Festivals
Let’s Get Connected Day ó 10:45 a.m.-1 p.m., May 16. Dan Nicholas Park, 6800 Bringle Ferry Road. Music in Stanback Outdoor Theater with Resurrection Brass Providence AMEZ Men’s Chorus, Bethel UMC Choir. Circle of Prayer at noon, dedication of Peace Pole at 12:30 p.m. near the carousel. Free food in Shelter # 6. Sponsored by the Covenant Community Connection, sub-group of the Salisbury Rowan Human Relations Council. 704-636-6119.

6th annual Cleveland Spring Festival ó 10 a.m.-9 p.m., May 16, Cleveland Town park. Entertainment, crafts, food games, rides. Hot air balloon launch at 5:30 p.m. 704-278-4777.

Race City Festival, Mooresville ó 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 16. Along Main and Broad Streets. Free. Entertainment will include the band 23-19 playing at 11 a.m. Over 200 vendors, entertainment, children’s area . www.mooresvillenc.org.

Old Time Fiddler’s and Bluegrass Festival 2009 at Fiddler’s Grove ó May 22-24. 1819 Memorial Hwy., Union Grove. 828-478-3735. www.fiddlersgrove.com.

Stawberry Festival in Historic Gold Hill ó May 30. 704-279-5674.

Annual Memorial Week Celebration at J.C. Price American legion Post 107 ó May 25-31. Entertainment, food, midway rides. 704-640-1893.

Music and more
George Strait ó May 15, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Charlotte. www.livenation.com.

St. John’s Men’s Chorus “How Can We Keep From Singing!” ó 4 p.m., May 17. St. John’s Lutheran Church sanctuary. Also flutist Sonya Ferguson and St. John’s handbell choir. Free. Offering will be received on behalf of Rowan Helping Ministries.

Ramseur Records Showcase ó May 22. Bombadil, Paleface, Samantha Crain, Jim Avett. Doors open 8 p.m. $10. Visulite Theatre, 1615 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte. 704-358-9200. www.visulite.com.

Joyfest at Carowinds ó May 23. Featuring Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Tye Tribbett, Smokie Norful. www.ticketmaster.com. 704-522-6500.

Timmy and Susanna Abell ó Traditional storytelling and music, 7 p.m., May 23 for “Stories Under the Stars” at Kannapolis Branch Library. 704-920-4343. www.cityofkannapolis.com.

Brad Paisley ó June 5, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Charlotte. 877-598-8698. www.livenation.com.

Theater
“Crowns” Piedmont Players ó 7:30 p.m. May 14-16 and May 20-23; 2:30 p.m. May 17. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St. $15 adults, $12 students and seniors, $11 groups of 20 or more. 704-633-5471.
“The Full Monty” Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Road óApril 30-May 17. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Adults $24, seniors $22, students (18 and older) $10. 704-372-1000. www.carolinatix.org.

Oprah Winfrey presents “The Color Purple” ó 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. May 19-24, Belk Theater, Blumenthal Center, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. Tickets start at $35. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
“Shear Madness” ó 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. through June 7. Stage Door Theater, North College Street at 5th Street, Charlotte. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

Classes
Adult oil painting workshop by Patt Legg ó 5:30-8:30 p.m., May 18, 19, 20. For fee and registration information, call 704-857-0240 or 704-232-6000.
Beginner shag lessons ó Mondays 6:30-7:30 p.m., through June 15 (except Memorial Day). Aerobic studio, Corriher YMCA, 950 Kimball Road, China Grove. $25 members, $50 nonmembers. 704-857-7011, ask for Jenny Buchanan.
Drumming for belly dancers with Abu Zouz ó 7-9 p.m., May 14. Bring your drums and zills and learn basic rhythms. $10. LGAC, 405 N. Lee St. kalimatribal@carolina.rr.com.
Flamenco for belly dancers presented by Flamenco del Sol ó 7-9 p.m. May 28. $10. LGAC, 405 N. Lee St. kalimatribal@carolina.rr.com.
Free belly dance classes ó 6:30-8:30 May 25 and June 1. Introduction to tribal style belly dance. Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St. kalimatribal@carolina.rr.com.
“Hands-on Shakespeare” NC Shakespeare Festival teacher workshops ó For middle and secondary English and Drama teachers. Workshops scheduled for July 25 and Oct. 24 at Spirit Center in High Point. Registration deadline is two weeks prior to each workshop. 336-841-2273. www.ncshakes.org.

Home and garden

Davidson County Master Gardener Volunteer Association’s Fifth Annual Garden Tour ó 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 16, 1-5 p.m. May 17. $10, tickets at Agricultural Extension Office, 301 E. Center St. or Uptown Lexington office 220 N. Main St. 336-242-2085.

Rose show ó 1-5 p.m. May 16-17. Salisbury Civic Center. Free admission. Area rose growers invited to enter roses between 7-10 a.m. the Saturday of the show. Features hundreds of roses and arrangements. 704-633-7024.

This & That
10th annual Blue Ribbon Horse Show, Wings of Eagles Ranch Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center ó 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 16. Cookout (donations accepted), plant sale, fun farm games, bouncy house, carriage rides, a silent auction of gift baskets created by the parents of the riders, raffles (you do not need to be present to win). Located five miles off Hwy 601 and Miami Church Road in Concord. www.wingsofeaglesranch.org. 704-784-3147.
Margaret C. Woodson Planetarium at Horizons, Unlimited, 1636 Parkview Circle ó 7 p.m., May 16: Pink Floyd “The Wall” laser light show. $5 adults, $3 children 12 and under; 5 p.m. May 16: “Two Small Pieces of Glass” program, celebrating International Year of Astronomy. $3 adults, $2 children 12 and under. 704-639-3004.

Southern Piedmont Woodturners ó 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 19. Demonstration by Scott Gaskey making mini hats. 980-521-3787. www.spwoodturners.com.

Astronomical Society of Rowan County ó 7:30 p.m., May 23. Monthly meeting at 1920 Deal Road, Mooresville. Includes stargazing. 704-855-1591.

Internet cafe, 1410 Hwy 29 South, China Grove ó Open 5 p.m. Thursdays-Crazy Hat Night, wear a crazy hat and get 250 free credits; Fridays-free wings or pizza; Saturdays-Sweetheart couples, bring sweetie and get 500 credits per couple 7 p.m. to closing. 704-856-2424.

Piedmont Players “Night on the Stage” fundraiser ó 6-9:30 p.m., May 29 and 30. Meroney Theater. Music by Molasses Creek, food by Chef Santos. For sponsorships or individual seats call 704-633-5471.
Cruzin’ Round Spencer ó 4-9 p.m. second Saturday of each month. Classic vehicles, entertainment, food. 704-633-7178.

Night life
Benchwarmers, 113 E. Fisher St. ó 10 p.m. Saturday: the band 23-19. 704-639-0604.
The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. ó 9 p.m.-midnight Friday: John Mochnick and Matt Kendrick jazz duo, no cover; 9 p.m.-midnight Saturday: Port Authority, no cover. 704-797-0093. www.thebluevine.com.
Dirty Water Saloon, 14910 Stokes Ferry Road, Gold Hill ó Karaoke contest in May. South 85 performing May 23-tickets $8 in advance. 704-279-4286. www.myspace.com/ dirtywatersaloon.
E.H. Montgomery General Store ó 7 p.m. Fridays: Community Night with bluegrass jam, Historic Village of Gold Hill. www.HistoricGoldHill. com. 704-279-5674, 704-267-9439.
Escape the Daily Grind, 316 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer ó 8-10 p.m. May 16: Susan Wetmore. 8-10 p.m., first and second Fridays: Jazz with Rebecca Stinson and Joe Ponds. 704-636-0160.

High Rock Boat & Ski Club, 257 Boat Club Lane ó May 15: deejay Ken McGee; May 16: Locked and Loaded. Open 6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Deejay every Friday and deejay or band every Saturday.704-633-0251.
The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 ó This Saturday: open mic. Open 7 p.m.-midnight Saturdays. Free refreshments, air hockey, foosball, pool. Public invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 704-213-1467. www.inntheloop.blogspot.com.

WINSTON-SALEM
The Garage, 110 W. 7th St. ó Friday: The Old Ceremony, $10; Saturday: American Aquarium, $7. www.thegarage.ws/boxoffice.

Singles
Piedmont Singles ó Meets 7:15 p.m. Fridays, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. May 15: covered dish. No joining fee, donations appreciated. Contact Frances Ward 704-637-3241.
Highlighters Dance Club ó May 15: Colours. 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. 704-548-9212. ssendecki@aol.com.

Piedmont Triad Singles Dance ó 8 p.m. to midnight, Friday, May 15, Spring Fling dance/party. George Ks, 2108 Cedar Fork Drive (corner Holden and High Point Road) Greensboro. Deejay playing 70’s/80’s, beach music, top 40, swing music. Cash bar, door prizes. Dress to impress. Ladies choice dances, $12. www.piedmonttriadsingles.com. peggy15311@bellsouth.net.

Zodiac Club ó Meets second and fourth Fridays. Doors open 7 p.m., food served 8 p.m., live band starts 8:30 p.m.Open to mature singles over 40. $10 members, $12 guests. Dress code-upscale casual. Smoke-free. American Legion Post 380, 4235 West Tyvola Rd. Call 704-752-8824 or contact taylorbt@msn.com. Visit www.charlottezodiacdanceclub.com.

Call for artists
PERFORMING ARTS
Jazz and blues musicians ó Musicians are invited to perform during for The Rowan Blues and Jazz Society’s Talent Showcase, June 20, in the LGAC Black Box Theatre. For information, call 704-636-2811.

Poets needed for Jazzy Art Nights ó Second Thursdays, 5-7 p.m., at Rail Walk Studios and Gallery. Call Lesley Alston at 704-232-1467.
VISUAL ART
6th annual Art on Easy Street ó Rowan Arts Council is accepting applications from artists, 10×10 space $60 ($50 for RAC members). Festival is June 20. Application and rules online at www.rowanarts.org. 704-638-9887, rac@rowanarts.org.
Strawberry Festival/arts and crafts show Historic Village of Gold Hill ó Looking for unique, hand-made arts and crafts exhibitors. Festival date May 30. To request application, contact Vivian Hopkins-704-279-5674 or vivian@historicgoldhill.com.

N.C. Turkey Festival, Raeford ó Arts and crafts vendors welcome to apply for festival being held Sept. 19. Homemade items only. www.ncturkeyfestival.org. 910-904-2424.

Seeking vendors6th annual Art on Easy Street ó Rowan Arts Council is accepting applications from artists, 10×10 space $60 ($50 for RAC members). Festival is June 20. Application and rules online at www.rowanarts.org. 704-638-9887, rac@rowanarts.org.

Juneteenth ó 9 a.m.-7 p.m., June 27. Kelsey Scott Park, 1920 Old Wilkesboro Road. Vendor fee: $55. No electricity provided. 704-267-3871 or 704-212-7818.

N.C. Turkey Festival, Raeford ó Food and commercial vendors welcome to apply for festival being held Sept. 19. www.ncturkeyfestival.org. 910-904-2424.

Art
Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St. ó 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.

EastSquare Artworks, 122 E. Innes St. ó Sculpture Works-smaller scale works by the artists currently featured in Salisbury Sculpture Show on display through July by appointment. 704-798-0047. www.eastsquareartworks.com.
Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409 N. Lee St. ó Jazzy Art and Poetry Night Night, 5-7 p.m., May 14. Featuring Jazz by Jimmy and Leslie Alston and poetry readings. Gallery open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, and whenever the “open” sign is out. 704-431-8964. www.railwalkgallery.com.

Looking Glass Artist Collective Gallery, 405 N. Lee St. ó Shop featuring art and crafts for sale by members. 704-245-2302. www.salisburyartists.org.
Center for Faith and the Arts Galleries, 207 W. Harrison St. ó Exhibit of paintings by Lou Murphy through May 29. Open 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. 704-647-0999.
Green Goat Gallery, 516 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer ó 704-639-0606. www.greengoatgallery.com.
Depot Visual Arts Center, 103 W. Center Ave., Mooresville ó Mooresville Artist Guild 31st annual Spring Artfest Show and Sale. Free. Through May 31.Gallery hours: 1-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. 704-663-6661. www. mooresvilleartistguild.com.
Parks
Dan Nicholas Park, 6800 Bringle Ferry Rd. ó 704-216-7800. www.dannicholas.net.Ellis Park, 3541 Old Mocksville Road ó 704-216-7783.

Gold Hill Mines Historic Park 735 St. Stephens Church Road, Gold Hill ó Information about tours: 704-267-9439; rentals: 704-279-5777. www.HistoricGoldHill.com.

Sloan Park, 550 Sloan Rd. ó Open from 9 a.m. until dark. www.co.rowan. nc.us/parks/sloan.

Museums
N.C. Transportation Museum, Spencer ó 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 16: Lester J. Brown memorial Antique Truck Show, hosted by Piedmont chapter of ATHS. No fee for spectators. Museum open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1-4 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday. Train rides Thursday and Friday 11 a.m., 1 and 2 p.m.; Saturdays 11 a.m., 1, 2 and 3 p.m.; Sunday 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 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. ó Exhibit: “Early Rowan African-American Churches.” 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. ó Open 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 704-633-5946.Dr.
Josephus Hall House, 226 S. Jackson St. ó 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 ó Open 1- 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 704-633-5946.
Historic Rockwell Museum, 102 E. Main St. ó 2-4 p.m. May 17: reception for photography exhibit, includes announcement of winners of student photography contest. Museum open Sundays 2-4 p.m. and by appointment. For information call Ann Teague: 704-279-5783.

China Grove Roller Mill Museum ó This Sunday: basketmaker Pamela Deal. 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 ó 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 ó 704-873-5882. www.fortdobbs. org.Mill Village Museum, Old No. 14 Church St., Cooleemee ó 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Large groups by appointment. Operated by Cooleemee Historical Association. 336-284-6040.