Arts Agenda 

Jazz & Classical Essentials Sunday Brunch Borders will be playing jazz and classical music from their essential catalogs. Coffee and pastry provided. Sundays, 1-3pm. Free. Borders, Morrocroft, 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-6261.

Len Langrick Recital presented by American Guild of Organists. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 101 Colville Rd. Sun., June 8, 7:30pm. Free. 704-333-9071.

Comedy

Bayou Kitchen Extreme Improv. Live improvised comedy created from your suggestions. Visit www.extremeimprov.com for more information. Call for reservations. Saturdays, 8pm. $5. 1958 E 7th St. 1-800-467-7681.

Central Ave Playhouse Psychotic Pooch. Live Sketch Comedy and improv. Material is NC-17, seating is limited. Call for reservations. Fri., Sat., 11pm. $10. 1118 Clement Ave. 704-502-8423.

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. Gary Valentine. Star of the hit TV show "King of Queens." June 6, 8pm. & 10:15pm.; June 7, 8pm. & 10:15pm. $16.50. 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, 11pm. $5 at the door. 201 Rampart St. 704-332-5300.

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. Fourth Ward Twilight Tour. Discover Victorian gems in Charlotte's first official Historic District with historian Dr. Tom Hanchett. One hour tour starts at museum. Reservations required. Fri., June 6, 5:30pm. $4 members $6 (non-members). New South, Old South, Somewhere in Between. Continues through Aug. 7. Pamensky Live!. Insights, advice and practical strategies on how to improve your relationships. Sun., June 8, 6pm. Free. Pen and Ink Politics: Thomas Nast's Reconstruction-era Cartoons and African American Equality. Continues through Sept. 29. The People of Highway 601: Life in the Slow Lane. May 29-June 12. 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887.

Mint Museum of Art Burlon Craig and His Legacy. Continues through Oct. 19. 2730 Randolph Rd. 704-337-2000 or 704-333-MINT.

Mint Museum of Craft & Design Constructing Elozua: A Retrospective. Ceramics, photography, 3-D computer-generated artwork & sculpture. Continues through Aug. 3. 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 Spring Garden & Tate Streets, Greensboro.

Spoken Word

Mert's Heart and Soul Uptown Saturday Nite. Musical performances, spoken word artists, poets and an open mic contest. Every second and last Saturday of the month at 11pm. $7 cover. 214 N. College St. 704-623-0058.

Southend Performing Arts Center BareBones Poetry Project. SPAC will feature regional authors reading selections of their poetry, short stories and performance poetry. Third Tuesday of every month, 8pm. 201 Rampart St. 704-332-5300.

Talley's Cafe Verde Peace Night at Talley's. Open mic for musicians, artists, poets and storytellers. June 7, 6:30-8:30pm.; June 12, 6:30-8:30pm. Free. Donations welcome. 1408 E. Blvd. 704-953-1326.

Urban Ministry Center Community Open Mike. Artists from the homeless and greater community will play music, read poetry and show off art work. First Friday of every month this summer, 5-8pm. 945 N. College St. 704-575-7716.

Theater: Openings

1776 Piedmont Players Theatre presents a musical with music & lyrics by Sherman Edwards. June 4,5,6,7 at 7:30pm. June 1 at 2:30pm. Wed $9 (everyone); Adults $14, Sr./students $12. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St., Salisbury. 704-633-5471.

Contemporary Playwright's Festival Serenity by Schuyler J. Baehman & Melissa Dudek, June 5 at 7:30pm, June 7 at 11pm; The Privy of Printz Cotton by Bob Chubon, June 7 at 8pm, June 8 at 5:30pm; Jerusalem by Robert Siegel, June 7 at 2pm, June 8 2:30pm; Shadow of Eldorado by Steve Willis, June 6 at 7:30pm, June 7 at 5pm. Talkbacks with director, playwright and actors after every show. $6 per ticket, $20 for package, $15 seniors/students. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. 704-376-3777.

Cravings An original play by local playwright Ann Marie Oliva. The play is set in New York City during the 1970's at a methadone clinic.Adult language and subject matter. June 12-14, 19-21. All shows at 8pm. $10-12. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. 704-376-3777.

Crystal & JT's Wedding Show and Fish Fry Play by Laura Pfizenmayer. June 6-7 at 8pm; June 8 at 3pm. $8 adults; $7 students/seniors. Rock Hill Community Theatre, 236 West Main St., Rock Hill. 803-324-2578.

Diamond Studs, the Life of Jesse James Book by Jim Wann, songs by Jim Wann and Bland Simpson. June 5-7, 12-14, 18-20 nightly 8pm. June 7 & 14 late shows at 11:30pm. Sunday matinees June 1, 8 & 15 at 3pm. $20. Honest Pat's Playhouse, 1410 10th St. 704-400-6400.

The Friar and The Nurse A tragic sex comedy set between the scenes of Shakespeare's greatest love story; Romeo's Friar and Juliet's Nurse find secret passion and learn that romance isn't only for the young. A new play by Stan Peal. Presented by Epic Arts Repertory Theatre. For ages 18 and older. June 13-14, 8pm.; June 19-21, 8pm.; June 22, 2pm.; June 23, 8pm.; June 26-28, 8pm. $12-$15. Group discounts available. Southend Performing Arts Center, 201 Rampart St. 704-332-5300.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch Actor's Theatre of Charlotte presents a rock musical written by John Cameron Mitchell with music and lyrics by Stephen Trask. Wed. & Thu. 7:30pm; Fri. & Sat. 8pm; Sun., June 15 at 2pm. Saturday nights late shows at 11pm. Through June 15. $15-20. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.

Julius Caesar Presented by Chickspeare, Charlotte's all female Shakespeare company. June 12-14, June 18-21, June 26-28. Pay What You Will Night on June 18. All performances are at 8pm. $15 adults; $12 seniors/students. Off-Tryon Theatre, 3143 Cullman Ave. 704-375-2826.

Life Goes On directed by Debra Ware, $12 adult $10 student and senior. June 5, 7pm.; June 6, 7pm.; June 7, 7pm.; June 8, 7pm.; June 12, 7pm.; June 13, 7pm.; June 14, 7pm. Little Theatre of Gastonia, 238 S. Clay St., P.O. Box 302, Gastonia. 704-865-0160.

The Music Man Meredith Willson's classic musical is full of memorable characters, a barbershop quartet and more. June 4-7 & June 11-14 at 8pm, June 8 at 2:30pm and June 10 at 7pm. $16. Pease Auditorium, CPCC, 1200 Elizabeth Ave. 704-330-6534.

Shuffletown USA A new stage work by Generations Theatre Group based on Judy Rozzelle's "Memories of Shuffletown." Adapted for the stage and directed by Robert Tolan. June 6, 8pm.; June 7, 8pm.; June 8, 3pm. $8 at the door. Cook's Memorial Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall, 3413 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Rd. 704-504-5044.

World Without End A look at family, the problem of choice and the search for the immortal as seen through the prism of Sophocles' "Antigone." Intended for older audiences. In the Blackbox. June 12-14, 19-21, 26-28. All shows at 8pm. $12 adults; $10 advance; $5 students. Children's Theatre of Charlotte, 1017 E. Morehead St. 704-376-5745.

Theater: Ongoing

Disney's The Lion King From director and designer Julie Taymor. Score from Elton John and Tim Rice. Limited number of tickets available only at box office. Through June 22: Tues.-Thurs. 8pm; Fri. 8:15pm; Sat. 2pm & 8:15pm; Sun. 2pm & 7:30pm. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-348-5800.

Visual Arts: Openings

Art Institute of Charlotte Gallery New York City Society of Illustrators Guild Show. Reception: June 11 (5:30-7pm). Continues through June 30. 2110 Water Ridge Parkway. 704-357-8020.

Christa Faut Gallery Solo exhibition of oil paintings. "The Nature of Tranquility," by Kenneth Freed. Opening reception June 6 (6:30-8:30pm). Continues through July 12. 19818 N. Cove Rd., Cornelius. 704-892-5312.

Galatique June is dedicated to kids. Their art, music and fashion. June 14 artist reception 11:30-5pm. Through June. 26 North Main St., Belmont. 704-608-1868.

Lassiter Gallery Fickle Ballast - Invisible Woman. Site-specific installation and performance by artist Jennifer Marie Wallace in the enclosed environs of the 525 Gallery. Fri., June 6, 7-9p.m. 318 E. 9th St. 704-373-1464.

McGregor Downs Galleries Boris Tomic. Exhibit of Tomic's work including oil, watercolor, mixed media and sculpture. Through July 31. 10801 Johnston Rd., Suite 219. 704-333-6699.

Myersart Gallery Dean Reganess. Works in limestone, carerra marble and granite by stone carver. Artist reception June 6 at 6pm. Through June. 1510 Camden Road. 704-790-2529.

Pease Auditorium, CPCC CPCC Student Photography Show. Opening reception June 6, 4-6pm. In the Pease Gallery. 1200 Elizabeth Ave. 704-330-6534.

Pope's Gallery Denise Nelson. Photo-realistic oil paintings of wildlife and mountain scapes. through June. 1035 Providence Rd. 704-342-1774.

Rising of the Eagle Native American Art Gallery. Chief Richard Eagle Thomas will be on premises dressed in full regalia and telling short stories. Hours Sat 10-6pm, Sun 12-6pm. 4742 East Hwy 27, Iron Station.

Stretch Gallery N Studios Plastic Response, Package STCH. An installation artwork by ceramic artist Fred Spaulding. stretchgallery.com. 10726 Pineville Rd, Pineville. 704-552-5678.

W.D.O. Bridging Fine and Decorative Arts. During the summer, the gallery will feature works by artists who have shown major works during the Winter/Spring season as well as previews of the upcoming Autumn/Winter season. Through August. Hearst Plaza Suite No. 1, 214 North Tryon St. 704-333-9123.

Waterworks Visual Arts Center Lynn Baney, Todd Stone, Sharon Wolpoff. Summertime fun reception for artists on June 13, 6-8 pm. Free and open to the public. Through August 23. 123 East Liberty St., Salisbury. 704-636-1882.

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. Continues through June 29. 401 N. Myers St. 704-374-1565.

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.

Center of the Earth Gallery Roberto Azank. An exhibition of new paintings. Continues through June 28. 3204 N Davidson St. 704-375-5756.

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 Asher Webb & Kara Dahlberg. B&W and color photography. Continues through June 14. 710 West Trade St. 704-332-5548.

ElderArt Gallery Leon A. Makielski, A Journey of Creativity. Exhibit will feature portraits and landscapes painted over a 50 year period by Makielski (1885-1974). May 31-July 25. Hours: Tues - Fri: 10am - 6pm. Saturdays: 10am - 2pm. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337.

Farvan International Gallery Rosa Maria Costa Delgado & Costa Tur. Oil Paintings by artist Rosa Maria Costa Delgado of Malaga Spain of archeological images. Oil Paintings by artist Costa Tur of Spain. Landscapes of Spain's coastline and people. Through June. 119 E. 7th St. 704-375-1424.

Hidell Brooks Gallery David Kroll: Recent Paintings. Continues through June 7. 1910 S. Blvd. Suite 130. 704-334-7302.

Hodges Taylor Gallery Kevin Kennedy & Robert Stuart. Continues through June 28. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.

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

Jerald Melberg Gallery Robert Motherwell. Works on Paper by Motherwell (1915-1991), featuring over thirty lithographs, etchings, ink drawings and paintings. Continues through July 12. 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-3000.

Lassiter Gallery Peggy Rivers, Maja Godlewska, Linda Fantuzzo & Marlene Lenker. Works by 4 women artists. Through June. 318 E. 9th St. 704-373-1464.

The Light Factory Stillwater: William Wylie; Reflections: Donna Foster. Continues through June 14. Spirit Square, Knight Gallery, 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755.

Noel Gallery Mayday, Mayday: A Distress Call From Nature. Paintings by Tommie Robinson. Continues through June 28. Transamerica Square, 401 N. Tryon St. 704-343-0050.

Sanctuary Art Studio & Galleries Chaos Troubadour. Featuring paintings and photography by local and national artists. The gallery is currently offering space for rent to artists for future group or solo exhibitions. Continues through June 30. 3440 North Davidson St. 704-877-2692.

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.

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