Arts Agenda 

Abbey Chorus Spring Concert Featuring a variety of works from around the world. Sat., April 26, 8 p.m. Free. Belmont Abbey Basilica, 100 Belmont-Mount Holly Rd., Belmont. 704-825-6890.

Brahms' Double Concerto Guest conductor Grant Llewellyn leads the Charlotte Symphony as they welcome two soloists, Julian Rachlin and Han-Na Chang. May 2-3, 8 p.m. $12-$60. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

Chamber Music at St. Peter's The 7th season of First Tuesday concerts concludes w/ music by Brahms. Party at Hodges Taylor Gallery following the evening performance. Tue., May 6, 12:10 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. Free. St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 115 W. 7th St. 704-332-7746.

Chancel Choir Concert Presenting a concert of the Mozart Requiem, accompanied by members of the Charlotte Symphony. Sun., May 4, 7 p.m. Free. Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Rd. 704-366-7442.

Concert on the Green The first show of the season features the Davidson College jazz ensemble and a variety of vocal groups from the college. Sun., April 27, 6-8 p.m. Free. Davidson Town Green.

Ensemble Series: Winthrop Chorale Presenting a concert of choral works under the direction of Dr. Katherine Kinsey. Byrnes Auditorium. Thu., April 24, 8 p.m. Free. Winthrop University, Rock Hill. 803-323-2399.

Ensemble Series: Winthrop/ Olde English Wind Ensemble Students and area band directors will present a concert of instrumental selection. Byrnes Auditorium. Mon., April 28, 8 p.m. Free. Winthrop University, Rock Hill. 803-323-2399.

Hymn Festival The program will consist of hymns old and new from several centuries of church hymnody. Sun., April 27, 3 p.m. Free. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 501 Pine St., Fort Mill. 803-547-5968.

Intimate Jazz Sessions Featuring performances by Diane Shuur and Special EFX w/ Chieli Minucci. Belk Theater. Sun., May 4. $45-$100. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-348-5800.

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.

Marina Alexandra The classical guitarist will perform a solo concert at Wingate University School of Music. Fri., April 25. Free. Wingate University. 704-233-8117.

Queens Community Orchestra A variety of classical pieces will be performed. Mon., April 28, 8 p.m. Free. Dana Auditorium, Queens University. 704-531-8095.

Season Finale A performance by the Charlotte Civic Orchestra. Sun., April 27, 3 p.m. Adults $8; seniors/students $6; families $17 (up to 2 adults + children). First United Methodist Church, 501 N. Tryon St. 704-344-0098.

Sister Cities Musical Collaboration- Saxemble Presented by the Friends of Music at Queens University. Sat., April 26, 8 p.m. $20 general admission; students through college age admitted at no charge. Dana Auditorium, Queens University.

University Chorale & Chamber Singers Presented by the Department of Music at UNCC. Fri., April 25, 7:30 p.m. Free. University City United Methodist Church, 6100 W. Sugar Creek Road.

Vocal Variety Presented by the Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra. Featuring Jeffrey Price, tenor & Stephen King, baritone. Sat., April 26, 8 p.m. $20. Calvary Church, 5801 Pineville-Matthews Rd. 704-846-2788.

Wingate University Dedicatory Recital Featuring Daria Robotkina. April 27, 3 p.m.; April 28, 7:30 p.m. Free. George A. Batte Jr. Fine Arts Center, Wingate University. 704-233-8300.

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. April 25-26. Mike Mesmer "Eyes". May 7-10. 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.

Southend Performing Arts Center Late Night Improv. Co-produced by Extreme Improv and Bare Bones Theater. Featuring the Desperate for Attention Players. Saturdays, 11 p.m. $5 at the door. 201 Rampart St. 704-332-5300.

Dance

American Repertory Ballet The program, which includes two major works, begins at 8 pm. Fri., April 25. $10-$30. Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2135.

Dance Break Free lunchtime performances given by North Carolina Dance Theatre 2. Box lunches from Something Classic will be available. April 28-30, 12:15-1 p.m. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.

Don Quixote The ballet w/ original Russian choreography from 1850. Presented by Northwest School of the Arts Ballet Department. April 24-25, 7:30 p.m. $5. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-517-3806.

Don Quixote A ballet version of Cervante's masterpiece. May 2-3, 8 p.m.; May 4, 2:30 p.m. $10 adults; $8 students/seniors. Gaston Dance Theatre, 201 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia. 704-865-5943.

Expressions Presented by the AACC's Teen Dance Ensemble. A showcase of modern and jazz performances. April 25-26, 8 p.m.; April 27, 4 p.m. $5. Afro-American Cultural Center, 401 N. Myers St. 704-374-1565.

Winthrop Choreography Showcase Dance pieces choreographed by senior students. Dance styles include hip-hop, jazz, modern, ballet & more. April 23-26, 8 p.m. $3 w/ Winthrop ID, $7 general admission. Winthrop University, Rock Hill. 803-323-2399.

Museums

Charlotte Museum of History/Hezekiah Alexander Homesite & American Freedom Bell Expressions from the Palette. The Guild of Charlotte Artists Spring Show. Continues through June 8. Highways & Byways of Our State. Continues through June. Soldier's Stories: War in the First Person. Continues through Sept. 30, 2004. 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. Tue.-Sun. 131 W. Main St., Dallas. 704-852-6025.

Levine Museum of the New South Cotton Fields to Sky Scrapers. Tue.-Sun. New South, Old South, Somewhere in Between. Continues through Aug. 7. Pen and Ink Politics: Thomas Nast's Reconstruction-era Cartoons and African American Equality. Continues through Sept. 29. Toys Through Time. A one-day exhibit of toy inventions from AG students in selected Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools. Thu., April 24. 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887.

Mint Museum of Art Burlon Craig and His Legacy. Continues through Oct. 19. Distant Vistas: Images of Europe from the Mint Museum of Art Collection. Continues through June 1. Edward Hopper: The Paris Years. Continues through June 1. 2730 Randolph Rd. 704-337-2000 or 704-333-MINT.

Mint Museum of Craft & Design Currents In Craft. Ongoing exhibit. Tue.-Sun. Point of View: Public and Private Collecting Part II. Continues through July 27. 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. Continues through Sept. 14, 2003. Illustrator Vernon Grant: A Century of American Whimsy. Continues through Oct. 5, 2003. Virtue Leads and Grace Reveals: Embroideries and Education in Antebellum South Carolina. Continues through July 20. 4621 Mount Gallant Rd., Rock Hill. 803-329-2121.

North Carolina Museum of History Flashback to the 60s. Continues through Sept. 28, 2003. 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-715-0200.

Weatherspoon Art Museum Georgia O'Keeffe from Southern Collections. Continues through Apr. 27. MFA 2003: The Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition. May 4-June 1. Seeing & Believing: The Art of Nancy Burson. Continues through May 4. Spring Garden & Tate Streets, Greensboro.

Spoken Word

Charlotte Public Library (Main Library) Poetry Alive!. The performance troupe from Asheville will present 2 family shows that help inspire an understanding and appreciation of poems. Held in the Francis Auditorium. Sat., April 26, 10 a.m. & 3 p.m. Free. 310 N. Tryon St. 704-336-2980.

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 Jonathan Rice. Poetry open mic. Fri., May 2, 7:30 p.m. 2102 South Blvd. 704-595-9526.

Theater: Openings

Butterflies are Free A blind man struggles to free himself from his mother's controlling ways. Held in the Rowe Arts Building's Studio Theater. April 30-May 3, 8 p.m. Free. UNC-Charlotte. 704-458-4662.

Carmen Starring Metropolitan Opera star Vivian Livengood, a North Carolina native. Sung in French w/ projected English titles. Performed in the Belk Theater. April 24, 8 p.m.; April 26, 8 p.m.; April 27, 2 p.m. $15-$78. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000.

Don't Dress For Dinner A farce by Marc Camoletti. May 1-18. All Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows at 8pm. All Sunday matinee shows at 3pm. $15 adults, $12 students. Southend Performing Arts Center, 201 Rampart St. 704-332-5300.

Everday Use A one-woman play based on a short story by Alice Walker. Produced by the Touring Theatre Ensemble of North Carolina. Thu., May 1, 7 p.m. Free. Gaston County Public Library, 1555 East Garrison Blvd, Gastonia. 704-868-2167.

The Foreigner by Larry Shue, $12 adult $8 children under 12. May 1-3, 8pm; May 4, 2:30pm; May 8-10, 8pm. Old Courthouse Theatre, 49 Spring Street, NW, Concord. 704-788-2405.

Man of La Mancha A musical based on Cevantes' Don Quixote. May 1-3, 8-11 & 15-18. Thursday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 2:30pm. $15-$20. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. 704-376-3777.

A Pocketful of Miracles The national award-winning Merry Pranksters present an adaptation of Frank Capra's classic comedy. Performed in Johnson Hall. May 2-3, 7:30 p.m.; May 4, 2 p.m. $10-$15. Winthrop University, Rock Hill. 704-329-5620.

Same Time Next Year Presented by Inner Voices and Victory Pictures. April 24-27, 8 p.m.; May 1-3, 8 p.m. $15. Central Avenue Studio Theatre (CAST), 1118 Clement Ave. 704-502-8423.

Spring Student Production Series written, produced, acted, and directed by the Studio Perfromance class. $3 general admission at Black Box Theatre. April 30, 7:30 p.m.; May 1, 7:30 p.m. Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2135.

Ten Little Indians A murder mystery by Agatha Christie. Presented by CPCC Theatre. April 25-26, 8 p.m.; May 2-3, 8 p.m.; May 4, 2:30 p.m. $12. Pease Auditorium, 1200 Elizabeth Ave.

Theater: Ongoing

The Comedy of Errors A slapstick comedy by William Shakespeare. Presented outdoors under a canopy in the Rowe courtyard. April 23-26, 6 p.m.; April 27, 4 p.m. $5 students, $6 faculty, $10 general admission. UNC-Charlotte. 704-687-2599.

Jesus Christ Superstar The musical masterpiece from the writing team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. April 22-24, 8 p.m.; April 25, 8:15 p.m.; April 26, 2 p.m. & 8:15 p.m.; April 27, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. $20-$58. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-552-6500.

Visual Arts: Openings

Charlotte Art League Spring Into Art. Juried competition. Reception and awards presentation on May 2 from 6-9pm. April 23-May 31. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.

Christa Faut Gallery Locust Grove. By John Borden Evans. Solo exhibition of paintings. Opening reception: May 9, 6:30-8:30pm. May 1-31. 19818 N. Cove Rd., Cornelius. 704-892-5312.

Hart-Witzen Gallery Phoenix Elevation. A national selection of modern art. May 2-3, 7 p.m. $5 student; $12 advance, $15 door. 611 W. 5th St. 704-334-1177.

Hodges Taylor Gallery Kevin Kennedy & Robert Stuart. Reception: May 2, 6-8pm. May 2-June 28. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.

Ivan Allen Workspace Art Show. Southend Gallery Crawl. Fri., May 2, 6-9 p.m. 1426 South Tryon St. 704-373-2250 ext. 7313.

Jeanne Rauch Gallery, Gaston College Lambeth W. Marshall. Ceramic. May 7-June 20. Rauch Science and Fine Arts Bldg., Dallas Campus, 201 Highway 321 South, Gastonia.

The Light Factory Stillwater: William Wylie; Reflections: Donna Foster. Reception: May 2, 6-9pm. May 2-June 14. Spirit Square, Knight Gallery, 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755.

McColl Center for Visual Art tikkun olam. Sculptures by Roy Strassberg from his Holocaust Bone Series. Reception: Apr. 25, 6-8pm. April 25-May 24. Free to members; $5 non-members. 721 N. Tryon St. 704-332-5535.

McGregor Downs Gallery Boris Tomic. Charlotte sculptor, artist and designer. Reception: May 2, 4-9pm. May 2-31. 10801 Johnston Rd., Suite 219. 704-333-6699.

Pope's Gallery Hale Trotter. Plein-air works of restful places. Continues through May 31. 1035 Providence Rd. 704-342-1774.

Sanctuary Art Studio & Galleries Chaos Troubadour. Featuring paintings and photography by local and national artists. May 2-June 30. 3440 North Davidson St. 704-877-2692.

W.D.O. Peter Petrochko, Alex Bernstein & Greg Fidler. WDO's first major glass show in its Hearst Plaza location. Reception: May 2, 6-8pm. May 2-31. Hearst Plaza Suite No. 1, 214 North Tryon St. 704-333-9123.

Winthrop University Ripe. A Visual Communication Exhibition. Featuring a lecture by David Carson. Thu., April 24, 6 p.m. $5 students; $15 general admission in advance; $10-$20 at the door. Rock Hill. 803-323-2399.

Visual Arts: Ongoing

Afro-American Cultural Center Bridging Cultures: From Africa to Latin America. Annual Juried Exhibition. Over 30 original pieces of work from 14 local, regional and national artists. April 22-June 29. 401 N. Myers St. 704-374-1565.

Art 1 Gallery A John Biggers Tribute. Featuring David Wilson. Continues through May 23. 170 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia. 704-854-8800.

Art Institute of Charlotte Gallery The Travelogue Series. Photographs from Greece and Israel by David Neff. Continues through Apr. 30. 2110 Water Ridge Parkway. 704-357-8020.

Bank of America Gallery Art of the Southwest & Native American Cultures. Continues through June 21. Hearst Tower, 114 N. Tryon St. 704-386-7324.

Bank of America Plaza Maker versus Material. A two-location exhibit. Also on display at the First Citizens Building, 128 S. Tryon St. Continues through Nov. 21. 101 South Tryon Street. 704-373-1464.

Beatties Ford Road Library Images of the Past: Rural Roots of Nellie Ashford. Continues through May 31. 2412 Beatties Ford Rd. 704-432-6706.

Center of the Earth Gallery March/April Exhibition. New paintings by Elizabeth Marin and new wall-mounted sculpture by J. Paul Sires. Continues through April 30. 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. Continues through May 17. Franklin Avenue House Series. Architectural photos from Carl Bergman. On display through May 4. 310 N. Tryon St. 704-336-2020.

Christa Faut Gallery Connections. Oil paintings by North Carolina artist Maggie Stewart. Continues through Apr. 30. 19818 N. Cove Rd., Cornelius. 704-892-5312.

City Hall Rotunda Gallery Works by Bobbie Ruth Reeves. Continues through Apr. 30. 155 Johnston St., Rock Hill. 803-329-7000.

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.

Cuvee Wine & Art Gallery Duy Huynh. Continues through May 17. 710 West Trade St. 704-332-5548.

ElderArt Gallery Jon Nelson. South Carolina low country landscapes. Continues through May 23. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337.

The Evening Muse Aaron Tucker. Paintings. Continues through mid-May. 3227 N. Davidson St. 704-376-3737.

Galatique Classical Realist James Daniel III. Prints, still lifes & portraits. Continues through Apr. 26. 26 North Main St., Belmont. 704-608-1868.

Hidell Brooks Gallery Christopher Terry: Remembered Interiors. Continues through April 26. 1910 S. Blvd. Suite 130. 704-334-7302.

Hodges Taylor Gallery Tom Stanley and Thomas Sayre. Continues through Apr. 26. Byron Baldwin. New images from Cuba. Continues through May 30. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.

Jerald Melberg Gallery Brian Rutenberg & Milton Bloch. Continues through May 10. 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-3000.

Joie Lassiter Gallery The Gardener's Diary Annexed. Joan Bankemper. In this one woman show, she steps out of the garden into a conservatory showing vases, ferns and pedestal. Continues through the end of May. 318 E 9th. 704-373-1464.

Lesbian & Gay Community Center Eldred Hudson. Mixed media works. Continues through May 10. 1401 Central Ave. 704-333-0144.

McGregor Downs Gallery Various Artists. Featuring works by Elaine Rockey and Guillaume Azoulay. Continues through April 30. Leslie von Pongracz. Continues through Apr. 30. 10801 Johnston Rd., Suite 219. 704-333-6699.

Microcosm Gallery Myths & Mortals. Exhibition of paintings by Justin Rivenbark. Continues through May 8. 300 N. College St. #101. 704-641-4256.

Myersart Gallery Fire Dinnerware Sets. Featuring works by Amy Hunt, Kim Frazier, Kim Chapman, Sandra Delonis, Linda Dalton and John and Jan Myers. April. 1510 Camden Road. 704-790-2529.

NBC-6 Stefan Duncan. Impressionistic paintings. Continues through May 31. Billy Graham Pkwy.

Noel Gallery Arthur Gonzalez 1983-2003: Twenty Years Twenty Questions. Continues through Apr. 29. Transamerica Square, 401 N. Tryon St. 704-343-0050.

Pope's Gallery Louise Pinto. Still lifes and landscapes in oil. April. 1035 Providence Rd. 704-342-1774.

Shain Fine Art Originals Josh Grant & Sharon Obee. Continues through May. 601-B Providence Rd. 704-334-7744.

Stewart's Village Gallery American Crafts. Featuring pottery by Bill Stewart, Sylvia Coppola, Lambeth Marshall & Bill Campbell. Daily. 116 McDonald St., Waxhaw. 704-843-5638.

W.D.O. The Nature of Things/ Things of Nature. Featuring works in various media by Fong Choo, Ed Bing Lee, Valerie Mitchell, Jim Sams, Ken Sedberry, Ron Slagle and Jacques Vesery. Continues through Apr. 26. Hearst Plaza Suite No. 1, 214 North Tryon St. 704-333-9123.

Winthrop University Galleries 15th Annual Undergraduate Juried Exhibition. Rutledge Gallery. Continues through June 30. 107 McLaurin, Rock Hill. 803-323-2493.