Arts Agenda 

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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.