Music & more 

Salisbury Symphony season tickets —  2015-16 season titled “Transformations” begins with “Triumph” on Saturday, Oct. 17 at Keppel Auditorium, Catawba College. www.salisburysymphony.org/calendar

Charlotte Folk Society presents — Friday, Sept. 11: Steph Stewart & The Boyfriends from Chapel Hill. Free, Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth Ave. Charlotte. www.folksociety.org

An Evening With Nichole Nordeman — 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13: Contemporary Christian artist whose hit songs include “Holy,” “Brave” and “What If.” Tickets $20/$12 students are available at the Peeler Hall Welcome Desk, or from itickets.com. Information at 704-636-3431 or www.stjohns-salisbury.org

Fifteenth Annual Blues & Burritos — 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18: front lawn of historic Isaac Harris House, 330 S. Main St., Mooresville. No admission fee, all donations this year go to Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists and SCAN of Iredell. www.lakenormanlaw.com and Facebook.

Live in concert: Lonestar with new recording artist Brent Rupard — 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25. General admission $27 ($36.83 with fees/taxes), Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, 4751 N Carolina 49, Concord, 704-920-3976, www.cabarrusarena.com

Pickin’ for the Master — 7 p.m. Sept. 25: Trading Ford Baptist Church, 3600 Long Ferry Road, 704-633-5986, www.tradingford.net

Music at the Mural — 7 p.m. Sept. 26: Outdoor concert series at the Salisbury Mural on W. Fisher St. , www.salisburync.gov or www.downtownsalisburync.com/

Gold Hill’s Gospel in the Park — Sunday, Sept. 27: Benefits the new park playground equipment. Gold Hill Mines Historic Park, 735 St. Stephens Church Road, 704-267-9439.  or www.historicgoldhill.com

Paula Cole at the Davis Theatre — 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2: 65 Union St. S. in downtown Concord in Cabarrus County’s historic courthouse. 704-920-2753 or www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org

9th annual Granite Quarry Civitan Fiddlers Convention — Saturday, Oct. 10: 49th Annual Granite Quarry Civitan Fiddlers Convention. Competition begins 6 p.m., East Rowan High School, 175 St. Lukes Church Road. Information: Vivian Hopkins 704-267-9439 or Don Livengood 704-633-5940.

 NC Music Hall of Fame 2015 Induction Ceremony — 7-9 p.m. Oct. 15: 600 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis. Tickets at 704-934-2320. www.NorthCarolina Music HallofFame.org

Lost Hollow Music Fest at Daniel Stowe — Oct. 17-18: Old time, bluegrass and Americana bands including Grammy winner David Holt and Nashville mandolin prodigy Sierra Hull. Free with Garden admission. www.DSBG.org. or 704-829-1252.

 

History 

Annual Remembrance of 9/11 at Price of Freedom Museum — 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12: Theme “Memories of Yesteryears” with restored farm equipment, live gospel and bluegrass music, fire, police, rescue and emergency equipment old and new. Also, the Smoke House for the community to go through, and fire safety for the children. Barbecue available from Oak Grove Baptist Church, advance tickets $7 at 704-857-3208.Price of Freedeom Museum, 2420 Weaver Road, China Grove (intersection of Patterson Road and Weaver Road). To bring restored farm equipment or vehicle, contact Bob Mault by Sept. 4 at 704-857-7474.

Kannapolis History Associates: ‘What-A-Burger’  — 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14: Mike Bost on The What-A-Burger story. Bring photos if you have them. A. L. Brown High School social room, 415 E. First St., Kannapolis. Park East of Trinity Methodist, follow signs. Phil Goodman 704-796-0803.

Germanfest at Old Stone House — 4–8 p.m. Saturday Sept. 19: Old Stone House. 770 Old Stone House Road. 704-633-5946, www.rowanmuseum.org

26th annual Gold Hill Founders Day— Saturday, Sept. 26: Founder’s Day parade 10 a.m. Saturday. Heritage Living Exhbits, hit & miss engines, blacksiths, wood carvers, arts & crafts, gold panning, tours and hayrides, 63rd NC Troops in Civil War living history encampment with a skirmish at 5 p.m. Gold Hill MInes Historic Park, 735 St. Stephens Church Road, Gold Hill Visit www.historicgoldhill.com

205 years ago at Fort Dobbs — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday., Sept. 26-27: Fort Dobbs State Historic Site’s Colonial Fair features re-enactors portraying soldiers, settlers, American Indians who lived in western North Carolina during French and Indian War. Demonstrations include historic trades, cooking, weapons firings, music, games, more.Admission $3, children under 5 free. 704-873-5882 or www.fortdobbs.org

40th Annual OctoberTour — Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 11, noon to 5:30 p.m. Advance tickets: $20 HSF members, $25 non-members, day-of tickets $30. See Octobertour.com

Vietnam War commemoration 50th anniversary at the Rowan Museum — Tour of Duty: A Tribute to Vietnam Veterans opens Sunday, Sept. 13 from 1-4 p.m., 202 N. Main St.

This & That 

Kannapolis Cruise-In — 3:30-9 p.m. Sept. 12: Family fun free to the public. 113 W. 1st St., Downtown Kannapolis. Also • Oct. 10 • Nov. 14

10th annual Bear, Toy and Doll Show — 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Sept. 12: Toys, dolls and accessories. Admission $6 adults, children 12 and under free. Girl and Boy Scouts in uniform free. At the Salisbury Civic Center, 315 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Info 803-783-8049 or email knightshows@hotmail.com

Stories by the Millstream at RPL — 7 p.m. Sept. 17: Free event featuring renowned storyteller Tom Lee. Stanback Auditorium, RPL Headquarters, 201 W. Fisher St. 704-216-8240 or www.rowanpubliclibrary.org

Events at the Y open to the public — • Noon Sept. 23: Lunch & Learn, David Freeze Bike Trip, free, covered dish, must sign up • Sept. 24: Cholesterol Education Month, sign up free. 7:30–10:30 a.m. fasting required; 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m. American Red Cross, please register to give blood • 9:30 a.m. Sept. 29: Diabetes, sign up free, learn how you can change your diet • J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.

Michael Reno Harrell  at RPL— 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29: Free concert featuring award winning songwriter and storyteller Michael Reno Harrell. Stanback Auditorium, RPL Headquarters, 201 W. Fisher St. 704-216-8240 or www.rowanpubliclibrary.org

RSVP by Sept. 30 for American Girl Inspired Junior Collectors Tea — 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14: Displays, door prizes, tea food buffet, helpers, programs, souvenirs, museum tour. Hosted by Rowan Doll Society of NC. $25 for 1 adult and 1 child. 108 Fourth St., Spencer. Information: hleethomas@yahoo.com or 704-458-9819.

Day Out With Thomas the Tank Engine — Sept. 25-27, Oct. 3-5: Times and ticket prices vary. N.C. Transportation Museum, 411 S. Salisbury Ave. Spencer, 704-636-2889, www.nctrans.org

First Friday Downtown — Oct. 2: End of the World Night. Details at www.DowntownSalisburyNC.com

Statesville’s Rescue Ranch Fall Fun Days — 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 3: Every Saturday in October. Family-friendly arts, crafts, hay art, hay rides, scarecrow contest, straw maze, more. Call early to learn how to enter the Scarecrow Contest. $5 per person, not including pumpkin painting or concessions. 1424 Turnersburg Hwy, Statesville, 704-768-0909.

Sacred Spaces Trolley Tour:  2-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4: Experience Rowan County’s worship centers on the trolley. Sponsored by Center for Faith & the Arts, 207 W. Harrison St., 704-647-0999,  www.faithart.org

Second annual Mooresville NC dolls & dollhouse miniatures show exhibit — 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct 10: Door prizes hourly, free classes for kids on the half hour. Hilton Garden Inn, 159 Gateway Blvd. Mooresville. Entry fee $1. Info Maria Cannizzaro 704-230-0569. Donations will be made to National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts and Mooresville Lions Club. Bring used glasses or frames. Show NAME card at the door for a free gift.

Pantheon Arabians Farm annual open barn party — 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 11: Pantheon Arabians opens up their gates to the public to learn about horses. Free food, face painting, pumpkin painting, demonstrations, barn tours. 2225 Needmore Road, Woodleaf.

42nd annual Statesville Balloon Fest — Oct 16: 50+  hot air balloons launch at Statesville Regional Airport. Weather permitting, hot air flights and tethered rides are purchased direct with participating pilots. Also, sanctioned competitions,  mass ascensions, a  Kids Zone,  live entertainment, 5K and Kids Fun Run. Admission $5 to $15.  Tickets/information at  CarolinaBalloonFest.com

Antique Auto Club of America annual car show — 9 a.m. Oct. 17: Awards presented 3 p.m. Members only show, free for spectators. Held at the NC Transportation Museum, 411 S. Salisbury Ave., www.nctrans.org

Veteran’s PTSD Awareness 5K Run/Walk — 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24: across from South Rowan YMCA, Landis. By donation.

 

Theater 

Staged reading of ‘Sealed for Freshness, A Tupperware Party Gone Awry’ —4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20: Old Courthouse Theatre’s Living Room Reading Series production,  PG 13. Held on the main stage of Old Courthouse Theatre. Free admission. 49 Spring St. NW, 704-788-2405, www.oldcourt housetheatre.org

Catawba College Theater presents ‘On The Verge: an evening of traveling through time’ — 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22-26: The tale of three late nineteenth century female explorers traversing Terra Incognita in a symbolic journey through time. Special opening night reception following Tuesday’s performance.  Hedrick Little Theatre. $12 adults, $10 non-Catawba students and senior citizens. www.catawba.edu/theatretix or at the door.

PPT season tickets on sale now — Five Youth Shows at the Norvell including “The Wizard of Oz” and five Mainstage shows at the Meroney including the Tony Award-winning musical “Cabaret.” Complete details at piedmontplayers.com or 704-633-5471.

LSt season tickets on sale now — Lee Street theater presents musicals “The Rocky Horror Show” and “The Last Five Years,” and musical revue “Broadway Lullabies” and new plays “The Parchman Hour” and 8th annual 10-Minute New Play Festival, also St. Thomas Players’ “Calendar Girls” and Pulitzer Prize-winning “August: Osage County.” www.leestreet.org or 704-310-5507.

Fundraisers 

Second annual Casino Fantastique! — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11: A casino with games, prizes, food and drink. Salisbury Symphony fundraiser hosted by Friends of the Symphony. The Depot, 704-431-4447, salisburysymphony.org

Rowan-Cabarrus Walk to End Alzheimer’s — 9 a.m.-noon, Sept. 19: Fun family event, kids and dogs welcome. Held at N.C. Research Campus, Kannapolis. See act.alz.org/kannapolis. Information: Caitlyn Haffey 704-313-8113, or chaffey@alz.org

Superhero ½-Mile Fun Run for Kids — 10 a.m.-noon Sept. 19: Trolley Barn, 125 E. Liberty St. Kids, come out dressed as your favorite superhero and run faster than a speeding bullet to raise awareness for child abuse prevention. Fun games, delicious and healthy post-run snack. Information:  www.preventchildabuserowan.org

Inaugural Toss For Tots Cornhole Tournament and Food Truck Celebration — 5:30-10:30 p.m. Sept. 19: Trolley Barn, 125 E. Liberty St. Cornhole tournament benefitting Prevent Child Abuse Rowan and The Terrie Hess House Child Advocacy Center. Winning team will get $500 in gas cards. Food truck fare on site. Silent auction with chance to win deluxe cornhole sets. Live music by Divided by Four. Information and tickets at www.preventchild abuserowan.org

‘Ashamed to Speak’ spoken word poetry event — 7-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25: Special event to raise awareness about mental health. Salisbury Civic Center, 315 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Admission $5. All proceeds go to benefit mental health awareness. Features poets, rappers, performers, more. Tickets at ashamedtospeak.eventbright.com or at Dead Ed’s, 123 E. Innes St. downtown. Information on facebook.com/thebettyproject or email bettyprojectworldwide@gmail.com

Rowan Crosby Scholars’ BBQ, Bands, & Boots fundraiser — 6-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25: Second annual fundraiser to benefit Rowan County Crosby Scholars, F&M Trolley Barn. Headline band The Railsplitters from Boulder, Colo., along with the Bemus Kids with mandolin sensation Jonah Horton. Back by popular demand, Bourbon on the Bread Truck. $45/person, $80/couple. RSVP to 704-762-3512. All proceeds directly support the Last Dollar Grant program. www.crosbyscholarsrowan.org

Sundown in Zombie Town — 1-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3: 6th annual Downtown Salisbury Zombie Walk. $10 adults, $5 kids 12 and under. Fundraiser for Rowan County Humane Society and Mr. Mikes Kitchen. Info and tickets at www.downtownsalisburync.com

19th annual Komen Charlotte Race for the Cure — 6 a.m. Oct. 3: Festivities at Marshall Park, Charlotte. 5K timed race, 5K non-competitive run/walk, one-mile route, Kid’s Fun Zone, race expo, Survivor’s Village, official NASCAR Pace Car, and entertainment. To register visit www.komencharlotte.org

Bark For Life — 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (check-in 9 a.m.): Saturday, Oct. 10: Southmont Elementary School, 398 Owen Road, Lexington. Register by Sept. 30 to guarantee BFL shirt and doggy bandanna. Pet/owner look-a-like contest, pet costume contest, best trick contest, more. $25 in advance for one dog and its human, $40 for two dogs and their human, $20 human walker. Proceeds benefit American Cancer Society. www.relayforlife.org/barkdavidsonnc

West Rowan High School Bands fundraiser — Drawing Dec. 1 for 2014 New Holland “Rustler” 115 UV (4×4), to raise money for uniforms, reliable transportation for band equipment. Winner drawn at halftime of the WRHS varsity boys basketball game. 1-4 tickets $20 each; 5 tickets $100 get 6th ticket free. http://westrowanband.weebly.com/atv-raffle.html

 

Wine & beer tastings 

Tasting plus upcoming dinner with Salisbury Wine Shop — 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11:  Oak Ridge Winery Old Soul wine tasting with Stephanie.  $5/person • 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16:  Six course traditional Spanish wine dinner at Lakeside Restaurant of Lexington featuring Chef Joshua Baxley.  $60/person prepaid reservations.  Transportation available from Salisbury via trolley • 106 S. Main St., 704-636-5151, sws@ salisburywineshop.com

Cauble Creek Vineyard and Winery — NC’s 100th Winery. Tasting room open Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 1-6 p.m. Wine tastings $8 per person; selection of eight wines for tastings. 704-636-1137, 700 Cauble Farm Road, see www.caublecreekvineyard.com

Mean Mug Coffee Co. —  7 p.m. second Tuesday wine tastings; RSVP requested. 1024 S. Fulton St., 704-754-4615, meanmugcoffeecompany@yahoo.com

Morgan Ridge Vineyards and Brewhouse — •  5-8 p.m. Sept. 26: Lake Side Drive Band completes 2015 concert series, $15 cover includes glass of wine or beer with valid ID. 486 John Morgan Road, Gold Hill, 704-639-0911, www.morganridgevineyards.com

Cougar Run Winery — 704-280-3624. Cougar Run Winery, 363 N. Church St., Concord.

Old Stone Winery — 704-279-0930, 6245 US Hwy. 52, 1 mile south of Granite Quarry. www.oldstonewines.com

Rocky River Vineyards — 704-781-5035. 11685 Reed Mine Road, Midland. www.rockyrivervineyards.com

Childress Vineyards — 336-236-WINE, 1000 Childress Vineyards Road, exit 89 off I-85, on Hwy 64 W. Lexington. www.childressvineyards.com

 

Night Life

The Carriage Room, 2141 Statesville Blvd. — Fridays: In-house pool tournament, $5. 704-647-9876, carriageroomnc@ facebook.com

Cotton Eyed Joe’s inside The Hot Rod Barn, 807 Yost Road — 7-9 p.m. Saturdays: Bluegrass, gospel, country music jam. Seniors welcome, no alcohol, no bad language, smoke free. Just off Webb Road. 704-239-6952.

CJ’s BBQ, 210 Old Amity Hill Road, Cleveland — • 6 p.m. Tuesdays: Crystal’s deejay and karaoke • 6:30 p.m., Friday Night Bluegrass with The Back Creek Bluegrass Boys. 704-278-4070.

DJs Restaurant, 1502 W. Innes St. — • 8 p.m. Tuesdays: live Trivia with prizes • 7 p.m. Thursdays: Jazz night with house band, no cover • 8:30 p.m. Saturday 9/4: Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi tribute band) . $10 cover • 704-638-9647, http://djsrestaurant.com

Go Burrito RumBar, 115 W. Fisher St. across from the mural — • Tuesdays 8-10 p.m.: Team trivia • Wednesdays: Open mic night • Saturdays: Karaoke • Weekends: Live music, deejay, karaoke, water pong, more. www.facebook.com/GoBurritoRumBar

The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 — 8 p.m. Saturday: Open mic. 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 acoustic Bluegrass jam. Historic Village of Gold Hill, Facebook, 704-267-9439, www.themontgomerystore.com

JC Price American Legion Post 107 — 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Easy Living Weekends downstairs. 1433 Old Wilkesboro Road. Park in rear. Wide screen tvs , music by deejay Danny “D,” $3/person, $5/couple. Proper ID, casual dress. Info: John 704-638-7355 or Abe 707-640-1893.

Mean Mug Coffee Company, 1024 S. Fulton St., next to Mambo Grill — • 6-9 p.m. Thursdays: Game Night plus bring in your oldie-but-goodie LPs • 7-10 p.m. Fridays: Java Jam open mic night, hosted by Blazin’ Blues Bob, free. Sign up 6-7 p.m. • 704-754-4615, meanmugcoffeecompany@yahoo.com

Nashville Nights, 125-127 E. Innes St. — • 9:30 p.m. Saturday: Black Glass. $5 cover • Open 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 704-762-9990, www.nashvillenightsnc.com

Stars and Bars Tavern, 723 Klumac Road — 8-Ball tournament Tuesdays 7:30 p.m.

TJ’s, 2675 Providence Church Road — Tiki bar on the deck at noon Saturday-Sunday. www.highrocklakerestaurant.com

Uncle Buck’s All American Pub and Grub, 127 S. Main St. — • Thursdays: Live radio spots for Catawba Football, also Catawba Music Series • Bike Night with Fast Freddie Tuesdays 6-9 p.m. • Mon – Thurs 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight • 704-633-3750, www.facebook.com/unclebucksgrub

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

The Charlotte Zodiac Dance Club — American Legion, 4235 W. Tyvola Road, Charlotte. Dances on second and fourth Friday, no jeans. 704-236-0344. www.charlottezodiacdanceclub.com

 

Festivals

Denton Street Festival — 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 12: Food, crafts, games, local entertainment. Rain or shine. Harrison Park, 20 W. Salisbury St., Denton. Free. Call 336-859-4231 for information.

Biker Blues BBQ Rally — Sept. 18-19: KCBC sanctioned event at Tilley Harley Davidson Salisbury, live music, entertainment, family fun, contests, raffles, ceremony, more at THD, Bendix Drive. Contact Gary Moss 704-638-6044 or www.bikerbluesbbqrally.com

Kannapolis Kaleidoscope Cultural Arts Festival — Noon-4 p.m. Sept. 26 and Oct. 24: Dancers, poets, painters, pottery makers, arts, crafts, jugglers, clowns and other forms of arts and culture. Family friendly and free. New for 2015: expanded kids area, more arts vendors, more food vendors. E-mail mknox@modernfilmzine.com or 828-231-5037.

Inaugural Awakening Music Festival — Sept. 26-27: Kirk Franklin, MercyMe, Jeremy Camp headline two-day Christian music festival in downtown Winston-Salem’s ballpark. “Awakening Music Festival: Sing Your Heart, Loudly.” 4-10 p.m. Saturday and 2-8 p.m.Sunday. $25-$75 per day at ticketmaster.com or 336- 331-3740.

36th annual Autumn Jubilee — 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday Oct. 3-4: Food, crafts, children’s area and live entertainment.  Info at www.rowancountync. gov/ government/ departments/Parks Recreation/DanNicholasPark.aspx

49th annual GQ Fiddlers Convention — Saturday Oct. 10: Competition begins  6 p.m.Lunch available 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and dinner 4 p.m.-until. Information Vivian Hopkins 704-267-9439 or Don Livengood 704-633-5940. East Rowan High School, 175 St. Lukes Church Road.

Harvest Festival at NC Transportation Museum — 9 a.m. Oct. 17: Second annual Harvest Festival.Enjoy the pleasures of simpler times with horse shoes, corn hole, games, corn shucking and shelling demonstrations, old-time activities for children and antique tractors, train rides, hay rides.Prices vary. N.C. Transportation Museum, 411 S. Salisbury Ave. Spencer, 704-636-2889, www.nctrans.org

Annual Fall Festival at Department of Veterans Affairs — 1–9 a.m.-3 p.m.Friday, Oct. 23: Hosted by Salisbury VA Employees Association, 1601 Brenner Ave., in the Gym. Info Sherry Censi, 704-638-3330. Open to the public.

 

Classes

‘Wake Up, Leonardo!’ Saturday sessions — 10 a.m.–noon Saturday, Sept. 12: Go with the Flow: An exploration into Watercolor with yupo paper. $10.  Scholarships available. Held at Center for Faith and the Arts, 207 W. Harrison St., entrance and parking behind Haven Lutheran Church. Pre-registration required at 704-647-0999 or  faithart.bellsouth.org

Guitar classes at Rufty Holmes Senior Center — 6-8 week classes on Monday afternoons starting Sept. 14 and then every other month.  $45 includes workbook and website.  or more info, call Bob at 704-640-0279.

Spoon carving — 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 24: Instructor Steve Martin. River Pines Pottery, St. Stephens Church Road, Gold Hill. $50. Preregister at 704-279-9087 or stephensmartin@msn.com

Free basic computer lessons — 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday: How to use a computer or laptop (not email or facebook). Robert Knox at 512 Klumac Road, Ste 8. Call 704-870-8862 for appointment or walk in. So everyone can learn to use a computer.

Salisbury Art Station — Weekly classes, $25. Tuesdays 4-6 p.m. for ages 5-7 • Wednesdays 4-6 p.m. ages 7 and up • Thursdays 4-6 p.m. ages 7 and up. 704-754-0853 or art.notions@yahoo.com 215 Depot St.

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

Oil Painting with Patt Legg — Tuesdays 12:30-3 p.m.: Adult oil classes, $45. Paint like the Old Masters OR painting made simple. Preregister at 704-232-6000. www.PattLegg.net

Free online courses through RPL — Gale Courses: high-quality, noncredit online courses free with your library card. www.rowanpubliclibrary.org and click Online Tools, or call 704-216-8243.

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

 

Speakers & forums

Meet Bernie Mann, owner and publisher of ‘Our State’ — 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17:  The English Speaking Union Salisbury Branch hosts dinner and lecture,  with Bernie Mann. Open to the public. Country Club of Salisbury. Tickets $32 each; RSVP to Gerry at 704-213-6008. Info at www.esuus.org

Meet authors Joyce and Jim Lavene — 2 p.m Saturday, Sept. 19: Award-winning bestselling mystery and urban fantasy fiction  writers presented by Kannapolis Friends of the Library, 704-920-1180. Cabarrus County Public Library, 850 Mountain St., Kannapolis.

Panel discussion/gallery walk reception — 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22: Center for Faith & the Arts hosts culminating event of the three session workshop  titled, “Educating, Engaging and Empowering the Village.” Center for Faith & the Arts, 207 W. Harrison St., entrance and parking behind Haven Lutheran Church.  704-647-0999,  www.faithart.org

 

Singles

Piedmont Singles — 6:15 p.m. Fridays: Bingo. For singles, widowed, 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: For singles over 50, Captain’s Galley Restaurant in Mooresville. Visitors welcome. 704-677-2331.

 

Home & Garden

Hurley Park presents Amanda Lanier of Reynolda Gardens — 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday,  Sept. 17: Free Hurley Park lecture titled “Reynolda Gardens: A Century of Horticulture, Education, and Stewardship”  at Salisbury-Rowan Utilities, 1 Water St. Lanier is Curator of Education for Reynolda Gardens. Call 704-638-4459 for details.

Rowan County Extension Master Gardeners volunteers plant sale — 3-6 p.m. Oct. 13: at the Extension Office, 2727 Old Concord Road, 704-216-8970.

 

Auditions

Salisbury Symphony Orchestra — Saturday, Sept. 12: Principal and assistant principal second violin, third horn, and any others who want to be on the orchestra’s substitute list. For details and appointments e-mail executive director Linda Jones at ljones@catawba.edu

Auditions for Rowan Youth Orchestra —  3-5 p.m  Sunday, Sept. 13: Must be between age 10-18 with at least two years instruction on the violin, viola, cello or bass. Held at Williams Music Building at Catawba College. Registration $125 for the season. Information: Nancy Barrow 704-637-4730 or ncbarrow15@catawba.edu

PPT’s youth audition workshop — 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19: Gwen Matthews with audition techniques geared towards PPT’s upcoming youth musical “Magic Tree House: The Knight at Dawn.” $40. 20 spots available. Sign up at 704-633-5471. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St. www.PiedmontPlayers.com

Uwharrie Players ccall for Stephen Sondheim’s musical ‘Company’ — Sept. 20-21: Come prepared with 16-32 bars of a musical theater song, accompanist provided. Performance dates Nov. 13-22. Uwharrie Players Club House, 594 E. Main St., Albemarle. Email for info at naculp87@gmail.com

LSt presents ‘It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’ — 7 p.m. Sept. 21-22: Auditions at Lee Street theatre, 329 N. Lee St.,704-310-5507, www.leestreet.org/auditions/

PPT youth theater ‘Magic Tree House: The Knight at Dawn’ — 4 and 5 p.m. Sept. 22-23: Only 25 spots per time slot. By appointment only. Show dates Nov 9-21. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St., 704-633-5471, PiedmontPlayers.com

 

Film

‘Nocturnal Sun’ — 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19: Charalotte artists Josh Agajanian and Wade Carpenter present a visual journey through Iceland, the land of fire and ice. Free and open to the public. 136 E. 36th St., Charlotte, www.hartwitzengallery.com

 

Art 

Center for Faith and the Arts, 207 W. Harrison St. —Parking and entrance behind Haven Lutheran Church. www.faithart.org or 704-647-0999.

The Framing Gallery, 320 N Main St. across from Koko Java — Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Tuesday and Saturday, 704-633-1246.

Fine Frame Gallery, 105 S. Main St. — Featuring new paintings by Doris Trexler and Alee Johnson. Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 704-647-0340, www.fineframegallery.com

The Green Goat Gallery, 516 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer — Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday evening, 6-8 p.m. 704-431-4527. www.greengoatgallery.com

Pottery 101, 101 S. Main St. — Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 704-209-1632, www.pottery-101.com

Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409-413 N. Lee St. — Sept. 3-Oct. 3: “Moving On with Mixed Feelings,” artist’s reception 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18. Karen Frazer’s last solo show in Salisbury before moving to MI. Free, open to the public. Thursday- Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 704-431-8964, www.railwalkgallery.com

Waterworks inaugural miniature art show and sale — Sept. 19-Jan. 30: “42 for W2: A Miniature Art Exhibition & Sale,” for art no larger than 4” x 4” x 4.” www.waterworks.org

30th annual Lenoir sculpture celebration — Saturday, Sept. 12: At T.H. Broyhill Walking Park, 945 Lakewood. Free. Awards 3 p.m. Food vendors, children’s activities, live music. Caldwell Arts Council, 828-754-2486, www.caldwellarts.com

Cabarrus Art Guild’s ‘Street level Gallery,’ 11 Union St., Concord — “Black and White,” photography group displays its work, plus black and white art with a maximum of 10% color. through November. 704-795-1901, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. www.cabarrusartguild.org

RCCC 2015 Autumn Exhibition — Thursday, Nov. 5 through Saturday, Nov. 14: A juried exhibition of new artwork by Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Art students. Opening Reception: Friday, Nov. 6 5-8 p.m., free and open to the public, light refreshments, come and talk to the students artists. Held at Rail Walk Gallery, 409 N. Lee St., 704-431-8964, www.railwalkgallery.com

 

Trips 

The Community Travelers — Saturday, Sept. 12: Go shopping to the Asheville Outlet Mall and to Blowing Rock. Detailed information/ reservations 704-633-9073 or Cathy Alexander 704-636-8900.

Travel with the YMCA — •• Oct. 4: ‘Beauty and the Beast’ •• Oct. 6: Chimney Rock/Lake Lure •• Nov. 11: Shopping Trip to Birkdale Village •• Dec. 4: Gaither’s Christmas Homecoming •• Dec. 15: Festival of Trees: Tanglewood •• Nov. 29: ‘The Sound of Music’ •• Dec. 1: Christmas Candlelight at Biltmore •• Jan. 7, 2016: ‘Wick, the Untold Story of the Wizard of Oz’ •• Non-members welcome, buses leave from J. F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd. Details at 704-636-0111 or lklaver@ rowanymca.com

Going to the beach — Nov. 16-18: Monterey Bay Suites ocean front rooms, two shows “Alabama Christmas Show” and “Legends in Concert,” guided tour of S.C. Civil War Museum, shopping. Call Davie County Senior Services at 336-753-6230.

 

Call for vendors

Downtown Salisbury Nights Out — Free space for vendors, artists, crafters, musicians, more for downtown nights out.  704-637 7814 or email mollie@visitsalisburync.com

10th annual Bear, Toy and Doll Show — Sept. 12: Toys, dolls and accessories. Salisbury Civic Center, 315 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. 803-783-8049 or email knightshows@hotmail.com

5th annual Biker Blues BBQ Rally — Sept. 18-19 at Tilley Harley Davidson Salisbury. Gary Moss 704-638-6044 or www.bikerbluesbbqrally.com

Gold Hill Founders’ Day — Sept. 26: Space for arts, crafts, heritage living exhibits or heritage living demonstrations, etc. $20; no more than two persons can share a space.  Call 704-267-9439 or email vivian@historicgoldhill.com

Kannapolis Kaleidoscope Cultural Arts Festival — Sept. 26 and Oct. 24: Expanded kids area, more arts vendors, more food vendors. 828-231-5037 or mknox@modernfilmzine.com

Calling all crafters — Accepting applications for annual Fall Festival at Department of Veterans Affairs,  Friday,  Oct. 23 at 1601 Brenner Ave., in the gym. Hosted by Salisbury VA Employees Association. Contact Sherry Censi, 704-638-3330 for application. Festival is open to the public.

Food, beer, merchandise vendors for public events — Non- or not-for-profit organizations for fundraising opportunities. Contact Beatrice at 704-638-6044 Tilley Harley-Davidson, 653 Bendix Drive, Salisbury.

 

Call for performers

Downtown Salisbury Nights Out — Room for artists, crafters, musicians, more. 704-637 7814 or email mollie@visitsalisburync.com

Kannapolis Kaleidoscope Cultural Arts Festival — Sept. 26 and Oct. 24: All forms of arts and culture. 828-231-5037 or mknox@modernfilmzine.com

49th annual Granite Quarry Civitan Fiddlers Convention — Saturday,  Oct. 10: Bands and individuals may pre-register for competition. Competition begins with Most Promising Talent for youths 16 and under, followed by Adult Bands and Individuals. Band competition will be judged on particular instrument/vocal. Individuals may compete in only one instrument or vocal category. All entries must be registered or pre-registed by 6 p.m. on competition day. For information or to pre-register call Vivian Hopkins 704-267-9439 or Don Livengood 704-633-5940.

Hickory Musical Showcase — 3:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10: Bands and solo artists may apply. Participants have 20 minutes to set up, perform, and break down at Hickory’s Oktoberfest. Deadline Oct. 8 at 5 p.m. Call Hickory Music Factory 828-308-5659 or contact@hickorymusicfactory or asmith@hickorync.gov

Gold Hill Bluegrass jam — Acoustic Bluegrass jam. E.H. Montgomery General Store, Gold Hill. 7-9 p.m. Fridays. 704-267-9439. www.themontgomerystore.com

Blumenthal Performing Arts open mic nights — Free event open to performers, selected by lottery. E-mail openmic@ncbpac.org

 

Call for artists

Calling all crafters — Event is 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Friday,  Oct. 23: Accepting applications for upcoming annual Fall Festival at Department of Veterans Affairs, 1601 Brenner Ave., in the Gym. Hosted by Salisbury VA Employees Association. Contact Sherry Censi, 704-638-3330 for application. Festival is open to the public.

Downtown Salisbury Nights Out — Artists, crafters, musicians, more. Vendor space is free. 704-637 7814 or email mollie@visitsalisburync.com

Lenoir Sculpture Celebration — Sept. 12: Register up to day of event, discounts for early registration. Caldwell Arts Council, 601 College Ave. SW, Lenoir. 828-754-2486 or www.caldwellarts.com

Kannapolis Kaleidoscope Cultural Arts Festival — Sept. 26 and Oct. 24: All forms of arts and culture. 828-231-5037 or mknox@modernfilmzine.com

 

Call for volunteers 

Wings of Eagles Ranch Needs volunteers for Fall riding sessions — 6-8  p.m. Thursday Sept. 10: Training  at 4800 Faith Trails, Concord. Fall riding sessions start the week of Sept. 14, Tuesday and Thursday 3-7 p.m. and Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Volunteer for one or more hours a week serving special needs riders. Call 704-784-3147 or visit www.wingsofeaglesranch.org

Downtown Salisbury Inc. — Volunteers for upcoming festivals and events including Receive recognition at annual awards ceremony and possible T-shirt. 704-637-7814 or mollie@visitsalisburync.com

Novant Health Rowan Medical Center – Patient escorts in outpatient center, emergency department, gift shop, surgical waiting room, flower delivery, ancillary support. Training provided. Diane Hundley 704-210-5082 or dbhundley@novanthealth.org

Rowan-Cabarrus Walk to End Alzheimer’s — 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept. 19: Help at check-in, tee-shirt table, memory garden. N.C. Research Campus, Kannapolis. Caitlyn Haffey, Alzheimer’s Association, chaffey@alz.org or 704-313-8113.

Help feed the horses — At the Horse Protection Society, 2135 Miller Road, China Grove, www.horseprotection.org or email hps@horseprotection.org

MLK Jr. celebration weekend —Help plan MLK Jr. holiday parade and breakfast. See www.facebook.com/SRHumanRelationsCouncil or www.humanrelations council.org or email humanresources@salisburync.gov