Comedy
Improv returns to Lee Street Theatre — Doors 7:30 p.m., show 8 p.m., Friday July 27: One night only, “Evening of Improv” starring Charlotte Comedy Theater along with Salisbury talent Drea Leonetti, John Cochrane, Rachel Lock, Cale Evans. Admission $10, drinks available, no advance reservations. Looking Glass Artists Center, 405 N. Lee St., corner of Kerr. www.charlottecomedytheater.com/staff–ensemble.html
Theater
Opening night: Piedmont Players ‘You Can’t Take It With You’ —July 26-28 at 7:30 p.m., July 29 at 2:30 p.m. Adults $15, seniors & students $12. Sponsored by Rowan County Tourism Development Authority. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St., 704-633-5471, www.piedmontplayers.com
Davidson Community Players present ‘Neil Simon’s Rumors’ — July 26-28 and Aug. 2-4 at 8 p.m. July 29 and Aug. 5 at 2 p.m. Duke Family Performance Hall, campus of Davidson College. For ages 12 and up. www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org, 704-892-7953.
‘Die Roten Punkte: Kunst Rock (Art Rock)’ — July 31-Aug. 5, $34.50 general admission, Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St., Charlotte. 704-372-1000, www.carolinatix.org
Old Courthouse Theatre presents ‘Fox on the Fairway’ — 8 p.m., Aug. 2-18 with Sunday matinee 2:30 p.m. Aug. 5, 12, 19. A tribute to great English farces of the 1930s and 1940s. $15. 49 Spring Street NW, 704 788-2405, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org
This & That
Visit with Vampirologist — 5:30 p.m.,Tuesday, July 31: Concord Library hosts Vampirologist Theresa Bane. Registration required. 704-920-2054, 27 Union St., N.
Gold Hill Ghost Walk — Registration 7:30 p.m. at the Arbor, July 28: Ghost Walk starts at 8 p.m. Guided walks $5, children under 6 free, see map on directional signs in village, 840 St. Stephens Church Road, Gold Hill.
Family friendly pro wrestling event — Bell time 6 p.m., Saturday, July 28: Copperhead Tavern, 1504 Jake Alexander Blvd. West. $5, free for children under 10. RW entertainment, 980-355-4592.
Dance at J.F. Hurley Family YMCA— 7-10 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 4: For older active adults. $5 entry fee, bring a snack to share. 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.
Music Theatre Camp for kids— 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., July 30-Aug. 3, for 8-12 year-olds: put together a show in just one week, performance 5:30 p.m., Aug. 3. Tuition $125, Looking Glass Artists Center,405 N. Lee St., camp director Sarah Hall. Information or registration at salisburyartists@gmail.com
Rowan County Animé Group field trip— July 28: Bon Odori (Japanese Festival), free. Meet 8 a.m. in front of JCPenny, Salisbury Mall; leaving at 8:30 to go to event in Charlotte. Information: www.geocities.jp/jaclttest/ebonodori.html
Book Bites Club— 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 31: “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card. Book discussion groups for adults and children; book discussion, light refreshments. South Rowan Regional Library, 920 Kimball Road, China Grove, www.rowanpubliclibrary.org
Shop and Swim event — 6-9 p.m., Aug. 2: Live music, local arts and crafts vendors, raffles and 50/50s, professional pics by the pool, plus cool off at the pool, members free, $5 non-members. Eaman Park Pool, 123 Eaman Ave.
Summer reading program at Rowan Public Library branches — Age 1 through rising fifth-graders register at any location. Weekly programs through Aug. 2, win prizes. Complete schedule on Sunday’s book page or www.rowanpubliclibrary. org or any RPL location — Headquarters, 704-216-8234; South Rowan Regional, 704-216-7728; East Branch, 704-216-7842.
RPL Teen Summer Reading schedule— Weekly programs, prizes for reading. Get forms from www.rowanpubliclibrary.org or at any branch • 3:30-5 p.m., through Aug. 1, Tuesdays Headquarters, Wednesdays East Branch, Thursdays South Regional • Summer Concert and Prize Awards: Aug. 1 • End-of-summer celebration, South Regional, for teens from all library locations.
Concord Teen Summer Reading Program— • Wii Be Gaming! Finale: 2-4 p.m., Saturday, July 28 in the Auditorium. Wii Mario Kart branch winners compete for grand prize. • 2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 2: Dreamcatcher Craft Activity. Spaces limited, registration required. Also, last day of summer reading program. Turn in reading logs, redeem prizes by 7 p.m. Concord Library, 704-920-2054, 27 Union St., N.
Summer Night Out— 5-9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 3: Free, family-friendly event. Live music, downtown ghost walk, Salisbury sculpture show, drum circle, haunted trolley tour, carriage rides, free trolley rides, classic car show, kids’ activities, more. 704-638-3100, www.visitsalisburync. com/calendar
‘Murder at Greystone Plantation’ dinner — 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 17: comic interactive dinner theatre show set in the roaring 20s, winner receives a prize. $75 per person for three course gourmet meal, entertainment, two glasses of wine. Reservations: Julia Jones 336-236-9463 ext. 332. Childress Vineyards, 1000 Childress Vineyards Road, Lexington. Presented by Silver Moon Mysteries.
Music and Drama summer camp — 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Aug. 6-10: Prospect Presbyterian presents “Rocks, Reeds, Strings & Things” with Friday night performance. For children having completed grades 1-5. Looking at musical instruments through the Bible, experience contemporary versions through guest artists. Non-members $35. All children bring a bag lunch; snacks provided. Transportation provided if necessary. Register at 704 664-1514. 9425 W. NC 152 Hwy., Mooresville.
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
Music & more
Beach music in Downtown Kannapolis—Beach Music Festival at Village Park, Friday-Saturday, July 27-28: free admission.Complete summer schedule at www.cityofkannapolis.com or 704-920-4343.
Free Carolina Baroque concert — 3 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 5: by Carolina Baroque, Chapel of St. John’s Lutheran Church, in honor of founder/director Dale Higbee. Reception immediately afterward. www.carolinabaroque.org
Phil Wickham, Moriah Peters perform live at free concert event— 7 p.m., July 27: Glee for God concert celebration at Christian City Church (C3), 300 Hwy 68 S, Greensboro. Doors open 6:15, www.GleeforGod.com, www.c3 greensboro.com
Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center— • Comedian Bill Engvall, Aug. 3• Justin Moore, Aug. 24• Kenny Rogers, Sept. 1• Dierks Bentley, Sept. 21. Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee. www.ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.
Night Life
The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. — 9 p.m.-midnight, Friday, July 27: Experimental/folk/fusion with Crystal Bright & the Silver Hands, $5 cover • 9:30-11:30 p.m., Saturday, July 28: Finger pickin’ duo Matt Miller, Brandon Caraway, no cover. 704-797-0093, www.thebluevine.com
DJ’s, 1502 W. Innes St. — 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Live music. 704-638-9647, www.DJsRestaurant.com
E.H. Montgomery General Store— Friday Night Bluegrass Jam 7-9 p.m.: Open jam for all acoustic musicians. Historic Village of Gold Hill, www.HistoricGoldHill. com, Facebook: Historic Gold Hill, North Carolina, 704-267-9439.
Fat Jack’s Pub, 120 Military Ave. —Friday and Saturday nights: Open juke box, come play your favorite songs with us. 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).
Opening Aug. 8: High Rock Boat & Ski Club, 257 Boat Club Lane —Shakin’ the Lake Poker Run, Aug. 11, noon until. Tickets and information: Kevin 704-202-5408 or Mike 704-02-0164. Net proceeds go to Relay for Life. 704-633-0251, www.theboatandskiclub.com
The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 — Saturday, July 28: International Hi-Way 14:6 and Resurrection. Free refreshments, air hockey, foosball, pool, wi-fi. Public invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 704-213-1467, inntheloop. blogspot.com
The Loft at Benchwarmers, 113 E. Fisher St. — Friday, July 27: Rock/progressive/funk music live with Mama’s Love. Doors open 9 p.m., for ages 18 and over, www.reverbnation. com/venue/theloftbenchwarmers
Rick’s BBQ and Grill, 929 S. Main St.— 7 p.m., tonight, July 26: Karaoke performance by Paul T • Beach night karaoke, Bike night 7-9 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.
Tamarac Marina, Bringle Ferry Road —“Karaoke on the Lake” 6-9 p.m. Mondays on the patio, full menu available, nightly specials. 704 636-1918.
The Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St., NoDa Arts District, Charlotte — July 28: Rainbow Danger Club from Shanghi. CarolinaTix, 704-372-1000, www.the eveningmuse.com
The Double Door Inn, 1218 Charlottetown Ave., Charlotte— • July 27: Gigi Dover & The Big Love; The Robin is High CD release party with Rusty King• July 28: The Spongetones. CarolinaTix, 704-372-1000, www.doubledoorinn.com
The Neighborhood Theatre, 511 East 36th St., Charlotte— Sunday,July 29: Boombox, no seat guarantees • Tuesday, July 31: An evening with Lindsey Buckingham, seated show.www.neighborhoodtheatre.com
The Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte—July 27: Cosmic Charlie, high energy Grateful Dead • July 28: Jon Lindsay. CarolinaTix, 704-358-9200, www.visulite.com
Film
Reynolda House hosts ‘Cinema Under the Stars’ — Seventh season at Reynolda House Museum, Fridays in August. Gates 8 p.m., films 9 p.m. Admission $5, cash only. 336-758-5150, reynolda house.org •Aug. 3: “The Adventures of Robin Hood” (1938) • Aug. 10: “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981) • Aug. 17: “To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962) • Aug. 24: “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (1939) • Aug. 31: “The Princess Bride” (1987). 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse.org
Classes
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.
Tonight: Card Making Class at the Y— 6-8 p.m. every other Thursday evening, next class 6-8 p.m., July 26 all supplies included. J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., Terri Dockins 704-636-0111.
‘Life Out Loud’ — Book study and life coaching opportunity, part of the Looking Glass Artists Center Art of Living series; sessions to be planned around attendees’ availability. $20. To register call Michelle Jamison 704-433-1626.
Dance Workshop— 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 4, special guest Mickye Castillo. Spiritual choreography, dance techniques, group dance, Q & A. Registration $20 until July 27, $30 after. Lunch Included.The Event Center on Cornerstone Campus, 315 Webb Road, Tamika Lattimore 336-596-0842 or lattimore.tamika@yahoo.com
Carolina Artists’ ‘Do A Painting in One Hour’ — Workshops at City Parks and Recreation, Thursday, Aug. 9, time TBA. Register one week prior to class 704-638-5275.
Summer Slimdown Challenge— 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays: Learn about nutrition, lose weight, have a chance to win cash prizes if you’re one of the top achievers. Class size limited. Get details or pre-register at 704-638-0165.
Shakespeare workshop — 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15: NC Shakespeare Festival’s Hands On Shakespeare: Exploring Romeo and Juliet. $110 includes materials, snacks, lunch, dinner, attendance at NCShakes’ MainStage production of Romeo and Juliet at High Point Theatre, one CEU credit. Register 336-841-2273, info@ncshakes.org or www.ncshakes.org. Spirit Center, 807 W. Ward Ave., High Point.
Salisbury Art Station summer classes — Classes for July 30-Aug. 3 • Artistic Passport, 9 a.m.-noon, ages 3-5 and 6-8 • Multi-Media & Painting, 1-4 p.m., ages 12 and up. Different classes begin weekly for different age groups. $165 per week, email contact@salisburyartstation.com for complete list.
Summer ARTventures classes at Waterworks— See www.waterworks.org for brochure, registration forms or pick up during gallery hours. Classes for kids age 4+. 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
Chrismon classes, three new designs —• Intermediate, Friday, July 27: 9:30-12:30 p.m. Rufty’s Chrismon Shop, 280 Furniture Drive, 704-636-7790 for reservations/information, info@chrismons.com
Art Classes Ongoing with Patt — Local artist Patt Legg continues to have adult (16 and over) art classes at her home studio located off Miller Road. Classes are • noon-2 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays • OR 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays. All classes are ongoing, 2 hrs. in length, pay as you go ($40/2 hrs.) Now accepting students for noon-2 p.m. Tuesday class. Call for materials list, costs, sign up. Class size limited to 4. 704-232-6000, 704-856-8869. See samples www.pattlegg.com/
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. Email: ingridaerickson@yahoo. com. Rail Walk Gallery, 409 N. Lee St.
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.
Shag dance classes — Mondays at Benchwarmers, 113 E. Fisher St., instructors are pro division dancers in Competitive Shag Association (carolinashaglessons.com)• Beginner 6:30 p.m.• Beginner II 7:15 p.m.• Intermediate/Advanced 8:15 p.m. $10/person, no partner needed. Contact Tobitha at 704-202-9655 or Diane Harrington at 704-279-6168.
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.
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
Singles
Piedmont Singles — 7:15 Fridays. Friday, July 27: Bingo. 1908 Statesville Blvd., Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, no joining fee, donations appreciated, covered dish.
Speakers and forums
Author Julie Williams speaks at RPL — 7 p.m., Monday, July 30: Julie Williams, author of “A Rare Titanic Family,” the story of her great uncle and his family, passengers on the Titanic and one of the few families to survive. Open to all, followed by light refreshments. 201 W. Fisher St, 704-216-7842.
Home and garden
Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardensummer series —9 a.m. to 3 p.m., hands-on activities that illustrate how art and wildlife interact within the garden • Saturday, August 4: “Wild Wings.” Free with Garden admission. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. 704-825-4490, www.DSBG.org
Digital nature photography workshops— Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s popular photography workshops for all skill levels. Saturday classroom lectures/demonstrations followed by practice in the Garden. $60 for nonmembers • Photography for Beginners, Aug. 4, 9:30 a.m.-noon • Catch that Shot!: Smart Phone Photography, Aug. 4, 1:30-4 p.m. • Photographing Hummingbirds, Aug. 18, 9:30 a.m.-noon. • Macro and Close-up Photography, Aug. 18, 1:30-4 p.m. • Basic Digital SLR Photography, Aug. 25, 9:30 a.m.-noon. • Basic Flash Photography, Aug. 25, 1:30-4 p.m. • Participants bring their own digital SLR camera. Information/registration at www.DSBG.org or 704-829-1252.
Call for vendors
Biker Blues Rally —Biker Blues BBQ Rally fundraiser and Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned cook-off, Sept. 20-22: accepting vendor applications. See www.bikerbluesbbqrally.com, Gary Moss 704-638-6044, 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
Auditions
Salisbury-Rowan Symphony Society auditions for orchestra’s substitute musicians— Music Director David Hagy will hear auditions on Saturday, Aug. 18 on the campus of Catawba College. Questions: David Hagy dhagy @wfu.edu or 317-357-7576. For appointment time, call Symphony office 704-637-4314, email ljones@catawba.edu or write Audition Information, Salisbury Symphony Orchestra, POBox 4264, Salisbury, NC 28145.
Old Courthouse Theatre ‘Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None’— 7-9 p.m., Aug. 20-21: Auditions consist of a cold read from the script. Roles for 11 actors and actresses. Show dates Oct. 25-28. 49 Spring St. SW, Concord. 704-788-2405, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org
Shakespeare To Go — Auditions 4-6 p.m., Sept. 6-7 by The North Carolina Shakespeare Festival (NCShakes) for 2013 outreach/education program. Auditions held at Spirit Center campus (807 W. Ward Ave., High Point. To schedule an audition, call 336-841-2273. Actors should prepare two one- to two-minute contrasting Shakespeare monologues, an 8×10 headshot and detailed resume. www.NCShakes.org
Call for artists
Deadline approaches for ‘Faces of Abundant Living’— Salisbury’s Abundant Living provides models for portraits for 2012 “Faces of Abundant Living” portrait exhibit. Portraits may be started at any time; work in the medium of your choice. Deadline Aug. 1. Once completed, portraits will be on exhibit at Waterworks Visual Arts Center beginning Aug. 24; an opening reception Sept. 20. In early November 2012 the portraits will be presented to family members to keep and cherish. To participate, call Abundant Living at 704-637-3940 or email bgarwood@aladc.net
Carolina Artists EXPO 2012 deadline nears— Non-juried competition held at Civic Center. Categories: oil or acrylic, watercolor and all other water based media on paper, other two dimensional works, photography. Age 18 or older, original work only. Preregister by Aug. 1. Pick up entry forms at the Civic Center, 315 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. S.; mail forms and fee to: The Carolina Artists, POBox 4484 Salisbury, NC 28145. Rules and details at thecarolinaartists.org. Show: Aug. 8-10, reception Thursday, Aug. 9.
Downtown Asheboro Sculpture Exhibition — For artists wishing to participate in sixth Downtown Sculpture Exhibition set to open this fall. Interested artists download prospectus at www.RandolphArtsGuild.com. Deadline Aug. 31, no application fee. 336-629-0399.
Call for musicians
E.H. Montgomery General Store, Gold Hill— Bluegrass jam open to all acoustic musicians.Refreshments available, Admission by donation. Every Friday night 7-9 p.m., 704-267-9439.
Art
Reception Sunday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St. — St. John’s art exhibit: The Monday Rembrandts display artwork in St. John’s Art Gallery. Monday Rembrandts meet Mondays, St. John’s Lutheran Church, working in watercolor and acrylic. Gerry Webster, facilitator. Opening reception 3-5 pm Sunday, July 29. Gallery is open during business hours and by appointment. 704-642-0731.
New exhibit at Tastebuds coffee shop— Exhibit of Rail Walk Studio Artists including Ingrid Erickson, Sharon Forthofer, Karen Frazer, Annette Ragone Hall, Elizabeth McAdams, Liese Sadler and Marietta Foster Smith. Free to the public through through Aug. 31. 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.
Last weekend of Civil War photography exhibit at Davie County Public Library — “Freedom, Sacrifice, Memory,” Davie County Public Library, Mocksville through July 29. 336-751-2023. Tour information contact Dept. of Cultural Resources, 919-807-7389.
Last three days of exhibit at Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409 N. Lee St.—• “A Round Paris” runs through July 28 • North Gallery: “Round,” Rail Walk artists explore “the round” • South Gallery, themes of Paris. Rail Walk gallery hours Saturdays only 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 704-431-8964, www.railwalkgallery.com
Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St. —• Summer Exhibition – With a Discerning Eye: Realism to Abstraction, through Aug. 11; Artwork from five regional artists • Free admission, 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
Carolina Artists EXPO 2012— Aug. 8-10, reception Thursday, Aug. 9: Non-juried competition at the Civic Center, 315 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. S. thecarolinaartists.org
Exhibits at SECCA — Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, 750 Marguerite Drive, Winston-Salem. 336-725-1904, www.secca.org
Live event Saturday at Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St.—“paper, scissors, ROCK!” Singer, songwriter, artist Sy Arden showing original artwork through July, culminating with live music event 8 p.m., July 28. Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St., 704-633-ARTS, www.salisburyartists. com
Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte — 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 —•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— Project See Yesterday Today uses QR codes in eight locations; scan with smartphone, see web page with archival information, image. Through Aug. 5, reynoldahouse. org/seeyesterday •Exhibits: A Genius for Place through Aug. 5. 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse.org
The North Carolina Pottery Center, 233 E. Ave., Seagrove —Permanent exhibition traces NC pottery from pre-historic work through 21st century. 336-873-8430, www.nc potterycenter.org
Trips
YMCA sponsored trips — • Aug. 13: Shopping Mall Day, leave 9 a.m. • Aug. 14: Two Trips in One, leave 10 a.m., learn how they make stained glass windows for churches, then travel back in time to Ft. Dobbs in Statesville. Both trips open to the public. Bus leaves from J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., Louise Klaver, 704-636-0111, lklaver@ rowanymc
Three days in Pigeon Forge —Motorcoach leaves from Davie County Senior Services, Mocksville, Nov. 13, returns Nov. 15. Attend Dixie Stampede, Country Tonight, Blackwood Bros. Breakfast Show, Titanic Museum. Reservations/info 336-753-6230.
Museums
Free museum admission for vets— Blue Star Museums initiative offers free admission to active duty military and families through Labor Day, 1,500+ museums • Complete list at www.nea.gov/national/bluestarmuseums/index2012.php?st=NC#list
N.C. Transportation Museum, 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer— • Tickets on sale for 2012 Autumn Train Excursions, Nov. 3: Appomattox, Va.; Nov. 4: Toccoa, Ga. • 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.— Exhibit honoring life and service of Salisbury’s Elizabeth Hanford Dole: “Elizabeth Hanford Dole: Home town girl, public servant, world citizen.” 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Contributions accepted. 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.com, www.rowanmuseum.org
Utzman-Chambers House, 116 S. Jackson St.— Artifacts of the late Honorable Spruce Macay (1755–1808), rowanmuseum@fibrant.com, www.rowanmuseum.org
Old Stone House, Granite Quarry— Old Stone House Road in Granite Quarry.704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.com, 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. — Special tours and info 704-279-4979. Free..
Price of Freedom Museum, Old Patterson School building, China Grove— Sundays 3-5 p.m. and by appointment. American war memorial dedicated to men and women of the armed services. Free. 704-857-7474, www.priceoffreedom.us
China Grove Roller Mill Museum — Free. Special tours 704-433-3912. www.hist-society-srowan.com
NC Music Hall of Fame Museum, 109 West A St., Kannapolis— Honors musicians, singers, songwriters and producers from North Carolina. 704-934-2320, www.NorthCarolinaMusicHallofFame.org
Spencer Doll and Toy Museum, 108 4th St., Spencer— Next door to the Post Office. Features antique, vintage, and modern collectible dolls, antique and vintage toys, a train set, and model tractor trailers and John Deere vehicles. Just steps from the NC Transportation Museum. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. $5/adults, $4/seniors, $3/children. 704-762-9359, www. spencerdollandtoymuseum.com
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, 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, 704-873-5882, www.fortdobbs.org
Reynolda House Museum, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem— House, gardens and village feature public garden, dining, shopping,walking trails. reynoldahouse.org. 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse.org
Historic Latta Plantation, 5225Sample Road, Huntersville— Living History Saturdays bring history to life• July 28, Michael Twitty, culinary historian, historic interpreter, Jewish educator, tells stories of enslaved people and their foodways • Aug. 4, Gold Panning• Aug. 11, Beekeeping.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— Summer hours through Sept. 3 • Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • Saturday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • Sunday: noon-5 p.m.Where science amazes, educates and entertains. 704-372-6261, www.discoveryplace.org
Discovery Place KIDS Huntersville, 105 Gilead Road— $8 adults, children age 1-13; children under age one free. Events and activities free with admission. Summer event schedule at 704-372-6261, discoveryplaceKIDS.org
Charlotte Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte— Events and activities free with admission. Summer event schedule at 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, Mount Gilead— NC’s only state historic site dedicated to American Indian heritage,Town Creek Mound Road. 910-439-6802, towncreek@ncdcr.gov, www.towncreek.nchistoricsites.org
Old Salem, Winston-Salem — Faithfully preserved buildings, costumed interpreters, craftsmen. $21 adults, $10 children. 336-721-7300, www.oldsalem.org
NC Museum of Art, 2110 BlueRidge Road, Raleigh— Last weekend of El Anatsui: When I Last Wrote to You about Africa. www.ncartmuseum.org
Contemporary Art Museum, 409 W. Martin St., Raleigh— José Lerma The Credentialist, Through Sept. 2•919-513-0946, camraleigh.org
NC Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh— Last weekend of At the Speed of a Girl, Celebrating 100 Years of Girl Scouting, through July 29. Admission free. 919-807-7900, ncmuseumofhistory.org or Facebook
NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh— 919-733-7450, www.naturalsciences.org
NC Museum of Life and Science, 433 Murray Ave., Durham —919-220-5429, www.ncmls.org
Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, 390 S. Liberty St.— 336-723-9111, childrensmuseumofws. org
Natural Science Center of Greensboro,4301 Lawndale Drive— 336-288-3769, www.natsci.org