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.

Want to dig deeper? A sampling of what Charlottesville venues have to offer:

The Jefferson Theater: Re-opening in 2009 after three years of renovation, the Jeff boasts one of the largest indoor concert spaces in town and plays host to some of the hottest acts to roll through Charlottesville. With two balconies, a slanted floor, and two bars, the Jeff is a local favorite. 110 East Main St. 245-4980.

Mudhouse: Only rarely do they host musicians– maybe because the espresso machine is too loud. Downtown Mall. 213 W. Main St. 245-0924.

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.

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.

John Paul Jones Arena: In addition to being the toast of the sports world, UVA's new 16,000-seat arena also brings the legends to town for sold out shows that draw fans from all over. Budget at least an extra half hour to get out of the building once the show's over. 295 Massie Road, near Barracks Road. 883-JPJ-TIXX.

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. Their calendar has been filled to the brim with indie and experimental-rock goodness lately, so keep your eyes on Holy Smokes Booking to satisfy your live music cravings. 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 ( née Charlottesville) Pavilion, the large outdoor amphitheater at the east end of the Mall. Just follow the streams of people– or, if you're in Belmont, just open your window. Downtown Mall. 434-245-4910.

The Paramount Theater: If you want to impress your parents next time they visit, take them here to see Joan Baez, BB King, Peter Frampton, or any number of other touring acts who stop in– it's the classiest game 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.

Fellini's #9: From the looks of it, you'd think this was a much more highbrow joint than it actually is. The decor may be slick, but the schedule is filled with bands of every shape and color, sometimes with three shows on the same day. 201 W. Market St. 979-4279.

Old Cabell Hall: As expected, UVA is the nexus of Charlottesville's academic musicians. Frequency of attendance at concerts is roughly commensurate with IQ. The Lawn. 924-3984.

Outback Lodge: When Starr Hill Music Hall bit the dust, Outback became the oldest Charlottesville rock club still ticking. Best known as home of rock, heavy rock, really heavy rock, and reggae. 917 Preston Ave. 979-7211.

The Southern: Formerly Gravity Lounge, home of quirky rock and acoustic folk, which ran into financial troubles and switched management. The revamped listening room features a packed calendar of local and touring artists. 103 First St. NE. Downtown Mall. 977-5590.

Miller's: Dave Matthews Band may have been launched from this downtown institution, but these days the main attraction has been the jazz bands on Wednesday and Thursday nights. W. Main St. Downtown Mall. 971-8511.

HookTip: Want to know who's playing tonight? Want to know what they sound like? Check out the Hook's music site for complete venue listings, streaming mp3s, exclusive interviews and more: readthehook.com/music.

Not rockers

Ash Lawn-Highland Summer Festival
When the weather gets warm, it's time for opera and musical theater at Ash Lawn-Highland, home of President James Monroe. Kids events, too. 293-4500

Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival
Annual series of five chamber music concerts featuring musicians of international stature. September 11-25, at Old Cabell Hall. cvillechambermusic.org or 295-5395.

Charlottesville & University Symphony Orchestra
Performs in Cabell Hall throughout the school year. Tickets to individual concerts on sale, subject to availability, two weeks before each concert at the Cabell Hall Box Office. All seats are reserved. Tickets are $22, $15 general, $11 students. 924-6505

McIntire Department of Music Concerts throughout the academic year, including our favorite, jazz-playin' Free Bridge Quintet. Old Cabell Hall. 924.3052

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.

Skyline Harmony Chapter of the Sweet Adelines
A women's chorus that performs several times yearly and rehearses every Thursday at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church. No word on next scheduled performance. info@skylineharmony.org

Tuesday Evening Concert Series
Internationally renowned musicians give performances in Old Cabell Hall. 2011-2012's seven acts include the Alexander String Quartet, Vassily Primakov, the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, among others. Tickets are available two weeks before each concert. Shows begin at 8pm. $5-28. 244-9505

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

Zephyrus
Early music choral ensemble, performing from October to April. 293-5339

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