GOLD HILL ó Sacred Grove Retreat and Bed and Bike Inn will host several events this weekend.
On Saturday, they offer “Meditation for the Beginner: the ‘practical mystic,'” 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $29 and includes lunch. The workshop is led by Dr. K (Saleef Kafajouffe Ph.D), who invites the public to “come and learn how to obtain inner peace by reclaiming your natural inclination to self-actualize.”
Also this Saturday, from 1-4:30 p.m., Dr. K. leads “Out of the Drum We Come!!!” a djembe-jam drumming workshop in individual personal growth and meditative drumming.
The cost of the class is $49. A free practice drumming CD comes with the class. Drum rental is available for $10.
Sunday, “Drumming in the Yurt” takes place from 3-5 p.m. The cost is $5. Dr. K will be leading the drumming circle. All are invited to bring a drum, another percussion instrument, or come to dance. Drum rental is available for $5.
To register: contact Ellen at info@bedandbikeinn.com or call 704-463-0768.
Information is available at www.sacredgroveretreat.com.
Reynolda House
WINSTON-SALEM ó If you are looking for indoor entertainment as summer temperatures rise, visit Reynolda House Museum of American Art for a “Beat the Heat Tour” on Sunday, July 12. The tour starts promptly at 2 p.m. and concludes at 4 p.m.
Admission to the event is $12, members/students $10.
During this behind-the-scenes tour, visitors will see areas of the historic house normally closed to the general public and hear the history behind each location in the 1917 Reynolds home. Visitors will explore the kitchens, laundry and mechanical rooms, ice-block air conditioning rooms, the squash court, and areas below the swimming pool. The tour will conclude with a visit to the former roof garden to enjoy a spectacular view across the estate.
The “Beat the Heat” tour will be repeated on Sunday, Aug. 16 at 2 p.m.
For more information, visit reynoldahouse.org or call 336-758-5150.
‘Death Under Cover’
CHARLOTTE ó A cast of all Carolina actors is preparing for the opening of Charlotte Dinner Detective’s new show “Death Under Cover.”
The show, which will be running 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays at Grand Central in Charlotte combines an elegant three-course, sit-down dinner with an audience-interactive comedic homage to the classic detective movies of the 20s, 30s and 40s.
Among the cast members is Robyn Shute, a graduate of the Catawba College Theatre Arts department. Though originally from Southern California, she has decided to make her home in Salisbury where she continues training and pursuing a career in theatre, film and television.
Tickets are $69 and include dinner, show, tax, parking and tips. Advance reservations are required by calling 704-840-5013.
Artists project grants
The Rowan Arts Council has announced that applications are now available for the Regional Artists Project Grant.
Performing and literary artists are eligible to apply for up to $5,000 through the grant program which provides individuals with project support for the enhancement of their artistic development.
Grant awards may be used for a variety of projects, such as attendance at workshops or master classes, development of production and/or CD, or to develop and/or upgrade promotional materials.
The program is administered by the Arts & Science Council, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Inc., in partnership with the arts councils in Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln, Rowan, Rutherford and York (S.C.) counties. The program is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency, the Blumenthal Endowment, and the participating arts councils.
The Regional Artist Project Grant Program alternates disciplines every year. Performing and literary artists are eligible to apply for the upcoming 2009 deadline. Visual artists and filmmakers will be eligible to apply for the 2010 deadline.
Applicants must be a permanent resident of the region, 18 or older, and must be a US citizen or permanent resident. Eligible applicants and recipients may not enroll in, or be currently enrolled in, an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting program during the time their funded project is in progress.
All applications and work samples must be submitted no later than noon on Aug. 26, 2009. All applicants must apply through the online application system. Funded projects must take place between Jan. 1, 2010 and Dec. 31, 2010.
A free grant information session will be held on July 21, 2009, 6:30 -8 p.m., Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Road, Charlotte;
Contact the Rowan Arts Council with questions about the program and for assistance with your application, 704-638-9887 or rac@rowanarts.org.
Renfest auditions
CHARLOTTE ó The Carolina Renaissance Festival is holding auditions for street characters, musicians, dancers and variety acts on Wednesday, July 22, from 6-9 p.m. and on Saturday, July 25, from noon to 3 p.m. in the community building at the Mighty Fortress Lutheran Church, 8300 McClure Circle in Charlotte.
Professional and amateur opportunities are available. Prepared material is not required. Head shot and resume are appreciated, but not required.
Anyone under the age of 12 must participate with a parent.
The 16th annual Renaissance Festival will be underway for seven weekends, Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 10 through Nov. 22, on a 245 acre representation of a European Renaissance Village located just minutes north of Charlotte, between Concord and Huntersville, at the junction of NC 73 and Poplar Tent Road.
Contact 704-896-5555 or vreanie@royalfaires.com to schedule an audition appointment.
Audition location and general festival information can be found at www.RenFestInfo.com. Art award
An acrylic painting by Salisbury artist Annette Ragone Hall, titled, “The Busy Life of a Woman,” has won first place in the Stanly Arts Guild show, “Summer Art Explosion.”
The show will close Friday, July 31, with a reception held at Falling Rivers Gallery from 6-8 p.m.
The gallery is located at 119 W. Main St., Albemarle.