Arts Agenda 

Allan Rosenfeld This Charlotte Symphony clarinetist will present a series of solo recitals featuring the clarinet and bass clarinet. Concerts, all starting at 8pm, will be Jan. 15 at Dana Auditorium, Queens University; Jan. 19 at Tyler-Tallman Hall, Davidson College; and Jan. 22 at the Recital Hall, Winthrop University. Jan. 15, 19 & 22. Free. 704-568-1095.

Chanticleer Grammy Award-winning Chanticleer has developed a reputation for its vivid interpretations of vocal literature. Presented in Belk Theater by the Carolinas Concert Association. Tue., Jan. 21, 8 p.m. $25-$85. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-527-6680.

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.

Daybreak of Freedom The 6th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Concert. One of Charlotte's signature King Day celebrations, Daybreak of Freedom is a concert highlighting the civil rights struggle and the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. Presented by the Charlotte Symphony and held in Belk Theater. Mon., Jan. 20, 7 p.m. $5-$27. 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.

Nordic Choir The choir will perform a varied program of both sacred and secular pieces. The concert will include works by Bach, Poulenc, Hovland, Gretchaninoff and Mendelssohn among others. Wed., Jan. 22, 7 p.m. $12. Myers Park Baptist Church. 704-334-7232.

Providence Recital Series The chamber music concert features Beethoven's Septet in Eb Major, Op. 20 with Paul Huppert, violin; Suzanne Lefevre, viola; Dru De Van, clarinet; Lori Tiberio, bassoon; Frank Portone, horn; Matthew Lavin, cello and Jeff Ferdon, double bass. Sun., Jan. 19, 7 p.m. Free. Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Rd. 704-366-7442.

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. 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. Scott Angrave w/ Mike Speanburg. Jan. 8-11. The Comedy Magic of Great Scott. Wed., Jan. 15. Akintundae & BC. Jan. 22-25. 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.

A Winter Festival of Dance A showcase event. The GDT dance company will be joined by civic dance companies from across the state as they perform original works of choreography in a variety of dance styles. Sat., Jan. 18, 7 p.m. $10 adults, $8 students/seniors. Gaston Dance Theatre, 201 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia. 704-865-5943.

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. Continues through 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. 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. 4621 Mount Gallant Rd., Rock Hill. 803-329-2121.

North Carolina Museum of History Flashback to the 60's. 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, an Egyptian princess, and 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.

House of Yes Artistic director Glenn Griffin takes on this warped comedy about Jackie O impersonation, love and twisted family values. Jan. 16-18, 8 p.m.; Jan. 22-25, 8 p.m. $12 students, $15 adults. Jan. 22 is Pay What You Can Night. Off-Tryon Theatre, 3143 Cullman Ave. 704-375-2826.

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.

Tosca An opera by Giacomo Puccini. Performed as part of the 2002-03 CPCC Opera Theatre season. Jan. 17-18, 8 p.m.; Jan. 19, 2:30 p.m. Pease Auditorium, 1200 Elizabeth Ave. 704-330-6534.

A Tribute to Lewis Grizzard Oberst brings back to life Lewis Grizzard's show full of humor and bittersweet stories of yesteryear. Grizzard, a native to Georgia, was a storyteller, comedian, syndicated columnist and best-selling author. Sat., Jan. 18, 8 p.m. $12 CHC members, $15 general admission. McCelvey Center, York, 212 E. Jefferson St., York. 803-684-3948 ext. 21.

The Trouble Begins at 8:00- An Evening with Mark Twain Charlotte actor Roger Durrett portrays the celebrated writer for his 27th consecutive year. Jan. 10 & 11. Prices range from $15-$25. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.

Visual Arts: Openings

Center of the Earth Gallery Pleasure Places. Artists slated to participate are Jacob Cooley, Page Laughlin, Ruth Ava Lyons, Elena Madden, Joseph Oddo, Richard Siegel and Gail Wegodsky. These artists explore interior and exterior worlds with varied styles and approaches. The January opening will be Jan. 17 during the Gallery Crawl. Jan. 17-Feb. 28. 3204 N Davidson St. 704-375-5756.

Charlotte Public Library (Main Library) The Eye of the Beholder: Charlotte's Photographers and Their Work 1867-1917. There will be images and biographical information from many photographers of this period, providing a memorable glimpse at the technology of the period and how Charlotteans looked a century ago. Jan. 16-May 17. 310 N. Tryon St.

Hidell Brooks Gallery Diane Bywaters: Land-Sea-Sky. All paintings are of the North Carolina landscape from the coastal marshes to the mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway. A reception will be held on Jan. 10 from 6-8pm. Jan. 10-March 1. 1910 S. Blvd. Suite 130. 704-334-7302.

Jerald Melberg Gallery Ernesto Berra, Helen Shirk and Raul Diaz. 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. Diaz's dream-like paintings create ethereal textured environments. Jan. 11-Feb. 15. 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-3000.

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. 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. Continues through Jan. 31. 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.

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.

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 Art League Earth Works- The Four Seasons. A show featuring landscapes in a variety of media by Charlotte Art League members. Continues through Jan. 25. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.

Crazy Jane's Local Artists. Works by Ellyn Bernstein, Mike Watson and Rod Wriner. Pottery by Ann Hamilton. Mon.-Sat. 1817 Hawkins Street. 704-332-5454.

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. Continues through Feb. 22. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337.

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.

Gaston County Public Library Artworks by Lovick. Original two-dimensional artworks by Lovick Lewis. Continues through Jan. 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. Continues through Jan. 31. 1555 East Garrison Blvd, Gastonia. 704-868-2167.

Hodges Taylor Gallery Photography by Elizabeth Matheson. Continues through Feb. 1. Robert Marsh. Print Show, curated by June Lambla. Marsh will share his works on paper, using vibrant oil pastels in energetic strokes. Continues through March 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.

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.

McColl Center for Visual Art Release. An exhibition of work by Shaun Cassidy, McColl Center for Visual Art Affiliate Artist. Continues through Jan. 11. 721 N. Tryon St. 704-332-5535.

McGregor Downs Gallery Various Artists. Featuring watercolor works by Elaine Rockey. Also featuring etchings and serigraphs by Guillaume Azoulay. Previously unseen in any local gallery are artifacts recovered from the Spanish Galleon Concepcion, sunk in 1641. Visit www.mdgallery.homestead.com for more information. Continues through Jan. 31. 10801 Johnston Rd., Suite 219. 704-333-6699.

Microcosm Gallery Group Exhibition. European and American artists. On view artworks by Agnes Manganelli, Dariusz Orszulik, Irina Ilyina, John Haskins, Kulka, Daniel Sztyber and Stephen Thompson. Continues through January, 2003. Passion of My Life. Exhibition of paintings by Wiesia Kot. Jan. 7-March 8. 300 N. College St. #101. 704-641-4256.

Myers art Gallery Teapot Show. This special show features teapots by several of the gallery's 40 local and regional artists. Continues through January. 1510 Camden Road. 704-790-2529.

Noel Gallery Benny Andrews. The exhibit tells Andrews' rich stories through paintings, drawings and fine art graphics. Continues through 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.

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 Playing With The Mystery. Paintings by Amy Dobbs and David Ballew. Continues through Jan. 31. 601-B Providence Rd. 704-334-7744.

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. Continues through April 15. 5801 Rea Rd. 704-341-1176.

Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art Yoko Ono: En Trance. Yoko Ono will present the large, room-like minimalist sculpture En Trance in SECCA's Potter Gallery. En Trance is an interactive work that allows the audience to investigate its numerous openings. Continues through Jan. 12. 750 Marguerite Dr., Winston-Salem. 336-725-1904.

Winthrop University Galleries Art and Design Faculty Exhibition Three. This year's exhibition includes the works of Jim Connell, the team of Mark Guilbeau and Rian Kerrane, David Stokes and Jerry Walden. Located in the Rutledge and Elizabeth Dunlap Patrick Galleries of the historic Rutledge Building. Continues through Jan. 26. 107 McLaurin, Rock Hill. 803-323-2493.