etc. This seems to be the week for Hollywood shining a bright light into its dark side. On Friday the revelation comes courtesy of the classic film noir Sunset Boulevard (1950), which captures the demise of the silent film genre, along with one of one its most ambitious-but-deluded stars, Norma Desmond (played beautifully, and semi-autobiographically, by Gloria Swanson). The Paramount shows the legendary cinematic drama for a mere 25 cents to kick off its opening weekend on September 8. Treat a date—it’ll still only cost you a mere four bits! 6pm and 9pm. www.theparamount.net.
music It’s a big night for Billys. Pomp your hair, don your leather jacket and pay your respects to The Reverend Horton Heat at Satellite Ballroom on September 10. There’s no better way to spend your Sunday than worshipping with one of the grittiest punkabilly acts around. But you might need to head to confession after indulging in such a sinfully raucous rendezvous with outlandish frontman Jim Heath (a.k.a. “The Reverend”). With Horrorpops. $15, 8pm. 1435 University Ave. 293-7005.
music Oh, it’s so hard to handle: being a rock star, splitting with your beautiful, blonde celebrity wife and trying to top your early platinum albums. (Just ask Tommy Lee and Richie Sambora.) But Chris Robinson, who recently announced his separation from actress Kate Hudson, is keeping the musical (if not the home) fires burning this summer with battlin’ brother Rich and the rest of his hard-rockin’ band The Black Crowes. Catch them at the Charlottesville Pavilion September 9. $31.50-41.50, 7pm. 877-CPAV-TIX.
music Singer-songwriter Vienna Teng calls her brand of music “chamber folk.” It’s an apt description for someone who has studied classical piano since age 5 (and took her stage name from the Austrian city famous for its music heritage), but counts Tori Amos and Sarah McLachlan among her chief influences. Enjoy Teng’s unpretentious vocals, poetic lyrics and wide-ranging musical styles—from jazz balladry and melodic folk-pop to cabaret—at the Gravity Lounge on September 6. 103 S. First St. 977-5590. $10-15, 7:30pm.
etc. Private detective Adrien Brody fights for truth and justice in the new film, Hollywoodland, which opens the Virginia Film Society season on Tuesday. Adapted from the book Hollywood Kryptonite by locals Sam Kashner and Nancy Schoenberger, and produced by UVA alumnus Glenn Williamson, the movie depicts the real-life mystery of the death of TV’s first Superman, George Reeves (played by Ben Affleck). It’s a suspense thriller literally made in Hollywood. Vinegar Hill Theatre, 220 W. Market St. $8, 7pm. www.vafilm.com.