THURSDAY, October 7
FAMILY
Popcorn Party: October is National Popcorn Popping Month, and Northside Library celebrates with stories, games, recipes, and facts from the Encyclopedia Popcornica. Refreshments (guess what?) will be served. 4pm. Free. Registration required. Please report any food allergies. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.

WORDS AND WALKABOUT
Smart Communities: Author Suzanne W. Morse, of the Pew Partnership for Civic Change, has researched what makes communities thrive (Charlottesville was among the cities studied) and discusses her findings at this week's Miller Center Forum. 11am. No fee. 2201 Old Ivy Road. millercenter.virginia.edu or 924-7236.

PERFORMANCE
Angels II: In this much-awaited return of Angels in America, Live Arts resolves what it calls "the greatest theatrical cliffhanger of our times." Part One ended with an angel crashing through Prior's bedroom ceiling. Now all heaven breaks loose in Perestroika, part two of Tony Kushner's masterful critique of the not-so-distant Reagan era. 7:30pm. Live Arts Downstage, 123 E. Water St. 977-4177x100.

subUrbia: Three young men with no direction in life spend a night getting wasted in a 7-Eleven parking lot as they contemplate the decay of the American dream in this Eric Bogosian play that's also been made into a movie. 7:30pm. Live Arts UpStage, 123 E. Water St. 977-4177x100.

WORDS
Where Were You?: David Wyatt reads from And the War Came at New Dominion Bookshop. 5:30pm. 404 E. Main St. 295-2552. See Words feature.

TUNES
Shayar with Krooshal Force at Garden of Sheba: Reggae Thursday continues with another doubleshot of playing on the off beats and peace. $5, 10pm.

John McCutcheon at Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton: Globetrotting folksinger McCutcheon performs as part of the Blackfriars' 2004-2005 season, spinning his rich yarns for hometown residents. $20, 7:30pm. 540-851-1733

Andy Waldeck, Bally Hoo, Voodoo Blue, Huzzavox, and Skinny Blonde and Goodlooking at Outback Lodge: The second monthly show of the Mid Atlantic Rock Connection, a three-state multi-band extravaganza, with part of the proceeds going to VH1's Save the Music Foundation. $5, 10pm.

American Dumpster at Atomic Burrito. No cover, 9pm.

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

Danny Beirne (piano-man) at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.

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

Peter Markush (piano) at Gravity Lounge. Free, 12-1pm.

Jeff Black at Gravity Lounge. $10/$12 advance, 8pm.

Open Mic Night hosted by 2RedShoes at Kokopelli's Restaurant in Crozet. No cover, 7-9pm.

Greg Howard with James McLaughlin at Michael's Bistro. No cover, 10pm.

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

Man Mountain JR. (funk) at Orbit. No cover, 10pm.

Satisfaction with Noel Sanger (dance party) at Rapture. $3/Ladies free, 10:30pm.

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

Mindy Smith, Charlie Mars, Garrison Starr (singer/songwriters) at Starr Hill. $15, 9pm.

FRIDAY, October 8
ART AND WORDS
Ancient History: Anthropologist J. Mark Kenoyer delivers the Weedon Lecture on the Arts of Asia, speaking on "Ancient Cities of the Indus Valley," the region at the confluence of India and Pakistan, fountainhead of agriculture, urban design, and Hinduism. 153 Campbell Hall, UVA School of Architecture. 924-3592.

PERFORMANCE
subUrbia: See Thursday, October 7. Tonight's show is at 8pm.

Angels II: See Thursday, October 7. Tonight the show is at 8pm.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses: French title, English play-- this adaptation of the 1782 Choderlos de Laclos novel was made famous by Hollywood as Dangerous Liaisons. Shenandoah Shakespeare breathes new life into this "wickedly perverse" exploration of aristocratic decadence and deceit. Be ready to laugh and feel guilty for it. 7:30pm. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $10-28. 540-885-5588.

They're Playing Our Song: Local talent team up in Neil Simon's romantic comedy, the latest production from Four County Players, opening tonight. A big hit when it premiered 25 years ago, the show is based (loosely) on the lives of the same musical duo, Marvin Hamlich and Carole Bayer Sager, who together composed the score. Runs weekends through October. Barboursville Community Center, Route 678. $10-14. 540-832-5355.

The Invisible Man: New York-based Aquila Theatre Co., which specializes in "freeing the spirit" of literary classics, renders H.G. Wells' chilling story of science gone mad in this one-time performance. 7:30pm. $10-17. Main stage of the V. Earl Dickinson Building at PVCC. 961-5376.

WALKABOUT
Senior Center Sale: Money may not buy happiness, but it can come pretty close at the semi-annual Senior Center Yard Sale. Furniture, jewelry, art, books, housewares, electronics, and more, plus a bake and plant sale. All proceeds from the sale benefit the Senior Center. 8am-4pm. Pepsi Place. 974-7756.

TUNES
Jan Pun at Garden of Sheba. No cover, 8pm.

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

Sweet Trouble (pop) at Kokopelli's Café in Crozet. $5, 8pm.

Robot Surfer ("electro-fusion rock n roll") at Miller's. No cover, 10:30pm.

Meade Skelton Show (alt country) at Mudhouse Downtown. No cover, 8pm.

Peen (Ween covers) at Orbit. No cover, 10:30pm.

Sundried Opossum (jam) at Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.

Open Mic Night at Rapunzel's. Free, 8pm.

The Finks and Bucks and Gallants at Tokyo Rose. $5, 10pm.

SATURDAY, October 9
ART
Art Outside: The 33rd annual Shenandoah Valley Art Show hangs outdoors in downtown Waynesboro. This show of the work of over 200 artists has received acclaim as one of the finest on the East Coast. Rain or shine. Free. 10am-5pm today; noon-5pm Sunday.

FAMILY
Taste of the Season: Cider pressing, children's activities, music, and food tastings are on tap at the Crozet Farmers Market in the parking lot of Crozet United Methodist Church. 9am-noon. Crozet Ave. 823-7878.

Ripe for the Picking: Carter Mountain Orchard holds their annual Apple Harvest Festival this weekend. There are apples to pick, fresh cider to sample, and those famous cider donuts to nibble. Craft vendors will be selling here, too, along with musical entertainment, hayrides, and picnicking, and browsing at the farm store. Pick-your-own fans can visit during the week too until the apples run out. 9am-6pm. Rt. 53 on the way to Monticello. 977-1833.

Pick Your Own: Silver Creek Orchard offers little pickers the chance to wander through the trees and snag some of Nelson County's famous apples. 9am-5pm. Rt. 250 west to Rt. 151 to right on Rt. 56 for about six miles, follow the signs or ask at Flippin-Seaman's packing shed on the left. 277-5824. flippin-seaman.com.

Sewing Sweet Dreams: By the age of 10, most young colonial girls had sewn their first samplers. Modern young 'uns can learn to stitch by making a small pillow filled with a colonial receipe thought to induce sleep and fragrant dreams at the Monticello Visitor Center. 2-3:30pm. $10 per adult/child team. Recommended for ages 10-13. Rt. 20. 984-9822. monticello.org.

True North: The new Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center offers a compass workshop led by staff from the Virginia Museum of Natural History. Kids in grades 3 and up can learn navigational skills as they use the compass in a scavenger hunt. Open 10am-4pm. Workshop 1-2:30pm. Free. Keelboat Barn at Darden Towe Park. 979-2425. lewisandclarkeast.com.

Tell Me a Story: Little literati ages 5 and up can enjoy some favorite stories during story time at Barnes & Noble. 11:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.

Science Saturday: UVA Environmental Sciences student Dave Knight responds to questions about the seriousness of global warming and the greenhouse effect, and what can we do about them, at the Virginia Museum of Natural History. Discussion and demonstration for older children and adults. 10:30am. Free. Registration required. 104 Emmet St. 982-4605.

Oh, the Smell of It: Rebec Vineyards in Amherst hosts the most odoriferous shindig of the year. At the Garlic Festival, folks can taste wine and gourmet foods, browse the arts and crafts bazaar, listen to lots of live music, and more. Kids' activities include games, balloons, face painting, pony rides, live animals, clowns, and magicians. 10am-5pm. $18 tasters, $14 ages 12 and up without the wine, $4 kids 2-11. Discounts for advance tickets. Off Rt. 29 south. 946-5168. rebecwinery.com.

Bug Out: The Science Museum of Virginia gets creepy with Bugs from Outer Space. Insect expert Arthur Evans does show and tell with some of his favorite creepers at 1 and 3pm. The Alien Life of Earth art project is unveiled at 3pm. Visitors can also make paper-chromatography butterflies, say hello to costumed bugs from the Carpenter Science Theatre Company's upcoming play Insect Club: The Musical, visit live Chinese Mantids (an Eastern toe-biter) and other insects in Lab 2, explore the Red Planet in the visiting exhibition MarsQuest, and see the triple-feature planetarium shows at 1, 4, and 6pm. Included in the price of exhibit admission. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.

Screamin' on the Tracks: See Friday, October 2.

WALKABOUT AND FAMILY
Dig In: Ash Lawn-Highland celebrates Virginia Archaeology Month with a workshop dig on the estate. Participants learn the basics of the trade as they excavate, sceen, and wash artifacts. House tour and exhibit included. Tools provided. Two sessions: 9am-1pm and 1-5pm. $15 adults, $12 children ages 6-11. Call for reservations. 1000 James Monroe Parkway. 293-9539. ashlawnhighland.org. See Walkabout feature.

Fall Favorite: Graves Mountain Lodge in Madison hosts their annual Apple Harvest Festival with pick-your-own fun, a petting farm, lunch with the Lodge's famous Brunswick stew, hayrides, and pony rides or trail rides on horseback for older kids. Kids can climb the hay mountain (hay bales piled sky high) and wander the hay maze. Nearly 100 craft vendors will be on hand selling their wares, and bluegrass music and cloggers will entertain. At the packing shed, folks can select pre-picked apples, pumpkins, gourds, cider, Indian corn, and the farm's own brand of preserves and condiments. 10am-4:30pm. Rt. 670 in Syria, 540-923-4231.

Trails Workday: Help the Rivanna Trails Foundation in its ongoing effort to build a trail network around Charlottesville, and get dirty in the process! 8:45am. Meet at the Melbourne Road trailhead. 923-9022 or rivannatrails.org. See News story.

WALKABOUT
Health Walk: Join the sixth annual "Project Walking Fete: Make Health a Habit," promoting and heightening awareness of the value of fitness and raising funds for the Charlottesville High School chorus and the Shule Society at Albemarle High School. $10. Students and seniors $5. Registration 8:30am at UHall on Emmet Street. Walk begins at 9:30am. 977-1929.

Some Pig: Mini Pigs Sanctuary, a not for profit, no-kill pig shelter, hosts an open house and "celebration of the pig." Tour the facility, see the movie Peaceful Kingdom, enjoy vegan food from a variety of "pig friendly" vendors, groove to live music all day, and listen to guest speaker Tracy Reiman from People for the Ethical treatment of Animals. 11am-4pm. No fee. At Mini Pigs in Culpeper. 540-937-5229 or minipigs.org.

Fall Court Days: This one-day street festival brings together more than 70 artists from Maine to Florida selling jewelry, pottery, clothing, candles, woodcrafts, and more. Plenty of food and drink and entertainment to enjoy all day. 9am-5pm. Free. New location this year: the Downtown Mall Amphitheater. cvilledowntown.org/courtdays.shtml.

Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival: Enjoyed Court Days and want still more? Then head out 250 West to the Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival to find 125 vendors with pottery, textiles, leather, glass, wood, metal, photography, and art on display and for sale, plus door prizes, music, and dancing. 10am-5pm. $4 adults, $1 children. Claudius Crozet Park. 823-2211.

Garden Photography: Horticultural photographer Skip Johns leads this popular workshop on the principles of garden and plant photography. Enjoy a slide show of his favorite photos, then venture out into the Monticello gardens for a hands-on lesson. 9:30am, at the Monticello Visitors Center. $10 fee, reservations required. Call 984-9822 or visit monticello.org for details.

Keelboat Display: The Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center has spent the last few years building a 55-foot, full-size replica of the boat that the famed explorers used on their Jefferson-driven journey. Now that they're done, they're showing it off to the public through November 13. 10am-4pm Saturdays at Darden Towe Park. For info, call 979-2425 or visit lewisandclarkeast.org.

Trail Opening: Join The Wintergreen Nature Foundation as it celebrates the opening of its newest trail: the Allen Creek Nature Preserve, located in the valley. Walk the trail, win a door prize, and enjoy the area's unique natural scenery. No fee. 10:30am. 325-8169 or twnf.org.

Senior Center Sale: The Senior Center Yard Sale continues today. 8:30am-5:30pm. Pepsi Place. 974-7756.

Necklace Making: Studio Baboo instructor Louise Smith offers "Beautiful Bells Necklace," teaching students the basics of two simple stitches: tubular square and brick. 10am-2pm. $35 fee. 106 Fifth St. SE. 244-2905 or studiobaboo.com.

Get Out There: Enjoy two days of altered consciousness and personal learning at the Monroe Institute's Excursion Workshop. Gain a deeper understanding of intuition, relaxation, creativity, and self-exploration, all without leaving Charlottesville. 9am-5pm, October 9-10. $135 fee includes tuition, notebook, lunches. Register at 296-6474 or nevertoolatetobe.com.

PERFORMANCE
Angels II: See Thursday, October 7. Tonight the show is at 8pm.

The Most Lamentable Comedy of Sir John Falstaff: Shenandoah Shakespeare presents the premier run of an original adaptation of that most gluttonous of Shakespeare's characters, culled from choice scenes in Henry IV and a bit of Henry V. 2pm. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $10-28. 540-885-5588.

suburbia: See Thursday, October 7. Tonight's performance is at 8pm.

Ballroom Dance and More: The Charlottesville chapter of the U.S. Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association hosts its monthly dance tonight, featuring two floors: ballroom upstairs, swing and hustle below. Singles welcome. Free rumba and cha-cha lessons start at 7:15pm. General dancing 8-10:30pm. Municipal Arts Center, 1119 Fifth St. Ext. $5-12. 974-7949.

Merchant of Venice: Money, love, justice, mercy and a pound of flesh-- this Shakespearean comedy has it all. Shenandoah Shakespeare's players will entertain and disturb, and leave you guessing who is hero and who is villain. 2pm. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $10-28. 540-885-5588.

Flamenco Workshop: Learn to dance flamenco to the sound of live guitar with Kristi O'Brien. Current session runs through October 23. 4-5pm. ACAC, Albemarle Square, Route 29 North. $10-12 drop-in. 296-7536.

Tech Lab: There's more to performance than acting. Enhance your set-design skills at this Live Arts workshop featuring pointers on carpentry, tool safety and lighting. For all volunteers age 16 and up. 9am-12pm. 123 E. Water St. Free. 977-4177x100.

They're Playing Our Song: See Friday, October 8.

TUNES
2RedShoes, Daydream, & open mic at Fork Union Community Center: A new monthly performance venue, CoffeeHouse provides a location for local musicians to show off their chops. $3/12 and under free, 7pm. 979-SONG.

Aquanett at Outback Lodge: Hair metal returns, but this time with wigs, to the Outback Lodge. More pastels than you've seen since 198. $6, 10pm.

Beppe Gambetta at the Prism: Northern Italian flatpicking champion Gambetta returns for another evening of his "Genovese charm." $15/$12 advance, 8pm.

The Hogwaller Ramblers at Rapunzel's: The classic Charlottesville bluegrass band heads out to Lovingston for another of their emotion packed and utterly brilliant performances. $5, 8pm.

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

Populist Dancing at Club Rio. $10, 9pm.

Kate Campbell with Mary Gordon Hall at Gravity Lounge. $15/$12, 8pm.

Lock Jaw at Kokopelli's Café in Crozet. $3, 8pm.

Dean Fields (solo acoustic) at Miller's. $3, 10:30pm.

Year & a Day (pop/rock) at Starr Hill. $7, 9pm.

Starry Nights at Veritas (live music, dancing, wine, and romance). $10, 7-11pm. 540-456-8000.

SUNDAY, October 10
ART
Not Atomic, But&: To welcome "Fusion II,"a group show by Doris deShea, Nancy Frye, Anne Warren Holland, and Joan Griffin, who collectively call themselves the "Four Sisters," the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church hosts an opening reception at noon. 717 Rugby Road. 293-8179.

ART AND WORDS
Spatial Features: UVA art history professor David Summers discusses "The Museum: Conditions and Spaces" as part of the UVA Art Museum's series of gallery talks. 2pm. Rugby Road. 924-3592.

PERFORMANCE
subUrbia: See Thursday, October 7. Today's performance is a 2pm matinee.

They're Playing Our Song: See Friday, October 8. today's show is a matinee at 2:30pm.

A Midsummer Night's Dream: Titania, Oberon and that rascally Puck are at it again in this Shenandoah Shakespeare production of one of the bard's most loved and most hilarious comedies. 2pm. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $10-28. 540-885-5588.

FAMILY
Just Curious: Theatre Works USA, the nation's oldest professional touring company for children's theatrer, presents Curious George at Dickinson Auditorium at PVCC. 1 and 3pm. $5. 961-5376. pv.vccs.edu.

Going to the Dogs: Dogs get their day at Charlottesville's Day of the Dog. Canine Good Citizen testing, discounted microchip and rabies clinics, discounted nail trims, "Ask The Vet," breed parade, police dog demonstrations, contests, and lots more. 10am-4pm. Free. Pampered Pets K-9 Fun Center on the corner of Harris & Concord Streets off McIntire. 293-7387.

Ripe for the Picking: See Saturday, October 9.

Pick Your Own: See Saturday, October 9. Hours today noon-5pm.

Oh, the Smell of It: See Saturday, October 9.

Fall Favorite: See Saturday, October 9.

WALKABOUT
U.S.-Israel Discussion: Gil Tamary, "the Israeli Matt Lauer" and Washington Bureau Chief for the Israel Broadcasting Authority, speaks on the current state of U.S.-Israeli relations at this brunch sponsored by the United Jewish Fund for Charlottesville. 10am at the Omni. $20 per person ($10 for students) and reservations are required. Call Gaby Laufer at 293-7055 for details.

Harvest Fest at Graves' Mountain: The activities continue today. 10am-4:30pm. No fee. At Graves' Mountain Lodge, Route 670 in Syria, Virginia. 540-923-4231 or gravesmountain.com.

Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival: See Saturday, October 10.

TUNES
King Golden Banshee at Dürty Nelly's: Traditional Irish band King Golden Banshee know when to break out of their classical roots, adding songs by the Pogues and other less jig/reel-sounding numbers. No cover, 6:30pm.

Mary Gordon Hall at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church: The co-founder of Acoustic Muse is best known for her creative songs on childhood experiences and the like, but also for her backing harmonies with other writers around town. Rugby Road. Donations, 7pm.

Cruise in Car Show with Cadillac Country at Charlie's Bar and Grill. No cover, 2-7pm.

Christine Lavin with Devon Sproule at Gravity Lounge. $25/$20, 7pm.

Bobby Graves (acoustic) at Kokopelli's Café in Crozet. $3, 7pm.

B.C. (clever cello-pop) at Miller's. No cover, 10:30pm.

Native American Flute Circle Meeting at Rapunzel's. No cover, 1pm.

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

MONDAY, October 11
PERFORMANCE
Best Audition: Four County Players is looking for adults and children ages 7 and up to star in an upcoming production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever under the direction of Carole Thorpe. 6:30pm. Cold readings from the script. Callbacks October 14. Barboursville Community Center, Route 678, Barboursville. 540-832-5677.

WALKABOUT
Scuba Club: Photographers Steve Hutchinson and Kathy Rabe present a selection of their recent underwater work at the monthly meeting of the SeaDevil Divers. 6:30pm. No fee. Rococo's Restaurant. 975-5570 or seadevildivers.com.

Talk About It: Black women, White women, All Women in Dialogue hold their monthly meeting in the Madison Room at the Central Library downtown. 5:45-7:15pm. Open to all. 295-2612.

Healthcare for All: Forum brings policymakers together with groups and individuals who are not receiving adequate healthcare. Senator Creigh Deeds will be there to hear the discussion. Come, speak out, let your voice be heard. Albemarle County Office Building, boardroom 241 7:30-9pm. To 971-5777. Resultsorganization.org.

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

Tony Furtado Band at Gravity Lounge. $15/$10 advance, 8pm.

Greg Howard (acoustic soul) at Miller's. $3, 9pm.

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

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

TUESDAY, October 12
FAMILY
Super Tuesday: Starting today, underage voters have the chance to stand up and be counted at the Virginia Discovery Museum. Now through December 5, kids can participate in an interactive exhibit about making decisions and the importance of voting. Free. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.

WORDS
Meet Harriet Tubman: Biographer Kate Clifford Larsen shares findings of her research into the life and work of Underground Railroad leader Harriet Tubman and signs copies of her book, Bound for the Promised Land, at the Miller Center this morning at 11. 2201 Old Ivy Road. 924-0921.

WALKABOUT
Stamp Camp: Learn how to create your own holiday cards, scrapbooks, gifts, and more, using that miracle of engineering: the rubber stamp. Sessions from 3-5pm and 6-8pm. $10 fee includes five holiday projects, door prizes, and refreshments. At the Sleep Inn on Fifth Street. Call Janette at 607-1227 to reserve a space.

Toggle Clasps: Studio Baboo instructor Jeannette Cook offers a two-day class in "Terrific Toggles." It's all about creating clever closures and clasps for beadwork using the ever-popular toggle design. 10am-4pm. 106 Fifth St. SE. 244-2905 or studiobaboo.com.

It's a Snap: The Charlottesville camera club meets to discuss successes and tips-- this month sharing shots from summer fairs and craft shows. Visitors welcome. 6:30pm. Turtle Creek Club House, 100 Turtle Creek Road. 973-4856.

PERFORMANCE
Angels II: See Thursday, October 7. Tonight the show is at 8pm.

Best Audition: See Monday, October 11.

More Belly Dance: Studio 206 Belmont is offering one-hour belly dance lessons every Tuesday with instructor Amalia Habibi. 7:15pm. 501 Monticello Road (above Mas tapas bar). $9-12. 296-6250.

PERFORMANCE AND TUNES
Europa Galante: The celebrated Italian baroque chamber orchestra comes to UVA to perform works by Vivaldi, Telemann, Bach, Corelli, and Geminiani in the first installment of this season's Tuesday Evening Concert Series. 8pm; attend a pre-concert lecture by music critic Bernard Jacobsen in Minor Hall at 6:45pm. Old Cabell Hall. $10-24. 924-3984.

TUNES
American Dumpster at West Main. No cover, 10pm.

Karaoke Night (what you make of it) at Baja Bean. Free, 8pm.

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

Faster Than Walking at Miller's. $3, 9:30pm.

$2 Tuesdays with Big Circle at Outback Lodge. No cover, 10pm.

American Dumpster at West Main. No cover, 10pm.

WEDNESDAY, October 13
FAMILY
Oh! Origami: Ever since the first century AD when paper was invented in China, people have been folding it into curious shapes. Justin Seigler comes to Gordon Avenue Library to teach the fascinating art of origami. Ages 7 and up. 4pm. Free. Registration required. 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.

Tales for Tots: The 5 and under crowd can hear some of the storyteller's favorite picture books at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.

Nature Tales: Folks from the Virginia Museum of Natural History come to C'Ville Coffee to tell tales of nature for wee ones. 10am. Free. 1301 Harris St. 982-4605.

WORDS
Surviving Uxoricide: We know the facts; now here's the word for a child's experience of one parent killing the other. UVA nursing professors Richard Steeves and Barbara Parker talk about their research into the long-term effects of such a trauma on a person's psyche and behavior. Hear their findings during the Medical Center Hour from 12:30pm to 1:30pm in the Jordan Hall Conference Center Auditorium. Jordan Hall, UVA. 924-2094.

Desegregation from the Inside: Clara Silverstein, one of a handful of white students who attended an African-American high school in Richmond during the early days of desegregation, will discuss her book on the experience, White Girl: A Story of School Desegregation, at New Dominion Bookshop at noon. "If I learned nothing else," writes Silverstein, "I did come to understand the scourge of racism." 404 E. Main St. 295-2552.

PERFORMANCE
subUrbia: See Thursday, October 7. Tonight's show is at 8pm.

A Midsummer Night's Dream: See Sunday, October 10. Today's performance is a 10am school matinee.

Merchant of Venice: See Saturday, October 9. Tonight the pre-show lecture begins at 7pm.

Angels II: See Thursday, October 7. Tonight the show is at 8pm.

WALKABOUT
Country Dancing: Kick up your heels at this weekly couples and line dancing extravaganza. Dance lessons from 7-8pm; dancing from 8-11pm. $7 fee. Fry's Spring Beach Club, 2512 JPA. 977-0491.

Torry Ridge Hike: Join a Wintergreen Nature Foundation naturalist for moderate/difficult hike up to Torry Ridge. 9am. $12 fee ($8 Foundation members), registration required. 325-8169 or twnf.org.

Bring Them Back!: The Jefferson chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society meets in the Education Center at Ivy Creek Natural Center to hear John Scrivani of the Virginia Department of Forestry talk on restoration of the American chestnut tree. 7:30pm. 293-8997.

TUNES
Man Mountain Jr. at Outback Lodge: Soul and funk combine for just the kind of thing you need to liven up your ho-hum Wednesday night. Free, 10pm.

Saturday Looks Good To Me at Tokyo Rose: Harking back to summers past, the '60s style pop group SLGTM is modern enough to keep the critics at bay, and catchy enough to ease your troubled soul. $5, 10pm. See Tunes feature.

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

Benny Dodd (rock covers) at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.

Open Mic Night at Dew Drop Inn. No cover, 7:30pm.

Red Hot Chilly Pickers (bluegrass) at Dr. Ho's. Free, 7-9pm.

Wishing Chair at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8:30pm.

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

Travis Elliott (acoustic pop-rock) at Orbit. No cover, 10pm.

Clare Quilty at Rapture. $5, 10:30pm.

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

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

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

Karaoke Night at West Main. No cover, 10pm.

THURSDAY, October 14
PERFORMANCE
Angles II: See Thursday, October 7.

subUrbia: See Thursday, October 7.

Second City Comedy: Laugh your socks off with one of the country's most renowned comedy troupes. Second City alumni include the likes of John Belushi, Dan Akroyd, Bill Murray, Shelly Long, and others. Tonight's show features sketches, songs and improv acts. 7:30pm. Main stage of the V. Earl Dickinson Building at PVCC. $10-17. 961-5376.

The Election: Offstage Theatre presents The Election, a new interactive play by Joel Jones. Learn how the West was won and brush up for that other upcoming election. 8pm. Plan 9's Outer Space on the UVA Corner.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses: See Friday, October 8. Tonight's show is pay-what-you-will.

WORDS
Post- 9/11 Commission: In the second in a series, Miller Center director Philip Zelikow-- who was executive director of the highly visible 9/11 Commission-- speaks on "The Road from 9/11," highlighting the details and implications of the commission's recommendations. Commission report is available online at 9-11commission.gov/. 11am. 2201 Old Ivy Road. 924-0921.

TUNES
American Dumpster at Atomic Burrito. No cover, 9pm.

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

Danny Beirne (piano-man) at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.

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

Peter Markush (piano) at Gravity Lounge. Free, 12-1pm.

The Weepies at Gravity Lounge. $8, 8pm.

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

Sumthin at Orbit. No cover, 10:30pm.

Navel (hard rock)at Outback Lodge. $3, 10pm.

Satisfaction with Noel Sanger (dance party) at Rapture. $3/Ladies free, 10:30pm.

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

The Smashcasters at Tokyo Rose. $5, 10pm.

Upcoming and Ongoing
ART AND WORDS
Look then Write: Starting September 27, area writers are invited to visit the University of Virginia Art Museum to take part in the Writer's Eye competition, an annual competition among poets and prose writers, young and old, who are challenged to turn their responses to art works in the UVA Museum into creative writing. Docents are giving tours of the museum designed to inspire Writer's Eye competitors from now through November 12. Entries due November 19. UVA Art Museum, Rugby Road, 924-7458.

PERFORMANCE
Swing Swap: The Charlottesville Swing Dance Society hosts an evening of swing most Thursdays in the auditorium of the Albemarle County Office Building. East Coast swing first hour, west coast during the second. Couples and singles welcome. 7-9pm. 401 McIntire Road. Free. 980-2744.

Modern Dance: Classes with the Miki Liszt dance company. Safety release technique: 7pm Tuesdays. Dynamic alignment: 10:30am Wednesdays. Horton technique: 5:30pm Fridays. Studio 20, McGuffey Art Center, 201 N.W. 2nd St. 295-7973.

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 8. DJ'd music is 80 percent salsa mixed with other Latin styles. Complimentary water and sodas. The Outback Lodge, 917 Preston Ave. 8pm-12am. $5 (members $3). 979-7211. Bioritmo provides live music September 19. $8.

Country Dance Night: Couples and line dancing at Fry's Spring Beach Club. Dance lesson Wednesday 7-8pm, dancing 8-11pm. $7, students $4. (students $2 every fourth Wednesday). 2512 Jefferson Park Ave. 977-0491.

Exotic Dance: Get kinky at the Berkmar Ballroom with exotic and modern dance for those at any skill level. Every Thursday night, belly dance for beginners and intermediates, 6-7pm. Fitness pole dance for beginners, 7-8pm. Sexy pole dancing for beginners, 8-9pm; for intermediates, 9-10pm. 652 Rio Road W. 10-lesson series, $125. 975-4611.

Playwrights Lab: This safe and inspirational forum to read and discuss your working scripts starts back up again after a summer hiatus. Open to playwrights of all experience levels who seek to revise existing manuscripts or develop new material. Meets on the first and third Mondays of the month. Live Arts, 123 E. Water St. Free. 977-4177x100.

FAMILY
Fall Foliage on the Rails: The Autumn Leaf Rambler chugs out of the Dillwyn train station on three consecutive Saturdays beginning October 16. Tickets for this 3.5-hour nostalgic journey through the rolling hills and deep forests of rural Buckingham County sell out very quickly, so call sooner, rather than later. Fares are $22 for adults, $11 for children. Call Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 1pm-4pm. 800-451-6318.

Biology 101: Visitors to the Danville Science Center get a lesson in life at the exhibit Head to Toe now through January 9. Read x-rays, examine samples of real livers and lungs, see a real human brain, check out your fingerprints, experience the effects of alcohol ingestion, and more. Open Monday-Saturday 9:30am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm. $3 for kids ages 4-12, adults $4. 677 Craghead St., Danville. 434-791-5160. dsc.smv.org.

Bug's Life: Little buggers are invited to buzz their way through the tricks and traps of carnivorous plants at the Virginia Discovery Museum's new Back Gallery exhibit "A World of Bug-Eating Plants." Visitors can learn how these rare meat-eating plants catch their dinner, how they grow, and where they can be found as they slip, crawl, and slide through their fascinating world. Included in the price of admission. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025. See Family feature.

Earthly Power: Visitors to the Science Museum of Virginia can sit back and relax as mountains explode, the ground trembles, and funnel clouds roll by on the larger-than-life IMAX film Forces of Nature now through March 18. Call or check the website for times and tickets. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.

Managing Grief: 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 fall day camp takes place Saturday, October 30 from 8:45am-5pm at Gallastar Equine Center south of Charlottesville. Activities include art therapy, horseback riding, hiking, caring for creatures, games, lunch, and a closing ceremony. Participation is free. For more information and an application call 817-6900 or 800-975-5501.

Martian Invasion: Mars rovers Opportunity and Spirit discover the importance of exploring the Red Planet in a new multimedia planetarium show Mars Mania at the Science Museum of Virginia through January 9. Included with exhibit admission. Call for show times and other information. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.

MOPS: Mothers of Preschoolers meets the first and third Thursday of each month at Zion United Methodist Church, Troy. Noon-2pm. Free. Call 434-589-1665 for information and directions.

WALKABOUT
Downtown Tours: The Albemarle-Charlottesville Historical Society offers walking tours of historic downtown Charlottesville every Saturday at 10am. Tours leave from the McIntire Building across from Lee Park and cover over 250 years of community history in one hour. $3 suggested donation. 296-1492.

Ferry the James TIME IS SHORT!: The Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society is offering rides on the Hatton Ferry, one of the last poled ferries still in operation in the U.S., across the James River now through October 17. No fee. Open weekends from 9am-5pm. Located near Scottsville on Route 625. 296-1492.

Glass-Blowing Workshop: Try your hand at glass blowing with a one-day class at Sunspot Studios in Staunton. You'll get to watch a master in action, and then jump in to create a paperweight of your own. 9am and 12:30pm sessions (the later class delves into more advanced techniques) through September. $85 fee for the paperweight workshop ($150 for the advanced class). 202 S. Lewis St. in Staunton near the old train station. 540-885-0678 or for info and reservations.

Streamwatch Water Monitoring: Join John Murphy of the Rivanna Conservation Society for a trip to assess watershed health at several sites along the Rivanna River. Contact the RCS for info and to find other certified monitors in your area. 589-7576 or .

NAACP Meeting: The local chapter of the NAACP meets on the second Monday of each month. 7pm. Tonsler Park Community Center; Cherry Avenue near Fifth Street. 293-4044.

ART LIST
The Second Street Gallery presents "DC Now," an multi-media exhibition showcasing work by nine contemporary Washington, DC-based artists: Ken Ashton, Joanne Bauer, Jason Falchook, David Jung, Linn Meyers, Maggie Michael, Jose Ruiz, Dan Steinhilber, and Ian Whitmore. Through October 30. Corner of Second and Water streets. 977-7284.

The University of Virginia Art Museum presents "The Museum: Conditions and Spaces," "The Odyssey: Watercolors by Karen Shea," "Paradise Lost: Photographs by Sally Mann," and "Emmit Gowin Photographs," round out the Museum's offerings, all up through October 17. 155 Rugby Road. 924-3952.

Piedmont Virginia Community College presents abstract paintings by Alan O'Neal and James Brewer through October 27. V. Earl Dickinson Building, 501 College Drive. 977-2001.

The McGuffey Art Center offers three shows in October: "A Year at Sea," mixed-media sculpture by NiNi Baeckstrom; new abstract paintings and architectural diagrams by Caroline Cobb; and "It's a Big Wide Wonderful World We Live In-- Life in the 21st Century in a Nutshell," mixed-media pieces by Andy Faith. 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973. See Art feature.

Isabel Mclean presents her show "Detritus: A Mixed Media Memoir" at the Renaissance School through October 31. 406 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 984-1952.

During October, Sidetracks (formerly Spencer's 206) features "Of Leaves and Stellar Phenomena," an exhibition of paintings of Christopher Mason. 218 Water St. 361-0083.

Photographer Aaron Farrington displays his images at the Gallery at Starr Hill during October. 705 Main St. 434-409-0745.

Venture into Belmont to view New Art Across the Bridge/Round 2, in October featuring the work of Lily Grabbi, Will May, Timothy Shearer, Justin Lincoln, THE FACE MUSCLES, "and more." 209 Monticello Road (across the street from Spudnuts). 984-5669.

During October, FE.! presents works in pastel and watercolor by Nancy Galloway. The show runs through the end of the month. 416 W. Main St. 244-7800.

The 5th Floor Gallery at Keller Williams is currently showing the work of painter Joan Soderland, stained-glass artist Shelby Bowen, painter Kathleen Karlsen, and photographer Robert Dooley. Ten percent of proceeds from artwork sold is donated to Habitat for Humanity. Suite 500, Citizens Commonwealth Building (UVA Credit Union), 300 Preston Ave. 220-2200.

Marie Keese's drawings of women and children are on view at ACAC through October 15. 500 Albemarle Square. 456-8534.

Beginning October 10, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church presents "Fusion II," a group show by Doris deShea, Nancy Frye, Anne Warren Holland, and Joan Griffin, who collectively call themselves the "Four Sisters." Opening reception, October 10 at noon. 717 Rugby Road. 293-8179.

Angelo is hosting "Interpretations," acrylic paintings by Talia Lanyi, through October 30. 220 E. Main St. 971-9256.

The Kluge-Ruhe Collection of Aboriginal Art features "Twice Born: Marsupials in Aboriginal Art," through November 6. Also on view through November 27: "Indigenous: Selected Works from the Kluge Ruhe Collection."400 Worrell Drive, Peter Jefferson Place. 244-0234.

Nature Visionary Art presents "Temptation, Inspiration, Revelation," artwork by C.M. and Grace Kelly Laster, through October. 110 Fourth St. 296-8482.

During October, The Gallery @ 5th & Water displays an exhibit of paintings by North Carolina mother and daughter Sallie and Anne Meade. 107 Fifth St. 979-9825.

CODG presents "Dreams of Another Place," an exhibition of work by Jonathan Blake, through the end of October. 112 E. Main St., under the Jefferson Theater. 242-4212.

For the month of October, the C&O Gallery displays "Drawings and Paintings," artwork by David Reynaud. Next door to the C&O Restaurant. 511 E. Water St. 971-7044.

Visit Sage Moon Gallery to see watercolors by Mike Neymeyer during October. 420 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 977-9997.

New works by members of the Central Virginia Watercolor Guild-- watercolors, oils, pastels, and mixed media-- are on display at the Albemarle County Courthouse. 501 E. Jefferson Court Sq. 296-8484.

The Laughing Lion Gallery presents "Wedding Portraits," drawings and paintings by Terrence Pratt, during October. 103 E. Water St. in the Commerce Building (above Londons). 984-4000.

During October, the Mudhouse shows artwork by Abby Kasonik. 213 W. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 984-6833.

View Mercedes Lopez's watercolor exhibition, "Classic Elements," at Art Upstairs during October. 316 E. Main St., above The Hardware Store, on the Downtown Mall. 923-3900.

Transient Crafters offers "One Subject, Different Images: Exploring Photographic Alternatives," photography by Ben Greenberg, through October. 118 W. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 972-9500.

During October, Bozart Gallery offers painter Matalie Griffin Rivard Deane's exhibition "Organic within Inorganic." 211 W. Main St. 296-3919.

L'étoile Restaurant displays paintings by local artists Barry Gordon, Malcolm Hughes, and Christian Peri. 817 W. Main St. (across from the Amtrak Station). 979-7957.

Radar

At the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts "Selections: 20th Century Latin American Art in the VMFA Collection" hangs through March 13. 200 N. Broad St., Richmond. 804-340-1400.

Richmond's Plant Zero Project Space presents "ON MESSAGE: Art for Our Time," featuring work by 19 regional and national artists. Curated by photographer Alyssa Salomon, the exhibition attempts to get out the vote through its critiques of government policies and actions. Through November 7. 0 E. Fourth St., Richmond. 804-321-8899.

Ombra's Café in Crozet presents Georgia Barbour's "Photographs of Vietnam" through October. 973-8642.

Until October 31, Lindsay Michie Eades' exhibit of oil paintings, "People and Places," will be on view at Jarman's Gap restaurant. 5790 Three Notch'd Road, Crozet. 823-4626.

The Artisans Center of Virginia welcomes an invitational exhibition of contemporary craft artisans working in a variety of media, through November 4. Also on view: "As the Wood Turns," turned wood vessels by Bruce and Janet Hoover, through November 6. 601 Shenandoah Village Drive (exit 94 off I-64), Waynesboro. 540-946-3294.

The Nichols Gallery Annex presents "Images of the South," paintings by over 20 Mid-Atlantic artists, including Ron Boehmer, Gray Dodson, Philip Koch, Frederick Nichols, and Chica Tenney. Through November 28. Barboursville, near the intersection of Rts. 20 and 33. 540-832-3565.

During October, The Arts Center in Orange presents its "2004 Showcase of Regional Artists," featuring multi-media work by 50 area artists. 129 E. Main St., Orange. 540-672-7311.

Sevenoaks Pathwork Center displays "Three Artists from One Virginia Family," featuring the work of Peg Redd, Page Coplan, and Paul Charlton, through early December. 403 Pathwork Way, Madison. 434-295-2486.

Dave Moore's paintings are at Caffe Bocce during October. 330 Valley St., Scottsville. 434-286-4422.

Sweet Briar College offers paintings by Nancy Witt in its Babcock Gallery, and "Out of the Darkness," photography by Carrie Cann, in the Babcock Fine Art Center Lobby through October 17. In the Benedict Art Gallery, photographs by Brad Hamilton are on display through October 24. Sweet Briar. 434-381-6248.

The Barn Swallow features pottery by Janice Arone and Mary Ann Burke, plus other handcrafted artwork. Route 682 off 250W. 434-979-4884.

Staunton's Painted Thunder Studios welcomes the work of equine artist Jennet Inglis. 19 W. Beverley St. 540-851-0864.

Sun's Traces Gallery displays quilting by Patricia Hoke, nature photography by Evelyn Eades, as well as turned wood pieces by Dick Wexelblat and clay works by Paula Brown-Steedly. Barboursville. 540-832-7044.

The Ed Jaffe Gallery features paintings and marble sculptures by Ed Jaffe, plus abstract photographs by Marc Jaffe. 108 W. Main St., Orange. 540-672-2400.

Staunton's Middlebrook Gallery offers contemporary art and fine crafts, including sculpture by Ken Smith. 5 Middlebrook Ave. 540-885-9955.

FEATURES/FEATURES/FEATURES
ART
Found outrage: Weapons of mass assemblage
BY LAURA PARSONS
Viewing Andy Faith's recent mixed-media sculptures, two things become glaringly clear: 1) she's mad as hell about our current government; and 2) she's never run across a bit of detritus she didn't like.

In her irony-filled "It's a Big Wide Wonderful World We Live in-- Life in the 21st Century in a Nutshell," currently view at the McGuffey Art Center, Faith uses pieces of rope, blown fuses, cast-off dolls, rusty bolts, twigs, darts, baby bottle nipples, lettered tiles, shotgun shells, metal hinges, cheese graters, razors-- you name it-- to express her dismay with our violent American moment.

"I and likeminded people have been disenfranchised as citizens. Our voices have been ignored," Faith writes in her artist's statement, its edges as singed and blackened as her outlook. "My artwork is my voice."

And what a scratchy, unbeautiful, yowling yet fascinating and engaging voice it is. With the exception of a few glittering amalgamations of rummage-shop jewelry at the end of the hall, Faith's everything-but-the-kitchen-sink pieces are at once horrific, sad, and darkly humorous.

To create "War Horse," the artist "over-accessorized" (her tongue-in-cheek term) a child's rocking horse, covering every millimeter of its surface with lethal items like rusty razors, darts, electrodes, and bullet casings. A gleaming brass spire juts up at a phallic 45-degree angle to form its missile-like tail, while a mangled vegetable steamer blossoms on its back. In contrast to its hideous pasted-in teeth and images of George Bush for eyes, seemingly benign little American flags flutter from the four feet of this menacing modern-day Trojan horse.

Some of Faith's pieces are so intentionally ghastly that viewers must fight revulsion to appreciate their full impact. In "Mission Accomplished," Faith enshrouds a glass-eyed skull in army-green mesh and places it within an open cage of twigs, tile letters spelling out "Mission Accomplished" above and below. Paper targets hang behind the disembodied head both inside and outside the bars, and a mound of wilting red roses-- mournful and reminiscent of the tragically incorrect idea that Iraqis would greet American troops with flowers-- crowns the top of the cage.

Everywhere Faith's cleverness and scathing sarcasm inform her visuals. In "Let the Eagle Soar," an iron industrial disk embossed "New American" adorns the chest of a nightmarish, totem-like bird, its yellowed skull actually that of a long-toothed rodent. In "Duct and Cover," a propped-open lap desk reveals spent shells littering an old sepia-toned photo of schoolchildren. Tile letters on the exterior read "Raise your hand if you feel safer."

Her nerves are clearly frayed, but Faith offers viewers a wry perspective as she recycles the trash.

Andy Faith's "It's a Big Wide Wonderful World We Live in&emdash; Life in the 21st Century in a Nutshell" is on display at the McGuffey Art Center through the end of October. 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973.

FAMILY
Buggy buffet: 'Plant food' is alive!
BY LINDA KOBERT
Little bugs are swarming to the Virginia Discovery Museum, lured there by the sweet smell of fun emanating from their latest rotating exhibit in the Back Gallery. Unsuspecting insects who enter "A World of Bug-Eating Plants" find out what happens when the tables are turned, and it's the bugs who get eaten by the voracious green flora.

Wee ones can don their bug duds at the door, slipping into wispy wings, fuzzy bee bottoms (the better for Velcro pollen balls to stick to), bug-eye glasses, and antennae. Then it's off to play with the plants.

As they buzz around the exhibit's three main sections, young bees and dragonflies can learn the basics of how the major carnivorous species-- pitcher plants, sundews, and Venus fly traps-- attract, catch, and digest their food.

By far the most alluring plant in this garden is the pitcher plant, where little insects slide down the tall, hollow stem into the pool of digestive juices at the bottom. The downward-pointing hairs along the sides make sure this is a one-way trip.

In the opposite corner, flies and gnats can alight on a Venus fly trap that snags its victims in a brightly lit pool of enzymes. Bugs can crawl through the fly trap tunnel where other unfortunate snacks tell what it's like when the walls close in and things start to get juicy.

Little critters can climb on the sticky blobs of nectar on the leaves of the sundew, but watch out! The motion makes the leaves curl up around the victim, and, before you know it, you're dinner.

The exhibit includes actual specimens of both northern and tropical carnivorous plants. A touch-screen computer teaches about photosynthesis. A memory game lets kids test their skill at recognizing images of the different carnivores. At the magnet wall, kids can piece together the parts of a pitcher plant and see how much it resembles their own tummy. There's a quiet corner with picture books, and a conservation research area where young environmentalists can find out where these rare species grow and how to protect them.

Designed and built by the museum's new exhibits and outreach coordinator, Aaron Baker, this exhibit offers an ingenious approach to attracting young kids to the world of both plants and insects.

A World of Bug-Eating Plants is included with the price of admission now through January 9 at the Virginia Discovery Museum. $4 for children of all ages. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.

PERFORMANCE
Take two: Jazz nurse cures your ills
BY ROBERT ARMENGOL
You know the nursing shortage is serious when they turn to Betsy Braud.

Braud is a moonlighting RN with a passion. Born in the heart of Cajun country and educated there on the finer points Louisiana jazz (along with the finer points of nursing), she's made a career spreading the message about the power of music in medicine.

Raising awareness of the country's need for more nurses is a big part of her act as well. That's why the Virginia Nurses Association and Piedmont Virginia Community College have teamed up to bring Braud's traveling act, the Jazz Nurse Prescription, to Charlottesville.

Braud and her band will entertain at PVCC's Dickinson Building Friday, October 15, to benefit the association's scholarship fund.

According to the association, just as health care demands in the United States are escalating as baby boomers get older, the health care workforce continues to shrink. And the average age of registered nurses has shot up twice as fast as that of workers in other, less critical, occupations.

The number of RNs under 30 has dropped 41 percent, while the decline of young people in other professions has been a mild one percent. Virginia has not escaped that trend, either, the nursing association says. Overall, the state now has fewer nurses per person than the national average.

Enter the jazz nurse. A protégé of renowned jazz instructor Alvin Batiste, she divides her time between doing serious gigs, producing educational programs, emptying bedpans, and caring for her three children.

Batiste has said that her original compositions and arrangements "reflect inner-expression, real beauty, and uniqueness."

Along with some of the best of Baton Rouge, Braud does flute, sax, piano, and storytelling, drawing on influences from around the world-- especially Brazilian music-- to augment her bayou roots. She plays classrooms as gracefully as festivals and nightclubs, and recently released her first CD, Do You Want to Be Healed?

The Prescription encourages audience participation-- so don't be surprised if you're offered drums or shakers to help keep the beat.

"I think that everyone has a little music inside that's just screaming to get out," Braud says on her website. "As a jazz nurse, I use music as medicine to console and heal."

Fill out your Jazz Nurse Prescription at PVCC Friday, October 15. 7:30pm. $18-20. Main stage of the V. Earl Dickinson Building. 961-5376. www.jazznurse.com.

WALKABOUT
Dig in: Ash Lawn shards the wealth
BY TIM SPRINKLE
You could call it the "Indiana Jones effect."

For several years in the mid-1980s, popular culture fell absolutely in love with the idea of archaeology. The travel, the adventure, the excitement-- few jobs seemed as cool as digging in the dirt, piecing together history one pottery shard at a time.

Now, every Saturday during the month of October, Ash Lawn-Highland offers visitors a chance to live the dream again-- if only for a few hours-- with a series of hands-on archaeology workshops in celebration of Virginia Archaeology Month.

Not only will participants learn the basics of excavation as they dig, screen, and wash artifacts; they'll get a tour of James Monroe's house and a chance to peruse a new exhibit featuring artifacts found on the property. Think of it as an archaeology fantasy camp, a chance to hold history in your hands without having to worry about all those pesky degrees and grant applications.

"Archaeology can answer so many historical questions," explains Ash Lawn staff archaeologist Grant Quertermous. "Historians learned a long time ago that you can't always accept the written historical record at face value. You might find something in the ground that contradicts it, and what's in the ground is always right."

The theme for Virginia Archaeology Month this year is "Look Back& to Move Forward," with a focus on African-American historical sites in the Commonwealth. At Ash Lawn, that means most of the excavation will be taking place where the Monroe family's domestic slaves worked, an out-building a few hundred feet from the main house. Some of the artifacts that plantation staff are hoping to uncover include pottery shards and nails among other household sundries.

"We're going to be excavating an area where the plantation office was located in the early 19th century," Quertermous explains, "so we hope to find some artifacts that will tell us a little more about what went on there. Hopefully they will help us better understand what daily life was like for the African-American community at Ash Lawn."

Ash Lawn offers two archaeology workshop sessions per day each Saturday in October: the first 9am-1pm; the second 1-5pm, rain or shine. Space is limited, call ahead to reserve a spot. $15 adults ($12 children under 12) includes the dig, house tour, and exhibit. Tools are provided, but come prepared to get dirty. 293-9539 or ashlawnhighland.org for information and reservations.

WORDS
Where were you? Wyatt looks back at 9/11
BY SUSAN TYLER HITCHCOCK Where were you on the morning of September 11, 2001? Did everything heighten in intensity for you, as it did for Charlottesville author David Wyatt? Did relationships become suddenly more significant, life more precious, patriotism more poignant, words worth more careful attention?

"We are lost in a forest of double meanings," Wyatt says of the middle of October 2001. It was a vivid and bewildering time for many Americans, and we saw the expression of those feelings in everything from articulate journalism to flag stickers everywhere. Wyatt responded by starting a journal, keeping track of things big and small.

Now, three years later, he has published those observations in And the War Came: An Accidental Memoir. It's a quiet little book, unpretentious yet almost embarrassingly revealing. And since Wyatt and his wife, Ann Porotti, own and run Vinegar Hill Theater and L'avventura restaurant, Charlottesville readers will feel somewhat voyeuristic as they read this year in the inner life of the author.

There are ways in which Wyatt was the right one among us to record his personal saga during the weeks after 9/11 and the subsequent anthrax scare. His stepdaughter was working in a hospital in Manhattan, his son was living in downtown D.C. Each provided a window onto the scene in the streets, and each gave Wyatt a deeper reason for concern about the future.

A faculty member in English at the University of Maryland, Wyatt reads and writes, teaches and appreciates the written word. Metaphor is his stock in trade, as it is for the artists, novelists, and poets with whom he and his wife tend to socialize. He willingly leaves nuance unexplained, giving his book a light touch as he navigates tenderly through events that other writers might have turned maudlin or might have overburdened with explanation.

The right guy in the right place in some ways, Wyatt also serves as an Everyman, just as stunned and speechless, just as inexplicably angry and confused as the next guy after 9/11. We may not all have had a restaurant to run-- no lamb sausage to grind, as Wyatt seems always to be doing; no rainbow trout to worry about, as Wyatt does when learning of the losses incurred during airline shutdowns-- but we did have lives to lead, and all shared the experience of watching the strands of personal inconvenience twine tightly with those of national trauma.

David Wyatt reads from And the War Came at New Dominion Bookshop on Thursday, October 7, at 5:30pm. 404 E. Main St. 295-2552.

TUNES
Mental Bazooka: Ode to bygone sunny days
BY MARK GRABOWSKI

When you first hear Every Night by the Detroit indie group Saturday Looks Good To Me (SLGTM), you get a smile on your face like the geek in the '80s teen flick when he sees the pretty girl-- just before he turns into the hunk and wins her love.

What does it is a special something in head-honcho Fred Thomas' song-writing-- not the lyrics but the melody-- and specifically the kind of '60s bubblegum hit-single melody that saturated the noggins of teenyboppers rocking 'round that pre-Tonkin-Gulf-incident clock. Shadows of the Beach Boys and Motown loom large over SLGTM, but more modern influences like Jonathan Richman's post-Modern Lovers work are there too.

Although pictures in the CD booklet show a six-member outfit consisting of five gentlemen and a lady, Saturday Looks Good To Me actually has only one constant member-- songwriter and vocalist Fred Thomas.

The group's revolving-door existence began in 2000, when a series of four-track experiments led Thomas and his assembled cast of Michigan rock stars to release their first self titled LP on Here Forever Records.

Love Will Find You (Whistletap Records) arrived in 2002, and by the time of the release of the critically acclaimed All Your Summer Songs (Polyvinyl) in 2003, the group had toured with emo-boys Saves The Day, and indie rockers Ted Leo, Rainer Maria, and Mates of State.

With an echo-laden bluesy guitar riff, the curtain to Every Night is pulled aside, and the Phil Spector-influenced "Since You Stole My Heart" begins its girl-group sounding rampage into your consciousness. One of the four female vocalists in the group's present incarnation takes the lead here, and although her voice is fine in an untrained sort of way, the most important part of the whole shebang is the song's interplay between its instantly memorable melody and instrumentation. By the song's second verse, sax and a combination of the album's other reed instruments-- clarinet, and trumpet-- take on the song's simple walking bass line, as the rest of the group continues on in their relaxed anti-studio musicians sort of way.

"Until the World Stops Spinning," with its "Be My Baby" drum beat chorus is a faster number, and although it sends the memorable meter to the dead zone, it's still extremely listenable, with a sunny afternoon feel. "Keep Walking" is the first track with Thomas vocals, and here the Richman quality in his voice and simple melody really click. The number is more complicated than the first two tracks, and parts of it are in a noticeably darker key.

"Lights start flashing inside of my head / I just can't get over the things that you've said," goes the song's chorus, the on-beats punctuated with hi-hat explosions as organ and subtle sax lead into more moody waters ahead.

The hit-or-miss quality of '60s pop albums is also present on Every Night, but these doldrums are easy to overlook if you take the album as a whole-- a pop nugget utterly devoid of present-day irony.

Saturday Looks Good To Me at Tokyo Rose, Wednesday, October 13. $5, 10pm.

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