Arts Agenda 

American Guild of Organists Summer Recital Series featuring Nancy Watson. Sun., June 23, 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. University City United Methodist Church, 6100 W. Sugar Creek Road. 704-588-1290.

American Guild of Organists Summer Recital Series featuring recitalist Robert Gant. Sun., June 30, 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Free-will offering will be taken to cover the costs of the series. Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 E. Morehead St. 704-588-1290.

Symphonic Cinema II at Legion Park in Cornelius on June 22, at Symphony Park at SouthPark on June 23. June 22, 8:15 p.m.; June 23, 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. Charlotte Symphony, 201 S. College St. 704-972-2000.

Tony Bennett w/Charlotte Symphony Pops The Charlotte Symphony is proud to present the singer who Frank Sinatra described as "the best in the business". Thu., June 20, 8 p.m. $35-$85. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-972-2000.

Walter Hautzig nationally known pianist will perform the music of Schubert in Frances May Barnes Recital Hall on the campus of Winthrop University. Mon., June 24, 8 p.m. $10/adults, $5/students. Winthrop University, Rock Hill. 803-323-2255.

Comedy

The Perch Theatre Perch Comedy. Cheerfully offending Charlotte since 1994. Located at 1500 Central Ave., 2nd floor. Showtimes are 9pm and 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights. There is also a late show on Saturdays at 1am. Performances are rated R for verbal content. www.theperch.com. Fri., Sat. $10/$8 for students with I.D. Extreme Improv. Completely improvised shows every Saturday at 7pm. Similar to "Who's Line Is It Anyway?". Call 866-Improv1 or see website at www.extremeimprov.com. Improv classes ongoing. Saturdays, 7 p.m. $8. 1500 B. Central Ave.

Museums

Asheville Art Museum John Cage Visual Art: To Sober and Quiet the Mind. A facinating exhibition composed of 75 works borrowed from public and private collections and includes a portfolio of handmade paper created by Cage. Tue.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & 1-5 p.m. Continues through June 30. $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, students with ID and children 4-15, children 3 and younger admitted free. 2 So. Pack Square at Park Place, Asheville. 828-253-3227.

Charlotte Museum of History/Hezekiah Alexander Homesite & American Freedom Bell Heirloom Quilts. Crafted by regional artists from 1830-1920. Tue.-Sun. Continues through June 30. Raising The Roof: Barns of Our State. A photographic collaboration between the museum and Our State: North Carolina Magazine exploring a vanishing icon of the rural and agricultural South - the old wooden barn. Tue.-Sun. Continues through July 14. 3500 Shamrock Dr., Between Eastway and Sharon Amity. 704-568-1774.

* Levine Museum of the New South Carolina Victorian - Rediscovering the New South's First Architecture. Celebrating the richness of this era which extended from the exterior to the interior, Carolina Victorian treats visitors to photographs of NC Victorian Landmarks, furnished Victorian rooms, scenes of Charlotte from 1905 versus today, and a dollhouse that replicates the tiniest details of a Victorian home. Mon.-Sun. 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887.

* Mint Museum of Art The Allure of East Asia. An exhibition that glimpses into the wealth and variety of Asian art created over time. An engaging reflection of the aesthetics and techniques that produced incredibly beautiful ceramics, furniture, textiles and crafts throughout thousands of years. Over 100 objects will be on display. Tue.-Sun. Continues through July 14. American Modern, 1925-1940: Design for a New Age. an exhibition to illustrate the competitive creative spirit of Americans. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Dec. 31. Pierre Joseph Redoute: A Man Passionate About Flowers. a presentation of 24 nineteenth century botanical hand-colored engravings from Redoute's most renowned works, Les Lilacees and Les Roses, from public and private collections. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 28. 2730 Randolph Rd. 704-337-2000 or 704-333-MINT.

Mint Museum of Craft & Design Quilts from the Carolinas. featuring the extraordinary work of contemporary quilt artists in North and South Carolina. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Sept 8. 220 N. Tryon St. 704-337-2009.

Spoken Word

23 Studio/Pat's Tavern Open Mic Spoken Word Poetry Night. a chance for all local poets, drummers and entertainers to come showcase their talent. After each poetry session you can stay and listen to DJ Live and an up and coming musical act to follow. There will also be local incense, oil, art and jewelry vendors at the event. Thursdays. $5 before 10:30pm, $10 thereafter. 3209 N. Davidson St. 704-370-6107.

Crystal on the Plaza Reggae Club Wisdom Wednesdays. at Crystal on the Plaza Reggae Club, 3018 The Plaza Rd. Open Mic, Spoken Word, Poetry and other conscious thoughts and expressions. Word, Sound & Power...Roots, Culture & Knowledge. Hosted by Aquiyla and Nina, MC by Filmore, Musical Innervissions by DJ DR and DJ Justice. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. 3018 The Plaza. 704-376-3799.

Visulite Theatre WordPhoria. catch spoken word energy from the streets. Wed., June 19, 8-11:30 p.m. $5. 1615 Elizabeth Ave. 704-358-9200.Theater: OpeningsBeauty and the Beast presented by Creative Kids. Part of Summer Stage Fest. Affordable family entertainment all summer long. June 21, 10 a.m.,2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; June 22, 10 a.m.,2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. $5-$15. Providence Day School. 704-364-0081.