Festivals
Saving Grace Farm music festival – 5 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, Sept. 8: GraceFest 2012. Tickets $15 at http://savinggracefarm.com, Critters, L.A. Murph’s, Tastebuds, Thread Shed or Saving Grace Farm. Vendors, silent auction, raffles,live entertainment including Yadkin River Theory, Big Break, Crucifixed, The Piedmont Boys, Bob & Dave Acoustic, Nadirah Dance. Free desserts, beverages, wine tastings, beer. Dinner available for purchase by Richard’s Barbecue. janna@savinggracefarm.com or 704-638-2339.
Rowan Museum’s GermanFest – 4-8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15: By reservation only, a celebration of Rowan’s early citizens in eastern Rowan County, on the grounds the 1766 Old Stone House. An evening of German food, regional music (New Dixie Pharoahs of Charlotte), lifestyle demonstrations of the colonial period, tours of the house, grounds, cemetery. $25 adults, $15 students. 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.com. The Old Stone House, one-half mile down Stone House Road, off Hwy 52 in Granite Quarry.
Biker Blues Rally – Sept. 20-22: Second annual Tilley Harley-Davidson Biker Blues BBQ Rally and Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned cook-off. Donnie Allison, grand marshall, BBQ, live blues, 1942 H-D WLA WWII Recon Scout display, tethered hot air balloon rides weather permitting, more. www.bikerbluesbbqrally. com, 704-638-6044
Cooleemee Textile Heritage Festival – 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 29: On the Zachary House grounds, featuring Old Toys and discovering Our Heritage. Live music by The Textile Heritage Band. Also: Carolina Cornbread Contest with $200 first prize; no entrance fee; preregister by Sept. 14, blinky1@yadtel.net
Music & more
Jazz Vespers – 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15, Chapel of St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St., Downtown Salisbury. Featuring the Larry Draughn Music Group. Free. Partnership between St. John’s and the Rowan Blues and Jazz Society. 704-636-3431. stjohns-salisbury.org
Atlantic Groove Band coming to Fisher Street – Gates open 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 6: Final concert in the 2012 Brick Street Live concert series season. Restaurants open late, held on East Fisher Street, tickets $5 at the gate or 704-637-5363, www.brickstreetlive.com, www.facebook. com/brickstreetlive.
Concert on the Square in Downtown Mocksville – 6:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15: Stan Bobbitt (rock, country hits). Free, bring your own chair. 101 N. Main St., next to Restaurant 101, 336-909-2263, www.historicdowntownmocksville.com
Celtic Thunder at the Blumenthal – 7:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 1: “Celtic Thunder: Voyage,” Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. Tickets start at $35, 704-372-1000, www.blumenthalarts. org, https://tix.carolinatix.org
County Fairs
• Iredell County Fair, Sept. 3-8 • Cabarrus County Fair, Sept. 7-15 • Rowan County Fair, Sept. 17-22 • Davidson County Fair, Sept. 17-22 • Dixie Classic Fair, W-S, Sept. 28-Oct. 7 • The State Fair, Raleigh, Oct. 11-21
Theater
Old Courthouse Theatre’s Living Room Reading Series ‘I Hate Hamlet’ – 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 9: Comedy, rated PG-13. Free admission, 704-788-2405, OCT main theater, 49 Spring Street NW, Concord, 704-788-2405, www.oldcourthouse theatre.org
This & That
Salisbury Ghost Walk tomorrow night – 8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 31: adults $10, students with ID $5, Meet at 130 W. Innes St., reservations/information call John at (704) 798-3102.
JCPrice American Legion Post 107 children’s Labor Day picnic/membership drive – Noon-3 p.m., Monday, Sept. 3: Music by God’s Given Talent Boyz. Food, fun and games. School supplies and prizes given away. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Noon-12:30 welcome; 12:30-1:30 food served; 1:30-2:30 entertainment, fun, games, contests; 2:30-3 p.m. distribution of school supplies. Info: Comrade L. Hall, 704-278-9116. Schedule: 12-12:30, welcome; 12:30-1:30, food served; 1:30-2:30, entertainment, fun, games and contests; 2:30-3, distribution of school supplies.
Downtown Salisbury Kids’ Night Out – 5-9 p.m., Friday, Sept. 7: Free, family-friendly event. Live music, downtown ghost walk), drum circle, carriage rides, trolley rides, classic car show, kids’ activities, United Way campaign kick-off, BB&T Sunset Run 5K & Kids’ Fun Run. 704-638-3100, www.visitsalisburync. com/calendar
2012 Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze – Kicks off Friday, Sept. 7, open weekends through Nov. 4. Seven-acre corn maze in Huntersville is two+ miles of interconnecting paths. Also: 265 acres of historic site, hayrides,corn-hole,mini-mazes, picnic areas, hiking trails. Admission $10, ages 5-12 $7, children 4 and under free. www.ruralhill. net
Floral Galleries fall open house – Saturday, Sept. 8: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Piedmont Floral Galleries, 280 Furniture Drive, 704-636-7739.
Paranormal Investigation – Sept. 28: Looking Glass Black Box Theatre. Join with S.R. Paranormal from Lexington, NC to investigate this haunted theatre. $25 includes paranormal workshop, light refreshments, full investigation of the facility. Reservations required, space limited. 704-798-3102 to secure a reservation.
Board gaming night launch – 5-9 p.m., beginning Wednesday, Sept. 12: NC Rowan County Anime Group and the Comic Monstore host board gaming; Last Night on Earth, Wiz-Wars, etc. Free, open to the public. Comic Monstore, 813 Jake Alexander Blvd. S., 704-636-0049. Anime Group http:\ groups.yahoo.com/group/NCRowanCountyanime/rca_aratist24@yahoo.com or Facebook.
‘The Hunger Games,’ 411 community read – Creative teens and adults can win cash, other prizes in contests represening themes in Suzanne Collins’ ‘The Hunger Games’ during four-county 411 community read and games celebration. Through September. Entry forms, contest rules, details: http://411communityread.wordpress.com and www.facebook.com/411CommunityRead
Henderson County Gem & Mineral Society – Aug. 31-Sept. 3 (Labor Day weekend): 31st annual Gem and Mineral Spectacular, Whitmire Center, Lily Pond Road, Hendersonville. $4. Free Shuttel to Apple Festival. 828-775-8098.
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
Concord book club – 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 4, discussing “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins in conjunction with 411 Community Read program. Register at 704-920-2053, Concord Library meeting room, , 27 Union St., N., Concord, jseury@cabarruscounty.us
Cabarrus Literacy Council Buzz Word Spelling Bee – 6:30 p.m., Sept. 6: $10 at the door. Reception with cash bar at 5:30 p.m. prior to the spelling bee. Old Courthouse Theater, 49 Spring St. N., Concord. 704-920-ABCD(2223).
Concord’s 411 Community Read program – Hunger Games Survival Training Days session, Saturday, Sept. 8: Registration, training begins 10 a.m.; games begin at noon. Frank Liske Park, 4001 Stough Road. 704-920-2710.
Kannapolis cruise-in – 3:30-9:30 p.m., Sept. 8, Downtown Kannapolis. Cabarrus Events Association, 704-932-3808 or Facebook.
Fundraisers
Annual Pop ‘n Jazz Concert and Silent Auction – 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 8: presented by Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society, Looking Glass Artist Center’s black box theater. Auction items, beer/wine/ soda/water for donation, showcase of local vocal talent, free concert, donations welcome. In support of Rowan county’s 100+ old choir.
Center for the Environment fundraiser – “Sundown on Easy Street,” 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 14: Farm-fresh foods, live music by No 9 Coal, Eric & the DiMarzios at F&M Bank Trolley Barn. $45 each, $320 table sponsor (eight tickets at $40 per person). 704-637-4791, www.centerfortheenvironment.org
Biker Blues benefits military – Sept. 20-22: Second annual Tilley Harley-Davidson Biker Blues BBQ Rally and Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned cook-off with live entertainment. Proceeds benefit Folds of Honor foundation, Disabled American Veterans, Operation Homefront, the Wounded Warrior Project. www.bikerbluesbbqrally.com
Night Life
The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. – 9 p.m.-midnight, Friday, Aug. 31: Divided by Four, Salisbury’s favorite feel-good dance band, $5 cover • 9:30-11:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 1: Live music TBA, 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. – 8 p.m. until, Friday, Aug. 31 and Saturday, Sept. 1: Open jukebox, come enjoy your favorite songs for free. 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 – 8 p.m. until, Friday, Aug. 31: Open jukebox, beach, country, rock & roll • 9 p.m. until, Saturday, Sept. 1: Kryhavok Band • Sunday, Sept. 2: Cornhole Tournament, registration at noon, game starts 2 p.m. • Open Wednesday-Friday 4 p.m. until. Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m. until. www.highrocklakerestaurant.com
Two nights of music at The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 – • Friday, Aug. 31: Metal bands The Helper, A Heart Divided, Palefire, Beacons, Igniting The Sky, Shield Of Salvation, Signals The Sky • Saturday, Sept. 1: Bluegrass band Portraits of Grace, also Evolve(not Bluegrass). 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
Rick’s BBQ and Grill, 929 S. Main St. – 7 p.m., tonight, Aug. 30: Karaoke performance by Marcy Strickland and Terry Bowman • 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 available, nightly specials. 704 636-1918.
The Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St., NoDa Arts District, Charlotte – Aug. 31: Bombadil with You Won’t; Matrimony. CarolinaTix, 704-372-1000, www.the eveningmuse.com
The Double Door Inn, 1218 Charlottetown Ave., Charlotte – Aug. 31: Eddie & The Public Speakers • Sept. 1: The Rouge with Makeshift Prodigy. CarolinaTix, 704-372-1000, www. doubledoorinn.com
Classes
Robert Crum art classes at Morgan Ridge – • Introduction to Mosaics: Saturday, Sept. 8, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., $160 • Mosaic Sidewalk Carpet, Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 15-16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., $180 • Plein Air Painting, Saturday, Sept. 22, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., $120. Description, registration at 704-310-0382, crum@robertcrumfineart.com, www.robertcrumfineart.com, www.facebook/ robertcrum.com
Old Courthouse Youth Theatre’s ‘Introduction to Acting’ – 9-11 a.m., Saturdays Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29: For ages 8-18, $50/four week enrollment. Register at youth@oldcourthousetheatre.org or visit www.oldcourthousetheatre.org. Old Courthouse Theatre, 49 Spring St. NW, Concord, 704 788-2405.
‘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.
Belly Dance classes – Mondays – Sarah’s Treehouse upstairs, 506 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer. Wednesdays – Artemesia Artworks & Yoga Studio, 323 W. Harrison St., Salisbury. Full schedule and details at www.KalimaTribal.com or KalimaTribal@ carolina.rr.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.
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.
Fall adult classes at Pottery 101 – Register for weekly sessions that run Sept. 4-Oct. 24, 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday or Wednesday or 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday. $200 includes #25 bag of clay and 5 additional hours of studio time. Register at 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.
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 with questions. Rail Walk Gallery, 409-413 North Lee St.
Shag dance classes – Mondays at Benchwarmers, 113 E. Fisher St. • Beginner 6:30 p.m. • Beginner II 7:15 p.m. • Intermediate/Advanced 8:15 p.m. $10/person, no partner needed. Tobitha 704-202-9655 or Diane Harrington 704-279-6168.
Zumba fitness – Contact o2bamom@att.net for days, times, locations.
Art Classes with Patt – Local artist Patt Legg’s adult art classes at her home studio off Miller Road • 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.) 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. See samples www.pattlegg.com/
Watercolor classes at LGAC – Instructor Cathy Benfield Matthews, Mondays 1-3 p.m. or 5:30-7:30 p.m., or Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon, $35 for 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. 31: Bingo. 1908 Statesville Blvd., Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, no joining fee, donations appreciated, covered dish.
Auditions
The Concert Choir – 36th season rehearsals begin Aug. 27 for Mozart’s Requiem Mass; all past and current singers invited to participate. New singers require quick, informal audition to determine vocal range and section. Rehearsals 7:30 p.m. Mondays, St. John’s choir room. Dean Orbison 704-433-8015, Dave Redden 336-918-2111.
Concord Choral Academy – Scheduling auditions/vocal placement interviews for children and youth (ages 7-20) to participate in three age-based choirs. Gary Shive, 704-786-7447 for more information. No preparation necessary. Cabarrus/Rowan County youth welcome. Choirs meet weekly at Calvary Lutheran Church, 950 Bradley St., Concord. Fall rehearsals begin Sept. 4. New singers accepted through the September. www.choralacademy.org
Old Courthouse Theatre ‘Ballyhoo’ – 7-9 p.m., Sept. 24-25: Auditions consist of cold read from the script. Seven actors and actresses needed. Show dates begin Nov. 2. 49 Spring St. SW, Concord. 704-788-2405, www. oldcourthousetheatre.org
Call for submissions
Poetry, short stories, art, photography – Submissions accepted for Muse & Spirit, the tri-annual publication of The Center for Faith & the Arts. Written entries must be typed; submit original work or high quality digital image; for material to be returned, send addressed envelope with sufficient postage; format work as you want it printed. If submission has been published previously, send information so that credit can be published. Submit through e-mail or mail. Deadline for the October issue Sept. 15. Rolling submissions accepted for future issues. 704-647-0999, faithart@ bellsouth.net
Writers and artists – Salisbury Writers and Artists Guild, Inc. (SWAG) accepting submissions for upcoming six-day Writers and Artists Festival, and Tabula Rasa, print and virtual literary arts anthology. Authors, teachers, performers, musicians, students, artists encouraged to submit poetry, memoir, fiction, nonfiction, photography, 10 minute plays, film by Nov. 1. Housed at Literary Bookpost, downtown Salisbury, www.SWAGNC.org
Call for vendors
31st annual Hiddenite Center Celebration of the ARTS – Saturday, Sept. 22: Seeking regional arts and crafts vendors, commercial vendors. New artists and crafters must submit minimum three photos or slides representative of work they plan to offer for sale. 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 performers
31st annual Hiddenite Center Celebration of the ARTS – Saturday, Sept. 22: Seeking local performers, musicians, bands, dance groups for performance stages, 828-632-6966, info@hiddenitecenter.com
Call for singers
Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society – 102nd season, rehearsals begin 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11. Non-audition choir open to singers age 16+, currently under the direction of Catawba College alum Matthew Newton. SRCS presents three concerts plus small ensemble groups, soloists. Coburn Memorial UMC, 901 S. Church St., 919-812-0742 or www.Facebook. com/Salisbury. Rowan.Choral.Society
The Piedmont Choral Society – New members needed for 2012-2013 season: Old Fashioned Hymn Sing early November plus two presentations of portions of “Messiah,” along with traditional carols, early December. Monday rehearsals 7-8:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 10 at Forest Hill UMC, 265 Union St. N., Concord. Previous voice training not required. Jeff Price, UNCC music professor and Choirmaster at First Presbyterian Church, Concord, director. 704-699-6053, kayy2000
Call for musicians
Piedmont Prime Time Community Band – Accepting new members through September for fall season. Needed: flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone horn, tuba, percussion. Must be able to read music and attend rehearsals.Rehearsals 7-8:45 p.m. Thursdays, family life center of Blackwelder Park Baptist Church, 2204 Summit Ave, Kannapolis. Jon Hutchinson, 704-425-3508, www.primetimeband. org
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
Deadline today for Faith through art – Waterworks Visual Arts Center seeks submissions from artists who express their personal relationships to their faiths through art, including Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity. Deadline Aug. 30. Submissions should 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 • 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.
Deadline nears for 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.
Speakers and forums
Rowan History Club – 7 p.m., Sept. 11: “Before They Were Heroes at Kings Mountain” by noted Daniel Boone author, Randell Jones. Presented by Rowan History Club in roundtable format followed by Q and A. Free. Rowan Museum Messinger Room, 202 N. Main St., 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.rr.com
Home and garden
Learn How to Start a Chicken Coop – noon-1 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 4: Lissa McMeeken of Twin Lakes Farm with insights, pointers. Free with Garden admission. www.DSBG.org or call 704-825-4490.
Art
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St. – St. John’s Art Gallery: The Monday Rembrandts, well known Salisbury artists, display art work, many from private collections. Open to the public, 9 a.m.-12noon and 1-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Parking and entry behind St. John’s Chapel.
Last week for 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. 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.
Exhibition at The Galleries, 65 Union Street S., Concord – Through Oct. 4: “High 5: Fifth Anniversary Exhibition” features the return of 50 artists to The Galleries. Paintings, drawings, photographs, pottery, sculpture, quilts, glass, baskets. Free. 704-920-2787, www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org
Reunion exhibit held over at Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409-413 N. Lee St. – Through Sept. 29: Reunion Exhibit of artwork by current and former Rail Walk Artists. Gallery also returns to normal hours of Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 704-431-8964, www.railwalkgallery.com
Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St. – • Fall Exhibition The Vocabulary of Printmaking – Its Origins and Techniques, through Nov. 10, celebrates the rich tradition of fine art printmaking • 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
UNC-Charlotte Center City’s Projective Eye Gallery – “E Pluribus Unum” on display through Nov. 1. Opening reception for the public 6-10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15, UNC Charlotte Center City, 9201 University City Blvd., 704-687-8622.
Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts, 500 South Tryon St., Charlotte – “Vote for Art,”a project to educating the public on the electoral process and the process of building a world-class collection. The public cast votes on six specially-chosen works of art; the museum will acquire the three winners and add them to its permanent collection. Voting runs Sept. 1-7 to coincide with Democratic National Convention, reopens Oct. 1-Nov. 9, 704-337-2000, www.mintmuseum.org
Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte – 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.
Reynolda House Museum of American Art, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem – • “Affinities: Pairings from the Collection” through Dec. 2 • Masterpieces by Mary Cassatt, Frederic Church, Jacob Lawrence, Georgia O’Keeffe, Gilbert Stuart. House, gardens and village feature public garden, dining, shopping,walking trails. 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse.org
The North Carolina Pottery Center, 233 E. Ave., Seagrove – Permanent exhibition: traces NC pottery from pre-historic Native American work through 21st century. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, 336-873-8430, www. ncpotterycenter.org
Trips
YMCA sponsored trips – • Sept.4: Bear Creek and Seagrove Trip • Sept. 21: Charlotte Women’s Show. Bus leaves from J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd. Louise Klaver, 704-636-0111, lklaver@ rowanymca for details.
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.
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: 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 – Sept. 8-9: Railroad Heritage Weekend: experience history of steam locomotives and tour famous Tweetsie Railroad Train Shop, where steam locomotives from across the nation are repaired and restored. Cherokee dance and craft demonstrations on Saturday. Tweetsie.com, 877-893-3874.
Museums
Last weekend of 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
Spencer Doll and Toy Museum, 108 4th St., Spencer – 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15: “My Dolly” hand made card making class: Complete six handmade cards in one two-hour workshop session. All supplies provided. $16, payable on arrival, includes museum tour. Instructor Daphne Houghton. Limited spaces, advance registration required: 704-762-9359. Museum features antique, vintage, modern collectible dolls, antique, vintage toys, train set, model tractor trailers, 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
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. 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, 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 – Coming: Remembrance of 9/11: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 8, “Memories of Yesteryear,” bring restored farm equipment, vehicles to display, local groups present gospel and bluegrass, backyard barbecue sponsored by We Care Ministry of Oak Grove Baptist Church, China Grove. Call Bob Mault for details. 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 – Oct. 11: Most exclusive event of the year – 2012 Induction Ceremony, held at Gibson Mill Vintage Motor Club Events & Conference Center, 325 McGill Ave., Concord. $80 includes 6 p.m. cocktail reception, dinner, entertainment by inductees. 704-934-2320. Museum info: Honoring musicians, singers, songwriters and producers from NC. In the renovated old Kannapolis Jailhouse Building. 10 a.m.-noon, 2-4 p.m., Monday-Friday, admission free. 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, 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, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville – 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sept. 1-2: Revolutionary War Battle: Find out why Cornwallis called Charlotte a “Hornet’s Nest of Opposition,”see how Charlotteans defended their independence when Cornwallis came through in 1780. Reenactors fight the Battle of Charlotte, which originally occurred at the corner of Trade and Tryon. Sunday features Battle of McIntyre Farm, which took place only a few miles from Latta, off Beatties Ford Road. Main battle at 1 p.m. each day. $7 per person, 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 – Modified operating hours during the DNC, Sept. 2-6 • Monday, Sept. 3, noon-5 p.m. with half-price admission • Closed Sept. 2, 4 and 6 • Check discoveryplace.org for updates and changes. Beginning Friday, Sept. 7, 2012 fall hours take effect: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 1 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. 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
One-time program at Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte – 5-9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15: Public operations temporarily suspended except for this one-time event; admission free, $5 fee for special tour of historic Hezekiah Alexander house. See www.charlottemuseum.org or write info@charlottemuseum.org 704-568-1774, www.charlottemuseum.org
Town Creek Indian Mound, Mount Gilead – NC’s only state historic site dedicated to American Indian heritage. 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 – • 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. Admission free. 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. 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 l