Wednesday, january 3
Ice skating is really harder than it looks. Not everyone can aspire to be Michelle Kwan. But of course, you’re going to be stubborn and try to do it anyway. In that case, check out WBT Holiday on Ice at the Green Uptown, Charlotte’s only outdoor ice-skating rink. January 15 is the last day it’s open this season, so don’t put off the opportunity to slip and fall on your bum. Admission is $5 with a $3 skate rental fee. Check out www.wbtholidayice.com for more info. — Kimberly Lawson
Thursday, January 04
As if the movie starring Johnny Depp wasn’t weird enough, now Edward Scissorhands has been adapted into a musical — without words! Matthew Bourne’s new production brings the story of a boy made by an inventor with only scissors for hands to the stage in a whole new way. Edward is still trying to figure out how to adjust to the suburbs, but this time the Gothic fairy tale gives off a different kind of magic that will touch the entire family. It runs through Jan. 10 in the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center’s Belk Theater. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 704-372-1000 or online at www.blumenthalcenter.org. — Branna Callowy
Friday, January 05
Bells will be ringing at the new NarroWay Theatre on Carowinds Boulevard as Til Death Do Us Part puts you in the perfect mood for matrimony, mystery, and above all, dessert. NarroWay Productions’ latest mystery dinner theatre presentation will have you mingling with in-laws, outlaws, baked chicken, and vegetable medley beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Friday nights and at 1:30 p.m. Saturday afternoons through Jan. 27. The St. Matthew Passion this is not: NarroWay is putting the emphasis on comedy and fun at 3346 Hwy 21. Plan to arrive 40 minutes before show time if you’re doing dinner. The package is $26.95 for adults, $25.95 for groups/seniors, $14.95 for students 13-18, and $9.95 for children 4-12. Call 803-802-2300 or click www.narroway.net. — Perry Tannenbaum
Yum. There’s nothing like the smell of gasoline and the sight of dirt being flung rambunctiously in the air. Oh, did I mention the thrill of watching motocross riders compete against each other? Check out the Toyota AMA Arenacross Series all weekend long at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 11 a.m. on Sunday. Check www.charlottebobcatsarena.com for ticket details. — Lawson
Saturday, January 6
Jazz in Charlotte is finally back. Audioform, one of the city’s premiere acts, is set to drop its first full length composition titled … Compositions. Get lost in this nostalgic set that blends the old with the new, stylistically and with the substance missing from newer artists. The CD release party begins tonight at Neighborhood Theatre, but the celebration may continue until they get too tired to play. Latin/jazz funksters Soulganic opens. Ticket prices and times at www.neighborhoodtheatre.com. — Calloway
The Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra is pleased to welcome back Cecil Welch, former lead trumpet for the Henry Mancini Orchestra, for a special encore. The CPO’s Big Band Bash will feature Welch performing selections from the Big Band era including works from: Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Stan Kenton, Artie Shaw, Les Brown, Duke Ellington, and of course Mancini. Tickets run $30-$35. The concert starts at 8 p.m. at Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. Call 704-543-5551. — Calloway
It all started in the Tosco living room, then grew into the finest “Acoustic Music Showcase” displaying artists of every genre and style. The Tosco Music Party has sold out the McGlohon Theatre for four years straight, so it’s fitting that it starts this new year in a new venue, CPCC’s Halton Theater, 1206 Elizabeth Ave. Tickets range from $6/ 16 and younger to $12/ adults. The first act hits the stage at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m. For a list of performers or more info, hit www.toscomusicparty.org. — Calloway
Sunday, January 7
Here comes the bride … all dressed in white … Hey, how many people can honestly wear white on their wedding day? Anyway, the Bridal Showcase, the largest bridal event in the Southeast, is back again, giving brides and grooms the opportunity to brainstorm their perfect wedding and connect with the people who can make it happen. Registration opens at 11:30 a.m. Call 704-347-2900 or e-mail info@CarolinaWeddingsandEvents.com for more info. — Lawson
Monday, January 8
Learn about the music that inspired the heroes of the civil rights movement, and receive 10 percent off any upcoming Charlotte Symphony Friday Classics concert. Musician and educator Anna Brock will lead the discussion, Symphony 101: Music of the Civil Rights Era, on the people and the pop, gospel and protest music that inspired them. No registration required, and attendees may bring a lunch. Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews, at 9 a.m.; Main Library, 310 North Tryon St., Charlotte, 12:15 p.m. For more information, visit www.charlottesymphony.org or call 704-972-2003. — Shugart
This article appears in Jan 3-9, 2007.
