Arts Agenda 

Charlotte Symphony Performs Mahler's Third Symphony Featuring contralto, Renee Morloc, women of the Oratio Singers of Charlotte and members of the Charlotte Children's Choir. Oct. 11-12, 8 p.m. $12-60. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

Chestnut Brass Presented by Friends of Music. Sat., Oct. 5, 8:15 p.m. Dana Auditorium, Queens University. 704-337-2213.

Davidson College Concert Choir and Chamber Singers An annual choral concert of music from the Renaissance through the 20th century. Davidson College Presbyterian Church. Wed., Oct. 9, 8 p.m. 704-894-2357.

Emanuel Ax Gala The Charlotte Symphony presents Grammy-winning artist, Emanuel Ax. The evening features Beethoven's Pastorale Symphony and Emperor Concerto. Sat., Oct. 5, 8 p.m. $40-75. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

Emile Pandolfi Pandolfi is a classically trained pianist who has been performing professionally for more than 25 years. This performance is the first of five performances in the CSDA Performing Arts Series. Thu., Oct. 3, 8 p.m. $15, $40 for season tickets. Clover School District Auditorium, 1625 Highway 55 East, Clover. 803-222-8018.

Midday Music Concert Davidson College faculty members William and Cynthia Lawing will perform classical pieces written for trumpet and piano in the Tyler-Tallman Recital Hall of the new Sloan Music Center. Tue., Oct. 8, 12:30-1:30 p.m. 704-894-2177.

Music Fit for the Queen A concert of music celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, including music from her 1952 coronation. Sun., Oct. 13, 3 p.m. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. First United Methodist Church, 501 N. Tryon St.

North Carolina Symphony The Symphony will perform in the Hannah Covington McGee Theatre of the George A. Batte Jr. Fine Arts Center. For tickets, call the Wingate University Box Office between 1-4pm, Monday through Friday. Tue., Oct. 8, 8 p.m. $20. Wingate University. 704-233-8300.

Recital Kathleen Colwell- soprano, Audrey McConnell- organ, piano, and harpsichord, Todd Hoffman- trumpet. Music of Scarlatti, J.S. Bach, Chopin, and R. Schumann. Sun., Oct. 6, 4 p.m. Admission is free. St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 3200 Park Rd. 704-393-8299.

Comedy

Bayou Kitchen Extreme Improv. Completely improvised comedy shows based on your suggestions. Similar to "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" See our website at www.extremeimprov.com for details/reservations. Saturdays, 7 p.m. 1958 E 7th St. 1-866-467-7681.

*The Perch Theatre Perch Comedy. Cheerfully offending Charlotte since 1994. Showtimes are 9pm, 11pm, on Friday and Saturday nights, and an additional show on Saturdays at 1am. The 9pm show is non-smoking. The Talking Baby Talk Show is every Thursday at 9:30pm. Auditions are twice a year, next set is Nov. 4. Performances are rated R for verbal content. www.theperch.com. Fri., Sat. $10/$8 for students with I.D. 1500 B. Central Ave. 704-372-7724.

Psychotic Pooch Live Sketch Comedy and Improv. Comedy rated NC-17 for situations and content. Large group rates available. Call for reservations, directions or more info. DJ after-party every Saturday. Fri., Sat., 11 p.m. 3143 Cullman Ave. 704-375-2826.

The Comedy Zone College Night and "SIN" (Service Industry Workers) Night. Get free admission for the 8pm show and with your Comedy Zone ticket, get in free to Have a Nice Day Cafe. Wednesdays. 516 N. College St., Wed. & Thurs.- 8pm, Fri. & Sat.- 8pm, 10:15pm. 704-348-4242.

Wingate University Chicago City Limits. Chicago City Limits will perform in the Hannah Covington McGee Theatre in the George A. Batte Jr. Fine Arts Center. CCL has been seen nationally on HBO and The Today Show and has performed at Lincoln Center, the Smithsonian and the Super Bowl. Sat., Oct. 5, 8 p.m. $15. 704-233-8300.

Dance

Ballet Hispanico These 12 dancers add a little funk to classical ballet with the hip swivels and head pops of Latin dance. Belk Theater. Purchase tickets by phone or online at www.blumenthalcenter.org. Sun., Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m. $15-$40. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000.

A Celebration of Dance An eclectic program of contemporary works by four young choreographers from North Carolina. Oct. 4-5, 8 p.m.; Oct. 6, 2:30 p.m. $10 adults, $8 students and senior citizens, $4 for children 4 and under. Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Gaston Dance Theatre, 201 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia. 704-865-5943.

Gateway South Presented by the Moving Poets Theatre of Dance. Featured performances include the world premiere of Southern Tour- a tribute to painter Maud Gatewood, and The Echo- a piece inspired by the prison writings of Wole Soyinka. A cultural event of original dance, theater and multimedia, produced and created in Charlotte. Preview performance, Oct. 9. Booth Playhouse. Oct. 9-12, 8 p.m.; Oct. 13, 7 p.m. Tickets are $15-24.50. Preview prices are $10-15. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-527-6683.

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.