“Misconceptions Inside and Outside of our Solar System” is the name of the laser family show to be presented at Horizons Unlimited on Wednesday, July 30.
Show times are at 9:45 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
The Margaret C. Woodson Planetarium invites the community to join the journey through our solar system and beyond. Audiences of all ages will participate in a live Star Safari with storytelling for summertime constellations, enjoy a full dome laser light show set to music, and experience a variety of enrichment activities.
The rainforest, aquarium area, and downstairs exhibits will be open between shows as well. Doors open 15 minutes prior to each show. Admission is $2 per person (all ages). Only cash or checks accepted.
The planetarium is located at 1636 Parkview Circle. Park and enter in the back of the building accessible from Lilly Avenue.
If your group consists of more than ten people, please call ahead. There are 72 seats in the planetarium and audience members are welcome on a first come, first served basis.
Visti www.rss.k12.nc.us/index.php/ Departments/Horizons/category/ planetarium or call 704-639-3004 for details.
During the week of Aug. 6, the planetarium will be undergoing renovation. Thanks to the Robertson Family Foundation, the planetarium will receive a new and improved cove lighting system. This grant makes it possible to bring advanced technology into our special space! Due to this renovation, the Aug. 6 public opening has been cancelled.
GOLD HILL — The annual Historic Gold Hill Ghost Walk will be Saturday, July 26 at 8 p.m. at The Arbor (See directional maps in the Village)
Guided walks $5 (children under 6 free) 840 St. Stephen’s Church Road, Gold Hill, Registration begins at 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Gold Hill Merchants’ Association.
GOLD HILL — Jean-Luc is on his America tour and will be making his return appearance to MRV Friday night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dinner reservations are required. Visit www.morganridgevineyards.com for menu selections.
Patio seating is reserved for WDF or bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a night of music at MRV, located at 486 John Morgan Road. Call 704-639-0911 or visit www.morganridgevineyards.com for details.
The Salisbury Symphony Orchestra will hold auditions for assistant principal second violin and any others who want to be on the orchestra’s substitute list. Music director David Hagy will hear auditions on Sunday, Sept. 7, in the afternoon. Auditions will take place in the Williams Music Building on the campus of Catawba College.
Auditionees will be asked to play a prepared piece of their choice, excerpts of the music director’s choice, and sight-reading.
For a list of excerpts and an appointment time, email music director David Hagy at dhagy@wfu.edu, or write to Audition Information, Salisbury Symphony Orchestra, P. O. Box 4264, Salisbury, NC 28145.
More about the Salisbury Symphony and its 2014-2015 season is available at www.salisburysymphony.org
KANNAPOLIS — Piedmont Dance Theatre’s presentation of the favorite classic Cinderella will be on Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Village Park Amphitheater in Kannapolis.
PDT will be bringing to life a much-loved story in a fresh and different way, putting its usual comedic touches to this production, appropriate for all ages.
The cast is made up of a blend of professional and student artists. Courtney Connor Jones of Cincinnati Ballet will perform the role of Cinderella with her husband Sam Jones, also from Cincinnati Ballet, as the Prince. Matt Stewart, who previously danced for San Francisco Ballet will perform the role of the Prince’s Friend. His wife, also from San Francisco Ballet, Courtney Stewart will perform the role of the stepmother with students Julia Newton and Caroline Jewell of Concord as the Stepsisters.
Other roles being portrayed by students are: The fairy godmother by Briana Winkler of Concord, winter fairy by Anna Blackshear of Concord, spring fairy by Anna Fink of Concord, summer fairy by Hannah Martin of Huntersville, and fall fairy by Kayla Bollenbecker of Mount Pleasant.
No tickets are required. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and a picnic if desired. In case of rain the performance will be moved to the first floor of 163 West B St. The performance is sponsored by Kannapolis Parks and Recreation as part of the 2014 Summer Entertainment Series.
KANNAPOLIS — Join the free outdoor screening of the 1988 comedy fastasy classic “Big,” starring Tom Hanks, on Friday, July 25 beginning at 8:45 p.m. Village Park is located at 700 W. C St. The fild is rated PG. For more information, visit www.cityofkannapolis.com/summerevents
Auditions for Piedmont Players and Salisbury Symphony’s “Les Misérables” Aug. 29 at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., Aug. 30 at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.. Callbacks will be held at 2 p.m. on Aug. 31. Third floor of the Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St.
Only 25 spots per time slot. Auditions by appointment only. To sign up call 704-633-5471. Directed by Reid Leonard and Musical Director David Hagy.
Show dates: Oct. 17-19 at Keppel Auditorium at Catawba College. Tickets available now for PPT and SSO season ticket holders. Public tickets on sale Sept. 2. www.PiedmontPlayers.com
Auditions will be held for principle characters, ensemble and for those interested in being part of the choir only.
Performers should prepare 16 bars from a song in the style of the show and bring sheet music. If only auditioning to be part of the choir indicate that at the time of sign up.
Director and designer: Reid Leonard, musical director and conductor: David Hagy.
For three nights in October, Piedmont Players and the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra are collaborating on remarkable production to be held at Catawba’s Keppel Auditorium that will include more than 100 actors, musicians and choir members on stage simultaneously.
Winner of over 100 international awards and seen by over 65 million people worldwide, Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. In 19th century France, Jean Valjean is released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a life-long struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean’s adopted daughter. His world-view shattered, Javert commits suicide, and Valjean at last attains the peace he has sought for so long.
LEXINGTON — From 6 to 9 p.m. Friday is the third stroll of the season in Historic Uptown Lexington.
In the Conrad & Hinkle square the Reggie Buie Band will play from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bring the kids and a blanket and watch a free outdoor community movie, “Field of Dreams” at 8:30 p.m.
Activities on both ends of Main Street and on West Second Avenue include face painting, Friday night magic, a corn hole tournament, kids’ crafts opporuntities, Wacky Doo the clown making animal balloons, an artist doing tiny portraits in watercolors and James Roach doing caricatures.
Outdoor activities may be impacted by rain or storms; however, many merchants will be open latet. For information call 336-249-0383 or visit www.UptownLexington.com
LSt celebrates the start of Season 7 on July 31. The bar will be open for business and there will be food for purchase from Kabobs! and Butch’s Brisket. Come hang out with us and find out about next season. There will even be a preview of the USO Tribute Show that opens Aug. 7.
The party starts at 5:30 and goes until 8:30 at 329 North Lee Street on the RailWalk. For more on this, see the upcoming story in Sunday’s Salisbury Post.
MOCKSVILLE — White top Mountain Band To Perform at Broadway’s Best — 6 p.m. July 26: Broadway’s Best Theatre Company presents the second in their visiting artists series, the Whitetop Mountain Band, $15 (cash or check only) at the door, online with $2 handling fee. Located at 103 Beechtree Place, intersection of I-40 and Farmington Road, Exit #174 Davie County. Tickets, info at www.broadwaysbest.biz
The 2014 Giordana Crossroads Classic presented by Salisbury-Rowan County Convention and Visitors Bureau will be a six-race six-day individual omnium that will visit five different NC cities. All races will be held in exciting downtown venues. A leaders jersey will be awarded to each race leader throughout the five day series and the All About the Pipes Plumping Sprint Competition will return this year.
Mocksville Criterium: Downtown Mocksville, Tuesday, July 29
Kannapolis Criterium: Downtown Kannapolis, Wednesday, July 30
Salisbury Criterium: Downtown Salisbury, Thursday, July 31
Statesville Criterium: Downtown Statesville, Friday, Aug. 1
Pigs and Pedals Criterium: Asheboro, Saturday, Aug. 2
Race finale: City Park Circuit Race, Salisbury, Sunday, Aug. 3
Artists’ submissions are needed for Rowan Helping Ministries’ 2014 Christmas Honor Card. The artwork should represent Rowan Helping Ministries’ mission “to serve, through cooperative community action, our neighbors in Rowan County who are in crisis, by providing essential life needs and educating and empowering them to break the cycle of crisis.”
• Artwork size can be 5×7, 7×10, 9×12˝ or 10×14.
• Bleed the color outside of dimension chosen to allow for cropping.
• Artist signature should be well inside dimension lines.
• Theme and title of artwork will be the choice of the artist.
• Include artist name, artwork title and medium used on a separate sheet with artwork submission.
• Submission deadline is Aug. 12 by 2 p.m.
One artist’s work will be selected to be featured on the 2014 Christmas Honor Card. The winning artist will have an unveiling reception in their honor as well as being recognized in the Salisbury Post.
For more information, contact Karen Taylor at 704-637-6838 x100 or ktaylor@rowanhelpingministries.org
To submit, bring art to Karen Taylor at Rowan Helping Ministries, 226 N Long St.

Raleigh — On Saturday, Aug. 9 — the 40th anniversary of President Richard M. Nixon’s resignation — the N.C. Museum of History will present the program “Sam Ervin and Watergate: 40 Years Later.” Hear about Sen. Ervin’s time as chair of the Senate Watergate Committee from those who remember this distinguished North Carolinian the best. A panel discussion at 2 p.m. will be followed by a Q&A session. Admission is free.
Sen. Ervin’s grandson, N.C. Court of Appeals Judge Sam J. Ervin IV, will participate in the program, as well as Raleigh attorney Rufus Edmisten, who served as an aide to Sen. Ervin.
Be sure to see the exhibit Watergate: Political Scandal & the Presidency before it closes on Aug. 10. For information call 919-807-7900 or access visit www.ncmuseumofhistory.org
CONCORD — Brand New Opry host its popular Bluegrass concerts this season on Thursdays, Sep. 25, 2014, and January 29 and March 5, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and sell out early for these thoroughly enjoyable evenings of traditional bluegrass, featuring Jeff Whittington, John Culbreath, Pete Corum, Mike Wood and Jason Wood.
The Davis Theatre is located at 65 Union St. S. in downtown Concord in Cabarrus County’s historic courthouse. Audience members get to enjoy the artwork in The Galleries before and after the shows, and performers greet the audience, sign autographs and pose for photos afterward. Tickets are available at http://cabarrusartscouncil.tix.com/ or by phone at 704-920-2753.
SPENCER — For the past eight years, N.C. Transportation Museum Autumn Train Excursions have combined railroading, history, travel, shopping, dining and fun.  This year’s day trip destinations continue that tradition Nov. 1 and 2.  Excursion passengers will experience Civil War history with a trip to Appomattox, Va. Nov. 1 and harvest festival delights during a trip to Toccoa, Ga. Nov. 2.  Tickets are on sale now.
Autumn Train Excursions offer the rare opportunity to take a daylight train trip on vintage rail cars through beautiful countryside.  Trips typically sell out, so those wishing to purchase are urged to act quickly. These one-day trips are presented by the N.C. Transportation Museum Foundation and the Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society and Museum and act as fundraisers for both organizations.
Additional information is available at www.nctrans.org. Those wishing to reserve seats can also call 704-636-2889 ext. 257 or 237.
CHARLOTTE — Kick up your heels with Charlotte’s most exciting dance talent and celebrate National Dance Day on Saturday, July 26, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Wells Fargo Plaza in Uptown Charlotte.
National Dance Day is a grassroots initiative to encourage the nation, young and old, to move. Nigel Lythgoe, executive producer of” So You Think You Can Dance,” created this annual event to promote health and self-esteem through the art form of dance.
Blumenthal Performing Arts will join hundreds of other organizations across the country in hosting an array of participatory dance activities. This free event is open to people of all ages and no prior dance experience is necessary for participation. Rain location will be inside the Wells Fargo Atrium. See more at www.blumenthalarts.org/events
Fathom Events and the Royal Opera House partner again to present the “The 2014/15 Royal Ballet Cinema Season,” offering five specially curated titles from October through May, four of which will be captured live from London.
They start with “Manon” on Thursday, Oct. 16, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” on Tuesday, Dec. 16, “Swan Lake” on Thursday, March 19, 2015 and “La Fille Mal Gardee” on Tuesday, May 5, 2015.
Rounding out the season is Christopher Wheeldon’s beloved “The Winter’s Tale” on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015, which was recorded earlier in the season. Each event in the series features 15 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage including interviews with the performers and specially captured rehearsal elements.
Tickets for the “The 2014/15 Royal Ballet Cinema Season” will go on sale immediately and are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com
The events will be presented locally at Cinemark Tinseltown, 305 Faith Road.
Note: theaters subject to change.
WINSTON-SALEM — The seventh season of the Carolina Summer Music Festival will span the entire month of Aug.. Presented by the Carolina Chamber Symphony Players, the concerts take place in venues all over town.
The festival starts off on Aug. 1 at 11 a.m. with an adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s “Jungle Book” in conjunction with the Peppercorn Children’s Theatre, offering eight total performances at Hanesbrands Theatre.
Aug. 7, at 7:30 p.m.: The Amigos at the Hanesbrands Theatre with special guests the Blue Eyed Bettys and the Peppercorn Players.
Aug. 9 at 4. and 7:30 p.m.: “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: The Jerome Kern Songbook” in the James A. Gray, Jr. Auditorium at the Old Salem Visitor Center.
Aug. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Hanesbrands Theatre: Camel City Jazz Orchestra featuring vocalist Diana Tuffin and dancers Elizabeth Fowle and Jeremy Huggins.
Aug. 17 at 3:00 p.m. at Reynolda House: “Baroque, Tango and Ragtime: The Global Eclecticism of Fritz Kreisler.”
Aug. 18 at 7:00 and 9:00 p.m.: “Traversing: site specific dance and music” at West End Mill Works.
Aug. 23 at Noon: Old Salem Museums & Gardens will host “Star-Spangled Brass” to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner with the Giannini Brass.
Aug. 26 at 7:30 p.m.: “Kairoff and Goldstein at the Keyboard.” at Piedmont Music Center including four-hand favorites.
Aug. 28 at 7:30 p.m.: “An Evening with Piedmont Opera” at the James A. Gray, Jr. Auditorium at the Old Salem Visitor Center. .
Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. : The Ciompi Quartet for “Dvorák’s ‘American’ and more” at Wake Forest University. North Carolina’s premiere string quartet. .
Tickets for “Baroque, Tango and Ragtime” at the Reynolda House Museum of American Art are available at 888-663-114. Tickets and reservations for all other Carolina Summer Music Festival concerts at CarolinaSummerMusicFestival.org or 800-838-3006. Tickets range $5 to $20 with all fees and taxes included in the prices.
Subject to availability, tickets also can be purchased at the door of each venue one hour prior to each concert. Visit CarolinaSummerMusicFestival.org