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.

Dinosaurs part of Summer Stage Fest. Affordable Family entertainment all summer long. June 28, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.; June 29, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. $5. Providence Day School. 704-364-0081.

A Dream world premier of a new play conceived and written by Richard Newman. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.thefarmtheatre.com. June 19, 7:30 p.m.; June 20, 7:30 p.m.; June 21, 7:30 p.m.; June 22, 7:30 p.m. $5/students, $7/adults. NODA at 28th.

Jekyll and Hyde a true musical theatrical phenomenon. An evocative tale of the epic battle between good and evil. June 19, 8 p.m.; June 20, 8 p.m.; June 21, 8 p.m.; June 22, 8 p.m.; June 23, 2:30 p.m.; June 25, 7 p.m.; June 26, 8 p.m.; June 27, 8 p.m.; June 28, 8 p.m.; June 29, 8 p.m. $15. CPCC, P.O. Box 35009. 704-330-6534.

Twelfth Night presented by Chickspeare. For additional information visit the website at www.chickspeare.org. June 20, 8 p.m.; June 21, 8 p.m.; June 22, 8 p.m.; June 28, 8 p.m.; June 29, 8 p.m. $12. Off-Tryon Theatre, 3143 Cullman Ave. 704-334-3740.

Theater: Ongoing

* Always...Patsy Cline presented by The Producers' Group. Ted Swindley's musical tribute. Through July 28. Showtimes are Wednesday-Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 3pm and 7pm. $22-$25. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. 704-334-9128.

* The Sound of Music the timeless story of the singing Von Trapp family. June 20, 8 p.m.; June 21, 8 p.m.; June 22, 8 p.m. $20 adults, $18 students/seniors. Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2340.

A Taste of Broadway an ongoing musical theatre revue that will combine fine food with the flavor of Broadway. Sundays, 5-9 p.m. $10 per person for show only. Food costs extra. Swing 1000, 1000 Central Ave. 704-334-4443.

Visual Arts: Openings

Gallery L The Graceful Envelope. ordinary envelopes decorated in extraordinary ways. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 25. 310 N. Tryon St. 704-336-2020.

Hidell Brooks Gallery New Paintings. by Barbara Fisher. Her first solo exhibition. Her current body of work reflects her ongoing exploration of the visual and the psychic tension. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 31. 1910 S. Blvd. Suite 130. 704-334-7302.

The Light Factory 2002 Members Show. a highlight of the creativity of our members with this non-juried exhibition. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 10. 809 W. Hill St. 704-333-9755.

Visual Arts: Ongoing

Afro-American Cultural Center Women of a New Tribe. a photographic study of African-American beauty. The exhibit showcases the many-faceted beauty of a very unique group of women; women who did not meet the widely held eurocentric standards of beauty. The exotic images of these women is captured by photographer, Jerry Taliaferro. Tue.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 25. 401 N. Myers St. 704-374-1565.

Art Institute of Charlotte Gallery Hatch Show Prints. from Hatch Show Print in Nashville, one of the oldest working letterpress print shops in America. Hatch posters have featured such country music performers as Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Garth Brooks. Mon.-Fri. Continues through July 31. 2110 Water Ridge Parkway. 704-357-8020.

Bank of America Plaza Space, Structure and Vision. Curated by Joie Lassiter Gallery. Featuring works by Mary Edith Alexander, Helene Brandt, Gary Byrd, Lluis Lleo, Ran Ortner, Karen Rifas, Thomas Rose, Idamarie Spurr, Mike Wsol. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Nov. 15. 101 South Tryon Street. 704-373-1464.

Blue Pony Gallery & Press Songs of Summer. a colorful collection of painting and monotypes by Jan Kinslowe, Margret Kuehni and Mary Lou Sussman. Tue.-Sat. Continues through June 29. Into the Mystery. mixed media works by Linda Vista. Tue.-Sat. Continues through June 29. 3202A N. Davidson St. 704-334-9390.

Center of the Earth Gallery New Paintings from the Interiors Series. works by Page Laughlin. Tue.-Sat. Continues through June 29. Drawings In Space. new sculpture by Paul Sires. Tue.-Sat. Continues through June 29. 3204 N Davidson St. 704-375-5756.

Charlotte Art League From Beasts to Bunnies. featuring art by CAL members depicting mammals of all types and sizes. Mon.-Sun. Continues through June 30. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.

Christa Faut Gallery Paintings From Old Movies. solo exhibition of oil paintings by Douglas Houchens. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 7. 19818 N. Cove Rd., Cornelius. 704-892-5312.

CPCC Art Gallery Paintings. by David Freeman, a Professor of Art at Winthrop University. His acrylic paintings are abstract - reminiscent of the Abstract Expressionists - and generally in large scale. Mon.-Thur., 12-3 p.m. Continues through July 26. P.O. Box 35009. 704-330-2722.

Diane Overcash Studio New Paintings. original oil and acrylic paintings by Diane Overcash. May's featured guest artist is W. Scott Deatherage. June's featured guest artist is Mary Karriker. Mon.-Sun. 113 West First Street, Cannon Village, Kannapolis. 704-933-7917.

Elder Art Gallery Landscapes East to West: As the Crow Files. featuring the work of nine American artists from the east coast to the west coast. Tue.-Fri. Continues through July 20. Paintings. works by Diane Voyentzie. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 13. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337.

The Gallery at Carillon North Carolina Furniture: Commerce + Contract. an exhibition focusing on North Carolina furniture design and manufacturing. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 31. 227 W. Trade St. 704-334-8840.

Green Door Gallery Group Show. ongoing exhibition of artwork by local and regional artists featuring drawing, painting, pastels, mixed media, monotypes, ceramics, sculpture, photography, wood design, stained glass, fabric design and handmade jewelry. Artists include Ken Hillberry, Jennie Martin Tomlin, Marcel Bourboniere, Charlotte Foust, Kirk Argo, Dan Triece, Carol Weston, Norma Velasquez-Frink, Doug Knox, Kym Cress, Michael Brown, Jim Smith, Jeff Tudor, Tara Bengle, and Mike Hargett. Mon.-Sat. 221 West A St., Cannon Village, Kannapolis. 704-932-0099.

Hart-Witzen Gallery Creative Juices. exhibition by in-house artists and guest artists. Featuring installation art, sculpture, photography, painting and blacksmithing. Mon.-Sun. Continues through June 24. 611 W. 5th St. 704-334-1177.

Hodges Taylor Gallery New Works. by Richard Fennell and Maud Gatewood, two North Carolina painters who have demonstrated extraordinary skill in visually describing our varied landscapes. Mon.-Sun. Continues through June 29. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.

Jerald Melberg Gallery The Joy of Seeing New Pastel Landscapes. by Irish Artist Victor Richardson. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 20. Flower Power - New Paintings and Works on Paper. works by California native Daniel Douke. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 20. 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-3000.

Joie Lassiter Gallery Various Works. featuring Eric Anderson, Shaun Cassidy, Jeff Huberman, Marc Lambrechts, Lluis Lleo, John Nickerson and Ran Ortner. Mon.-Sun. Continues through June 30. 318 E 9th. 704-373-1464.

McColl Center for Visual Art Open House. featuring 8 Affiliate Artists. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 19. 721 N. Tryon St. 704-332-5535.

McColl Center for Visual Art's Spirit Square Gallery What's New 2. an exhibition of three-dimensional work by Charlotte area artists. Mon.-Sun. Continues through June 30. 345 N. College St. 704-332-5535.

Merrill-Jennings Galleries 32nd Anniversary Gallery Group Show. featuring works by Hal Singer, Charles Jay, Barry Hohnston, Loren DiBenedetto, Jayne Braxton, Jim Chapman, Judith Gossenberger Brown, Virginia Campbell Quillen, Betsay Hampton, Miss Addie James, and Kenneth Nelson. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 31. Vanishing Carolina. by Virginia Campbell Quillen. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 31. 463 S. Main St., Davidson. 704-895-1213.

Microcosm Gallery Exhibition of Paintings. by Jacek Palucha of Poland. For information about Jacek visit his website at www.palucha.art.pl/. Mon.-Sat. Continues through July 20. 300 N. College St. #101. 704-618-6568.

Myersart Gallery Works by Local Artists. featuring functional and decorative works in clay by local artists including Mary Mason, Lambeth Marshal, Carolyn Carroll, John and Jan Myers, Sandra Delonis, Joyce Branch. Phyllis Graham, Patsy McAlpine, Gena Van Dyke, Cindi Powell, Donald L. Foster, Sylvia Coppola, Kim Frazier, Shelly Johnston, Carolyn Burke, Corine Gussman, Alex and Mary Miller, Robert Hasselle, Jennifer Kincaid, Fran Brown, Vanessa Grubbs, and Karen Kramer. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.,11 a.m.-5 p.m. & 11 a.m.-7 p.m. New Works. gas-fired, ash glazed, stoneware pottery by Robert Hasselle - as well as functional and decorative works by 27 other local artists. Mon.-Sun. 1510 Camden Road. 704-790-2529.

NC Museum of Art Empire of the Sultans: Ottoman Art from the Khalili Collection. an exhibit celebrating the rich artistic heritage of the Ottoman Empire. The exhibition presents approximately 200 objects from the Nassar D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, one of the largest collections of its kind. Tue.-Sun. Continues through July 28. $7.50-$5.50. 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 919-839-6262.

Noel Gallery Black As... a body of work that consists of multimedia assemblages, oil on canvas paintings and constructions. Mon.-Sun. Continues through June 25. Transamerica Square, 401 N. Tryon St. 704-343-0050.

Plantsylvania Garden Art. items of art for the garden and pond by Rose Hawley. Mon.-Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 1515 Camden Road. 704-334-5331.

Pope's Gallery Beth Goldston. featuring delightful pastels depicting landscapes of Eastern North Carolina. Also exhibiting other original works of art by local and regional artists. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Continues through June 30. Dorothy Shoemaker. featuring picturesque landscapes in oil, painted on canvas. Exhibiting many original works by other local and regional artists. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Continues through June 30. 8016-900 Providence Rd. and 1035 Providence Rd. 704-541-3199 or 704-342-1774.

Pottery Central Pottery Central. featuring functional and sculptural salt fired pieces by Andrew Linton and new planters and garden art by Karen Linton. Tue.-Sat., 12-5 p.m. 3534 Central Ave. 704-537-4477.

S. Lampke Fine Art and Design Collection of Works. featuring oils and pastels. Also showing oil floorcloths, painted "Cottage" furniture, and a collection of hand knotted Persian Carpets. Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 1517 Camden Road, Studio #5. 704-362-1033.

Shain Fine Art Originals Two Artist Show. a collection of works by Joseph Cave, and Mediterranean Grids by Sally Quirk. Mon.-Sun. Continues through June 30. 601-B Providence Rd. 704-334-7744.

Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art Passage. a retrospective of the works of Martha Dunigan. Pieces on view in a variety of media, including sculpture, collage, printmaking, ceramics, and drawing. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 7. Fathoming. a collection of works by Karen Beall, Kristin Caskey, Nancy Davidson, and Jude Tallichet. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 7. 750 Marguerite Dr., Winston-Salem. 336-725-1904.

Waterworks Visual Arts Center 150 Years of North Carolina Quilts & Rowan County Quilters: Yesterday & Today. Selections from the Pattie Royster James Collection as well as antizue quilts and works by Joyce Heilig, Nancy Isenhour, Karen Morgan, Rachel Sechler, Suzanne Walters and Brenda Zimmerman. Mon.-Sun. Continues through June 23. Salisbury. 704-636-1882. *