Music

HookTip
Not all the musical history made in Charlottesville involves Dave Matthews Band. In fact, legend has it that a young Bob Dylan used to hang out with Appalachian folklorist Paul Clayton at the old brick Wertenbaker House on Wertland Street in the early '60s. It is here that Clayton is said to have done some uncredited collaboration with Dylan on the eventual classic "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright." Today, you can find the Wertenbaker House behind the Corner, dwarfed by multi-story apartment complexes.

The most consistently busy music venues:

The Jefferson Theater: Now in its centennial year of entertaining Charlottesville, the Jeff plays host to some of the hottest acts to roll through town. With slanted floor for sweet sight-lines, plus two bars and two balconies, the renovated-in-2009 Jeff has become a local favorite. 110 East Main St. 245-4980.

Rapture: Rapturians usually prefer DJs to live musicians, but if a band really means business, they'll be able to work their way into the back room. Downtown Mall. 303 E. Main St. 293-9526.

John Paul Jones Arena: In addition to being the toast of the sports world, UVA's 16,000-seat arena brings the legends to town for oversize shows (Red Hot Chili Peppers, DMB, Elton John, Kenny Chesney, and Mama Mia) to draw fans from all over the state. Budget a few extra minutes to drive away once the show's over. 295 Massie Road, near Barracks Road. 883-JPJ-TIXS.

Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar: Two years before you heard about them, your favorite indie rock and experimental bands probably performed in this cozy, hookah smoke-filled establishment. 414 E. Main St. Downtown Mall. 293-9947.

nTelos Wireless Pavilion: The biggest shows of the summer, without exception, are always at the nTelos Wireless Pavilion, the large outdoor amphitheater at the east end of the Mall. Recent standouts include Bonnie Raitt and Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers. Downtown Mall. 434-245-4910.

The Paramount Theater: If you want to impress your parents next time they visit, take them here to see the likes of Joan Baez, Peter Frampton, and– most recently– Kris Kristofferson in the classiest venue in town. 215 E. Main St. Downtown Mall. 979-1922.

Bashir's Taverna: Another eatery that dips its toe into the venue game only casually, but it's the place to go if you want to see any of the local jazz guitar wizards take the spotlight– or some exotic belly dancers take the stage. 507 E. Main St. Downtown Mall. 923-0927.

Coupe DeVille's: This Corner establishment is a clear student favorite, where locals will often cut their teeth alongside bands on shoestring tours. 9 Elliewood Ave. 977-3966.

The Pigeon Hole: Like nearby Coupe's, this place is small, but it opts for more modern music on its terrace facing Elliewood Avenue. (Even if the Old-timers still call it Martha's.) On the Corner. 977-4711

Fellini's #9: An award-winning historic restoration made this old house one of the most eclectic little music venues in town. Anchored Sundays by the Hogwaller Ramblers. 201 W. Market St. 979-4279.

Old Cabell Hall: As expected, UVA is the nexus of Charlottesville's academic musicians; but touring artists, such as A Fine Frenzy two years ago, may appear. The Lawn. 924-3984.

The Southern: Home of quirky rock, acoustic folk, and a wild array of local and touring artists. 103 First St. NE. Downtown Mall. 977-5590.

Miller's: Tourists know that the helmsman of Dave Matthews Band may have been launched from this downtown institution, but the main attraction remains the Wednesday and Thursday night jazz. Downtown Mall. 971-8511.

The Garage: Hands-down the smallest musical venue in Charlottesville and maybe the world. An old garage perched facing the western side of Lee Park, it really blossomed this year with recent performances by Hello Rocco and Love Banshee.

Hot rockers

in 2012, the Hook zeroed in on several bands as epitomizing the local scene. Check 'em out:

Borrowed Beams of Light

Borrowed Beams of Light's full length debut, Stellar Hoax, proved to everyone that this little "creative outlet" was magic. The exuberance and heart-lifting vocal "ah ah ahs" and "whoa oh ohs" of the songs is fueled by decades of guitar rock. With every song you're gonna dance yourself into a pop frenzy and sing along until you're out of breath. I am still hoping they'll cover Sir Paul McCartney's "Wanderlust," hint hint. –Liz Rhodes, WTJU

Wes Swing

For anyone who likes the Andrew Bird/Sufjan Stevens/Iron & Wine type of sound... beautiful stuff from our own local master of the cello & looping pedals! –Jeff Sweatman, 106.1 The Corner

The Fire Tapes

Still fairly new to our local scene, they include a couple of DC-area transplants, and I hear a lot of promise in their Sonic Youth-esque soundscapes. –Jeff Sweatman, 106.1 The Corner

Left + Right

These guys relive the hazy, heroin-addled '90s and deliver primo (not emo) (definitely not screamo) blasts of chunky, melodic fuzz with their hearts on their guitar straps. –Dominic Devito, aka DJ Baconfat on WTJU

The Cinnamon Band

Staunton duo that has played many of the best venues in the country as an opener for Handsome Furs on separate jaunts the past couple of years. And they've got a great series of covers they are doing through their website this year called 12 X 12 (one cover per month) to keep fans interested while they work on their own new album. –Jeff Sweatman, 106.1 The Corner

Dwight Howard Johnson

I can't resist the Paul Westerburg styling of Drew Carroll's voice, and the easy comparison to The Replacements with their beats and riffs. In 1994, my sixteen-year-old heart would have swooned if these guys played in my home town. –Liz Rhodes, WTJU

Not rockers

Ash Lawn Opera
When the weather gets warm, you can cool off inside the Paramount Theater (2012 was the 4th season inside) with the professionals who perform opera and musical theater. 293-4500

Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival
Annual series of five chamber music concerts featuring musicians of international stature. September 9-23, at Old Cabell Hall and the Paramount. 295-5395.

Charlottesville & University Symphony Orchestra
Performs in Cabell Hall throughout the school year. Tickets to individual concerts via the UVA Box Office. All seats reserved. 434.924.3376

McIntire Department of Music Concerts throughout the academic year, including our favorite, jazz-playin' Free Bridge Quintet. Old Cabell Hall. 434.924.3376

The Municipal Band of Charlottesville
Doing everything from folk and opera to classical and big band for over 80 years, it's the official band of Charlottesville. Every summer, these guys and gals come out of nowhere to make the Downtown Mall pulse with excitement. 295-9850

Oratorio Society of Charlottesville-Albemarle
Setting the standard for choral excellence. Performs throughout the year at beautiful and iconic venues: the Paramount, Old Cabell Hall, the First Presbyterian Church. 295-4385.

Tuesday Evening Concert Series
Internationally renowned musicians give performances in Old Cabell Hall. The 2012-13 season seven acts include the Salzburg Chamber Soloists and the Pavel Haas Quartet. Shows begin at 8pm. $5-33. 244-9505

The Virginia Consort
A choral group that performs nearly year round at various locations in the area. 244-8444