Theater
Opening tonight: ‘The Return from Moscow’ — St. Thomas Players production. 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2-Aug. 4, Sunday, Aug. 5 2:30 matinee, buy one get one ticket free; 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9-Aug. 11. At the Florence Busby Corriher Theater on the Campus of Catawba College in Salisbury. Tickets $15. Tickets are available at www.stthomasplayers.org or at the box office prior to each performance. Call 704-647-0999 for info.
Opening tonight: Old Courthouse Theatre’s ‘Fox on the Fairway’ — 8 p.m., Aug. 2-18 and 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
Closing night Saturday: Piedmont Players ‘You Can’t Take It With You’ —7:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 4, adults $15, seniors and 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’ — Aug. 2-4 at 8 p.m., 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.
This & That
Downtown Salisbury Summer Night Outtomorrow — 5-9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 3: Free, family-friendly event. Live music, downtown ghost walk, Salisbury sculpture show, drum circle, carriage rides, free trolley rides, classic car show, kids’ activities, more. 704-638-3100, www.visitsalisburync. com/calendar
Music Theatre Camp grand finale — 5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 3: Music Theatre campers’ grand finale, a tribute to Dr. Seuss. Looking Glass Artists Center black box theater.Open to public, free admission. Afterward the gallery will remain open until 9 p.m, with an exhibit of art by Sy Arden. salisburyartists@ gmail.com, 704-633-2787, www. salisburyartists.com
Lexington Friday night Back to School Stroll — Friday, Aug. 3: Classic cars on display; art activities. Performing in the Conrad & Hinkle square: Loose Cannons, an Armed Forces band who is stationed at Fort Bragg and performs rock music. Kids’ activities on West Second Avenue. 336-249-0383, www.uptownlexington.com
Lexington Farmers Market Melon Mania — Saturday, Aug. 3: Watermelon eating contest. Children’s competition (12 and under) 10 a.m., sign up before 9:45 a.m. • Adult competition (ages 13 and up) 11 a.m., sign up before 10:45 a.m. Historic Rail and Freight Depot, 129 S. Railroad St., www.uptownlexington.com
Dance at J.F. Hurley Family YMCA— 7-10 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 4: For older active adults, music to dance the evening away. $5 entry fee, bring a snack to share. 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.
Shop and Swim — 6-9 p.m., Aug. 2: Live music, chair massage, professional pics by the pool, local arts and crafts vendors, raffles. Free for members, $5 non-members. Eaman Park Pool, 123 Eaman Ave.
St. John’s book club — 1-3 p.m., Monday, Aug. 6: discussing “Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress” by Dai Sijie, led by Myra Tannehill, visiting professor of English at Pfeiffer University. Information: Gerrie Blackwelder blackwgw@gmail.com.
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.
Concord book club — 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 7, discussing “In the Garden of the Beasts” by Erik Larson.Register at 704-920-2053, Concord Library meeting room, , 27 Union St., N., Concord, jseury@ cabarruscounty.us
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
GMKC ‘Gone Doggin’ Summer Agility Trials at Cabarrus Arena and Events Center — 8:30-5:30 p.m., Aug. 9-12: Canine competitors run the agility courses for prizes. Admission free. Cabarrus Event Center, 4751 NC Hwy 49, Concord, www.greatermonroekc.org. 704-920-3976, Ticketmaster.com
2012 Kannapolis cruise-in — 3:30-9:30 p.m., Aug. 11. Brenda Drye @ Cabarrus Events Association at 704-932-3808 or visit us on Facebook
Japanese music night — 6-8:30 p.m., Aug. 15: Second Rowan County Japanese music night, Rowan Public Library Headquarters, Fisher St. 6-8:30 pm. The NC Rowan County Animé Group will host a display at RPL in August on anime, manga, cosplay. www.geocities.jp/jaclttest/ebonodori.html
‘Murder at Greystone Plantation’ dinner — 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 17: comic interactive dinner theatre show. $75 per person for three course meal, entertainment, wine. Reservations: Julia Jones 336-236-9463 ext. 332. Childress Vineyards, 1000 Childress Vineyards Road, Lexington. Presented by Silver Moon Mysteries.
Historic Gold Hill Cruise-in—2 p.m. till dark, Saturday, Aug. 18: 50/50 raffle, classic, antique cars, street rods, cycles. 740 St. Stephens Church Road. Facebook or goldhillmerchantsassociation @gmail.com
The 28th Southern Ideal Home Show —Aug. 24-26: Meet and talk with experts on home improvement and home products. $9 at door (under 15 free with paying adult). The Park Expo and Conference Center, Charlotte. 704-376.6594, www. SouthernIdealHomeShow.com
Music & more
Carolina Baroque concert — 3 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 5: by Carolina Baroque, Chapel of St. John’s Lutheran Church, free, in honor of founder/director Dale Higbee. Reception immediately afterward. www.carolina baroque.org
Charlotte Folk Society Gathering — 7:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 10: 30th anniversary season opens with a concert by Wayne Henderson and Friends. Free. Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte. www.folksociety.org
Music on the Mountain — Noon-5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 18: Held at Dunn’s Mountain Nature and History Preserve, 1740 Dunn’s Mountain Road. Schedule• Noon, Pat Ray• 1 p.m. Michael and Gaynell Lambert with Tim Ervin• 2 p.m. Mike Leazer• 3 p.m. Jim and Angela Gobble• 4 p.m. The Edwards Family (as seen on Bluegrass Roads TV)• Free admission, bring lawn chairs. 704-216-7833.
Downtown MocksvilleConcert on the Square— 6:30-8:30 p.m., • Saturday, August 18: Tin Can Alley with Mel Jones • Free, bring your own chair. 101 N. Main St., next to Restaurant 101, 336-909-2263, www.historicdowntownmocksville.com
Chris Isaak at the McGlohon— 7:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 10: Re-live the glory days of Memphis’ Sun Studio and the visionary artists who got their starts there. Tickets start at $44.50. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center’s McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square, 345 North College St., Charlotte. 704-372-1000 or www.carolinatix.org
The Art of Cool inBurning Coal Theatre’s MusiCoal Summer Concert Series— 7 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 5: $10 at the door, Murphey School, 224 Polk Street, Raleigh, 919-834-4001, www. burningcoal.org
Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center— • Justin Moore, Aug. 24• Kenny Rogers, Sept. 1• Dierks Bentley, Sept. 21• Bruce Hornsby, Oct. 13• Celtic Woman, April 26, 2013. Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee. www.ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.
Festivals
Biker Blues Rally —Second Annual Tilley Harley-Davidson Biker Blues BBQ Rally and Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned cook-off, Sept. 20-22, 704-638-6044, www.bikerbluesbbqrally.com
Fundraisers
Masonic Home for Children — 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18: Spencer Masonic Lodge’s first fundraiser for the Masonic Home for Children, Fourth Street in Spencer. Look for signs. 100 percent of proceeds go to the children. Tours available, see “Masonic secrets” inside. Call Master Anthony Fisher, 704-433-1951.
Diabetes Alert Dogs — 5-9 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 18: Fundraiser for Abigail Eagle and Caden Varmer to help raise money for their Diabetes Alert Dogs Meter and Dash. Bounce house, raffles, prizes, food, live band, some diabetes alert dogs in action, huge pool, family fun. $5 per person includes swimming and water slides. Kannapolis Recretion Park, 2225 Fowler St.
Barron D. Goodson Memorial Classic Car and Truck Show — Saturday, Aug. 25: Open to all classic and late model muscle cars and trucks. Registration 8-11 a.m., trophies 1:30 p.m. Food, prizes, raffles, silent auction, children’s entertainmen, giveaways from Kannapolis Intimidators, food by Darrell’s of Rockwell. Special guests: Dan Truhitte, classic car enthusiast and actor in ‘The Sound of Music’ sings the National Anthem; Ray Smith and his 1937 Cord; Betty Sedberry. Free admission. Held at Backing Up Classics Museum, 4545 Concord Pkwy South, Concord, www.goodsonclassic.com, www.facebook.com/groups/393439324012256.
Bikes and Barbecue —Sept. 20-22: Tilley Harley-Davidson Biker Blues BBQ Rally/Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned cook-off benefits military charities The Folds of Honor Foundation, Disabled American Veterans, Operation Homefront, Wounded Warrior Project. All info at www.bikerbluesbbqrally.com
Night Life
The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. — 9 p.m.-midnight, Friday, Aug. 3: Diane Hoffman Band, $5 cover • 9:30-11:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 4: Donna Hughes, 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
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 — Friday, Aug. 3: Charlotte Music Awards Christian Band Showcase, doors 5 p.m., bands start 6 p.m• Saturday, Aug. 4:Bought by Blood and Battlelion, 7 p.m. Free refreshments, air hockey, foosball, pool, wi-fi. Public invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 7 p.m.-midnight Saturdays. 704-213-1467, inntheloop.blogspot.com
The Loft at Benchwarmers, 113 E. Fisher St.—- Friday, Aug. 3: Drop D, from Charlotte • Saturday, Aug. 4: Turbine, for age 18+. Doors open 9 p.m., www.reverbnation.com/ venue/theloftbenchwarmers
Rick’s BBQ and Grill, 929 S. Main St.— 7 p.m., tonight, Aug. 2: Karaoke performance by Peanut and Marcey Strickland • Beach night karaoke and 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, nightly specials. 704 636-1918.
E.H. Montgomery General Store— Friday Night open Bluegrass Jam 7-9 p.m. Historic Village of Gold Hill, www.HistoricGoldHill. com, Facebook: Historic Gold Hill, North Carolina, 704-267-9439.
The Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St., NoDa Arts District, Charlotte — Aug. 3: Patrick Davis• Aug. 4: A Tribute to The Rolling Stones benefit for Crisis Assistance.CarolinaTix, 704-372-1000, www.the eveningmuse.com
The Double Door Inn, 1218 Charlottetown Ave., Charlotte— Aug. 3: Electric Soul Pandemic• Aug. 4: Colby Dobbs Band with Asleep in the Weeds. CarolinaTix, 704-372-1000, www.doubledoorinn. com
The Neighborhood Theatre, 511 East 36th St., Charlotte— Aug. 3: Duende Mountain Duo with Tribal X-Ing • Aug. 4: Luciano The Messenger • Coming Saturday, Aug. 11: Doug Stanhope’s Big Stink Comedy Tour, seated show, for ages 18+, www.neighborhood theatre.com
The Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte— Aug. 3: Will Hoge • Aug. 4: Big Mammas House Of Burlesque. CarolinaTix, 704-358-9200, www.visulite.com
Classes
Dance Workshop— 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 4, special guest Mickye Castillo. Spiritual choreography, dance techniques, group dance, Q & A. Registration $30. Lunch Included.The Event Center on Cornerstone Campus, 315 Webb Road, Tamika Lattimore 336-596-0842 or lattimore.tamika @yahoo.com
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.
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.
Salisbury Art Station summer classes — Classes for Aug. 6-10 • Exploring Art, 9 a.m.-noon, ages 3-6 and 7-11 • Exploring Art, 1-4 p.m., ages 10 and up. $165, email contact@salisburyartstation.com
Summer ARTventures classes at Waterworks— Summer ARTventures classes. www.waterworks.org for brochure, registration forms or pick up during gallery hours. Classes for age 4 and up. 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
‘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.
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.
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.
Mind aerobics art class— 2-4 p.m., Mondays and Fridays, taught by artist Robert Toth: introduction to drawing, pastel, sculpture. $10/two-hour session. Rufty Holmes Senior Center, call 704-279-9301.
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, Rail Walk Gallery, 409 N. Lee St.
Shag dance classes — Mondays at Benchwarmers, 113 E. Fisher St., instructors are pro division dancers • 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
Art Classes Ongoing with Patt — Local artist Patt Legg’s art classesage 16+ at studio off Miller Road • noon-2 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays • OR 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays. All classes ongoing, 2 hrs. in length, pay as you go ($40/2 hrs.) Accepting students for noon-2 p.m. Tuesday class. Call for material costs, what to purchase, to sign up. Class size limited to 4. 704-232-6000, 704-856-8869. Samples at www.pattlegg.com/
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 /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, Aug. 3: Music by James Stocks. 1908 Statesville Blvd., Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, no joining fee, donations appreciated, covered dish.
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).2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse.org
Auditions
Salisbury-Rowan Symphony Society auditions for orchestra’s substitute musicians— Music Director David Hagy will hear auditions 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. Prepare two one- to two-minute contrasting Shakespeare monologues, an 8×10 headshot and detailed resume. www.NCShakes.org
Call for vendors
Biker Blues Rally —Second Annual Tilley Harley-Davidson Biker Blues BBQ Rally and Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned cook-off, Sept. 20-22. See www. bikerbluesbbqrally.com under forms or contact Gary Moss 704-638-6044, info@bikerbluesbbqrally.com
31st annual Hiddenite Center Celebration of the Arts — Saturday, Sept. 22: Seeking regional arts and crafts vendors, commercial vendors, local performers. New artists and crafters must submit minimum three photos or slides representative of work. Vendor spaces available for arts, crafts, commercial items, food sales, public information booths for non-profits. Vendor space $30 before Aug. 16, $40 after. Public information booths $15. Vendor applications available at 828-632-6966, info@hiddenitecenter.com
Call for musicians
31st annual Hiddenite Center Celebration of the ARTS — Saturday, Sept. 22: Seeking musicians, bands, dance groups for four live music and dance performance stages. info@hiddenitecenter.com or 828-632-6966, ask for Karen Walker or Allison Houchins. www.hiddenitecenter.com
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.
Call for artists
Faith through art — Waterworks Visual Arts Center seeks submissions from artists who express their faith through art, including Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Christianity. Deadline for submission Aug. 30. Include current resume, artist’s statement, 5-10 digital images of current work available for exhibit. All mediums acceptable. Mail submissions to Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St., Salisbury NC 28144 ATTN: Exhibitions.
Downtown Asheboro Sculpture Exhibition — For artists wishing to participate in sixth Downtown Sculpture Exhibition this fall. Download prospectus at www.RandolphArtsGuild.com. Deadline Aug. 31, no application fee. 336-629-0399.
Home and garden
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden annual butterfly event —11 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday, Aug. 3 and each Saturday-Sunday through Sept. 9: Get close to butterflies in Caterpillar Crib to observe adult butterflies emerging from chrysalides. Also handouts, interactive experiences. Because it is a natural experience, species vary from day to day • Plus, 1-3 p.m., Aug. 4: Wild Wings, festive day-long event with Renelle Maddrery, the Butterfly Whisperer, leads a continuing education program, Butterfly Gardening: how to create gardens to attract butterflies throughout their life cycle. Pre-registration required for this class at www.DSBG.org or 704-829-1252. 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. • Participants bring their own digital SLR camera. Information/ registration at www.DSBG.org or 704-829-1252.
Art
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
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. Gallery open during business hours, by appointment. 704-642-0731.
Exhibit at Tastebuds coffee shop— Exhibit of Rail Walk Studio Artists Ingrid Erickson, Sharon Forthofer, Karen Frazer, Annette Ragone Hall, Elizabeth McAdams, Liese Sadler, Marietta Foster Smith. Free. Through through Aug. 31. Tastebuds Coffee & Tea, 106 N. Main St., 704-245-4134.
Opening reception tomorrow at Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409-413 N. Lee St.—Aug. 3-27: Reunion Exhibit of artwork by current and former Rail Walk Artists. Opening reception 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, free and open to the public. Open every Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m., plus most Thursdays and Fridays 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; Five regional artists challenge the viewer to look beyond the obvious • This winter concludes the series Art of Faiths – Religions of the World: Diversity and Tolerance. Exhibition dates: Nov.26-Feb. 9, 2013. Opening reception Nov. 30. • 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
Exhibition at The Galleries, 65 Union Street S., Concord— Aug. 13-Oct. 4: “High 5: Fifth Anniversary Exhibition” features the return of 50 artists. Paintings, drawings, photographs, pottery, sculpture, quilts, glass, baskets. 704-920-2787, www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org
Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte — Threads of Identity•The Transformed Self•The Shape of Life•Fashionable Silhouettes•Celebrating Queen Charlotte’s Coronation. $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 —•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— •Beat the Heat Tour coming 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 19: Go behind the scenes at Reynolda House to areas normally closed to the public, $15 non-members •• For August’s “Cinema Under the Stars,” see Films• Last weekend for exhibit “A Genius for Place,” through Aug. 5•House, gardens and village feature public garden, dining, shopping,walking trails. 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse.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@ rowanymca
Three days in Pigeon Forge —Motorcoach leaves from Davie County Senior Services, Mocks-ville, Nov. 13, returns Nov. 15. Attend Dixie Stampede, Country Tonight, Blackwood Bros. Breakfast Show, Titanic Museum. Reservations/info 336-753-6230.
Parks
Dan Nicholas Park, 6800 Bringle Ferry Road— 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 — Historic tours available by appointment. Rail Trail. 704-267-9439, www.HistoricGoldHill.com
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— Coming Aug. 18-19: Riders In The Sky, America’s favorite cowboys, Grammy award-winning quartet. NC’s first theme park features live shows, amusement rides, concerts, a three-mile Wild West steam locomotive adventure. Tweetsie.com, 877-893-3874.
Museums
Free museum admission for vets— Blue Star Museums offer 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), 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. 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.com, www.rowanmuseum.org
Old Stone House, Granite Quarry—Two-story Georgian stone house completed in 1766. Located on Old Stone House Road in Granite Quarry. 1-4 Saturday, Sunday. 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. Sundays 2-4 p.m. and by appointment.
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 — Guided tours 2-4 p.m. second Sundays.Operated by Historical Society of South Rowan. 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: antique, vintage, and modern collectible dolls, antique and vintage toys, a train set, model tractor trailers, John Deere vehicles. Just steps from the NC Transportation Museum• Aug. 4: Fashion & Modeling day camp, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $25 includes admission to museum, lunch. Learn about fashion, the “beauty walk,” public speaking, participate in afternoon fashion show. Learn how to make lip gloss, blush, bring a white t-shirt for design fun. Ages 6-12. Advance registration at 704-762-9359• Museum hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Admission: $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 $3. 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. 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse.org
Historic Latta Plantation, 5225Sample Road, Huntersville— Living History Saturdays bring history to life• 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 • Visit the website for details on August labs for kids. 704-372-6261, www.discoveryplace.org
Discovery Place KIDS Huntersville, 105 Gilead Road— 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 approx. 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 BlueRidge Road, Raleigh—•Rhythms of the Heart: The Illustration of Ashley Bryan through Aug. 19 •John James Audubon’s The Birds of America, ongoing • Free general admission. Charge for some concerts, films, classes, performances. 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— Explore more than 14,000 years of the state’s history.Across from the State Capitol.919-807-7900, ncmuseumofhistory.org or Facebook
NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh—Four floors of live animals, hands-on activities, programs cover charge for special exhibits and 3D Theater.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 75+ animal species of Carolina wildlife •Outdoors: Explore the Wild, a 6-acre outdoor science center expansion linking people with plants, animals, interactive exhibits.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, Krispy Kreme Doughnut Factory, Food Lion Supermarket. 336-723-9111, childrensmuseumofws.org
Natural Science Center of Greensboro,4301 Lawndale Drive— A hands-on science museum, animal discovery zoological park and a state-of-the-art OmniSphere Dome Theater. General admission includes admission to the Museum and Animal Discovery. 336-288-3769, www.natsci.org