Music & more
Salisbury Symphony Orchestra presents American Light Classics — 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 19: Finishing the season with PDQ Bach’s “1712 Overture,” Gershwin’s “Porgy & Bess” Variations, music by Richard Rodgers, John Philip Sousa, Anderson. $20 ages 19 and older, $6 ages 9-18, $4 ages 8 and younger. Keppel Auditorium, Catawba College. www.salisburysymphony.org
Faure’s ‘Requiem’ with orchestra — 7 p.m., Friday, May 18 and 3 p.m., Sunday, May 20: presented by The Piedmont Choral Society and the sanctuary choirs of Concord’s First Presbyterian Church and Central UMC. Held at First Baptist Church, 200 Branchview Drive, Concord. Free. 704-699-6053, kayy2000@gmail.com
Salisbury-RowanChoral Society concerts — “Let Heaven and Nature Sing”• Sunday, May 20 at 3 p.m., First United Church of Christ in Salisbury• Tuesday, May 22at 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church of China Grove. Sunday’s performance features the new organ at FUCC. Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Let All the World in Every Corner Sing,” works by Felix Mendelssohn, Gwyneth Walker, William L. Dawson. Free.
‘Hollywood Squares: The 80s Edition’ at Belk Theater — 7:30 p.m., May 23-24: One Voice Chorus’ second annual Hollywood Squares performance featuring songs from that popular era. Barbara Burning Bush hosts an evening of unique fun, trivia, music. Tickets $25, Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square, 345 North College St., Charlotte, 704-372-1000, www.BlumenthalCenter.org
NC Symphony 2012-13 season — June 7 gala event kicks off 80th anniversary celebration, free community concerts across the state begin May 31 to lead up to official season opening Sept. 9. Information on subscriptions, dates, times, tickets at 919-733-2750, toll free 877-627-6724, www.ncsymphony.org
Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center — • Natalie Cole, May 25 • The Band Perry, May 27 • k.d. lang, June 2• Foreigner, June 8•Sheryl Crow, June 24 • Gary Allan Country Throwdown Tour, July 14.Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee. www.ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.
Burning Coal Theatre presents Oakwood Unplugged — 6:30 p.m., May 18-19; 2 p.m., May 20: musical performance in the historic Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Oakwood Ave., Raleigh, Adults $20, students $10. 919-834-4001, www.burningcoal. org
Festivals
Three day Festival In The Grove — May 18-20• 8 p.m., Friday: outdoor movie “The End of the Spear,” also children’s movie 7 p.m. in church basement; free popcorn, soft drinks•6 p.m., Saturday: outdoor concert “One Road Home,”free homemade ice cream• 10:30 a.m., Sunday: outdoor worship• 6:30 p.m., Sunday: outdoor youth rally with bands “Broken Yesterday” and “Relentless Flood,” also CHAOS, youth drama troop from China Grove/Landis. Free popcorn, soft drinks, bring your own chair to each event. Christiana Lutheran Church, 6190 US Hwy 52, 704-279-4655.
Let’s Get Connected Day — 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, May 19: music, food, dance, circle of prayer, dedication of peace pole. Performers: Overton Elementary Band, Mini Funk Factory, North Rowan Connections Choir, Kujamani Dance Team, Native Drummers. Ellis Park, 3541 Old Mocksville Road, Betty Jo Hardy 704-636-6119.
Heritage Day at Organ Lutheran — 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, May 19: Step back in time, crafts, demonstrations, colonial games, raffle, tours of the 1790s old church, 2 p.m. concert by The 1515 Organ Lutheran Church Road, Salisbury.
JC Price Post 107 Memorial Week celebration — Friday-Sunday, May 25-June 3: 1433 Old Wilkesboro Road•Friday: 9 p.m. kickoff dance•Saturday: 8 a.m memorial service at National Cemetery, followed by breakfast at VFW 3006• Monday: 10 a.m. memorial service at Brenner Ave. Cemetery, VA Medical Center; 6:30 p.m. Gospel Fest • Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. Gospel Fest • Wednesday: 9 p.m. dance with deejay Osborne • Thursday: 9 p.m. dance with deejay K Connor • Friday: 9 p.m. dance with deejay Neak • Saturday: 9 p.m. dance with deejay Woody Wood • Rides on the midway May 30-June 3 • 704-636-2950.
88th Old Time Fiddler’s and Bluegrass Festival, Fiddler’s Grove — May 25-27: Music competitions, workshops, storytelling, clogging, food, dancing. Tickets $50, youth $25. www.fiddlersgrove.com
Local musician and group open at Carowinds’ Joyfest — 7 p.m., Saturday, May 26: local musician Timika Peterson and The Few Chosen & Stereo, is the opening band at JoyFest 2012, Carowinds Theme Park, Carowinds Paladium, www.joyfest.org
First-Responders Day festival — 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, June 9: to honor police, EMS, fire department and other first responders with a roasted pig, bouncy house, bluegrass band and other fun stuff. NorthGate Church, 1255 West Ridge Road, 704-633-7063.
Theater
Piedmont Players Youth Theatre presents ‘Cinderella’ — 7:30 p.m., May 18-20; 2:30 p.m., May 19: youth musical production. Adults $12, students/seniors $10. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St., www.piedmontplayers.com, 704-633-5471.
Old Courthouse Theatre’s Living Room Reading Series ‘Neil Simon’s The Dinner Party’ comedy — 4 p.m., Sunday, May 20: Free admission, 704-788-2405, OCT main theater, 49 Spring Street NW, Concord, 704-788-2405, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org
Old Courthouse Theatre presents ‘Crimes of the Heart’ — 8 p.m., June 14, 15, 16 and 2:30 p.m., June 17. Pulitzer Prize winning dark comedy. Tickets $20, includes hors d’oeuvres, dessert, wine tasting. (Wine tasting for Thur/Fri/Sat evening performances only). 49 Spring Street NW, 704 788-2405, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org
George Hamilton in ‘La Cage Aux Folles’ at the Blumenthal — May 29-June 3: also starring Christopher Sieber. Tickets $20-$99.50. Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 North Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-372-1000, BlumenthalArts.org
This & That
Paranormal Investigation — Friday, May 18: $20 per person, Salisbury Wine Shop. Reservations and information: boo@salisburyghostwalk.com or 704-213-4232.
Gold Hill Photo and History Walk — 2 p.m., Saturday, May 19: Guided photo walk of the Historic Village of Gold Hill, registration 1 p.m. at The Arbor (behind The Bakery, 850 St. Stephen’s Church Road). $5/person for guided walk with history of each stop, tips for taking better photos, learn the history of the village of Gold Hill•Photo contest: email best photo from walk for chance to win $25 gift certificate at the Stamp Mill Cafe. goldhillmerchantsassociation@gmail.com
Historic Gold Hill Cruise-in —2 p.m. till dark, Saturday, May 19. 740 St. Stephens Church Road. Facebook or goldhillmerchantsassociation@gmail.com
Historic Salisbury narrated trolley tour — 11 a.m. Saturdays, April through Oct. Tours begin/end at Visitor’s Center, 204 E. Innes St. $8 for adults, children 4 to 10 $5, under 4 free. 704-638-3100, www.visitsalisburync.com
Salisbury Rowan Quilters’ Guild show — May 18-19: First Baptist Church, First Ministry Center, 223 N. Fulton St. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Admission $5, children 12 and under free.
Family laser show ‘Laser Country’ — 5 p.m., Saturday, May 19: Fast-paced, toe-tapping program for country music fans across the generations. Early days legends such as Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline blended with contemporary artists such as Rascal Flatts, Zac Brown Band. Doors open 4:30 p.m. Adults $3, 12 and under $2. Margaret C. Woodson Planetarium at Horizons Unlimited, park on Lilly Ave., 704-639-3004.
Rock laser show ‘Laseropolis’ — 7 p.m., Saturday, May 19: Mix of music, dazzling laser effects for fans of great rock bands of 70s, 80s, 90s. Familiar songs by REM, Future Sounds of London, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Creed, Nirvana, more. Viewer Discretion advised, some songs may contain lyrics and images inappropriate for young children. Doors open 6:30 p.m. Adults $5, 12 and under $3. Margaret C. Woodson Planetarium at Horizons Unlimited, 1636 Parkview Circle, park on Lilly Ave., 704-639-3004.
Masonry contest — Saturday, May 19: 2012 NCMCA Masonry Apprentice Skills Contest•9 a.m. contestants registration•10 a.m. contest begins•noon contest ends, judging begins•12:15 p.m. lunch•1:15 p.m. awards presentation•Rain or shine competition, games, raffle prizes, entertainment by Dionne, Hodges, Murphy Trio Band, tours of Carolina Stalite, world’s largest lightweight aggregate plant•Carolina Stalite Ben Ketchie Park, 17700 Old Beatty Ford Road, Gold Hill.
Rowan County Animé Group — 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m., May 19: Asian Heritage Month, picnic and 5-hour anime marathon showing. South Rowan Regional Branch of the Rowan Public Library, eating afterward on picnic tables in the back of library.
Stories Under the Stars — 7 p.m., Saturday, May 19: Grey Seal Puppets performing “Bathtub Pirates,” Cabarrus County Library Kannapolis Branch, 850 Mountain St., Kannapolis, www.cityofkannapolis. com/summerevents
Kannapolis Movies in the Parkbegin — 8:45 p.m., Friday, May 25: “Dolphin Tale” (PG), Village Park, www.cityofkannapolis. com/summerevents
Music and lunch at Thursdays on Main — 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., VeteransPark, downtown Kannapolis; Coconut Groove Band, lunch on site from Chef Jeff. www.cityofkannapolis. com/summerevents
8th Annual Pops at the Post — Sunset, Saturday, June 2, Salisbury Post loading dock, S. Church St. (rain venue: Keppel Auditorium, Catawba College)
D-Day Remembrance — 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, June 2: The Price of Freedom Musuem and ‘A’ Company of the CMVPA honor all Veterans of American wars: Neil Wilkerson sings the national anthem, SRHS ROTC Color Guard, recognition of all Vets. Military vehicles and helicopters on display, military weapons and war related memorabilia, VA mobile unit on site, free gift for all Vets. Food available. Price of Freedom Museum, intersection of Patterson and Weaver Roads (2420 Weaver Road) China Grove. www.pricoffreedom.us
Presto! Magic Camp — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 11-15: Magic apprenticeship for children ages 8-80 years interested in learning and performing tricks and skills of a magician. Looking Glass Artists Center’s black box theatre, 405 N. Lee St.; bring a bag lunch. Headed by local resident Buddy Farnan, award-winning prestidigitator, and other professional master magicians. 15 students only, $125 registration includes all materials. 704-633-2787, salisburyartists@gmail.com, www.salisburyartists.com
NSSA member-authors booksigning — 2-4 p.m., Sunday, June 10: Bob Harris, Mark Johnson, Dave Ungrady, Doug Segrest, Craig Greenlee•Super bowl rings, try them on in conjunction with book signing. Jostens displays 28 rings created for National Football League Super Bowl champions. Literary Bookpost, 110 S. Main St., NSSA at www.nssafame.com, 704-633-4275.
Fundraisers
Hoofstock 2012— 2-7 p.m., Saturday, May 19: A day of music, peace and whinnies, with art, craft, food vendors. Friendly dogs on leashes welcome. Proceeds benefit Safe Haven Equine Rescue and Rietirement. Music by the Ramshackles, Linus Jones, Crystal Bright and the Silver Hnds, deejay Sound Ninja. $5 admission, 12 and under free. Held at Give Me Shelter Safe Haven Farm, 245 Cedar Ridge Lane, High Point, www.sherrnc.com
Vendor fair/craft sale benefitevents — 10 a.m.-4 p.m., May 26 at Unity United Methodist Church, 8505 Unity Church Road, Kannapolis, to benefit the Witherspoon family that lost everything in a house fire. Craft vendors, food, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, more.
Juneteenth — 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday, June 16 and 1-6 p.m. Sunday, June 17: Two day community event benefits Back-to-School 2012 school supply giveaway. Radio 92.7 FM with Stacy Blackman to broadcast live from Kelsey-Scott Park.
Night Life
The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. — 9-midnight, Friday, May 18: Gigi Dover & the Big Love, $5 cover • 9-11:30 p.m., Saturday, May 19: Blazin’ Blues Bob Paolino, no cover. 704-797-0093, www.thebluevine.com
Buckshots Live Music Venue, 5658 S. Main St. — Wednesday, Open Jam Night•Thursday, Hot Rods and Harleys • Saturday, May 19: CC Mullins and Freaks From Abraham. Doors open at 6, show starts at 9 p.m. 704-856-0227.
DJ’s, 1502 W. Innes St., — 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Live music. 704-638-9647, www.DJsRestaurant. com
ethos southern bistro and martini bar, 118 N. Main St. — Grand opening weekend: 10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, May 18-19, music by Allison Crowell. 704-639-2600, www.ethosdining.com
Fat Jack’s Pub, 120 Military Ave. — • Friday, May 18: Karaoke with Mark Tomei • 8:30 p.m., Saturday, May 19: Feedback Band. 704-638-8996.
The Fuel Depot Bar and Grill, 2168 Statesville Blvd. — •Tuesday, Open Mic •Wednesday, World Tavern Poker• Thursday, 8 ball tournament, deejay/ karaoke with Cherokee•Friday jam session with Monkey Wrench (free).
High Rock Boat & Ski Club, 257 Boat Club Lane — Friday, May 18: Deejay Butch Metcalf• Saturday, May 19: The Southern Pride Band. 704-633-0251, www.theboatandskiclub.com
The Inn, 1012 Mooresville HWY 150 — Saturday, May 19: Writing Home and Chariot Awaits. First band at 7:45 p.m.•Free refreshments, air hockey, foosball, pool, wi-fi. Public invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 704-213-1467, www.inntheloop.
The Loft at Benchwarmers, 113 E. Fisher St. — Saturday, May 19:Big Break with special guest Tower 15. Doors open 9 p.m. $5 cover, www.reverbnation. com/venue/theloftbenchwarmers.
Rick’s BBQ and Grill, 929 S. Main St. — 7 p.m., tonight, May 17: Karaoke performance by Tom Matthews• Bike Night 6-9 p.m. Mondays• Cruise-in 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays• Karaoke 7-close Friday-Saturdays. 704-642-0050.
Spencer Buffet, 1205 N. Salisbury Ave., Spencer — 6 p.m., Wednesdays: karaoke. 704-633-1200.
E.H. Montgomery General Store — Friday Night Bluegrass 6-10 p.m., open jam begins at 8 p.m. Historic Village of Gold Hill, www.HistoricGoldHill.com, Facebook at Historic Gold Hill, North Carolina, 704-267-9439.
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.
Classes
Summer ARTventures classes at Waterworks — Register now for Summer ARTventures classes. Visit www.waterworks.org to download brochure and registration forms or pick up during gallery hours. Variety of classes for kids aged 4 and up. Class sizes are limited. 123 E. Liberty St., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday 10 a.m-7 p.m, Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 704-636-1882, www.waterworks.org
Creative Art Experiences for ages 5-18 — Art Lessons for children in your home, after school, evenings, weekends with Ingrid A. Erickson, K-12 Certified Art Educator and Artist. $15/hour, $10 each additional child. 413-884-4499 for appointment. Studio at Rail Walk Gallery, 409 N. Lee St. ingridaerickson@yahoo.com with questions. Rail Walk Gallery, 409 N. Lee St.
Classical Method of Oils Painting with Patt — Beginner or intermediate ongoing classes Tuesdays 1-3 p.m., studio of Patt Legg. One-on-one teaching methods of the Old Masters. $40 per 2 hour session, pay as you go. 704-232-6000, www.PattLegg.com
Shag dance classes — Four-week sessions each monthat High Rock Boat & Ski Club, China Grove Methodist Church. Instructors are pro division dancers in Competitive Shag Association (carolinashaglessons.com). Available: Beginner, Beginner II, Intermediate/Advanced. $10/person; Contact Tobitha 704-202-9655 or tstewartrealtor@gmail.com; David or Diane Harrington 704-279-6168.
Creative painting workshops — 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., ongoing series, beginning to intermediate, traditional oil painting. $200 for eight sessions; ask about scholarships and sliding scales. Registration/materials 704-245-6456. Instructor James E. Taylor, Contemporary Realism Studio, 211 S. Main St.
Card Making Class at the Ytonight— 6-8 p.m. every other Thursday evening, next class 6-8 p.m., May 17, supplies included. J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., Terri Dockins 704-636-0111.
Watercolor classes at LGAC — Instructor Cathy Benfield Matthews, no experience needed; 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; reserve space at salisburyartists@gmail.com . Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St., 704-633-ARTS, www.salisburyartists.com
Adult class at Pottery 101 — 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Wednesdays and 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday or Wednesday evenings, June 12-Aug. 8 (no class week of July 4). All classes feature hand-building and wheel techniques, students not obligated to both but both processes will be demonstrated and available. Limited space, registration begins May 24. $200 includes 25# bag of clay, 8 classes and 5 hours of extra studio time. Additional studio time $5/hour. Pottery 101, 704-209-1632, pottery101nc@gmail.com, www.pottery-101.com
Children’s clay classes at Pottery 101 — For ages 6-14. $35 per class includes instruction, materials, firing. Payment due minimum three days in advance. 10a.m.-noon • May 19: Funny Fish • May 26: Clay Whistles • Pottery 101, 704-209-1632, pottery101nc@gmail. com, www.pottery-101.com
Mind aerobics art class — 2-4 p.m., Mondays and Fridays, taught by artist Robert Toth: An introduction to drawing, pastel and sculpture. $10 per two-hour session. Rufty Holmes Senior Center, call 704-279-9301.
Zumba fitness — •6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, First Baptist Church of Salisbury in old YMCA gym on Fulton St. •6 p.m. Thursdays, $3 per person, St. Matthews Church in Salisbury •6 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Christ United Methodist Church, Hwy 150, o2bamom@att.net for details.
Bring-your-own-vase floral design — 2-3 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: Designing fresh cut flowers, $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.
Singles
Piedmont Singles — 7:15 Fridays. 1908 Statesville Blvd, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, no joining fee, donations appreciated, covered dish.
Film
Modern Film Fest screening at VillagePark — 8:45 p.m., Friday, May 18: “Dale Earnhardt 3.” www.cityofkannapolis. com/summerevents
Free film at the Concord Library — 10 a.m., Saturday, May 19: Movie version of a novel by Norman Maclean that stars Brad Pitt and Craig Sheffer. Concord Library, 27 Union St., N., 704-920-2053.
Auditions
PPT youth for ‘13 – A Musical’ — By appointment only, Tuesday, May 21, 4 p.m. (25 slots); Wednesday, May 22, 4 p.m. (25 slots). Call 704-633-5471. Show dates July 12-22. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St., 704-633-5471, www.piedmontplayers.com
Call for vendors
Juneteenthat Kelsey Scott Park — June 16-17: Two day community event benefits Back-to-School 2012 school supply giveaway. Two-day vendor fee $100, one day $55. Deadline June 7. Call Sherry Hawthorne 704-499-1197 or Walillian White 704-637-6528.
Biker Blues Rally — Second Annual Tilley Harley-Davidson Biker Blues BBQ Rally and Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned cook-off, Sept. 20-22: now accepting vendor applications. See www.bikerbluesbbqrally.com under forms for more information, contact Gary Moss 704-638-6044 or info@bikerbluesbbqrally.com
27th Hickory Oktoberfest — Now accepting applications for arts and crafts vendors for Oct. 12-14 event. 10×10 booth spaces, one craftsperson per booth. Early registration postmarked by Aug. 1: $100. Regular registration through Sept. 1: $150. Applications at www.hickoryoktoberfest.com
Call for parade entries
Faith Fourth of July Parade entries — Applications now being accepted, call James, Sylvia or Pam Alexander at 704-279-2256. Deadline June 18. For Faith Idol entry information, see Call for Musicians.
Call for musicians
Faith Idol contest — Entries now being accepted for Faith Idol contest. Age categories: 12 and under, 13-18, 19 and up (adult). This event is held during the Faith Fourth of July celebration. 704-279-2256 for more information. Deadline June 18. For parade entry information, see This and That.
Bluegrass musicians — Bluegrass jam open to all, Saturdays at Dixie’s Roasting Co., 102 S. Main St., China Grove. 704-857-9169.
Art
Local art at Tastebuds — Featuring artists Rachel Lee, Sharon Forthofer, Lisa Flippin, Phyllis Stiemel, Barbara Duffy, Norma Owen, Joyce Cavanagh-Wood. Free, open to the public May-June, Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tastebuds Coffee & Tea, 106 N. Main St., 704-245-4134.
Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St. — • Summer Exhibition, “With a Discerning Eye: Realism to Abstraction,” May 19-Aug. 11; artwork from five regional artists challenge the viewer to look beyond the obvious, to deepen their understanding of the realism in abstraction and the abstraction in realism. Opening reception Friday, June 1. Informal gallery talks with exhibiting artists at 5 p.m. followed by reception from 6-8 p.m. • Free admission, donations appreciated. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday 10 a.m-7 p.m, Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 704-636-1882, www.waterworks.org
‘Paperless’ exhibit at SECCA — Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, 750 Marguerite Drive, Winston-Salem. 336-725-1904, www.secca.org
Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte — Contemporary Maya Textiles; Performance Masks of Mexico; Contemporary Native American Ceramics; Fashionable Silhouettes — all through through Dec. 31. Celebrating Queen Charlotte’s Coronation through Oct. 28. $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 — Fairytales, Fantasy, & Fear through July 8; Colorbind: The Emily and Zach Smith Collection through Aug. 12; Matthew Weinstein through Aug. 18. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org
Reynolda House Museum of American Art, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem — Exhibits: A Genius for Place through Aug. 5; Domestic Bliss: Art at Home in Britain and America, 1780-1840 through May 20; Modern Masters from the Smithsonian American Art Museum through Dec. 31. 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse.org
The North Carolina Pottery Center, 233 E. Ave., Seagrove — Permanent exhibition traces NC pottery from pre-historic Native American work through 21st century. 336-873-8430, www.ncpotterycenter.org
Trips
YMCA cruise to Hawaii — Oct. 13: Eight day/seven night cruise to Hawaii, contact Barbara Franklin, Louise Klaver, 704-636-0111 at the JF Hurley Family YMCA.
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 —Gold Hill Photo and History Walk, 2 p.m., Saturday, May 19, also Classic Car Cruise-in. 704-267-9439, www.HistoricGoldHill.com
Gold Hill Rail Trail — Hiking, biking trail begins at Gold Hill Mines Historic Park, 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 — Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Memorial Day Monday. Starting June 1 open 7 days. Tweetsie.com, 877-TWEETSIE (877-893-3874)
Museums
N.C. Transportation Museum, 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer —10 a.m.-3 p.m., May 19: Antique Truck Show hosted by Piedmont Chapter of Antique Truck Historical Society, free to attend, regular museum admission applies for exhibits and train ride • June 2-3: Great Southeastern Rail Days Festival • See www.nctrans.org for details, also for train ride schedule and admission information with and without train rides. 704-636-2889, 877-NCTMFUN, www.nctrans.org
Rowan Museum, 202 N. Main St. — Black History exhibit “Back in the Day.” 704-633-5946. www.rowanmuseum.org
Utzman-Chambers House, 116 S. Jackson St. — Artifacts 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. 704-633-5946.
Old Stone House, Granite Quarry —Two-story Georgian stone house completed in 1766. Saturdays and Sundays 1–4 p.m. 704-633-5946, www.rowanmuseum.org
Dr. Josephus Hall House, 226 S. Jackson St. — 1820 house museum, costumed docents provide tours. 704-636-0103.
Historic Rockwell Museum, 102 E. Main St. — 704-279-4979.
Price of Freedom Museum, Old Patterson School building, China Grove — 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, June 2: Memorial day service to honor all Veterans of American wars. See This & That for details. American war memorial dedicated to men and women of the armed services. Weaver and Patterson Roads, 704-857-7474, www.priceoffreedom.us
China Grove Roller Mill Museum — 704-433-3912. www.hist-society-srowan.com
NC Music Hall of Fame Museum, 109 West A Street, Kannapolis — 704-934-2320, www.NorthCarolinaMusicHallofFame.org
Historic Gold Hill,NC/Gold Hill Mines Historic Park — 19th century living history interpretative displays reflect life in the 1800s gold mining boom town. Free. 704-279-5674, 704-267-9439, www.HistoricGoldHill.com
Reed Gold Mine historic site, 9621 Reed Mine Road, off Highway 200 near Locust — Museum, visitor center, underground mine tour, operating stamp mill, panning area. Museum is free, panning tickets $2. 704-721-4653, www.nchistoricsites.org /reed/
Fort Dobbs State Historic Site, 438 Fort Dobbs Road, Statesville — The only North Carolina Historic Site associated with the French and Indian War (1754-1763) or Seven Years War. Free, 704-873-5882, www.fortdobbs.org
Reynolda House Museum, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem — 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse.org
Historic Latta Plantation, 5225Sample Road, Huntersville — 1-4 p.m., May 19: Civil War Mustering event: 150th mustering anniversary of the Mecklenburg Grays. Free with regular site admission ($7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for students, ages 5 and under free). 704-875-2312, lattaplantation.org
Historic Rosedale Plantation, 3427 N. Tryon St., Charlotte — Civil War National Register Federal house circa 1815. historicrose dale.org
Discovery Place, Charlotte, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, — Where science amazes, educates and entertains: World Alive: aquarium, learning labs, rainforest • Think It Up: multi-sensory world of color, light, sound, creation • Project Build: the design behind everything from forts to pyramids to skyscrapers • Cool Stuff: learn the why of science • Discovery 3D Theatre: glasses required to experience the latest in digital filmmaking and state-of-the-art sound • 704-372-6261, www.discoveryplace.org
Discovery Place KIDS Huntersville, 105 Gilead Road — 704-372-6261, discoveryplaceKIDS.org
Charlotte Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte — 704-372-6261, charlottenaturemuseum.org
Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte — Civil War Exhibit: Liberty on the Border. 704-568-1774, www.charlottemuseum.org
Town Creek Indian Mound’s 75th anniversary, Mount Gilead — NC’s only state historic site dedicated to American Indian heritage. Aapprox. five miles east of Mt. Gilead, between NC 73 and NC 731. 910-439-6802, towncreek@ncdcr.gov, www.towncreek.nchistoricsites.org
Old Salem, Winston-Salem — Faithfully preserved buildings, costumed interpreters, craftsmen, award-winning historical garden and horticultural programs. 336-721-7300, www.oldsalem.org
NC Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh —•El Anatsui: When I Last Wrote to You about Africa through July 29•Rhythms of the Heart: The Illustration of Ashley Bryan through Aug. 19•Reflections: Portraits by Beverly McIver through June 24 •Presence/Absence throughMay 27•John James Audubon’s The Birds of America, ongoing •www.ncartmuseum.org
Contemporary Art Museum, 409 W. Martin St., Raleigh — •Chris Bradley Close One through May 28 • José Lerma The Credentialist, May 19-Sept. 2• 919-513-0946, camraleigh.org
NC Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh — Explore more than 14,000 years of the state’s history. Free admission, across from the State Capitol. 919-807-7900, ncmuseumofhistory.org
NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh —Four floors of live animals, hands-on activities, exciting programs: look at the natural world through NC’s geography, prehistoric past, geology, plants, animals. 919-733-7450, www.naturalsciences.org
NC Museum of Life and Science, 433 Murray Ave., Durham — Indoors: Sit inside a real Apollo Space Capsule, explore a full-scale Lunar Lander, touch a 13-foot tornado, see more than 75 animal species of Carolina wildlife •Outdoors: Explore the Wild, a 6-acre outdoor science center expansion linking people with plants, animals, interactive exhibits.Train and ornithopter rides small add’l cost. 919-220-5429, www.ncmls.org
Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, 390 S. Liberty St. — Climbing Lobby, Amazing Library, Build it!, Surprise Garden, The Enchanted Forest, Animal Alphabet, Amazing Airways. 336-723-9111, childrensmuseumofws.org
Natural Science Center of Greensboro, 4301 Lawndale Drive — Hands-on science museum, animal discovery zoological park and state-of-the-art OmniSphere Dome Theater, NC’s only 40 foot digital dome experience. 336-288-3769, www.natsci.org
Greensboro Children’s Museum, 220 N. Church St. — Hands-on, interactive museum for children (infancy to 10 years of age) and families. 336-574-2898, www.gcmuseum.com