Holiday happenings

RoBoJo Theatre ó 2 p.m., Dec. 12. Holiday stories, jokes and songs, Rowan Public Library headquarters, Stanback Auditorium. Free. 704-216-8234.

Victorian Christmas at the Dr. Josephus Hall House ó 1-4 p.m. weekends in December. Special candlelight tour 6 to 8 p.m. Christmas Eve. Weekend tours: $5 per person or $3 for members of Historic Salisbury Foundation. Candlelight tour by donation. 226 S. Jackson St. 704-636-0103. www.historicsalisbury.org.

Candle Tea in Old Salem ó Dec. 11, 12. Single Brother House, 600 S. Main St., Winston-Salem. 336-749-9463.

Santa Train at NC Transportation Museum, Spencer ó Dec. 12-13, 19-20. 704-636-2889. nctrans@nctrans.org.

Cookies and Cocoa with Santa evening train ride ó Dec.12,18,19, by advance ticket only. NC Transportation Museum, Spencer. 704-636-2889. nctrans@nctrans.org.
Spencer Candlelight Tour of Homes ó 6-9 p.m., Dec. 10 Five homes. Tickets $8 in advance, $10 night of tour, available at Debbie Barnhardt Jewelers, Spencer Home Supply and Rowan Co.
Visitor’s Bureau.
Santa and Grinch Fire Trucks ó 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Dec. 12. Boarding at 126 E. Innes St. Free. Donations to Rowan Helping Ministries accepted. www.downtownsalisburync.com.
Chanukah Festival ó Noon-3 p.m., Dec. 13. Mooresville Town Square (corner of Williamson and Brawley). Music, bounce house, food, spin art, light the menorah.
A Christmas Tradition: Stories and Songs of the Season ó 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15, Meroney Theatre, 213 S. Main St. Stories with Dr. Karl Hales, music by vocalists Neal Wilkinson, Leslie Dunkin and pianist Zebbie Bondurant. Free, but please bring canned good for Rowan helping Ministries.

Gingerbread house decorating contest, Spencer ó Drop off is 5-7 p.m., Dec. 17 at First Baptist Church, Spencer. Judging Dec. 18. For information contact bethmnance@gmail.com.

Spencer Candlelight Tour of Churches ó 6-9 p.m., Dec. 18. Self-guided, free. Entertainment offered at several of the churches. Trolley rides available beginning 5:30 p.m. at Spencer Shops, $1 for riders over 3.
Camp Christmas Child Care ó 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Dec 19. F&M Trolley Barn. Donations to Rowan County Youth Services Bureau accepted. Reservations suggested, call 704-633-5636 ext 104.
Santa’s SleigHAY Ride and Photos ó 11 a.m.-4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas. The Harris Farm, 1643 Pembroke Road, Harrisburg. hayrides with Santa-$10;photos-$5. Calves, goats, elves, Mrs. Claus. Pets welcome. info@theharrisfarm.com.

Christmas at Reed Gold Mine ó 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 12. 9621 Reed Mine Road, Midland. 704-721-4653.
Christmas Wonderland of Lights at Zootastic Park, Lake Norman ó 6-10 p.m., seven days per week through New Years Day. Two mile journey through forest with one million lights, ends at 300 foot Christmas light show set to music of Trans-Siberian orchestra and visit with Santa Claus. Refreshments, pony ride. $5 per person or $20 per vehicle. Off I-77 at exit 42. 1-800-966-0069. www.zootasticpark.com.

New Year’s Eve at the Bell Tower ó 11:30 p.m., Dec. 31. Performance by Monica Ostroska, refreshments, prize drawings. Free.

Kwanzaa celebration ó 4-10 p.m., Jan 1. LGAC Black Box Theater, 405 N. Lee St. Celebration will include African drumming by Saleef Kafajouffe and an African dance group and other entertainment. Community invited to share covered dishes, refreshments will be served. Limited vendor spaces available for Marketplace (must be reserved in advance). 704-636-2811.

Music and more
Parkland Magnet High School Honors Chorus of Winston-Salem, directed by Jonathan Sidden ó Noon, Dec. 11, part of Fridays@First concert series at First United Methodist Church, 217 S. Church St. Performance free. Soup and sandwich lunch follows-donations accepted. 704-636-3121.

Christmas Swing concert presented by Communities in Schools and Cornerstone Church ó 7:30 p.m., Dec. 11, The Event Center, 315 Webb Road. Free. Featuring Rowan Big Band All Stars with soloists Alexis Cowan and Chandler Dickson. Refreshments. Dancing and donations appreciated. 704-797-0210.
The New Familiars ó 8 p.m., Dec. 11. Also performing-David Lamanno. Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St. $6 in advance, $8 at door. Portion of proceeds benefit construction of Piedmont Players youth theater. 704-633-2787. salisburyartists@gmail.com. www.myspace.com/thenewfamiliars.

The Piedmont Choral Society ó Two free concerts, 7 p.m. Dec. 11, 3 p.m. Dec. 13. Saint James Lutheran Church, 104 S. Union St., Concord. Director is Mark Frye. Selections from Handel’s “Messiah” and the Christmas cantata “The Incarnation” by K. Lee Scott to be performed, accompanied by orchestra. 704-786-1063, ext. 3.
The Glory of Christmas ó 4 p.m., Dec. 13. St. Lukes Episcopal Church, 131 W. Council St. 70-voice ecumenical choir accompanied by chamber orchestra. Soloists: Rebecca Stinson, Grant Harrison, Phyllis Partee, teresa Moore-Mitchell. Reception follows.
The Singing Americans of Stanly County “The Glory of Christmas” ó 3 p.m., Dec. 13. Stanly County Agri-Civic Center, Hwy 24/27 at Newt Road, Albemarle. Free. Donations accepted.
Rockapella ó Dec. 15 and 16, McGlohon Theater, Spirit Square, Charlotte. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

Fridays@First Advent Concert Series, First United Methodist Church, 217 S. Church St. ó Noon, each Friday in December. Dec. 18: Scott McLeod. Free, open to public. Soup and sandwich lunch served after each performance with donations accepted. 704-636-3121.

The Lettermen Christmas Show ó 7:30 p.m., Dec. 19. Stevens Center, 405 W. Fourth St., Winston-Salem. 336-21-1945.

Big Band Bash ó 7:30 p.m., Jan 9. Hedrick Auditorium at Catawba College, 45-minute concert followed by music, dancing and hors d’oeuvres the Crystal Lounge. Benefit for Salisbury Symphony. 704-637-4314.
George Strait and Reba McIntyre ó 7 p.m. Jan. 23. Greensboro Coliseum. www.ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.

Theater

“Sister’s Christmas Catechism” ó Dec. 1-20, Booth Playhouse, Charlotte. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

“A Tuna Christmas” Old Courthouse Theatre ó 8 p.m. Dec. 3-5, 10-12; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and 13. 49 Spring St. NW, Concord. Adults $15, seniors $12, student with ID $12, children $10. 704-788-2405. www.oldcourthousetheatre.org.

NCSF “A Christmas Carol” ó Through Dec. 20. High Point Theatre, 220 E. Commerce Ave., High Point. 336-887-3001. www.highpointtheatre.com.

Dance
“Nutcracker” Salisbury Symphony and Piedmont Dance Theatre ó 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Keppel Auditorium, Catawba College. $10-$25. 704-637-4314. www.salisburysymphony.org.
“Nutcracker” UNC School of the Arts ó 2 p.m. 12 and 13; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9-12; 7 p.m. Dec. 13. Stevens Center, Winston-Salem. $20-$66. 336-721-1945. www.uncsa.edu.
“Nutcracker” NC Dance Theatre ó 7 p.m. Dec. 11-13, 18-20; 2 p.m. Dec. 12-13 and 19-20. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. $20ń$74. www.ncdance.org. 704-372-0101.

Film
“Still Bill” documentary about legendary musician Bill Withers ó 7 p.m., Dec. 17. Looking Glass Artist Collective Black Box Theater, 405 N. Lee St. Cost: $5. Free for students with ID. Concessions available. 704-633-2787. www.stillbillthemovie.com.

Classes
Make your own pottery Christmas ornament at Pottery 101 ó Every Saturday through Dec. 12. Stop in between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10 per ornament. 704-209-1632.

Line dancing -two locations ó City Park Recreation Center: Beginner: 6-7 p.m. Jan. 4, 11, 25, Feb. 1, 8, $18 for five classes; 7-8 p.m., same dates, “Hi Beginner” (experiences) $18, extra county fee waived. Rufty-Holmes Senior Center: Thursdays Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11-six classes $21: 4:30-5:30 p.m. “Hi Beginner;” 5:30-6:30 p.m. intermediate. Call Cheryl Kluttz-704-633-3484.
Piedmont Players Theatre Inc. Youth Winter Drama Workshops ó Jan. 9, 16 and 23, 3rd-5th graders: 9-10:30 a.m., 6th-8th graders: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St. $40 per student for all three sessions. 704-633-5471.

This & That
Astronomical Society of Rowan County meeting ó 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Home of Ralph and Alice Deal, 1920 Deal Road, Mooresville. Bring telescope or binoculars. 704-855-1591.

Laser shows at Horizons Unlimited’s Margaret C. Woodson Planetarium ó 4 and 5 p.m., Dec. 19: family show with holiday music and laser light images $3 adult, $2 for age 12 and under. Tickets go on sale 30 minutes before show. 7 p.m. Dec. 19: Rock Laser Show with songs of Metallica. Doors open 6:30 p.m., $5 adults, $3 ages 12 and under. 1636 Parkview Circle. Guests asked to use rear entrance on Lilly Avenue. Information: call 704-639-3004 between 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

 Night life
The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. ó 9 p.m.-midnight, Dec. 11: Mel Jones and his Bag O’Bones, $5 cover. (www.myspace.com/bonesblues); 9-11 p.m. Dec. 12: Blazin’ Blues Bob Paolino, no cover (www.myspace.com/blazin39bluesbob). 704-797-0093. www.thebluevine.com.
Brick Street Tavern, 122 E. Fisher St. ó 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.
E.H. Montgomery General Store ó 6-8 p.m. Fridays: bluegrass jams. Historic Village of Gold Hill. www.HistoricGoldHill. com. 704-279-5674, 704-267-9439.
High Rock Boat & Ski Club, 257 Boat Club Lane ó Monday Night Football specials. Deejay every Friday and deejay or band every Saturday. 704-633-0251.

The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 ó Dec. 12: Jordan Connell and Jeremy Vess with band, Christmas concert. Dec. 18: Marc Hoffman Christmas jazz concert. 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. Looking Glass Artist Collective Black Box Theater, 407 N. Lee St. ó Dec. 11: The New Familars, $6 in advance, $8 at the door. 704-633-ARTS.
Mimosa Restaurant, 117 N. Main St., China Grove ó 704-856-1200.
Stelia, 118 N. Main St. ó 704-638-6266.
Tabu Bar and Lounge, 329 S. Church St. ó 704-267-6246. www.tabubar.net.

Tastebuds Coffee and Tea, 106 N. Main St. ó 704-212-7044.
Three Fifteen, 315 E. Council St. ó 704-633-1315. www.threefifteen.com.

 Gilligan’s Steak and Seafood, 215 N. Salisbury Ave., Granite Quarry ó 8 p.m., Dec. 11: live music by Trey Callaway in the Tiki Bar. Food and drink specials.
Old Stone Vino, 515 S. Main St., Kannapolis ó 7-10 p.m. Dec. 12, Marty DeJarnette. 704-938-2337. www.freewebs.com/martymusic.

Singles
Piedmont Singles ó Meets 7:15 p.m. Fridays, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Dec. 11: Christmas dance with Charlie Rivers as deejay. Covered dish. No joining fee, donations appreciated. Contact Frances Ward 704-637-3241.

Highlighters Dance Club ó 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. American Legion Post 380, 4235 W. Tyvola Road, Charlotte. 704-948-3873 or 704-504-3135. ssendecki@aol.com.
Piedmont Triad Singles Dance ó 7-11 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13. 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 Dec. 11: Christmas dance-dressy attire. 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
Kwanzaa celebration ó Jan. 1. LGAC Blackbox Theater, 405 N. Lee St. Drumming, Afrrican dancers, community talent encouraged to participate. 704-636-2811.
Bluegrass musicians ó 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 ó Submission deadline Feb. 18. www.chrisaustinsongwritingcontest.org.

Poetry contest ó Entries must be received by Dec. 20. No entry fee. Poems of 21 lines or less on any subject and in any style will be accepted. Grand prize of $1000 sponsored by The Celestial Arts Society. 50 prizes totaling $5000. All ages welcome. www.freecontest.com.

Auditions
“Nunsense” Old Courthouse Theatre, 49 Spring St. NW, Concord ó Auditions 7-9 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15, Call backs Dec. 16 if needed. For five women early 20s to mid-60s. Bring prepared song of your choice with sheet music or accompaniment track. Bring tap and/or pointed shoes if available. Production Feb. 11-28. www.oldcourthousetheatre.org.
Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society ó Accepting new members for March Masterworks and Spring pops concerts. Rehearsals begin Jan. 5. Contact SRCSDirector@gmail.com.

Seeking vendors
Kwanzaa celebration ó Jan. 1. LGAC Black Box Theater, 405 N. Lee St. To reserve vendor space call 704-636-2811.

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 704-798-0047. www.eastsquareartworks.com.
Fine Frame Gallery, 105 S. Main St. ó Miniature exhibition through Jan. 5. 704-647-0340.
Pottery 101 ó “It’s all in the Details!” featuring works by Joy Tanner and Annie Singletary. 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.
Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409 N. Lee St. ó 704-431-8964. www.railwalkgallery.com.

Looking Glass Artist Collective Gallery, 407 N. Lee St. ó 704-633-ARTS. www.salisburyartists.org.
Green Goat Gallery, 516 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer ó 704-639-0606. www.greengoatgallery.com.
Cabarrus Arts Council Galleries, 65 Union Street, Concord ó Gallery hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. 704-920-ARTS. www.cabarrusartscouncil.org.
Depot Visual Arts Center, 103 W. Center Ave., Mooresville ó Gallery hours: 1-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. 704-663-6661. www. mooresvilleartistguild.com.
Court Street Gallery, 134 Court St., Statesville ó Exhibit of works from the Pastel Society of North Carolina, on display through Dec. 18. Gallery open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. www.iredellmuseums.org.
Grace and Cameron West Art Gallery, Pfeiffer University, Misenheimer ó Works by “Dennis the Menace” illustrator Marcus Hamilton on display through Dec. 21. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. 704-463-3160. joshua.cross@pfeiffer.edu.
Museums
N.C. Transportation Museum, Spencer ó Museum open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Train rides Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 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 “V for Victory: Uncommon Valor, Common Virtue,” displaying WWII items. 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 Museum open Sundays 2-4 p.m. and by appointment. For information call Ann Teague: 704-279-5783.

China Grove Roller Mill Museum óGuided 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.Historic Latta Plantation, Sample Road, Huntersville ó 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 ó 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.
Discovery Place, Charlotte ó 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.
Old Salem, Winston-Salem ó 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 ó 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 ó Museum admission is free. 919-733-7450. www.naturalsciences.org.
N.C. Museum of Life and Science, 433 Murray Ave., Durham ó $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. ó 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.

TimeOut! deadlines

The Post welcomes your news for TimeOut! Information is due the Thursday before publication on the following Thursday, i.e., one week in advance.
For briefs and Roundabout items you may:  mail to: P.O. Box 4639, Salisbury, NC 28145;  fax to 704-639-0003;  or e-mail to shall@salisburypost.com.
For story ideas, contact Katie Scarvey, 704-797-4270 or kscarvey@ salisburypost.