THURSDAY, November 6
ART
First Thursday: Take a scenic drive north for the opening reception of Richard Robinson and Larry Volk's views of the Italian culture and landscape, "Robinson and Volk: Fotografie dell'Italia," at The Arts Center In Orange, from 5-7:30pm. 1250 E. Main St. 540-672-7311.

Talking houses: UVA's McIntire lecture series fall season continues with Dianne Harris's talk, "Constructing Identity: Race, Class, and the Ordinary Postwar House, 1945-60" at 6pm. 160 Campbell Hall. 934-6122.

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

WORDS
Landscape artist: Poet and author James Galvin uses writing to find his place. He's the author of Fencing the Sky, and the critically acclaimed genre-bending novel, The Meadow. He speaks at UVA's Alderman Library at 6pm and at Ivy Creek Natural Area on Saturday, November 8, at 10am. Sponsored by Brown College. 924-7859.

Early romance: The story of the founding of Virginia as told from the besotted perspective of John Smith, whose leadership skills were surpassed only in the love department. David Price reads from Love and Hate in Jamestown: John Smith, Pocahontas, and the Heart of a New Nation. 5pm, New Dominion Bookshop, Downtown Mall. 295-2552.

What range?: Bison straying from Yellowstone risk death every year from Montana herdsmen, and Dan Brister aims to stop the slaughter. A free-roam defender and president of the Buffalo Field Campaign, Brister speaks on the plight of the buffalo tonight at 7pm in Room 202, Rouss Hall, UVA. 971-7678.

FAMILY
Fly away: Northside Library celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight with stories and activities with an aviation theme. Kindergarten and up. 4pm. Free, registration required. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.

Little literati: The five-and-under crowd can hear the storyteller's favorites at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. Stickers and cookies are part of the fun, too. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.

WALKABOUT
African American genealogy group: Open house. Learn to trace your African American family roots. 5:30-8:30pm. 327 W. Main St. # 101 (behind Awful Arthur's). 977-3145.

Physical intelligence: Mariah Burton Nelson, former professional basketball player and author of five books on women and sports discusses strategies for fighting eating disorders, alcohol/drug abuse, and chronic stress/fatigue. Co-sponsored by the UVA Women's Center, Athletic Department and CASE. Reception following lecture. Free and open to the public. 7:30pm. Clark Hall Auditorium. 982-2251.

TUNES
Courcelan, Hobson's Choice, and Races to April at Outback Lodge: It's Thursday once again, and you know what that means-&endash; another Hard Rock Night at Outback Lodge. Three bands to rock your socks off, for only three bucks-&endash; can you get a better deal in town? Not a rockier one, that's for sure. $3, 10pm.

The Slip with Homemade Bread at Starr Hill: The Slip combine jam band ethics (and grooves) with jazz and pop sensibilities, making for an evening sure to please a great many in our little town. $10/$8 advance, 10pm.

Palomar, VHS & the Babies, and The Lilas at Tokyo Rose: Tight harmonies and power-pop make the female-centric group Palomar stand out from the rest-&endash; if you missed them last time they came through town, check them out this time. Local wunderkin VHS & the Babies and the Lilas make the evening even more musical. $5, 10:30pm.

Steve Forbet (blues/rock/folk) at Ashland Coffee & Tea. $15, 8pm.

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

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

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

Andy Waldeck (singer/songwriter) at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8:30pm.

Paul Goes Richter with Jhaus Parnofiello (from NY) at Jabberwocky. No cover, 11pm.

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

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

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

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

Magneto at Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. No cover, 10pm.

FRIDAY, November 7
ART
Go see what it means: Lise Anne Couture, an award-winning New York architect and co-founder of the Asymptote design firm, presents a lecture entitled, "Asymptote: Recent Work" at 5pm at the UVA architecture school's Campbell Hall, Room 153. 982-2921.

PERFORMANCE
No Shame Theater: Up for a theatrical nightcap? Join performers at this alternative venue for original material by anyone about anything. The first 15 people who show up get a spot on stage. Or you can just watch the carryings on. $5 Live Arts UpStage, 123 E. Water St. 11pm. 977-4177.

Wind Ensemble: This 70-piece ensemble performs twice a year under the baton of Dwight Purvis, and in this performance is joined by four chamber wind groups: the UVA Flute Ensemble, Woodwind Trio, Clarinet Quartet, and Brass Quintet. Guest conductor and fourth year music major Justin Learned conducts the Third Symphony by James Barnes. 7:30pm. Old Cabell Hall. $5-10. 924-3984.

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

WORDS
In God's name: All-day forum sponsored by UVA's Center on Religion and Democracy asks whether religion promotes peace or violence. Panelists include René Girard of Stanford, Khaled Abou El Fadl of UCLA, European secularism expert Daniele Hervieu-Leger, and UC Santa Barbara's Mark Juergensmeyer. Newcomb Hall Ballroom, 9am-4pm. 924-0998. See Words Feature.

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

TUNES
Jim Hurst and Missy Raines at the Prism: Guitarist Jim Hurst and bassist Missy Raines play an acoustically themed mix of original, new acoustic, bluegrass, swing, and more at the Prism this Friday. $16/$14 advance, 8pm.

Vernon Fisher ("romantic side of jazz") at Bashir's Taverna. No cover, 6:30pm. (W)

Naked Puritans (power-pop) with Dom Casual at Gravity Lounge. $5. 8:30pm.

The Kind with Fountainhead at Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.

Left Foot Braking at Shipman Community Center. $6, 8pm.

Benefit for Charlottesville's "On Our Own": Scruffy Murphy, Josh Mayo, and Paul Goes Richter at Starr Hill. $12/$10 advance, 9:30pm.

Nekuronomatron, Des-Ark, Cantwell, and Gomez & Jordan at Tokyo Rose. $5, 10:30pm.

SATURDAY, November 8
ART
Go see what it means: Go see what it means: In conjunction with the Fayerweather Gallery's "Aunspaugh, 1984-2003," an exhibit of works by past and present Aunspaugh Fellows, some of them give a series of gallery talks. Rugby Road. For details and schedule, call the McIntire Department of Art, UVA. 924-6123.

ART AND FAMILY
Art work: Members of the Lockhart River Art Gang lead a children's art program called "Monoprint Mania" at the Kluge-Ruhe Collection. Children will tour the current exhibit and make their own monoprints. 12:30-2pm. Free. Reservations required. 400 Worrell Drive, Peter Jefferson Place, Pantops mountain. 244-0234. virginia.edu/kluge-ruhe.

PERFORMANCE
Clarinet recital: UVA clarinetists Elizabeth Linsley and Katie Sullivan and pianist Barbara Moore perform chamber works by Giuseppe Donizetti, Gioachino Rossini, and Koh Okumura. 7pm. Garrett Hall Commons Room. Free. 924-3984.

Cello performance: Amy Leung, principal cellist of the Charlottesville and University Symphony Orchestra, performs with pianist Naoko Takao in a program including chamber works by Beethoven, Claude Debussy, and Mendelssohn. 3:30pm. Old Cabell Hall. $5-10. 924-3984.

The Changeling: Regional actors perform a staged reading of Thomas Middleton's Renaissance drama in Shenandoah Shakespeare's Blackfriars Playhouse. Enjoy coffee and light refreshments with the actors at intermission. 7:30pm. 10 S. Market St., Staunton. Pay what you will. 540-885-5588.

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

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

WALKABOUT
Strange veggies: Gabriele Rausse leads a workshop in which participants learn to prepare many of the rare vegetables found in the Monticello kitchen garden, including sea kale, cardoon, caracalla bean, endive, and others. 9:30am. Monticello Garden Shop. $10; registration required. 984-9822.

Adoption awareness day: Get information on adoption programs in the U.S. and abroad, as well as foster care needs in Central Virginia. 10am-2pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 8200 Woodman Road, Richmond. Free. frua.org/central_va.

Power games: An experimental workshop on power in society, sponsored by the Charlottesville Center for Peace and Justice. The training is intended to address race, class, gender, and age issues in ourselves and the community. Participants engage in an interactive game used for Peace Corps volunteer training, which simulates the power dynamics within society. 1-5pm. Joshua Tree, 2125 Ivy Road. Suggested donation: $15. 961-6278.

Full moon hike at Scheier Natural Area: Come explore the night-time woods on a local trail system in this Fluvanna County natural area and meet our less visible nocturnal neighbors. Speak with the owls, and discover night-time pollinators. They're all here. Natural interpretation and critter searches are accompanied by a bonfire, warm refreshments, and non-strenuous trail hikes. $8 members; $10 nonmembers, kids 12 and under-free. From Charlottesville (30-40 minutes) Rt. 20 S, left onto Rt. 53 E, 13 miles. Right at Cunningham Market onto Rt. 660/619. Left at fork onto Rt. 660, continue to the end, right onto Rt. 640 W, immediately right onto Long Acre Road/Rt. 639, go 5 miles. Look for small slate sign, wood kiosk, and parking on right. 589-7576.

Lunar eclipse at Ivy Creek Natural Area: Weather permitting, observe a full eclipse of the moon. Co-sponsored by all the astronomers in town. Free. At Ivy Creek Natural Area, Hydraulic Road. 7pm.

FAMILY
Pass it on: There's new life in the old Live Arts space where Seen I presents a Massive Day of Culture for the whole family. Storytelling, face painting, and games. Live music by Lua, Ever-G, and The Crew. African Dance workshop, too. 1-7pm. Free, donations accepted. 609 E. Market St. 977-7336.

Mitten magic: Have you turned a favorite wool sweater into a disaster by throwing it in the dryer? The folks at Gordon Avenue Library help kids ages eight and up turn this problem into soft and toasty mittens to wear this winter. 10:30am. Free. Registration is required. 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.

Play it: Missoula Children's Theatre presents Alice in Wonderland at Johnson Elementary School. Sponsored by the Community Children's Theatre, this internationally acclaimed traveling theater group hosted a weeklong residency with local K-12 students to create this performance. 2pm and 4pm. $5. 961-7862. www.avenue.org/cct.

Science daze: Central library helps elementary through high school kids get a jump on that annual science project with Science Project Help Day. Scientists of all stripes will be on hand to answer questions and steer you in the right direction. Kids should bring their topic, their questions, and any work they've started. Parents and teachers are welcome, too. 2-4pm. Free. 201 E. Market St. 979-7151, ext. 215.

Getting crafty: Parents at Broadus Wood Elementary School help folks get a jump on the holiday season with their annual Holiday Craft Fair. The public is invited to enjoy unique crafts to purchase, kids' crafts to make, face painting, balloons, a book fair, character breakfast, food, raffles, door prizes&emdash; whew! 9am-3pm. 185 Buck Mountain Road, Earlysville. 975-0346.

Eeew, yuck: Young grossologists can discover the fascinating and disgusting world of the human body at Science Days at the Science Museum of Virginia. Put your senses to the test and learn cool facts to gross out your friends and family in this all-day program of hands-on science workshops, demonstrations, exhibits, an IMAX® film and planetarium show. $18 per child. Registration required. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 804-864-1447. smv.org.

Totally lunar: The Science Museum of Virginia previews tonight's total lunar eclipse in an interactive planetarium show at 6pm. Afterward, stargazers can join the Richmond Astronomical Society on the museum's lawn to take a peek through the telescope or just stand and watch. 6:30-10pm. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.

Headless Horseman rides again: See Friday, November 7.

WORDS
Write like an angel: For centuries, people have been drawn to the Psalms of the Bible. Poet Laurance Wieder gives these songs of the soul a new and richly imaginative interpretation in Words to God's Music. Reading and signing at New Dominion Bookshop, 11am. Downtown Mall. 295-2552.

TUNES
The Rule of Thump at the Mountain View Grill: Featuring an all-star Charlottesville musical cast, The Rule of Thump performs original "rhythm heavy" tunes that combine elements of funk, jazz, Latin, a surprising number of others into a sound that should, at least theoretically, please every genre follower. 9pm.

Mando Mafia at the Prism: With roots in Appalachian Old-Time String Band traditions, Mando Mafia brings a lot to the table, combining sounds as varied as calypso and the "occasional Finnish wedding march." Sure to make for an evening of varied pleasures. $12/$10 advance. 8pm.

Heather Berry & The Berry Pickers (bluegrass) at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8:30pm.

The Nighthawks (rock n' roll) at Outback Lodge. $10, 10pm.

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

The Dawning: Turn Pale with DJs TBA at Tokyo Rose. $5, 10:30pm.

SUNDAY, November 9
ART
Noontime delight: The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church hosts the opening of its current exhibit, "Once Upon a Time in Europe," acrylic paintings by Angela Corriveau, at12:30pm. 717 Rugby Road. 293-8179.

PERFORMANCE
Sunday salsa: The Charlottesville Salsa Club sponsors a weekly opportunity to learn and practice salsa and other dances in a smoke-free nightclub atmosphere. A basic lesson (usually salsa) gets the evening started at 8pm. Complimentary water and sodas. The Outback Lodge, 917 Preston Ave. 8pm-midnight. $3-5. cvillesalsaclub.com or 979-7211.

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

Knight of the Burning Pestle: Shenandoah Shakespeare presents Francis Beaumont's raucous Elizabethan farce at the Blackfriars Playhouse. 2pm. 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $10-26. 540-885-5588.

FAMILY
Headless Horseman rides again: See Friday, November 7. 3pm today.

WALKABOUT
Run for the lungs: 5K fun run to benefit the UVA cancer center. Prizes for winners in each age group as well as random drawings. Entry forms available at New Balance, Ragged Mountain Running Shop, and student.Virginia.edu/~force. $15 entry fee. Race starts at 10am at Newcomb Hall Plaza, UVA. Info: Janine 243-3362.

WORDS
Blacklisted: Local author Jonathan Coleman reads from his work-in-progress about blacklisted editor Angus Cameron. Gravity Lounge, 4pm. 103 First St. NE. 977-5590.

TUNES
Tom Kimmel at Mountain View Grill: "Acoustic spirituality" is a fairly accurate description of the sound of Tom Kimmel's latest release, 2002's Shallow Water. Quiet songs expressing the joy of discovering the great beyond, tonight at Mountain View Grill. $16/$13 advance, 7:30pm. See Tunes Feature.

UVA Chamber Music Series Presents Cellist Amy Leung with Pianist Naoko Takao at Cabell Hall Auditorium: In the second Chamber Music Series show of the season, Leung, primary cellist with the Charlottesville and University Symphony Orchestra, performs Beethoven's Sonata in G minor, Op.5 no.2 for Piano and Cello; Claude Debussy's Sonata for Violoncello and Piano; and Felix Mendelssohn's Sonata in D major for Cello and Piano with guest pianist Naoko Takao. $10/ $5 for students/under 18 free, 3:30pm. 924-3984.

King Golden Banshee (traditional Irish music) at Dürty Nelly's. No cover, 6:30pm.

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

Sam Wilson Group (jazz) at Gravity Lounge. $5, 7:30pm.

MONDAY, November 10
FAMILY
Musical Mondays: Local children's singer/songwriter and music therapist Cathy Bollinger will be at the Village Playhouse on Monday mornings for music class for munchkins. The six-week session runs through December 15 and includes educational songs, finger plays, and movement. Sessions for 2-3 year-olds at 10am, 3-4 year-olds at 10:30am. $30 for the session. 313 Second St. SE. 296-9390. village-playhouse.com.

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

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

The Lascivious Biddies with Jeff Romano & Erica Olsen at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8:30pm.

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

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

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

Travis Elliot at the Virginian. No cover, 10:30pm. (W)

TUESDAY, November 11
WALKABOUT
Veterans Day at Ash Lawn-Highland and Montpelier: Monroe interpreter Dennis Bigelow, a Marine veteran of Vietnam, talks to Ash Lawn-Highland visitors about James Monroe as a model of military and civilian service. From 1pm. To mark the day, veterans and current military personnel are admitted free to both Ash Lawn and Montpelier. 11am-5pm. 293-9539.

Cranial sacral therapy workshop: Gloria Kozura teaches this bodywork modality, what to expect during a session, and some techniques. Free. 7-9pm. Ivy Commons Family Chiropractic. 293-2779.

PERFORMANCE
Live Arts Acting LAB: The new eight-week session of this weekly Tuesday-night class starts today. Instructor Carol Pederson allows actors to review the fundamentals of acting technique, brush up audition skills, and explore scenes from the plays in Live Arts' new season. Drop-in session from 7-8pm, full session from 7-10pm. The Attic, The Glass Building, Studio 208, 313 Second St. SE, Studio 208. $10 drop-in, $160 full session. 977-4177 x100.

Youth Orchestra of Charlottesville-Albemarle: YOCA, founded in 1977 to give young musicians in and around Charlottesville the full orchestral experience, performs with the Rita M. Evans Orchestra and the Senior Flute Choir. 7:30pm. Old Cabell Hall. Price TBA. 924-3984.

FAMILY
Six easy steps: Children, Youth, and Family Services offers Six Easy Steps for Parenting, a six-week series of classes that covers such topics as understanding your child, improving communication, handling challenging behaviors, and parental stress. The session runs tonight through December 16. $15. Call for more information and registration. 296-4118, ext 235.

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

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

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

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

Vernon Fisher (mellow jazz) at Shebeen. No cover, 7pm. (W)

WEDNESDAY, November 12
ART
The pot makes the dish: The PVCC Gallery hosts an opening reception for Dan Finnegan's ceramics exhibit, "Good Pots for Good Food," 5&endash;7pm. V. Earl Dickinson Building, Piedmont Virginia Community College. 961-5203.

Tucker Box Tour: Take a tour of the exhibits and have lunch in the Kluge-Ruhe gallery. Bring your own or order one for $7. 12:15-1:30pm. Reservations required. Peter Jefferson Place, Pantops mountain. 244-0234.

PERFORMANCE
Something's Afoot: PVCC Theatre presents this musical spoof of murder mystery plays such as Agatha Christie's Ten Little Indians, and musical composers from Kern to Sondheim. Through November 16. 7:30pm. V. Earl Dickinson Building, 500 College Drive. $6-10. 961-5376.

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

Much Ado about Nothing: See Saturday, November 8. Today's performance is at 10:30am.

Tartuffe: See Saturday, November 8.

MFA Reading Series: New Dominion Books hosts weekly readings by writers from UVA's MFA program. 8pm. 404 E. Main St. Free. 924-6675.

WALKABOUT
Meet and greet: Singles wine and international cheese tasting at Oakencroft Winery. Door prizes. Minority and diverse singles especially welcome. 5:30pm-7pm $20 per person. Singles ages 35 to 55. Reservations: 961-3164.

WORDS
Share the wealth: A short history of philanthropy, at the Miller Center. Forum by Andrew Morris of Union College and author of the forthcoming The Limits of Voluntarism: Private Social Service and the Expansion of the Welfare State. This Forum is co-hosted by the Thomas Jefferson Area United Way. 2201 Old Ivy Road. 5:30pm. 924-0921.

Monkey Hunting: Christina Garcia's latest novel swims from China to Cuba. The Havana-born author lectures tonight as part of Sweet Briar College's International Writers' Series. 8pm, Florence Easton Conference Center, Sweet Briar. 434-381-6388.

FAMILY
Shadow play: Kids seven and up can enter a shadowy world with shadow puppets at Gordon Avenue Library. This workshop of a traditional art in Asia lets kids make their own puppets of paper and stage a production of a familiar children's story. 4pm. Free. Registration required. 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.

More little literati: The five-and-under crowd can hear stories about fall leaves and autumn color at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. Stickers and cookies are part of the fun too. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.

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

Greg Howard's Sonic Expeditions at Gravity Lounge. $5. 9pm.

Plutonium ("heavy psychedelic funk-fusion") at Michael's Bistro. $3, 10pm.

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

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

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

The Chameleon Project at South Street Brewery. No cover, 10pm.

Particle at Starr Hill. $12/$10 advance, 9pm.

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

THURSDAY, November 13
ART
Pictures in Pakistan: UVA's Weedon Lectures in the Arts of Asia presents Louis Flam discussing "The Sindh Archaeological Project, Pakistan: Recent Research in the Western Borderlands of the Indus Civilization." 5:30pm. Campbell Hall, Room 153. 924-3592. virginia.edu/artmuseum.

PERFORMANCE
The Way of the World: UVA's new drama season continues with a mainstage production of this play by William Congreve, "the greatest English master of pure comedy." Directed by guest artist in residence Sabin Epstein. Through November 22. 8pm. Culbreth Theater, 109 Culbreth Road. $7-12. 924-3376.

Something's afoot: See Wednesday, November 12.

Court Square Dancers: This group of women who perform traditional English garland, stave, hankie, and ribbon dances holds its weekly practice session. Open to new female dancers and musicians of any gender. Beginners most welcome. 7-8:45pm. McIntire Room, Jefferson Madison Library, Market St. between Second and Third streets. Free. 971-8863.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead: Live Arts opens the first season at their new space with a LATTE production of Tom Stoppard's comic fantasy on Hamlet, Beckett, and West End farce. Directed by Amanda McRaven. Through December 13. 7:30pm. Live Arts UpStage, 123 E. Water St. $7. 977-4177. See Performance Feature.

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

FAMILY
More little literati: See Wednesday, November 12.

WORDS
Buy nothing: Get ready to spend the day after Thanksgiving engaged in idealistic non-patriotism. The Adbusters media campaign is getting organized in Charlottesville ahead of November 28 to take a stand against consumption. Organizers are working on giant puppets and barter fairs. Informational work session tonight from 6-9pm at the old Live Arts Building in the Living Ed. Center Art Room. More info at adbusters.org/campaigns/bnd/

Monkey Hunting: See Wednesday, November 12.

TUNES
Easy Star All-Stars at Starr Hill: The Easy Star All-Stars will be performing their album, Dub Side of the Moon, in its entirety. For those of you not in the know-&endash; this is a full reggae version of the Pink Floyd classic, Dark Side of the Moon. $12/$10 advance.

Joshua Mayo at Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar: The sweet pop songs of Joshua Mayo might bring a tear to your eye, if you're that annoying crying sort. If not, you will just enjoy some well-constructed and performed acoustic songs. No cover, 9pm.

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

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

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

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

Hard Rock Night: Sedamentreous with Gollum at Outback Lodge. $3, 10pm.

Danny Barnes at the Prism: $12/$10, 8pm.

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

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

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

Country line killers, 40oz boys, and Cigarbox Planetarium at Tokyo Rose. $5, 10:30pm.

Upcoming and Ongoing:
FAMILY
Potter expedition: The Hogwarts Express pulls out of the station at the Children's Museum of Richmond on Friday, November 14. See Family Feature.

Measuring up: The Virginia Discovery Museum takes a Magical Measurement History Tour in their latest back gallery exhibit. Kids can explore the tools, units, and reasoning behind the evolution of measuring. Included in the price of admission. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025. vadm.org.

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

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

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

IMAX is huge!: The five-story IMAX screen at the Science Museum of Virginia has a plethora of offerings this fall. Extreme offers a glimpse into the unique relationship between nature and humanity including athletes involved in big wave surfing, ice climbing, skiing, snowboarding, windsurfing, and rock climbing.

Body works: If you like to know how things work from the inside out, you'll love the film on the inner workings of The Human Body.

Westward ho!: Fans of Lewis and Clark can join the great adventurers and the Corps of Discovery on their grueling two-year trek across the continent in Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West. Call or see website for schedules and costs. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.

WALKABOUT
Staunton's Homes and Gardens: This guided tour happens 10:30am-12:30pm every Sunday in October to raise money for student scholarships to Nature Camp. Call Juliette to reserve your space at 540-885-1733 or meet at 10:30am sharp in Woodrow Wilson's Garden at Coalter and Frederick streets. $5.

Separation support group for lesbians and gay men: If you have experienced a break and need a safe place to cope with your loss. Meets Thursdays 7pm-8.30pm. 978 2195.

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

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

Madison's will: The last will and testament of James Madison is now on display at Montpelier. The four-page hand-written document plus codicil was executed in April 1835, little more than a year before the President's death. The will is visible in the Document Gallery on the first floor of the Montpelier mansion and joins a new exhibit of rare versions of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. 9:30am-5:30pm. Hurry, it's all over on October 31. Info and directions: montpelier.org or 672-2728.

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

Settling down: Midday Meditation, Tuesdays 12:15-12.45pm and Thursdays, 12:15-1:15pm. Free, but donations are accepted. Gesher Center, 1824 University Circle. 970-7836.

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

Richmond Canal cruises: Take historically narrated tours along the James River and Kanawha Canal. Fridays and Saturdays, noon until 6pm and Sundays, noon to 5pm, Private charters available. November 1-December 7. 804-649-2800.

The Virginia Horse Trials: October 31-November 26. For 14 years, the Virginia Horse Trials have been a biannual tradition at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, attracting the largest number of entries of any combined training event in the country, including many Olympic riders and United States Equestrian Team members. Over 500 riders are expected to participate in this year's trials. 504-464-2950. horsecenter.org. See Walkabout feature.

Monticello events:
Framing the West: "Thomas Jefferson and the Lewis and Clark Expedition" features a recreation of Jefferson's "Indian Hall" and objects on loan from other institutions. Included in price of general admission. Through December 31. 984 9822.

Thomas Jefferson and the Origins of American Political Parties: Rare printed materials illustrating early U.S. politics are on exhibit at the Jefferson Library. 9am to 4:30pm. Free. 984-7540.

RVCC (Rockfish Valley Community Center) events
Nelson needlers: Gatherings of artists who knit, sew, craft, etc. Mondays 1:30-3:30pm in the Conference Room. Amy Childs, 361-9147.

Old Time jam session: Guitars, mandolins, banjos, fiddles, hammer dulcimers, and more join together to make music. All skill levels are welcome to this gathering of musicians Friday nights 7:30-11pm. Becky Cohen, 823-6365.

Dances of Universal Peace: The second Friday of each month 7:30-9:30pm in Room 15. Marc Chanin, 361-1222. The Center is located at 190 Rockfish School Lane, off Route 151 between Afton and Nellysford behind the Rockfish Valley Ruritan Park. 361-0100.

Last two days: Those who need Christmas assistance this year should register with the Salvation Army through November 7, 9am-noon, 3pm-6pm at the Rivanna Ridge Shopping Center, Unit # 1820 near Giant Food on Pantops Mountain. Applicants must bring a Photo, ID and a Social Security card for each member of the family (including children) and verification of income and expenses. Applicants must be residents of the Charlottesville or Albemarle, Fluvanna, or Greene county.

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

Horton Vineyards annual fall barrel tasting: November 8-11. Taste '02 and '03 wines from the barrel and enjoy the fall colors. $5/person includes glass. 540-832-7440.

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

ART LIST
Dan Finnegan's "Good Pots for Good Food" exhibit of gas-and wood-fired pottery opens November 5 in the PVCC Gallery. V. Earl Dickinson Building, 500 College Drive. 961-5203.

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church is showing "Once Upon a Time in Europe," acrylic paintings by Angela Corriveau, with a reception on November 9 at 12:30pm. 717 Rugby Road. 293-8179.

Karen Whitehill presents her provocative and humorous collages, "Hymn to Her," at the Mudhouse. (Jesus never looked so good.) W. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 984-6833.

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

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

The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection opens its latest exhibit, "Kulam Kannga (Beginning): New Work from the Lockhart River Art Gang," plus "Photographs of Lockhart River" by Kerry Trapnell, on November 7. 400 Peter Jefferson Place, off Rt. 250 east at Pantops. 244-0234.

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

Through November 23, the McGuffey Art Center presents paintings by Leon Gehorsam, Susan Patrick, and Ann Friend Clark. Also on display: The Members Group Show, "Now And Then," featuring works from the artists' teenage years, together with their recent work. 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973.

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

Rick Moore's "Thoughts from My Summer," a series of abstract watercolors, are on display at C'ville Coffee Co. through November 30.1301 Harris St. 817-2633.

Works by Lisa Ciaramella Hurdle are on view at the Bullseye Gallery. 112 E. Main St. 510-0279. Ciara003@aol.com

The Stokes of England Gallery in Keswick presents a solo watercolor retrospective by Peter Almonte through November 19. Near the Keswick Post Office. 245-9539.

Radar

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

Richard Robinson and Larry Volk show their unique views of Italian culture and landscape in "Robinson and Volk: Fotografie dell'Italia" at The Arts Center in Orange, November 6-January 3. Opening reception from 5-7:30pm, November 6. 1250 E. Main St, Orange. 540-672-7311.

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

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

"Extremely real, extremely warped," that's the word on Robert Lazzarini's sculptures. The artist's distorted realism is on view through January 4 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Also showing are "Generations: African-American Art in the VMFA Collection" (through November 30) and "The New VMFA: Collecting for the Future" (through January 4). 2800 Grove Ave. Richmond. 804-204-2704.

At Caffé Bocce, "New Views, New Landscapes," an exhibit by Meg West, is on view through November 30. 330 Valley St., Scottsville. 286-4422.

First Fridays: November 7

The Second Street Gallery inaugurates its brand spanking new space with "30 Years: Three Decades of New Art," featuring new works by 55 artists from SSG's past with an opening reception, 6-8pm. City Center for Contemporary Arts, corner of Water and Second street SE. 977-7284. See Art Feature, page 32, and Photophile, page 30.

Les Yeux du Monde at Dot 2 Dot opens painter Lincoln Perry's "The Music of Time" with a reception, 5:30-7:30pm. 115 S. First St. 973-5566.

Welcome Cynthia Burke and her exhibit of exotic oil paintings of animals at the C&O Gallery from 5:30-7:30pm. (Two percent of sales benefit The Wildlife Center of Virginia). Next door to the C&O Restaurant, 511 E. Water St. 971-7044.

The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection opens its exhibition, Kulam Kannga, with a reception from 5:30 -7:30pm, with represented artists from Lockhart River Art Gang as guests. Reservations are not required. 400 Peter Jefferson Place, off Rt. 250 east at Pantops. 244-0234.

The McGuffey Art Center hosts an opening reception 5:30-7:30pm for artists Ann Friend Clark, Leon Gehorsam, and Susan Patrick, whose paintings will be on display through November 23. Also on display: The Members Group Show, "Now And Then," featuring works from the artists' teenage years together with their recent work. 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973.

Transient Crafters opens its group show, "At the Table" with a table of its own full of treats, 6-9pm. 118 W. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 972-9500.

"Photographers' Ball," featuring the work of 12-15 photographers, opens with a reception, 6-9pm at Mountain Air Gallery, ETC. 107 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 244-3393.

It's not what you might think. Vidu Palta's "Tart and Art," featuring paintings of pastry, teacups, and art books, opens with a reception at bozArt Gallery. 6-8pm. 211 W. Main on the Downtown Mall. 296-3919.

Meet artist Sandra Offut as Art Upstairs celebrates the opening of her oil and watercolor exhibition, "Recent Works," with a reception, 5:30-9pm. 316 E. Main St., above The Hardware Store, on the Downtown Mall. 923-3900.

Jamie McLendon expresses big feelings in his painting series, "Fluid Emotion," which opens at the Gravity Lounge. Stick around&emdash; McLendon's band, Dom Casual, performs after the 6-8pm reception. 103 S. First St. 977-5590.

UVA's Fayerweather Gallery opens "Aunspaugh, 1984-2003," an exhibit of works by past and present Aunspaugh Fellows, with a lecture by UVA graduate and New York City artist Rosemarie Fiore at 5pm, followed by a reception. Rugby Road. 924-6123.

Get starry-eyed from 5-7pm at L'étoile Restaurant, as it opens its exhibit of paintings by local artists Barry Gordon and Malcolm Hughes. 817 W. Main St. (across from the Amtrak Station). 979-7957.

Find out more about "Believe it to Leaver," a series of Polaroid self-portraits by Rob Tarbell exploring the artist's recent "marital downsizing," at a 5:30-7pm reception at City Centro Café. 323 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 996-2655.

"Recent Works by The Virginia Stone Carvers Guild," an exhibition of sculptures by eight artists, runs through January 9 at the ArtSpace gallery on the third floor of Newcomb Hall. Opening reception 5-8pm. 924-4164. newcomb@virginia.edu.

FEATURES/FEATURES/FEATURES
ART
Second to none: Gallery exults in new space
BY LAURA PARSONS ART@READTHEHOOK.COM

"It's a clean slate," says Leah Stoddard excitedly as she discusses Second Street Gallery's new digs in the just-completed City Center for the Contemporary Arts (which, fortuitously, is located on the corner of the city's other Second St.).

Stoddard, who's served as SSG's director for the past four years, points out that not many nonprofit art organizations survive 30 years, let alone get to mark the milestone by moving into fresh, custom-designed quarters.

With 175 feet of running wall space, 11-foot ceilings, and a Mark Schuyler-designed lighting system, the SSG's new address offers exhibition potential unavailable at its former McGuffey Art Center home. The 2,200-sq.-ft. Water Street location features two separate galleries, the larger one with windows onto the street, which Stoddard hopes will increase the gallery's community participation by inviting passersby to look in at the art.

The interior "D'ove Gallery," on the other hand, offers an ideal space for video pieces and site-specific installations. "Yet," Stoddard notes, "you can still show a tiny exhibit of works on paper there."

Stoddard is particularly enamored of the new lighting design that allows each piece to be custom-lit without drawing attention to the light's source. "It's the lighting of the Getty Museum in Los Angeles," she gushes. "It's like the artworks are lighting themselves."

To celebrate Second Street's 30th anniversary, the organization officially inaugurates its new space November 7 with an exhibition entitled "30 Years: Three Decades of New Art." The show features recent work by 55 artists from Second Street Gallery's past.

The mixed-media roster for this non-traditional retrospective reads like a Who's Who of contemporary art and photography. It includes Virginia celebrities such as Sally Mann and Lincoln Perry, as well as out-of-state magnets like Christopher Brown and Buzz Spector. A 114-page full-color catalog accompanies the show.

Although she hesitates to recommend any one piece over another, Stoddard can't help using the word "amazing" to describe both a large work by Robert Reed and a new painting by Charlottesville's Philip Geiger. She's also excited about Craig Pleasants' towering shoebox installation, which the artist created especially for the new space.

Stoddard admits to having first-night jitters as she grapples with the logistics of setting up the new show in an unfamiliar space. But this kind of challenge is the stuff of art curators' dreams.

"It's thrilling. It's really thrilling," Stoddard says. "It's kind of like being a bride."

"30 Years: Three Decades of New Art" runs November 7-February 1 at Second Street Gallery, with an opening reception November 7, 6-8pm. City Center for the Contemporary Arts, corner of Second St. SE and E. Water St. 977-7284.

WORDS
God's killers: Scholars examine religious zealots
BY ELIZABETH KIEM WORDS@READTHEHOOK.COM

A devout Muslim and prolific scholar, Khaled Abou El Fadl abhors Islamic terrorism but understands the origins of its misplaced zealotry. Raised in Egypt and Kuwait, he grew up amid class resentment and a serious flirtation with the same intolerant strain of fundamentalism that now dogs Islam as a respected world religion.

El Fadl argues that dissatisfaction and a lack of educational outlets coexist throughout the Arab world, leaving no room for a hothead to redirect frustrated ambitions. Like the misguided militants who commandeered airliners and history on 9/11, El Fadl suspects he could have wound up on the wrong side of religious fervor had his father not insisted that he study the Quran more diligently.

In America, El Fadl is regarded as a leading authority on Islamic law. In Saudi Arabia, our allies-by-default have banned his work.

Many observers outside the Arab world see the current confrontation as less the result of oppressive regimes and more a certainty of US superpower. French scholar René Girard, a heavyweight in the interdisciplinary ring of religious studies, is best known for his book Violence and the Sacred and his theory on mimetic desire.

Bringing down the Twin Towers, he surmises, was an extreme example of mimetic rivalry. In simpler expressions, mimetic rivalry is what makes one ape really, really want the banana that another ape is enjoying. Put that way, it would seem that religious zeal has less to do with religion than with appetite.

Indeed, some scholars argue that every religion harbors a seed of violence. Mark Jurgensmeyer, author of Terror in the Mind of God, examines all five major religions through the perverse lens of loose cannons to arrive at theological justifications for violence: Abortion clinic bombers represent Christianity, subway gassers stand in for Buddhism, Judaism is represented by Baruch Goldstein, while Hinduism sends a couple of assassins to the case study. There's little need to stretch the premise when it comes to the chapter on Islam.

While there's a strong case to be made (and it has been made repeatedly, with varying degrees of strength) that history's bloodbaths are nearly always an outcome of differences of faith, such arguments too often force nuances out of the picture.

To quote Khaled Abou El Fadl, "I'm not in the business of doing body counts of how much did atheism versus religion kill. All I can say is… all matters of fervent conviction… could be dangerous whether religious or not."

El Fadl, Girard, and Jurgensmeyer discuss religion, justice, and violence at a forum hosted by UVA's Center on Religion and Democracy on Friday, November 7, in the Newcomb Hall Ballroom at. Jurgensmeyer speaks at 9am, followed by Dr. Daniele Hervieu-Leger, author of Religion as a Chain of Memory. El Fadl speaks at 1pm, followed by Girard at 2:30pm. The forum will be followed by a reception from 5-6pm.

WALKABOUT
Horsing around: Lexington hosts big event
BY SOPHIA COUDENHOVE WALKABOUT@READTHEHOOK.COM

For 14 years, the Virginia Horse Trials have been a biennial tradition at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, attracting the largest number of entries of any combined training event in the country, including many Olympic riders and United States Equestrian Team members.

This fall, the Virginia Horse Center is presenting a panoply of competitions and shows, from jumping championships to bull riders and the balletic Lipizzaner Stallions.

Yes, it's slightly more than an hour's drive from Charlottesville, but for anyone remotely interested in matters equestrian, the center itself is worth the trip. For the rest, it's a perfect excuse for a scenic day trip and a visit to Staunton on the way back. (Most programs are over by mid-afternoon, so it's worth going early.)

From Friday, November 7, to Sunday, November 9, 350 hunters and jumpers will compete for the Southwest Virginia Hunter-Jumper Association Finals-&endash; a championship drawing horses from Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. While the jumpers compete in the enormous coliseum, the hunters are outside, covering a much larger area, as they would in a hunt.

On Sunday, visitors may also enjoy period and contemporary carriages as they drive the center's Oak Hill Course.

Competitors visiting last weekend rated the center as one of the best in the country. At 600 acres, its sheer size makes it able to accommodate over 700 horses, with seating for over 4,000 in its coliseum. When the weather permits, competitions are held on a hill overlooking beautiful grounds.

Equestrian events continue throughout the month, with more hunters and jumpers competing on the weekend of November 15, and very different shows thereafter.

On November 21 and 22, the South East Bull Riding Association's top 20 point-leading competitors will be riding some of the meanest bulls of the year's circuit, and the following week the Lipizzaner Stallions round out the month with performances on November 25&endash;26.

Originally used in war, Lipizzaners are now trained to perform spectacular choreographed displays. In its presentation of Lipizzans, the show maintains a tradition as well as offering an entertaining performance similar in many ways to what you would see at the Spanish Riding School of Vienna.

Take I-81 South to Exit 191. Proceed on I-64 West 1/2 mile to Exit 55. Turn right on Route 11 North, and immediately left on Route 39 West. The Virginia Horse Center is one mile ahead on the left.

The November schedule: November 7-9, Southwest Virginia Hunter-Jumper Association Finals. Sunday, November 9 &endash;Autumn Sunday Carriage drive; Friday, November 14-Sunday, November 16 &endash; Southwest Virginia Hunter-Jumper Association Finals. Friday, November 21-Saturday, November 22, Southeast Bull Riding Association Championship Finals. Tuesday, November 25-Wednesday, November 26, Lipizzaner Stallions. Information and times: 540-464-2950.

FAMILY
Wizardry: Kids can enroll in Hogwarts!
BY LINDA KOBERT FAMILY@READTHEHOOK.COM

I know of a few young fans of the popular Harry Potter books and movies who would do absolutely anything to be able to go to school at Hogwarts. If there are such fans around your house, now is their chance to hurry on over to track #9 and climb aboard the Hogwarts Express heading east where the Children's Museum of Richmond is hosting a special Harry Potter Family Night on November 14.

In preparation for their attendance at the most prestigious school of witchcraft and wizardry in the country, aspiring witches and wizards&emdash; even muggle-borns&emdash; ages 4-12 can walk through the brick wall behind the Leaky Caldron pub in London and get to Diagon Alley where they can buy (and make) all the things they'll need for their first year at school.

Gringott's is the first stop on this adventure where goblins protect the riches stored within and help novices get the gold galleons they need from the vaults deep inside the Wizarding Bank. With their pockets full to bursting, kids can move on to all the strange shops on this long cobbled street. But be careful how much you spend.

The selection is plentiful at Ollivander's Fine Wands, but each child needs just the right one. Mr. Ollivander will be there to help kids make their own special wand with wood and feathers and other magical stuff. He'll even show them the proper way to use a fine magic wand.

Hogwarts students can make a faux leather-bound book the size of a paving slab-- or a book the size of a postage stamp in covers of silk-- at Flourish & Botts Bookstore. Friendly poets will be there to help kids fill it with their own magic spells. Next door at Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, kids can dress the part by designing their own robe or cape and maybe even a hat, too.

Hagrid will be on hand to help all the new first years find their way. Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore may even make a rare appearance on Diagon Alley. And rumor has it that Harry, Ron, and Hermione will be wandering the street that evening to chat with new first years and maybe have their pictures taken, too.

This promises to be a thrilling excursion into the land of Harry Potter, but it's only the beginning. Fans should stay tuned for another HP evening in February when first years can don the Sorting Hat and become real Hogwarts students.

Hogwarts Express pulls out at the Children's Museum of Richmond on Friday, November 14 from 6-10pm. Cost is $10 for members, $12 for non-members. An adult chaperone is required, but advance registration is not. 2626 W. Broad St., Richmond. 804-474-7018. c-mor.org.

PERFORMANCE
Young'uns: LATTE troupe tackles Stoppard
BY STEPHEN BOYKEWICH &endash; PERFORMANCE@READTHEHOOK.COM

Granted, most theater actors are in it for the fat paychecks, the magazine covers, and the political clout. Ninety-nine out of a hundred are so drunk on power and Cristal that their own mothers no longer recognize them. But I've heard rumors that somewhere in this mad fray you can still find a few people who are in it for the love of the art. And I think I know a good place to look for them.

The cast of Live Arts' upcoming LATTE production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead have literally had the rug pulled out from under their feet. During the chaos of Live Arts' move from 609 E. Market St. to 123 E. Water St., they've endured a shortened rehearsal process, rehearsals without electricity, rehearsals without rehearsal space. And yet no one's threatened to break contract. Not even with the added stress of studying for pre-calc exams.

LATTE, for those who don't know, is Live Arts Theatre Training Ensemble. It was founded in 1997 to give young actors the kind of theatrical opportunities that some adult actors only dream of, such as the opportunity to cut their teeth on Tom Stoppard's ingenious comic fantasy on Hamlet, Beckett, and West End farce. Or the opportunity to star in the first full production at Live Arts' Upstage Theater in the new $4 million City Center for the Contemporary Arts. As of next Thursday, eleven LATTE actors will have both.

And they're not even old enough to buy Cristal yet.

With its fast pace, brilliantly cerebral humor, and constant subversion of theatrical conventions, R&GAD isn't the easiest play to pull off, regardless of how old&emdash; or sober&emdash; your actors are. Director Amanda McRaven was well-prepared for the challenge. She has acted in R&GAD twice: first as a student at Virginia Tech (it's all right, she wound up transferring to UVA), then as part of Shenandoah Shakespeare's touring company, which performed the play in repertory with Hamlet.

McRaven's directing credits are more than impressive, especially given that she didn't plan to make a career as a director. Among her many local productions are last spring's True West, the musical Floyd Collins-- which she co-directed with Live Arts' artistic director, John Gibson-- and a LATTE Romeo and Juliet that featured a number of the same actors who will take the stage for R&GAD.

What does she like most about working with young actors?

"They have no preconceived notions," McRaven says. "They come in fresh and ready to try anything. They have an energy that more experienced actors don't always have."

Which may just be her way of saying it's a lot easier parking 11 mountain bikes outside the theater than 11 gold-plated Hummer limos.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead opens Thursday, November 13, at 7:30pm, and runs through December 13. Performances at Live Arts UpStage, 123 E. Water St. All tickets are $7. 977-4177.

TUNES
Soft and tender: Kimmel's hymns to monotheism
BY MARK GRABOWSKI TUNES@READTHEHOOK.COM

Acoustic Muse, the non-profit acoustic concert series based in our loveable town, deserves a little press. For the last five years, the group, composed solely of volunteers, has succeeded in bringing nationally known acts like Stacey Earle and Brooks Williams to perform at Charlottesville venues as well as shining the spotlight on local musicians of a similar musical vein.

With regard to the latter, the current series features an event called Acoustic Muse-Local the third Saturday of every month, where local performers strut their stuff in front of the rootsy crowd at Mountain View Grill in Crozet. Last month's show featured Tom Proutt, Weldon Jones, and Bill Gessner, and was by my own reckoning (having been present for the event), splendidly received.

November 15 is another local night at MVG, featuring Melissa McClain, Mike Cvetanovich, and Mary Gordon Hall, but today's topic is the November 9 show featuring folk musician Tom Kimmel.

An artist best known for having his work covered by other groups, Kimmel got his first big break in the songwriting business when his tune "Violet Eyes" was covered by the Band's Levon Helm on his 1980 solo album, American Son. Interpretations by The Byrd's Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman soon followed, but by the late '80s, Kimmel decided to try his hand at performing his own songs, and released the Americana-heavy 5 to 1.

Opening for folkie Nanci Griffith on her 1991-92 world tour, Kimmel grew up, in a way, discarding his earlier rock n' roll sound for subtle and spiritual acoustic musings.

His latest release, 2002's Shallow Water, is a softly picked ode to the world beyond, where dobro and resonator guitar set off Kimmel's clean clear voice. What's most interesting about the album is, for a singer/songwriter who has gained praise for writing tracks covered by bigger-named musicians, the album is rather sparsely populated with Kimmel's own work.

The first track, "Softly and Tenderly," was written by Will L. Thompson in 1880, and is one minute and four seconds of Jesus themed a cappella-- fine, if rather un-interesting.

The album gets it slow-motion groove on with track two, "Standing Still." Kimmel's acoustic guitar lines and tight harmonies come to the forefront here, with a fine melody (though with words about either God or someone else who fills, renews, is ignored by, molds, frees, and builds, the singer).

Kimmel's first songwriting credit comes on song six, "The Lords Prayer / The Collect for Purity," but it's just for arranging the prayer into a tune. His next credit comes on song ten, "One Heart," a half-whispered ode to monotheism ("One spirit in the world tonight"), which does not particularly stand out from the non-Kimmel penned tracks. But that's really because, rather than have high and low points, the album just floats along on a faith-based cloud of quiet musings.

Catch Tom Kimmel at the cozy Mountain View Grill this Sunday, or wait for the next local showcase-&endash; Acoustic Muse is worthy of your support.

Tom Kimmel (Nashville singer/songwriter) appears at Mountain View Grill November 9. $16/$13 advance, 7:30pm.

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