THURSDAY, March 31
FAMILY
Tales for Tots: The 5 and under crowd can hear picture book favorites about sea creatures at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.

Read Across America: Today's the last day readers can add their state to the Read Across America map at Crozet Library. Those who make the wistful journey to their favorite state by book get a prize and a part in helping everyone make it all the way across the country. In the old train station on Three Notch'd Road. 823-4050.

PERFORMANCE
Far Away: There's a chill in the air at auntie's house, where Joan is sleeping over. From this simple start grows a sinister tale from Britain's master dramatist of the cautionary, Caryl Churchill. Sure to be among the most disturbing nights you'll ever spend in a theater. 7:30pm. Live Arts UpStage, 123 E. Water St. Tonight's show is $15 and benefits the Charlottesville Center for Peace and Justice; tickets for Friday's show are available through the UVA Women's Center for $7.50; Saturday's show, $10. 977-4177. See Performance feature.

WALKABOUT
Values-Based Leadership: Sponsored by the Darden School, this year's conference, "Turning Ethics into Practice," explores how corporations achieve ethical decision-making. Speakers include Harry Campbell, president of Sprint Business Solutions, and Tyco treasurer Marina Hund-Mejean. 12:30-6pm. No fee, open to the public. student.darden.virginia.edu/VBLC.

WORDS
Fanning the Flames: Where does fanaticism fit into the future of human civilization? UVA's anthropology department sponsors a roundtable discussion of "Fanaticism: Changing Grounds, Expressions, and Dynamics," with five UVA faculty members and graduate students. 3:30-5:45pm. 225 Minor Hall. 924-3644 or .

Go Green: NYU professor of fine arts and Islamic art expert Finbarr Barry Flood speaks on "Becoming Like a Plant: Figuration as Vegetation in Islamic Art." 6pm. 160 Campbell Hall, UVA School of Architecture. 924-6122.

Poets Come Over the Mountain: Poets Sarah Kennedy and R. T. Smith, editors of the Shenandoah literary journal, participate in the Route 64 Reading Series. Kennedy won the NEA Award in Poetry last year. Smith has published a dozen volumes of poetry and a book of short stories. His book Messenger won the Library of Virginia's prize for poetry. 8pm. University Bookstore, atop the Central Grounds parking garage, 924-6675.

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

Dance Music with 5 Star D.J. Express at City Limits. No cover, 9pm.

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

Chicken Head Blues Band at Dürty Nelly's. $5, 9pm.

Salsa Dura Welcome to Spring Party at Fry's Spring Beach Club. $5, 8:30pm.

Jay Pun and Morwenna Lasko at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.

Darrell Rose & Matthew Willner perform duets (Afrikan percussion & loops) at Michael's Bistro. $3, 9pm.

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

Fletcher Bridge at Outback Lodge. $5, 10pm.

Satisfaction with Noel Sanger (18 and up dance party) at Rapture. $3/Ladies free, 10:30pm.

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

William Walter's Acoustic Trio Hunter Jones, Tucker Rogers, and William Walter lay down some acoustic folk at Starr Hill. No cover, 10pm.

FRIDAY, April 1
ART
Opening Gala: The AIA and the Charlottesville Community Design Center host a First Friday opening reception to unveil their joint month-long exhibit, "What Architects Do." The emphasis of the exhibit is to illustrate the process by which buildings and projects are conceived, developed and realized by local architects. 5:30-8:30pm.101 E. Main St. 296-5353.

WALKABOUT
Prison Banquet: Learn all about the work being done by Good News Jail and Prison Ministry, and hear remarks by Congressman Virgil Goode. The group's annual spring event includes music from "Zion Song" and "Harbor Lights," testimonials from former inmates, and a catered dinner. 6:30pm. First Baptist Church, 735 Park St. $15. 293-6795.

Keswick Cabaret: Get out of the house and support the Keswick Area Arts Association at its annual spring Cabaret. Jazzy singer Lu Bolen performs, along with Ruth Ann Bishop and many other local stars. KAAA's visual artists exhibit miniature art works. 7pm. Keswick Depot, behind the Keswick Post Office on Route 22. $14, reservations required. 984-3843.

Rug Making Weekend: Learn all about traditional Turkish Tulu hospitality rugs, then make one for yourself. All materials included in the cost of the class. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am-5pm. $325 per person. Contact Stoney Mountain Fibers at 295-2008 for registration or more information.

Information Session: The Outdoor Adventure Social Club offers a photo show and social hour. 8-10pm. Free if you RSVP. 420 E. Main St. #3. outdoorsocial.com or 760-HIKE.

WALKABOUT AND WORDS
Women's White House: What will it take to elect a woman president in the United States? Laura A. Liswood has devoted most of her career to answering this question. She discusses her conclusions this afternoon in Clark Hall. 2-4pm. Sponsored by the UVA Women's Center. 982-2911 or .

WORDS
Not the Same Since: GW history professor Ed Berkowitz considers the 1970s a watershed era in American politics. Hear Berkowitz's thoughts on "The 1970s as Policy Watershed" today at the Miller Center. Lunch included, free and open to the public. Noon. 2201 Old Ivy Road. 924-4694, americanpoliticaldevelopment.org/.

DNA Secrets Revealed: Francis Collins, head of the landmark Human Genome Project-- and still a religious believer-- speaks on "Social and Policy Implications of the Human Genome Project" at 12:30pm, this week's Medical Center Hour. Jordan Hall Conference Center Auditorium, UVA, Jefferson Park Avenue, 924-9024. See Words feature.

Genetic Code and Race: Francis Collins, director of the Human Genome Project and a man deeply concerned about the ethical ramifications of the project, speaks on "Race, Ethnicity, & Genetics: What We Do and Don't Know." 2pm. Harrison/Small Library, UVA, 924-2094. See Words featur.

Peace Efforts in South Asia: Michael Krepon, founder and president emeritus of the Henry L. Stimson Center, fears the possibility of political backsliding in South Asia. He has spoken out for years on concerns over a nuclear showdown between India and Pakistan. He speaks on "Reducing Nuclear Danger and Making Peace in South Asia." 3:30pm. Newcomb Hall South Meeting Room, UVA. 982-2016.

No Death Penalty: Lawyer Rachel King has spent much of her career battling the death penalty. While clerking for an Alaska criminal appellate court chief justice, she realized how strongly she opposed capital punishment. Her two books chronicle voices on either side of murder cases-- families of the perpetrator and families of the victim. All join in a chorus against capital punishment. King reads from her books at New Dominion Bookshop. 5:30pm. 404 E. Main St. 295-2552.

PERFORMANCE
Far Away: See Thursday, March 31 and Performance feature. Tonight's show is at 8pm.

Contra Dance: The Albemarle Chapter of the Country Dance & Song Society hosts its monthly hoedown, with live traditional music from House Red, featuring Jonathon Thielen on fiddle, Owen Morrison on mandolin and guitar, and Shawn Brenneman on piano. Rhiannon Giddens calls the steps. 8-11pm; beginner's workshop at 7:30pm. Municipal Arts Center, 1119 5th St. Ext. $7; under 12 free. contracorners.com.

1776: Join local actors with Four County Players as they relive the struggle for unanimity among the several colonies and poke fun at Mr. Adams in this witty musical on the crafting of the Declaration of Independence. 8pm. Barboursville Community Center, Barboursville. $10-14. 540-832-5355.

PERFORMANCE AND FAMILY
Magic School Bus: The world's most successful science book series for children rolls into town for a fun exploration of the natural world and more. Hop on Scholastic's The Magic School Bus with the quirky Ms. Frizzle and her reptilian sidekick Liz as they embark on two wild adventures: "The Traveling Sound Show" and "Recycling." 1:30pm and 7pm. Paramount Theater, Downtown Mall. $15. 979-1333.

Puppets in the Mist: Wood & Strings Theatre presents Out of the Mist, A Dragon, a journey around the world of traditional folk puppetry using reproductions of carved masks from the Northwest Coast Indians, European Punch and Judy shows, and Japanese Bunraku puppets. 7:30pm. Martin Luther King Jr. Performing Arts Center, Charlottesville High School. $10. 979-9532.

FAMILY
Star Struck: The view is out of this world at Public Night at McCormick Observatory from 7-9pm (weather permitting). UVA's research telescopes on O-Hill will be pointed heavenward, and Astronomy Department staff and students will be on hand with a slide show and answers to starry questions. Free. McCormick Road. 924-7494.

Lights, Camera, Action!: The Children's Museum of Richmond celebrates the grand opening of the new performing art center, the CMOR Playhouse. The magical new space offers kids-- in both practiced and spontaneous performances-- the chance to climb on stage and enter the world of entertainment. Along with ribbon-cutting, the celebration features all-day entertainment including pony rides, a petting zoo, puppet and magic shows, juggling, face painting, clowns, a castle moon bounce, live DJ, and cake and ice cream. 10am-4pm. $5. 2626 W. Broad St., Richmond. 804-474-2667. c-mor.org.

TUNES
Star City Wildcats at Durty Nelly's: A rockabilly trio from Roanoke, the Wildcats play up-tempo country with '50s rock, blending originals with covers by the likes of Elvis and Johnny Cash. $5, 10pm.

Calf Mountain Jam at Outback Lodge: Tinges of jam irradiate this funky southern rock sound-- this five piece from Waynesboro's first album, "One Arm On The Wheel" was produced by Bobby Read of the Bruce Hornsby Band. $6, 10pm.

Pierre Bensusan en Francais at the Prism: The French-Algerian guitar prodigy returns to the Prism for another "bilingual weekend." Since 1995 the performer has been holding one concert in French, one in English. $18/$15 advance, 8pm.

The Charlottesville Improfessionals at Rapunzel's: This comedy improv troupe returns to Rapunzel's to celebrate April Fools-- they're laughing with you, not at you! $5, 7:30pm.

Carbon Leaf with The Navigators at Starr Hill: Rootsy pop from Carbon Leaf, and '70s-influenced rock from The Navigators will have you moving and shaking. $12, 9pm.

DJ Third Degree at Atomic Burrito. Free, 10:30pm.

George Turner and Peter Richardson (Latin and jazz duets) at Bashir's Taverna. No cover, 7-10pm.

Pete and Lindsey Osborne (folk singer/songwriters) at Basic Necessities. No cover, 6:30pm.

Dixie Rebels at City Limits. No cover, 9pm.

Faster Than Walking (bluegrass) at Fellini's No. 9. Free, 9pm.

Clarence Green's Chameleon Project at the Gallery at Studio 302 (300 W. Main St. Suite 302). Free, 5:30pm.

Devon Sproule (country/folk) with Myshkin at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.

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

The Nature Boys Jazz Quartet at the Laughing Lion Gallery (103 E. Water St. above Londons). Free, 6-8pm.

Shayar and Krooshal Force (reggae) at Miller's. $3, 10:30pm.

SATURDAY, April 2
ART
Blow Me Down: Looking for something new and interesting to try this spring? Sunspots Studios in Staunton offers glassblowing workshops and classes each Saturday beginning today through May 28. Spend a few hours with an experienced glassblower and instructor and create your own colorful blown-glass vessel. 540-885-0678.

Recycled Art for Kids: In this workshop for youngsters ages 5-12, McGuffey artist Mimi Tawes stresses environmental awareness with activities where kids create original artworks from materials that would otherwise be thrown out or recycled. $15. 10-11:30am. McGuffey Art Center. 977-7858.

Tiny Bits: A stained glass mosaics workshop for kids ages 7-14 happens 1:30-4:30pm today at McGuffey Art Center. $35. Info: Mimi Tawes. 977-7858.

How the Other Half Lives: The recent increase of downtown condo developments mirrors a national trend toward urban living. New projects such as the Belmont Lofts join trail-blazing units like Lewis and Clark as testament to the resurgence of downtown areas. Tour selected units at both developments to see how far downtown living has come. 1-4pm. Tours are self-guided. $10 admission includes five condominiums. Purchase tickets at condos. Maps and guides available in advance at locations around town. Call for info: 296-5353.

New Wine in New Bottles: The Artisans Center of Virginia opens "New Vases, Bottles & Bowls," an exhibition of ceramics by Philip Guilfoyle, with a reception today, 2-4pm. 601 Shenandoah Drive. (Exit 94 off I-64), Waynesboro. 540-946-3294.

WALKABOUT
Mountain Morning: Join a Wintergreen Nature Foundation naturalist for an interpretive hike through the mountains of Wintergreen. Moderate difficulty. $3 members, $6 non-members. 10am. 325-7451.

Charlottesville Ten Miler: The area's original distance run traditionally starts at UHall on Alderman Road. 7:45am. Race registration is closed. Find a spot on a decorated downtown street to cheer the runners on. 293-3367.

Wine Works: Explore the essentials of grape growing and serious viticulture at this introductory winemaking workshop. Go for a morning, leave with a new career. 9:30am at the Monticello Garden Shop. $10; registration required. 984-9822.

Say Cheese: Enjoy an assortment of special international cheeses with several different wine tastings. $6/person includes glass, cellar tours, and unlimited cheese. Noon-5pm at Autumn Hill Vineyards in Stanardsville. No reservations required. 985-6100 or autumnhillwine.com.

Bird Walk: Join the Monticello Bird Club for an early morning bird walk at the Ivy Creek Natural Area, off Earlysville Road. Meet in parking lot at 7:30am. Beginners welcome. 973-7772.

Spring Barrel Tasting. Taste the '04 Horton wines and tour the cellars at this historic stone winery. Discussions on viticulture and winemaking all day. 11am-5pm. $5/person. 540-832-7440 or hvwine.com.

St. Vincent Ferrer Feast: Honor the patron saint of winemakers at White Hall Vineyards with tours, tastings, light refreshments, and music. $5. Noon-5pm. 823-8615 or whitehallvineyards.com.

No Dozing: The University of Virginia Sleep Disorders Center provides an information display on various sleeping problems. Staff will be on hand to answer specific questions. 10am-6pm. Fashion Square Mall. 973-9331.

WORDS
So You Want to Grow Grapes: Learn the basics of vineyard establishment and management from Gabriele Rausse, associate director of gardens and grounds at Monticello and considered by many the original Albemarle County viticulturist. Rausse discusses the basics of grape growing beginning at 9:30am. $10, reservations required. Monticello Garden Shop. 984-9822.

Write for Children: The Charlottesville Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators offers a spring workshop with three insiders from the children's publishing world-- authors Candice Ransom and Sudipta Bardhan Quallen, along with HarperCollins editor Kristin Daly. Please reserve a place ahead of time. $25 for SCBWI members; $35 others. 1-4pm. Covenant Church of God. 1025 E. Rio Road. 973-9579, .

FAMILY
Falderal and Fiddle-dee-dee: Old Michie Theatre takes kids on a magical journey to the prince's ball, pumpkin coach and all, with a marionette puppet play of the classic fairy tale Cinderella. 11am, 2 and 4pm. $5. 221 E. Water St. 977-3690. oldmichie.com.

Sports Source: Sports fans in grades 6-12 can show off their knowledge of college basketball trivia, play games, shoot free throws, and win cool prizes at Northside Library's March Madness @ the Library. Refreshments. 5:30-7:30pm. Free. Registration required. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.

Things that Go: Model trains run on animated landscapes through tiny lifelike villages and cities at Wings 'n Rails at the Virginia Aviation Museum. Model railroaders can talk with enthusiasts who build these intricate models. Young train lovers can dress the part of a pilot, paint railcars and build scenery, make paper airplanes, inspect the museum's supersonic spy plane, and much more. 9:30am-5pm. Included with museum admission. 5701 Huntsman Road at the Richmond International Airport. 804-236-3622. vam.smv.org.

Shoot for the Stars: Amateur astronomers can travel to the outer reaches of the universe at Science Days: Space Exploration at the Science Museum of Virginia. This all-day program offers hands-on science workshops, demonstrations, exhibits, an IMAX film, and planetarium show. Registration required. $18 per child. One adult chaperon is required for every six children. Required adults are $9. Additional adults are $18. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 804-864-1447.

Behind Closed Doors: Visitors ages 5 and up are invited to walk through the "Employees Only" door for a special peek at the inner workings of Maymont's new Nature Center. Children must be accompanied by a parent. Register at the visitors center when you arrive. 1pm. $5. 1700 Hampton St., Richmond. 804-358-7166, ext. 333.

PERFORMANCE
Far Away: See Thursday, March 31 and Performance feature,. Tonight's show, the final performance of the run, is at 8pm.

1776: See Friday, April 1.

Audition Workshop: Explore the background and context for Live Arts' upcoming production of Tom Jones in advance of auditions for the show. Learn how to stand out. Rehearsal Room A, Live Arts, 123 E. Water St. $10-15. 977-4177x100.

PERFORMANCE AND TUNES
Meredith Monk in Concert at Old Cabell Hall: The University of Virginia Arts Board and the McIntire Department of Music present Meredith Monk and Vocal Ensemble- an internationally acclaimed performer composer, singer, director/choreographer, who is currently exploring the voice as an instrument. $15/$12 advance/students free, 8pm

TUNES
Jazz at Carysbrook: Drive to the country to enjoy Stephanie Nakasian and Hod O'Brien. Performing Arts Center, Route 15, Carysbrook. 8pm. $15 ($12 advance) at carysbrook.org or 842-1333.

Guitar Master Class with Pierre Bensusan at the Prism: Bensusan presents another of his guitar master classes, two separate three-hour sessions-- the first half a lecture/demonstration, the second a hands-on lab. Instrument required. $100, 9am-4pm. Send email to to pre-register or call 977-7476 and leave a message on Line #3.

Pierre Bensusan in English at the Prism: $18/$15 advance, 8pm.

Andy Friedman and the Other Losers with Jeff Romano at Rapunzel's: Art and music mix as the poetic Friedman shows off his slides to the off beat sounds of his beatnik backing band. Nickeltown's Romano helps out on guitar. $5, 7:30pm.

Crooked Road (music from Ireland to Appalachia) at Odell's. 212-214 N. Main St. Gordonsville, $5, 8pm.

The Make-Out Twins (pop) with Adam Smith at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.

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

Dixie Rebels at City Limits. No cover, 9pm.

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

D.I.Y. (funk, rock, and jazz) at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.

Intense City at Dürty Nelly's. $3, 9pm.

George Melvin (jazz and easy listening tunes) at Fellini's No. 9. No cover, 9pm.

Robin Wynn with Karmen at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.

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

Jubeus (rock) at Miller's. $3, 10:30pm.

This Means You and No Gods No Monsters at Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.

Emmy Lou Harris with Buddy Miller at The Paramount. $65/$55/$37.50, 7pm. Sold out.

Meredith Bragg & The Terminals and Sarah White & The Pearls at Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. No cover, 9pm.

SUNDAY, April 3
PERFORMANCE
1776: See Friday, April 1. Today's 2:30 matinee is the final show.

Planning Ahead: Panelists Stephen Pfleiderer and Meg Heath discuss planning for a legacy at this discussion hosted by the Funeral Information Society of the Piedmont. 2-4pm at Northside Library. Free and open to the public. 293-7687.

Say Cheese: See Saturday, April 2. $6/person. Noon-5pm at Autumn Hill Vineyards in Stanardsville. No reservations required.

St. Vincent Ferrer Feast: See Saturday, April 2. $5 fee. Noon-5pm.

Spring Barrel Tasting: See Saturday, April 2. 11am-5pm. $5/person.

FAMILY
Victorian Visit: Visit the home of James and Sallie Dooley for a guided tour by a costumed interpreter who shares the social customs, elite life style, entertaining and etiquette of the Gilded Age. Maymont House. 1:30 and 3:30pm. $4. First come, first served. 1700 Hampton St., Richmond. 804-358-7166, ext. 329.

Newborns: Maymont celebrates its newest spring chickens and other critters at Barn Days. Visitors can meet and feed the baby ducks and lambs. Tram rides, activities, and entertainment, too. Fees for activities. Proceeds benefit Maymont's Adopt-A-Living Thing program to feed and care for the 750 animals that live at Maymont Park Children's Farm. Noon-4pm. 1700 Hampton St., Richmond. 804-358-7166, ext. 322.

Things that Go: See Saturday, April 2.

TUNES
Marc Broussard with Will Hoge & Sara Bareilles at Starr Hill: Blues and Motown are all over Broussard's new CD, Carencro, catchy numbers from a performer who can really use his voice. Not quite as impressive as Stevie Wonder, but close. $10, 9pm.

Karaoke with Tammy at City Limits. No cover, 7-11pm.

King Golden Banshee (traditional Irish tunes) at Fellini's No. 9. No cover, 6 - 9pm.

Peter and Debbie Hunter (traditional, original and obscure folk rock) with Tony Fischer and Bahlmann Abbot at Gravity Lounge. $5, 2pm.

Patty Larkin with Ana Egge at Gravity Lounge. $18/$15, 8pm.

Barling and Collins at Miller's. No cover, 10:30pm.

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

MONDAY, April 4
Fairy Tale Birthday: Folks at Scottsville Library celebrate the 200th birthday of noteworthy teller of fairy tails Hans Christian Anderson. The party includes games, Danish treats, crafts, and perhaps a bit about "The Ugly Duckling" and "Thumbelina." 4:30-6pm. Free. 330 Bird St. 286-3541.

WORDS
California Landscaping: Julie Eizenberg, principal in Santa Monica's Koning Eizenberg Architecture firm, gives a talk for the public on her firm's most recent work in architecture and landscape design. 5pm. 153 Campbell Hall, UVA School of Architecture. 982-2921.

Join In: Meet like-minded readers at Crozet Library's Monday evening book group to discuss Pulitzer Prize-winning Edward P. Jones' The Known World. 7-8:30pm. Start reading Eudora Welty's The Optimist's Daughter to be ready for next month's discussion. Free, no registration required. 7-8:30pm. In the old train station, Three Notch'd Road. 823-4050.

PERFORMANCE
Barhoppers: Promising the best of local playwrights and plenty of beer, those gurus at Offstage Theatre present their 15th annual production of Barhoppers. This year's lineup of one-acts includes "Automatic Writing," by Joel Jones, and "Roller Coasters and Bumper Cars," by Mark Valahovic. 7:30pm; doors open at 6 for food. Gravity Lounge, 103 S. First St. $8. 977-5590.

WALKABOUT
Sunset Hike: Get out and enjoy Daylight Savings time with the Outdoor Adventure Social Club on this weekday evening hike. 5:30pm departure. $5, plus membership fee. 760-HIKE or outdoorsocial.com for details.

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

The Rusticators at the Biltmore. No cover, 10pm.

Pool Tournament at City Limits. Free, 7:00p.m.

Open Mic night with Bennie Dodd at City Limits. No cover, 9pm.

George Melvin (piano merriment) at South Street Brewery. No cover, 7pm.

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

TUESDAY, April 5
ART AND WORDS
Architectural Power to the People: In 1993, architect Samuel Mockbee founded Rural Studio, a charitable architectural organization dedicated to improving living conditions in rural Alabama. The story of Mockbee's legacy and its inheritors is told in Andrea Oppenheimer Dean and Timothy Hursley's book, Proceed and Be Bold: Rural Studio After Samuel Mockbee. Now taking over for Mockbee is Andrew Freear, who comes to Charlottesville to discuss Mockbee, Rural Studio, its current efforts, and the book at New Dominion Bookshop. Noon 404 E. Main St. 295-2552.

WORDS
Justify and Signify: This second of four weekly discussions about the work of N. T. Wright-- a New Testament scholar, Bishop of Durham (England), and prominent Anglican theologian-- sponsored by the Center for Christian Study is "The Doctrine of Justification in the Work of N. T. Wright." 7-8:30pm. Seniors free, $25 fall others. 128 Chancellor St. 817-1050.

Wake Up to Understanding: Join a lecture discussion on "Why Dreams Don't Lie: How to Prevent the Loss of Truth in Your Dreams and Bring the Truth into Everyday Life," led by Jungian psychologist Len Worley. 7-9pm. $10, reservations requested. 211 W. Main St, above Bozart Gallery, 293-3271 or visionaryquest.org.

Aging 101: UVA's Institute of Aging offers a talk by Professors Thomas Hafemeister and Thomas White on the nature, prevalence, indicators, and causes of elder abuse. Limited to 100, so please reserve a seat. 7-8pm. Holiday Inn. 1901 Emmet St. 243-5327, .

WALKABOUT
Acupuncture and You: How does acupuncture care help you, your symptoms, your issues? Presented by Ron Greathead, 1110 Rose Hill Drive, Suite 100, Reservations please. 962-2770. First Tuesday of every month. Free. 7-8pm.

It's a Snap: The Charlottesville camera club meets to discuss photographic successes and tips, this month with a focus on stained glass. Visitors welcome. 6:30pm. Westminster Canterbury, 250 Pantops Mountain Road. 973-4856.

Closing the Gap: UVA's Dr. Richard Guerrant speaks at the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society about the global poverty gap and ways to reduce diseases. 4pm in Room A at the Senior Center. Free. Open to the public. 974-7756.

PERFORMANCE
Barhoppers: See Monday, April 4.

TUNES
Howard Curtis Drum Master class at UVA: Currently teaching at VCU and at the Peabody Institute of Music at the John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Curtis has spent 25 years in pursuit of the perfect groove, performing at places such as the Lincoln Center and the Knitting Factory. Free, 6-7:15pm. Room B12 Old Cabell Hall. 924-3984 or vcujazz.org/faculty/curtis.html.

Travis Elliott (solo) at Atomic Burrito. Free, 10:30pm.

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

Karaoke with Tammy at City Limits. No cover, 7-11pm.

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

Tom Proutt (country-folk) at Fat Daddy's. No cover, 8:30-11pm

Peyton and Andy at Miller's. $3, 9:30pm.

Inner Space (jam) at Orbit. No cover, 10:30pm.

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

WEDNESDAY, April 6
ART
Arena Tour: Tour the jobsite of the new John Paul Jones arena designed by Charlottesville's VMDO Architects and Ellerbe Becket. Meet at the Barton Malow Construction Trailer accessed from Copeley Road. Hardhats, long pants and closed-foot, hard-soled shoes required. (A small number of hardhats are available on a first come, first serve basis. Space limited to first 30 persons.) 4:30pm. 296-5353.

WORDS
The Soul of Medical Practice: How do spirituality, ethics, and medicine intersect in the world today? Speaker Daniel Sulmasy speaks on "Spirituality, Ethics, and Medicine" in UVA's Jordan Hall Conference Center Auditorium. Jefferson Park Ave. 924-9024.

WALKABOUT
Fashion Function: Enjoy lunch and a fashion show from Saks 5th Avenue. Reception at 11:30am, show noon-1:30pm. Fossett's restaurant, Keswick Hall. $35 per person. 979-3440 or keswick.com for reservations.

FAMILY
Color my World: Artist Juli Godine helps young artists ages 6 and up explore the basics of line and shape as they create abstraction with brilliant colors at Gordon Avenue Library. 4pm. Free. Registration required. 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.

More Tales for Tots: The 5 and under crowd can hear picture book favorites at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.

PERFORMANCE
Barhoppers: See Monday, April 4.

TUNES
Salsa night at Berkmar: Beginning and intermediate lessons offered from 8 to 9:15 p.m. Free, 8-10pm. 652 W. Rio Road. 975-4611.

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

Karaoke with Paul Seale at City Limits. No cover, 7-11pm.

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

Karaoke Night with Dave Harrington and Yellow Cab Karaoke at Damon's Sports Bar. Free, 9-1am.

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

Country Dance Night (couples and line) at Fry Spring Beach Club. $7/$4 students, lessons 7-8pm, dancing 8-11pm.

Peter Markush (piano) at Gravity Lounge. Free, 12:30pm.

Barhoppers at Gravity Lounge. $8, 7:30pm.

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

Stable Roots (reggae) at Outback Lodge. $5, 10pm.

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

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

Jimmy O at the South River Grill in Waynesboro. No cover, 7:30pm.

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

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

THURSDAY, April 7
FAMILY
Rhymes and Rib Ticklers: April is both National Poetry Month and National Humor Month, and Northside Library is celebrating both. The two-for-one festivities include wacky ways to make laughable lyrics and whimsical wordplay. Wow! 4pm. Free. Registration required. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.

Ecology 101: The Virginia Discovery Museum gets earthy with a two-day spring break mini-camp on ecology. Recycling, rainforests, and protecting and preserving the environment are the name of the game for young ecologists ages 7-10. 10am-1pm today and tomorrow. Registration required. $35 members, $40 non-members. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.

More Tales for Tots: See Wednesday, April 6.

WALKABOUT
French Conversation Luncheons: First Thursday of every month at L'etoile restaurant. 11:30am. Details, Andrée Nesbit at 971-1118 or . Across from the Amtrak station on West Main St.

Spanish Conversation Group: La Tertulia, a Spanish conversation group, meets the first Thursday of each month in the Jefferson Room at the Central Library to brush up on studies. All levels welcome. 7pm. 979-7151 or .

ART AND WORDS
Insight into Site: UVA architects Beth Meyer, Robin Dripps, and William Sherman discuss their contributions to the new book Site Matters, edited by Andrea Kahn and Carol Burns, an anthology of pieces with radical takes on the meaning of site in architecture and city planning. This event forms part of Virginia Architecture Week, organized by the local chapter of AIA. Discussion begins at 5:30pm at New Dominion Bookshop. 404 E. Main St. 295-2552.

WORDS
Nukes in Iran?: David Albright, currently president of the Institute for Science and International Security and formerly an IAEA weapons inspector in Iraq, speaks on "Iran's Nuclear Future" at 5pm. 311 Cabell Hall. 982-2016.

TUNES
Yawo at the Prism: A native of Tongo, West Africa, Yawo brings his singular sounds to the Prism. A former member of the peace-promoting troupe Up With People, as well as the afro-pop group Doliho, this member of the Ewe tribe has traveled far and wide to play for you tonight. $18/$15, 8pm.

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

Dance Music with 5 Star D.J. Express at City Limits. No cover, 9pm.

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

Chicken Head Blues Band at Dürty Nelly's. $5, 9pm.

The Atomic 3 featuring Davina Jackson (vocals), Houston Ross ( bass), Matthew Willner (guitar), and Drex Weaver (drums) at Michael's Bistro. Free, 10pm.

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

Rocket Queen at Outback Lodge. $5, 10pm.

Satisfaction with Noel Sanger (18 and up dance party) at Rapture. $3/Ladies free, 10:30pm.

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

Derek Trucks Band with Fletcher Bridge at Starr Hill. $20/$18 advanced, 8pm.

Local Tea Poetry Reading at Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. Free, 7pm.

ONGOING AND FUTURE
PERFORMANCE
Play-Reading Series: Walk through the essential plays of theater history. Meets every third Sunday of the month. Live Arts, 123 E. Water St. Free. 977-4177x100.

Practice Swing: The Charlottesville Swing Dance Society hosts weekly practice sessions for beginners and intermediates Thursdays. Singles and couples welcome. DJ takes requests. 7:30-9pm. Auditorium of the Albemarle County Office Building, 401 McIntire Road. Free. 980-2744.

Country Dance: 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.

FAMILY
Healing Hearts: 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 happens Saturday, April 16, 8:45-5pm at Triple C Camp. Activities include art therapy, high ropes course, caring for creatures, games, a nature walk, lunch, and a closing ceremony. Participation is free. Information and an application, 817-6900 or 800-975-5501.

Boning Up: Find out what you're really made of at the Science Museum of Virginia's new exhibit, Bones: An Exhibit Inside You. Visitors can examine bone biology, find out how proper diet and exercise keep bones healthy, explore how technology helps us "see" our bones, and learn the ways bones are used as tools, jewelry, art, and musical instruments in cultures around the world. Through May 1. Included in the price of admission. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.

Read Across America: Crozet Library wants folks to travel across the country by book. Readers can choose a book set in their favorite state (there's a list available). Those who complete the trip by the end of March can add their state to the Read Across America map and get a prize. In the old train station on Three Notch'd Road. 823-4050.

Spelunking: The Virginia Discovery Museum goes underground with its latest Back Gallery exhibit Under the Earth: A Cave Exploration. Young children can squeeze through tiny spaces to explore caves and critters from deep inside the earth. Now through May 22. Included in the price of admission. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.

WALKABOUT
City Market: It's that time of year again. The Downtown farmers market opens for the season on April 2.

Deconstruct This: The Habitat Store seeks volunteers to help staff the retail store and to participate in a new deconstruction program. All proceeds from the Habitat Store benefit Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Charlottesville Area. Info: Daniel @ 293-6331.

Got Stuff?: Donations are being accepted for the Belmont-Carlton Community Yard Sale to be held Saturday, April 16. Drop off at the corner of Carlton and Monticello Avenue. Info: Chris, 296-4232.

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.

Come Clean: Drug addiction can leave an individual feeling helpless and out of control, especially family members and friends of an addict. Narconon Arrowhead can help. Narconon offers free counseling, assessments and referrals to rehabilitation centers nationwide. Call 1-800-468-6933 or log onto stopaddiction.com.

Nature Spirit: Spending too much time indoors under florescent lighting? Discover the spiritual side of Nature with NatureSpirit. Explore different earth-centered traditions of spirituality, meet friends, and find meaningful new ways to connect with Nature in your busy life. Meets the first Sunday of every month at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church. 6:30pm. , 243-6421, or naturespirit.info

Ninja Yoga: Toward a revolution of consciousness. Free yoga classes at 9:15am Thursdays. Bring a mat. Silent meditation 8am. Suitable for all levels of expertise. Free and open to the public at "Better than Television," 106 A3 Goodman St. 295-0872. Yoga classes also offered at the Downtown Library, Market St., at 5pm Thursday.

Glassy Classes: Among the weekend and weekday classes offered by the Glass Palette through March are kiln forming, fusing and slumping, glass jewelry with precious metal clay, and stained glass. Class sizes limited. Call 977-9009 to register, or visit the shop at 110 Fifth St. NE on the Downtown Mall.

Early Music Meeting: The Shenandoah Recorder Society meets on the third Sunday of every month to discuss the recorder and early music in general. Open to all. For more information, call 295-1395.

ART
Mapping the Dark: Rosamund Casey offers and eight-week "unusual art class" that seeks to develop in students a capacity for visual thinking as a means to create an authentic work of art. Begins April 5. Tuesdays, 10am-12:30pm and 6:30-9pm. $210. rosamundcasey.com or 293-8733.

 ART LIST
Joseph Piorkowski's "What Happened to Yes?!" consists of work in pastel, oil paste, oil, and acrylic, through April at Gravity Lounge. 103 First St. 97-5590.

Second Street Gallery features two shows through April 16. "Thread Through the Crowd: Stitched Drawings and Collages by Darrel Morris" provides fiber for the art diet in the main gallery. "Skin the Rabbit: A Mixed Media Installation by Lucy O'Connell" reflects childhood memories in the Dové Gallery. 115 Second St. SE. 977-7284. See Art feature.

During April, the McGuffey Art Center presents "Visual Textures," an exhibition of work by Carol Grant, Janet Grahame, and Vee Osvalds, in the main gallery. On view in the first floor hall gallery: photographer Fleming Lunsford's "Adaptation," Polaroid emulsion lifts of natural forms, plus collage artist Suzanne Chitwood's "Pages from Picture Books." Upstairs, enjoy the always surprising annual High School Art Show. 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973.

The University of Virginia Art Museum presents "Lincoln Perry: Mining the Collection," an exhibition about artistic influence curated by painter Lincoln Perry (but not featuring his paintings). In addition, the museum whoops it up with "Punch Line: Six Centuries of the Comic and the Grotesque in Prints, Drawings, and Photographs from the Collection," which will run through April 30. Also on view: "After Collage," a show of mixed-element work by contemporary artists, including John Baldessari, Katherine Porter, and Frank Stella, which continues through August 27. 155 Rugby Road. 924-3592.

During April, Les Yeux du Monde features "New Paintings" by UVA art professor Dean Dass. 115 S. First St. 973-5566.

The 302 offers two shows for April: "Joy & Enlightenment," paintings by Nancy Jane Dodge, and "More Paintings" by Edward Thomas. 300 W. Main St. (above the UVA Off Grounds Studio). 924-5405.

The space formerly known as the Dave Moore Studio rises again in April with an exhibition of work by Dave Moore himself (how we've missed him) and Andy Acquaro. 414 E. Main St. (beneath Fusion and The Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar).

The Main Street Market Galleria displays "Collages," mixed-media work by Lora Lee Jones, during April. 416 W. Main. 244-7800.

Ladd Fine Arts hosts the first American tour of work by the New English Art Club through April 17. 701 W. Main St. 977-4147.

Monty Montgomery gets personal with "Views," his new exhibition of acrylics on windows and canvas, on view at the Mudhouse during April. 213 W. Main St. 984-6833.

Transient Crafters presents the hardwood sculptures of Alan Cleveland during April. 118 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 972-9500.

Through April, New Dominion Bookshop features Meg West's latest exhibition, "Paintings Out of My Head: Discovered Landscapes," on its mezzanine. 404 W. Main St. 295-2552.

The Charlottesville Community Design Center presents an exhibition, through April, entitled "What Architects Do" that illustrates the process by which buildings and projects are conceived, developed, and realized by local architects. The show is in conjunction with Virginia Architecture Week. 101 E. Main St. 984-2232.

CODG's April show, "Recent Works," features mixed-media works and paintings by Carolyn Capps. 112 E. Main St., under the Jefferson Theater. 242-4212.

Through April, The Renaissance School shows "Steve Ingham: portraits and new works." 406 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 984-1952.

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church presents "Our Town," a show of landscapes by Isabell Ramsey's Baker Butler Elementary School students. 717 Rugby Road. 977-5411.

Piedmont Virginia Community College offers a show of student work through April 20. V. Earl Dickinson Building. 961-5203.

La Galeria currently features "Virginia Barns and Florals" by Christine Kennedy. Also on view through April 30:, work by Anne Hopper, Al Rossi, Doris deSha, Nga Bui Katz, and Mary Porter. 1919 Commonwealth Drive (next to Rococo's). 293-7003.

The 5th Floor Gallery at Keller Williams is currently showing explorations of realism by painter Tom Tartaglino, paintings of Italy by Doris deSha, and photography by Candace Schoner. Ten percent of proceeds from artwork sold goes to Habitat for Humanity. Suite 500, Citizens Commonwealth Building (UVA Credit Union), 300 Preston Ave. 220-2200.

Sidetracks (formerly Spencer's 206) features Asha Greer's "Musings from the Corpus Callosum" during April. 218 W. Water St. 295-3080.

Through April, Angelo displays recent works in oils by Stanley Woodward. 220 E. Main St. 971-9256.

The Kluge-Ruhe Collection of Aboriginal Art features "Fibre Optics: Woven Work in Aboriginal Art." Also on view: "Small Wonders: Aboriginal Art Miniatures." Both shows run through April 16. 400 Worrell Drive, Peter Jefferson Place (off Route 250 East at Pantops). 244-0234..

For its April show, The Gallery @ 5th & Water offers "Nature's Textures," woven tapestries by Joan Griffin and "airy" oils and acrylics by Anne Warren Holland. 107 Fifth St. 979-9825.

During April, Sage Moon Gallery presents an exhibition of photography by Bonny Bronson. 420 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 977-9997.

Industry features "Eggplant," drawings and paintings by Jim Callahan, through April 30. 112 Second St. NE. 293-3338.

Through April, the Central Virginia Watercolor Guild presents over 50 watercolors by Central Virginia artists in the basement and on the first floor of the Albemarle County Courthouse. 501 E. Jefferson Court Square. 296-8484.

View Katherine B. March's exhibition of oils entitled "Our Beautiful Shenandoah Valley" at Art Upstairs during April. 316 E. Main St., above The Hardware Store, on the Downtown Mall. 923-3900.

The Laughing Lion Gallery offers an April show of Terrence Pratt's graphite on paper works entitled, "Portraits of Dancers." 103 E. Water St. (above London's). 984-4000.

For the month of April, BozArt Gallery features the landscape paintings of Anne DeLatour Hopper. 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

On April 2, the Artisans Center of Virginia opens "New Vases, Bottles & Bowls," an exhibition of ceramics by Philip Guilfoyle, which will run through April 30. An opening reception is scheduled for April 2, 2-4pm. Also on view: the "Artisans Members Exhibition" through April 27. 601 Shenandoah Drive. (Exit 94 off I-64), Waynesboro. 540-946-3294.

The Arts Center in Orange offers a major show of Outsider Art, featuring over 49 national artists. Reception, 5-7pm. The exhibition runs through April 16149 E. Main St., Orange. 540-672-7311.

Through May 1, Barboursville's Nichols Gallery features "Three Views," landscape paintings by Ron Boehmer, Lindsay Nolting, and Priscilla Whitlock. 540-832-3565.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts displays "Selections: 20th Century Latin American Art in the VMFA Collection" through April 17. 200 N. Broad St., Richmond. 804-340-1400.

Washington and Lee University presents an exhibition of work by Anne Sherwood Pundyk. The show will be on display until June. Lexington. 540-458-8954.

Madison's Sevenoaks Pathwork Center features "Arising from the Unconscious," watercolors by Alegria Barbara Strauss. The show runs through April 23. 403 Pathwork Way, Madison. 434-295-8315.

Noon Whistle Pottery and Art Gallery presents an exhibition of three local landscape artists, Will Brown, Mark Collins, and Carol Weiss. Main Street, Stanardsville. 434-985-6500.

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.

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

Other

Habitat for Humanity and the Charlottesville Community Design Center invite entrants for the international "Urban Habitats" competition, in which participants design a 72-home community of mixed-use, mixed-income units. Info: or 984-2232.

Practice your flower arranging in anticipation of participating in The Arts Center in Orange's "Around the World in 40 Days," which will display arrangements meant to complement the paintings from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Poland, and Russia. The flowers will be on display May 5-7. Those wishing to contribute an arrangement should call 540-672-7311. 129 E. Main St., Orange.

The University of Virginia Art Museum's Volunteer Board invites area gardeners of all ages to create flower arrangements inspired by works in the museum for display in the annual "Flowers Interpret Art" exhibition, scheduled for April 20, 10am-5pm. Info: Virginia Paul, 974-6029.

The Scottsville Council for the Arts invites regional photographers to participate in its Photography Show, scheduled to run April 30-May15. An application form is available at the Council website: avenue.org/sca. Works should be submitted Sunday, April 24, 2-5pm in person at the Victory Hall Theatre, 401 Valley St. in Scottsville. Info: or 286-3179.

The University of Virginia Art Museum announces "Summer Arts @ the Ix," its creative programs for 4th-12th grade students. First session: July 18-22. Second Session: July 25-29. Students' art will be displayed August 16-24. Tuition: $220 members; $255 nonmembers. A limited number of full scholarships are available for students with financial need. Info: Lili Grabbi, 243-6830, or .

First Friday, April 1
The McGuffey Art Center celebrates its April exhibitions with a reception 5:30-7:30pm. 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973.

The space formerly known as the Dave Moore Studio rocks with a reception for its April exhibition of work by Dave Moore himself and Andy Acquaro. 6pm-"late." 414 E. Main St.

Les Yeux du Monde welcomes "New Paintings," by Dean Dass with a reception, 5:30-7:30pm 115 S. First St. 973-5566.

The 302 opens "Joy & Enlightenment" with a reception, 5:30-9pm. 300 W. Main St. (above the UVA Off Grounds Studio). 924-5405.

Transient Crafters welcomes hardwood sculptor Alan Cleveland with a reception, 6-9pm. 118 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 972-9500.

Sip and nibble while you find out "What Architects Do" at the Charlottesville Community Design Center 5:30-8:30pm. 101 E. Main St. 984-2232.

CODG opens its April show of recent works by Carolyn Capps. A reception to remember, 6-11pm. 112 E. Main St., under the Jefferson Theater. 242-4212.

Mudhouse welcomes "Views," the latest exhibition by the always-interesting Monty Montgomery, with treats, 5-8pm. 213 W. Main St. 984-6833.

Come meet Anne DeLatour Hopper as BozArt Gallery welcomes her work with a reception, 6-9pm. 211 W. Main on the Downtown Mall. 296-3919.

You don't have to be a brainiac to come to the opening reception for Asha Greer's "Musings from the Corpus Callosum" at Sidetracks (formerly Spencer's). 5:30-7pm. 218 W. Water St. 295-3080.

Art Upstairs holds an artist's reception for painter Katherine B. March's "Our Beautiful Shenandoah Valley." 5:30-9pm, above The Hardware Store on the Downtown Mall. 923-3900.

The Gallery @ 5th & Water welcomes "Nature's Textures," a joint show by Joan Griffen and Anne Warren Holland, with a reception, 5:30-8:30pm. 107 Water St. 979-9825.

The Laughing Lion Gallery re-opens Terrence Pratt's "Portraits of Dancers" with live jazz by the Nature Boys Jazz Quartet. 6-8pm. 103 E. Water St. (above Londons). 984-4000.

Guess what there will be to eat at Industry's reception for "Eggplant," drawings and paintings by Jim Callahan. 5:30-8pm. 112 Second St. NE. 293-3338.

Sage Moon Gallery celebrates its exhibition of photography by Bonny Bronson with wine and cheese, 6-9pm. 420 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 977-9997.

Ladd Fine Arts kicks off the first American tour of artwork by the New English Art Club with a welcoming reception, 6-9pm. 701 W. Main St. 977-4147.

ART FEATURE
Making a point: Morris sews seeds of discord
BY LAURA PARSONS
Admit it, if I ask you to imagine someone sewing, you probably picture a woman. Which is why it's so startling (and refreshing) to encounter fiber artist Darrel Morris's work. Not only does Morris wield a needle and thread to create his wry inquiries into emotional and social pressure, but he also focuses his attention almost exclusively on aspects of masculinity.

Known for small elaborately embroidered, cartoon-like pieces, Morris for the first time is showing a collective body of larger works in "Thread Through the Crowd," currently on view at Second Street Gallery.

The show provides unusual insight into the artistic process by displaying the collage studies Morris makes prior to stitching his drawings. A collector of gestures and expressions, Morris cuts figures from newspapers and magazines and pastes them together into emotion-laden crowds. In his 1992 "Study for Pointing," front and center are former Chicago coaches Don Zimmer and Mike Ditka jabbing their fingers accusingly as if the viewer were a bad ump or ref.

In the later sewn version, "Pointing" (2002), the distinct personalities in the collage are lost in the generic white thread outlines sewn onto red canvas. The effect is a sea of disapproval and reproof that becomes almost abstract as the contoured lines move and intersect across the fabric.

With a background in drafting and physics, Morris says he likes the way stitching creates "a physical line under tension," providing an appropriate medium for his angst-riddled subject matter. Using open spaces with references to architecture (balconies and railings) and manufactured technology (electrical cords), Morris skillfully manipulates perspective to make the viewer complicit in the uncomfortable emotions he explores. We are always standing at the edge of the crowd or gazing down into the action.

In addition to the "crowd" pieces, the exhibition also includes a few other of Morris's recent works. For "Defeat" (2005), he effectively uses multiple rows of gray chain stitching to delineate the contours of a slump-shouldered, slack-mouthed, rumple-suited Willy Loman-esque figure made of white jersey that sags ever downward.

"Defeat" stands in perfect contrast to "Contest," a green-on-yellow "crowd" piece depicting an arena of mostly men and boys, their arms upraised with the kind of oily inborn charisma that oozes from evangelical preachers, car salesmen, and motivational speakers.

Morris pricks us with his masculine needling, and we should all be grateful his rural Kentucky grandmother had the good sense to teach the boy to sew.

"Thread Through the Crowd: Stitched Drawings and Collages by Darrel Morris" is on view at Second Street Gallery through April 16. 115 Second St. SE in the City Center for Contemporary Arts. 977-7284.

FAMILY
Lawyers in league: Softball tourney takes over town
BY LINDA KOBERT
Where I come from, the word "spring" was nearly always followed by the word "training," and the anticipation of the season to come was less about warm weather and new green growth than about rookies, homeruns, and who would break last year's record. In my town, spring and summer evenings offered two entertainment options: baseball or softball.

It seems this all-American obsession for hitting little white balls with sticks and running from one corner of a diamond-shaped field to another is also shared by people who enter the law.

Who would have guessed that lawyers love softball? And who would have guessed that for the past 22 years Charlottesville has been the setting for the leading law school softball tournament on the east coast?

This weekend, local lawyers host the UVA Spring Invitational. More than 1,000 law students from 47 schools will participate in this charity event to benefit local kids through Children, Youth, and Family Services.

Devotees of this slow-pitch form of our national pastime can indulge their passion Friday through Sunday. With more than 100 teams in both co-rec and men's divisions facing off in this double-elimination extravaganza, fans can find a softball game happening on nearly every diamond in town.

The competition gets started Friday evening at 6pm at Copeley Field on UVA's North Grounds near the Law School. On Saturday, play spreads out to also include fields at McIntire Park, Darden Towe Park, and the fields at PVCC. Sunday's championship rounds will be held at Darden Towe. Every game in the series is free and open to the public. Spectators should bring their own hotdogs and root beer-- or maybe an enterprising vendor can set up shop and make enough to finance a summer vacation.

The North Grounds Softball League at the University of Virginia School of Law hosts the 22 annual Virginia Law Softball Invitational April 1-3. Details about the tournament and other league play can be found at ngsl.com.

WALKABOUT
Updating TJ: Spotlight on new treasures
BY TIM SPRINKLE

It's a shame to think about the state of art in this country. What was once a sacred and protected institution-- worthy of government subsidies and college degrees, no less-- is now relegated to fringe groups and dusty old museums, well outside the realm of the average American life. Sure, the creative world still exists for those that seek it out, but it's all but disappeared from popular culture, right?

Not so. In fact, art is still all around us and is as much a part of our daily lives as ever. You just need to know where and how to look for it. If you're still hung up on oil paintings and marble sculptures, you're missing the point. Modern creativity is being expressed in all sorts of ways, and architecture is one of the more interesting.

This week, for the 6th year, the Central Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects is bringing seven days of building-related activities (creatively titled "Virginia Architecture Week") to Charlottesville, highlighting the finer points of this historically rich burg's brick-and-mortar tradition.

From cutting-edge Downtown condos to the new John Paul Jones arena, it's a chance to see all that's new and cool in the city firsthand. There will be tours of various unique homes on Saturday, a hard-hat-required peek into the new basketball stadium on Wednesday, and a variety of discussions and lectures on architecture topics throughout the week. In all, it's about celebrating and recognizing "the contributions of architects and architecture to the quality of life in Virginia communities."

"I think people just like to go see what's being built and how people are living," explains event spokesperson Patricia Jessee. "It's intriguing, since it might be different from them. It's a good way to widen your perspective."

It's no secret that Thomas Jefferson was something of an architect himself, so Virginia Architecture Week has emerged in part as a tribute to him, always being scheduled as close to his April 13 birthday as possible. But the week, as an event, is really designed for the casual architecture fan, someone with an interest in the subject who wants to learn more.

"We're hoping that people will come out to the opening gala at the Community Design Studio," Jessee says. "All the activities are open to everybody. It's all designed to raise awareness about architecture."

All that, plus a chance to see cool Downtown condos from the inside out? See you there!

Charlottesville's Virginia Architecture Week festivities get under way this Friday with a gala opening at the Community Design Center on the Downtown Mall. Entry fee for condominium tours Saturday, April 2 is $10, but everything else is free. For a complete schedule of activities see aiava.org/archweek.htm.

PERFORMANCE
Eerie evening: Far Away disturbs the peace
BY ROBERT ARMENGOL
This is probably the only play you'll see where "the cats come in on the side of the French" in a global conflict involving people, plants, and animals. It's certainly the most haunting hour of theater to come to Charlottesville in recent memory.

Caryl Churchill's Far Away, an Orwellian parable on war and holocaust, has been running at Live Arts for two weeks. This weekend is your last opportunity to see it and also a great chance to discuss the frightening implications of this piece by one of Britain's most influential living playwrights.

After the performance of Thursday, March 31, the Charlottesville Center for Peace and Justice will conduct a chat with the play's cast and its director, Betsy Tucker. Tickets for that show will also benefit the Center, one of the last antiwar organizations in town still willing to express its opposition to the U.S. occupation in Iraq.

The Center drew about 60 protesters to UVA's Rotunda on March 19 to mark the second anniversary of the war with picket signs and bullhorn calls. Board member Sarah Lanzman says the group's promotion of Far Away is aimed at sparking another kind of political action-- dialogue and reflection.

Even if that means preaching to the choir. "Talking about these things helps create a sense of community, which I think is something that's really important," Lanzman says. "It's important to be able to feel connected in a different way than we would at a demonstration."

Set in an eerie world at once strange and familiar, the play connects three disparate scenes across 10 years in the life of a young girl named Joan, who discovers early on that all is not what it seems in her aunt's country home. She pushes for the truth about what her uncle is doing in the shed, but her aunt's lies become more and more tangled.

At each step, the world of Far Away becomes more surreal, yet more recognizable. Critics have remarked with awe that it first appeared in London in 2000-- before the watershed moment of 9/11-- and others say its ending leaves audiences speechless on the drive home. In any case, this is a story not easily summarized or categorized. It demands to be experienced.

Though dark, the play is ultimately hopeful, Tucker says, because it urges us to look at our own world in a new light. "This is about what we know and what we choose to know," she says. "Not everyone asks questions so relentlessly. And when we ask them, do we trust the people who give us the answers? Are we hiding our head in the sand?"

Stop hiding and catch one of the last three performances of Far Away, the latest from socialist-feminist playwright Caryl Churchill: 7:30pm Thursday, March 31; 8pm Friday and Saturday, April 1 and 2. The UVA Women's Center will host another chat after Friday's show. Live Arts Upstage, 123 E. Water St. $10-15. 977-4177.

WORDS
Decoding disease: Genome map holds hope
BY SUSAN TYLER HITCHCOCK

Who you are, and why? In an abstract way, Francis Collins knows.

Raised in Staunton in a house without running water, educated in chemistry at UVA, Collins saw the promise of recombinant genetics early in his career as a physician. And while now, nearly 30 years later, he spends more time in the lab than the clinic, Collins cares about people.

But he would argue with this article's opening statement. Just because he has been director of the historic Human Genome Project, he would say, he doesn't necessarily understand anyone thoroughly, not even himself.

"One of the greatest risks of this focus on the genome," Collins says, "is that we overstate its significance and that we draw the conclusion that everything about us-- from what we had for breakfast this morning to who we chose as our life partner-- is something that's hard-wired into our DNA."

Since 1993, Collins has directed the American headquarters of an international effort to map out the order among three billion letters of the human DNA code. The end-product is what Collins calls our "parts list and operation handbook." Originally envisioned as a 15-year effort, the entire map was complete ahead of time and under budget, thanks to private R&D enterprise that underwrote some of the lab work.

A draft of the entire human genome was finished in June 2000, the full sequence published in April 2003. Collins has always advocated putting the information in the public domain, yet at the same time he continually defends the individual right to keep his or her genetic information private.

Collins sees the human genome map as a milestone achievement of humankind, bigger than walking on the moon or splitting the atom.

"In the next five to seven years, we should identify the genetic susceptibility factors for virtually all common diseases," he says. Labs have already isolated the genetic sequence that determines Huntington's disease, neurofibromatosis, and one type of adult acute leukemia.

Collins's own NIH lab is seeking the gene determinants for adult-onset diabetes. He foresees genetic information emerging to help explain the causes of hypertension, heart disease, schizophrenia, and cancer. Such discoveries may help alert people to their susceptibilities and in the long run lead to therapies that alleviate symptoms or even conquer the disease.

It's a grand vision, but no one can accuse Francis Collins of hubris. Collins is a religious man. He believes that through his science, he sees, then shares, things that only God saw before. Furthermore, as he often says, genetic research is "something God is enthusiastic about."

Francis Collins speaks on the social and policy implications of human genome mapping Friday, April 1, in UVA's Jordan Hall Conference Center Auditorium (924-9024) at 12:30pm, then moves at over to the Harrison/Small Library next to Alderman at 2pm to discuss the project's implications for race and ethnicity issues. 924-2094.

TUNES
MACRoCk n' roll: Days of indie indulgence
BY MARK GRABOWSKI

It's that time of year when a certain subset of young hearts turn to thoughts of mumbly love, cleaning their horn-rims, and woefully enduring their angst-saturated lives knowing that, contrary to what their social calendars say, they fit in nowhere because they're different from everyone else. (All the people around them, looking exactly the same, echo the plaintive mantra.)

That's right folks, this weekend is another edition of Reasons to Get out of Charlottesville (Reason #2: We can't all be waiters; Reason #1: I found a place in NY!). Yes, it's that yearly Harrisonburg indie-rock ritual known as The Mid-Atlantic College Radio Conference or MACRoCk.

JMU's student-run radio station, WXJM, held the first MACRoCk in April 1997, and, since then, the weekend of live music, panels, and workshops has spurred annual pilgrimages by increasing numbers of young'uns with even slightly non-mainstream tastes.

I go for the music but stay for the spectacle of the denim-clad unwashed masses. (I use a 10-point scale, some poster board, and a couple of permanent markers to rate competitors in a "Who is the most indie-rock of all?" contest as they pass by-- and they seem to enjoy it.)

MACRoCk's mission statement is simple: The festival "strives to recognize lesser-known bands that are overshadowed within an industry dominated by corporate record labels and commercial bands." It could be said that the generic term "indie-rock" covers all the festival's performers, but only in the sense that most of the groups WXJM picks to perform do not conform to the general mainstream idea of "rock-stars" in either a capitalist or a musical sense.

Mixing bigger-name bands with unknown acts who apply and make the cut, MACRoCk clues you in to what's on the sound horizon and what sounds are slowly making their way here from half-way 'round the world. This year some of the (relatively) bigger-name bands in attendance are Black Mountain, Chin Up Chin Up, Wolf Eyes, Appleseed Cast, Magnolia Electric Co.-- and almost 100 more.

Black Mountain, performing at 10:20 Friday night at the PC Ballroom, is a major reason why I'll be attending-- their self-titled EP released this year has netted the group a swarm of killer-bee-type sound around them. Warm and fuzzed out, the group's recording is awash in Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and the Velvet Underground, all cantankerous riffs and slight analog synths à la Pink Floyd's Dark Side years.

Slow and bluesy, songs like "Druganaut" show a young band that has already found its sound, confidently weaving together their voices while leading us down the track from nodding to head-banging.

And for those who prefer things a bit quieter, MACRoCk even has an Americana showcase (in The Little Grill, Harrisonburg's version of the defunct Blue Moon Diner), a hip-hop showcase (in JMU's Godwin Gym), as well as a label showcase on Saturday where you can buy CDs straight from their makers, press the flesh with label heads, and get more free stuff than you've probably ever seen in your life.

If you can put up with yearning to breathe free above the fragrant masses at the venues around town, you should make MACRoCk part of your weekend plans.

MACRoCk goes on April 1-2 in venues around Harrisonburg including the PC Ballroom, the Little Grill, and Godwin Gym. For complete schedule and prices, see macrock.org.

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