Arts Agenda 

Benefit Concert Featuring Armand & Angelina. All proceeds benefit the Voices of the Children foundation. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. Sat., Nov. 30, 7:15 p.m. $12 for ages 16 and up. Unity of Charlotte, 1000 Woodlawn Ave. 1-800-704-0265.

Chamber Music at St. Peter's This First Tuesday at Noon Concert will highlight Dream Steps for flute, viola and harp by Charlotte-born composer Dan Locklair. Tue., Dec. 3, 12:10 p.m. Free. St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 115 W. 7th St. 704-332-7746.

Charlotte Symphony Lollipops Presents Brasstacular The brass instruments of the orchestra are spotlighted via music from the Big Band era. The Lollipops is a series of concerts designed for young listeners, ages 4-9, their parents and grandparents. Sat., Nov. 30, 11 a.m. $8-$16. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-348-5800.

Charlotte Symphony Pops Presents Bravo Big Band A tribute to the big band style featuring vocalists Michael Maguire and Lynn Roberts. Conductor Albert-George Schram will lead the performances. Nov. 29-30, 8 p.m. $15-$60. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

Choral Concert A choral concert by 'Round Midnight. Seating is limited. Call for reservations. Sun., Dec. 8, 7 p.m. $10 per person. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont. 704-825-4490.

An Evening of Piano Music Davidson College students will present an evening of piano music including works by Paderewski, Mozart, Dohnanyi, Chopin, Gershwin, Debussy and others. Thu., Dec. 5, 8 p.m. Free. Sloan Music Center, Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2177.

The Festival of Carols and the Holiday Concert The Carols and tree lighting will begin on the steps of Tillman Hall. People will walk along the illuminated sidewalk on their path to Byrnes Auditorium for the Holiday Concert. The concert will feature soloist Jerry Helton and David Lowry on the organ. Tue., Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m. Free. Winthrop University, Rock Hill. 803-323-2255.

Jazz & Classical Essentials Sunday Brunch Borders will be playing jazz and classical music from their essential catalogs. Coffee and pastry provided. Sundays, 1-3 p.m. Free. Borders, 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-6261.

Magic of Christmas The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra presents its annual holiday extravaganza, under the direction of Associate Conductor David Tang. Dec. 5-7, 8 p.m.; Dec. 7-8, 2:30 p.m. $15-64. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

Messiah Handel's Messiah, in collaboration with the Charlotte Music Club with choir, orchestra and soloists. Presented by the Charlotte Civic Orchestra. Sun., Dec. 8, 3 p.m. Adults $8, seniors/students $6, families $17. First United Methodist Church, 501 N. Tryon St. 704-344-0098.

Providence United Methodist Church Recital Series PUMC Chancel Choir and Brass Charlotte open the Providence Recital Series' 2002-03 season with music by Britten and Rutter. Sun., Dec. 1, 7 p.m. Free. Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Rd. 704-333-9536.

Singing Christmas Tree, Joy to the World Experience familiar carols as well as holiday music and dance from the USA, England, Russia, Germany, France, Mexico, Africa and the Caribbean. Visit www.carolinavoices.org. Dec. 6-7, 8 p.m.; Dec. 7-8, 3 p.m. $10-20. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-522-6500.

Symphonic Band and University Choirs Holiday Concert The combined UNCC choirs will present 3 works featuring student soloists and percussionists. The combined UNCC choirs and band will perform "A Festival of Carols," arranged by Warren Barker and "Amazing Grace," arranged by William Himes. Fri., Dec. 6, 8 p.m. Free. University Hills Baptist Church, 1500 Suther Road. 704-687-2262.

The Olde English Madrigal Feaste An event that includes dinner and entertainment with music, jugglers, jesters, etc. with an Olde English theme. McBryde Hall. Deadline for registration is Dec. 2. Dec. 6-7 at 7pm. $28. Winthrop University, Rock Hill. 803-323-2399.

WDAV Benefit Concert Vocal Alchemy, a choral ensemble of 8 multi-cultural musicians, will debut at the Vermillion Winter Holiday. Their diverse musical backgrounds encompass various styles including western classical, Indian classical, jazz, religious choral, American country and opera. Sat., Dec. 7, 7 p.m. $10 at the door. Harvey's at Vermillion, 13700 Anthea Ln., Huntersville. 704-301-0552.

The Wonder of Christmas Presented by the North Mecklenburg Community Chorus. Mon., Dec. 2, 7 p.m. Free. University City United Methodist Church, 6100 W. Sugar Creek Road. 704-947-8614.

The Wonder of Christmas Presented by the North Mecklenburg Community Chorus. Mon., Dec. 9, 7 p.m. Free. Huntersville Presbyterian Church, Huntersville. 704-947-8614.

Comedy

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. Audience Favorites Part 1: Continues through Nov. 30. Show #275: Dec. 6-14. The Talking Baby Talk Show is every Thursday at 9:30pm. Performances are rated R for verbal content. www.theperch.com. Fri., Sat. $10/$9 with students/military I.D. 1500 B. Central Ave. 704-372-7724.