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Bach's Lunch Concert Series in May and June
(through May 23)
Christ Episcopal Church
Christ Episcopal Church of Charlottesville continues the Bach’s Lunch Concert Series – that’s Bach’s spelled B-A-C-H-S – at noon on Thursdays in May and June. On May 23rd, Three Notch’d Road Baroque Ensemble will perform, and on the 30th, it's the Skyline Harmony Chorus. The concerts are free and open to the public. Christ Episcopal is located at 120 West High Street. Their parking lot is at the corner of 1st and Jefferson. Direct your questions to Steven Layman via e-mail to slayman2528@comcast.net.
Public info meeting on Bypass southern interchange
(through May 23)
Virginia Department of Transportation
The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a citizen information meeting on Thursday, May 23rd, to allow the public to review and comment on three design concepts for the southern interchange of the proposed Route 29 Charlottesville Bypass project -- the so-called "Western Bypass." The meeting will be held from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.at the Holiday Inn, 1901 Emmet Street, and will be in an open forum format. The public will be able to speak with VDOT staff and others who can answer questions and provide information about the design concepts. No formal presentation will be given. For more information, call VDOT at 1-800-367-7623.
Talk by author Virginia Pye on Family Stories
(through May 23)
WriterHouse
WriterHouse will host a talk by Virginia Pye, author of River of Dust, Thursday, May 23rd, at 7 p.m.,on the subject of
"Family History Untold: How to Build a Fictional Universe from One That's Been Passed Down." Family stories often rattle around in our minds for years or even decades before we are ready to bring them to life in our writing. The author will talk about how to determine which stories are worth exploring, and using family facts as inspiration for new and surprising creations. Free and open to the public. WriterHouse is located at 508 Dale Avenue, behind the Preston Avenue Bodo's, in Charlottesville. For more information, go to writerhouse.org, or call 434-296-1922.
"Family History Untold: How to Build a Fictional Universe from One That's Been Passed Down." Family stories often rattle around in our minds for years or even decades before we are ready to bring them to life in our writing. The author will talk about how to determine which stories are worth exploring, and using family facts as inspiration for new and surprising creations. Free and open to the public. WriterHouse is located at 508 Dale Avenue, behind the Preston Avenue Bodo's, in Charlottesville. For more information, go to writerhouse.org, or call 434-296-1922.
Three Notch'd Road in concert in Staunton & C'ville
(through May 24)
Three Notch'd Road Baroque Ensemble
Three Notch’d Road: The Charlottesville Baroque Ensemble presents Sacred Mysteries on Friday, May 24th, at 7:30 p.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church in Staunton and on Saturday, May 25th, at 7:30 p.m., at Christ Episcopal Church in Charlottesville. Organist Christopher Jacobson and countertenor Ian Howell join Charlottesville's period instrument ensemble for works of Bach, Biber, and Pachelbel. Tickets are available at the door. For more information, call (703) 587-0483, email info@tnrbaroque.org, or visit tnrbaroque.org.
Concert by the Wiyos and Half Circles
(through May 25)
Arts Council of the Valley
The Arts Council of the Valley presents a concert by the Wiyos and the Half Circles at Harrisonburg's Court Square Theater on Saturday, May 25th, at 8 p.m. The Wiyos were one of the first “old-timey” bands to emerge on the national scene in the first wave of acoustic bands riding the renewed popularity of early swing jazz, rural folk, old-time blues and Appalachian music. Half Circles is an Indie Folk/Indie Rock band from Harrisonburg. For tickets and other information, go online to valleyarts.org.
Hike to White Rock Falls
(through May 26)
Sierra Club
The local chapter of the Sierra Club will sponsor a lovely wildflower-filled walk to White Rock Falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway on Sunday, May 26th. This is a moderate-to-easy hike of about 3 miles. Bring water and insect repellent. Meet to car pool at Barracks Road Shopping Center by the Barnes and Noble bookstore at 2 p.m. For more information, or if the weather looks questionable, call 434-295-1395 for details.
Glass Cutting Lessons Each Saturday
(through May 27)
Blue Ridge Beads & Glass
Each Saturday from 2:00-3:00 p.m., artist Jerry O'Dell demonstrates and teaches participants the mechanics of glass cutting. This lesson takes place at Blue Ridge Beads & Glass in Crozet and is free of charge. Space is limited to 5 people, so call 434-823-4237 to reserve a spot or if you'd like further information.
Open House
(through May 28)
WriterHouse
WriterHouse will be holding its Spring Reading and Open House on Tuesday, May 28th at 7:00 p.m. Writers who participated in the spring class session will read brief selections of fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Enjoy refreshments and socializing with other writers during intermission and after the event. Open houses are a great way to meet other writers and find out about WriterHouse. The event is free and open to the public. WriterHouse is at 508 Dale Avenue in Charlottesville, behind the Preston Avenue Bodos. For more information, go to writerhouse.org or call 434-296-1922.
Charlottesville City Council Candidates' Environmental Forum
(through May 29)
Piedmont Group of the Sierra Club
Organized by the Piedmont Group of the Sierra Club, the Charlottesville City Council Candidates’ Environmental Forum will be held Wednesday, May 29th from 7 to 9pm at City Hall’s City Council Chambers. All City Council Candidates are expected to attend. For additional information or submission of suggested forum questions, contact Jessica at jag5sa@virginia.edu.
Volunteer for Peace Corps
(through May 30)
Peace Corps
Make your resume eight thousand miles long by serving in the Peace Corps. They have rewarding work opportunities around the world in education, health, agriculture, environment and business. The Peace Corps is a 27-month commitment that will change your life and the lives of others. You can make a difference and the time is now. Apply by May 30th to be living and working overseas by next spring. Learn more about the benefits of Peace Corps at PeaceCorps.gov.
African-American Heritage Sites & Rte 29 Bypass
(through May 30)
Jefferson School African-American Heritage Center
On Thursday, May 30, Cinder Stanton, Dede Smith and Erica James will present a post-civil war history of the African American communities of Hydraulic, Webbland and Cartersburg in Albemarle County. These historic sites are within the area proposed for the Route 29 Western Bypass. This event takes place at 7 p.m. at the Jefferson School African-American Heritage Center. For more information, call 434-296-8673, or email engineer1950@comcast.net.
Jefferson Area Veterinary Medical Association's class on kids and pets
(through May 30)
Jefferson Area Veterinary Medical Association
Congratulations – You’re expecting! Did you know that babies bring new sights, sounds, and smells for your pets, as well as different schedules and routines? It's important to prepare for the changes ahead. The Jefferson Area Veterinary Medical Association is offering a class about how to keep kids and pets safe and happy together, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 30th at Tabor Presbyterian Church in Crozet. For more information and to learn more about keeping your pets healthy, visit javma.net.
Host an orphan this summer
(through May 31)
Project 143
Would you be willing to invite an orphan to visit with your family this summer? Project 143 [one forty three] gives orphans the opportunity to leave their orphanage for the summer and visit an American host family. If you are willing to be an orphan's family this summer, contact Project 143 at 720-263-7143 or visit projectonefortythree.com. Because 143 million orphans worldwide need you, consider hosting an orphan this summer with Project 143.
Help C'ville Parks & Rec build trails at Ragged Mountain
(through May 31)
Charlottesville Parks and Recreation Department
On Saturday June 1st, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., staff from the Charlottesville Parks and Recreation Department will host a work day to replace trails at Ragged Mountain Natural Area during construction of the new dam. The work will ensure that the new trails will be ready for public use when the dam is complete and the Natural Area re-opens. Volunteers are needed to help with this project. The City will provide tools and gloves, as well as light snacks and water. Those interested in working on this important project should call 434-970-3656.
Two openings celebrated at Kluge-Ruhe reception
(through May 31)
Kluge-Ruhe Collection
The Kluge-Ruhe Collection in Charlottesville is pleased to announce the re-opening of the exhibition Past Forward in its main galleries on May 31st after two months of renovations in the museum’s art storage spaces. Coinciding with this re-opening is the opening reception of a new exhibition titled Black Prints from Cicada Press at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 31st. You're invited to come for hors d’oeuvres and wine to celebrate both openings. For information, call 434-244-0234.
SPCA $5 Cat Adoption in May
(through May 31)
Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA
Five Dollars can buy you a fancy latte, a Subway sandwich, a deck of playing cards or a whole lot of love at the SPCA! This May, adopt any SPCA cat for five dollars. The Five Dollar Feline package includes services normally costing hundreds of dollars: spay/neuter, age appropriate vaccinations, deworming, FIV/Felv testing, an office visit from participating vets, a bag of Science Diet cat food, an animal behavior CD and a lifetime of priceless love and companionship. What a deal! The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA is located at 3355 Berkmar Drive in Charlottesville. For additional information, visit caspca.org or call 434.973.5959.
Day-long program on Pueblo Culture of Mexico
(through June 01)
The Smithsonian Associates
The Smithsonian Associates in Washington, D.C., is offering a day-long program on Saturday, June 1st, entitled "The Pueblo Culture Takes Root in the American Southwest." You will spend the day learning about how humans in Mexico turned a wild grass into maize and transformed life in the Americas. The presentation is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Smithsonian Ripley Center. For ticket and other information, go to smithsonianassociates.org or call 202-633-3030.
XtremeFest of the Blue Ridge in Waynesboro
(through June 01)
Waynesboro Parks and Recreation Department
Come explore the many adventure sports activities in Waynesboro at XtremeFest of the Blue Ridge on Saturday, June 1st from 10am to 5pm at Constitution Park. Climb on the mobile climbing wall, try out a kayak on the South River, take a guided hike, jump on the air bungee trampoline, marvel at the high flying BMX stunt show, register for giveaways, and enjoy great food and fun for the whole family. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or want to try something new and exciting, this event provides a great opportunity to get families together, outside and exploring activities that promote a healthy, active lifestyle. This event is free of charge. For additional information, call 540.942.6735 or visit waynesboro.va.us.
Eight swing bands in benefit concert
(through June 01)
Nursing Home Swing
Nursing Home Swing, a local non-profit, provides live swing jazz music for people living in nursing homes in the Charlottesville area. NHS will have a benefit concert featuring 8 swing bands on Saturday June 1st, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Our Lady of Peace, on Hillsdale Drive in Charlottesville. For further information, please phone 434-973-3956.
Quilt exhibit at Rockfish Valley Community Center
(through June 01)
Rockfish Valley Community Center
The Rockfish Valley Community Center in Afton is hosting an exhibit of quilts by the Nelson Quilters and the Loose Threads Quilters with an opening reception for the artists on Saturday, June 1st, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. The Nelson Quilters and the Loose Threads Quilters are both chapters of the Charlottesville Area Quilters Guild that is an “umbrella” organization for five groups of quilters in Charlottesville area. For more information about their June exhibit, go online to rockfishcc.org or call 434-361-0100.
Spring Craft Show at Monticello Weslyan Church
(through June 01)
Monticello Weslyan Church
The Spring Craft Show at Monticello Wesleyan Church, on Earlysville Road in Charlottesville is scheduled for Saturday, June 1st, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be local crafters and vendors, and you can buy baked goods, food and raffle tickets. All proceeds go to the church's Mission Fund.
Call 434-286-3955 with questions.
Call 434-286-3955 with questions.
2nd Street Gallery Decoration/Destruction group exhibit
(through June 01)
2nd Street Gallery
2nd Street Gallery is pleased to present Decoration/Destruction its first group exhibition since 2010. Each of the artists included on this exhibition use traditional porcelain vessels as the inspiration for work that ranges from sculpture to painting, photography and video. Decoration/Destruction will be on view at Charlottesville’s 2nd Street Gallery, located at 115 2nd Street Southeast, from April 5th through June 1st. Visit secondstreetgallery.org or call 434.977.7284 for additional information.
Sock Hop at Carver Recreation Center
(through June 01)
Charlottesville Parks & Recreation
Charlottesville Parks & Recreation will present a Sock Hop on Saturday, June 1st, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the newly renovated Carver Recreation Center. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite 50's attire such as poodle skirts, monogrammed sweaters, or saddle shoes. The event will also feature contests with prizes for the best dressed and craziest socks, as well as a dance-off competition on stage. The program is open to anyone ages 3 and above. The whole family is welcome at this night of 50's fun!
Pre-registration is highly recommended as there are a limited number of tickets available. To register online, please visit charlottesville.org/parksandrec, or call 434-970-3053.
Thing New York and EcoSono Ensemble perform
(through June 01)
The Bridge PAI
You're invited to come to The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative on Saturday, June 1st, at 8 p.m., for an evening of contemporary chamber music by Thing New York and Charlottesville’s own EcoSono Ensemble. Thing New York will present their experimental opera Jeff Young and Paul Pinto, Patriot. EcoSono Ensemble will perform music with an environmental focus. The Bridge PAI is located at 209 Monticello Road, Charlottesville. For ticket and other information visit thebridgepai.com.
Movie Screening
(through June 03)
The Alliance Francaise
The Alliance Francaise will show a free screening of Mona Achache's "Le Herisson" on Monday, June third at 6:30 p.m. at the Downtown Library in Charlottesville. "Le Herisson" is adapted from Muriel Barbary's novel L'elegance du Herisson. (In English - The Elegance of the Hedgehog.) Follow philosophic 11-year-old Paloma as her elegantly enigmatic neighbor inspires her to question her pessimistic view of life. There will be a brief discussion of the film afterwards. For more information, contact Nathalie Pincham at director@afcville.org or visit afcville.org.
Art21 Screening and Discussion Series: Structures
(through June 06)
Piedmont Council for the Arts
Learn about contemporary art at a film screening called “Structures” sponsored by Piedmont Council for the Arts on Thursday, June 6th from noon to 1:30pm. Part of Art21’s award-winning documentary series, the screening and discussion of “Structures” will take place at CitySpace, located at 100 5th Street Northeast on Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall. This event is free and open to the public. To learn more, visit charlottesvillearts.org.
Fundraiser at Castle Hill Cider for CUSA
(through June 07)
Charlottesville & University Symphony Orchestra
Denim & Diamonds, a fundraiser for the Charlottesville & University Symphony Orchestra, will take place on Friday, June 7th at Castle Hill Cider in Keswick. The evening kicks off at 6 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres accompanied by a quartet performing against a backdrop of the Blue Ridge mountains. A slow-cooked barbecue buffet will be followed by a live auction. Vintage country music served up by The Duke Merrick Band will round out the evening. Patron tickets must be reserved in advance. For tickets or more information, call the symphony office at 434-243-2513.
Exhibit of paintings by Rebecca McIntire
(through June 07)
Eunoia/The Garden
A reception will be held Friday, June 7th, from 7 to 9 p.m., for the opening of an exhibit of paintings by Rebecca McIntire entitled "Spirit Reflections." It will be at Eunoia/The Garden on Jefferson Park Avenue in Charlottesville. The exhibit dates are June 1st to the 14th. For more information, go online to BeautifulThinking.org, or call 434-977-8743.
Tour Grace Episcopal Church and farms of eastern Albemarle Co.
(through June 08)
Grace Episcopal Church
Have you ever wondered what lies beyond those beautiful gates and fences along Routes 22 and 231 in eastern Albemarle County? Find out on Saturday, June 8th, at the 4th annual Historic Grace Church Farm Tour. Spend a day in the Keswick Hunt Country for a first-hand look at some of the farms. In addition, there will be demonstrations, a country fair, and historic Grace Episcopal Church will open its doors to visitors. Originally built in 1742, Grace is considered one of the most beautiful, historic churches in Virginia and counts Thomas Jefferson among its early vestry members. The gates will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information, including how to purchase tickets, visit gracefarmtour.org.
Virginia Renaissance Fair open in Spotsylvania
(through June 10)
Virginia Renaissance Faire
The Virginia Renaissance Faire is open for its 12th year, on weekends until June 10th, with historical fun and merriment. Set on the grounds of Lake Anna Winery in Spotsylvania, the Faire is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM, rain or shine. Featured are period costume, shopping, music, hands-on historical crafts and re-enactments, archery, and jousting displays for children and adults, as well as food and drink. For ticket and other information, a list of weekend themes and directions, visit the website at VaRF.org or call 703-508-5036.
Discussion of 25 years of Aboriginal Art in U.S.
(through June 11)
Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection
The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection at the University of Virginia is hosting a moderated discussion marking the origins 25 years ago of interest in aboriginal art in the U.S. Entitled “After the Dreamings - 25 Years of Australian Aboriginal Art in the U.S.,” the discussion features Françoise Dussart and Wally Caruana on Tuesday, June 11th, at 7 p.m. Reservations are required. Please call 434-244-0234 or email kluge-ruhe@virginia.edu .
Free acupuncture treatments offered to Military
(through June 13)
Acupuncturists Without Borders
A free Acupuncture Clinic for Military personnel and their families, including veterans and reservists, is being offered Tuesday mornings from 9:30-10:30 in the Sanctuary at The Haven on Market Street in Charlottesville. Treatment has been shown to relieve symptoms of trauma and stress. Please arrive by 9:30 a.m., and be prepared to RELAX. The service is provided by Acupuncturists Without Borders; check them out at acuwithoutborders.org. Call Cali Gaston at 434-960-8464 with questions.
Meals on Wheels needs volunteers
(through June 25)
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels is looking for weekly and “on-call” substitute drivers as well as meal packers for its home delivery meal program in Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Crozet and Scottsville. They deliver over 275 lunchtime meals each weekday to homebound neighbors unable to cook for themselves. Your commitment could be as little as 1 hour per week from 11 am to 12 noon. For more information call 434-293-4364 or email keith@cvillemeals.org or visit cvillemeals.org