Here are a gaggle of summer events happening in Charlotte and the surrounding area July 7-July 15 as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
ARTS
FIGHT CLUB A stage performance based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk. COTU ventures out into the parking lot to bring you Fight Club. 18 and up. Doors open at 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.citizensoftheuniverse.org or www.myspace.com/cotutheatre. You may also email cotu23@yahoo.com or call 704-449-9742 or 704-953-2874. Events may be canceled due to inclement weather. July 9, 8:30 p.m.; July 10, 8:30 p.m.; July 11, 8:30 p.m. $10. Parking lot of 1311 Central Ave.
METAMORPHOSES Take a dip in Carolina Actors Studio Theatre's wet rendition of Mary Zimmerman's Blockbuster show about science and myth, as well as what we might know in the future. CAST renovated the theater and a pool for the production. July 10-11, 8 p.m.; July 12, 2:30 p.m. Carolina Actors Studio Theatre (CAST), 1118 Clement Ave. 704-455-8542.
THE RAINMAKER See the sparks fly as the ever practical Lizzie and the dreamer conman Starbuck clash in this romantic comedy. For tickets, call 704-330-6534 or visit www.tix.cpcc.edu. July 9, 7 p.m.; July 10, 8 p.m.; July 11, 8 p.m. $17.Halton Theater, 1201 Elizabeth Ave. 704-330-6840.
SHEAR MADNESS This is a "whodunnit" murder mystery that puts the audience right in the middle of the action. Audience participation allows for a different outcome every night. Visit blumenthalcenter.org for showtimes, etc. Tue.-Sun. Continues through Sept. 6. Seats from $29.50. Stage Door Theater, North College St. at 5th St.
WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Based on Roald Dahls story and the Gene Wilder film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory takes the whole family on an adventure to find the next owner of Willy Wonkas mysterious Chocolate Factory. July 7-8, 10 a.m.; July 9-11, 10 a.m. $7-$10. Halton Theater, 1201 Elizabeth Ave. 704-330-6840.
CHARLOTTE COMEDY THEATER Explicit Content. Stand-up comedy showcase featuring material too controversial to play on the Charlotte Comedy Coalition's regular shows. Fridays, 10 p.m. $10. The Nook (formerly The Graduate), 1308 The Plaza.
CITY CAFÉ, MT HOLLY Friday Night Funnies. GameShowOke comedy improv variety extravaganza featuring the Chuckleheads. For more information, visit www.thechuckleheads.com. Fri., July 10, 8 p.m. $5. 128 S. Main St. 704-822-1450.
LAKE NORMAN COMEDY ZONE July 7: Comedian Kurt Green.; July 14: Comedian Tim Kidd. Galway Hooker, 17044 Kenton Dr., Cornelius. 704-995-2658.
THE CHARLOTTE COMEDY THEATER Charlotte Comedy Theater. High energy, interactive improv comedy shows, private events, classes and team building workshops. Features Chicago comedy veterans and top local talent every weekend for eight years running. Shows: CCT Improv Games on Friday, 8 p.m.; Various Comedy on Friday, 10 p.m.; CCT's Culture Shock on Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sketch Comedy on Saturday, 10 p.m.; Open Mic featuring stand-up and off-the-wall comedy on Saturday, 11:30 p.m. All shows $10 (Jam $5). Rated R. For show details, visit www.charlottecomedy.com or call 803-458-6824. Saturdays; Fridays. $10. The Nook (formerly The Graduate), 1308 The Plaza.
THE NOOK Robot Johnson. Sketch comedy at the Charlotte Comedy Theatre in The Graduate. For more information, visit www.robotjohnson.com. 21 and up. Saturdays, 10 p.m. $10.1308 The Plaza
WINE UP Open Mic at Wine-Up. Comedy open mic, where you can present fives minutes of material. Sign-up at 8:30 p.m. 18 and up. Wednesdays, 9 p.m. $7. NoDa, 3306 N. Davidson St. 704-372-2633. www.wine-up.com.
MCCOLL FAMILY THEATRE AT IMAGINON Dorothea Benton Frank. Park Road Books and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library host this event, where Frank will sign copies of Return to Sullivan's Island. For tickets or to find out more information, call 704-973-2828. Wed., July 8, 7 p.m. $25, includes copy of book. 300 East 7th St.
PARK ROAD BOOKS Gin Phillips. Signing The Well and the Mine. Mon., July 13, 7 p.m. Park Road Shopping Center, 4139 Park Road. 704-525-9239.
THE LIGHT FACTORY The Light Factory Second Juries Annuale. Showcasing a variety of artists works from across the country. July 11-Sept. 6. The Light Factorys Knight Gallery; The Light Factory 37th Annual Members Show. Featuring works of all mediums by members of The Light Factory. July 11-Sept. 13. The Light Factorys Middleton McMillan Gallery. 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755. www.lightfactory.org.
MINT MUSEUM OF ART Passionate Journey: The Grice Collection of Native American Art Exhibition. Features contemporary Native American pottery, modern Maya weavings and Mexican performance masks. July 18-Nov. 17. 2730 Randolph Rd. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org.
LARK & KEY GALLERY True Lineage Fine Art Quilts by Jen Swearington with featured potter Jennifer Mecca. July 1-26. 453 East 36th St., Ste. B. 704-379-1826.
CENTER OF THE EARTH GALLERY City/Country: Sharon Dowell, Dana Johns, Maxx Morgan and Christopher Stephens. An exhibition of diametric opposites, sweeping landsacpes and urban scenes to take viewers on an engaging excursion. Continues through Aug. 22. 3204 N. Davidson St. 704-375-5756. www.centeroftheearth.com.
FILM
MATTHEWS SUMMER CONCERT & MOVIE SERIES July 11: Tale of Despereaux. Vendors will be on site selling food and drinks. Pre-Movie activities begin at 7 p.m. and movies begin at approximately 8:30 p.m. or dusk. For more information, call 704-321-7275 or visit www.matthewsfun.com. Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade St., Matthews.
MADE INTO A MOVIE July 9: Do you love Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, the Alex Rider series or Inkheart? Even if you haven't read these books, you can watch the movies. Popcorn and refreshments provided. Free. 6 p.m. Morrison Regional Library, 7015 Morrison Blvd. 704-416-5400. www.plcmc.lib.nc.us.
HARRY POTTER PARTY July 14: Get ready for the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince movie with Harry Potter trivia and a film screening of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Free. 5:30 p.m. Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews. 704-416-5000, ext. 4. www.plcmc.lib.nc.us.
MOVIES IN THE PARK July 10: Kung Fu Panda. Movies begin each evening at sunset with free popcorn and door prizes. Bring your own blanket of chairs. Freedom Park Amphitheater, 1900 East Blvd. 704-432-4280. www.watershedcharlotte.com.
THE MASTER OF SUSPENSE: ALFRED HITCHCOCK CLASSICS July 11: The Lodger. Free. 2 p.m. ImaginOns Wachovia Playhouse, 300 E. 7th St. 704-973- 2780. www.imaginon.org.
MOVIES IN THE PARK AT KANNAPOLIS July 10: Jumanji. Free. 8:45 p.m. Village Park, located along A and C Streets and North Loop Road in Kannapolis. 704-920-4343. www.cityofkannapolis.com.
MUSIC
VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE July 12: Toby Keith with Trace Adkins. 707 Pavilion Blvd. 704-549-5555. www.livenation.com.
NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE July 8: Thriving Ivory; July 9: Moe.; July 11: Beres Hammond; July 12: Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers. 511 E. 36th St., Charlotte. 704-358-9298. www.neighborhoodtheatre.com.
TREMONT MUSIC HALL July 8: Written in Red, Messenger of Hope and Upon My Faithful Sword; July 10: Shock Pop Dance Party with The Kandi-Land Massacre and DJ's Deville and Lil' Azzy; July 11: Black Ritual with Merzah, A Road Eternal and more; July 14: My Epic, Dear Future, The Rocketboys and more. 400 W. Tremont Ave. 704-343-9494. www.tremontmusichall.com.
ALIVE AFTER FIVE July 9: Whos Bad (a Michael Jackson Tribute band). Pavilion at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., Ste 230-B. www.aliveafterfiveatepicentre.com.
AMOS' SOUTHEND July 8: Kip Winger; July 9: Last November with S.O. Stereo; July 10: KRS One; July 11: The Ultimate Sin: A Tribute to Ozzy with Allister Fiend: A Tribute to Motley Crue; July 12: Gorrilla Productions Battle of the Bands. 1423 S. Tryon St. 704-377-6874. www.amossouthend.com.
CHARLOTTE CHAPTER AMERICAN GUILD ORGANISTS SUMMER RECITAL SERIES July 12: RSCM Evensong with director Malcom Archer and organist Patrick Pope at Myers Park Baptist Church, 1900 Queens Ave. www.charlotteago.org.
CORNELIUS CONCERT SERIES July 12: St. James Male Chorus: Gospel Mens Chorus from Charlotte. Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 19600 Zion St., Cornelius. 704-892-8566. www.mtzionumc.net.
THE EVENING MUSE July 8: Dylan Gilbert, Arielle Bryant and Jim Seem; July 9: Charlotte on the Cheap night with Austin Hill and The Lesser Pauls, Mike Strauss Band and Fernandina; July 10: Emily Lynch with Trey Rosenkampff and Menage with The Zealots; July 11: Greg Laswell with Elizabeth and the Catapults and Rosi Golan and Death on Two Wheels with The Hardy Boys; July 12: Good Money, Justifie Homicide, iROC and more; July 13: Find Your Muse Open Mic; July 15: Curtis Peoples and Keaton Simons with Arden Kaywin, Sam Quinn and Japan Ten with Samantha Crain and the Midnight Shivers. 3227 N. Davidson St. 704-376-3737. www.eveningmuse.com.
VISULITE THEATRE July 9: Carbon Leaf; July 10: Buckwheat Zydeco. 1615 Elizabeth Ave. 704-358-9200. www.visulite.com.
SUBARU RIVER JAM Enjoy live music on Thursday nights at the US National Whitewater Center. July 9: Heywire. Free. 7 p.m.-10 p.m. 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy. 704-391-3900. www.usnwc.org.
UPTOWN AMPHITHEATRE July 14: The Offspring. 820 Hamilton St. 704-549-5555. www.livenation.com/venue/music-factory-amphitheatre-tickets.
DOUBLE DOOR INN July 7: Ballyhoo; July 9: Bill Hanna Jazz Jam; July 10: Powerhouse; July 11: The Thermatones; July 13: Service Industry Night, featuring The Monday Night All-Stars. 218 East Independence Blvd. 704- 376-1446. www.doubledoorinn.com.
SNUG HARBOR July 8: Venice Is Sinking, Little Buddha, Red All Over; July 10: The Lights Fluorescent, Hammer No More the Fingers, Lonnie Walker; July 11: Bill Noonan and His Fallen Gentlemen (CD release), David Childers and the Modern Don Juans; July 12: The Flying Eyes with Matthew Paul Butler and Robby Owen Elah; July 15: The Lighthouse and the Whaler with Big Time. 1228 Gordon St. 704-333-9799. www.sungrock.com.
THE MILESTONE July 8: Lex Vega, Monarchist, Zeus and Clavius; July 9: PPR, The Hellblinki Sextet and more; July 10: The Not Likelys with Biggy Stardust and his Wretched Hive and more; July 11: The Smokers, Sioux City Pete and the Beggars, The Crystelles; July 12: Hellzapoppin': A Sideshow Revue with Chamelon July 15: Dave and Adams Bloodline, Gasoline Heart, Magnolia . 3400 Tuckaseegee Rd. www.themilestoneclub.com
MORE FUN
WILD ABOUT SUMMER-WILD-LIFE July 11: Come see birds of prey from The Carolina Raptor Center and ground animals like snakes, turtles, and a Virginia Opossum courtesy of the Schiele Museum. Experts will be on hand to answer questions. $10. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, NC. 704-829-1252. www.DSBG.com.
WORLD KAYAK HOMETOWN THROWDOWN July 11: A freestyle kayaking event series for spectators and Charlottes paddling community based on the legendary Maryland Chute Outs. $5 to watch, $25 to participate. 12 p.m. & 5 p.m. US National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy. 704-391-3900. www.usnwc.org.
GARDEN NIGHTS July 9: Visit Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden every Thursday evening for this years Garden Nights program, which sports the theme Tropical Oasis. Stroll the garden and enjoy guided garden walks, live entertainment, food with a tropical flair, beer and wine. $5-$10. 5 p.m.-9 p.m. 6500 South New Hope Rd. 704-825-4490. www.dsbg.org.
14TH ANNUAL BIKE FEST AND DANCE Motorcycle, music and entertainment family-friendly festival includes motorcycle racing, stunts, showcases, food, vending, live bands playing reggae, r&b, jazz and soul music and more. For more information, call 704-599-1507 or visit www.leesperformance.com. Sat., July 11, 11 a.m. Mooresville Dragway, 8415 W. NC 152 Hwy., Mooresville. 704-663-4685.
4TH ANNUAL CHARLOTTE FOLK SOCIETY OLD-TIME MUSIC JAM & ICE CREAM SOCIAL Visit www.folksociety.org for more information. Sun., July 12, 1-4 p.m. $5 for two adult admissions. Historic Rosedale Plantation, 3427 N. Tryon St. 704-335-0325.
BASTILLE DAY FESTIVAL Celebrate France's national holiday at the Bastille Day Festival, which includes music, entertainment, food and more. Sat., July 11, 3 p.m. Extravaganza Depot, 1610 N. Tryon St. 704-331-5331.
BLUES OUT BACK Will host a performance by bluesman John Dee Holeman. Held on the lawn behind the museum. The museum encourages folks to bring blankets, lawn chairs and a picnic. Second Friday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Continues through Sept. 1. Gaston County Museum of Art & History, 131 W. Main St., Dallas. 704-852-6025.
CHARLOTTE RESTAURANT WEEK This popular dining event will expand to 10 days this time, encompassing 2 full weekends. There are 71 participating resaurants for this summer's run. Visit the website at www.charlotterestaurantweek.com for more information. July 10-19. $30 per person prix fixe 3-course meals.
DUVEL GREEN RELEASE PARTY The event will celebrate the debut of Duvel Green on draft at Flying Saucer. The party will feature special promotions and giveaways, as well as guest speaker David Gonzalez, Southeast regional manager for Duvel/Moortgat USA. Fri., July 10, 5 p.m. Admission is free. Flying Saucer, 9605 N. Tryon St. 704-568-7253. www.beerknurd.com.