Roundabout: What's happening

Blazin' Blues Bob

The Oakboro Cruise-in is back.

La Boheme is being presented by Opera Carolina.

Thistledown Tinkers

Piedmont Players presents Sweet Bird of Youth. Ryan Miles, Bill Greene, Lori Van Wallendael and Lynn Harrell. Photo by Jon C. Lakey, Salisbury Post.

Music and more

Rowan County Concert Association-"Hank Williams and My Honky Tonk Heroes" — 3 p.m., Jan. 24. Keppel Auditorium, Catawba College. Adult $20, student $5. www.rccamusic.com. 704-633-1474.

UNCC Faculty and Friends Concert — 8 p.m., Jan. 22. Featuring music of Mozart and Schubert. Anne R. Belk Theater, Robinson Hall. $9 public, $7 seniors, $6 students. 704-687-1849. www.performances.uncc.edu.

Van Cliburn gold medalist Haochen Zhang — 8 p.m., Jan. 22. Central Piedmont Community College Halton Theater, presented by Charlotte Concerts. 704-330-6534. www.charlotteconcerts.org.

Opera Carolina "La Boheme" — 8 p.m. Jan. 23; 2 p.m. Jan. 24; 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28; 8 p.m. Jan. 30. Belk Theater, Blumenthal performing Arts Center, Charlotte. 704-372-1000. www.operacarolina.org.

Mozart Birthday Concert at School of the Arts — 7:30 p.m., Jan. 23, Watson Chamber Music Hall, UNCSA, Winston-Salem. Featuring faculty artist Joseph Robinson, oboe. $12 adults, $10 seniors and students. 919-619-9027.

George Strait and Reba McIntyre — 7 p.m. Jan. 23. Greensboro Coliseum. www.ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.

United States Marine Saxophone Quartet — 7:30 p.m., Jan. 27. Watson Hall, UNC School of the Arts, Winston-Salem. Free. www.uncsa.edu. 336-734-2872.

A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute: Donizetti's "Maria Stuarda" (Mary Stuart) — 8 p.m. Jan. 27 and 29; 2 p.m. Jan. 31. Stevens Center, Winston-Salem. $10-$20. www.uncsa.edu. 336-721-1945.

The Salisbury Symphony Orchestra presents the North Carolina Symphony, William Henry Curry, conductor, "Visiting Vienna" — 7:30 p.m., Jan. 30. Music by J. Strauss II, Schoenberg and Schubert. Keppel Auditorium, Catawba College, 2300 W. Innes St. Adults $20, seniors $17, students $6, children $4. 704-637-4314. www.salisburysymphony.org.

Phil Lesh and Bob Weir with their band Furthur, Winter Tour — Feb. 10. Bojangles Coliseum, Charlotte. www.livenation.com. 800-745-3000.

Theater

Tennessee Williams' "Sweet Bird of Youth" Piedmont Players Theatre — 7:30 p.m., Jan. 21-23 and 27-30; 2:30 p.m. Jan. 24. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St. 704-633-5471. www.piedmontplayers.com.

"The Aluminum Show" — 7:30 p.m., through Jan. 31, Knight Theater, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Charlotte. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

"Annavel and the Funny Little Man: a Rumplelstiltskin Tale" — Davidson Community Players Children's Theatre with The Connie Company in collaboration with the Davidson College Department of Theatre — 4:30 and 7 p.m. Jan. 22; 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. Jan. 23; 12:30, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. Jan. 24. Barber Theater of Cunningham Fine Arts Building, 310 N. Main St., Davidson. $7. Reservations encouraged. 704-892-7953.

Theatre Charlotte: Neil Simon's "Biloxi Blues" — Jan. 28-31, Feb. 3-7. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday. 501 Queens Road, Charlotte. 704-376-3777. www.theatrecharlotte.org.

Woody Sez: The Words, Music and Spirit of Woody Guthrie — Feb. 2-21. Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. $19.50. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

Comedy

Jerry Seinfeld — Two shows, 7 and 9:30 p.m., Jan. 22. Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte. 800-745-3000.

Dance

NC Dance Festival — 8 p.m. Jan. 29 and 30. Belk Theater, Robinson Hall, UNC-Charlotte. $14 general admission, $9 seniors, $6 students. 919-619-9027.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater — Feb. 9-14. Knight Theater, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Charlotte. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

Festivals

Merlefest — April 29-May 2, Wilkesboro. www.merlefest.org. 800-343-7857.

Classes

Horn workshop with Frank Portone — 4-5:15 p.m., Jan. 22. Hoke Hall, Catawba College. Free. Information: bsang@catawba.edu. Free yoga classes, Artemesia Artworks, 323 W. Harrison St. — Jan. 23. 8-9:30 a.m.-Om Shanti Yoga; 9:45-11 a.m.-Yoga for Dancers; 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.-Yoga for Kids and teens. 704-637-7193. www.artemesiayoga.com.

Life Drawing I — 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 2-March 9, Waterworks Visual Art Center. Ages 18 through adult. Students will draw from nude models. Instructor: Don Moore. Call Waterworks for material list before first class. $100 member/$120 nonmember. 704-636-1882. www.waterworks.org.

Wheel Pottery — 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 2-March 9. Waterworks Visual Art Center. Instructor: Brenda Gariepy. All materials included. $100 members/$120 nonmembers. 704-636-1882. www.waterworks.org.

Painting Outside the Box — 6:30-8:30 p.m., Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4,11. Ages 14 through adult. Bring your oils, pastels, watercolors, acrylics and learn to think of subjects in a painting as a shape with many tones and colors rather than an object and watch your paintings glow. Any skill level. Instructor: Phyllis Steimel. $75 member/$90 nonmember.

Favorites Designers' Secrets interior design seminar — 6-9 p.m., Feb. 16-March 16. 1211 Old Concord Road. $150 includes materials. Pre-registration required. $25 discount if you sign up by Feb. 1. $200 package includes a personal consultation for your home or project. 704-855-2741. annesimpkins@ctc.net.

Rowan-Salisbury History course — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 4 through May 6, Rowan Museum. $25 for members of Historic Salisbury Foundation or Rowan Museum, $30 for non-members, $20 for newcomers. Educators get continuing education credits. Limit of 65 seats. 704-636-0103.

Middle Eastern drumming classes with Abu Zouz — 7-8:30 p.m. first and third Wednesdays in February, March and April. Six class session-$50. Drums available to borrow in class, or rent or purchase to take home. Artemesia Artworks and Yoga Studio, 323 W. Harrison St. www.artemesiaartworks.com; www.kalimatribal.com.

Introduction to the Art of Mosaic — 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Jan. 30. Instructor: Robert Crum, 116 E. Council St. $150 fee includes supplies, tools and lunch. Space limited. Payment must be received at least one week in advance. 704-310-0382. crum@robertcrumfineart.com.

This & That

Waterworks' 5th annual Oyster Roast and Pirates Treasure Chest Raffle — 6:30-11:30 p.m. Waterworks/F&M Trolley Barn, 123 E. Liberty St. $65 per person, includes food, drinks, entertainment. Adults 21+ only. 704-636-1882. www.waterworks.org.

Oakboro cruise-ins — 5 p.m., fourth Fridays. Burnout at 9:30 p.m. 704-467-4992. www.oakborocruisein.com.

Night life

The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. — 9-11:30 p.m. Jan. 22: Thistledown Tinkers, no cover; 9-11 p.m. Jan. 23: Blazin Blues Bob, no cover. 704-797-0093. www.thebluevine.com.

Brick Street Tavern, 122 E. Fisher St. — Open mic 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays starting 9:30 p.m. Performers of all types welcome-sign up as you arrive. 704-637-6047. www.thebrickstreettavern.com. .High Rock Boat & Ski Club, 257 Boat Club Lane — Jan. 22: deejay Butch Metcalf; Jan. 23: deejay Curtis Treece. Monday Night Football specials. Deejay every Friday and deejay or band every Saturday. 704-633-0251.

The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 — Closed Jan 23. 704-213-1467. www.inntheloop.blogspot. com.

Old Stone Vino, 515 S. Main St., Kannapolis — 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays: guitarist, singer, sogwriter Marty DeJarnette; 6 p.m. to closing Fridays and Saturdays-guitarist Sam Havens plays flamenco and light jazz. 704-938-2337.

Singles

Piedmont Singles — Meets 7:15 p.m. Fridays, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Jan. 22: Nancy Coddin and Ann Morris (Tinker Bell and Ding a Ling), local bell ringers, will perform. Covered dish. No joining fee, donations appreciated. Contact Frances Ward 704-637-3241.

Highlighters Dance Club — First and third Fridays. Doors open 7 p.m., free line dance class 7:15 p.m. Open to singles 40 and over. Dress code. Heavy hors d'oeuvres served 8 p.m. BYOB. $10 members; $12 guests. Join for $20 and get in free the first night of joining. Non-smoking, dressy casual. American Legion Post 380, 4235 W. Tyvola Road, Charlotte. 704-948-3873 or 704-504-3135. ssendecki@aol. com.

Zodiac Club — No dance Jan. 22. Next dance Jan. 29.

Call for artists

Student art contest for Davidson County "Battle Against Cancer" campaign — Open to middle and high school students in Davidson County schools. Deadline: Feb. 26. Details: 336-249-2742. www.co.davidson.nc.us/arts.

Bluegrass musicians — Bluegrass jam open to all Saturdays at Dixie's Roasting Co., 102 S. Main St., China Grove. 704-857-9169.

Chris Austin songwriting contest, hosted by Merlefest — Submission deadline Feb. 18. www.chrisaustinsongwritingcontest.org.

Rockwell Museum photography contest for middle and high school students — Deadline Feb. 14. Theme: "Health and Wellness Activities in Rockwell, NC." Exhibit 2-4 p.m. Sundays in March. Details: 704-279-5783 or 704-279-5783. www.rockwellnc.gov.

Art About Women at Full Circle Arts, Hickory — Open to artists 16 and over. Up to three pieces may be submitted. Intake Jan. 21-23. Details: www.fullcirclearts.org.

Auditions

Catawba Community Music Children's Chorale (ages 7-14) and Youth Chorale (high school age) — Auditions for spring semester beginning in January. 704-637-4345. www.catawba.edu/communitymusic.

Amadeus Youth Chorus, ages 8-18 — No audition required, all interested young people invited to register. Meets 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thurdays, February to mid-May, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Tuition-$25; shirt-$15. Directed by Dr. Phillip Burgess and Sarah Fuller Hall. For information call the church, 704-633-3221, or email sfhall@carolina.rr.com.

Piedmont Prime Time Community Band — Accepting new members through Feb. 4. Meets 7 p.m. Thursdays in the fellowship hall of Blackwelder Park Baptist Church, Main Street, Kannapolis. Band director Jon Hutchinson: 704-425-3508.

Art

Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St. — Gallery open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Groups may arrange guided tour. 704-636-1882. www.waterworks.org.

Pottery 101 — Gallery hours 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. 101 S. Main St. 704-209-1632.

Southern Spirit Gallery, 102 S. Main St. — Fine art, pottery, wearable textiles, jewelry, stained glass. Open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. 704-633-0761, southernspiritgallery@yahoo.com.

Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409 N. Lee St. — Nine artist studios and shared gallery space. Open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and whenever the green "open" flag is out. 704-431-8964. www.railwalkgallery. com.

Looking Glass Artist Collective Gallery, 407 N. Lee St. — Current exhibit: art by area middle and high school students and teachers. Shop featuring art and crafts for sale by members open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, noon-4 p.m. Saturday, and during special events. 704-633-ARTS. www.salisburyartists. org.

Creators Gallery at John Calvin Presbyterian Church, 1620 Brenner Ave. — Exhibit of art by Barbara Richmond. 704-633-4333.

Museums

N.C. Transportation Museum, Spencer — Exhibit-"The World Aloft-1908: The Year the Airplane Went Public." Museum open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Train rides Saturday 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. $6 adults, $5 children ages 3-12 and seniors ages 60 and up. Roundhouse Turntable rides at $1. Group rates available with advance notice. 704-636-2889 or 877-NCTMFUN. www.nctrans.org.

Rowan Museum, 202 N. Main St. — Museum is 1854 courthouse that survived Stoneman's raid. Displays and interpretive exhibits reflect life and history of Rowan County. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $3 adults, $1.50 students, free museum members. 704-633-5946.

Utzman-Chambers House, 116 S. Jackson St. — Open 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 704-633-5946.Dr. Josephus Hall House, 226 S. Jackson St. — 1820 house museum features furniture and decoratives from Hall family and others. Costumed docents provide tours. $3 adults, $1.50 students, free to members of Historic Salisbury Foundation. For group tours, call HSF office, 704-636-0103.

Old Stone House, Granite Quarry — Open 1- 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 704-633-5946.

Historic Rockwell Museum, 102 E. Main St. — Museum open Sundays 2-4 p.m. and by appointment. For information call Ann Teague: 704-279-5783.

China Grove Roller Mill Museum —Guided tours 2-4 p.m. second Sunday of each month. Museum is operated by Historical Society of South Rowan. For special tours call 704-433-3912. www.hist-society-srowan.com.

Historic Gold Hill,NC/Gold Hill Mines Historic Park — 19th Century Living History Interpretations and educational tours weekends April-October and weekdays by appointment. Interpretative displays reflect life in the 1800s gold mining boom town. Village merchants and interpreters dressed in period costume weekends. Free admission. www.HistoricGoldHill.com. 704-279-5674, 704-267-9439.

Fort Dobbs State Historic Site, 438 Fort Dobbs Road, Statesville — 704-873-5882. www.fortdobbs. org.

Mill Village Museum, Old No. 14 Church St., Cooleemee — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Large groups by appointment. Operated by Cooleemee Historical Association. 336-284-6040. Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte — Family-friendly activities 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Regular admission is$6 adults, $5 students and seniors, $3 children 6-12, 5 and under free. Free admission Sundays. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. 704-568-1774. www.charlottemuseum.org. Historic Latta Plantation, Sample Road, Huntersville — Museum hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. $6 adults, $5 seniors and students, free for children under 5. www.lattaplantation.org. 704-875-2312.

Historic Rosedale Plantation, 3427 N. Tryon St., Charlotte — Civil War National Register Federal house built circa 1815, excellent example of backcountry NC federal period architecture. Originally part of a 911-acre plantation. $5 adults, $4 students and seniors. Groups of 10 or more $4 per. Guided tours 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. 704-335-0325. www.historicrosedale. org.

Charlotte Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Road — Focus on activities for ages 8 and younger. $5. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. 704-337-2671.

Discovery Place, Charlotte — New IMAX films: "Jane Goodall's Wild Chimpanzees" and "Lost Worlds: Life in the Balance." Museum open 9 a.m-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. 704-372-6261 or www.discoveryplace.org.

The Schiele Museum of Natural History, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia — Museum hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday -Saturday , 1-5 p.m. Sunday. $4 adults, $2 students, seniors 704-866-6900 or info@schielemuseum.org.

Old Salem, Winston-Salem — 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 12:30-5 p.m. Sunday. $21 adults, $10 children. 336-721-7300 or www.oldsalem.org.

The North Carolina Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh — Through July 5: "Barbie - Simply Fabulous at 50," free. 919-807-7943. www.ncmuseumofhistory. org.

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh — Museum admission is free. 919-733-7450. www.naturalsciences.org.

N.C. Museum of Life and Science, 433 Murray Ave., Durham — $10.85 adult; $8.85 seniors 65 plus and military personnel with ID; $7.85 children age 3-12; free for children age two and younger. Train rides additional $2.50 per person, ornithopher rides $1. 919-220-5429, www.ncmls.org.

Children's Museum of Winston-Salem, 390 S. Liberty St. — Museum hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. $6 adults and children. 336-723-9111 or childrensmuseumofws.org.