friends School this weekend. Give a man four Tony Awards for copying out of Grimm's Fairy Tales, and what incentive does he have to grow up?

Actually, Into the Woods is one of the most sophisticated trips down memory lane that's ever graced the musical theater stage. Act One weaves the stories of a handful of familiar fairy-tale characters into an ingenious and very funny whole. By the close of the act, it looks like happy endings all around.

But the second act is as troubled as the first one is fun: Prince Charming's eye wanders, the characters turn on their narrator, and the dead giant's widow comes looking for revenge. Everyone who isn't stomped or eaten has to learn some hard lessons-- and sing some fairly heartbreaking songs.

Still, you may be thinking: a high school production? One that doesn't even star my own kids?

First, double-check that it doesn't star your own kids. There are a lot of roles; you never know. Next, remember that this is Charlottesville, which means your average high school musical is directed by a guy who spent 15 years touring the country in a one-man-show on the NEA's dime. (His name is Larry Goldstein.)

It means the musical's vocal director is a woman with two MFAs, a university lectureship, and a private vocal studio. (Her name is Mary Elizabeth Forbes.)

Goldstein has headed up the Tandem School theater program for eight years, and he praises the cast of Into the Woods as one of the most talented and hardest-working he's directed.

"I don't want us to be doing high school theater," Goldstein says. "I want us to be doing shows that people can come to and be moved."

So at the end of the day, there's no shortage of reasons to check this show out.

But come on, Charlottesville. Do it for the kids.

Into the Woods runs Thursday through Sunday, October 23-26. Thursday and Sunday shows are at 7pm, Friday and Saturday at 8pm. Tickets are $10 adults, $6 children, students, and seniors. Community Hall at Tandem Friends School, 279 Tandem Lane off Route 20 south just beyond PVCC. 296-1303, ext. 237.

TUNES
Shaking it up: JBB not your ordinary reggae
BY MARK GRABOWSKI you can tell just by listening to a group's recordings that they're going to make for one hell of a live show-- you get the feeling that they will be able to connect with the crowd, move them to tears, or even get them dancing.

By the sound of things, this Saturday's night's performance by the reggae group John Brown's Body is going to be a show of the latter category. I hope Starr Hill has a solidly constructed second floor, because the movin' and shakin' going on that evening is going to test its worth.

Taking their name from the first line of a Civil War anthem commemorating the white abolitionist John Brown, John Brown's Body arose from the ashes of Caribbean musical group Tribulations in 1995. Vocalist/guitarist Kevin Kinsella started the "roots reggae"-centric group after writing material which "developed into the early JBB sound" at "Changes Hair Salon in Ithaca, NY," according to his bio.

The group released their debut album, All Time, in 1996, which laid down their musical path right from the start; 1999's Among Them, 2000's This Day, and 2002's Spirits All Around Us continued in the world consciousness-raising vein. John Brown's Body is presently composed of Scott Palmer on bass, Chris Welter on trumpet/vocals, Elliot Martin on tambourine/vocals, Nate Silas Anderson on keys/guitar/vocals, Alex Beram on trombone/bingy drum, Tommy Benedetti on drums, and Dan Delacruz on tenor sax.

The live recordings of the group available at johnbrownsbody.com provide a good synopsis of the group's sound-&endash; the songs found there can be found originally on all of the band's albums. "Among Them," from the album of the same name, begins with a nice floor tom roll before strong pop bass, staccato organ, and soon horns make everything smooth and silky.

Kinsella has a pleasant and not-overbearing voice, mildly reminiscent of the late Brad Nowell from late '80s early '90s ska-punk group Sublime. "Among Them" and the next tune "Many Names" from 2000's This Day are both spiritual numbers-&endash; the first is Kinsella's direct communication to God, while the latter is about different religions coming together.

Probably the greatest thing about the live recording of "Many Names" here is a female spectator's voice at the beginning providing her analysis of the band-- "For a bunch of white boys& they're alright."

"Feel" off the group's latest release, Spirits All Around Us, is a little pop nugget, with a catchy bass line providing the song's forward motion, and horns and gospel organ providing broken little flourishes every quarter measure.

I can count the number of reggae shows I've actually been to on one hand, but I'm going to be at the John Brown's Body performance at Starr Hill this Saturday night&emdash;they're a band outside the normal Charlottesville music box, and for the adventurous, will make for quite a time. Get your tix early&emdash;they've sold out Starr Hill on previous visits.

John Brown's Body with Spookie Daly Pride perform at Starr Hill, October 25. $10/$8 advance, 10pm.

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