Holiday happenings
New Year’s Eve at the Bell Tower ó 11:30 p.m.to 12:30 a.m. tonight. Public invited to ring in the New Year, corner of West Innes and Jackson Streets. Live music, refreshments, prize drawings. Free. 704-637-7814.
Kwanzaa celebration ó 4-10 p.m., Jan 1. LGAC Black Box Theater, 405 N. Lee St. Entertainment includes African drumming and African dance. Community invited to share covered dishes, refreshments will be served. 704-636-2811.
Christmas Wonderland of Lights at Zootastic Park, Lake Norman ó 6-10 p.m., 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.
25th annual Old Christmas celebration at Old Stone House, Granite Quarry ó 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Jan. 2; noon-4 p.m. Jan. 3. $4 adults, $2 students. 704-633-5946.
Music and more
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.
The Band of the Irish Guards Royal Regiment of Scotland ó 7:30 p.m., Jan. 12. Belk Theater, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Charlotte. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
Violinist Joshua Bell with the North Carolina Symphony ó7:30 p.m., Jan. 14, Meyamandi Concert Hall, Raleigh. 919-733-2750. www.ncsymphony.org.
George Strait and Reba McIntyre ó 7 p.m. Jan. 23. Greensboro Coliseum. www.ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.
Rowan Community Concert Association: “Hank Williams and My Honky Tonk Heroes” ó 3 p.m., Jan. 24. Keppel Auditorium at Catawba College. Adult $20, student $5. 704-633-1474. www.rccamusic.com.

Theater
“The Aluminum Show” ó 7:30 p.m., Jan. 12-31, Knight Theater, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Charlotte. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
“Almost, Maine” Davidson Community Players ó 8 p.m. Jan. 7-9 and 14-16; 2 p.m. Jan. 10 and 17. Duke Energy Theatre, Spirit Square, Charlotte. Ages 12 and up. Tickets $18-$20. www.carolinatix.org. 704-372-1000.

Comedy
“Defending the Caveman” óThrough Dec. 31. Booth Playhouse, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. Prices begin at $29.50. www.blumenthalcenter. org. 704-372-1000.
Jerry Seinfeld ó Two shows, 7 and 9:30 p.m., Jan. 22. Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte. 800-745-3000.
Dance
Nadirah Dance Company: “Saturday Night Fever on a Cold Friday Night” ó 7:30 p.m., Jan. 15. Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St. www.nadirahdancecompany.com.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater ó Feb. 9-14. Knight Theater, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Charlotte. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

Classes
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.

Grisaille Figure Painting ó 6:30-8:30 p.m., Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27, taught by Robert Crum at his studio, 116 E. Council St. For ages 18 and over. $70. 704-310-0382. crum@robertcrumfineart.com.

Life Drawing I ó 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 ó 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 ó 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. 704-636-1882. www.waterworks.org.

This & That
Day of the Diva/Women’s Expo and Bridal Show, hosted by Angela Ramos ó 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Jan. 16. The Event Center, Webb Road. www.theeventcenter.net.
Big Band Dances ó 7-10 p.m. first Saturday of each month. Hurley YMCA. Music by The Hi-Liters. Bring a snack to share. $5. 704-636-0111.

Night life
The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. ó New Year’s Eve Bash with Midlife Crisis, 10 p.m.-1 a.m., advance tickets $15 per person, $25 per couple includes appetizer buffet at 9 p.m., entertainment, party favors, sparkling wine at midnight, admission at door $15 per person; closed Jan. 1; 9-11 p.m. Jan. 2: live acoustic music with Lonnie Carpenter, no cover. 704-797-0093. www.thebluevine.com.
Brick Street Tavern, 122 E. Fisher St. ó New Year’s Eve, 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Salisbury Swing Band, no cover. Open mic Tuesdays starting 9:30 p.m. Performers of all types welcome; sign up as you arrive. 704-637-6047. www.thebrickstreettavern.com. Castaways, 119 N. Link Ave. ó New Years Eve Bash starts 9 p.m., features Divided By 4, $5 cover. Free champagne toast at midnight. 704-216-0130.Club Liqwid, 127 S. Main St. ó 704-636-6868.
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.
Fat Jack’s, 120 Military Ave. ó 8 p.m. New Year’s Eve party with Full Circle Band. No cover.
High Rock Boat & Ski Club, 257 Boat Club Lane ó New Years Eve party featuring Rockin Horse. Deejay every Friday and deejay or band every Saturday. 704-633-0251.
The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 ó New Year’s Eve: Funk City Blues; Jan. 2: 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.
Mimosa Restaurant, 117 N. Main St., China Grove ó New Year’s Eve: live music with “Boogie 2 Shoes.” 704-856-1200.
Singles
Piedmont Singles ó Meets 7:15 p.m. Fridays, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. No joining fee, donations appreciated. Contact Frances Ward 704-637-3241.
Highlighters Dance Club ó First and third Fridays. Open to singles 40 and over. Dress code. $10 members; $12 guests. American Legion Post 380, 4235 W. Tyvola Road, Charlotte. 704-948-3873 or 704-504-3135. ssendecki@aol. com.
Zodiac Club ó Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve dinner and dance, tickets $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Advance tickets: Martha Taylor, 704-236-0344 or taylorbt@msn.com. American Legion Post 380, 4235 West Tyvola Rd. Call 704-752-8824. Visit www.charlottezodiacdanceclub.com

Auditions
Piedmont Players youth production: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” ó 4 p.m., Jan. 4 and 5, third floor of Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St. Auditions are cold readings from the script. Show dates: Feb. 19 and 20. www.piedmontplayers.com. 704-633-5471.
Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society ó Accepting new members for March Masterworks and Spring Pops concerts. Rehearsals begin Jan. 5. Contact SRCSDirector@gmail.com.
Catawba Community Music Children’s Chorale (ages 7-14) and Youth Chorale (high school age) ó Auditions for spring semester beginning in January. 704-637-4345. www.catawba.edu/communitymusic.

Scholarship auditions for Appalachian State University’s Cannon Music Camp ó 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Jan. 16, band room of South Point High School, Belmont. Camp dates are June 26-July 17. 828-262-4091. www.cannon.appstate.edu.

Seeking vendors
Day of the Diva/Women’s Expo and Bridal Show, hosted by Angela Ramos ó 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Jan. 16, The Event Center, 315 Webb Road. Booth spaces $300. Call Cindy Sentell, 704-855-1218×120. www.theeventcenter.net.

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 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 Shop featuring art and crafts for sale by members. 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.
Moring Arts Center, 123 Sunset Ave., Asheboro ó Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Free. 336-629-0399. www.randolphartsguild.com.
Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte ó “Masterworks from the New Orleans Museum of Art.” “The Art of Affluence: Haute Coutre and Luxury Fashions 1947-2007,” through spring 2010; Open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Admission $10 adults, $8 seniors and students, $5 ages 6 to 17, free for members and children 5 and younger. Free on Tuesdays 5-9 p.m. Admission also valid for Museum of Craft and Design on the same day. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org.
Mint Museum of Craft + Design, 220 N. Tryon St., Charlotte ó “American Quilt Classics, 1800-1980: the Bresler Collection.” Admission $10 adults, $8 seniors and students, $5 ages 6 to 17, free for members and children 5 and younger. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, free hours Tuesdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 704-337-2000.McColl Center for Visual Art, 721 N. Tryon St., Charlotte ó 704-332-5535. www.mccollcenter. org.
Reynolda House, Museum of American Art, Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem óOpen 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday. $10 adults, $9 seniors, students with ID and children free. 336-725-5150 or www.reynoldahouse.org.
Museums
N.C. Transportation Museum, Spencer ó Exhibit-“The World Aloft-1908: The Year the Airplane Went Public.” 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.
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. Historic Latta Plantation, Sample Road, Huntersville ó 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 9; 1-4 p.m. Jan. 10. 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 “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 919-220-5429, www.ncmls.org.