January
Through Feb. 11: Waterworks Visual Arts Center Winter Exhibition “Art of Faiths, Religions of the World: Tolerance and Diversity.” First of a multi-year series celebrating the diversity of present day faith. www.waterworks.org
3: Return from winter break, Rowan-Salisbury students.
3: Registration deadline for PGT Toastmasters public speaking workshops on January 5, 12, 19, 26. Limited space, first come, first served. 704-431-9390, thedwards@windstream.net
7: Big Band Bash, 7:30 p.m. Hedrick Theater and Crystal Lounge, Catawba College.
11: National Mentoring Month Open House, 5-7 p.m. at the Youth Services Bureau Office, 1322 S. Fulton St. To celebrate and recruit volunteers for the Times Two mentoring program, Rowan County Teen Court and Reclaiming Futures.
13: Martin Luther King Jr. Day event, Hefner VA Medical Center, 1 p.m., Social Room, Building 6 of VA campus.
15: 35th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. birthday celebration and humanitarian awards, 3 p.m., Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Salisbury, 1920 Shirley Ave.
16: 26th Annual MLK Breakfast and Program at the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA 828 Jake Alexander Blvd from 7:30-9 a.m. Followed as 9:30 a.m. by procession from the YMCA to the Freedman Cemetery for a brief ceremony; and parade at 11 a.m.
17: Catawba Community Forum, 7:30 p.m., Tom Smith Auditorium, Ketner Hall
Jan. 17, 24, 31 & Feb. 7: Waterworks Visual Arts Center Artists’ Talks/Demonstrations, four Tuesday evenings, 7-8:30 p.m. Four artists give talks/demonstrations on “My Career as an Illustrator.” Priced for one or all four. www.waterworks.org
18:Submission deadline for Waterworks Visual Arts Center songwriting competition based on texts from “I Lay My Stitches Down” illustrated by exhibiting artist Michele Wood. Texts, application at www.waterworks.org
Jan. 18-March 17:Waterworks Visual Arts Center Exhibition “This Has Been My Life All My Life,” by photojournalist Sean Meyers and poet Janice Fuller; from the words, hands, faces, and memories of residents of Lutheran Home, Winston-Salem. Opening reception January 26. www.waterworks.org
20:“A Night Of Jazz and Swing,” The Brubakers, Salisbury Swing Band, Lonnie Carpenter, 7:30 p.m., Keppel Auditorium, Catawba College
21: Planetarium show “A Tour of the Stars,” 5 p.m., Horizons Unlimited, 1636 Parkview Circle, 704-639-3004
21: “Miss Representation,” documentary exploring media’s limited portrayals of females, sponsored by American Association of University Women, Salisbury, 7 p.m., Black Box Theatre, 405 N. Lee St.
23: The Kneeling Gardeners: speaker Tamberlyn Blinsink on “Let Food Be Thy Medicine,” 7 p.m., Trinity UMC, 416 E. First St., Kannapolis. 704-933-1127.
24: Book Bites Book Club “Spell of the Highlander” by Karen Marie Moning, South Rowan Regional Library, China Grove
27-28: Faith Community Health Promoter Training for laypersons serving as health advocate in a faith community; no medical background necessary. Must attend both days to receive certificate, $50. CMC NorthEast, 704-403-4484, donna.harless@carolinashealthcare.org
28: Waterworks Visual Arts Center’s seventh annual Oyster Roast, 6:30-11:30 p.m. Fundraiser for Waterworks education, outreach programs. www.waterworks.org
February
2: Red Show fundraiser to benefit The Red Cross opens at Rail Walk Studios & Gallery, 409 N. Lee St., 409 N. Lee St., info@railwalkgallery.com
4: Rowan Regional Medical Center Winter Flight RRCA State Championship 8K race, Catawba College, www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
4:16th Annual Father/Daughter Dance, Salisbury Civic Center, 315 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
4: Stories From the Underground Railroad, 1 p.m., N.C. Transportation Museum
7:Rowan-Salisbury Schools District Spelling Bee, 6 p.m., Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Teaching Auditorium.
7-11: “Dead Man’s Cellphone,” Catawba Theatre Arts Production, 7:30 p.m, Florence-Busby-Corriher Theatre
9: Piedmont Players Mainstage production “Cyrano de Bergerac,” Feb. 9-11 and 15-18 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 12 at 2:30 p.m., Meroney Theater, 213 South Main St., www.piedmontplayers.com
9:Millie Cress, First Bank VP: “Financial Fitness for Women,” 6:30 p.m., Trinity Oaks, 728 Klumac Road. Sponsored by American Association of University Women, Salisbury
11: Sweetheart Dinner and Silent Auction, Historic Gold Hill Village
11:Salisbury Symphony Orchestra’s “Playful Masterpieces” with Jesse Davis, piano. Bartok, Schubert, Beethoven, 7:30 p.m. Keppel Auditorium
13:Filing for most public offices up for election in November begins at noon and runs through Feb. 29.
17:Piedmont Players Youth production “Honk! Jr.,” Feb. 17 and 24 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 18 and 25 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St., www.piedmontplayers. com
18: Piedmont Airlines Day, 1 p.m., N.C. Transportation Museum, Spencer.
18: Planetarium show “More Than Meets the Eye,” 5 p.m., Horizons Unlimited, 1636 Parkview Circle, 704-639-3004
Feb. 18-May 12:Waterworks Visual Arts Center Spring Exhibition “Multiplicity,” artists exploring multiple connections through works in multiple mediums. Opening reception February 24. Free. www.waterworks.org
Feb. 18-March 8: Waterworks Visual Arts Center Rowan County’s Independent/Home School Art Exhibition. Reception March 1. Free. www.waterworks.org
24-25:Lee Street Theatre’s “Songs Down A Country Road,” 7:30 p.m., country and bluegrass music with Matthew Weaver, Tripp Edwards and friends. Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St., leestreettheatre@gmail.com
25:All-County Middle and High School Band Concert, 1 p.m., Carson High School
28:Book Bites Book Club “Memory Keeper’s Daughter” by Kim Edwards, South Rowan Regional Library, China Grove
28: Lilly Colloquium Lectures, 11 a.m., Catawba College Omwake-Deaborn Chapel and 7:30 p.m. in Tom Smith Auditorium, Ketner Hall
Date TBA:Piedmont Choral Society’s “Kisses and Cupcakes, A Program of Love Songs and Desserts,” Forest Hill Methodist Church, 265 Union St. N, Concord
March
1-3:Lee Street Theatre’s Improv Comedy with “Now Are The Foxes,” 7:30 p.m., Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St., leestreettheatre @gmail.com
3: Corriher Grange annual Brunswick stew and hot dog fundraiser, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Corriher Grange Community Building, 1585 Corriher Grange Road. Proceeds to maintain this historic school building
3: Billy Dean and his Guitar, 7:30 p.m., Keppel Auditorium, Catawba College. www.rccamusic.com
3-11: Catawba College spring break
8:Dr. Roxanne Newton, Director of Humanities and Fine Arts, Mitchell Community College: “International Women’s Day,” 6:30 p.m., Trinity Oaks, 728 Klumac Road. Sponsored by American Association of University Women, Salisbury
9:All County Middle School Chorus Concert, 6 p.m., Corriher-Lipe Middle School
10: Salisbury Fire Department St. Patrick’s Day 5K race, J.F. Hurley YMCA
10-18:Livingstone College spring break
10-29:Waterworks Visual Arts Center Rowan-Salisbury’s Elementary School Exhibition. Reception March 22. Free. www.waterworks.org
11:Salisbury Symphony Orchestra’s “Children’s Hour” family concert with All-County Fifth-Grade Honors Chorus and narrators from Carson High School, 4 p.m., Keppel Auditorium
15: Wayne Clawson’s One Man Show at Meroney Theater based on Robert William Service, world renowned Scottish Poet, one performance only. Benefits Rowan Rotary Foundation. 704-642-4946
17: Family laser show “Laser Beatles,” 5 p.m., Horizons Unlimited, 1636 Parkview Circle, 704-639-3004
17:Rock laser show “Laser Retro,” 7 p.m., Horizons Unlimited, 1636 Parkview Circle, 704-639-3004
17:St. Patrick’s Day cruise-in,Historic Gold Hill Village
17:Elementary Music Festival, fifth grade, 4 p.m., South Rowan High School.
18: Winter Choral Concert, 5:30 p.m., Catawba College Omwake-Dearborn Chapel
20-21: “The Laramie Project,” Catawba Theatre Arts Production, 6:55 p.m., Florence-Busby-Corriher Theatre
March 21-23: Carolina Artists Photo Expo 2012, Salisbury Civic Center, 315 S. Martin Luther King Ave.
22-24: “The Laramie Project,” Catawba Theatre Arts Production, 7:30 p.m., Florence-Busby-Corriher Theatre
25: Vernaculars Concert, 7:30 p.m., Catawba College Hedrick Little Theatre
27: Habitat for Humanity of Rowan County Port-a-Pit Barbecue Chicken Fundraiser, 11a.m.-7p.m., Salisbury Civic Center
27:Book Bites Book Club “Moon Women” by Pamela Duncan, South Rowan Regional Library, China Grove
29:Brady Author’s Symposium with author Jane Hamilton, 11 a.m., Catawba College Keppel Auditorium
29:Spring Fundraising Banquet for Pregnancy Support Center, 6:30–8:45 p.m., Holiday Inn; RSVP by March 15 by calling 704-633-7695
31: Red Show art auction to benefit The Red Cross, at Rail Walk Studios & Gallery, 409 N. Lee St., info@railwalkgallery.com
March 31-April 19: Waterworks Visual Arts Center Rowan Salisbury’s Middle School Exhibition. Reception April 5. Free. www.waterworks.org
April
5: Middle School Waterworks Art Exhibit Reception, 5 p.m.. Waterworks.
6-13: Good Friday holiday and spring break for Rowan-Salisbury Schools and Kannapolis City Schools.
7: Easter egg hunt and Springfest, Historic Gold Hill Village
8: Easter
8: Easter brunch at Stamp Mill Café, Historic Gold Hill Village
11-14: Lee Street Theatre’s “All the King’s Women,” comedy by Luigi Jannuzzi, 7:30 p.m., fast paced series of five comedic plays and three monologues based on the life of Elvis Presley. Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St., leestreettheatre@ gmail.com
13: Rowan County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Issues Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Holiday Inn.
13-15: 15th Annual Salisbury Confederate Prison Symposium: banquet, lectures, memorial service, 704-637-6411
14: Dr. Judy Grissom, superintendent of Rowan-Salisbury Schools: “Education Matters,” 9:30 a.m., American Association of University Women, Salisbury, annual brunch. Reservations 704-798-2574
14: Seventh Annual Spring Herb & Plant Festival, Piedmont Farmers Market, 518 Winecoff School Road, Concord.
19: Piedmont Players Mainstage production, “Company,” April 19-21 and 25-28 at 7:30 p.m.; April 22 at 2:30 p.m., Meroney Theater, 213 South Main St., www.piedmontplayers.com
19-22: “Huck Finn,” Catawba Theatre Arts Production, Keppel Auditorium
20: Earth Night Out, 5-9 p.m., Historic Downtown Salisbury
20: All County High School Chorus Concert, 6 p.m., location to be announced.
21: Annual Studebaker Car Show, N.C. Transportation Museum, Spencer.
21: Planetarium show “Bear Tales and Other Grizzly Stories,” 5 p.m., Horizons Unlimited, 1636 Parkview Circle, 704-639-3004
21: Merchants’ Spring cruise-in and park oyster roast, Historic Gold Hill Village
April 21-May 12: Waterworks Visual Arts Center Rowan Salisbury’s High School Exhibition. Reception May 3. Free. www.waterworks.org
22: Huck Finn the Musical! 2:30 p.m., Keppel Auditorium, Catawba College. www.rccamusic.com
23-27: Carolina Artists Student Art Exhibition, Salisbury Civic Center
25: K-12 Carolina Artist Guild Student Art Expo Reception, 5 p.m., Salisbury Civic Center
27-28 : Catawba’s “Danceworks,” 7:30 p.m., Keppel Auditorium
28: Communities in Schools fundraising breakfast, 8-10 a.m., Salisbury O’Charley’s, $5 of each ticket goes to support CIS programs at eight RSS schools.
29: Catawba Chorus Concert, time TBA, Omwake-Dearborn Chapel
29: Book Bites Book Club “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café,” by Fannie Flagg, South Rowan Regional Library, China Grove
May:
2: “Gold Rush Days,” arts, crafts, quilt walk, book fest, storytelling, Historic Gold Hill Village:
3: High School Art Exhibit Reception, 5 p.m., Waterworks.
3: Rowan County Chamber of Commerce Business Show, open to the public noon-5 p.m., Event Center, Webb Road.
4: Teens With A Mission Mission Run 5K race, First Presbyterian Church, www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
5: Livingstone College commencement, 10 a.m.
5: Down and Dirty Mud Runrace, South Rowan YMCA, www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
6: Buck Hurley Triathlon, J.F. Hurley YMCA, www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
6: The Artie Shaw Orchestra, 3 p.m., Keppel Auditorium, Catawba College. www.rccamusic.com
8: Primary elections.
10 : Piedmont Players Youth production “Cinderella,” May 10-12 and 18-19 at 7:30 p.m., May 13 and 20 at 2:30 p.m., Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St., www.piedmontplayers. com
11: The Concert Choir presents Renee Clausen’s “A New Creation,” 7:30 p.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church, free
11: Humane Society of Rowan Lights of Love, dusk-9:30 p.m., City Lake.
11: Spring Night Out, 5-9 p.m., Historic Downtown Salisbury
11: Carolina’s Largest Baby Shower. Time and location to be announced. Contact Pregnancy Support Center for additional information at 704-633-7695.
12: Commencement, Catawba College, Hood Seminary and Pfeiffer University
12: Gold Hill Lions Club third annual Lions Ride for the Blind, rain date June 2, Tilley Harley Davidson-Salisbury
13:Mother’s day brunch at Stamp Mill Café, Historic Gold Hill Village
15:Leadership Rowan deadline for applications, Rowan County Chamber of Commerce.
19:Bestowal of military service awards program, 1 p.m., Stanback Auditorium, Rowan Public Library, sponsored by the Robert F. Hoke Chapter No. 78, United Daughters of the Confederacy
18:Rowan County Early College graduation
18-19:Salisbury Rowan Quilters’ Guild’s 2012 Quilt Show, “Sunny Days and Starry Nights,” First Baptist First Ministry Center, 223 N. Fulton St., 10 a.m-5:30 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m-4 p.m. Saturday. ljbryant@bellsouth.net
19:Salisbury Symphony Orchestra’s “American Light Classics” pops concert, 7:30 p.m., Keppel Auditorium
19: Family laser show, “Laser Country,” 5 p.m., Horizons Unlimited, 1636 Parkview Circle, 704-639-3004
19: Rock laser show – “Laseropolis,” 7 p.m., Horizons Unlimited, 1636 Parkview Circle, 704-639-3004
19: Cruise-in, history and photographers’ walk, Historic Gold Hill Village
19: Waterworks Visual Arts Center Family Fun Day, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free hands-on art activities, artists’ demonstrations. www.waterworks.org
May 19-August 11: Waterworks Visual Arts Center Summer Exhibition “Realism to Abstraction.” Opening reception June 1. Free. www.waterworks.org
25: Rowan Vocational Opportunities Spring Fling, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
26: Group Gold Hill bike ride, Historic Gold Hill Village
26: Salisbury Rowan Runners Bare Bones 5K race, Knox Middle School, www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
29: Book Bites Book Club “Garden Spells” by Sarah Addison Allen, South Rowan Regional Library, China Grove
May Date TBA: Piedmont Choral Society’s Spring concert, Forest Hill Methodist Church, 265 Union St. N, Concord
June
2: 8th annual Pops at the Post, 8 p.m., Salisbury Post parking lot, free
2: Rail trail hike, Historic Gold Hill Village
6-9: Lee Street Theatre’s “Six Feet Under,” fourth annual Ten Minute Original Play Festival, 7:30 p.m., Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St., leestreettheatre@gmail. com
8: China Grove Main Street Challenge 5K race, downtown China Grove, www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
8: A.L. Brown High School graduation
9: Rowan-Salisbury high school graduations. At Catawba College: East, South, North, Henderson, Salisbury. On their own campuses: Carson and West.
9: Date TBA: Piedmont Choral Society’s annual patriotic benefit concerts, Forest Hill Methodist Church, 265 Union St. N, Concord
11-13: Cabarrus County high school graduations
16: Summer cruise-in, Historic Gold Hill Village
26: Book Bites Book Club “Life of Pi” by Yan Martel, South Rowan Regional Library, China Grove
30: Antique motorcycle show, Historic Gold Hill Village
July
3: Book Bites Book Club “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card, South Rowan Regional Library, China Grove
12 : Piedmont Players Youth production “13 – A New Musical,” July 12-14 and 20-21 at 7:30 p.m., July 15 and 22 at 2:30 p.m., Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St., www.piedmontplayers.com
20: Krazy Night Out, 5-9 p.m. Historic Downtown Salisbury
21: Cruise-in, Historic Gold Hill Village
21: Salisbury Parks and Recreation Greenway 5K race, Knox Middle School, www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
26: Piedmont Players Mainstage production, “You Can’t Take it With You,” July 26-28 and August 1-4 at 7:30 p.m., July 29 at 2:30 p.m., Meroney Theater, 213 South Main St., www.piedmontplayers.com
28: Village ghost walk, Historic Gold Hill Village
August
August: TBA: Gentiva Home Health Services’ eighth annual month long community food drive to benefit Rowan Helping Ministries in Rowan county and Cooperative Christian Ministries in Cabarrus county, 704-933-1001
3: Summer Night Out, 5-9 p.m., Historic Downtown Salisbury
17 : Tomato Trot 5K race, Unity Presbyterian Church, Woodleaf, www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
17-18: Ralph Pennington Bluegrass Reunion Festival, Historic Gold Hill Village
18: “Hot Summer Nights and Dancin’ in the Streets,” Historic Gold Hill Village
25: Community distribution for School Tools supply collection, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., First Baptist Church gym. Child must accompany parent or guardian to receive supplies, no exceptions. 704-797-0210
27: First day of school for students in Rowan-Salisbury, Kannapolis and Cabarrus County schools.
September
1: BB&T Sunset Run 5K race, Downtown Salisbury, www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
7: Kids’ Night Out, 5-9 p.m., Historic Downtown Salisbury
15: Cruise-in, Historic Gold Hill Village
21-23 & 28-30: Day Out with Thomas, N.C. Transportation Museum
22: Annual Founder’s Day festivities, Historic Gold Hill Village
22: March of Dimes 5K race, Salisbury Community Park, www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
30: The Salvation Army of Rowan County Centennial Celebration, 11 a.m., 620 Bringle Ferry Road.
October
6: 46th Annual Granite Quarry Civitan Fiddler’s Convention, 6:30 p.m., East Rowan High School; BBQ chicken, homemade desserts available. 704-633-5940, 704-267-9439
6: Para ED training, Historic Gold Hill Village
6-7: Autumn Jubilee, Dan Nicholas Park
12: OctoberTour Night Out, 5-9 p.m., Historic Downtown Salisbury
13-14: 37th annual Historic Salisbury Foundation’s OctoberTour
20: Cruise-in, Historic Gold Hill Village
20 : Knights of Columbus 5K race, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
26: Rowan Vocational Opportunities Fall Festival, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
27: Halloween FunFest, 3-6 p.m., Historic Downtown Salisbury
27: Park ghost tour, Historic Gold Hill Village
28: Rotary Spooky Sprint 5K race, Catawba College, www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
November
1: Rowan County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn of Salisbury
6: Election Day
19: 12th annual Lighting of the Fall Fires, Historic Gold Hill Village
22: Butterball 5K race, The Forum, www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
22: Thanksgiving Day
23: Holiday Night Out, 5-9 p.m., Historic Downtown Salisbury
November 30-December 2: Arc of Rowan Festival of Trees, The F & M Trolley Barn 127 E. Liberty St.
November
Date TBA: Piedmont Choral Society’s third annual “Old Fashioned Hymn Sing,” Forest Hill Methodist Church, 265 Union St. N, Concord
December
1: Santa’s Run for Charity 5K, Millbridge, www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
1-3: Christmas in the Village, Historic Gold Hill Village
December 24-Jan. 1: Winter break and holidays for Rowan-Salisbury, Kannapolis and Cabarrus schools.
December: Date TBA: Piedmont Choral Society’s annual Christmas concerts, Forest Hill Methodist Church, 265 Union St. N, Concord