After a two-year re-construction project, the University of Virginia’s architectural centerpiece and Thomas Jefferson brainchild The Rotunda, reopens this weekend and will be open on regular schedule Monday, September 26. The UNESCO World Heritage site is one of many things you can take in among the fall colors in Charlottesville.
I usually feature destinations outside the U.S., but as a UVA graduate, I couldn’t resist this one. In keeping with my musical theme, I’ll add that the Dave Matthew’s Band got its start here, and – shameless namedropping – I made the acquaintance of violinist Boyd Tinsley in my college days. I used to hang out at his fraternity, Sigma Nu, where he played in monthly coffee houses. I also once saw former Jefferson Airplane guitarist Jorma Kaukonen play blues at a local club; after his gig, he swung by Sigma Nu to jam with some of the best musicians at the coffee house. On another night, I also played a short set with some TKE fraternity brothers, so I can boast of having played the same stage as Tinsley and Kaukonen.
On a visit two years ago, I also stumbled on to a Gypsy Jazz night at the downtown C & O Restaurant. It’s still going on every Tuesday from 10:30/11:00 until around 1 with the Olivarez Trio. Their music covers Jango Reinhardt, East European styles and much more. See samples of a live performance and a Hungarian medley below. Their website is http://rick-olivarez.squarespace.com/.
I usually feature destinations outside the U.S., but as a UVA graduate, I couldn’t resist this one. In keeping with my musical theme, I’ll add that the Dave Matthew’s Band got its start here, and – shameless namedropping – I made the acquaintance of violinist Boyd Tinsley in my college days. I used to hang out at his fraternity, Sigma Nu, where he played in monthly coffee houses. I also once saw former Jefferson Airplane guitarist Jorma Kaukonen play blues at a local club; after his gig, he swung by Sigma Nu to jam with some of the best musicians at the coffee house. On another night, I also played a short set with some TKE fraternity brothers, so I can boast of having played the same stage as Tinsley and Kaukonen.
On a visit two years ago, I also stumbled on to a Gypsy Jazz night at the downtown C & O Restaurant. It’s still going on every Tuesday from 10:30/11:00 until around 1 with the Olivarez Trio. Their music covers Jango Reinhardt, East European styles and much more. See samples of a live performance and a Hungarian medley below. Their website is http://rick-olivarez.squarespace.com/.
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