Music & more
Brick Street Live presents Sugarcreek— Aug. 27: Music festival begins 1 p.m. with Band of Oz, Atlantic Groove, Big Sam, Chobey Badgio band, emceed by radio host Charlie Brown. Sugarcreek performs at 9 p.m. 100 block of N. Main St., general admission $20 advance, $25 at gate. 704-637-5363, www.brickstreetlive. com
“Weekly Wine Down” at Old Stone Winery — 5-9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 26: live music with Dave Foraker, no cover charge. 6245 US Hwy. 52, 1 mile south of Granite Quarry. 704-279-0930, www.oldstonewines.com
Rocky River Vineyards Summer Concert Series — 7-10 p.m., Friday, Aug. 26: The Chris Marks Band performing old and new country, www.chrismarksband. com , come ready to dance. $20 admission includes glass of wine and refreshments. RSVP 704-781-5035. 11685 Reed Mine Road, Midland. www.rockyrivervineyards.com
Downtown Mocksville presents JOEFEST — 4-10 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 27: Tribute to Joe Phillips featuring Mel Jones & Bag O’ Bones 8:30-10 p.m., $5 admission, Restaurant 101: all proceeds go to music scholarship for Davie County student. Bring your own chair, no coolers. 336-909-2263, historicdowntownmocksville.com
‘The Legend Lives On,’ at the New Blue Ridge Dinner Theater, off Hwy 16S, West Jefferson — Saturday, Aug. 27, buffet 6 p.m., show 8 p.m.: Jimmy W. Johnson, the ‘Spirit of Elvis,’ appearing monthly. 336-246-2900, brdt.net www.BlueRidgeDinnerTheater.com
The Hiddenite Center’s third Sunday free concert — 3 p.m., Sept. 18: family friendly Celebration Gospel Sing, Hiddenite Center’s Educational Building. Local choirs and musical groups perform inspirational music. www.hiddenitecenter.com
Stanly County Concert Association season opener — 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 24: The Frank Love Orchestra. After retirement, local musician formed his own big band. Individual event tickets $20 adult, $10 student, Stanly County Agri-Civic Center, 704-986-3666, 26032 Newt Road #B, Albemarle, www.stanlyciviccenter.com
Toby Keith’s Locked & Loaded Tour — 7 p.m., Friday Oct. 7, with Eric Church and introducing J. T. Hodges. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Charlotte. Tickets, info at LiveNation.com, amphitheatre box office, Ticketmaster or 800-745-3000.
Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center announces lineup — Travis Tritt, Friday, Sept. 2•Rick Springfield, Saturday, Sept. 24• Dwight Yoakam, Friday, Dec. 2• Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.
County Fairs
Cabarrus County Fair — Sept. 9-17,Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4759 Hwy 49 N Concord, www.cabarruscounty.us/government/departments/fair
Rowan County Fair — 60th year, Sept. 19-24, between I-85 and Old Concord Road at 1560 www.rowancountyfair.org/home
State Fair — Oct. 13-23, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, concerts, fireworks, http://www.ncstatefair.org/2011
Festivals
Festival of Native Peoples — Aug. 26-27, Cherokee, NC: Members of indigenous tribes from across North America perform. Adults $10, children 6 and under free; 1-800-438-1601, Facebook or cherokee-nc.com
22nd annual Gold Hill Founder’s Day — Festivities begin 9 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 24, parade at 10 a.m., entertainment at 11. Gold Hill Mines Historic Park is located approximately 14 miles south of Salisbury, at 735 St. Stephens Church Road, Gold Hill, NC., just off US. Hwy. 52, 704-267-9439, www.HistoricGoldHill.com
30th Annual Hiddenite Center Celebration of the Arts — 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 24: Arts and heritage festival, free admission, Hiddenite Church Road. www.hiddenitecenter.com or facebook, Friends of the Hiddenite Center.
Mooresville Ahlara Art Fair — 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, October 8: second annual event featuring artists from all over the area, a showcase of affordable art from painters to potters to jewelers to photographers to woodworkers. Myrna Reiss 704-663-6343.
Theater
Old Courthouse Theatre presents “On Golden Pond” — Through Aug. 28, The basis for Oscar winning movie of the same name. Tickets $15/$12/ $10. Reserve seats 704-788-2405. 49 Spring St. SW, Concord. www.oldcourthousetheatre.org . 704-788-2405.
Old Courthouse Theatre’s Living Room Reading Series presents “Portraits” — 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 11: Six vibrant characters come to life in an artist’s studio in lower Manhattan, each a witness to the events of September 11, 2001. By Jonathan Bell. Free admission, 704-788-2405, OCT black box theatre, 704-788-2405, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org
Carolina Actors Studio Theater presents “August: Osage County” — Aug. 25-Sept. 24; Thursday, Friday, Saturday performances at 8 p.m. New season opens in new theatre. A dark comedic drama – a booze-swilling, pill-popping evening of laugh-out-loud, cry-inside family dysfunction; winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award. New address: NODA@28 St., 2424 North Davidson, Charlotte, NC 28205. Reservations www.NCCAST.com, 704-455-8542.
This & That
Open mike night — 7:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 26: Looking Glass Artist Collective hosts open mike night in their black box theater; all musicians invited to bring their instruments along with microphones if desired. No cover charge, beverages available.
No Big Band Dance at J.F. Hurley Family YMCA — Due to the annual cleaning , the Big Band Dance is postponed and will resume on Oct. 1. 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.
NC Rowan County Anime Group — 1-6 p.m., Aug. 27: Membership drive, animation trivia contest, drawing for free comic books. Comic Monstore, 813 Jake Alexander Boulevard S. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NCRowa Countyanime/
Book Bites Club — 6:30 p.m., Aug. 30: “House Rules” by Jodi Picoult. Book discussion groups for both adults and children are held at South Rowan Regional Library the last Tuesday of each month, open to the public and anyone is free to join at any time. Boook discussion and light refreshments at each meeting. 704-216-8229.
Pro Wrestling EVO presents “The Best Show In Town”– 8 p.m., Sept. 2 (event date is changed from 8/20), Gold Hall 2, adults $12, children 10 and younger $6, Military w/ID $8. Cabarrus Arena, 4751 NC Hwy 49,Concord, 704-920-3976, www.cabarrusarena.com
Art gallery and paranormal tours — Highland Avenue Art Gallery and More. Art gallery hours Tuesday through Saturday, noon -6 p.m. Paranormal tours Monday-Saturday 8:30-10 p.m., reservations required. 1031 Highland Ave., 704-636-8134 to schedule tour.
Oakboro cruise-in features Mayberry stars — 5 p.m., fourth Friday, Aug. 26: Maggie Peterson and Rodney Dillard (Charlene and Rodney Darling) participate in Main Street parade at 8 p.m. and kick off the Burnout at 9 p.m. They will be available for photos and autographs.Downtown Oakboro, Hwy. 205 between Albemarle and Charlotte. Facebook, info@oakborocruisein.com, 704-467-4992. www.oakborocruisein. com
Fundraisers
Annual China Grove Backyard BBQ Cookoff — 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10: In conjunction with display of restored farm equipment and vehicles, gospel and bluegrass music, 9/11 remembrance ceremony. Proceeds benefit We Care Ministry and Price of Freedom Museum. Sponsored by Oak Grove Baptist Church, held at Price of Freedom Museum, intersection of Weaver and Patterson Roads. Bob Mault, 704-857-7474, www.priceoffreedom.us
Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society jazz concert and silent auction — Doors open 7, pre-show 7:30, concert begins 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10, Looking Glass Artist Collective’s black box theater, free admission, donations appreciated, 30+ items to bid on, beer/wine/soda/water with donation.
Sasha’s birthday party — 11 a.m.-4 p.m.,Saturday, Sept. 10: give-aways, drawings, prizes, birthday cake. A portion of day’s sales donated to Faithful Friends, also bring a bag of pet food, receive a gift from Sasha. 104 S. Main St., 704-637-0708, www.faithithfulfriendsnc.org
“A Night At The Opry” fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis — 7 p.m. Sept. 24: Music by DC & The Chosen Few, Lynn Owsley, Dottie Jack, David Ridenhour, G.W. Saunders. Doors open 6 p.m., food and drink will be available. St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 9275 Bringle Ferry Road.
Sipe’s Orchard Home second annual Bloomin’ Orchard Festival, Hickory — 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 27:All day festival ends with 5:30 p.m. concert by Half Dozen Brass Band. Sipe’s Orchard Home is a safe and caring place serving children through a variety of programs. 4431 County Home Road, Conover. 828-256-5056 ext. 304, www.sipesorchardhome.org Jazz concert and silent auction — Doors open at 7, pre-show at 7:30, concert begins at 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10: presented by Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society. Free admission (donations appreciated), 30+ items to bid on, beer/wine/soda/water with donation. Looking Glass Artist Collective black box theater, 405 N. Lee St., 704-633-ARTS, www.salisburyartists.com
Scarecrows for Charity — Through the month of September, local charities build scarecrows in the garden at Carolina Lily, visitors vote on their favorites, the winning charity receives $500. Complementary contest on facebook, for additional $100. Carolina Lily, 1375 Kern Carlton Road, 704 639-0033, www.carolinalily.com
Night Life
Benchwarmers. 113 E. Fisher St. — 7-10 p.m. every Friday: Handful of Dave. 704-639-0604.
Brick Street Tavern, 122 E. Fisher St. — Tuesdays: open mic, performers of all types welcome, sign up as you arrive; 9:30 p.m. Thursdays: plugged open mic night. www.thebrickstreettavern. com, 704-637-6047.
DJ’s, 1502 W. Innes St., — Live music Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays starting at 8:30 p.m. 704-638-9647.
Fat Jack’s, 120 Military Ave., — 8 p.m. until, every Friday and Saturday night: karaoke with Mark Tomei. 704-638-8996.
High Rock Boat & Ski Club, 257 Boat Club Lane — Friday, Aug. 26: Deejay Ken McGee. Wednesday, Aug. 31: Wednesday Summer Beach Series with Jim Quick & Coastline. Open Wednesday-Saturday, lunch Saturday-Sunday. 704-633-0251, www.theboatandskiclub.com
Rick’s BBQ and Grill, 929 S. Main St. — 7-9 p.m. tonight, Aug. 25: Karaoke performance by Mark Shue. Bike Night 6-9 p.m. every Monday; Cruise-in 6-9 p.m. every Tuesday; karaoke 7-close every Friday-Saturday. 704-642-0050.
The Shack, 1205 N. Salisbury Ave., Spencer — 7-p.m., Thursdays: karaoke. 704-637-0500.
The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. — 9 -11:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 26: Martha Bassett, no cover• 9-11:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 27: Piedmont Natural Grass, no cover. www.thebluevine. com . 704-797-0093.
The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 — Saturday, Aug. 27: Gospel night featuring Redeemed, Marie Waller, The Comers, Matt Burt. Open 7 p.m.-midnight Saturdays, free refreshments, air hockey, foosball, pool. Free wi-fi. Public invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 704-213-1467. www.inntheloop.
E.H. Montgomery General Store — 7-9 p.m. Fridays: bluegrass jams. Historic Village of Gold Hill. www.HistoricGoldHill.com . 704-267-9439, 704-279-5674.
Old Stone Vino, 515 S. Main St., Kannapolis — 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays: guitarist, singer, songwriter Marty DeJarnette. Fridays, Saturdays: various artists. 704-938-2337.
The Brubakers at The Double Door Inn, 1218 Charlottetown Ave. — Saturday, Aug. 27, doors 9 p.m./music 10 p.m., $10 at the door. www.doubledoorinn.com . CarolinaTix, or 1-800-594-TIXX or 704-372-1000.
Classes
Zumba fitness — 6:30 p.m., Tuesdays, First Baptist Church of Salisbury in old YMCA gym on Fulton St.
Bring-your-own-vase floral design summer special — 2-3 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: Designing fresh cut flowers, Summer price: $5 per class plus cost of flowers, call for reservations; instructor David Harrison, Harrison’s Florist, 1012 Holmes Ave., off Grove St. near RRMC, 704-636-4251.
“Awakening to Life” class — 7-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 27-Oct. 18: Designed to support the practice of mindfulness, focusing on basic practices for establishing mindfulness; wear comfortable clothes, bring cushion. Sponsored by Mindful Living of Salisbury and The Center for Faith & the Arts. Classes held at the Center for Faith & the Arts, lower level Haven Lutheran Church, 207 W. Harrison St. Suggested donation of $10 goes toward Church facilities utilization.
Plein Air workshop — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17: Instructor Robert Crum will lead the class at Morgan Ridge Vineyard, 486 John Morgan Road, Gold Hill. Cost per student is $120 for adults 18 and older at beginning or intermediate level. Register by e-mail: crum@robertcrumfineart.com or 704-310-0382.
“Developing Your Script” — 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., Mondays Sept. 19-Nov. 7: Eight-week dramatic writing class focused on realizing, developing, and perfecting your script (play script or screenplay) presented by Burning Coal Theatre Company’s Ian Finley. Any kind of script is welcome- be it for theater or film. Held at Murphey School Auditorium, 224 Polk St., Raleigh. $155. Details or sign up at www.burningcoal.org e-mail ianfinley@aol.com
Art Classes at Rail Walk Gallery — Oil painting, drawing instruction in the direct representational style for beginner and intermediate, studio and plein air (outdoors), small classes, framing and marketing tips, lots of extras, Tuesday or Wednesday, 10 a.m.-noon or 1–3 p.m., $30 per session, price breaks on six classes. Also offering weekly figure drawing/painting sessions, live model, $5/hour, no instruction. Rail Walk Gallery, 409 N. Lee St. Info, material list, registration contact Rachel Lee 704-202-4467 or hare369@live.com
Line dance classes — Absolute Beginner: 3:30 p.m., beginning Aug. 9 • Easy Beginner: 4:30 p.m., Aug. 4 • Intermediate: 5:30 p.m., Aug. 4 • 4 lessons per mo.,$12/month or $5/lesson. Call 704-633-7862 Rufty-Holmes Sr. Center or teacher Cheryl Kluttz, 704-633-3484.
Oil classes the Old Master way — 1-3 p.m., Tuesdays: adult classes in oils, beginner or intermediate, learning the technique of the Masters of the 16th/17th centuries. $45 per session, 704-232-6000 for materials list, info, registration. Limited number of students. Patt’s studio, 409 N. Lee St., Rail Walk Arts District.
Creative painting workshops — 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., ongoing series, beginning to intermediate, traditional oil painting. $200 includes eight sessions; ask about scholarships and sliding scales. Registration/materials list: 704-245-6456. Instructor James E. Taylor, Contemporary Realism Studio, 211 S. Main St.
Card Making Class at the Y — J.F. Hurley Family YMCA holds the Card-Making classes every other Thursday evening starting July 28, 6-8 p.m. Cost $10, all supplies included. Call Terri Dockins 704-636-0111. 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd.
Watercolor classes at LGAC — Instructor Cathy Benfield Matthews, no experience needed; choose Mondays 1-3 p.m. or 5:30-7:30 p.m., or Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon, $35 each 2 hour session or $180 for 6, materials provided except brushes; email salisburyartists@gmail.com to reserve your space, www.catsfreestyleart.com . Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St., 704-633-ARTS, www.salisburyartists.com
Singles
Piedmont Singles — 7:15 p.m., Friday, Aug. 26: Bingo with Jim Holshouser as caller. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church behind CVS, Statesville Blvd. Covered dish, no joining fee, donations appreciated. Contact Frances Ward 704-637-3241.
Zodiac Club — Aug. 26: Beach blast with music by Colours. Second and fourth Fridays, fifth Friday covered dish dinner, bring something to share. alternate fifth Fridays. Doors 7 p.m., band 8 p.m. Free soft drinks, water; snacks welcome. Covered dish dinner on fifth Friday dance night. $12 guests, $10 members, join for $20. American Legion Post 380, 4235 W. Tyvola Road, Charlotte, 704-752-8824, taylorbt@msn.com, www.charlottezodiacdanceclub.com
Film
Appalachian film fest — The ninth annual Appalachian Film Festival is now accepting submissions for the Feb. 25-26, 2012 festival. Entry forms and submission guidelines: www.appyfilmfest. com/pages/entries.htm or enter your work at www.withoutabox.com/ For questions concerning this year’s festival contact Christopher Lusher (Festival Director), 1-304-690-2500 or http://cdlusher@gmail.com
Auditions
Piedmont Players’ auditions for “Dreamgirls” — 7 p.m., Aug. 29-30, third floor rehearsal hall of the Meroney Theater, cold readings from the script. Performers should also prepare a short audition song (12-15 bars) and be prepared for a small dance audition. Show dates: Oct. 6-9 and 12-15. 213 S Main St., 704-633-5471, www.piedmontplayers.com
Old Courthouse Theatre “Poe’s Midnight Dreary” auditions — 7-9 p.m., Monday-Tuesday, Aug. 29-30. On his deathbed and in a delirium Poe relives a series of dramatizations of his famous works. Performance dates are Oct. 28-30. 49 Spring St. SW, Concord. www.oldcourthousetheatre.org
Salisbury-Rowan Symphony Society auditions — By appointment, Sunday, Sept. 25, for musicians who want to be on the orchestra’s substitute list. Play a prepared piece of yourchoice, three to four standard orchestral excerpts, plus sight-reading. For suggestions of audition excerpts, contact music director David Hagy at dhagy@wfu.edu. Auditions will take place on the campus of Catawba College. For appointment, call 704-637-4314, email ljones@catawba.edu, or write Audition Information, Salisbury Symphony Orchestra, P.O.Box 4264, Salisbury, North Carolina 28145. See www.salisburysymphony.org
NCShakes auditions for 2012 “Shakespeare To Go Tour” — 4-6 p.m., Sept. 20 and 22, NCShakes’ Spirit Center campus, 807 W. Ward Ave., High Point. To schedule an audition, call NCShakes at 336-841-2273 weekday mornings. This is the company’s outreach and education program that performs and educates at schools across North Carolina.
Old Courthouse Theatre “A Broadway Christmas Carol” auditions — 7-9 p.m., Monday-Tuesday, Oct. 3-4. Three actors, one piano player, many witty song parodies, split second costume changes and a breakneck pace. Performance dates are Dec. 1-18. 49 Spring St. SW, Concord. www.oldcourthousetheatre.org
Call for vendors
Hiddenite Center Celebration of the Arts — Saturday, Sept. 24: Hiddenite Center seeking regional vendors for arts, crafts, commercial items, food sales, public information booths. Applications/ fee scale 828-632-6966 or info@hiddenitecenter.com .
Asheboro 39th Fall Festival — Submit completed registration forms and fees to The Randolph Arts Guild, P.O. Box 1033, Asheboro, NC 27204-1033. Download forms at www.AsheboroFallFestival.com . Booth fee $50 until Aug. 31; until day of festival registration booth fee is $100 as space allows. Event dates Oct. 1-2, downtown Asheboro.
Call for musicians
Concert Choir Meet and Greet — 7:30 p.m., Aug. 29: New members who love to sing are welcome, St. John’s Lutheran Church choir room, regular rehearsals begin the following Monday for this season’s Christmas selections from Handel’s “Messiah.”
Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society — 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 6: 2011-2012 concert season kick-off, get to know current members, meet the director, at Meet & Greet, Coburn Memorial United Methodist Church,m light refreshments. Regular rehearsals begin Sept. 13. Facebook, www.facebook.com/Salisbury.Rowan.Choral.Society
Hiddenite Center Celebration of the Arts — 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 24: call for performers for 30th annual unique arts and heritage festival which will offers four live music and dance performance stages for performers from different genres of entertainment including musicians, bands, dance groups. Call The Hiddenite Center at 828-632-6966, ask for Karen Walker or Allison Houchins. www.hiddenitecenter.com
Bluegrass musicians — Bluegrass jam open to all, Saturdays at Dixie’s Roasting Co., 102 S. Main St., China Grove. 704-857-9169.
Call for artists
23rd annual Gold Hill Founder’s Day seeks artists/ crafters/exhibitors — Accepting applicants for arts, crafts, expanded heritage living exhibits. Event date: Saturday, Sept. 24. www.HistoricGoldHill.com, 704-267-9439, Facebook at Historic Gold Hill, North Carolina. To request application: vivian@historicgoldhill.com or 704-279-1630, 704-267-9439.
Minetta Lane Center for Arts and Peace seeks artists — For upcoming exhibition “Reflections on Peace and Peacemakers.” Fine art, fine craft, photography and written word accepted, focusing on the broader scope of peace. Show opens Sept. 21 with reception Friday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m., runs through Oct. 21. No entry fee, artists encouraged to offer works for sale. Minetta Lane Center for Arts and Peace, 270 Union Square, Hickory. Email lindsay@minettalanecenter.org, for prospectus.
Artists sought for Art in the Shop — Art in the Shop is seeking artists interested in showing at the 13th Annual Art in the Shop in Bethlehem, NC, Oct. 1, encompassing bonsai, sculpture, paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, garden art. Quality original artwork and fine crafts only, no kits accepted. Cost$40 by July 31, $50 Aug. 1-Sept. 15. 828-632-0106, www.artintheshop.net, blsinclair1@bellsouth.net
Ahlara Art Fair — Second annual Mooresville Ahlara Art Fair, Saturday, October 8: seeking all kinds of artists, painters, potters, jewelers, photographers, woodworkers, etc. Application is at www.ahlaraartfair.webs.com, click on applications button. Myrna Reiss, 704-663-6343.
Speakers and forums
Cabarrus Art Guild Art Talk — 2-4 p.m., Sept. 11: Artist Carmella Jarvi, known for her women in water pastel paintings. Free and open to the public. See www.carmellajarvi.com For details and directions, email Jutta Vest chaz01@ctc.net
Art
James Dean sculpture unveiling tonight — 6-7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 25: Local scultptor Robert Toth unveils James Dean bust at Fine Frame Gallery, 105 S.Main St. Robert Toth Art, Sculpture and Design, 704-279-9301.
The Carolina Arist’s “The Real Carolina Artist’s 2011 Expo” reception tonight — Exhibit through Aug. 26, Salisbury Civic Center, 315 S. Martin Luther King Ave. Artists reception 6 p.m., tonight, Thursday, Aug. 25, judge Jenn Selby. Salisbury Civic Center, 315 S. Martin Luther King Ave.
Downtown Concord Art Walk — 6-9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 26: Artwork on display at 25 locations, many of which will also have refreshments, entertainment and artists on hand; Art Walk will be followed by a free screening of the award-winning documentary film Automorphosis at 9 p.m. at the Davis Theatre, 65 Union Street S., exploring how some people turn their cars into mobile works of art, PG-13. Carbarrus Arts Council, 704-920-2787, www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org Doares exhibit at Center for Faith & the Arts —5-8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 9: Opening reception for exhibit of art by Robert and Kay Doares. 207 W. Harrison St. 704-647-0999.
The Galleries, 65 Union Street S., Concord — “Making Arrangements” on display through Oct. 6, new group exhibition features multiple kinds of “arrangements” such as updated still lifes, multiple works from a series by the same artists, wall configurations and pedestal groupings; includes work by Syad Ahmad of Salisbury. 704-920-ARTS (2787), www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org
Pottery 101 at 101 S. Main St. — “Functional Beauty,” a show featuring works by Sylvia Coppola, Brenda Roberts, Bill Stewart, three artists who work with function in mind while adding their own perspective. Gallery hours 10 a.m-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m-6 p.m. Saturday. 704-209-1632.
Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409 N. Lee St. — “Art is relative: Art by 3 Generations of the Foster Family” open to the public Friday night, Aug. 26, 6-8 p.m. and each Saturday through Sept. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Rail Walk artists will be on hand Friday night to meet and greet and to encourage art appreciators to attend the Waterworks reception also 6-8 p.m. and Open Mic night next door at the LGAC’s black box theater. 409-413 N. Lee St., Rail Walk Arts district,1-1/2 blocks from WaterWorks, next door to Looking Glass Artist Collective. 704-431-8964, www.railwalkgallery.com
Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St. — Member art show “Out of the Box” at the Black Box Theater runs through mid-Aug. Participating artists: Ann Cooper, Pamela Deal, Robin Harviel, Cathy Matthews, Norma Owen. Gallery hours: noon-4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and during special events. salisburyartists@ gmail.com
Brick Wall Gallery, The Depot at Gibson Mill, 325 McGill Ave., Concord — “Miniature Exhibit,” art that is 8 x 10 or smaller, in any medium. On display until Sept. 30.
Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte — “North Carolina Pottery: Diversity and Traditions;” “Chanel: Designs for the Modern Woman.” Open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Admission $10 adults, , free for members and children 5 and younger. Free on Tuesdays 5-9 p.m. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org
Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts, 500 South Tryon St., Charlotte — “Attitude and Alchemy: The Metalwork of Gary Noffke;” “From New York to Corrymore: Robert Henri and Ireland.” Same hours, admission as above. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org
Reynolda House Museum of American Art, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem — Premier American art museum with masterpieces by Mary Cassatt, Frederic Church, Jacob Lawrence, Georgia O’Keeffe, Gilbert Stuart among its permanent collection. House, gardens and village feature public garden, dining, shopping,walking trails. 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse. org
The North Carolina Pottery Center, 233 E. Ave., Seagrove — Through Oct. 29: Two exhibits, “Wild Fire,” Alamance County stoneware past and present and “Remember Me as You Pass By,” NC ceramic grave markers. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, 336-873-8430, www.ncpotterycenter.org
TripsZimmerman Wine Tour — Sept. 9, High Point, cost $20, transportation only, depart 9:30 a.m. from YMCA, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.
Steps of St. Paul and the Book of Revelation Alive Cruise — November 2011, contact Barbara Franklin, J.F. Hurley YMCA, for details, 704-636-0111.
“West Side Story” — $85 includes orchestra center seating for performance Tuesday, Nov. 1, and transportation from YMCA to the Blumenthal, Charlotte. First deposit $40 due now, final deposit due Sept. 29. Contact Barbara Franklin, J.F. Hurley YMCA, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.
Parks
Dan Nicholas Park, 6800 Bringle Ferry Rd. — Paddle boats, miniature golf, miniature trains, carousel, gem mine, playgrounds, family camping, picnic shelters, splash pad, petting zoo. 704-216-7800. www.dannicholas.net
Ellis Park, 3541 Old Mocksville Road — 26 acres of ball fields, tennis courts, volleyball court, shelters, playground, event center, walking trail. 704-216-7783.
Sloan Park, 550 Sloan Road, Mt. Ulla — Off NC Hwy 150 approximately 10 miles west of Salisbury. Features Kerr Mill, an 1823 grist mill.
Gold Hill Mines Historic Park 735 St. Stephens Church Road, Gold Hill — Historic tours available by appointment. Information about tours: 704-267-9439; rentals: 704-279-5777. www.HistoricGoldHill.com
Gold Hill Rail Trail — Hiking, biking trail begins at Gold Hill Mines Historic Park at Miner’s Field, continues into Cabarrus County. 704-267-9439.
Dunn’s Mountain Nature and History Preserve, 1640 Dunn’s Mtn. Road — Trail walks, overlooks, see 120 miles in most directions, blacksmith shop display, Saturday-Sunday shuttle service, 704-216-7803.
Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock — NC’s first theme park features live shows, amusement rides, concerts, a three-mile Wild West adventure behind Tweetsie’s historic steam locomotives. Open seven days a week. Tweetsie.com, call 877-TWEETSIE (877-893-3874), Facebook, Twitter @TweetsieRR.
Museums
N.C. Transportation Museum, 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer — Thomas the Tank Engine visits Sept. 23-25, Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Tickets now on sale 866-468-7630 or www.ticketweb.com/thomas or www.nctrans.org. Tickets are $19 weekends or $17 Fridays plus tax for ages 2 and up (service charges and fee may apply). Museum members get $2 discount on weekend tickets. Museum open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday, 1–5 p.m., Sunday. Train ride schedule: Monday -Saturday 11 a.m. 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Sunday: 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Admission fee includes train ride: adults $10, seniors (60+)/Military $8, children ages 3-12 $6, children 2 and under free. Admission only rates available too. Museum hours and train ride schedules are seasonal. For details, 704-636-2889 or 877-NCTMFUN. www.nctrans.org
Rowan Museum, 202 N. Main St. — Exhibit updated: New view of Stoneman’s Raid on Salisbury added to “When We Fought Ourselves-1861-1865,”with local emphasis. Closer scale version of the Steven Wise diorama of events that took place along Grant’s Creek. Museum hours Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Contributions accepted. 704-633-5946. www.rowanmuseum.org
Utzman-Chambers House, 116 S. Jackson St. — New exhibit features artifacts (including photos and books) of the late Honorable Spruce Macay (1755–1808), lawyer and Superior Court judge, perhaps best known for instructing our country’s seventh president, Andrew Jackson. Open 1-4 p.m. Saturday. $3 adults, $1.50 students, museum members free. 704-633-5946.
NC Music Hall of Fame Museum, 109 West A Street, Kannapolis — Honors musicians, singers, songwriters and producers from North Carolina, more than 50 major inductee exhibits. Located in the renovated old Kannapolis Jailhouse Building. 10 a.m.-noon, 2-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Admission free, donations appreciated. 704-934-2320, www.NorthCarolinaMusicHallofFame.org
Historic Latta Plantation, Sample Road, Huntersville — 10 a.m.-4p.m., Sept. 3-4: Revolutionary War battle: see how Charlotteans defended their independence when Cornwallis came through the area in 1780. Saturday, reenactors will fight the Battle of Charlotte, which originally occurred at the corner of Trade and Tryon Streets. Sunday will feature the Battle of McIntyre Farm, which took place only a few miles from Latta, off Beatties Ford Road. The main battle is at 1 p.m. each day. Visitors can shop with period sutlers, see the soldier camps, enjoy numerous demonstrations, and take in a hot meal from the food vendor. $7 per person, ages 5 and under free. 704-875-2312, www.lattaplantation. org
Discovery Place, Charlotte, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, —
Volunteers needed for upcoming Mummies of the World Display, opens 11.11.11, special limited engagement exhibition. Apply at www.discoveryplace.org/support/volunteer • Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m -6 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. 704-372-6261, www.discoveryplace.org
Discovery Place KIDS Huntersville, 105 Gilead Road — Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m., Sunday, closed Monday. Admission $8 for adults and children age one and older, children younger than age one and Members are free. Discounts available for groups of 15 or more. discoveryplaceKIDS.org , 704-372-6261.
museum.org
NC Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh — “Mirror Image” explores what it means to be a womanas seen through the perspectives of 13 North Carolina female artists. North Carolina Gallery, East Building, adGeneral admission $15, students, seniors, military, groups of 10 or more $12. Children 7-12 $7.50, children six and under free. www.ncartmuseum.org/rockwell
NC Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh — Current exhibits: “Re-created interior of 1920s Drugstore,” “Toys, Toys, and More Toys!,” “Legends of Racing,” “North Carolina and the Civil War: The Breaking.” Across from the State Capitol. Across from the State Capitol. 919-807-7900 or ncmuseumofhistory.org or Facebook
NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh —Through Nov. 6: Art inspires. Science educates. What happens when those roles are reversed – or combined? “Witness Our Expanding Oceans,” a comprehensive art and education exhibit created by artist Mary Edna Fraser and scientist Orrin Pilkey. 919-733-7450,www.naturalsciences.org . Monday-Saturday., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. General admission is free.
NC Museum of Life and Science, 433 Murray Ave., Durham — $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, ornithopter rides $1. 919-220-5429, www.ncmls.org
Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, 390 S. Liberty St. — 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