music The sweltering heat of late August is the perfect time for some cool jazz. James “Saxsmo” Gates is just the guy to deliver the goods. The performer and adjunct professor at the University of Richmond has played with some of the greats, including Dizzy Gillespie, The Temptations and Marvin Gaye. And we think anyone who adopts the sax as his middle name must know how to bring it. Catch him with his quartet, Saturday, August 26. $3, 10pm. Fellini’s #9, 200 W. Market St. 979-4279.
etc. Before school (groan) starts, there’s time for one more night of family fun. Charlottesville Parks and Recreation invites you to its End of Summer Bash. The evening includes a late family swim at Onesty pool from 5pm to 7pm, a jumping good time in the Moonbounce from 7pm until dark and then a showing of animated feature film Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. It all happens at Meade Park. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy a carefree night before the homework begins. 970-3298.
kids Hot potato! That wacky foursome from Australia, The Wiggles, has entertained children around the globe, and now Greg, Murray, Jeff and Anthony, along with Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog and the whole gang, bring their live show, “Wiggledancing,” to the John. Two shows Thursday, August 24, at 3pm and 6:30pm. $17.50-34.50. John Paul Jones Arena, corner of Emmet Street and Massie Road. 888-JPJ-TIXS.
music Laid-back, groovin’ blues trio G. Love & Special Sauce bring their special brand of jam to the Pavilion. Fusing funk, hip-hop and soul in their just-hanging-around sound, the 13-year touring veterans know how to chill you out. G. Love (a.k.a. Garrett Dutton, vocals, guitar, harmonica) released his latest album, Lemonade, earlier this month. Drink in the mellow sweetness. With co-headliners STS9. Sunday, August 27. $22-27, 7pm. Charlottesville Pavilion, Downtown Mall.
877-CPAV-TIXS. www.charlottesvillepavilion.com.
music Bio Ritmo calls itself a salsa machine. And with a nine-piece ensemble, we don’t doubt its horsepower. Heavy on the brass, the band conjures the old school, soulful sound of ’70s salsa. Come out and try your sultriest moves or just listen to and watch the experts. Friday, August 25. $8-10, 9pm. Satellite Ballroom,
1435 University Ave. 293-7005. www.satelliteballroom.com.
