After two years at the University, I finally have found my favorite house on Rugby Road. A place where everyone is welcome, and it is not who you know or how you look at the door that matters.
For once, façade is irrelevant and the sole focus lies on the musical performers who take center stage. There are no Greek letters out front, no white columns extending upward from the ground and it is completely alcohol and smoke-free.
Instead, only a small sign hangs from a wooden staircase that simply advertises, "The Prism, est. 1966."
Located at the corner of Rugby Road and Gordon Avenue, The Prism is a live-music haven that occupies the converted first floor of a small white house. The entrance to The Prism is on the Gordon Avenue side, and is barely noticeable as you walk by. Although the outside attracts little attention, on the inside all eyes are fixed upon the showcase of musicians on stage.
Every Friday and Saturday night, with occasional Sunday and Thursday performances, The Prism plays host to talented acoustic and folk musicians who produce unique world rhythms rarely heard in Charlottesville. Some of their upcoming artists include Pepe Aranda and Solazo, John Cephas and Phil Wiggins and Laurie Lewis and her bluegrass pals. Most of the music tends towards blues, but The Prism also is host to a variety of musical types.
This month alone, The Prism has housed Celtic fiddlers, a classical guitarist and a blues harmonica and guitar duo, to name a few. And the variety of sounds and styles is unlimited, catering to the tastes of just about any music lover.
The Prism is also a non-profit organization with the goal of increasing awareness and respect for both traditional acoustic and folkloric music. Ticket prices for the shows typically range anywhere from $12 to $20 a show (make sure you ask for a student discount), and the money raised goes mainly toward paying for the artist fees. The Prism also has open-stage nights and instrumental workshops from time to time for anyone who would like to attend. Because it is hard to get a large enough turnout to compensate for performer costs, The Prism remains closed on most weekdays.
The feeling inside The Prism is that of having a live musical performance in your very own living room. After entering the foyer of the house where tickets are sold, you move through an open door into the listening room. The planks of the hard wood floor have begun to separate over time and the floor creaks ever so slightly with each step. Finally, you take a seat in one of about 70 wooden chairs tightly packed together.
The musicians sit just in front of the fireplace, surrounded by spectators on three sides only several feet away. The walls are decorated with paintings of trees on plush hillsides, and if you look closely, there is a stuffed Paddington Bear sitting on the rear mantle that makes you feel right at home.
If hunger or thirst creeps up during the performance, the kitchen is only a few steps away. There is black coffee, tea and soft drinks for beverages and homemade cookies for a snack. All the items are self serve, and, as expected in this casual atmosphere, the payments are deposited in unsupervised household bowls which shows a trust that makes you feel that much more welcome.
The comfortable nature of The Prism not only pleases those in attendance, but the performers as well. In the laid-back setting, performers pass on jokes and stories, getting smiles and laughs from the diverse crowd of all ages that represents the true Charlottesville community.
The musicians often will share personal anecdotes from their lives or ideas behind certain songs that gives a personal feel to the show. When the on-stage chatter ceases and the music begins, eyes widen and heads start to nod in synchrony, almost dancing with the beat. When the songs call for it, spectators instinctively begin to tap their feet rhythmically, adding to the intensity that climaxes with the final note. Then there is a simple moment of silence and a slight pause from the crowd. The musicians relax their posture to signal the end of the song, and the start of the thunderous applause and numerous whistles acknowledge the talent being witnessed.
The fact that many students have never heard of The Prism, despite its prime location, shows that it is truly a hidden gem in the University community. Even though I have only known about this venue since the end of last semester, I have no doubt that by the time I move on in a couple of years, The Prism will have made a memorable impact on my time in Charlottesville.
Perhaps the next time you're thinking of heading out to Rugby Road on a Friday or Saturday night, you'll take a chance and choose a truly unique experience in a place where you're always welcome. And at The Prism, no one will make you stand at the door until they can find your name on a list.
Read More
Days on the Lawn gives newly admitted Class of 2028 a taste of Grounds
By Miriella Jiffar and Mia Tan | YesterdayThe annual spring program invites newly admitted students and their families to experience information sessions, resource fairs and tours around Grounds.
The weight of saying “I love you”
By Mai Hukuoka | 3 days agoWhile grand gestures can't fully describe the weight of love, that doesn't mean love has to be small. Love can, and should, feel heavy.
Cooking, my mother’s love language
By Emilie Kim | 5 days agoDespite our different temperaments, my mother and I understand each other perfectly through the language of food.
