Theater 

Opening Night tomorrow: Piedmont Players Youth Theatre presents ‘A Seussified Christmas Carol’— Adults $10, seniors, students $8. Tickets at 704-633-5471 or PiedmontPlayers.com. Show dates: Dec. 12 and 19 at 7:30 p.m., Dec 13 and 20 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St.

Old Courthouse Youth Theatre presents ‘On the Worst Day of Christmas’ — Dec. 12-21: Judy Blume, author. Tickets $12 www.old courthousetheatre.org. 49 Spring Street NW, 704 788-2405.

 

Music & more 

Marc Hoffman — Friday-Sunday Dec. 12-14: Marc Hoffman performs at Urban Sip at The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte, 201 E. Trade St. See www.marchoffman.com

The Salisbury Swing Band — 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13: Appearing at the Carolina Mall in Concord with a program of Christmas favorites for your shopping pleasure. Dr. Steve Etters, directory; Laura Millspaugh, vocalist. Information 704-209-4157 or www.salisburyswingband.com

East Rowan High School Honors Chorus in concert — 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14: An auditioned group of students under the direction of Dean Orbison. Info at 704-639-6996. Held at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 9275 Bringle Ferry Road.

Winter Arts Christmas Concert — 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18: at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center. Harp and flute music concert with Helen Rifus and Gay Tatman. See story page 7D.

Paleface at the Davis Theatre — 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18: Indie folk band Avett Brothers collaborator, $15 at www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org or box office or 704-920-2753.

Salisbury Symphony presents ‘The Nutcracker’ — 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 at Catawba college’s Keppel Auditorium. Tickets at www.salisburysymphony.org

Harry Connick Jr. coming to the Belk Theater — Feb. 17, 2015: Musician, singer, songwriter, American Idol judge at Charlotte’s Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Tickets at www.BlumenthalArts.org or 704-372-1000.

Harrah’s Cherokee — • Feb. 21: Heart, Ann and Nancy Wilson • Feb. 28: Willie Nelson • March 13: STYX • April 11: Loretta Lynn, the Coal Miner’s Daughter • Ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000. Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee

The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center — The Belk Theater/Booth Playhouse/Stage Door Theater at 130 N. Tryon St. • The McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square • Duke Energy Theater at 345 North College St. • Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts at 430 South Tryon St. • Ovens Auditorium at 2700 East Independence Blvd. • Complete listings at www.blumenthalarts.org • Blumenthal Performing Arts, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, 704-372-1000, www.blumenthalarts.org, www.carolinatix.org

 

History 

Annual course on the history of Salisbury and Rowan County — 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays for 13 weeks Feb. 5-May 7. Continuing education credits are available for teachers. Pricing and registration at Historic Salisbury Foundation, 704-636-0103 or email office@historicsalisbury.org

 

This & That 

Seniors, learn to protect yourselves at the Scam Jam — 1-4 p.m.,Wednesday, Dec. 17: Presenters from state and local agencies with information to help keep from being a victim and scammed. Free. Pre-register at 704-216-7714. Sponsored by Salisbury/Rowan AARP and Rufty-Holmes Senior Center. Rufty-Holmes Senior Center. 1120 MLK Jr. Ave.

Olde Rowan Fiber Guild — 6:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15: Final meeting of the year at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center; last year’s activities discussed, next year’s programs proposed, new officers will be elected. Members, bring a covered dish to share and a “crafty” gift to exchange.

Blood Drive at J.F. Hurley Family YMCA — 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 23: Drop in, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.

Self-defense for seniors — 2-4 p.m. Jan. 7: $25 per person, open to all seniors 55+, J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.

NC Rowan County Anime Group — 6-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15: Membership drive at Comic Monstore, 813 Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0049. Showing anime series Witch Craft Work Comedy and Romance, rated G, also covering plans for home convention Ichiban Con 6 in January. www.yahoogroups.com/group/NCRowanCountyanime/

Concord Library events — • League of Extraordinary Legos on Dec. 16 at 4:30 p.m. for ages 4-12. Information 704-920-2058 • Legend of the Gingerbread Man Preschool Story Time, Dec. 23 at 10 a.m. in the Children’s Program Room of the Concord Library. Listen to stories, make your own Gingerbread Man Christmas ornament. 704-920-2058 • 7 Union St. North, Concord, www.cabarruscounty.us/library or Facebook

 

Fundraisers 

Tsunami Literacy Development Program inaugural holiday mixer fundraiser — 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13: Catered event at the Rowan Museum with music, silent auction, special guest speaker Mr. Perry Tuttle (Clemson Hall of Famer and Former Buffalo Bills wide receiver). Tickets $50 and can be purchased by calling 704-202-6979.

Old Courthouse Theaters’s 24th annual New Year’s Eve murder mystery dinner theatre — See CHRISTMAS listings or www.oldcourthousetheatre.org

Salisbury Symphony Big Band Bash — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10: “Here’s lookin’ at you kid,” celebrating the legacy of “Casablanca.” Dinner at Hedrick Little Theater followed by dancing, wine and hors d’ouvres in the Crystal Lounge. Call 704-637-4314 for reservations.

Waterworks Oyster Roast 2015 — 6:30-11:30 p.m. Jan. 24: 10th annual New Year tradition supports the arts. Daddy’s of Lake Norman provides oysters and jumbo shrimp. Dancing, food, drink. For ages 21 and up. Waterworks members $80, others $85. www.waterworks.org or 04-636-1882.

Ninth annual Lupus Mardi Gras Gala — 7 p.m.-midnight Saturday, Feb. 21: CenterStage@NoDa, 2315 N. Davidson St., Charlotte. For info call Lupus Foundation of America, NC Chapter office, 704-716-5640 or email info@lupusnc.org

 

Night Life

The Carriage Room, 2141 Statesville Blvd. — • Sign-up deadline 7 p.m. every Friday for in-house pool tournament, $5, start playing by 7:30 • Every Sunday open pool table all day • 704-647-9876, carriageroomnc@ facebook.com

Cartucci’s Grapevine, 209 S. Main St. — • 8:30 p.m. Friday: Reeve Coobs Trio, $5 cover • 9 p.m. Saturday: Throttle Kings, $3 cover • Thursday Karaoke/Open mic 6:30-10:30 p.m. • 6 p.m.-midnight Fridays-Saturdays, live music begins at 9 p.m. For age 21 and over • 1 p.m. SundayFunday football showing three games on three screens open • 704-870-2574, www. cartuccisgrapevine.com

CJ’s BBQ, 210 Old Amity Hill Road, Cleveland — • 6:30 p.m., Friday 12/12 night bluegrass with the Connor Lambert Band. 704-278-4070

DJs Restaurant, 1502 W. Innes St. — • 7:30. p.m. Thursdays: Freeport Jazz house band, no cover • Sunday: NFL football • Monday: Money Nig—ht Football. $200 cash prizes • 704-638-9647, http://djsrestaurant.com

Danny Franklin plays live — • 5-9 p.m. Dec. 13: Speakeasy Smokehouse and Tap Room, 316 Brookdale St.. Kannapolis. See Danny Franklin on youtube.

Go Burrito, 115 W. Fisher St. across from the mural — • 8-10 p.m. Mondays: Live team trivia • Tuesdays: Open mic night • Wednesdays: Karaoke • Thursdays: Pong tournament • Weekends: Live music, deejay, karaoke and more. www.facebook.com/ GoBurritoRumBar

The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 — Saturday: Selfless Sunday and Sean Spillane. • Set Free Church meets 5:30 p.m. Saturdays. Free refreshments, air hockey, foosball, pool. Public invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 704-213-1467.

E.H. Montgomery General Store — 7-9 p.m. Fridays: Open Bluegrass jam for acoustic musicians. Historic Village of Gold Hill, Facebook, 704-267-9439, www.themontgomerystore.com

Nashville Nights, 125-127 E. Innes St. — • 9:30 p.m. Saturday 12/11: Tony Bailey, $5 cover • Thursdays karaoke • Thursdays-Fridays Deejay Cherokee • Fridays live deejay • 704-762-9990, www.nashvillenightsnc.com

Rick’s BBQ and Grill, 929 S. Main St. — • 6 p.m. Monday, Thursday: Karaoke • 6 p.m. Tuesday: Cruise-in • 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday-Saturday: Karaoke. 704-642-0050.

Uncle Buck’s All American Pub & Grub, 127 S. Main St. — • Mondays: Kids’ meal specials • Bike Night Tuesdays 6-9 p.m. • 704-633-3750, www.facebook.com/unclebucksgrub

Old Stone Vino, 515 S. Main St., Kannapolis — Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays: Live music. 704-938-2337.

 

Wine & beer tastings 

Cartucci’s Grapevine — 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays: Wine tastings ​$20/person, $30/couple; Beer tastings $15/person, $25/couple​ • Each week’s beverages paired with Tapas, sliders and other creations prepared by Chef Brad McKay. Reservations encouraged. Call 704-870-2574 to reserve your spot and let us know how many will be attending. 209 S. Main St., 704-870-2574. www.cartuccis grapevine.com

Salisbury Wine Shop — • 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday: Santa’s Stocking Stuffers Wine Tasting with Andrew Alley of 17th Street Distributing. Andrew will be pouring six wines that will make perfect Christmas presents for wine lovers. $5/person • 106 S. Main St., 704-636-5151, sws@salisburywineshop.com

Cauble Creek Vineyard and Winery — North Carolina’s 100th Winery. Tasting room open Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 1-6 p.m. Wine tastings $8 per person with a selection of eight wines for tastings. Also juices, non-alcohol ciders, food products, gift items. 704-636-1137, 700 Cauble Farm Road, see www.caublecreekvineyard.com for information on upcoming events.

 

Singles

Piedmont Singles — 6:15 p.m. Fridays: Bingo. For singles as well as those widowed or divorced. 1908 Statesville Blvd., Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, no joining fee, donations appreciated, covered dish.

New Beginnings Singles Club of Lake Norman — 6:30 p.m. third Thursdays: social group of singles over 50, Captain’s Galley Restaurant in Mooresville. Visitors welcome. 704-677-2331.

 

Classes

Card making at the Y — • 1-3 p.m., Dec. 15 • 6-8 p.m. Dec. 18 • Make six cards. Non-member $15, member $12, J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.

Pottery 101 — Paint your own ornaments at Pottery 101. Stop in anytime during the Christmas season to create a special holiday memory. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m.  All ages welcome. Cost: $5 each. Pottery 101, 101 S. Main St., 704-209-1632, www.pottery-101.com

Free computer classes all day Saturdays — Enter for Christmas giveaway. Call 704-680-7317 or 704-870-8862. Knox’s Computer Business, 512 Klumac Road, Suite 8, between Jake Alexander and MLK Jr. Ave.

Wine Down and Create — 6-8 p.m. first Mondays: At The Green Goat Art Gallery, 516 S. Salisbury Ave. Spencer, across from N.C. Train Museum. Canvases available for purchase; paints, easels, brushes, aprons, instructions, provided. $25 per class. Bring your own beverage. Call Patt 704-232-6000 or Carol 704-213-6171 or www.winedownandcreate.com and Facebook.

Bridge lessons at City Park — 1-3 p.m. Mondays Jan. 5-March 16: Learning class to teach basic beginners bridge for those who have not played in awhile or those with an interest but have never played. $5 for the whole 11-week course or free to Salisbury/Rowan Newcomers members. Contact Instructor Kerry Morgan at cmorgan33@carolina.rr.com or 704-636-8906.

Center for Faith & the Arts — 207 W. Harrison St., parking and entrance behind Haven Lutheran Church, details and prices at www.faithart.org or 704-637-1671 • Refresh & Relax Yoga: Six-weeks January 5 – February 9. Mondays mornings 9:30-11 a.m. and Monday evenings 5:45-7:15 p.m. Registration required, taught by Debra McNeil, OTR/L, HFS, RYT • Nia Technique: 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning January 6. Taught by Elizabeth Cole, First-degree black belt master teacher • Belly Dance: Beginning January 14, Wednesdays 6:30-8 p.m. American Tribal Style (ATS) Belly Dance Classes, taught by Nancy Gaines.

Create a painting in just one class — 6- p.m. Saturdays: Children and adult classes taught by Grumbacher, certified art instructor. No talent required. Learn an overview of painting and leave with finished piece of art. Held at Michaels, 1465 Klumac Road. Register there or at michaels.com or 704-636-3130.

Ballet, tap, pointe, jazz, modern, hip hop, acrobatics — For ages starting at 2-1/2. Stress free, fun, friendly environment. Steppin’ Out Dance Company, 704-637-1222, www.stepoutdance.com, steppinoutdance @carolina.rr.com

Yoga or tap — • Yoga, all levels, instructor Nye Hartwick. 704-232-2427 • Adult beginner tap, instructor Donna Weinhold- Cesario • Combination classes for all ages • Gymnastics/acro for all ages • Spring recital: “The Little Mermaid,” call Marianna Jarrett 704-232-2437 • Spotlight Dance Company, 129 W. Corriher Ave., 704-637-3875.

Free online courses through RPL — Gale Courses: high-quality, noncredit online courses free with your library card. New sessions of six-week courses start monthly. Enroll at www.rowanpubliclibrary.org and click Online Tools, or call 704-216-8243.

 Salisbury Art Station — 4-6 p.m. ongoing weekly classes: Instructors share historical, technical, conceptual aspects of art; foster manual dexterity, motivation, problem-solving, healthy communication. $25 per class. Tuesdays 4-6 p.m. for ages 5-7 • Wednesdays 4-6 p.m. for ages 7 and up • Thursdays 4-6 p.m. for ages 7 and up. 704-754-0853 or art.notions@yahoo.com 215 Depot Street, 704-754-0853.

Beginning and intermediate weaving — Private lessons on a floor loom. Day or evening times. Liese Sadler, 215-300-4369, livethreadstudio@ gmail.com

Painting with Patt — Ongoing adult oil painting classes, Tuesdays 1-3 p.m., Wednesdays 6-8 p.m. Call for info or to sign up. Class size limited to four. Patt Legg, 704-232-6000, 704-762-9647, www.pattlegg.net

Mind aerobics art class — 2-4 p.m., Mondays and Fridays, taught by artist Robert Toth: introduction to drawing, pastel and sculpture. $10/two-hour session. Rufty Holmes Senior Center, call 704-279-9301.

Zumba fitness — • 5:30 p.m., Mondays, Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, 704-216-7714 • 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.

 

Film

Second Saturday movies for kids — 3 p.m. Dec. 13: Double feature at Hall Gym, free admission. How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Polar Express. 1400 W. Bank St., concessions available, 704-216-PLAY

 

Auditions

‘Becky’s New Car’ — 7 p.m. Dec. 15-16: Lee Street theatre presents a Center for Faith & the Arts’ St. Thomas Players production by Steven Dietz. Claudia Galup, artistic director of St. Thomas Players, directs. Auditions at Center for Faith & the Arts at Haven Lutheran Church, 207 W. Harrison St. Rehearsals begin early January. Show dates Feb. 19-22 and 26-28. Copies of the script are available for checkout; email info@leestreet.org to make arrangements. Questions? Email jen4hubbard@gmail.com

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ at Old Courthouse Theatre — 7-9 p.m. on Jan. 11-12: By Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice. directed by Heather Wilson-Bowlby. For detailed character descriptions see www.oldcourthouse theatre.org. 49 Spring St. NW, Concord, 704 788-2405. Performance dates are March 19-April 4.

 

Art 

The Framing Gallery, 320 N Main St. across from Koko Java — Artist of the month is Connie Loflin Peninger, artist for the 2014 Rowan Helping Ministries honor Christmas card which now is available. Gallery hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Tuesday and Saturday, 704-633-1246.

Fine Frame Gallery, 105 S. Main St. — • Folk Art by Wanda Clark  and Fall watercolors by Mark Brincefield. • Monday/Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 704-647-0340, www.ineframegallery.com

The Green Goat Gallery, 516 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer — Carve Into Life…Palette Knife Paintings of Patt Legg. Gallery hours Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. then 5- 8 p.m.; Sunday: 1-6 p.m. 704-431-4527, greengoatgallery@yahoo.com

Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409-413 N. Lee St. — “Small Wonders” exhibit of small paintings by members of Rail Walk Studios & Gallery. On display through Dec. 18 • Free, open to the public. Gallery hours Thursday- Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Historic Salisbury’s Rail Walk Arts District. 704-431-8964, www.railwalkgallery.com

Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St. — • Maria Michaelson, clay, wood, and bronze sculptures; also selections from the Sonia and Isaac Luski collection: Glass Works • Young People’s Gallery: exploring personhood and identity • Stanback and Cook Gardens: Jeannette Brossart, Durham, mosaic sculptures • Gallery hours Monday – Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 704-636-1882, www.waterworks.org

 

Trips 

Bus trip to Christmas City — Saturday, Dec. 20: The Community Travelers take a bus trip to Christmas City: McAdenville. For information and reservation call Brenda Cowan @ 704.633.9073.

YMCA sponsored trips — July 14, 2015, “Annie,” Belk Theater, limited amount of seats. Non-members welcome, buses leave from J. F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd. Details at 704-636-0111, lklaver@ rowanymca.com

 

Call for vendors

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday post-parade celebration —12:30-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015: Human Relations Council accepting applications for food, craft, retail vendors to participate. Held at Hall Gym, no vendor fee. Register at www.tinyurl.com/joinMLK2015. Go to www.humanrelationscouncil.org or email humanresources@salisburync.gov

 

Call for volunteers

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration weekend — Human Relations Council needs volunteers to help plan MLK Jr. holiday parade and breakfast programs. A community event with input needed from community representatives. Find meeting dates at www.tinyurl.com/joinMLK2015. Go to www.humanrelationscouncil.org or email humanresources @salisburync.gov

Help feed the horses — The Horse Protection Society of N.C., 2135 Miller Road, China Grove, needs volunteers to help feed the horses. www.horseprotection.org or email hps@horseprotection.org

 

Call for performers

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday parade — 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015: Human Relations Council needs community groups, bands, dancers, other performers to participate in downtown Salisbury parade. Register your group at www.tinyurl.com/joinMLK2015. Go to www.humanrelationscouncil.org or email humanresources@ salisburync.gov

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday post-parade celebration — 12:30-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015: Human Relations Council needs community groups, bands, dancers, other performers to participate in MLK Jr. holiday post-parade celebration at Hall Gym. Contact the HRC at humanresources@salisburync.gov

Gold Hill Bluegrass jam — Bluegrass jam for acoustic musicians. E.H. Montgomery General Store, Gold Hill. Every Friday night 7-9 p.m., 704-267-9439. www.themontgomerystore.com