Arts Agenda 

American Guild of Organists Summer Recital Series Featuring the Royal School of Church Music Evensong. Sun., July 21, 3:30 p.m. All recitals are free and open to the public; a free-will offering will be taken to cover the costs of the series. Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 E. Morehead St. 704-588-1290.

American Guild of Organists Summer Recital Series featuring Larry Stratemeyer. Sun., July 28, 7:30 p.m. St. Patrick's Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Rd. 704-588-1290.

Charlotte Jazz Singer Beth Chorneau part of Downtown Davidson's Concerts on the Green Series. More information? Visit www.concertsonthegreen.com. Sun., July 28, 6 p.m.

Comedy

Comedy Zone Mike West and Vinnie Copolla. Call for showtimes and ticket prices. More info? www.thecomedyzone.net. July 17; July 18. James Gregory. The Funniest Man In America. Call for ticket prices and showtimes. More info? www.thecomedyzone.net. July 19; July 20. 516 N. College St. 704-348-4242.

Cricket Arena Undercover Brother Tour. starring Eddie Griffin and featuring special guest Reynaldo Ray. Fri., July 19, 8 p.m. 2700 E Independence Blvd. 704-522-6500.

* 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. Upcoming: Show 265 - The 8th Year Celebration Why The Heck Aren't We Famous Yet Show 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.DanceNacourra African Ballet presented by Ballet Worroba. Sat., July 20, 7:30 p.m. $5. Providence Day School. 704-364-0081.

Museums

Charlotte Museum of History/Hezekiah Alexander Homesite & American Freedom Bell Lost North Carolina: An Architectural Heritage Exhibition. Peer into North Carolina's past, as inspiring architecture that no longer stands is revealed through photographic prints and drawings. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Sept 30. 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. Southern Roots: Not Cost Effective. an outdoor installation by Crista Cammaroto. This installation is a celebration of the natural gifts of shade and strength growing amidst our progress in this region. It is also a reminder to hang on tight to our trees and value the natural gifts of our southern Piedmont. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 10. 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887.

* Mint Museum of Art 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. Everyman's Gold. English lustreware from the Collection of John Elsley. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Dec. 1. 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 American Modern, 1925-1940: Design For a New Age. organized by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Federation of the Arts in New York, the exhibition traces the rise of the American design and features the work of 50 leading designers including Frank Lloyd Wright, Norman Bel Geddes, and Russel Wright. Tue.-Sun. Continues through July 28. Currents In Craft. Ongoing exhibit. Tue.-Sun. Quilts from the Carolinas. featuring the extraordinary work of contemporary quilt artists in North and South Carolina. Tue.-Sun. Continues through Sept 8. Tradition & Change: 19th and 20th Century Craft At The Mint. ongoing exhibit. Tue.-Sun. 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.

Theater: Openings

Annie Jr. a portion of the proceeds of this production benefit the Rock Hill Community Theatre High School Scholarship. July 18, 8 p.m.; July 19, 8 p.m.; July 20, 8 p.m.; July 21, 3 p.m. $8/adults, $7/seniors, $5/ages 5-18. Rock Hill Community Theatre, 236 West Main St., Rock Hill. 803-324-2578.

The Emperor's New Clothes the classic tale by Hans Christian Anderson. July 23, 10 a.m.; July 24, 10 a.m.; July 25, 10 a.m.; July 26, 10 a.m.; July 27, 10 a.m. $5. CPCC, P.O. Box 35009. 704-330-6976.

George M! a musical based on the life of the "man who owned Broadway" George M. Cohan. July 17, 8 p.m.; July 18, 8 p.m.; July 19, 8 p.m.; July 20, 8 p.m.; July 21, 2:30 p.m.; July 23, 7 p.m.; July 24, 8 p.m.; July 25, 8 p.m.; July 26, 8 p.m.; July 27, 8 p.m. $15. CPCC, P.O. Box 35009. 704-330-6976.

Robert Dubac's The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron? a hilarious examination of male-female relationships. July 23, 8 p.m.; July 24, 8 p.m.; July 25, 8 p.m.; July 26, 8:15 p.m.; July 27, 8:15 p.m.; July 28, 2 p.m.; July 30, 8 p.m.; July 31, 8 p.m.; Aug. 1, 8 p.m.; Aug. 2, 8:15 p.m.; Aug. 3, 8:15 p.m.; Aug. 4, 2 p.m. $30-$35. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.

Theater: Ongoing

* Always...Patsy Cline presented by The Producers' Group. Ted Swindley's musical tribute. Show runs June 12-July 28. Showtimea are Wednesday-Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 3pm and 7pm. $22-$25. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. 704-334-9128.

* The Collected Shorts of Anton Chekov To purchase tickets send reservations to info@thefarmtheatre.com. July 17, 8 p.m.; July 18, 8 p.m.; July 19, 8 p.m.; July 20, 8 p.m.; July 21, 3 p.m. $10. Off-Tryon Theatre, 3143 Cullman Ave. 704-375-2826.

* Don Quixote de Rock Hill a frantic comic phantasmagoria on Quixotic themes. July 19, 8 p.m.; July 20, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. $10. Winthrop University, Rock Hill. 803-323-2651.

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

Applewood Gallery Near Visions. Pastels with an intimate vantage point featuring Judith Cutler. Also, Terry Thirion, Ada Offerdahl and other artists. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Sept 26. 3920 Park Rd. 704-525-6162.

Elder Art Gallery Thinking On Canvas. works by Patrick Glover. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 17. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337.

Jerald Melberg Gallery Recent Still Life Paintings. works by Thomas Buechner. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Sept 7. Oil Paintings and Sculpture. works by Enrico Embroli. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Sept 7. 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-3000.

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.

Center of the Earth Gallery Full Bleed. works by Brad Thomas. Unique pieces derived from the pages of his journals. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 3. 3204 N Davidson St. 704-375-5756.

Charlotte Art League CAL Families. featuring art by CAL members and their children, grand children, parents, grandparents and other family members. The show highlights the continuity of creativity in families. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 31. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.

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. June's featured guest artist is Mary Karriker. July's featured guest artist is Diane Overcash. 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. 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

McColl Center for Visual Art Open House. featuring 8 Affiliate Artists. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 19. 721 N. Tryon 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. functional stoneware pottery by Kim Frazier. 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. Selections From The Birds of America. Works by John James Audubon. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Dec. 1. 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 919-839-6262.

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 James Crompton. Exhibiting dramatic and dynamic landscapes, seascapes, and music related paintings in oil by James Crompton. Also featuring original works by other local and regional artists in a variety of mediums. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 31. Jim Chapman. exhibiting bold, captivating still lifes painted in acrylic by Jim Chapman. Also featuring original works by other local and regional artists in a variety of mediums. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 31. 8016-900 Providence Rd. and 1035 Providence Rd. 704-541-3199 or 704-342-1774.

Pottery Central Pottery Central. featuring "Horse Hair Raku" pieces by Andrew Linton. Also featuring garden art and new dinnerware by Karen Linton. Tue.-Sat., 12-5 p.m. 3534 Central Ave. 704-537-4477.

Queens College Art Gallery Figural Landscape Series. Solo exhibition of oil paintings by North Carolina artist Natalie Bork. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 31. 1900 Selwyn Avenue. 704-337-2286.

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.

Waterworks Visual Arts Center Floating World. japanese woodblock prints, Kimono cloth and Kimonos. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Sept 8. Salisbury. 704-636-1882