Arts Agenda 

Classical Music

Artsong & Innovative Portraits The premiere of new musical works in collaboration with visual portraits. Styles ranging from jazz, classical and ethnic. Presented by Composers Charlotte with performances on piano, Chinese violin, guitar and voice. Sat., June 14, 7:30 p.m. $10; $8 for students. Dana Auditorium, Queens University. 704-372-5008.

Charlotte Symphony An outdoor Summer Pops concert sponsored by Cornelius Parks & Rec Dept. Kent Steel will perform at 7pm, followed by the Symphony. Sat., June 14, 8 p.m. Free. Legion Park, Cornelius, 21214 Legion St. 704-892-6031.

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.

Richard Peek Recital presented by American Guild of Organists. St John's Episcopal Church, 1623 Carmel Rd. Sun., June 15, 7:30 p.m. 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, 8 p.m. $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., 11 p.m. $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. 516 N. College St., Wed. & Thurs.- 8pm, Fri. & Sat.- 8pm, 10:15pm. Visit www.thecomedyzone.net. 704-348-4242.

Museums

Charlotte Museum of History/Hezekiah Alexander Homesite & American Freedom Bell 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. The People of Highway 601: Life in the Slow Lane. June 5-12. Sunrise to Sunset: Mill Towns of the Southern Piedmont. This exhibit features works by photographer Laurel Falls, exploring the rise and fall of mill towns and the people who have persisted through both. On Thursday, June 19, from 5 - 8pm, there will be a free reception and visitors will have an opportunity to view the exhibit and meet the photographer. Exhibit runs through August 7. 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. Fortunes and Frolic: An Antebellum Farm Wedding. Hard labor in the morning, a minor affair in the afternoon and back to the grind the next day was the typical rural wedding day of the past. Learn more about these customs and practices as a 19th century middle class couple ties the knot. Ceremony at 1:30pm at Historic Brattonsville. Sat., June 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 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

Jackson's Java Poetry Open Mic. Hosted by Jonathan Rice. Thu., June 12, 8 p.m. 8544 University City Blvd. 704-595-9526.

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, 8 p.m. 201 Rampart St. 704-332-5300.

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

Theater: Openings

A Chorus Line Musical presented by Summer theatre at Central Piedmont Community College. June 18-21 & June 25-28 at 8pm; June 22 at 2:30pm; June 24 at 7pm. $16. Pease Auditorium, CPCC, 1200 Elizabeth Ave. 704-330-6534.

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.

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, 8 p.m.; June 19-21, 8 p.m.; June 22, 2 p.m.; June 23, 8 p.m.; June 26-28, 8 p.m. $12-$15. Group discounts available. Southend Performing Arts Center, 201 Rampart St. 704-332-5300.

Graceland Presented by innerVoices Theatre Co. E-mail innervoicestheatre@yahoo.com. June 19-21 and June 25-28. All shows begin @ 8pm. $10; June 25 "pay what you can night". Central Ave Playhouse, 1118 Clement Ave. 704-451-4155.

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.

The Musical Life Story of Stevie Wonder The Afro-American Children's Theatre (AACT) will present a musical theatre tribute to the legendary singer/songwriter and musician. June 20 at 7:30pm; June 21 at 4 and 7:30pm. $10 adults; $8 Youth 17 & under. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.

My Fair Lady Davidson Community Players present this beloved Lerner and Loewe musical. Directed by Melissa Ohlman-Roberge. June 12-14 & June 19-21 at 8pm. $20 adults; $18 students/seniors. Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2135.

South Pacific Theatre Matthews presents Rodgers & Hammerstein's musical set on the islands during WW II. June 13-22 (except Monday 6/16) at 8pm. Sunday matinees at 2pm. $15/$12. Theatre Matthews, 100 McDowell St, Matthews. 704-846-8343.

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 8 pm. $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.

Life Goes On Written by Superior Court Judge James Regan, this comedy tells about a judge who dies 30 days before his survivor's benefits are vested. June 12-14 at 8:15pm. $12 adults; $10 students/seniors. 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.

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. Portfolio Displays. Displays from the following majors: Interior design, graphic design, fashion marketing and multimedia design. Thu., June 19, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 2110 Water Ridge Parkway. 704-357-8020.

Cibi Photography Exhibition. Exhibit and sale of plant and flower photographs, and some portraits, in black and white and color. Through mid June. 1601 E. 7th St. 704-708-8167.

Das Maultier Art Gallery New Store/Gallery opening. NODA's new art and design shop with affordable art for novice to the serious collector. In the Colony. 3472 N. Davidson St. 704-333-0277.

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.

Hidell Brooks Gallery Introductions. Exhibit featuring 8 artists. Opening reception Friday June 13, 6-8pm. Through July 12. 1910 S. Blvd. Suite 130. 704-334-7302.

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. Also featuring functional and decorative works in clay and glass by local and regional artists. Through June. 1510 Camden Road. 704-790-2529.

Pease Auditorium, CPCC CPCC Student Photography Show. Through June. 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.

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. Baney (ABSTRABET), Wolpoff (Summer Light), Stone (Pools and Reflections). 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.

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

Christa Faut Gallery Solo exhibition of oil paintings. "The Nature of Tranquility," by Kenneth Freed. Continues through July 12. 19818 N. Cove Rd., Cornelius. 704-892-5312.

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). Through July 25. Hours: Tues - Fri: 10 am - 6 pm. Saturdays: 10am - 2 pm. 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.

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

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.

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