Night Life

The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. —7th anniversary celebration • 9:30 p.m.-midnight, Friday, May 10: The Tripp Edwards Band, no cover • 9-11:30 p.m., Saturday, May 11: Brian Rogers and Billy Bussey, no cover. 704-797-0093, www.thebluevine.com
Cooper’s, The Gathering Place, 122 E. Fisher St. — • 8-11 p.m. every Tuesday: Open mic night. 704-754-4907, www.coopersofsalisbury.com, Facebook
ethos southern bistro and martini bar, 118 N. Main St. — 6:30-9:30 p.m., Friday, May 10: Jazz pianist/vocalist Marc Hoffman • 6:30-9:30 p.m., Saturday, May 11: Jazz guitarist/vocalist Tom Billotto. 704-639-2600, www.ethosdining.com
Fat Jack’s Pub, 120 Military Ave. — 7 p.m., Thursdays: Acoustic performance by Seth Grigg, free • Friday: Open jukebox • Saturday: Open jukebox. 704-638-8996.
Go Burrito, 115 W. Fisher St. across from the mural — • Mondays: Game night featuring Crimes Against Humanity, LRC, Farkle, chess, backgammon, Boggle • 9 p.m. Wednesdays: Karaoke night • Thursdays: Trivia night, form teams, win prizes. www.facebook.com/GoBurrito
The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 — • 8 p.m., Saturday, May 11: Katie Danielle and CrossTie, from Franklin Tenn. Free refreshments, air hockey, foosball, pool, wi-fi. Public invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 704-213-1467.
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.
Nashville Nights, 125-127 E. Innes St. — • 9:30 p.m., Saturday, May 11: Ambush • Wednesdays: Cornhole • Thursdays: Karaoke • 5-7 p.m. Fridays: Local artist nights acoustic stage performances • 9 p.m. Fridays: Deejay. 704-762-999, www.nashvillenightsalisbury.com
Old Stone Vino, 515 S. Main St., Kannapolis — Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays: Live music. 704-938-2337.
Richard’s Bar-B-Que, 522 N. Main St. — Tuesdays,Wednesdays: Live music on the patio • Mondays, Kids’ Night Out • Tuesdays, Bike Night • Wednesdays Cruise-In. All evenings begin at 5 p.m. 704-636-9561.
Rick’s BBQ and Grill, 929 S. Main St. — Thursday Nights at Rick’s will now feature regular Karaoke • 6 p.m. Mondays: Karaoke • 6 p.m. Tuesdays: Cruise-in • 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday-Saturday: Karaoke. 704-642-0050.
Stars & Bars Tavern, 723 Klumac Road — •8 p.m., Fridays: Deejay T-RAV spinning tunes, handing the mic over for fun local talent with Karaoke • Saturdays: Open juke box • Tuesdays: Pool league night. 704-310-5503.
Statesville Shag Club, 139 Jordan Lane, Statesville — 8-11 p.m., Friday, May 10: Soc Hop with deejay Steve Coley. Wear your 50s clothes! • Open second and fourth Fridays, members $5, others $7. Large dance floor, cash bar, great menu, 50/50. VFW Post 2031, www.statesvilleshagclub.com
Tamarac Marina, Bringle Ferry Road — “Karaoke on the Lake” 6-9 p.m. Mondays. 704 636-1918.
TJ’s High Rock Lake Restaurant & Lounge, 257 Boat Club Lane — 8 p.m. until, Friday, May 10: Shagging deejay Mike Harding • 9 p.m. until, Saturday May 11: Southern rock & roll band Watts Left. www.highrocklakerestaurant.com
The Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St., NoDa Arts District, Charlotte — 704-372-1000, www.eveningmuse.com
The Double Door Inn, 1218 Charlottetown Ave., Charlotte — 704-372-1000, www.doubledoorinn.com
The Neighborhood Theatre, 511 East 36th St., Charlotte — 704-358-9298, www.neighborhoodtheatre.com
The Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte — 704-358-9200, www.visulite.com

Music & more

Charlotte Folk Society’s free Gathering Concert — Friday, May 10: Bluegrass with Freeman and Williams. Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth Ave., Uptown Charlotte. Family-friendly and free; refreshments, song circle, jam sessions follow the hour-long concert; visitors are welcome to join in or simply listen. Charlotte Appalachian Dulcimer Club members offer loaner instruments to visitors wishing to try their hands at playing. www.folksociety.org
Union Street Live returns next Thursday with The Tams — 6-9 p.m., free outdoor summer concerts on Concord’s Historic Courthouse lawn, third Thursdays May-Sept. • May 16: The Tams. www.concorddowntown.com, 704-784-4208.
Double fun symphony — 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 18. See Briefs, page 2D.
American Idol Live Tour 2013 — Thursday, Aug. 8: Tickets start at $33.50. Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com,
Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center — • Aaron Lewis, May 24 • Reba McEntire, May 26 • Dwight Yoakam, June 14 • Billy Idol, June 21 • Gary Allan, June 28 • Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham, July 6 • Ultimate Elvis Contest, July 13 • The Black Crowes, Aug. 2 • Trace Adkins, Aug. 10. Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee. www.ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

Comedy

Lee Street Theatre’s fifth annual Ten-Minute Original Play Festival — May 15-18, theme: “Hotel 6,” directed by Justin Dionne, Looking Glass Artists Center, 405 N. Lee St., www.leestreet.org

Festivals

34th annual Kannapolis Village Fest — Friday-Saturday, May 10-11: Music and Craft Celebration, hundreds of craft vendors, food, dancers, live music. http://cabarrusevents.org
Let’s Get Jiggy with the Piggy — May 10-11: 60+ cook teams from across the country compete in the inaugural Jiggy with the Piggy Barbecue Challenge, Old Cabarrus Bank Building, 201 West Ave., Kannapolis.
Gold Hill Gold Rush Days — Saturday May 11: See Briefs, pg. 2D.
Rowan County MayFest — Five-day event May 15-19: Gates open Wed.-Fri. 5:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. • $3 admission, under 3 free • Thursday: dollar night sponsored by Cornerstone Church, rides $1 each • Carnival Rides & Petting Zoo Food • Craft • Vendor Displays • Entertainment Wednesday, Darrell Harwood; Thursday, Divided by 4; Friday, Wayward Reason; Saturday, Strings of Victory; Sunday, Heirs of Salvation • food/craft/vendor displays • Rowan County Fairgrounds, Julian Road
Let’s Get Connected Day — 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, May 18: 10th annual multicultural celebration with music, dance, prayer, food, dedication of seventh Peace Pole for Salisbury Rowan. South Rowan Band, Sandy Ridge AME Zion Liturgical Dancers, Rockwell Elementary Choir, Mt. Zion Bell Choir, story from Japanese culture of One Thousand Paper Cranes. Frank T. Tadlock South Rowan regional Library, 920 Kimball Road, China Grove.
Bost Grist Mill’s Old Mill Heritage Day — 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, May 18: Free day of handmade arts, crafts, pottery, jewelry, quilting, yard furniture, games, food, drinks. 704-782-1600, bostgristmill@netzero.com or www.bostgristmill.com
Annual Memorial Week celebration at J.C. Price Post 107 — Friday, May 24-Saturday, June 1: Kick-off dance 9 p.m. Friday, followed by ceremonies, music, festivities, carnival, gospel singings, dances, rides on the midway (5/30-6/1). 1433 Old Wilkesboro Road, call 704-636-2950 for information.
HillTop Community Carnival — 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, June 1: Games, prizes, face painting, snow cones, popcorn, treats. Everything offered free. Stallings Memorial Baptist Church, 817 S. Main St.

Theater

Opening night tonight PPT Youth Theatre Treasure Island — 7:30 p.m., May 9: Join the cast for a free reception following this performance. Show dates May 9-11 and 16-18 at 7:30 p.m., May 12 at 2:30 p.m. Adults $12, seniors/students $10. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St., 704-633-5471, www.PiedmontPlayers.com
Old Courthouse Theatre presents ‘South Pacific’ — May 10-11 at 8 p.m. and May 5, 12 at 2:30 p.m. By Rodgers and Hammerstein. Winner of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Old Courthouse Theatre, 49 Spring Street NW, 704 788-2405, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org
OCT presents ‘The Dixie Swim Club’ reading — 4 p.m., Sunday, May 19: The Living Room Reading Series presents five Southern women whose friendships began many years ago who set aside a long weekend every August to recharge those relationships. Produced, Free, rated PG-13. Old Courthouse Theatre, 49 Spring St. NW, Concord, 704 788-2405, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org

Home & garden

Rowan Rose Show — Saturday-Sunday, May 18-19: Rowan Rose Society’s annual show, Salisbury Mall (note this is a different location). Area rose growers may enter roses 6:30-10 a.m. Saturday morning. Show features hundreds of roses , also rose arrangements. Info 704-633-7024.
Davidson County Master Gardeners annual Garden Tour — 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday, June 1; 1-5 p.m., Sunday, June 2: Wallburg area, northeast Davidson County.

This & That

Salisbury Ghost Walk — 7:30 and 9 p.m., Friday, May 10: bring camera, smart phone, flashlight. Adults $10, students $5. Meet at 130 W. Innes St., reservations/information 704-798-3102 or email boo@salisburyghostwalk.com
Free open house & family festival at Saving Grace Farm — 1-5 p.m., Saturday, May 11: See Briefs, page 2D.
2013 Kannapolis Summer Entertainment Series kicks off — Concerts, movies, stories, lunchtime events and more in Kannapolis this summer • 7 p.m. Friday, May 10: National country artist Parmalee with fireworks at Village Fest plus Jiggy with the Piggy Barbecue Challenge, Downtown Kannapolis, Village North Stage, Village Park, 700 West C St.,www.cityofkannapolis.com
Concord Library events — • 10 a.m., Saturday, May 11: NC Poet Laureate Joseph Bathanti in the auditorium, free and open to the public. 704-920-2050. • 2-4 p.m., Saturday, May 11: Teens play Wii games in the auditorium. 704-920-2053 • 27 Union St. North, Concord, www.cabarruscounty.us/library or Facebook
Spring Photowalk at RPL South — 6 p.m., Monday, May 13: For all ages and skill levels. Bring at least one camera per family, charge batteries beforehand, wear comfortable shoes. Starting point: Rowan Public Library’s South Branch, China Grove. Free but pre-register at 704-216-8229, www.rowanpubliclibrary.org. Next one May 18 at headquarters.
Ghost Hunting Investigation — 9 p.m-midnight, Friday, May 17: Interactive ghost hunting investigation In conjunction with SRS Paranormal of Lexington, Salisbury Ghost Walk hosts investigation of Salisbury Wine Shop. Bring cameras, digital recorders for this evening of fun, hands on investigation. $25 per person includes investigation and wine tasting afterward; reservations required at boo@salisburyghostwalk.com. Must be 21+. 704-798-3102.
‘Your Friendly Neighborhood SpiderMan’ — 1 p.m., Saturday, May 18: Comic book historian and author Michael Eury’s fun, trivia-packed, all-ages presentation covering the hero’s history, powers, and villains, at the Spencer Doll and Toy Museum. Q&A and activities will follow. Spider-Man costumes encouraged. No preregistration required, free with museum admission, $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children. 704-762-9359, 108 Fourth St., Spencer, www.spencerdollandtoymuseum.com
Family Laser Show — 5 and 6:30 p.m., Saturday, May 18: A unique mix of instrumental, pop, oldies, just plain fun. $3 adults, $2 12 and under. 1636 Parkview Circle, park and enter in the back from Lilly Avenue. Horizons Unlimited, 704-639-3004.
Rock Laser Show: Pink Floyd’s The Wall — 8 p.m., Saturday, May 18: Favorites including Another Brick in the Wall, Goodbye Blue Sky, Mother, In the Flesh, The Happiest Days of Our Lives set to full-color, full-dome laser graphic images and designs. $5 adults, $3 12 and under. 1636 Parkview Circle, park and enter in the back from Lilly Avenue. Horizons Unlimited, 704-639-3004.
Community Fun Day — 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, May 18: Bounce houses, food, games, fellowship and live entertainment by Scottie Howard, Redeemed, Y Wonder Singers, Anointed Brothers in Christ Mime , and Monique & Friends. At Christ United Methodist Church, 3401 Mooresville Road, open to the public.
14th Annual Group Gold Hill 50K and 100K Bike Ride — 7:30 a.m., Saturday, May 25: Registration, 9 a.m. rides begin. $25 includes lunch at Arbor in Historic Gold Hill at noon. Darrius Hedrick, darriushedrick@yahoo.com or Arlene Kessler, arlenekk@gmail.com
Movies in the Park, Salisbury — 8 p.m. pre-movie; 8:45 p.m. movie begins. Free admission. City Park lawn, Club Drive/Jackson Streets. May 31: “Brave” • www.salisburync.gov

Fundraisers

Grace Academy’s May Festival — 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, May 11: Food, games, music, bounce houses, horse rides, more to benefit the Abrams family. Rain or shine. Armbands, tickets available to purchase. Grace Academy, 6725 Highway 152 East Rockwell.
‘Let Us Entertain You’ — 5:30-8:30 p.m., May 16: “An Evening of Hors D’oeuvres, Wine Tasting, Table Setting and Music to Help You Plan the Perfect Party,” Cloninger House, Catawba College. Tickets $75. 704-637-4314, tickets.salisburysymphony.org
Brothersake in concert for Cystic Fibrosis — 5 p.m., Saturday May 18: Band from Pickens, SC in concert at Stanback Outdoor Theater, Dan Nicholas Park. Free concert, love offering. All info at www.scottssing.com
Dog Social for the ASPCA — 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, May 18: Nonprofit social event for the public and their dogs; dogs-run-free playzone, paw-dicures, fashion show, demos, art, hot dog lunch. Held at 4608 Old Concord Road, 704-267-9380. Proceeds benefit ASPCA.
Shop and swim at Eaman Park Pool — 6-9 p.m., Saturday, May 18: Shopping, plus check out the pool community. $5 admission for non-members, 123 Eaman Ave.
To benefit Community Care Clinic — 4 p.m., Sunday, May 19: St. John’s Men’s Chorus 18th annual spring concert, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St. Free. Offering to benefit Community Care Clinic. 704-636-3431.
FootLoose 2013: Stomping Out Alzheimer’s One Step At A Time — For event/exhibit/auction May 19: Foot and shoe themed original paintings, sculptures, photos accepted; any format welcome. Anyone in the community may participate. Held at Lee Street Theater. Proceeds go to Alzheimer’s research, family support. Entry forms, information at bzimmerman@trinityoaks.net or 704-603-2770.
Nazareth Children’s Home 107th annual FunFest — 9:30 a.m., Saturday, June 1: Deejay Butch Mattox announces the day-long live entertainment: Carla Black, Carson Hill, Arthette Walker, Center Stage Dance, Rowan Big Band All-Stars, Tommy Black Band, as well as raffles for big items. 704-2795556.
To benefit Meals on Wheels of Rowan — Kathleen Boggs at Genevieve’s Salon, 1921 W. Innes St., will donate proceeds from all haircuts first Saturday of each month beginning April 6. $15, by appointment only. Call 704-431-7854 to schedule. $15 • Through June 15: Meals on Wheels Outback Takeaway Fundraiser, 1020 E. Innes St., $15 per ticket, takeout only, call Meals on Wheels office 704-633-0352.
PPT’s second annual 50th Anniversary Gala fundraiser — 7 p.m., May 31: Support local theater while having a great time. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St., details at 704-633-5471, www.PiedmontPlayers.com

Film

The Vine Events presents ‘Free Angela and All Political Prisoners’ — 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 29, AMC Concord Mills 24. Must reserve ticket(s) online by Wednesday, May 22 at http://www.tugg.com/events/4065. Ticket cost $12. www.thevineevents.wordpress.com

Wine & beer tastings

The Blue Vine — Tuesday wine tasting and dinner postponed until next week, May 14: 7:30-9 p.m., $12.50/person, salad, entree, bread, dessert paired with 5-6 specially selected wines. Concentration on pairing wines with every day meals, not just party food. RSVP requested by noon on Tuesdays • 209 S. Main St., 704-797-0093, www.thebluevine.com
Salisbury Wine Shop — • 5-8:30 p.m. Friday, May 10: Spring Night Out Beer Tasting, Brooklyn Brewery, $2/person • 1-4 p.m., Saturday, May 11: Drop in for free wine tasting • 7 p.m. Thursday, May 23: Beer dinner with Olde Hickory Brewery at Sweet Meadow Cafe, $42/person, advanced purchase reservations • 106 S. Main St., 704-636-5151, www.salisburywineshop.com
Art and wine festival at Morgan Ridge Vineyards — 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, May 11: See Briefs, pg. 2D.

Classes

Stained glass — 6-8 p.m.  Mondays. Pre-register at 704-796-2260. Glass artist Yolonda Shimpock, Celestial Glasworks, 664 N.Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis, www.celestialglasworks.com
PPT youth theatre Spring audition workshop — 9 a.m., Saturday, May 18: See Briefs, page 2D.
Salisbury Art Station — • Instructors share knowledge of historical, technical, conceptual aspects; foster manual dexterity, motivation, problem-solving, healthy communication. Limited openings, $25/class, 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays, ages 5-7 • Email art.notions@yahoo.com, call 704-754-0853. .
Beginning and intermediate weaving instruction — Private lessons on a floor loom. Day or evening times available. Contact Liese Sadler 215-300-4369, livethreadstudio@yahoo.com for more information.
Pottery 101– Children’s: Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon. Students will create an art piece based on various themes. Ages: 6-14, Price: $35 per class (all materials included). Picasso Wall Hanging: Saturday May, 18. Father’s Day Mug: Saturday, June 1. Goofy Gator: Saturday, June 8. Call or come in to reserve a spot. 101 S. Main St. Salisbury, NC 28144, 704-209-1632.
Waterworks Visual Arts Center — Spring/Summer Wheel and Hand Building Clay Class: For ages 12 and up. May 14; open studio for register students, May 11, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. For all skill levels. Registration and price info at 704-636-1882 or www.waterworks.org
Zumba fitness — • 5:30 p.m., Mondays, Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, 704-216-7714 • 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, First Baptist Church of Salisbury, old YMCA gym on Fulton St. • 6 p.m. Thursdays, $3 per person, St. Matthews Church Salisbury • J.F. Hurley Family YMCA’s aqua zumba, 10:15 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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.
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.
Art with Patt Legg — Adult art classes at studio off Miller Road • noon-2 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays • OR 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays. All classes are ongoing, pay as you go ($40/2 hrs.) Call for material costs, what to purchase, to sign up. 704-232-6000, 704-856-8869. See samples www.pattlegg.com/
Card making at the Y — Make six cards/$10 • 1 p.m., May 20, J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.

Speakers and forums

Sesquicentennial lecture — 2 p.m., Saturday, May 11: See Briefs, page 2D.
Leadercast event at The Event Center — 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Friday, May 10: Chick-fil-A Leadercast broadcast live from Atlanta with speakers John Maxwell, Condoleezza Rice, Mike Krzyzewski, Andy Stanly, more. Call for registration info. The Event Center, 315 Webb Road, 704-855-1218.
Gold Hill Historical Preservation Society — 7 p.m., Monday, May 13: Aaron Kepley, Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site representative. At The Arbor in Historic Gold Hill. Refreshments afterward.
The Carolina Artists — 7 p.m., Thursday, May 16: Hands-on presentation of unique art work by Elizabeth McAdams. Held at Rufty Holmes Senior Center.

Singles

Piedmont Singles — 7:15 p.m., Friday, May 10: Bingo. 1908 Statesville Blvd., Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, no joining fee, donations appreciated, covered dish.
Tri-City Singles Dance — Fourth Saturdays at the Elks Lodge, 2201 W. Cornwallis Drive, Greensboro (corner of Battleground). Deejay playing 70s/80s/90s, beach, top 40, swing. $12. Email Peggy15311@yahoo.com

Auditions

PPT youth ‘Little Mermaid Jr.’— By appointment only, 4 and 5 p.m., Monday-Tuesday, May 20-21: See Briefs, page 2D.
PPT ‘The Nerd’ — June 4-5: The hilarious dilemma of a young architect who is visited by a man he’s never met but who saved his life and who turns out to be an incredibly inept nerd. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St., 704-633-5471. www.piedmontplayers.com

Art

Fine Frame Gallery presents Rail Walk Artists — Through May see works by Sharon Forthofer (oil), Karen Frazer (encaustic), Erickson (mixed media), Kenneth Koskelo (oil ), Elizabeth McAdams (photography), Liese Sadler (fiber), Marietta Foster Smith (oil). Fine Frame Gallery, 105 S. Main St., Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 704-647-0340 or fineframegallery@gmail.com
Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409 N. Lee St. — • “Water,” Rail Walk Studio Artists Group Show through May 25. Artists C. Cross, I. Erickson, S. Forthofer, K. Frazer, K. Koskela, P. Legg, E. McAdams, L. Sadler, and M. Smith, explore the theme of water. Free, open to the public in Salisbury’s Rail Walk Arts District. Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 413-884-4499, www.railwalkgallery.com
Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St. — • Last weekend for High Schools exhibit, part of “Celebrating Rowan County’s Young Artists” in the Young People’s Gallery: rotating display of artwork featuring the works of nearly 800 students representing Salisbury-Rowan County’s public, independent, home-schooled students. • Last weekend for Visual Places: Evolving from Nature,” through May 11: The intersection of architecture and nature through the use of form, texture, surfaces. Free. 704-636-1882, www.waterworks.org
The Galleries, 65 Union Street S., Concord — “The Edge” through May 16: Cutting edge pieces and modern approaches in paintings, pottery, glass, wood, mixed media. Free, 704-920-2787, www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org
The Cabarrus Art Guild — 2-4 p.m., Sunday, May 19: Free opening reception for annual spring judged show. The Depot at Gibson Mill, 325 McGill Ave., Suite 250, Concord. Light refreshments.

Trips

NC Transportation Museum excursion to Charleston — • “Lowcountry Limited” to Charleston, S.C., May 17-19. Ticket information at 704-636-2889, ext. 237 or www.nctrans.org
YMCA sponsored trips — • 8 a.m., May 16: Y-Wonders trip, ZooTastic, $15 transportation, admission • 10:30 a.m., May 21: Y-Wonders trip, Shallow Ford Farms Popcorn Factory tour, $15 transportation, admission • 12:15 p.m., May 22: Y-Wonders Lunch and Learn, NC Research Campus Blueberry Study, How do blueberries help us; sign up at front desk • June Trip: Historic Valedez, lunch, wine tasting • July Trip: Queens Landing: Lunch and a boat ride • August Trip: Carolina Lily, end of summer lunch and shops • Alaska Trip: Call Barbara Franklin 704-636-0111 bfranklin@rowanymca.com • Buses leave from J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd.
Travel with the Friends of Rowan Public Library — • Alaska Discovery Land and Cruise, Sept. 3-15: Inside Passage Cruise, Denali National Park, Hubbard Glacier, McKinley Express Rail • California New Year’s GetAway featuring the Tournament of Roses Parade, Dec. 29, 2013-Jan. 2, 2014: behind-the-scenes float viewing, gala New Year’s Eve party, Bandfest • Call Melody Moxley 704-216-8230.

Call for vendors

Sam’s Smoke Off inaugural BBQ Festival — June 8: Smoke Off will be held at Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds in Newton. Application fee $50, deadline May 24 at samssmokeoff@gmail.com, 828-221-8686. Sponsored By Sam’s Club.
Annual Biker Blues BBQ Rally and sanctioned BBQ Classic — Plans are for 65 competition teams, free entertainment. Fall 2013. Interested vendors or sponsors see www.bikerbluesbbqrally.com or call Gary at 704-638-6044.

Call for parade entries

Faith 4th of July parade — Entries now being accepted for the Faith 4th of July Parade on Thursday, July 4 at 10 a.m. Deadline for entries Friday, June 21. Call 704-279-2256 for info. For Faith Idol entry information, see Call for Performers.

Call for writers

Concord’s 10 Minute Play writing contest — Old Courthouse Theatre’s 10 Minute Play Writing Contest open to all North and South Carolina residents. Deadline June 24. Complete details and rules of entry at www.oldcourthousetheatre.org

Call for performers

Faith Idol competition — Entries now being accepted for Faith Idol competition. Age categories: 12 and under, 13-18, 19 and up (adult). This event is held during the Faith Fourth of July celebration. Registration fee $10. 704-279-2256 for information or to enter. Deadline Friday, June 21. For parade entry information, see Call for Parade Entries.
Open Bluegrass jam — Bluegrass jam open to all acoustic musicians. Refreshments available, admission by donation. E.H. Montgomery General Store, Gold Hill. Every Friday night 7-9 p.m., 704-267-9439.

Call for artists

St. John’ s seeks artists — See Briefs, page 2D.
Artists/teachers wanted — Looking Glass Artist Center, 405 N. Lee St., seeks new and exciting ideas for summer art camps for children.Contact salisburyartists@gmail.com