Arts Agenda 

Chamber Music at St. Peter's The First Tuesday at Noon Concert features the String Quintet in C Major, K. 515 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. There will be a repeat of the noon concert program at 5:30pm, marking the debut of the First Tuesday AfterWork Concerts. A reception will be held to celebrate the new series at Hodges-Taylor Gallery following the evening performance. Tue., Jan. 7. Free. St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 115 W. 7th St. 704-332-7746.

Charlotte Symphony Classics: Fire and Ice Guest conductor, Susanna Malkki makes her US debut with the Charlotte Symphony and Russian pianist, Lilya Zilberstein. The evening's program includes Sibelius' Finlandia, Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 and Nielsen's Symphony No. 4 "Inextinguishable." Jan. 10-11, 8 p.m. $12-$60. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

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.

Swing in the New Year Featuring guest artist, Paul Green. Concert selections include Strauss' Blue Danube, Cheek to Cheek, Sing, Sing, Sing, Tschaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty Waltz and Blue Tango. The performance will take place in the Belk Theater. Presented by the Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra. Sat., Jan. 4, 8 p.m. $15-$35. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-846-2788.

Comedy

The Perch Theatre Perch Comedy. Cheerfully offending Charlotte since 1994. Showtimes are 9pm, 11pm, & 1am on Friday and Saturday nights. The 9pm show is non-smoking. Audience Favorites Part 2: Continues through Jan. 4. 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.

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. Allyn Ball & Al Ernst. Dec. 31-Jan. 4. Scott Angrave w/ Mike Speanburg. Jan. 8-11. The Comedy Magic of Great Scott. Wed., Jan. 15. 516 N. College St., Wed. & Thurs.- 8pm, Fri. & Sat.- 8pm, 10:15pm. 704-348-4242.

Dance

An Evening of Middle Eastern Dance Fariba Homesley performs a wide variety of Arabic and Persian dances in authentic Middle Eastern-designed and handcrafted costumes. Rescheduled from Dec. 6 due to the ice storm. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended. Fri., Jan. 10, 7 p.m. $10 general public, $8 International House members. International House, 322 Hawthorne Lane. 704-333-8099.

Museums

Charlotte Museum of History/Hezekiah Alexander Homesite & American Freedom Bell Highways & Byways of Our State. A photographic road trip of eclectic NC sites and scenes, all viewed from the state's Highways and Byways, using archival images from Our State: North Carolina magazine. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Jan. 12. Soldier's Stories: War in the First Person. Multimedia exhibit in the Millennium Gallery tells the personal stories of war as shared through the written and recorded war-time correspondence of soldiers from the region. A Charlotte Shout event. Continues through Sept. 30, 2003. Regular Museum admission. 3500 Shamrock Dr., Between Eastway and Sharon Amity. 704-568-1774.

Gaston County Museum of Art & History Carolinas Textile Exhibit- The Ties That Bind. Interactive displays, engaging scale models, authentic artifacts and photos detail how the textile industry transformed the economy, technology and communities of the new south. Tue.-Sun. 131 W. Main St., Dallas. 704-852-6025.

Levine Museum of the New South Americanos: Latino Life in the United States. An exhibition presenting an intimate portrait of the Latino community through the work of 30 prize-winning photographers. The museum will also feature oral histories and artifacts from the Charlotte-area Latino community. Continues through Jan. 20. Cotton Fields to Sky Scrapers. The nation's most comprehensive museum interpretation of post-Civil War southern history. Tue.-Sun. Pen and Ink Politics: Thomas Nast's Reconstruction-era Cartoons and African American Equality. Learn about the rise of the political cartoon in America through some of the earliest ones by Thomas Nast. Dec. 24-Sept. 29. 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887.

Mint Museum of Art Celebrating the Legacy of Romare Bearden. A juried exhibition co-sponsored with McColl Center for Visual Art. North and South Carolina artists' works were selected by David C. Driskell and reflect the inspiration of Romare Bearden. The exhibition is in two parts: one half at the Mint Museum of Art and one half at Spirit Square. Continues through Feb. 23, 2003. Colonial Williamsburg Collection. Since the 1930's Colonial Williamsburg has amassed the nation's largest collection of Southern furniture. Fifty-two examples of the cabinetmaker's trade illustrate the cultural diversity of the early South. Continues through Jan. 26. 2730 Randolph Rd. 704-337-2000 or 704-333-MINT.

Mint Museum of Craft & Design Coming of Age. Traces the evolution of the museum's collection (1937 to the present), illustrating the work of some of the 20th and 21st century's craftspeople and designers. Tue.-Sun. Continues through April 6. Currents In Craft. Ongoing exhibit. Tue.-Sun. Point of View: Public and Private Collecting Part I. Point of View demonstrates how materials, techniques and themes guide collectors on their quest to shape meaningful collections. Continues through Feb. 23. Tradition & Change: 19th and 20th Century Craft At The Mint. Ongoing exhibit. Tue.-Sun. 220 N. Tryon St. 704-337-2009.

Museum of York County All About Cats. This exhibit features many of the world's cats including the well-known lion, tiger, jaguar, panther, and leopard, as well as the lesser known species. Continues through Sept. 14, 2003. An Historical Look at Visual Communication: Illustrators of the 20th Century. Visitors can view over 50 works from past and current members of the Society of Illustrators. Continues through Jan. 3. Gatherin' Together: Scotch-Irish Lifeways in the Carolina Piedmont. Explore the origins of customs, traditions and lifeways of the Scotch-Irish through their language, music, folklore, religion, politics, industry, and decorative arts. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Feb. 2. Illustrator Vernon Grant: A Century of American Whimsy. This exhibit examines Grant's career that spanned seven decades. He produced gnomes, caricatures and nursery rhyme renderings, while his advertising icons sold a multitude of products. Continues through Oct. 5, 2003. The Nick of Time: New Classics from Old. This exhibit will present a new Christmas line produced by Department 56 and the original Vernon Grant illustrations from which it was based. Continues through Jan. 5. 4621 Mount Gallant Rd., Rock Hill. 803-329-2121.

North Carolina Museum of History Flashback to the 60s. A collection of memorablila that significantly defines a period of profound social and cultural change in America. Continues through Sept. 28, 2003. 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-715-0200.

Spoken Word

Club Myxx Organik Funk. Hip-Hop, Spoken Word open mic. Featured artists and the hip-hop/neo-soul sounds of DJ Fuzz. Sundays, 9 p.m. $3 members, $5 non-members. 3110 S. Tryon St. 704-623-0058.

Jackson's Java Poetry Open Mic. Hosted by Jonathan Rice. Thu., Jan. 9, 8 p.m. 8544 University City Blvd. 704-595-9526.

Swing 1000 Rhythm Theory Tuesdays. Enjoy open mic poetry, music, and dancing. Doors open at 6pm. Poetry begins at 7:30pm. Tuesdays. Free before 7:15pm. 1000 Central Ave. 704-334-4443.

Theater: Openings

Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida A musical love story that explores the romantic triangle between Aida, a Nubian princess stolen from her country, Amneris, and Egyptian princess, an Radames, the soldier they both love. Jan. 14-16, 8 p.m.; Jan. 17, 8:15 p.m.; Jan. 18, 2 p.m. & 8:15 p.m.; Jan. 19, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. $20-$61. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000.

Let Me Sing- A Musical Evolution Featuring more than 30 classic songs such as Alexander's Rag Time band, Looking for the Silver Lining and A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody. The show not only traces the history of the art form but also explores how it defined the American character and spirit. Jan. 11, 8 p.m.; Jan. 12, 2 p.m.; Jan. 14-16, 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 17-18, 8 p.m.; Jan. 19, 2 p.m.; Jan. 22-23, 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 24-25, 8 p.m.; Jan. 26, 2 p.m.; Jan. 29-30, 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 8 p.m.; Feb. 2, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 5-6, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 7-8, 8 p.m.; Feb. 9, 2 p.m. $27.25-$31.25. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-348-5800.

Visual Arts: Openings

Afro-American Cultural Center Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Exhibit. The exhibit features the winners of Charlotte-Mecklenburg School's Dr. ML King Art and Essay Contest. The works commemorate the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King. Jan. 1-31. 401 N. Myers St. 704-374-1565.

Art 1 Gallery Carolina Lens Art. An open show and competition. All photographers are welcome to submit work. Entries accepted Jan 3-5 at Art 1 Gallery. The show will run Jan. 9- Feb. 21. Entry fees are $10 for members, $20 for non-members. 170 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia. 704-854-8800.

Art Institute of Charlotte Gallery Illustrations by Doug Clarke. An opening reception will be held on Jan. 16 from 5:30-7pm. January, 2003. 2110 Water Ridge Parkway. 704-357-8020.

Charlotte Art League Earth Works- The Four Seasons. A show featuring landscapes in a variety of media by Charlotte Art League members. Artists' reception will be from 6-9pm on Jan. 3 during the First Friday Gallery Crawl. Jan. 3-25. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.

ElderArt Gallery Four Shadow Plus One. A sneak preview of four artists who have recently joined the gallery's roster: Leonel Matheu, Gina Gilmour, Karen Roberson Powell, Jill Jones and Tom Perkinson. An opening reception will be held on Jan. 3 from 6-9pm. Jan. 3-Feb. 22. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337.

Gaston County Public Library Artworks by Lovick. Original two-dimensional artworks by Lovick Lewis. Jan. 2-31. Winter Baskets. Decorative winter baskets on loan from Kim Simmons. For information about other current or upcoming library exhibits, please contact your local Gaston County Public Library location, or call Program Coordinator Carol Reinhardt. Jan. 2-31. 1555 East Garrison Blvd, Gastonia. 704-868-2167.

Hodges Taylor Gallery Robert Marsh. Print Show, curated by June Lambla. Marsh will share his works on paper, using vibrant oil pastels in energetic strokes. A reception will be held on Jan. 3. Jan. 3-March 1. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.

Jerald Melberg Gallery Ernesto Berra, Helen Shirk and Beverly Shipko. Berra's collages often resemble abstract landscapes and include everyday objects such as wires, sticks and nails. Shirk's copper vessels reflect her interest in brilliantly colored and textured organic forms. Shipko's painted canvases feature cakes, cookies and chocolate. Jan. 10-Feb. 15. 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-3000.

Microcosm Gallery Passion of My Life. Exhibition of paintings by Wiesia Kot. Jan. 7-March 8. 300 N. College St. #101. 704-641-4256.

Myersart Gallery Teapot Show. This special show features teapots by several of the gallery's 40 local and regional artists. During the first Friday gallery crawl on Jan. 3, artists, staff and patrons will be dressed as their favorite characters from Alice in Wonderland. Visitors to South End's arts district are encouraged to arrive in costume. There will be appetizers and live music. The show will run throughout January. 1510 Camden Road. 704-790-2529.

Noel Gallery Benny Andrews. The exhibit tells Andrews' rich stories through paintings, drawings and fine art graphics. Jan. 3-Feb. 28. Transamerica Square, 401 N. Tryon St. 704-343-0050.

Pope's Gallery Cher Cosper. Landscapes from far away places [Myers Park Gallery]. January. Dorothy Shoemaker. Romantic landscapes and still lifes in oil [Arboretum Gallery]. January. 8016-900 Providence Rd. and 1035 Providence Rd. 704-541-3199 or 704-342-1774.

South County Regional Library From the Library of Congress: The African American Mosaic. This exhibit surveys the African-American experience beginning with slavery and ending with the first days of the Civil Rights Movement. Jan. 1-April 15. 5801 Rea Rd. 704-341-1176.

Visual Arts: Ongoing

Afro-American Cultural Center From Rags to Rap. This multimedia exhibit will attempt to address cultural nuances in the early 20th century when ragtime was a strong musical influence. This exhibit will trace the music's evolution to the components of hip-hop culture through an art form known as grafitti. Continues through March 2. 401 N. Myers St. 704-374-1565.

Art 1 Gallery Natural Roots. Photography exhibit by Eustace Conway of Deep Gap, NC held in conjunction with the 5th Annual Carolina Lens Art competition and exhibition by local and regional photographers. Continues through Feb. 21. 170 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia. 704-854-8800.

Beatties Ford Road Library Modern Art by Danny Williams. Williams creates sculptured art pieces using paper, wire, metal and cloth. A native Charlottean, his works have been exhibited locally for several years. Continues through Jan. 31. 2412 Beatties Ford Rd. 704-432-6706.

Charlotte Public Library (Main Library) Celebrating 75 years of Theatre Charlotte. The exhibit features programs, cast photos and other memorabilia from three-quarters of a century of theatrical productions. Carolina Room, third floor. Continues through Jan. 5. Block Party: Original Art from "What Do Animals Do On The Weekend?" An exhibit of original artwork from NFP's first children's book by writer and illustrator, Lauren Faulkenberry. Carnegie Gallery, third floor. Continues through Jan. 5. 310 N. Tryon St. 704-336-2020.

Gallery L Apron Strings: Ties to the Past. Featuring 100 vintage and contemporary examples, this exhibit reviews the apron's role as an emotionally charged vehicle for expression with a rich and varied craft history that is still viable today. Continues through Jan. 19. 310 N. Tryon St. 704-336-2020.

Gallery W.D.O. December. Featuring John Goodheart's recent ceramics, Joel Urruty's wood sculpture and Object of Desire: Toys for the Adult Collector. Continues through Jan. 18. Hearst Plaza Suite No. 1, 214 North Tryon St. 704-333-9123.

Hodges Taylor Gallery Photography by Elizabeth Matheson. Continues through Feb. 1. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.

Jeanne Rauch Gallery, Gaston College Paul Martyka & Reed Elliott. Acrylic paintings and drawings. Continues through Jan. 24. Rauch Science and Fine Arts Bldg., Dallas Campus, 201 Highway 321 South, Gastonia. 704-922-6215.

Jerald Melberg Gallery Wolf Kahn at Seventy-Five. In honor of the artist's 75th birthday, the gallery will feature a solo exhibition of both oil and pastel paintings by Wolf Kahn. Continues through Jan. 4. 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-3000.

The Light Factory Byron Baldwin: The First Thirty Years, Simmons Jones: The New York Years. Continues through Jan. 18. 809 W. Hill St. 704-333-9755.