Charlotte Symphony's Mostly Mozart & Neighborhood Concert This intimate, informal concert on Feb. 14 encompasses four centuries of time-honored works for chamber orchestra. Held in the Duke Family Performance Hall at Davidson College. A second performance will be held on Feb. 15 at First Baptist Church, 301 S. Davidson St. Both performances will begin at 8pm. $10 general admission, $5 students. 704-972-2000.
Der Freischutz: Opera-In-Concert This full-length performance with English supertitles features soprano Ute Selbig who headlines a cast supported by the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte. Feb. 7-8, 8 p.m. $12-$60. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.
High Seas to High Shoals: Theme & Variations on the Life of Charles Wilkes Composer Jerre Tanner's original composition for the Gaston Symphonic Band will premiere at the Pamela Kimbrell Warlick Performing Arts Center. Presented by Continental Harmony. Sat., Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m. $15 general admission, $8 Gaston County Museum members. Gaston Day School, Gastonia. 704-866-6902.
Jacques Thibaud String Trio Featuring Eugene Barban, piano. The trio has performed throughout Europe, Japan and the US. A Chamber Series event co-sponsored by Winthrop University. Tue., Feb. 11, 8 p.m. $15 adults/seniors, $5 students. Barnes Recital Hall, Winthrop U, Rock Hill. 803-323-2108.
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, Morrocroft, 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-6261.
The Joy of Singing Visiting artist Jennifer Stephens, mezzo-soprano, will perform the famous song from Carmen, works by Sondheim and a bit of pop as she presents this concert at Belmont Abbey Basilica. Mon., Feb. 17, 8 p.m. Free. Belmont Abbey College, 100 Belmont-Mount Holly Rd., Belmont. 704-334-3468.
Lunchtime Concert Several Davidson College musicians will present a free lunchtime concert featuring Quartet in C Minor, Op. 60 by Johannes Brahms. Held in Tyler-Tallman Hall. Tue., Feb. 11, 12:30 p.m. Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2357.
New on the Horizon Eleven year-old virtuoso pianist Ji-Yong will perform Mozart's first concerto written in a minor key, the masterful Concerto No. 20 in D Minor. Other concert selections include Disney themes, selections from the Jurassic Park score and a medley from Evita. Sat., Feb. 15, 8 p.m. $20. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-372-3600.
NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC America's oldest and most revered orchestra will be directed by Lorin Maazel. Presented by the Carolinas Concert Association. Sun., Feb. 9, 3 p.m. $35-$85. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-527-6680.
Providence Recital Series Selections include music by Rheinberger, Washburn, Stravinsky and Astor Piazzola's Grand Tango. Sun., Feb. 16, 7 p.m. Free. Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Rd. 704-333-9536.
Queen City Brass Band The event will feature three suites arranged specifically for the brass band format. The first is a collection of dances by Tylman Susato and the second is a suite composed on Canadian folk songs arranged in 1968 by Morley Calvert. The third is the well-known "First Suite in E-flat" by Gustav Holst, arranged by Sydney Herbert. Mon., Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m. Free. Rowe Recital Hall, UNCC. 704-687-4469.
Rufus Hallmark The musicologist will give a recital and lecture about Robert Schumann's "Frauenliebe und Leben" in Tyler-Tallman Hall. Reservations are recommended. Wed., Feb. 5, 8 p.m. Free. Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2357.
Shashank Flute Concert An Indian classical flute concert. Presented by the Classical Music Association of Charlotte. Sat., Feb. 15, 3-6 p.m. Sloan Music Center, Davidson College, Davidson. 704-814-9355.
South Charlotte Community Band Concert A concert of traditional band music including marches, light classics and movie themes. Sat., Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m. Free. Matthews United Methodist Church, 801 S. Tryon St. 704-364-5701.
Comedy
Bayou Kitchen Extreme Improv. Live improvised comedy created from your suggestions. Visit www.extremeimprov.com for more information. Call for reservations. Saturdays, 8 p.m. $5. 1958 E 7th St. 1-800-467-7681.
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. Brad Sherwood, star of TV's "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" and the "Drew Carey" show. Feb. 7-8. 516 N. College St., Wed. & Thurs.- 8pm, Fri. & Sat.- 8pm, 10:15pm. Visit www.thecomedyzone.net. 704-348-4242.
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.
Dance
A Black History Musical Tribute Presented by Strictly Tap Productions. Tap dancers of all ages will perform to the music of some of America's great African American songwriters, musicians and entertainers. Sat., Feb. 8, 2 p.m. Free. Beatties Ford Road Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Rd. 704-432-6706.
Museums
Charlotte Museum of History/Hezekiah Alexander Homesite & American Freedom Bell Michael Porter Trio. Sat., Feb. 8. 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 Cold Sassy Tree Preview. A sneak preview of Opera Carolina's latest production. Meet the composer, Carlisle Ford. Explore the museum's textile mill exhibit and learn more about the setting for this new opera based on the book by Olive Ann Burns. Wed., Feb. 19, 7 p.m. Free. Cotton Fields to Sky Scrapers. The nation's most comprehensive museum interpretation of post-Civil War southern history. Tue.-Sun. GE Presents Freedom: A History of the US. This exhibit traces the evolving principle of freedom from the nation's founding through the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Feb. 18-March 2. 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 Burlon Craig and His Legacy. Saluting one of North Carolina's potting legends. Featured will be Craig's utilitarian churns, milk crocks, birdhouses and monkey jugs first learned under Jim Lynn at the age of 14. Continues through Oct. 19. 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: o0ne half at the Mint Museum of Art and one half at Spirit Square. Continues through Feb. 23, 2003. A Salute to Fashion Legend Bill Blass. A selection of evening dresses, suit ensembles and accessories are on display in the Crist costume gallery. Continues through April 13. 2730 Randolph Rd. 704-337-2000 or 704-333-MINT.
Mint Museum of Craft & Design The Artful Teapot. This exhibition examines the chameleon-like form of the teapot and how it has become an inventive vehicle for artistic expression in the 20th century. Jan. 31- May 30, 2004. 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. 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 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.
Coffee Central Poetry Open Mic Nights. Held every month on the second and fourth Thursdays from 7-10pm. 1509 Central Ave. 704-374-0046.
Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church Creative Currents Coffeehouse: A Celebration of Original Art, Music & Poetry. Featuring artists, poets, writers and musicians from the area. Sat., Feb. 8, 7 p.m. Free, but donations welcome to defray costs. 9704 Mallard Creek Rd. 704-510-0008.
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.
Tea Rex Teahouse Poetry Open Mic with Jonathan Rice. Sat., Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m. 2102 South Blvd. 704-595-9526.
Theater: Openings
4 O'CLOCK THEATRE Featuring several local playwrights including Ann Marie Oliva and Laura Pfizenmayer. Feb. 15 & 16, 4pm. $6. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. 704-334-9128.
Divorce Southern Style This southern comedy set in Charlotte, NC, is about Eleanor, a divorcee of 15 years, who running low on cash, decides to reconcile with her ex-husband Walter. Directed by Roberta Spampinato. This production runs Feb. 7-9 & 14-16. The Fri. & Sat. performances will be at 8pm and Sun. performances will be at 3pm. $7 adults, $5 students (through grade 12) and senior citizens. Clover Middle School Auditorium, 320 Clinton Ave., Clover.
Done to Death Directed by Henry Buckley. Feb. 13-16, 7 p.m.; Feb. 20-22, 7 p.m. $12 adults, $10 students/seniors. Little Theatre of Gastonia, 238 S. Clay St., P.O. Box 302, Gastonia. 704-865-0160.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum A light, fast-paced farce by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart. Co-sponsored by the Department of Music. Performances held in the Johnson Theatre. Feb. 19-22, 8 p.m.; Feb. 23, 2 p.m. $3 w/ Winthrop ID, $7 general admission. Winthrop University, Rock Hill. 803-323-2287.
Little Murders A brutal black comedy about one New York City family's encounters with random and senseless violence. This show contains adult themes. Produced by BareBones Theatre Group and Stage One Productions. Tickets may be reserved by phone or purchased at the door. Feb. 12-15, 8 p.m.; Feb. 16, 3 p.m.; Feb. 19-22, 8 p.m. $15 adults, $12 students/seniors. Southend Performing Arts Center, 201 Rampart St. 704-332-5300.
Master Harold and the Boys John Hartness directs Fugard's classic play about racism and fatherhood in Apartheid-era South Africa. Feb. 19- Pay What You Can Night. Feb. 13-15, 8 p.m.; Feb. 19-22, 8 p.m. $15 adults, $12 students/seniors. Off-Tryon Theatre, 3143 Cullman Ave. 704-375-2826.
Negras Eros This play explores some of the myths and realities surrounding the sexuality and sensuality of black women from a socio-political point of view. Performances are Thurs.- Sat., Feb. 13-22 at 8pm. $12 members, $14 non-members. Afro-American Cultural Center, 401 N. Myers St. 704-374-1565.
Off-Tryon Theater Group Performing "Diaries of Adam & Eve" and "Dialogue for Lovers." Fri., Feb. 7, 8 p.m. Free. Wine Basket, 830 Lamar Ave. 704-333-3465.
Perfect Six Mark Eisman's new comedy compares the quest for perfect scores in the world of professional figure skating to the quest for perfect human relationships. All shows will be in Hodson Hall of the Cunningham Fine Arts Building. Feb. 5-8, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 9, 2 p.m. $4. Davidson College, Davidson. 704-892-8528.
Romeo and Juliet Unlike the traditional rendering, this version moves back and forth between the engaging images and emotions of Shakespeare's original, the last minutes of Juliet's life and a time long past the tragic events. Presented by the Moving Poets Theater of Dance. Feb. 12- 16. Wed.- Sat., 8pm. Sun., 7pm. $15-$24.50. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-348-5800.
State Fair CPCC's production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's musical follows the Frake family as they leave behind the routine of the farm for three days of romance and adventure at the annual Iowa State Fair. Feb. 14-15, 8 p.m.; Feb. 21-22, 8 p.m.; Feb. 23, 2:30 p.m. $12. Pease Auditorium, 1200 Elizabeth Ave. 704-330-6534.
Suburbia This contemporary play is about 3 characters in their early 20s who are faced with conflicts such as alcohol abuse, drug abuse, suicide and dealing with success and failure. Appropriate for ages 18 and older. Performances held in the Johnson Studio Theatre. Feb. 5-8, 8 p.m. $3 w/ Winthrop ID, $7 general admission. Winthrop University, Rock Hill. 803-323-2287.
Twenty Years Ago With a humorous look at school days in the 1970s, the plot focuses on the return of four students to their 20-year class reunion. Reservations required. Presented by NarroWay productions. www.narroway.net. Feb. 14-15. $24.95 for meal and show. The Studio at Regent Park, Fort Mill. 803-802-2300.
Valentine's Dinner Theatre w/ Melissa Walker Dinner will begin at 6pm in LaVerne Banquet Hall with the performance following at 7:30pm in the Hannah Covington McGee Theatre. Walker tours regularly in the US including festivals and such noted New York venues as the Jazz Standard and Birdland. Fri., Feb. 14. $45 for dinner and performance; $25 performance only. Wingate University. 704-233-8300.
Theater: Ongoing
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof The play begins as members of a family celebrate the patriarch's 65th birthday. Sins of the past and greedy hopes of the future surround the event. Written by Tennessee Williams. Feb. 6-8, 8 p.m.; Feb. 9, 2:30 p.m. $15-$20. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. 704-376-3777.
Let Me Sing- A Musical Evolution Featuring more than 30 classic songs such as Alexander's Rag Time band, Look 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. 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.
The Waiting Room A contemporary comedy set in a doctor's waiting room as three women from three different cultures and time periods become acquainted with each other and each other's health issues. Produced by The Actor's Theatre of Charlotte. Show dates and times: Jan. 29- Feb 16 with 7:30pm performances on Wed. & Thurs; 8pm performances on Fri. & Sat; and a matinee performance at 2pm on Feb. 16. $15-$20. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.
Visual Arts: Openings
Charlotte Art League Radiovision 2003. Taking Radio Out of Its Box. A competition open to all artists within the listening area of WFAE. The reception and awards presentation will be Feb. 7 from 7-9pm. This exhibit will run Feb. 7- Feb. 13. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.
CPCC Art Gallery Cities Under One Moon. Works by Raed Al-Rawi and Alex Clark. An exhibition of two artists living in Charlotte, coming from different backgrounds and sharing a similar message in art. A reception will be held on Feb. 27 from 4-6pm. Feb. 10-March 29. P.O. Box 35009. 704-330-6480.
Cuvee Wine & Art Gallery The Encounter Group. Works by Han Cashion, Marilyn Charlat Dix, Marianne Reuss and Terry Thirion. The grand opening will be held on Feb. 7 from 4pm-2am. February. 710 West Trade St. 704-332-5548.
Hart-Witzen Gallery Personal Masterpiece. Featuring new works including 100 artists- visual & performing arts. 8pm-midnight. Feb. 7-8; Feb. 14-15. 611 W. 5th St. 704-334-1177.
Hodges Taylor Gallery Tim Buchman.Photography. A reception will be held on Feb. 7 from 6-8pm. Feb. 7-March 29. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.
Joie Lassiter Gallery Joe Walters. A regional artist from Charleston who works with intricate and complex natural forms. He concentrates on plants and animals as forms shifting between formalism and realism with tea as an organic staining agent. Opening reception: Feb. 7 from 6:30-9:30pm. Feb. 7-28. 318 E 9th. 704-373-1464.
The Light Factory The Space Between & Fragmented Images. Exhibits by Kristina Rogers and Michael Burman (respectively). Bring a photo for Burman and trade it for one of his photos. Opening Feb. 7. Continues through the second week of March. Spirit Square, Knight Gallery, 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755.
McGregor Downs Gallery Gallery Crawl. McGregor Downs Gallery and Anderson Gallery are included in the only gallery crawl in the Ballantyne area. Refreshments served. Fri., Feb. 7, 4-9 p.m. 10801 Johnston Rd., Suite 219. 704-333-6699.
Shain Fine Art Originals A Valentine's Show for Beginning Collectors. Featuring smaller works in a moderate price range that are appropriate for beginners and special Valentine's gifts. Artists include Henry Barnes, Geoffrey Johnson, Connie Winters, Kim Schuessler, William Jameson and Marilyn Simandle. An opening reception will be held Feb. 7 from 6-9pm. Feb. 7-28. 601-B Providence Rd. 704-334-7744.
Winthrop University Galleries Benny Andrews: "The Human Spirit Series" & John Monteith. Andrews' series features oil, collage and sculptural works in the Rutledge Gallery while John Monteith's new paintings, titled "ASL/SC," are in the Elizabeth Dunlap Patrick Gallery. Feb. 7-March 30. 107 McLaurin, Rock Hill. 803-323-2493.
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.
Art Institute of Charlotte Gallery Journey into Fiber Space by Fiber ART Options. The members of Fiber ART Options are Nancy Cook, Robin Hawkins, Peggy Luey, Elizabeth Miller, Teresa Pietras and Beth Stewart-Ozark. A reception will be held on Feb. 13 from 5:30-7pm. Feb. 3-28. 2110 Water Ridge Parkway. 704-357-8020.
Bank of America Gallery Challenging the Picture Plane. Late 20th century American landscapes from the Bank of America Art Collection. Continues through March 8. Hearst Tower, 114 N. Tryon St. 704-386-7324.
Blue Pony Gallery & Press Winter Show. This exhibit features works by five gallery artists: monotypes by Margret Kuehni and Mary Lou Sussman; paintings by Jan Kinslowe; and woodcuts and color etchings by California printmakers David Kelso and Barbara Leventhal-Stern. NoDa gallery crawls, Feb. 7 & 21, 6-9pm. Continues through March 1. 3202A N. Davidson St. 704-334-9390.
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. Continues through Feb. 28. 3204 N Davidson St. 704-375-5756.