THURSDAY, April 8
ART
Tucker Box Tour: Enjoy a guided tour of the current exhibition at the Kluge-Ruhe collection, "Family Business: Kinship in Australian Aboriginal Art," sculpture, and paintings on bark and canvas used to explain the complex social structures of indigenous Australian groups. Followed by lunch in the gallery. Bring your own or purchase one for $7. Reservations required. 12:15-1:30pm. 400 Worrell Drive, Peter Jefferson Place, off Route 250 E. at Pantops. 244-0234.

Weave and Spin: Joan Griffin offers tapestry weaving demonstration on lap-held copper pipe loom. Noon-5pm. Art Upstairs, Hardware Store Restaurant, 316 E. Main St. 923-3900.

Evening Fete: Join the folks at the Arts Center in Orange at a reception to celebrate the opening of an exhibition of artist Lou Schellenberg's oil paintings. 5-7:30pm. 129 E. Main St., 540-672-7311, .

FAMILY
Puppet Fun: The renown puppet players of Applause Unlimited come to Northside Library for a special performance for children of all ages. 4pm. Free, but tickets are required. Available at the library's information desk. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.

More Tales for Tots: The five-and-under crowd can hear Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. Stickers and cookies are part of the fun. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.

WALKABOUT
Adding the Sun: Architect Jeff Sties discusses how to use passive solar design to bring the sun's energy into a new home, addition, or renovation project. The presentation will include cost issues, design considerations, materials, and specific recommendations for Virginia. Noon. New Dominion Bookshop. 404 Main Street on the Downtown Mall. 295-2552.

Find Your Thrill: Fourteen antique and reproduction horse-drawn carriages kick off the celebrations for the 72nd running of the Strawberry Hill races in New Kent County on Sunday. Today the parade meanders through Charles City County. 804-569-3226.

PERFORMANCE
Swing Swap: The Charlottesville Swing Dance Society hosts this weekly Thursday-night swing dancing session, with an hour of East Coast Swing, an hour of West Coast Swing, and a DJ taking requests. Singles and couples welcome, no partner needed. 7-9pm. Albemarle County Office Building Auditorium, 401 McIntire Road. Free. 980-2744.

As You Like It: UVA Drama Department performs the Bard's pastoral comedy in a production directed by Betsy Tucker. Cross-dressing has never been more fun. Runs until 4/17. 8pm. Culbreth Theater, 109 Culbreth Road. $7-12. 924-3376. See Performance feature.

Carnival for the Mind: A group of seven international magicians perform in a night of magic. 8pm. Live Arts, 123 E. Water St. $10-15 advance, $12-20 door. 760-0989.

WORDS
Race and Politics: Scholar Rogers Smith discusses the political battle between white supremacy and the "transformative egalitarian order." Miller Center, 2201 Old Ivy Road. Noon. 924-4694.

Move On: The civic action group has compiled 50 Ways to Love Your Country: How to Find Your Political Voice and be a Catalyst for Change. Contributing essayist Corkey Goldsmith and Charlottesville's own Susan Oberman discuss the book tonight at Barnes & Noble, 7pm. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-0461.

Poetry: Kevin Young reads his work at UVA Bookstore, 8pm. UVA. 924-3721.

More Poetry: Bart Edelman reads poems at PVCC's Jessup Library Window Lounge. 500 College Drive. 7:30pm. 924-6675.

Town & Country: Carnegie Mellen's Joel Tarr discusses The Environmental Impacts of Urban Infrastructure. Newcomb Hall, 3rd floor South Meeting Room, UVA. 3:30pm. 924-0921.

TUNES
Brian Vander Ark and Andy Waldeck at Gravity Lounge: Andy Waldeck offers an up-close and personal evening of sweet pop sounds. $10/$12, 8pm.

Take Back the Night: Q and Not U and Decahedron are among the acts performing in a benefit concert for the 15th annual Take Back the Night, an event that raises awareness about sexual and domestic violence. 6pm rally in the Downtown Amphitheatre, 7pm march from the Amphitheatre to the Rotunda, 8pm Vigil/Speak Out at the Rotunda, and 9pm concert at Plan 9 Outerspace/Satellite, 1419 University Ave. $7 for concert. 243-2250. See Tunes feature.

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)

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

TOW and Red Pill Down at Outback Lodge. No cover, 10pm.

Robert Jospé (jazz) at Rapture. No cover, 7:30pm. (W)

Satisfaction (dance party) at Rapture. No cover, 10:30pm. (W)

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

Hogwaller Ramblers (bluegrass mayhem) at Shebeen. No cover, 10pm. (W)

Las Gitanas (the Gypsy Chix) at Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. No cover, 9pm.

FRIDAY, April 9
FAMILY
Storybook Dance: Young thespians ages two to five can climb on stage at the Virginia Discovery Museum as they sing and dance and bring to life the story of "The Steadfast Soldier." Come in costume if you like. 10:30-11:10am and 11:15-11:55. Included in the price of admission. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.

WALKABOUT
Find Your Thrill: See Thursday, April 8. Today the carriages travel through the grounds of Richmond's Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Grove Avenue, the Fan district, and Maymont. Find a complete street-by-street itinerary at strawberryhillraces.com. 804-569-3226.

Beautiful and Dainty: Charlottesville Orchid Society hosts its annual spring show today and tomorrow at Fashion Square Mall. 9-9. 975-4231.

WORDS
Making the Case: Columbia University's Richard Bulliet speaks on "The Case for Islamo-Christian Civilization." 3-5pm. McKim Hall Auditorium, UVA. 924-3033.

Hankering for Havana: A lecture on the impact of exile on second generation Cubans, by psychologist Carlos Alvarez of Florida International University. Sponsored by the Center for the Study of the Mind and Human Interaction. Jefferson Hall, Hotel C, West Range, UVA. Noon. RSVP to .

Korean Nukes?: South Korea's Ambassador Sung-Joo Han speaks on "Nuclear Challenges of North Korea." Rotunda Dome Room, UVA.10:30am. More information from .

Rex Americana: A New American Century or the End of the Age of America? Join Charles A. Kupchan of the Council on Foreign Relations for a Miller Center Forum. 11am, 2201 Old Ivy Road. 924-0921

PERFORMANCE
No Shame Theatre: 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. Guidelines can be found under "How to No Shame" at noshame.org/charlottesville/. 11pm. Live Arts Up Stage Theater, 123 E. Water St. $5. 977-4177.

As You Like It: See Thursday, April 8, and Performance feature.

The Importance of Being Earnest: Shenandoah Shakespeare presents a new production of Oscar Wilde's comic masterpiece in the magnificent Blackfriars Theater. 7:30pm. 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $10-26. 540-885-5588.

Carnival for the Mind: See Thursday, April 8.

Ghosts: PVCC Theater performs Lanford Wilson's adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's classic drama. Runs until April 18. 7:30pm. $6-10. V. Earl Dickinson Building, 500 College Drive. 961-5376.

Jesus Hopped the 'A' Train: Catch the last weekend of Live Arts' UpStage production of Stephen Adly Guirgis' highly acclaimed drama of prison life. 8pm. Closes April 10. Live Arts UpStage, 123 E. Water St. $7. 977-4177x100.

Icons: The Richmond Triangle Players in association with Vicarious Productions present the Richmond debut of the first touring production of Jade Esteban Estrada's landmark solo musical Icons: The lesbian and gay history of the world, Vol. 1, directed by Jeff Wills and starring Jade Esteban Estrada. 8pm. Fielden's Cabaret Theatre, 2033 W. Broad St. $12-$14. 804-346-8113.

PERFORMANCE AND TUNES
Ein Deutsches Requiem: The University Singers present a special Good Friday performance of Johannes Brahms' vocal masterwork, featuring soloists baritone Blake Davidson and local soprano Amanda Balestrieri, conducted by director of the University Singers and UVA faculty member Michael Slon. 8pm, Old Cabell Hall. $10/ $5 students. 924-3984.

TUNES
Sierra (country) at Charlie's. No cover, 9pm.

Ian Gilliam & The Full Tones at the Dew Drop Inn. No cover, 9:30pm.

Vernon Fisher ("romantic side of jazz") at Keswick Hall. No cover, 6:30pm. (W)

Fletcher Bridge at Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.

Tommy Peoples at the Prism. $18/$15 advance, 8pm.

Open Mic Night at Rapunzel's. No cover, 8pm.

Max Collins (otherwordly guitar) at Shebeen. No cover, 11pm. (W)

Folkskonde, All of Fifteen, and The Graboids at Tokyo Rose. $5, 10pm.

SATURDAY, April 10
ART
Meet Lindsay: Caffé Bocce welcomes the exhibition of paintings by Lindsay Michie Eades with an opening reception, 3-5pm. 330 Valley St., Scottsville. 286-4422.

FAMILY
Hip Hop: Peter Rabbit himself will be at Barnes & Noble today for a special Easter storytime. 10am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.

Eggs-citement: Charlottesville Recreation and Leisure Services and Albemarle Parks and Recreation host an Easter Egg Hunt at Charlottesville High School Athletic Fields for kids 12 and under. Arrive early and bring a basket. Rain or shine. 11am. Free. 1400 Melbourne Road. 970-3260.

WORDS
Mrs. Murphy: Rita Mae Brown reads from Whisker of Evil, her 12th Mrs. Murphy mystery. Barnes & Noble, Barracks Road Shopping Center, 2pm. 984-0461.

WALKABOUT
Men Who Cook: It's time for the gastronomic blow-out of the season, an annual food, auction, and dancing extravaganza to benefit MACAA. 6pm. $60/person. Advance tix recommended. Monticello Event and Conference Center, 201 Monticello Ave. 295-3171. See Walkabout feature.

Digital Directions: Kevin Blackburn offers a workshop on digital photo storage methods, memory cards, and CDs; he also touches on editing programs such as Adobe, Ulead, Acdesee, and JASC. 9am-3pm. Wintergreen Nature Foundation. 434-325-7453.

Getting to Know You: See Friday, April 2.

It's Back!: Today's the first day of the 2004 city market season. Except for April 24 (Dogwood Parade), the market will be open every Saturday through October 30 at the Water street parking lot, 7am-noon. New vendors welcome. 970-3371 or 970-3272.

First Saturday Bird Walk: Spring migration is the highlight of the April bird walk at the Ivy Creek Natural Area, led by Bonnie Sexton of the Monticello Bird Club. Beginners welcome. Meet in the parking lot. 7:30am. Earlysville Road. 973-7772.

Wild Flower Walk: Take a three-hour hike through the woodlands of Monticello to the Rivanna River. Meet at 9:30am at the Garden Shop. $10. Registration required. 984-9822.

PERFORMANCE
As You Like It: See Thursday, April 8, and Performance feature.

A Bit with a Dog: How do you act with a dog as your scene partner? Come explore the opportunities for improvisation and comedy in The Two Gentlemen of Verona. (Yes, there will be a real dog!) For any adult with a love of Shakespeare or an itch to get on stage. Ages 18 and up. 10am. Blackfriars Theater, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $15. 540-885-5588.

Latin Groove: Studio 206 Belmont presents a new weekly class. Learn salsa, samba, merengue, and other Latin forms of dance in an exercise setting. Dress comfortably for a great workout. 11:15am. Studio 206 Belmont, 505 Monticello Road. $12 drop-in; 5-class card for $45. 973-2065.

Ghosts: See Friday, April 9.

Jesus Hopped the "A" Train: See Friday, April 9.

Live Arts Actor's LAB: Join acting coach and director Carol Pedersen to sharpen your acting tools and gear up for numerous summer acting possibilities now. Runs until April 24. 10-11am. Live Arts, 123 E. Water St. $10. 977-4177x100.

Icons: See Friday, April 9.

Two Gentlemen of Verona: Shenandoah Shakespeare presents a new production of the Bard's early comedy in the magnificent Blackfriars Theater. 2pm. 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $10-26. 540-885-5588.

Henry IV, Part I: Shenandoah Shakespeare presents a new production of the Bard's best-loved history play in the magnificent Blackfriars Theater. 7:30pm. 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $10-26. 540-885-5588.

TUNES
Jan Smith with Neuronimo at Gravity Lounge: Jan Smith plays countrified pop at Gravity Lounge, where everyone knows your name, and you better believe they're glad you came. Smith's new CD is due out soon. $5, 8:30pm.

Karma Bums with Sidetracked at Rapunzel's: The '60s are definitely not dead in the minds of the acoustic Karma Bums, jammy rock songs with sing-along choruses and a laid back manner. Hmm& $5, 8pm.

SEXXY: Poetry Slam and Fetish and Lingerie Party at R2: Mike Reynolds hosts poetry readings by Samantha Raheem and Richelle Claiborne at 7pm, and then, three hours later, things get nocturnal-- the After Dark dance party with Izm, and the Bucktoof DJz. The "scantily clad" pay no admission. $5, 7pm.

Victor Cabas (blues) at Basic Necessities. No cover, 6:30pm. (W)

Sierra (country) at Charlie's. No cover, 9pm.

Populist Dancing at Club Rio. $10, 9pm. (W)

Vernon Fisher ("romantic side of jazz") at Keswick Hall. No cover, 6:30pm. (W)

John Rimel and Duke Merrick and the Millionaires at the Mountain View Grill. $8, 8pm.

Rule of Thump at Orbit. No cover, 10pm.

George Turner and Darrell Muller (jazz standards) at Prince Michel Winery in Madison. Free, 12:30-3:30pm.

Fair Weather Bums (bluegrass) at Shebeen. No cover, 11pm. (W)

Rock DJ Night: Neon at Tokyo Rose. $5, 10pm.

Veritas Winery Starry Nights series: The Corviars at Veritas Winery in Nelson County (dancing, wine, picnics). $10, 6-10pm.

SUNDAY, April 11
ART
Bocce and Brunch: Head down Route 29 to the Spruce Creek Gallery for fun in the sun (the Italian bowl game of bocce) and yummy brunch catered by Nuts and Berries. 11am. Reservations required for brunch. Call for menu and prices. 1358 Rockfish Valley Highway, Nellysford. 434-0361-1859 or .

FAMILY
Easter Tradition: Richmond's historic Maymont farm and gardens are filled with holiday activities for children including visits with the Easter Bunny, bonnet-making, an assortment of games, a giant maze, storytelling under the bunny tree, live musical entertainment, and a Golden Egg Hunt. 1-6pm. Free admission, fees for activities. 1700 Hampton St. 804-358-7166, ext. 310.

FAMILY AND WORDS
In Poe's Footsteps: Dan Philippon leads a hike at Ragged Mountain Natural Area to explore how the landscape influenced Edgar Allen Poe's A Tale of the Ragged Mountains and the role landscape plays in contemporary literature. 2pm. Free. Reservoir Road off Fontaine Ave. 973-7772.

WALKABOUT
Turn Back the Clock: Today's walking tour at Montpelier includes the site of the 1863-63 Civil War encampment of the South Carolina Brigade, and Gilmore Farm, home of a freedman born a slave. 2pm. 11407 Constitution Highway, Orange. 540-672-2728 or .

Stop and Smell the Orchids: The Charlottesville Orchid Society holds its monthly meeting 2-3:30pm. Visitors welcome. Church of Our Savior, 1165 E. Rio Road. 975-4231.

No Wining: A fun-filled Easter Egg hunt happens at the Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard. All prizes are edible! 1pm. 100 Grand Cru Drive. 977-3895 x32 or klugeestate.com.

PERFORMANCE
Sunday Salsa&emdash; Live!: Shake loose your winter cobwebs with a Live! Sunday Salsa featuring Bio Ritmo. The complete salsa dancing experience must be done to live music with the band and dancers sharing and building on one another's energy. Bio Ritmo has energy to share! DJ'd music to warm you up starts at 8pm, Bio Ritmo begins their first set at 9:30pm. The Outback Lodge, 917 Preston Ave. $8. 979-7211.

Improv Lab II: Live Arts' resident expert Rush Howell leads this intermediate-level weekly Sunday afternoon workshop in long-form improv. Class runs until May 2. 3-5pm. Live Arts, 123 E. Water St. $50 members, $65 general. 977-4177x100.

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

Irish Music Session at Shebeen. No cover, 3-6pm. (W)

B.C. at Miller's. No cover, 10:30pm. (W)

MONDAY, April 12
WALKABOUT
Relax: Little Mountain T'ai Chi Chuan Association offers 12-week courses in t'ai chi and qigong starting today. Classes meet Monday evenings in the gym at Tandem Friends School. $120 per 12-week class. Info, 295-8427 or littlemountaintaichi.org.

Money Questions?: Meet David John Marotta, author of the weekly "money" column in the Daily Progress, and ask him all your financial questions. "Where can I find hidden money?" may be beyond his powers to answer. 7:30-8:30pm. Northside Library Conference room, Albemarle Square. 973-0988.

Go Deep: Sea Devil Divers, a local scuba diving club serving Charlottesville-Albemarle and University communities, meets tonight at 6:30pm at Rococo's Restaurant. All interested in diving are welcome. 2001 Commonwealth Drive. 971-9391.

PERFORMANCE AND TUNES
I Am Robot: Charlottesville gets a concentrated dose of cutting edge-live electronic music when Random Number, I Am Robot And Proud, and Doofgoblin perform at Tokyo Rose. See what one man can do! 8:30pm. Tokyo Rose, 2171 Ivy Road. $5. 296-3366.

TUNES
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)

EMDUB at Orbit. No cover, 10pm.

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

Travis Elliot (pop) and John Figura at the Virginian. No cover, 10pm. (W)

TUESDAY, April 13
FAMILY
Six easy steps: Children, Youth, and Family Services offers "Six Easy Steps for Parenting," a six-week series of classes that covers such topics as understanding your child, improving communication, handling challenging behaviors, and parental stress. 6-7:30pm. $15 per family. At Central Library, 201 E. Market St. Call for more information and registration. 296-4118, ext 224.

PERFORMANCE
Poetry Lounge: Tucker Duncan's monthly poetry reading/spoken word series continues this week. Sign up to read with or without musical accompaniment. 9pm. Live Arts UpStage, 123 E. Water St. $3. 977-4177.

Flute Ensemble Concert: A variety of ensemble groups perform the works of Bach, Beethoven, Reicha, Piazzolla, Faure, Boismortier, and Moyse. 7pm. Old Cabell Hall, UVA. Free. 924-3984.

WORDS
Happy Birthday, Tom: Architect Peter Walker and Former Chief Justice of the U.S. Court of Appeals J. Harvie Wilkinson III speak on "Minimalist Gardens" (3pm in Cabell Hall auditorium) and "Building a Legal Culture of Affection" (4:20pm, Caplin Pavilion, UVA School of Law), respectively, at the annual Founder's Day activities to celebrate Thomas Jefferson's birthday. Free. 924-7550. See Walkabout feature.

Affirmative Action: Former Princeton president William Bowen is also the coauthor of The Shape of the River: Long-Term Consequences of Considering Race in College and University Admissions. Bowen delivers the third in a series of lectures on equity in higher education. This discussion focuses on the future of racial preference recruiting. 4pm, Ruffner Auditorium, UVA. RSVP at 924-0854. Limited seating.

WALKABOUT
Bid Quietly: The UVA Women's Ultimate Frisbee Team sponsors a Silent Auction Extravaganza with such offerings as a week's condo stay in Park City, Utah, a handcrafted bowl by Fred Williamson, gift certificates to movies and restaurants, jewelry, household goods, artwork, certificates for acupuncture, and a bread-baking class from a local pastry chef. 6-9pm. Newcomb Hall Ballroom. 293-5536.

It's a Snap: The Charlottesville camera club meets to discuss successes and tips-- just in time for summer travel to all those exotic places. Visitors welcome. 6:30pm. Turtle Creek Club House, 100 Turtle Creek Road. 973-4856.

TUNES
SNUG (funk improv) at Michael's Bistro: Jammy funk is the name of the game for SNUG, where the lights are low and groove is the word. $3, 10pm. (W)

Karaoke Night (what you make of it) 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)

Jeff Lang at Gravity Lounge. $12/$15 advance, 8pm.

Robert Josepé (percussion great) at Rapture. Free, 8pm.

B.C., Jim Waive, and "A duo from New Hampshire" at Tokyo Rose. $5, 10pm.

Josh Mayo featuring Modern Epic at Wind Wing Café. No cover, 10pm.

WEDNESDAY, April 14
PERFORMANCE
Country Dance Night: Couples and line dancing at Fry's Spring Beach Club. Dance lesson free with cover. Lesson 7pm, dancing 8-11pm. 2512 Jefferson Park Ave. $7 cover, $4 full-time students; students $2 every fourth Wednesday through May. 977-0491.

Salsa Night: Whether you're mastering the basic step or working on learning some cool new moves, this class will help you reach your next level. No partner necessary. 8-9:30 salsa partnering lesson; 9:30-10 practice. Lesson and practice, $8, $6 students. Berkmar Ballroom, 652 W. Rio Road. 975-4611 or berkmarballroom.com.

As You Like It: See Thursday, April 8, and Performance feature.

Two Gentlemen of Verona: See Saturday, April 10. Today's show is at 10:30am.

Lunchbox Recitals: Various university musicians perform classical works in this free recital series. 12:15pm. Newcomb Hall Main Lounge, UVA. Free. 924-3984.

WORDS
Okra Leaves: Apparently more reliable than the tea leaves when looking at the future through the past. A discussion with Nikki Giovanni, Julian Bond, Samantha Thornhill, and others. Clark Hall, Room 108, UVA. 5pm. 924-6675.

Live from Charlottesville: PBS "Virginia Currents" tapes a discussion of urban growth before a live studio audience. Local experts Harrison Rue, Jack Marshall, and Neil Williamson take part in the debate. Community participation is invited. The taping is at 6:30pm at Abbott Center Auditorium at Darden School of Business. The program will be broadcast on WHTJ on April 29 and May 1. 295-6329.

WALKABOUT
Not What You Think: Studio Baboo instructor Louise Smith offers a class in Basic Peyote. 10-2pm . $35. Downtown Mall. To register or for information, call 434-244-2905. studiobaboo.com.

Go Native: The Jefferson Chapter of The Virginia Native Plant Society meets at the Education Center at Ivy Creek to hear Nancy Kober, author of With Paintbrush & Shovel, talk about the WPA wildflower gardens created in Charlottesville and Petersburg. 7:30pm. Earlysville Road. 293-8997.

The Importance of Being Earnest: See Friday, April 9. Tonight's show, a signed performance, is pay-what-you-will.

FAMILY
Poetry Power: Feeling blue, somewhat tired? Well, it's time to get inspired! April's here, spring is near, it's National Poetry Month, my dear. Young poets ages five and up can feed their imaginations with the poetry of popular poets, then burst into their own original verse at Gordon Avenue Library. 4pm. Free. 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.

More Tales for Tots: Bugs are the topic for preschool story time at Barnes & Noble. The five-and-under crowd can hear Mrs. Spider's Tea Party by David Kirk, The Giant Jam Sandwich By John Vernon, and Diary of a Worm by Kate and Jim McMullan. Stickers and cookies are part of the fun. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.

TUNES
Cheesy Trivia with M&M Express at Buffalo Wild Wings. No cover, 8:30pm. (W)

Open Mic Night at Dew Drop Inn. No cover, 8pm. (W)

Wood-man and the Amazing K at Dr. Ho's. No cover, 7pm.

Rachael Davis with Erica Olsen at Gravity Lounge. $8, 8:30pm.

The Mike Rosensky Jeff Decker Quartet (jazz) at Miller's. No cover, 9:30pm. (W)

Freedom Funk Ensemble at Orbit. No cover, 10pm.

The Hamiltons at Outback Lodge. Free, 10pm.

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

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

Jay Pun (fingerstyle guitar/vocals) and Johnny Gilmore (drums) at South Street Brewery. No cover, 10pm.

Kathy Olsen Trio (jazz) upstairs at Tokyo Rose. No cover, 9:30pm. (W)

Jim Davies (acoustic rock and blues) at the Virginian. No cover, 10pm. (W)

The George Turner Trio (Latin jazz) at Zocalo. No cover, 9pm.

THURSDAY, April 15
PERFORMANCE
Swing Swap: The Charlottesville Swing Dance Society hosts this weekly Thursday-night swing dancing session, with an hour of East Coast Swing, an hour of West Coast Swing, and a DJ taking requests. Singles and couples welcome, no partner needed. 7-9pm. Albemarle County Office Building Auditorium, 401 McIntire Road. Free. 980-2744.

Victor/Victoria: UVA's First Year Players presents this jazzy show about dressing up and getting down. Runs until 4/18. 8pm. Student Activities Building, UVA Central Grounds. $5. 243-3021.

Ghosts: See Friday, April 9.

As You Like It: See Thursday, April 8, and Performance feature.

FAMILY
More Tales for Tots: See Wednesday, April 14.

WALKABOUT
Long Road: In this first in a series sponsored by the Stillwater Institute for Social Justice to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision, the landmark film The Road to Brown will be shown 6:30-8pm. Westhaven Community Center. Hardy Drive. 293-5981.

Bead Basics: Studio Baboo instructor Terri Gable offers a class in bead stringing basics. 5:30-7:30pm. $25 fee includes materials. 106 Fifth St. Downtown Mall. 244-2905.

WORDS
Sad Alliteration: J. Anderson Thomson, Jr. of the Center for the Study of the Mind and Human Interaction discusses "Terror, Tears, and Timelessness: Trauma and Traumatized Societies." Garret Hall Commons Room, UVA. 7pm. 924-7980.

TUNES
Hogwaller Ramblers (bluegrass mayhem) at Shebeen: Another weekly chance to see Hogwaller Ramblers after all this time they've been playing. No cover, 10pm. (W)

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)

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

Agents of the Sun and Gold Mind Squad at Outback Lodge. $3, 10pm.

Robert Jospé (jazz) at Rapture. No cover, 7:30pm. (W)

Satisfaction (dance party) at Rapture. No cover, 10:30pm. (W)

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

Kait and Thom (modern jazz duo) at Tokyo Rose upstairs. No cover, 9:30pm. (W)

Upcoming and Ongoing
ART
"Mapping the Dark": Rosamund Casey offers an eight-week class for arty types interested in exploring mixed media with the goal of matching an inner state with an external form. The class includes three-dimensional problem solving and lessons in thinking about art. 10am-12:30pm, and 6:30pm-9pm on Tuesdays, April 13-June1. $200. 293-8733. Register now. .

Submit!: The Arts Center in Orange seeks exhibits for a growing Satellite Gallery program that currently includes Not the Same Old Grind, a coffee shop on Church street, and The Virginia National Bank on Main street. Please send no more than five slides (two-dimensional work only) and an artist bio to The Arts Center in Orange Satellite Gallery Program; 129 E. Main St., Box 13, Orange 22960. 540-672-7311, .

FAMILY
Grief therapy: Hospice of the Piedmont offers "Journeys through the Seasons," a free bereavement camp for children and teens (6-14) who are affected by the serious illness or death of a loved one. The spring day camp takes place Saturday, April 24 from 8:45am-5pm at Camp Friendship in Palmyra. Activities include art therapy, mask making, drumming, a nature walk, games, lunch, and a closing ceremony. Participation is free. For more information and an application call 817-6931.

Eat or be Eaten: Adventurous types can step into a dog-eat-dog world and find out "Who's for Dinner?" at a new exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Natural History. Taxidermied specimens, puppets, and interactive activities help explorers learn about the unusual ways animals hunt for their food and protect themselves from predators. Open Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm. Free. 104 Emmet St. 982-4605. virginia.edu/vmnh-uva.

Out of this World: The Science Museum of Virginia offers earthbound astronaut wannabes the chance to vicariously climb into a space capsule the size of a Volkswagen Beetle and blast off into the great unknown with the IMAX film Space Station showing now through June 11. Call or see website for schedule and cost. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.

Moving Heaven and Earth: Kids aren't the only things in constant motion. At the Virginia Discovery Museum the earth and its movement is the subject of the Back Gallery exhibit that explores Patterns, Cycles, and Change. Kids can move the planets, create a rainstorm, and journey through the seasons through May 16. Free with museum admission. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.

Martian Chronicles: The Virginia Discovery Museum gets into the Mars mania with a new display in the Discovery Corner. Maps, globes, artifacts, and new NASA images let earth-bound explorers probe the Red Planet. Included in the price of admission. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.

Big Bones: China may be a world away, but now through September 6 kids can play with replicas of ancient dinosaur skeletons right down the road at the Children's Museum of Richmond. Lots of hands-on exhibits. Most activities are free with museum admission. The museum is open 9:30am-5pm Tuesday through Saturday, noon-5pm on Sunday. Admission is $7. 2626 W. Broad St., Richmond. 804-474-2667. c-mor.org.

Filling the Void: Stella is a black hole. Stella bats her lilac eyelashes and reminisces about her glory days as a giant star, how she explodes and becomes a black hole, and about the mysteries she still keeps to herself in the Science Museum of Virginia's multimedia planetarium show Black Holes now through June 13. Included in the price of admission. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.

Ka-ching: So what is money and how does it work? Enterprising folks can enter the vibrant city of Moneyville and embark on an exciting hands-on tour through a money factory and an anti-counterfeiting forensics lab at the Science Museum of Virginia. Runs through April 25. Included with the price of admission. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.

World Beat: Discover how rhythm and movement link different cultures, locations, and musical traditions in the new IMAX film "Pulse: A Stomp Odyssey" at the Science Museum of Virginia. Two long-time Stomp performers guide visitors through grand landscapes and cultural celebrations in Brazil, South Africa, Spain, England, Japan, India, the United States, and various countries in Africa to learn how people from around the world experience music and dance. Runs through July 16. Call or see website for schedule and cost. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.

WORDS
Come into the Library: Ash Lawn-Highland exhibits rarely seen selections from James Monroe's collection of 3,000 late 18th- and early 19th-century French and English volumes. Open daily through April 30, 10am-6pm. 293-9539.

WALKABOUT
Dogwood Tennis Tournament: Register by April 9 to play in the singles tournament April 16-18. This event brings together players from UVA and the community at Snyder Tennis Center, next to Memorial Gym on Emmet street. Doubles tournament April 23-25 (registration deadline April 16). $15 singles; $25 doubles per event. Info Virginia.edu/ims/dogwood or 924-3791.

The Fresh Air Fund: Seeks volunteer committee members and host families to support two-week summer vacations for children from New York City's underprivileged communities. 977-8284.

Bingo Game: 7pm every Thursday at Gordonsville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, 10271 Gordonsville Ave. (Route. 231) 540-832-2439

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

Habitat for Humanity: Volunteers with a yen to build or paint for a good cause urgently needed. 293-9066.

Canine Companions for Independence: The national, nonprofit organization that trains assistance dogs for people with physical and developmental disabilities is looking for people interested in becoming volunteer puppy raisers. 800-572-BARK or cci.org

Charlottesville/Albemarle Chapter of Families Anonymous: A free, self-help fellowship for anyone concerned with the destructive behavior of loved ones (emotional problems, drugs, or alcohol, etc.) meets at 7pm each Monday at Aldersgate Methodist Church at 1500 Rio Road E. behind the Fashion Square Mall, rear lower level entrance. 923-7929.

Single Mothers' Support Group: Safe environment for women dealing with the challenges of raising children on their own. Facilitated by Deborah Frazer, LCSW. Nominal fee required, negotiable according to the needs of group participants. Pre-registration interview required. Child care available. 6:30-8pm. Focus Women's Center. Grady avenue. 293-2222.

Women in Change: Support group allows women experiencing personal issues of transition to meet in a supportive and confidential setting, facilitated by Betsy Cochran, LPC. 7-8:30pm. Fee and pre-registration interview required. Focus Women's Center. Grady avenue. 293-2222.

ART LIST
The Second Street Gallery presents two shows running through May 1. In the Main Gallery, view the language-inspired art of Kay Rosen's "New Word Order," including "Blurred," a 37-foot-long site-specific piece. In the Dové Gallery, experience "You Kill Me," an installation investigating the nature of romance, by D'nell Larson. City Center for Contemporary Arts, corner of Second and Water streets. 977-7284.

On April 10, the University of Virginia Art Museum opens "A Taste for Grace: Italian Prints from the 15th through 18th Centuries," which will run through August 15. In addition, the museum presents Carrie Mae Weems' "The Jefferson Suite" through May 23. Also on view: "Exploring Identy: Work by Southern Jewish Women Artists," featuring pieces by Jan Aronson, Marcia R. Cohen, Johanna Drucker, Linda Gissen, and Alyssa C. Salomon, through April 25, and "American Collage," including work by Andy Warhol, Adja Yunkers, and Robert Motherwell, among others, through August 24. 155 Rugby Road. 924-3952.

Vanity Salon and Gallery features the photography of Amy Wade and the paintings of Monty Montgomery. 1112 E. High St. 977-3332.

Java Java presents the work of St. Anne's-Belfield School students Gillian Kindler and Ann Marie Macara through April 18. Townside Shopping Center, Ivy Road. 220-2534.

During April, the Gravity Lounge presents "Safari," recent photographs of Kenya by Jeff James. 103 S. First St. 977 5590.

The Renaissance School hosts its fifth annual student art show. 406 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 984-1952,

The Kluge-Ruhe Collection of Aboriginal Art presents "Family Business: Kinship in Australian Aboriginal Art" through June 5. 400 Worrell Drive, Peter Jefferson Place. 244-0234.

"Dalgliesh Unframed," a show of pastel and oil paintings by Betsy Dalgliesh, is on view at Angelo through April 30. 220 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 971-9256.

During April, view "Fusion," a show of paintings, collage, and tapestry by artists Doris deSha, Nancy deJarnette Frye, Joan Griffin, Anne Warren Holland, and Sylvia Thompson, at C'ville Coffee. 1301 Harris St. 979-4402.

Spencer's 206 shows work by Lisi Stoessel during the month of April. 295-2080.

The PVCC Gallery presents its annual student exhibition through April 21. V. Earl Dickinson Building, 500 College Drive. 961-5203.

At the C&O Gallery, view "On the Water," paintings by John Howard, through April 30. Next door to the C&O Restaurant, 511 E. Water St. 971-7044.

Nature Visionary Art presents "New Work by Michael Sesow!" through May 1. 110 Fourth St. 296-8482.

During April, CODG presents "Play of Light," an exhibition of paintings and photographs by Leslie Allyn, Dana Grant, and Clare Zusky. 112 E. Main St., under the Jefferson Theater. 242-4212.

View the Central Virginia Watercolor Guild's 2004 Members Exhibition, featuring 67 paintings by 33 members, at the Albemarle County Courthouse, through April 30. McIntire Road. 296-8484.

The Dave Moore Studio features works by Dave Moore and several Richmond artists. Hours vary so call first. 414 E. Main St. (under The Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar). 825-1870.

Les Yeux du presents Edie Read's "Figured" in its downstairs gallery through May 3. Upstairs, view Stanley Woodward's "Spring Flowers" through April 30. 115 S. First St. 973-5566. See Art feature.

Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church opens an exhibition of "nuptial paintings" and clay sculptural wall relief by Linda Cappacione on April 11 at 12:30pm. 717 Rugby Road. 293-8179.

Leo Charre shows his paintings at the Mudhouse in April. 213 W. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 984-6833.

L'étoile Restaurant displays paintings by local artists Barry Gordon and Malcolm Hughes. Gordon's abstract works feature interiors and everyday objects; Hughes portrays landscapes in the Impressionist style. 817 W. Main St. (across from the Amtrak Station). 979-7957.

View paintings by Gloria Mitchell at The Artful Lodger, 1807 Seminole Trail. 970-1900.

During April, Virginia Paul's "Maine Islands and Beyond," a series of landscapes inspired by the artist's travels, is on view at Art Upstairs. 316 E. Main St., above the Hardware Store on the Downtown Mall. 923-3900.

The Charlottesville-Albemarle Art Association is exhibiting the work of Betty Brubach, Blake Hurt, Phyllis Frame, Amy Howard, Coy Roy, Judith Ely, and Karen Jaegerman Collins on the upper level mezzanine of the Charlottesville Airport through May 2. 295-2486.

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

During April, The McGuffey Art Center presents Kristin Onuf's "Shades," an exhibition of gelatin plate monotypes, as well as "Three Painters," featuring still lifes by Pattye Leggett, seascapes by Robin Braun, and figural paintings by Rick Weaver. "Cat Women," drawings and paintings by Bob Anderson, is also on view. In addition, fourth- and fifth-year UVA students present a group show on the theme "Collage." 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973.

Transient Crafters displays "Beeswax Luminaries: Capturing Nature's Radiance," a series of luminaries created by Lauren Amacher of "Hive," during April. 118 W. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 972-9500.

Sculptor Jonathan Durham's exhibition "Cyrus (the Younger): Zero-Degree Monumentality in Cinema Space" is on view in the former Nature Gallery space. Water St., behind the Jefferson Theater. 924-6123.

The Bozart Gallery presents "2D by 1," a series of Charlottesville-centered paintings by Tom Walsh, through April 30. 211 W. Main St. 296-4669.

Radar

The Arts Center in Orange presents oil paintings by Lou Schellenberg through May 15. Artist's reception, April 8, 5-7:30pm. 129 E. Main St., 540-672-7311, .

Ombra's Café displays "Recent Still Lifes," oils by painter Vidu Palta, through April. 5773 The Square, Crozet. 296-4669.

The Nichols Gallery Annex in Barboursville shows "Hands On Printmakers," a display of mono-prints, etchings, and serigraphs by Ed Bordett, Frank Hobbs, David Freed, Fred Nichols, Tucker Hill, Akemi Ohira, and Carlysle Vicenti, through April 25. 540-832-3565.

The Front Street Gallery presents "Natural Bridges," drawings and paintings by Jim Langer, through April 30. 773 Front Street, Lovingston. 434-263-8526.

Charlottesville artist Elizabeth Geiger displays her paintings at the Williams School of Commerce at Washington and Lee University. Lexington. 540-458-8602.

The Artisans Center of Virginia presents work by sculptor and potter Susan Coville during April. 601 Shenandoah Village Drive (exit 94 off I-64), Waynesboro. 540-946-3294.

During April, Caffé Bocce displays paintings by Lindsay Michie Eades. Opening reception, April 10, 3-5pm. 330 Valley St., Scottsville. 286-4422.

FEATURES/FEATURES/FEATURES
ART
Cut flowers: Backgrounds belittle the blooms
BY LAURA PARSONS

Several years ago, a friend sent me a cartoon by Chicago artist Heather McAdams in which a woman was scissoring up old boyfriends' photos and re-combining select bits to form her ideal beau. It was my friend's not-so-subtle comment on how I approached my love life.

I was reminded of my regrettable impulse to edit things as I viewed Stanley Woodward's "Spring Flowers," currently on display at Les Yeux du . As a working rule, I try to accept artworks in their entirety, viewing each as a unified whole. But Woodward's vibrant floral oils left me wanting to excise his dazzling blooms from their lackluster surroundings and unfortunate frames.

In a 1994 artist's statement, Woodward, who has been painting for over 60 years, writes, "Color is joy." And the artist is at his best when creating gorgeously pigmented flower heads, using energetic strokes thick with paint that add dimension to the petals. Although classic in their centered composition, a la the Dutch Masters, Woodward's arrangements pulse with color so lively that they practically leap off the canvas.

But Woodward's passion for his blossoms is offset by a seeming lack of interest in their vases and backgrounds. At best, the settings seem like careless afterthoughts; at worst, they actively detract from the overall effect. For instance, in "Peonies III," the rich rounded pink and white blooms mixed with shadowy, deep-green foliage are offset by an odd background of angled southwestern colors&emdash; buff, burnt orange, and mud brown.

Even when the backdrop enhances the arrangement, as in the large 38" x 30" "Cerulean Blue"-- where a broad swath of radiant blue enlivens the orange, yellow, and white arrangement-- the vase is flat and slapdash, diminishing the painting's impact.

Woodward also has made the strange decision to paint some of his frames. On the outer edge of the gilt frame surrounding "Cerulean Blue," he haphazardly slaps periwinkle paint. Upon encountering it, I wondered aloud, "Why?"

For the smaller "Terre Rouge," he extends the red background to include the frame. But whereas the color adds a certain earthy luminance behind the painting's roses, on the frame it looks more like dried blood, matte and dead.

As a unified whole, Woodward's most satisfying painting is the large "Blue Iris," where a cornflower blue background and minimal plain wood frame complement the quickly stroked blue, yellow, and magenta blooms. For once, I wouldn't change a thing.

Stanley Woodward's "Spring Flowers" is on view at Le Yeux du through April 30.

WORDS
Blogs: You thought books were boring!
By ELIZABETH KIEM

I have a love hate relationship with the web. I love Google (tell me now); I hate instant messengers (shut up, for God's sake, I'm trying to work here). As for blogs& shake your head in despair now, because I don't see the fun in reading a diary that isn't under lock and key.

I'm conflicted about internet journalism, wherein everyone is a columnist and his dog is his editor. I believe that there's inherent sense in the "old way." Writers with moxy and style became published. So did those who were utterly lacking in those qualities but went to plenty of cocktail parties. There were (are) imperfections in the publishing industry. But imperfections do not a conspiracy make.

Alan Graham-- Staunton man, tech writer, and editor of a never-been-done-before anthology, The Best of Blogs would disagree with me:

"In the past& The Machine made decisions on what you would read and what you would not&. The Machine used its power and influence to keep you from reading ideas, simply because they didn't feel it was commercial enough. They mock that which they do not understand, and when it catches on, they exploit it to death, as if they thought of it first."

Yikes.

I'm going out on a limb here. I'm going to mock that which I do not understand. I'm entering the ranks of the "literary establishment," aka "The Machine," I've never felt so diabolical.

First I must thank Graham for having done the legwork (six months of surfing, four toner cartridges, hours re-inserting expletives that had fallen victim to the profanity filter) to deliver 60-plus excerpts from The Best of Blogs.

I started with contributor Dean Allen, a "Bloggie Winner." I learned that at age 37, Dean changed his childish ways. Now he unzips his pants before tucking in his shirt. I also learned a few blog terms, which only enhanced my ignorance.

Never one to give a book short shrift, I turned to contributor Mrs. Kelly's site, which amused me for at least 98 seconds. She bought a tee-shirt from the Museum of Menstruation for her toddler son and was on her way to a date with a woman she had met through her blog. In confessing that she had her doubts about this "Suzyn" who may be using an "elaborately construed mother-of-two persona" to lure Mrs. Kelly to LA, where she will kidnap aforesaid toddler son and demand Mrs. Kelly's Burberry pants as ransom, I suddenly felt a stirring kinship.

Maybe I'm beginning to see the light.

Graham's anthology "Never Threaten to Eat Your Co-Workers" (APress) is available now on Amazon and soon at Barnes & Noble.

WALKABOUT
Feted: TJ turns 261 on April 13
BY ROSALIND WARFIELD-BROWN

Thomas Jefferson, TJ, President Jefferson, the Sage of Monticello. A rose by any other name& is having a birthday soon. Yep, the Father of the Declaration of Independence will be 261 on April 13.

The biggest celebration, of course, will be happening at Monticello&emdash; at the gravesite of the former president and members of his family. But folks at UVA and other venues will be remembering the contributions of one of the primary architects of the American system of government.

Up on the mountain, the graveside ceremony begins at 11:30am with music provided by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Fife and Drum Corps (the Old Guard). The soldiers in the corps wear uniforms patterned after those of the Continental Army and play 11-hole fifes, rope-tensioned drums, and single-valve bugles to re-create the sounds of the Revolutionary War era.

Daniel J. Meador, emeritus professor at the University of Virginia School of Law, delivers the commemorative address (despite his title at UVA-- James Monroe Professor of Law). (Oh well, never mind. The two presidents were great friends, Monroe and his wife building their little cottage, Highland, within walking distance of Monticello so the families could fraternize.)

Representatives of local, state, and national institutions will present wreaths in honor of Jefferson, who was born April 13, 1743, at Shadwell, his father's estate on the Rivanna River about two miles east of Monticello. (Oh, about the date. On the Julian calendar in use at the time, Jefferson was born April 2. The Gregorian calendar used today was adopted in 1752, and 11 days were added to "old style" dates. But we'll pretend this is really the day since nobody did anything special on April 2.)

Across town, the University Jefferson created-- and was so proud of that he wanted his paternity listed on his tombstone&emdash; is celebrating with talks by two leading scholars.

At 3pm in Cabell Hall Auditorium, architect Peter Walker speaks on "Minimalist Gardens," a topic dear to Jefferson's heart. Former Chief Justice of the U.S. Court of Appeals J. Harvie Wilkinson III speaks on "Building a Legal Culture of Affection" at 4:20pm in Caplin Pavilion at the law school.

Undoubtedly there will be treats&emdash; one imagines a big cake decorated in red, white, and blue, with sparklers for candles&emdash;at some of these celebrations. But just in case, it might be wise to stop and get yourself a cupcake at least to nibble in the old president's honor.

All events are free and open to the public. Visitors going to Monticello expressly for the commemoration ceremony should identify themselves at the ticket office, where they will be given directions to the Jefferson gravesite. Tours of the house and grounds will require admission tickets.

For more details about all the fun, and information about whether there really will be a cake, call 984-9822 or see monticello.org. Monticello is located on Route 53 off Route 20 south.

FAMILY
Roll on: Skatetown-- the place to be
BY LINDA KOBERT

I never knew how lucky I was growing up in a town up north where the roller skating rink was the place to be on a Friday or Saturday night. My friends and I would chase each other around the polished hardwood playing tag on wheels, rock and roll to the pounding rhythms of popular music, and hold hands during the couple skates. Sometimes we'd even get out there and put our whole selves in for the hokey pokey.

It's been a long time since my skates have seen the light of day, though. It was a great disappointment to discover that the one sports venue Charlottesville lacks is an indoor roller rink. Our skates and blades have languished in the bottom of the sports equipment box out in the shed ever since we moved here.

Not long ago, though, we heard there was a real old-fashioned skating rink in Staunton. So one Saturday afternoon we dug out those wheels, slung them over our shoulders, and headed to Skatetown USA to check it out. We were not disappointed.

Skatetown has all the skating rink favorites I remember from childhood and then some. A DJ plays popular tunes that are great to groove to, interspersed with all the wacky games and dances that only a kid can love. Little rollers can win prizes for seeing how low they can go on the limbo, and for being the last one left in the four-corners game (it's a bit like musical chairs on wheels).

They can get funky doing the chicken dance or the hokey pokey. Little hoopers can take their best shot on wheels when the attendants (dressed like referees) roll out a plastic basketball net. And at the end of the session, line dance devotees can lose the skates and get out on the floor to do the cha-cha slide ("It's the '90s version of the electric slide," manager Joe Cormier explains.)

Tuesday is Christian night when the DJ spins contemporary Christian music. Wednesdays the rink is open for special or private events. As part of TV Turn-off Week, for example, the public can skate for free on April 28. Sunday is Family Day when up to six family members get in for $12. Special arrangements can be made for group discounts and birthday parties. And as a special spring break treat, the rink will be open in the middle of the day from 10am-4pm on April 8-9.

"Our target audience is families with young children," Cormier says.

There's no doubt we really hit the bull's eye when we decided to roll on over to Skatetown. We had a ball.

Skatetown USA is on Barterbrook Road in Staunton. Skating sessions are Tuesday and Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm; Friday 7:30-11pm; Saturday 10am-noon, 1-4pm, and 7:30-11pm; Sunday 2-5pm. Cost is $3.50-6. Skate rental is $1 for regular skates, $3 for in-line skates. 540-885-1798. skatetownstaunton.com.

PERFORMANCE
Like it! Bard mimics modern teens STEPHEN BOYKEWICH -

There's quite a lot of print wasted on the subject of what a singular, unparalleled genius Shakespeare was. There's far too little print wasted on the subject of what Shakespeare has in common with your average American teenager. For instance: Scholars rave about what a miracle it is that Shakespeare coined 10 percent of the words he used. Yet anyone who's ever strolled up the Downtown Mall knows that American teenagers make up at least 10 percent of the words they use.

Little tattooed Shakespeares, every one of them.

As You Like It, which opens in a UVA drama department production this week, is the source of one of the touchstones of Shakespearean eloquence, the "All the world's a stage" speech delivered by the rustic philosopher Jaques. More to the point, it's the source of some very teenagery (that's a coinage) moments of eloquence, including the lovelorn shepherd Silvius's most articulate expression of his passion&emdash;"O Phebe, Phebe, Phebe!"&emdash;or this by the young Celia: "O, wonderful, wonderful, and most wonderful wonderful! and yet again wonderful, and after that out of all whooping."

That "whooping" part really drives it home.

The play is a natural choice as we steer into the season of blossoming dogwoods and breathless young love. "We like doing Shakespearean comedies in the spring," says director Betsy Tucker. "It lifts our spirits."

Why this Shakespearean comedy, though? For one thing, AYLI is one of the few that Tucker has not previously directed (she was at the helm of last summer's fine Love's Labour's Lost at the Barboursville Vineyards). For another, you don't have worry about how to make a play relevant to modern audiences when the plot turns on wrestling and cross-dressing.

Tucker describes herself as a particular fan of "language plays and political plays& any Shakespeare, Churchill, Brecht, Shaw." AYLI, though a pastoral comedy, has the elements Tucker favors: It begins with a power struggle and banishment, and the linguistic play is sharp and sophisticated.

In addition to teaching numerous classes in acting and directing at UVA, Tucker directs frequently at Live Arts&emdash; Artistic Director John Gibson chose her to direct last fall's Grapes of Wrath, the premiere production in the theater's new space&emdash; and serves on the board of Offstage Theater. Given her time constraints, you might expect a simple, scaled-down AYLI.

You'll be surprised.

"It's a huge show," says Tucker, "with fights, dances, and more songs than any Shakespearean play. Plus we have original music for the play, and getting that written and rehearsed has been a project."

Fights, dances, and non-stop song? There's Shakespeare the teenager again.

As You Like It runs April 8-10 and 14-17 (final performance) at 8pm. Tickets $12 general, $10 seniors, $7 students. Culbreth Theater, 109 Culbreth Road. 924-3376.

TUNES
Do-gooding: Take back the night-- musically
BY MARK GRABOWSKI

Many weeks it's more than a bit of a hassle deciding which promising or disappointing show to preview. Often nothing really sticks out of the miasma of average happenings, so as I look back on articles past, often the deciding factor is which act was kind enough (or, some of the bands would say in retrospect, stupid enough) to send press and music straight into my outstretched palms (and tasty treats do not hurt either).

But this week I feel confident that the show I chose to preview is the right one-- on April 8 at the Plan 9 Satellite Ballroom, the bands Q and Not U and Decahedron will be playing a benefit concert for the Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE), coinciding with the National Organization for Women's (NOW) 15th annual Take Back the Night (which, in case you were not aware, is designed to raise awareness about sexual and domestic violence).

Since 1979, SHE, which serves five counties including Albemarle, has been aiding victims of domestic violence and their children, providing a 24-hour hotline offering crisis intervention, information, and referrals, and emergency, temporary housing to victims of domestic violence and their children. Individual and group counseling and court accompaniment and legal advocacy are also some of the group's services.

Formed in 1998, the D.C. based Q and Not U have two full-length albums under their belt, 2000's No Kill No Beep Beep, and 2002's Different Damage. The band performed at UVA's first-ever Fest Full of Rock in 2003, a show which I was lucky enough to attend, and resulted in my purchasing their 2002 release shortly thereafter (the band was pretty amazing live, having a sound that's a cross between a tribal drum experience and that really good garage band down the block).

Different Damage is 12 tracks of rhythm-heavy rock, with catchy melodies and words good enough to allow them to be included in the liner notes (my favorite is "Everyday up at the hospital people and animals go in and out. They live together in the hospital. They share positions now"-- from "So Many Animal Calls.") Clanging guitars, woven across the stereo spectrum, sonically duke it out in your mind, as frenzied-to-calm vocals shout out praise to things like communications from unreliable sources (such as trees and the weather).

Decahedron is made up of two members of the late '90s indie-punk group Frodus. The one Decahedron song I've heard, "Disconnection_Imminent," actually sounds something like an '80s metal/pop act crossed with late '80s early '90s proto-alt-rock group Jane's Addiction (biggest songs: "Jane Says," "Been Caught Stealing"-- big guitars, bizarre doubled vocals, and interesting melodies make a showing here.

See some good live music, get your social fix in for the night, and know your money is going to a good cause? Sounds like your Thursday plans are all set.

Benefit for SHE: Q and Not U and Decahedron perform at the Plan 9 Satellite Ballroom, April 8. $7. For more information about SHE, see shelterforhelpinemergency.org or call 293-8509. 9pm.

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