Christmas Fun!

Salisbury-Rowan 

• Rowan Public Library’s third annual ‘Cards for a Cause’ — Christmas cards for service members and veterans. Through Dec. 18, visit any RPL branch. Pre-printed holiday cards, blank cardstock, crafting supplies on hand, already-completed cards also accepted. Cards submitted Dec 8-18 will be delivered to veterans at the W.G. Hefner VA Medical Center.

• ‘A Visit to Santa’s Workshop’ — 2-5 p.m. weekdays Nov 27-Dec 23 plus by appointment on Saturdays at The Sugar Fairy Sweet Shop. Get a free candy cane from Santa; photos taken for purchase. For autistic or special needs children, book a 5-minute appointment with the big guy. Bring a wrapped gift ahead of time and Santa will give it to your child right from his big velvet toy bag. Info 704-239-2700. 1108 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer.

• ‘It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play’ at Old Courthouse Theatre — Opens 8 p.m. Nov. 30: Beloved American holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast at Old Courthouse Theatre, 49 Spring St NW, Concord. Performance dates 8 p.m. Nov 30, Dec 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16. Sunday matinees Dec 3, 10, 17 at 2:30 p.m. Info and tickets 704-788-2405 or www.oldcourthousetheatre.org

• Winter Workshops at Salisbury Art Station —

— Tiny Canvas Painting and Card Making. 1-3 p.m. Dec 9; 1-3 p.m. Dec 16. Paint small canvases that can easily be made into keepsake ornaments or gifts. $25 for materials and instruction

–Individual Expression. 4-6 p.m. Dec 15 and Dec 22. Students will be given 3 8×10 canvases to create their own works of art. $25 for materials and instruction.

• For children age 5 and up. Call and arrange for payment to hold a spot. 120 E. Innes St, 704-754-0853.

• Christmas on the Homefront at the Price of Freedom Museum — 3-6 p.m. Dec 10: WWII-era three-room house decorated for Christmas, live traditional Christmas music, vintage Christmas items in the Do You Remember room, winter refreshments, special Pearl Harbor display in the Navy Room, all displays open, all branches represented. Music Dec 3 by Strings of Victory; music Dec 10 by Madison McCorkle. Free admission, donations accepted. The Price of Freedom Museum, 2420 Weaver Road, China Grove, 704-857-7474, www.priceoffreedom.us

• Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society presents ‘Tales of St Nicholas: The Art of the Gift’ — 7:30 p.m. Dec 8 at First UCC, 207 W. Horah St Holiday concert of familiar Christmas songs plus some new numbers. Bring a new unwrapped toy for children served by Rowan DSS. See Facebook page or call 704-796-9683.

• Opens tonight: PPT Youth Theatre presents ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ — Dec 7-9 and 14-16 at 7:30 p.m., Dec 9, 10 and 16 at 2:30 p.m. Meet the cast at a complimentary reception immediately following tonight’s performance. Adults $12, students/seniors $10. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St, 704-633-5471, www.PiedmontPlayers.com

• Live Nativity — 6-9 p.m. Dec 7, 8, 9: Live nativity set to musical narrative outside Franklin Baptist Church, 3810 Hwy 601 next to Rowan Memorial Park. Come inside for soup, sandwiches, Christmas goodies, hot chocolate. Info Sandi Hache 704-797-6536 or flashofjoy@yahoo.com

• Drive-through Live Nativity — 6:30-8:30 p.m. December 8, 9, 10: Free admission, hot chocolate and cookies. Cleveland First Baptist Church, 200 Maple St, 704-278-5486.

• Christmas Dance at Harold B. Jarrett Post 342 — 7-10 p.m. Friday, Dec 8: (second Fridays): Contest and prize for the ugliest Christmas Sweater. Family friendly. Music by DJ Rawhide (Lee Clark). $10 admission, finger foods served. 1024 Lincolnton Road. Info 704-637-1722.

• Christmas in Historic Gold Hill Village — Dec 8-10: Christmas in the Village in Historic Gold Hill. Santa’s in town, complimentary refreshments in the shops, hayrides, marshmallow roasting, live music, free photo ops with Santa, all free to the public. Shops open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec 8-9, and 12:30-5 p.m. Dec 10. Complete schedule at www.goldhillnc.com. Saint Stephens Church Road. Email questions to goldhillmerchantsassociation@gmail.com

• SFD 200th anniversary Fire Truck Parade — 7-9 p.m. Dec 8: Historical marker dedication and fire truck parade in downtown Salisbury. Free. Info: 704-638-4452.

• Phoenix Readers present Christmas Made in America — 5-8:30 p.m. Dec 8: Holiday celebration. Bishop Family Chreche Collection in the Galleries; music in the Parlor with string trios from Salisbury Youth Orchestra, Ashley Jo Farmer, Phoenix Readers; face painting and magic in the hallways; artists host Suitcase Sale in the large front classroom; homebaked goodies, hot chocolate, coffee, everything for $1 outside the office; chances to win a Soul Collage session, handmade holiday fascinator, other items; raffle tickets are $1 each, in the library. 207 W. Harrison St, www.faithart.org, 704-647-0999.

• Bethlehem Marketplace — 4-8 p.m. Dec 9-10: Travel back 2000 years to a place called Bethlehem. A Roman centurion will guide you as you experience prophecy, angelic visitations, and a visit to a marketplace, a very full inn, and the stable birthplace of Jesus Christ. Admission is free. Children welcome. Handicapped accessible. North Main Baptist Church, 1501 North Main St., 704-637-2929 or www.northmainonline.com

• The Light of the World Live Nativity — 6-8 p.m. Dec 9: Costumed characters, live animals. Drive by or park and get out . Rain date: Dec 10. Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church, 750 Mt. Moriah Church Road, China Grove, 704-857-5034.

• Horizons Unlimited — 1-3 p.m. Dec 9: Cookies with Santa and Holiday Lasers • Dec 16: Holiday Lasers, Hall of Trees, silent auction, Holiday laser shows, Winter Story Walk and Setzer Christmas. 1636 Parkview Circle. 704-639-3004, www.rss.k12.nc.us/horizonsunlimited-margaret-c-woodson-planetarium

• Weekend tours of the Hall House dressed in its holiday best — 1-4 p.m. Dec 9-10 and 16-17 with special Candlelight Christmas Eve Tour from 6-8 p.m. Admission $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12. Admission for the candlelight tour is by donation. www.historicsalisbury.org/tours/hall-house-tours

Kannapolis Christmas Parade 6 p.m. Dec 9.

• Fifth annual Rail Walk Studios and Gallery’s Festival of Gifts — Through Dec 9: Showcasing the work of local artisans, 409-413 N. Lee St, Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day. Free and open to the public. 704-469-2781, www.railwalkgallery.com

• Christmas on the Homefront at the Price of Freedom Museum — 3-6 p.m. Dec 10: WWII-era three-room house decorated for Christmas, live traditional Christmas music, vintage Christmas items in the Do You Remember room, winter refreshments, special Pearl Harbor display in the Navy Room, all displays open, all branches represented. Music by Madison McCorkle. Free admission, donations accepted. The Price of Freedom Museum, 2420 Weaver Road, China Grove, 704-857-7474, www.priceoffreedom.us

• RPL’s Downtown Beats community sing — 6 p.m. Dec 11: Fellowship and fun without the stress of an extended commitment. Sing ‘Jingle Bell Rock,’ ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,’ ‘Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.’ Participation open to all, no singing experience or training s required, first-time and only-time attendees welcome. Lasts approx an hour. Free, Stanback Auditorium at RPL Headquarters, 201 W. Fisher St Info: Abigail Hardison, 704-216-8248 or Abigail.Hardison@rowancountync.gov

• Tea with Mrs. Claus at the NC Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures — 2-4 p.m. Dec 11: $28 includes adult/child ticket. Complimentary doll for each attendee. Must RSVP • 108 Fourth St, Spencer, 704-762-9359, www.NCMDTM.com

• Christmas Tradition Stories & Music of Christmas — 7 p.m. Dec 11-12: At the Meroney Theatre featuring Karl Hales and Neal Wilkinson with Lauren Stephenson, vocalists and Susan Trivette, pianist. Admission: canned item for Rowan Helping Ministries.

• RPL hosts holiday children’s programs — Games, stories, refreshments, an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. www.rowanpubliclibrary.org

–6 p.m. Dec 12: : Holiday Pajama Express,’ children invited to wear favorite holiday pajamas at South (China Grove);

–10:30 a.m. Dec 14 at headquarters (Salisbury): ‘Treemendous;’

–10:30 a.m. Dec. 16 at East Branch (Rockwell): ‘Stories with Elves.’

• Service of Lessons and Carols at St John’s Lutheran Church — 11 a.m. Dec 17: With Chancel Choir, St John’s Men’s Chorus, St John’s Women’s Ensemble, soloists, Instrumental Ensemble. The music of Handel, Forrest, Rutter and others. Free. 200 W. Innes St

• Rowan Big Band All Stars at Lee Street theatre — 7:30 p.m. Dec 15: 18-piece community big band in the style of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, etc. $20 + tax. 329 N. Lee St, 704-310-5507, www.leestreet.org

• Third annual Cruise-By Christmas Window Art Show — Drive by 24 hours a day Dec 16-Jan 6 (or sooner to watch her paint): Window art of local artist Cherrathee Hager. Hendrix BBQ at 1624 W. Innes St; Hendrix BBQ at 1530 Statesville Blvd; The Pop Shoppe at 1831 W. Innes St; Landmark Family Resturant at 1617 South Main St; Denese’s Pet Spa at 2825 W Innes St, KMD Construction at 1001 W Innes St; Shuckin Shack at 118 N Main St.

• Christmas in The Grove — 5-9 p.m. Dec 16: Sledding, food, hot chocolate, smores, caroling, horsedrawn wagon rides, face painting, visit with Santa, more holiday activities. Free. Please consider bringing an unwrpped toy for Toys for Tots. www.facebook.com/ChristmasInTheGrove

• Salisbury Symphony’s ‘The Nutcracker’ with Piedmont Dance Theatre — Dec 16 at 6:30 p.m. and Dec 17 at 2:30 p.m. Keppel Auditorium. Tickets at salisburysymphony.org

• Santa and the Grinch with Antique Fire Trucks — 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Dec 16: Cruise around downtown. Cookies, cocoa, holiday crafts while you wait. Weather permitting. downtownsalisburync.com

• Christmas Open House at THD — 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec 16: free horse and carriage rides, Mr. & Mrs. Claus, Hot chocolate, cookies, craft vendors. Tilley Harley-Davidson, 653 Bendix Drive, 704-638-6044, www.tilleyhdofsalisbury.com

• West Corinth 13th Annual Singing Christmas Tree — 7 p.m. Dec 16 • 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Dec 17: ‘Hallelujah, Jesus is Born.’ Free, open to the public. Directed by Dean Orbison. West Corinth Baptist Church, 120 Corinth Church Road between Mooresville and China Grove.

• A Service of Lessons and Carols — 11 a.m. Dec 17: St John’s Lutheran Church. Chancel Choir, St John’s Men’s Chorus, St John’s Women’s Ensemble, soloists and Instrumental Ensemble. The music of Handel, Forrest, Rutter and more.

• East Rowan Choral Department’s Holiday Concert — 7 p.m. Dec 18: Approximately 140-voice student choir. Free, open to the public. Directed by Dean Orbison. School auditorium, 175 St Luke’s Church Road.

• Order deadline for Lions’ Boston butt and turkey BBQ — Pckup Dec 22, 5-8 p.m.: Cleveland Lions’ Den, Cemetery Street, Cleveland. 704-278-2252.

• Santa Night with free horse & carriage rides — 5-8 p.m. Dec 19: Visit with Santa, free carriage rides and cookie decorating. Chick-Fil-A, 902 E Innes St

• Painted Rocks & Ornaments Workshops for children of any age — 10 a.m.-noon Dec 19-20-21: $30 includes supplies, fun and a Chill. Call ahead to reserve your space OR walk-ins welcome if space available. Can take 10 people. RSVP to 704-798-0052. The Chill, 120 E Fisher St

• Handel’s Messiah by Salisbury Symphony and Symphony Chorale — 6:30 p.m. Dec 19: Holiday concert of Christmas excerpts from Handel’s ‘Messiah.’ First Presbyterian Church at 308 W. Fisher St $15 adults and $5 ages 18 and below. Free for children under 10. General admission. Tickets at www.salisburysymphony.org, or 704-216-1513.

• RPL East’s Holiday Movie Marathon — Dec. 21 at East Branch (Rockwell):

–10 a.m. Disney’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ (2009) starring Jim Carrey;

–Noon, ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ (1992);

–2 p.m. ‘Mickey’s Christmas Carol’ (1983).

Light refreshments. Info www.rowanpubliclibrary.org

• JCPrice American Legion annual Children’s Christmas Party — 5-9 p.m. Dec 22: Visit with Santa Claus, win door prizes, enjoy Sweet Frogs and food at 1433 Old Wildesboro Road. For children age 13 and younger with their parents. Sponsored by Post 107, Ladies’ auxiliary, Children and Youth Committee. Info at 704-278-9116 or 980-234-3344.

• VFW Post 8989 Auxiliary hosts Breakfast with Santa — 7-11 a.m. Dec. 23: Breakfast until 10:30, see Santa 8-11 a.m. Children 8 and under receive free child’s plate with paying adult for $7. All chidren receive a gift from Santa. 2500 N. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis. RSVP to events8989@gmail.com

• Old Stone Christmas — Dec 30-31: at Old Stone House, Christmas like our Rowan County ancestors would have known 200 years ago. $5 adults $3 students. www.rowanmuseum.org

• New Year’s Eve at the Bell Tower — 9 p.m. – midnight Dec 31: Hosted by Salisbury Parks and Rec. Celebrate at Salisbury’s historic Bell Tower. Live music, video feed of Time Square, hot cocoa, more. downtownsalisburync.com

Kannapolis

• Holiday Market at The Laureate Center — 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec 9: Kannapolis City Hall. Free admission. Info www.kannapolisnc.gov/christmas

Concord

• Piedmont Choral Society’s annual Christmas concerts — Dec 8 at 7 p.m. and Dec 10 at 3 p.m.: 50-voice community choir with orchestra presents familiar carols and songs of the season at Forest Hill UMC, 265 Union St North, Concord. Free, followed by reception. www.piedmontchoralsociety.org

• The Barefoot Christmas Movement Show — 8 p.m. Dec 16: Christmas favorites from International Bluegrass Music Association’s Band of the Year. $30. The Davis Theatre. 65 Union St, South in the Historic Cabarrus County Courthouse. 704-920- ARTS or www.cabarrusartscouncil.org

Elsewhere 

• All Aboard: Denton Country Christmas Train — 9th Annual Country Christmas Train each weekend and other select weeknights through Dec 27. 1 ½ -mile 20-min. loop around Denton FarmPark, past hundreds of light displays, live Nativity, and a short film about the Christmas story. Also, a gingerbread house with cookie decorating area for kids. Denton is about an hour from Salisbury. Information, hours and tickets at www.dentonfarmpark.com

• A Tweetsie Christmas — Through Dec 30: Blowing Rock. Santa Claus in his shop, train ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains, carolers throughout the park, live Christmas show, roasted s’mores, select the perfect Christmas tree to take home. Advance tickets recommended at Tweetsie.comhttp://Tweetsie.com

• Christmas in Old Salem — 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Dec 9: 18th-19th century celebrations culminate in lighting of 16-foot-tall Moravian Christmas pyramid. Other days: candlelight tours, A Special Day with St Nicholas, St Philips Anniversary Lovefeast, Tannenberg Organ Recital Series, Christmas Week. See oldsalem.org for dates, times, details.

• ‘Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical’ at Ovens Auditorium — 7 p.m. Dec 20: Tickets start at $29.50. Ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000. See rudolphthemusical.com

• High Point Ballet presents ‘The Nutcracker’ — Dec 20-22: At High Point Theater, 220 E Commerce Ave., reserved seating, see highpointballet.org or call 336-887-4HPB.

• 26th Annual Tanglewood Festival of Lights — Begins 6 p.m. through Jan 1: 26th annual Festival at Tanglewood Park, Clemmons. Also Santa and Mrs. Claus, performers, gift village, tractor-pulled hayrides. Reservations required at 336-766-9540 or http://www.forsyth.cc/Parks/Tanglewood/

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Theater

• Opens tonight: PPT Youth Theatre presents ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ — Dec 7-9 and 14-16 at 7:30 p.m., Dec 9, 10 and 16 at 2:30 p.m. Meet the cast at a complimentary reception immediately following tonight’s performance. Adults $12, students/seniors $10. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St, 704-633-5471, www.PiedmontPlayers.com

Ovens Auditorium and Blumenthal Performing Arts host hit Broadway musicals — • Les Misérables, Dec 13-17 • School of Rock, Jan 9-14 • Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, April 17-22. 704-372-1000 or www.blumenthalarts.org

 

Music & more 

See also Night Life

Open mic at Mean Mug —Dec 8: Hosted by multi-talented singer/guitarist Don Eidman. . Sign up begins 6:30 p.m. 1024 S. Fulton St, 704-754-4615, www.meanmugcoffeeco.com

Sunday concert at Mean Mug —Dec 10 : Rebecca Jean Kulhawick folk music Rebecca Jean has become a pervasive presence in local Christian music with artistry that has indeed evolved. No cover. 1024 S. Fulton St, 704-754-4615, www.meanmugcoffeeco.com

Salisbury Symphony’s Big Band Bash — Jan 6: A night of music, wine, food, dancing. This year’s theme ‘First Ladies of Swing’ celebrates the music of Pearl Bailey and Ella Fitzgerald. www.salisburysymphony.org/tickets

The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center — 130 N. Tryon St, Charlotte. Complete listings at 704-372-1000 or www.blumenthalarts.org

Live at Harrah’s Cherokee — • Dwight Yoakam, Jan 13 • A Paranormal Evening with Alice Cooper, March 17 • Ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000. Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee.

 

Book signings

Rev. Patricia Turner — Noon-2 p.m. Dec 16: Rev. Turner, copastor emeritus of Tower of Power, self-published ‘Developing/ Preaching Sermons to Reflect the Spirit of the Pentectost: A Training Manual for Ministers in Basic Sermon Preparation.’ Book signing at J.F.Hurley Family YMCA multipurpose room. More info at 704-636-1244.

 

This & That 

Tonight Game night at Mean Mug Coffee Co. — 6-9 p.m. Thursday Dec 7: Bring your favorite board game. Free. 1024 S. Fulton St, 704-754-4615.

Community drum circle — (second Fridays): 6-8 p.m. Dec 8: Center for Faith & the Arts. No experience needed, extra drums available. 207 W. Harrison St behind Haven Lutheran Church. Free.

Bills Magic Show at the Y — 1:30 p.m. Dec 9: Call to sign up. Free . Great family time. J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111, www.rowanymca.org

Special Band dance at the Y — 7-10 p.m. Saturday,Dec 16: Delmonico’s Band. Bring a dish to share. $8, guests welcome. J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111, www.rowanymca.org

box NC Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures —

• 2-4 p.m. Dec 11: Tea With Mrs. Claus. $28 includes adult/child ticket. Complimentary doll for each attendee. Must RSVP

• 108 Fourth St, Spencer, 704-762-9359, www.NCMDTM.com

Monthly Peace Circle — 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec 5 and every first Tuesday: At Mean Mug Coffee Co., 1024 S. Fulton St, 704-754-4615, www.meanmugcoffeeco.com

Yoga in the brewery — 6 p.m. Wednesday at Morgan Ridge Railwalk. $6 includes a pint of beer and a one hour class. 421 N. Lee St, 704-754-8379, www.morganridgerailwalk.com

Randy’s Antique event — Dec 9-10: Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. At Rowan County Fairgrounds. Come to buy, come to sell. $1 adult admission. 704-425-9838.

Downtown Salisbury events— • 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec 16: Santa and the Grinch with Antique Fire Trucks •www. downtownsalisburync.com

NC Rowan County Anime Group — 6-8 p.m. Dec 16: Christmas party at the Comic Monstore, 813 S. Jake Alexander Blvd. Free, open to the public. Showing ‘Gargantia On The Verdurous Planet.’ For age 12 and up. https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ncrowancountyanime/info

Salisbury Ghost Walk — 8 p.m. Friday, Dec 8.Walk covers six-block area down town. Tales of shadow ghosts, apparitions, orbs in 1800s Salisbury. Bring camera, smart phone, flashlight. $5 students, $10 adults, 5 and under free. Salisbury Ghost Walk questions/reservations 704-798-3102.

Bear feeding every Saturday and Sunday at Dan Nich — 2 p.m. weather permitting. At Wildlife Adventures section. Dan Nicholas Park, 6800 Bringle Ferry Road, 704-216-7800. www.dannicholas.net

Meet The Animal every Saturday and Sunday at Dan Nich — 3 p.m. weather permitting. At Wildlife Adventures or Nature Center. Dan Nicholas Park, 6800 Bringle Ferry Road, 704-216-7800. www.dannicholas.net

 

Comedy

Colin Quinn: One in Every Crowd — Jan 198: At the Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Prices begin at $25. N. Tryon St, Charlotte. 704-372-1000 or www.blumenthalarts.org

Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias — Feb 25: One Show Fits All World Tour celebrates Iglesias’ 20 years of comedy. Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte. Prices begin at $42. Ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000, 2700 E. Independence Blvd.

 

Blood drives

North Hills Christian School — 2-6:30 p.m. Dec 14: Davis Wing on the campus of North Hills Christian School. Schedule an appointment at www.redcrossblood.org/give/drive/driveSearchList.jsp?zipSponsor=North%20Hills

J.F. Hurley Family YMCA — 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Dec 19: American Red Cross Blood Drive at J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd. Sign up at 704-636-0111.

 

Fundraisers 

Morgan Ridge Charity Night — 7:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov 29: A percentage of sales will be donated to Stepping Out Dance Company this week. 421 N. Lee St, 704-754-8379, www.morganridgerailwalk.com

Salisbury Symphony’s Big Band Bash — Jan 6: Salisbury Symphony’s biggeset fundraiser, a night of music, wine, food, dancing. This year’s theme ‘First Ladies of Swing’ celebrates the music of Pearl Bailey and Ella Fitzgerald. www.salisburysymphony.org/tickets

 

History 

Winter in Wartime at Fort Dobbs — 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec 9: Fort Dobbs State Historic Site (Statesville) offers glimpses into daily lives of French and Indian War soldiers in the winter of 1755. Historic interpreters, musket and cannon firing demonstrations, displays of life in a winter military camp. Free. Complimentary seasonal refreshments. Info at 704- -873-5882 or www.fortdobbs.org

2018 Rowan County History Course — 13-week course Thursday evenings Feb. 1-May 3: Classes meet at various historic locations, beginning with the Rowan Museum. To register, email office@historicsalisbury.org or call 704-636-0103. Tuition may paid in advance. Info at historicsalisbury.org/education/history-class

‘Cheerwine: 100 Years’ exhibit —Cheerwine celebrates 100 years in its hometown in an exhibit at Rowan Museum. Through Dec 10. 202 N. Main St Free. 704-633-5946 or www.rowanmuseum.org

 

Wine & beer tastings 

Tonight at Salisbury Wine Shop — • 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec 7: Christmas Beer Tasting Featuring Ridgeway Brewing of the United Kingdom. Taste these highly allocated beers including the labels of Santa’s Butt, Reindeer’s Revolt, Very Bad Elf and more. $5/person. • 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec 8: A Tour of the Chianti Region of Italy Wine Tasting with Koichi Matsuda, CHL International. $5/person. • 106 S. Main St, 704-636-5151, sws@salisburywineshop.com

Morgan Ridge Vineyards and Brewhouse — 486 John Morgan Road, Gold Hill, 704-639-0911, www.morganridgevineyards.com

Cauble Creek Vineyard and Winery — NC’s 100th Winery. Tasting room Friday -Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 1-6 p.m. $8. 704-633-1137, 700 Cauble Farm Road, www.caublecreekvineyard.com

Douglas Vineyards — Tasting Room hours: Friday 2-8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 1-6 p.m. Wine Tasting $6. 7696 Freeze Road, Kannapolis, 704-939-6260, www.douglasvineyardswines.com

Cougar Run Winery — 704-280-3624. Cougar Run Winery, 363 N. Church St, Concord. www.cougarrunwinery.com/

Mean Mug Coffee Co. — 7-9 p.m. Dec 12 and every second Tuesday: $15 pp with RSVP to 704-754-4615. 1024 S. Fulton St www.meanmugcoffeeco.com

Old Stone Winery — 704-279-0930, 6245 US Hwy. 52. 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, Hwy 64 W. Lexington. www.childressvineyards.com

 

Night Life

See also music & more

The Carriage Room, 2141 Statesville Blvd. — Sundays 2-7 p.m. Open Mic hosted by Danny Franklin • Fridays: pool tournament, $5. 704-647-9876, carriageroomnc@ facebook.com

Firewater, 122 Avalon Drive — • Thursdays: Karaoke •Fridays-Saturdays: Deejay • Age 25+. 704-870-8689.

Go Burrito RumBar, 115 W. Fisher St across from the mural — • Monday: Poker Night • Tuesday: Team Trivia • Wednesday: Open Mic • Saturday: Karaoke • www.facebook.com/GoBurritoRumBar

The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 — Saturday starting at 6:30 p.m. Relentless Flood, Terminal Resistance, Defenders of The Cross and Dying to Myself (used to be Aftermath). Emcee David Bumgarner from WBFJ. Food for sale, raffle for a new 4-wheeler. Contemporary Christian music venue. Musicians invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 704-213-1467.

Karaoke at Mean Mug — 7-10 p.m. Dec 9 and every second Saturday. 1024 S. Fulton St,704-754-4615, www.meanmugcoffeeco.com

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

Sunrise Cafe, 210 Old Amity Hill Road, Cleveland — • 5-8 p.m. Tuesdays: Karaoke with Crystal • 5-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Acoustic only Bluegrass pick and eat jam. 704-402-3527.

Break-n-Run Bar & Billiards, 612 S. Main St — • Wednesday Ladies night • Tournaments: 9 Ball Friday night, 8 Ball Saturday night, APA league Monday-Tuesday-Thursday, cash league Wednesday • Free pool Friday •  980- 216-1603.

 

Classes

 Eight-week beginning & intermediate pottery wheel class — Tuesdays: 10:30-1 p.m. Jan 9-Feb 27  –or Wednesdays: 6:30-9 p.m. Jan 10-Feb 28  –or Thursdays: 6:30-9 p.m. Jan 11-Mar 1  –Cost: $200. Pottery 101, 101 S. Main St, 704-209-1632, www.pottery-101.com

Tai Chi For Energy — 5:15-6:15 p.m. Thursdays for 8 weeks, Jan 4-Feb 22. Nationally certified instructor. $80. SoFul Yoga and Wellness, 1024 S Fulton St above Mean Mug Coffee Co. Pre-registration required at 704-633-9222 or Angirama@gmail.com

Hablas Español (Do you speak Spanish) — 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Spanish language lessons in an informal and conversational setting. Mean Mug Coffee Co., 1024 S. Fulton St, 704-754-4615.

Mind Aerobics art class — 2-4 p.m. Mondays: Introduction to drawing, pastels, sculpture. Rufty-Holmes Center, 1120 S. MLK Jr. Ave. $10/2 hr. session. Beginner and advanced adult. Sign up at 704 216-7714. Instructor Robert Richard Toth, www.RobertTothSculptor.com

Public Speaking for Professionals — Raleigh’s Burning Coal Theatre, March 12-April 2, 2018. Monday evenings. $155. www.burningcoal.org/classes/

 

Speakers & forums

S.N.A.G (Salisbury Neighborhood Action Group) — 10 a.m. First Wednesdays at the Salisbury Police Department, 130 E. Liberty St, 704-638-5333.

Bright Ideas — 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays: Networking at 10Thread, 1024 S. Fulton St

 

Auditions

Lee Street to present ‘The Realistic Joneses’ — Auditons 7-9 p.m. Dec 10-11. Performances dates Feb. 22-March 3. 329 N. Lee St, 704-310-5507, www.leestreet.org

PPT youth auditions for ‘Julius Caesar’ — 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Jan 2-3: By appoiintment only. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St Show dates Feb. 16-24. Sign up at 633-5471 or www.PiedmontPlayers.com

Mooresville Community Children’s Theatre auditions for ‘The House at Pooh Corner’ — Dec 11-12. Auditions held at Charles Mack Citizen Center, 215 N. Main St, Mooresville. Open to youth ages 6-18. No prior acting experience required; novice actors encouraged. Free to audition. If cast, a $90 participation fee covers materials/costumes/ t-shirt/acting instruction. Scholarships available. Show dates Feb 22-25. www.mooresville childrenstheatre.org/auditions

 

Film

Free movies at the J. F. Hurley Family YMCA — Call today to ask about the schedule: 704-636-0111

 

Art 

‘Making a Mark’ exhibit at Salisbury Business Center —Artists from Jesse Carson Fine Arts Program through Feb 23: Lisa Mirisola, Isabella Almazon, Victoria Amaro, Chloe Kirkpatrick, Olivia Cunningham, Kristina Neumiller, Serena Wale. Free, open to the public. Artists interested in exhibiting contact Sue McHugh, receptionist@integro-tech.com. Salisbury Business Center, 301 S. Main St, www. salisburybusinesscenter.com

Waterworks features Ben Martin retrospective — Commemorative retrospective of the late photojournalist Ben Martin, plus solo shows featuring textiles and clay. Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St, 704-636-1882, www.waterworks.org

Center for Faith and the Arts, 207 W. Harrison St — Bishop Family Creche Collection through Jan 6. • Christmas Eve: special candle light showing of the Bishop Family Creche Collection. Center for Faith and the Arts, behind Haven Lutheran Church. www.faithart.org or 704-647-0999.

Shurtz exhibit at Rail Walk Studios & Gallery, 409-413 N. Lee St — Opening reception Dec 16; exhibit runs through January: Tatyana Shurtz’s original artwork. Free and open to the public. 704-469-2781 www.railwalkgallery.com

WVAC Fall exhibition ‘Architecture and History’ — Through Feb. 3: at Waterworks Visual Arts Center. Hours Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 123 E. Liberty St, 704-636-1882, www.waterworks.org

 

Trips 

Community Travelers to McAdenville — Departure 4 p.m. Dec 16: Bus trip to McAdenville-Christmas City. $20. Call Brenda Cowan 704-431-3974 or Cathy Alexander 704-433-5609 to reserve your seat.

Rowan Rambers — April 11: Glamour on Board, wardrobe from Titanic the movie at Biltmore in Asheville; see 45 beautiful costumes worn in the movie. $100 due by Feb. 15, 2018 • May 16-19: Ohio Amish Trip, Warther’s carvings, Amish farm tour, 2 shows, Step-on-Guide, Victorian mansion, in home Amish meal, Mrs. Yoder’s Country Kitchen, Lehman’s General Store, Heini Cheese, Der Dutchman Restaurant. Total cost double occupancy $470; $150 deposit by Jan 9 Info: Cheryl Kluttz 704-633-3484.

 

Call for vendors

Hippie Fest — Noon-7 p.m. rain or shine May 19, 2018: Artists and vendors offering an endless array of bohemian goodies. Rowan County Fairgrounds, 1560 Julian Road. $5 tickets (reservations required) See hippiefest.org for vendor application

 

Call for performers

Salisbury Swing Band— SSB is seeking instrumentalists. Auditions are Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. Contact Jim Grazcyk 704-798-5840 for more information.

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 artisans

Hippie Fest — Noon-7 p.m. rain or shine May 19, 2018: Artists and vendors offering an endless array of bohemian goodies. Rowan County Fairgrounds, 1560 Julian Road. $5 tickets (reservations required) See hippiefest.org for vendor application

 

Call for volunteers 

Staff the CFA art gallery — The Center for Faith & the Arts seeks volunteers to staff the art gallery Fridays 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Contact the center at 704-647-0999 or email info@faithart.org

Rowan Helping Ministries volunteers – Pick up donated food, stock food pantry, intake interviews, laundry, meals. 704-637-6838.

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

DAV transportation network of Rowan County — Take veterans to hospital appts. Call Jim Martin at 704-638-9000 x3904.

Novant Rowan Medical Center – Patient escorts, gift shop, surgical waiting room, flower delivery, more. dbhundley@novanthealth.org