THURSDAY, October 30
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.

Tam-Lin: Rockfish Valley Community Center theater arts program presents a Celtic Halloween Evening for the entire family with a dramatic retelling of Tam-Lin. The fiery Jennet McKenzie reclaims her ancestral castle and her doomed lover from the eerie fairy host in a rich tapestry of music, poetry, drama, and dance. 8pm. At the Center at 190 Rockfish School Lane, off 151 between Afton and Nellysford behind the Rockfish Valley Ruritan Park. $5 individual, $15 family ticket. 361-0100.

WORDS
Beats jellybeans: The good folks of Cheshire, Massachusetts, presented Thomas Jefferson with a 1200 pound wheel of cheddar cheese in 1801, providing the president with calcium for a lifetime, and Sheri Holman with an excellent title for her new novel about dairy, middle America, family, and independence. Conversation and signing of The Mammoth Cheese at New Dominion Bookshop on the Downtown Mall, 5:30pm. 295-2552.

Voice for the voiceless: Def poetry Jam, as seen on HBO, claims as its muse the bum on the street, the struggle of a queer Asian male, injustice, love, and the inner burning urges of lust. Yow! Featuring Amalia Ortiz, Jason Carney, Shihan the Poet, Reggie Cabico, and Bassey. See it at Old Cabell Hall, 8pm. $5 in advance at Newcomb Hall and Plan 9 on the corner, $7 at the door. 296-3161.

FAMILY
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.

TUNES
Old time banjo & fiddle contest at the Prism: The new fall series, "Strings of Life: Old-Time Music and Culture," continues this evening, with a miniature version of the larger fiddlers' conventions that have become commonplace. Each contestant will play one tune, on banjo or fiddle, and one accompaniment is allowed. $100 top prize in each category, $50 second place, $25 third. Now that's worth getting out the old picker and laying down some good time tunes. $5, 8pm.

Lake Trout with Ulpa at Starr Hill: Lake Trout are back again&emdash;a perennial favorite jam-band, the group just have a way with sound, combining the organic and synthetic with a percussive mastermind. $10/$9 advance, 10pm.

Paul Curreri and Devon Sproule (country-folk) at Ashland Coffee & Tea. $5, 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)

Jan Smith with Joia at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8:30pm.

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

Hard Rock Night: Prom Queen, Bullistic, and Sol Tribe at Outback Lodge. $3, 10pm.

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)

FRIDAY, October 31
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. Pay-what-you-will. Live Arts UpStage, 123 E. Water St. 10pm this week only. 977-4177.

Community arts march: Wear a costume, bring a light, and help Live Arts make its move to its new home with a parade from 609 E. Market St. to 123 E. Water St. Parade at 7pm, ribbon cutting at 7:30pm. 977-4177.

Poetry lounge: This poetry/spoken word performance, 11th in the series, is the first show in Live Arts' new home. With Poetry Lounge House Band Matt B. and Charlottesville's finest artists. 9pm. Pay-what-you-will. Live Arts DownStage, 123 E. Water St. 977-4177.

Tam Lin: See Thursday, October 30. Kids 12 and under in costume, free tonight.

Three by Three for Two Plus One: PVCC offers a performance of dance duets, in which the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions and share in the creative process with the choreographers. A reception follows. 7:30pm. Maxwell Theater, V. Earl Dickinson Building, 500 College Drive. $6-10. 961-5376.

Black Voices: UVA's only contemporary gospel choir performs its fifth annual family weekend concert. 8pm. Old Cabell Hall. $5-10. 924-3984. See Performance Feature.

Knight of the Burning Pestle: Shenandoah Shakespeare presents Francis Beaumont's raucous Elizabethan farce at the Blackfriars Playhouse. 7:30pm. 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $10-26. 540-885-5588.

WORDS
Fall convocation: Middle East scholar and UVA vice provost William Quandt delivers the University Fall Convocation address at 2pm in University Hall. Parking at Central Grounds. 924-3629.

Extraordinary Poetry Lounge: See Performance listing above.

FAMILY
Trick or treat: It's a Charlottesville tradition-- Residents of the historic living quarters on UVA's Lawn hand out goodies to young trick-or-treaters. 4-5:30pm. Free. Lawn/Rotunda.

Haunts: Spirits have taken over Misty Mountain Camp Resort. A Haunted Hayride takes fearless travelers over six years old into the hills for some spine-tingling action. $5. Call for reservations. Rt. 250 west of Crozet. 540-456-6409.

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.

Creepy tales: Folktales and ghost stories form Europe's and America's past will be told in the lantern-lit surroundings of the historic farms at the Frontier Culture Museum. Refreshments, too. Tours start every half hour 7-8pm. $10 adults, $7.50 children 6-12. Not recommended for kids under six. Rt. 250 west in Staunton. 540-332-7850.

Costume party: The Children's Museum of Richmond hosts a hoppin' Halloween party. Treats include a performance by "Funn Club," a pop vocal group of four teenage girls. Trick-or-treating and a costume parade are also part of the fun. 5:30-8:30pm. $3.50. 2626 W. Broad St., Richmond. 474-2667. c-mor.org.

TUNES
Halloween Concert featuring Laura Light and George Paul with Debbie Hunter at the Gravity Lounge: Fiddler and singer Laura light and pianist George Paul perform original songs and traditional tunes-- the two tour nationally as the Avant Gardeners, and are out supporting Light's CDs, No Gravity and Stronger Than Dirt. Best costume receives a free CD. $10, 8:30pm.

CD Release Party-- Joshua Mayo at Mountain View Grill: The pop sensibilities of Joshua Mayo are not in dispute-- the man can write a great song. Only one question remains-- can he dance? Ask him to at his CD release party! Great melody inclined rock. $3. 8pm.

The Taters (original classics) at Ashland Coffee & Tea. $8, 8pm.

Frontbutt (old-school rap) at Outback Lodge. $7, 10pm.

Halloween with fiddler Richard Greene at the Prism. $18/$15 advance, 8 pm

Pianist Quinton Parker (jazz) at Rapunzel's Coffee & Books. Free, 7pm.

Vernon Fisher (romantic side of jazz) at Bashir's Taverna. No cover, 6:30-10:30.

No Gods no Monsters (hard rock) with All of 15 at Jabberwocky. No cover, 10:30pm.

SATURDAY, November 1
ART
Listen up: The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Collection presents author and documentary filmmaker Leah Purcell screening her film Black Chicks Talking, which focuses on a discussion between six Indigenous Australian women. 4pm. Zehmer Hall Auditorium, 104 Midmont Lane. Free, but reservations are required. Call 244-0234.

ART AND WALKABOUT
Studio tour: Nine studios showcase local ceramicists, furniture makers, and other crafty artists during "Hand Made in Virginia," the Association of Virginia Artisans 9th annual studio tour. 10am-5pm. Groumet food at each stop. For directions and contact information, visit virginiaartisans.org. 973-1289.

PERFORMANCE
Much Ado about Nothing: Shenandoah Shakespeare presents a spirited production of the Bard's lighthearted romantic comedy at the Blackfriars Playhouse. 7:30pm. 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $10-26. 540-885-5588.

Instant Coffeehouse: Longtime Live Arts Coffeehouse director/impresario Fran Smith assembles this spontaneous Coffeehouse in the new Live Arts lab space in a mere hour. Open call for performers at 5pm. Performance at 6pm. Live Arts UpStage, 123 E. Water St. Free. 977-4177.

Three by Three: See Friday, October 31. Tonight there's a reception following the performance.

King Lear: Shenandoah Shakespeare presents the Bard's monumental tragedy at the Blackfriars Playhouse. 2pm. 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $10-26. 540-885-5588.

Tam Lin: See Thursday, October 30. Free admission to today's show at 3pm for kids 12 and under in costume.

Grapes of Wrath open rehearsal: Director extraordinaire Betsy Tucker allows a glimpse behind the scenes with an open rehearsal of Live Arts' season-opening main stage show. 2-4pm. Live Arts Downstage, 123 E. Water St. Free. 977-4177.

Live Arts grand opening weekend: The theater's opening weekend festivities continue with an afternoon of free workshops, performances, and classes by Arts Center Ensemble the Improfessionals, Prospect Dance Company, and others. 10am-6pm. City Center for Contemporary Arts, 123 E. Water St. Free. 977-4177.

Choral Showcase: The University Singers, Virginia Women's Chorus, and Virginia Glee Club present their traditional family weekend Choral Showcase, which features all three groups singing selections from their 2003 repertoire, including works by Pärt, Mendelssohn, and Copland. 7pm. Old Cabell Hall. $5-10. 924-3984. See Performance Feature.

Virginia Gentlemen concert: UVA's oldest a cappella group presents its annual family weekend concert which supports The Holiday Sharing Program, providing food and gifts for Charlottesville families during the holiday season. 9:30pm. Old Cabell Hall. $5. 924-3984. See Performance Feature.

WALKABOUT
First Colony Winery winemaker's dinner: Alex Montiel, executive chef of Boar's Head Inn, prepares a five-course dinner paired with First Colony wines. Winemaker Yves Plaisantin discusses the wines with each course. 6:30pm. $75 per person. Reservations required, and seating is limited. 979-7105.

Sangiovese wine tasting at the Monticello Visitors Center: Winemaker Gabriele Rausse conducts a tasting of Monticello Sangiovese wine and other Sangioveses from around the world. 9:30am., Monticello Visitors Center. $10. Registration required. 984-9822.

Charlottesville camera club: Photography workshop on learning from master painters. Presented by Dave Carter, associate professor of psychology at Georgetown University and Jim Steele, named "Photographer of the Year" six times by the Northern Virginia Photographic Society. 1pm-3pm. Northside Library. Albemarle Square. Free.

Montpelier hunt race: An annual celebration of steeplechase racing and Southern hospitality at Montpelier, the Virginia Piedmont estate of President James Madison. General Admission $10 in advance, $15 on race day. Parking fees vary. Gates open 9:30am. First race 1pm. Tickets available at 540-672-0014.

Bird walk: Join Peter Brask of the Monticello Bird Club on a walk at the Ivy Creek Natural Area to see who's staying around for the winter. Meet in the parking lot. Beginners welcome. Free. Earlysville Road. 973-7772.

FAMILY
Happy ending: Halloween's not really over until you smash some pumpkins, which you can do at the Science Museum of Virginia today. Bring your used jack-o'-lantern and watch as it's launched into the air by a medieval siege engine called a trebuchet. Pumpkins are launched at 1, 2 and 3pm. Learn about composting with the sad remains. Plant a pumpkin seed as you look ahead to next year. Find out how to create and care for a worm farm. Tap your toe to the Americana-rock band Jade Suede Shoes. Noon-4pm. Included with museum admission. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.

Will power: Things can get tough with kids "When They Get a Mind of Their Own." Dinah Nieburgh from UVA's Under Fives study and clinic talks to parents on the issue of positive discipline at Gordon Avenue Library. 10:30am-noon. Free. 1500 Gordon Ave. 220-KIDS.

Planting seeds: Johnny Appleseed bounds on stage at The Old Michie Theatre. Hand-carved marionettes perform the American folktale at 11am, 2pm, and 4pm. $5. 221 E. Water St. 977-3690. oldmichie.com.

Up, up, and away: One hundred years ago, Orville and Wilbur Wright flew into the history books with the first powered aircraft ever flown. The Virginia Aviation Museum is hosting a symposium with replicas of the 1903 Wright brothers' flyer and other early designs, and discussions about the history of aviation and how the Wrights got their plane off the ground. 9:30am-5pm. Included in museum admission. 5701 Huntsman Road. 804-236-3622. smv.org.

No place like home: The yellow brick road leads to Burnley Moran School this weekend for the Jefferson Youth Theatre production of the Wizard of Oz. The musical adaptation features all the usual munchkins and a surprising wizard. 5pm. $6. Rt. 250 near Free Bridge. 249-2803.

Haunts: See Friday, October 31.

Headless horseman rides again: See Friday, October 31.

Creepy tales: See Friday, October 31. Tours today every half hour 6-8pm.

TUNES
Acoustic Charlottesville at the New Live Arts DownStage: Another round of Acoustic Charlottesville rears its pretty head at its new location, the New Live Arts Building. See locals Stratton Salidis (intelligent/off beat songwriting), Andy Waldeck (pop hooks), Greg Allen with Grasping at Laws (acoustic flow), and Neuronimo (your guess is as good as mine) as they make everything a little more "glocal." Free. 8pm.

Paul Curreri and Devon Sproule at Rapunzel's Coffee & Books: Country-folk/blues/pop lovers Curreri and Sproule return to the Ville, just in time to give us the dose of doe-eyed looks, sweet harmonies, and tricky guitar we so desperately need in these dark days of approaching winter. $5, 7:30pm.

Sam Bush with Jackass Flats at Starr Hill: New Grass Revival legend Sam Bush brings his old tyme sounds to Starr Hill. Bush's last CD was 2000's Ice Caps : Peaks Of Telluride, a disc of a few of Bush's live performances from the '90s. $20/$18 advance, 10pm.

Dixie Power Trio (New Orleans jazz/cajun) at Ashland Coffee & Tea. $5, 8pm.

Left Foot Braking at Miller's. $3, 10:30pm.

Betty Gone Bad (originals/classic rock covers) at Bistro 151 in Nellysford. No cover, 9:30pm.

This Means You (rock) at Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.

Jimmy Crowley (ballad singer) at the Prism (live WTJU broadcast). $14/$12 advance, 8pm.

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

The Dawning: Day Of The Dead Festus: costume contest and giveaways at Tokyo Rose. $5, 10:30pm.

SUNDAY, November 2
ART AND WALKABOUT
Open studios: See Saturday, November 1.

PERFORMANCE
Tartuffe: Shenandoah Shakespeare presents a new production of Moliere's comic masterpiece in the Blackfriars Playhouse. 2pm. 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $10-26. 540-885-5588.

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.

UVA Jazz concert & jam session: Jazz performed by faculty and students, as well as an open jam session. Guest participation invited. 2pm. Old Cabell Hall. Pay what you can. 924-3984.

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.

FAMILY
No place like home: See Saturday, November 1.

Headless Horseman rides again: See Friday, October 31. 3pm today.

Creepy tales: See Friday, October 31. Tours today every half hour 6-8pm.

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

The George Turner Trio with vocalist Lori Derr at Gravity Lounge. $5, 7;30pm.

MONDAY, November 3
PERFORMANCE
LiveArts Playwright's LAB: This twice-monthly playwriting workshop is designed to give new and seasoned playwrights an environment to develop and refine original works. Meets the first and third Monday of every month. 6:30pm. Live Arts, 123 E. Water St. Free. 977-4177 x100.

WORDS
Vroom vroom: Man's best friend-- dog or bike? Parisian expat Gregory Edmont signs copies of Spotted in France, an account of traveling France with a Dalmatian and a scooter. Noon at new Dominion Bookshop on the Downtown Mall and 5:30pm at Vespa, 900 Preston Ave. 973-8268.

Bully!: Theodore Roosevelt's term (1901-8) marks the birth of the modern presidency. So says UVA Professor Sidney Milkis in a 7pm lecture at the Newman Pavilion, Miller Center. 2201 Old Ivy Road. 924-0875.

Prolific Prose: Author Francine Prose discusses "reading fiction" as the secret to writing great fiction and non-fiction alike. UVA Bookstore, 8pm. 924-1073. See Words Feature.

WALKABOUT
Elders talk: Traditional medicine people offer wisdom on living from the heart. Free. 7pm. Room 108 Clark Hall, UVA. 975-9941 or home.earthlink.net/~ldmaring/Gathering.html.

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)

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 4
WALKABOUT
Talking circle: Meet and talk to Native American elders in the social hall of Thomas Jefferson Memorial Unitarian Church, 717 Rugby Road. 7pm. 975-9941 or home.earthlink.net/~ldmaring/Gathering.html.

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.

WORDS
View haloo: Rita Mae Brown reads from her third foxhunting book, Full Cry, at Barnes & Noble Bookstore. 7pm. Barracks Road shopping center. 984-0461.

American portrait: From baseball to the Amish, and Faulkner's Mississippi to cowboys, National Geographic photographer William Albert Allard has been capturing America for the magazine for 35 years. He speaks tonight at PVCC's Maxwell Theater at 7:30pm. 500 College Drive. 961-5203.

TUNES
Richard Shindell at Starr Hill: Acoustic performer Shindell has been releasing intelligent folk albums since the mid-'90s, singing his songs of devotion and wit in his strong country-tinged voice. $12/$10, 9pm.

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)

Vernon Fisher (mellow jazz) at Shebeen. No cover, 7-11pm.

WEDNESDAY, November 5
PERFORMANCE
Still Life with Donuts: UVA's Hereford residential college presents a screening of a documentary about Charlottesville's Belmont neighborhood. Local filmmakers Mark Edwards and Mary Michaud will be on hand to answer questions following the screening. There will be a supply of Spudnuts (the fabulous doughnuts of the documentary's title) to enjoy along with the movie. 7:30pm. Runk Dining Hall, Hereford Residential College, Stadium Road. Free. 982-4873.

Much Ado: See Saturday, November 1. Tonight's performance is pay-what-you-will.

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

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.

King Lear: See Saturday, November 1. Today's show is an early-bird special, guaranteed to start your day off on a high note. 10:30am!

WALKABOUT
Charlottesville astronomical society: UVA Astronomy gurus talk on instrumentation projects. 6.45pm, McCormick Observatory, McCormick Road. Free. 957-4231.

Power games: An experimental workshop on power in society. Sponsored by the Charlottesville Center for Peace and Justice, this 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. November 8, 1-5pm. Joshua Tree, 2125 Ivy Road. Suggested donation: $15. Today's the last day to register. 961-6278.

WORDS
Prolific Prose: Francine Prose reads from one or more of her many bestselling books. UVA Bookstore, 8pm. 924-1073. See Words Feature.

FAMILY
Fly away: A flight instructor from Charlottesville Flight Center zips into Gordon Avenue Library to talk about sailing off into the wild blue yonder. Kids ages six and up will have the chance to be a Wright brother and make a flying machine of their own. 4pm. Free. 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.

TUNES
Richard Shindell (acoustic folk) at Ashland Coffee & Tea. $10, 8pm.

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

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

Blue Dogs with Monticello Road at Outback Lodge. $8,10pm.

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

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

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

Jeremy Harris at Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. No cover, 10pm.

The Impossible Trio featuring John D'earth at South Street Brewery. No cover, 10pm.

THURSDAY, November 6
ART
Levittown?: Sponsored by the McIntire Department of Art, Dianne Harris lectures on "Constructing Identity: Race, Class and the Ordinary Postwar House, 1945-60." 6pm. UVA's Campbell Hall Room 160. 934-6122.

Stoned: UVA's ArtSpace Committee opens "Recent Works by The Virginia Stone Carvers Guild," an exhibition of sculptures by eight artists, with a reception 5-8pm. Newcomb Hall Art Gallery. 924-3286.

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

Court Square Dancers: This group of women who perform traditional English garland, stave, hankie, and ribbon dances hold a 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.

Tartuffe: See Sunday, November 2. Tonight's show is at 7:30.

FAMILY
Fly away again: 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.

WALKABOUT
Dreams don't lie: Len Worley talks about how to prevent the loss of truth in your dreams and bring the truth into everyday life. 7-9pm. Free. Ivy Commons Family Chiropractic. 293-2779.

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.

TUNES
Hard rock night: It's Thursday once again, and you know what that means-&endash; another HRN at Outback Lodge. Courcelan, Hobson's Choice, and Races to April 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 heaps of folks hereabouts. $10/$8 advance, 10pm. See Tunes Feature.

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)

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.

Upcoming and Ongoing:
FAMILY
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 goes crazy: 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.

Last week for farmers' markets: Scottsville Farmer's Market is open for the last time Thursday 4pm-dark, under a tent in Scottsville's town Park. 823-7878.

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.

The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA Rummage Extravaganza: Daily through Sunday, November 2, 11am-7pm. The sale is at the old Moore's Lumber building on Pantops. 295-2915.

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.

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.

ART LIST
Rick Moore's "Thoughts from My Summer," a series of abstract watercolors, is on display at C'ville Coffee Co. through November 30. 1301 Harris St. 817-2633.

The C&O Gallery shows Tamra Kirschnick's "Paintings" through October 31. Cynthia Burke's exotic oil paintings of animals will follow and continue November 4-30 (two percent of sales benefit The Wildlife Center of Virginia). Next door to the C&O Restaurant, 511 E. Water St. 971-7044.

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. Also at the museum, "Purple with Love's Wound," Tim Rollins' collaboration with K.O.S. (Kids of Survival), middle-school students from the South Bronx, will be up until November 9. 155 Rugby Road. 924-3952. See Art Feature.

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.

Jesse Colvin's pencil and tempera paintings continue at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church only through November 2. 717 Rugby Road. 293-8179.

"Up Close," paintings by Eugenia Rausse, ends October 30 at the New Dominion Bookshop. 404 E. Main St. 295-2552.

Rick Cocke's work is at the Mudhouse just two more days-- October 30 and 31. 213 W. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 984-6833.

At Mountain Art Gallery through Friday, October 31, Karine Nguyen-Tuong's "Walls of France." 107 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. karine@karinephoto.com.

Photographer Doug Dertinger exhibits his "HOMEFRONT/wonderworld" at the Fayerweather Gallery through October 31. Rugby Road. 924-6123.

Paintings by Gloria Mitchell are up only through Friday, October 31, at The Artful Lodger, 1807 Seminole Trail. 970-1900

Hullihen Williams Moore's exhibit of Shenandoah photography is in place at the ArtSpace gallery on the third floor of Newcomb Hall through November 2. The photos are to be published by the University of Virginia Press. "Recent Works by The Virginia Stone Carvers Guild," an exhibition of sculpture by eight artists, opens November 3 and runs through January 9.

The 2003 Fringe Festival will put $ in your eyes with exhibits accompanying the Virginia Film Festival, including Aboriginal art pieces from the Bula Bula Collective, through November 1 at the former IGA building, McIntire Road, across from the Omni Hotel. fringe festival@hotmail.com. 242-3265.

At the Art Upstairs Gallery, "Impressions of Umbria," paintings by Betty Gore, are on view through October 31. Above the Hardware Store Restaurant, 316 E. Main St., on the Downtown Mall. 923-3900.

John J. Trippel exhibits new work at City Centro Café through Friday, October 31. 323 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 996-2655.

"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.

Paintings by Darrell Rose are on display at Spencer's 206 through Friday, October 31. 218 W. Water St. 295-3080.

The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection displays "Whichaway? Photographs from Kiwirrkura 1974-1996" by Jon Rhodes, and "Sacred Circles: The Tingari Cycle in Western Desert Art" through November 1. Opening November 7. "Kulam Kannga (Beginning): New Work from the Lockhart River Art Gang," plus "Photographs of Lockhart River" by Kerry Trapnell. 400 Peter Jefferson Place, off Rt. 250 east at Pantops. 244-0234.

"Fluid Emotion," an exhibit of gigantic paintings by Jamie McLendon, is now on display at Gravity Lounge. 103 S. First St. 977-5590.

The McGuffey Art Center's show of work by artist Vee Osvalds, painter Caroline Cobb, mixed-media sculptor Andy Faith, and collage artist Rhonda Roebuck is winding down to end Friday, October 31. Beginning November 4, paintings by Leon Gehorsam, Susan Patrick, and Ann Friend Clark will be on view. 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973.

Amy Mitchell Howard is on display at BozArt through November 3. 211 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. 296-3919.

Transient Crafters presents "Reflections and Illusions," the kaleidoscopes of Tom Ramsden, through Friday, October 31. 118 W. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 972-9500.

At Les Yeux du Monde at Dot 2 Dot, catch paintings, prints, and sculpture by Bill Fisher, David Freed, and Ami Oliver-- all artists featured in the film Long Art by David Williams, which was screened at the Virginia Film Festival. Russ Warren's "From the Sketchbooks" are also at Les Yeux, but only through Friday, October 31. 115 S. First St. 973-5566.

Betty Brubach's pastel and oil portraits of members of families displaced by the creation of the national park are on display in an exhibit called "Children of Shenandoah," on view through October 31 at the Queen Anne Bed and Breakfast on Main St., Stanardsville. 985-4832.

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.

The Baker Gallery at Woodberry Forest School features the paintings and sculpture of John Lynch in an exhibition entitled "Applied Metaphysics," through October 31. North of Orange on Route 15. 540-672-3900.

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.

Danette Zirkle exhibits "Tell Me About the Rabbits," an exhibit she describes as "bunnies, critters, and country scenes" in acrylic, until November 1 in the Bank Building in Harrisonburg. The corner of Market and Mason streets in Harrisonburg. portrait@shentel.net.

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.

Vidu Palta's "Recent Paintings," a show of still lifes and the natural world depicted in oils, runs through October 31 at Caffé Bocce. "New Views, New Landscapes," an exhibit by Meg West goes up November 1. 330 Valley St., Scottsville. 286-4422.

FEATURES/FEATURES/FEATURES
ART
Re-collection: Huyghe's Dog Day distillation
By Laura Parsons ART@READTHEHOOK.COM

In the 1970s, an ad campaign featuring scat-singing Ella Fitzgerald, a cassette tape, and a shattering glass posed the question, "Is it live or is it Memorex?" The suggestion was that second-hand sound could accurately re-create the original impact. But is memory ever that precise?

This question is the jumping-off point for French multi-media artist Pierre Huyghe, whose video installation "Third Memory" is currently on display at the University of Virginia Art Museum. The winner of the Guggenheim Foundation's prestigious Hugo Boss Award, Huyghe's work examines how collective memory can create and re-create a narrative of a historical moment, where ultimately fact and fiction become fused.

"Third Memory" revolves around the 1972 real-life bank robbery by John Wojtowicz that became the subject of the 1975 film Dog Day Afternoon. Using black-and-white poster-sized blow-ups, Huyghe displays the original New York newspaper coverage of Wojtowicz's audacious crime juxtaposed with a subsequent "step-by-step" magazine article that served as the inspiration for the screenplay, the title page of Frank Pierson's 1974 movie script, and a post-release Dog Day Afternoon critique by Wojtowicz himself, writing from jail.

Nearby, a TV monitor plays a loop of The Jeanne Parr Show, in which the host interviews Wojtowicz's once-male-now-female lover, whose desire for a sex-change operation was Wojtowicz's criminal motivation. During the show, the fact emerges that Wojtowicz's earnings from Dog Day Afternoon actually funded the transsexual's surgery. The conversation is intercut with jailhouse footage of Wojtowicz retelling the story of his relationship with Ernie Amos, now Liz Eden.

Huyghe's exploration gains further complexity with the revelation that Eden has been advised by her psychologist to disassociate herself from her homosexual past with Wojtowicz. In essence, she is to erase her memory and create a new life narrative.

The final piece of Huyghe's layered work is an elongated split-screen video presentation that places clips from Dog Day Afternoon alongside clips from a staged re-enactment of the robbery, as recalled by Wojtowicz over 25 years later. Now gray and portly, the ex-con plays himself as he directs and feeds lines to the much-younger actors on a crisp, clean, and clearly fake set.

During the re-enactment, Huyghe keeps visible "the man behind the curtain," cutting away to reveal the camera, dolly, and lighting apparatus-- all of which serve to make the video's final few frenetic seconds of single-screen, grainy footage from the original crime that much more startling.

Pierre Huyghe's "Third Memory," installed in conjunction with the Virginia Film Festival, is on view at The University of Virginia Museum through November 30. 155 Rugby Road. 924-3952.

WORDS
Prolific Prose: Word for today: irreverence
By ELIZABETH KIEM WORDS@READTHEHOOK.COM

The aptly named Francine Prose is every striving writer's role model and secret nightmare. David Sedaris loves her; pompous English professors hate her. She's been considered for a National Book award, received a Guggenheim grant, and been selected by National Geographic to add Sicily to its "Directions Series" itinerary. Her credentials are overshadowed only by her extraordinarily prolific and diverse output.

Francine Prose's latest works include a Mediterranean travelogue, a critically acclaimed satire of sexual politics in academia, a thriller for pre-teens about school violence, and an "erudite little meditation" on gluttony, referencing Petronius and stomach stapling. This writer's range of interests is gold if you're planning a cocktail party… and a tall order when you're organizing a book signing.

"We will have multiple copies on hand of Women and Children First, The Lives of the Muses, Household Saints, Hunters and Gatherers, Blue Angel, Gluttony, and After," promises Scott Burnet of the UVA bookstore, which hosts Prose for a talk on Monday, November 3, and a reading on Wednesday, November 5.

Blue Angel, Prose's tenth novel, is a comedy that takes its cues from the inanities of political correctness, mid-life crises, and academic rivalries. The story of an aging English teacher and the ingenue who lights up his Quad, Blue Angel begins with a bad student story of a dead chicken rape and gathers absurdity from there. A polemic against puritanical campuses and a mean lampooning of writer's block, this is a novel for readers who dig Saul Bellow and Woody Allen but need a woman's wit as well.

The story is informed by Prose's own experience as a veteran writing workshop lecturer and teacher. Like any good writing instructor, Prose selects her fiction topics based on her own expertise; her collection of novellas, for example is called Guided Tours of Hell, which isn't to say that Prose is a depressive (the stories are actually about American girls abroad), but that she leads her readers with an authoritative voice.

In her non-fiction work-- on topics ranging from Sicily to sin and from tabloid journalism to New Age spiritualism-- Prose is perhaps less personally invested, but always inventive, irreverent, and wry… and there's nothing so good as irreverent Prose.

WALKABOUT
At home: Visit studios, see how it's done
BY SOPHIA COUDENHOVE WALKABOUT@READTHEHOOK.COM

You could call it the artisan's equivalent of the slow food movement. Where foodies campaign for taste over convenience, the Association of Virginia Artisans invites visitors to gain a new appreciation of their work by taking the time to visit artistans at their studios.

On Saturday, November 1, and Sunday, November 2, 23 artisans at nine Charlottesville and Albemarle studios will open their doors to the public. Visitors will be invited to look at their wares-- and in many cases watch them being made-- while enjoying food from emporia ranging from C&O to Feast. Think of it as a Western souk, with a scenic drive between each shop and bread and cheese in lieu of tea and baklava.

The studios are spread across the county, with stops in Ruckersville, Stanardsville, and Charlottesville. For some art lovers, it's an excuse to explore the environs, while others will delight in the gastronomic interludes. Doubtless there are also some whose greatest pleasure will be in seeing a cabinetmaker's tools.

The artisans themselves admit that the tour is a great incentive for them to clean their studios. But on a more artistic note, the tour provides visitors with a vivid picture of art being produced here.

From Meredith Bennett's hand-woven wool rugs at Fernhill furniture (studio 6 , off Buffalo River Road), to Chuck Pinnell's custom bags, belts, and chaps at studio 7, in Crozet, there is an enormous variety of things to see. Mary Rouse shows kaleidoscopes, boxes, and jewelry at Noon Whistle Pottery, and John Casteen makes custom furniture using locally harvested wood.

For some of the artisans, the tour will provide an opportunity for serious sales, but for others it's simply an attempt to let their neighbors know what they're doing.

"Blaise's least expensive item is $1,000, and people won't necessarily drop that on the spur of the moment," says Cali Gaston, who greets visitors at her husband Blaise's studio in Earlysville. "We see it more as a connection with the community."

For potters and jewelry-makers whose crafts are often less expensive, the tour can be considerably more lucrative.

The nine studios on the tour are open 10am-5pm Saturday, November 1, and Sunday, November 2. They are The Noon Whistle Pottery in Ruckersville and Stanardsville; Jaeger & Ernst Cabinetmakers at the old train depot at Burnley Station; Mud Dauber Pottery in Earlysville; Blaise Gaston Studio, Earlysville; Fernhill Furniture, Earlysville; Pinnell Studio, Crozet; the Barnswallow Gallery, Crozet; and Vivian's Art to Wear, Art for Living, on the Downtown Mall. Nearly all the studios will be hosting several artisans and their work, and all plan to serve food.

For a map of studios on the tour, see virginiaartisans.org or call 985-6500.

FAMILY
Up to date: Website has the scoop on kids
BY LINDA KOBERT FAMILY@READTHEHOOK.COM

Culminating as it does in the wildest, craziest, kids-just-wanna-have-fun night of the year, October is a very busy month for the folks at AlbemarleKids. That's why Charlottesville's on-line source for everything to do with children chose this month to launch their all-new, redesigned, completely up-dated, where-to-find-all-the-coolest-things-to-do website.

Searching for events or day trips, parks or classes, and area schools or clubs just got easier thanks to a more user-friendly navigation bar that offers all the options right up front.

"It's all brutally simple to use," said AK managing editor Jennifer Bryerton, who admits that the earlier site was a bit cumbersome. "Now, one click gets you where you want to go."

Throughout the site, the colors are brighter, the titles are catchier, and the energy couldn't be higher with contests and drawings for give-aways all month long. (Check out the photos of fierce and friendly jack-o-lanterns from the pumpkin carving contest. If you're fast, you can even get one of your own in before the October 31 deadline.)

There's plenty of new stuff to explore, too… like the Coffeehouse message board where parents can post a burning question and exchange ideas with other parents of toddlers to teens.

More than just a list of all the public and private schools in the area, the School Connections page also includes pretty much everything that's happening at any public school in both local districts: board meetings, calendars, special meetings, fundraisers and fairs… you name it. The Volunteer Bulletin offers suggestions for family-focused community service as well as specific events and opportunities taking place around town.

The Newcomers page is a resource I wish had been around when I arrived in town. In addition to offering lots of ways to explore the local territory, there's a list of 17 critical facts about Charlottesville, including explanations of "the Lawn," "the Corner," the correct pronunciation of "Rio Road," and #1: "The most popular man in town is Thomas Jefferson. You will do well to quote him often and refer to him with the greatest respect."

(Other similarly valuable information for newcomers can be found on The Hook's website, readthehook.com.)

AlbemarleKids is getting a lot of respect these days, too. For the second year in a row, the organization (which also publishes a quarterly print publication) has won an Outstanding Achievement Award from Parent's Guide to Media, a national organization that evaluates children's and parenting media. They're also the first web-based publication to be admitted to Parenting Publications of America, a national industry organization.

These honors are no surprise to users of the site; AlbemarleKids is one handy little resource.

Access the AK website at albemarlekids.com. AK magazine in print form is published seasonally and is available free at kid spots around town. A weekly email newsletter is also available. Sign-up is on the AK home page.

PERFORMANCE
Truce: Town & gown, bury that hatchet!
BY STEPHEN BOYKEWICH &endash; PERFORMANCE@READTHEHOOK.COM

Of all the social conflicts that have threatened to pull this country apart over the last 227 years, one is more deeply-rooted, more insidious, more divisive than all the rest. It has turned neighbor against neighbor, destroyed homes and lives. We can keep trying to pretend it doesn't exist, or we can name it and look for ways to heal.

Are you ready to face it with me? It's the fight between community theater and university vocal performance.

We know what's at the bottom of it. Too many options for the local arts connoisseur and too few weekend hours. Take our little town, this very weekend: an avalanche of festivities for the grand opening of the new City Center for Contemporary Arts (C3A) at 123 E. Water St., and at the same moment, a spate of Family Weekend concerts by UVA's finest vocal ensembles. What community can withstand that kind of strain?

Ours, my friends. In every crisis lies an opportunity. Now is the time for UVA parents to bust rhymes at a Saturday afternoon Poetry Lounge Workshop. Now is the time for haggard Belmont lifers to shake the walls of Old Cabell Hall with the Hoos' alma mater.

Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1, every local performance group from Live Arts to the Improfessionals will take the stage at C3A. At the same time, every UVA vocal group from Black Voices to the Glee Club will take the stage on Central Grounds. But we don't have to let it divide us.

Listen to the hope in the voice of UVA Choral Director Michael Slon, describing the moment in Saturday night's Choral Showcase when 150 singers from three groups will join together in Aaron Copland's "The Promise of Living":

"It's one of those tremendously affirmative choruses. It's a great testament to the tremendous potential we have here."

Slon's not just talking about undergraduate extracurriculars.

And when Mayor Maurice Cox praises C3A, the new $4 million home of Live Arts, Second St. Gallery, and Light House-- the result of "phenomenal thinking outside the box"-- he's not just talking about architecture.

Just this once, friends, let's lay our prejudices down. Can't we celebrate a great university and a great new arts center hand-in-hand? Can't we realize that we're all on the same side?

And if not, how are we going to justify the traffic?

UVA's Family Weekend concerts include Black Voices on October 31 at 8pm, the Choral Showcase on November 1 at 7pm, and Virginia Gentlemen on November 1 at 9:30pm. Ticket prices range from $5-10. All performances at Old Cabell Hall, UVA Central Grounds. 924-3984.

C3A's Grand Opening Weekend runs from October 31 at 7pm to November 1 at 11pm. Guided tours, performances, workshops, and classes happen all day Saturday. For individual event listings, see Performance Calendar or call Live Arts. All events are free. 123 E. Water St. 977-4177.

TUNES
Genre swapping: The Slip get kinky
BY MARK GRABOWSKI TUNES@READTHEHOOK.COM

Remember those old Philosophy 101 questions? You know, like, if you copy your brain, and put it in someone else's body, is the new you a new you or the old you?

The present incarnation of the jazz/jam band The Slip, which will perform at Starr Hill on November 6, features none of its founding members&emdash;so now our philosophical question has a musical theme: If you take a band and expose it to the usual stresses of the modern way of life-&endash; hunger, cold, roving packs of wolves howling by the van door-&endash; and over a period of a few years all the original members of the group leave in a staggered fashion, is it still the same band?

Or are we now faced with something akin to Slip Starship?

At least for The Slip, this question is pretty easily answered-&endash; Slip Version 1.0 was a classic rock cover band, and after some major reshuffling of members, Zep and Skynyrd are now the furthest things from the band's collective mind. Playing originals that run the gamut of sleepy acoustic instrumentals to wacked-out jazz fusion rockers, The Slip V 2.0 is, without question, an improvement on the original.

Made up of bassist Marc Friedman, drummer Andrew Barr, and guitarist/vocalist Brad Barr, The Slip meander enough to keep lovers of the jam happy, but have enough pop sensibilities to keep the less rustic of us in the groove as well. Presently touring for their fifth and sixth albums, alivelectric and aliveacoustic-- both live offerings from the band released this year-- The Slip's last studio production was 2002's Angels Come On Time, a jam album for the rest of us.

Combining jazz and blues, instrumentals and vocal numbers, Angels Come On Time pointed in a slightly different direction for groove-based music to go, taking a bit of the best parts of a number of different genres and birthing something really new.

"Poor Boy" from aliveacoustic is a southern influenced acoustic rocker in the theme of CCR. Simple and direct, it's possible to imagine John Fogerty ripping through it, though probably making a bit more noise than singer Barr.

"Torque," off the same album, is a half pop/rock, half-jazz guitar number, until the addition of what sounds like calypso drums. "If One of Us Should Fall" from alivelectric does feature plugged-in instruments, but not much in the way of rocking-&endash; the song is a nice, if slow, pop number, slightly reminiscent of something from the indie-pop group Built To Spill's catalogue.

"Happy Snails," also off the latter album, is a shaker-inclined little tune, where muted bass fights for supremacy with electric guitar picking as the song wanders in concentric circles before its eventual fade.

Changing styles like other bands change clothes, The Slip has something for everyone-- if you like music, that is. If not, I guess you're just reading this column for the witty prose, and that's all right, too.

The Slip performs with Homemade Bread at Starr Hill November 6. $10/$8 advance, 10pm.