Arts Agenda 

Classical Music

Celebration of Music in Worship Choirs and musicians throughout the Charlotte area will unite for an evening of music. Providence Baptist Church, 4921 Providence Rd. Sun., Sept. 28, 6 p.m. 704-529-1616.

Charlotte Symphony A soaring opening marks the beginning of a contemplative journey that renewed the symphony as an act of transcendence and expression of personal ideology. Christof Perick and the CSO will present Bruckner's Seventh Symphony. Oct. 3-4, 8 p.m. $14-$64. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

Kadri Gopalnath Saxophone recital in classical Indian music style. Performed in the Tyler-Tallman Hall. Sun., Oct. 5, 2 p.m. Call for ticket information. Sloan Music Center, Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2353.

Mostly Mozart The Charlotte Symphony series brings musical evenings to neighborhoods throughout Mecklenburg County. Sept. 24 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1400 Suther Rd; Sept. 25 at Duke Family Performance Hall - Davidson College; Sept. 27 at First Baptist Church - Downtown. 8pm. $15 gen., $5 students. 704-972-2000.

Music for Organ and Harpsichord Will include compositions by Soler, Handel, Peeters, Couperin, and J.S. Bach. Judith K. Tolbert and Dr. Thomas W. Tolbert will perform. Sun., Sept. 28, 3 p.m. Free. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 501 Pine St., Fort Mill. 803-547-5968.

Comedy

Bayou Kitchen Extreme Improv. Live improvised comedy created from your suggestions. Visit www.extremeimprov.com for more information. Call for reservations. Fridays: Long Form Fridays, scenes and monologues from a single audience suggestion, $5; Saturdays: improv comedy with audience suggestions, Rated R, $10. 8pm both nights. 1958 E 7th St. 1-866-467-7681.

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 Mathis Madness. With Mark Mathis, from TV's Fox Edge. Sundays. Upcoming Performances. Sep 24-25: Kerry White & Jeff McDonald; Sep 26-27: Kevin Pollak, starred in over 40 movies; Oct 3-5: Tim Wilson. www.comedyzone.com. 516 N. College St., Visit www.thecomedyzone.net. 704-348-4242.

Dance

A Celebration of Dance Original choreography from some of NC's most outstanding choreographers . The program takes the audience into the wide world of of dance - from classical ballet and modern dance to the powerful staccato sounds of tap dancing at its finest. Oct. 3-5. Gaston Dance Theatre, 201 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia. 704-865-5943.

Museums

Charlotte Museum of History/Hezekiah Alexander Homesite The Faces of Our State. Through June 2004. Soldier's Stories: War in the First Person. Continues through Sept. 30, 2004. War Birds: Diary of an Unknown Aviator. Join filmmaker Robert Clem and members of the Springs/Close family for the premiere of a documentary film based on the wartime life of World War I "ace" aviator and author Col. Elliott White Springs of Fort Mill, SC. Thu., Sept. 25, 7-9 p.m. Free but reservations required. Where Eagles Soar. Exhibit runs Oct 4 through Apr 4. 3500 Shamrock Dr. 704-568-1774.

Discovery Place Omnimax. Now showing: Top Speed, Journey Into Amazing Caves and Coral Reef Adventure. Call or visit website for times, www.discoveryplace.org. Speed. Opening of new exhibit on Oct 1, with special events slated for Oct 4, 11am-2pm. Through Feb 2004. 301 N. Tryon St. 704-372-6261.

Levine Museum of the New South 4th Ward Twilight Tour. Discover the neighborhood's Victorian gems during the one-hour tour, which starts at the Museum. Call to reserve your spot. Fri., Sept. 26, 5:30 p.m. $4 for museum members, $6 for non-members. Cotton Fields to Sky Scrapers. Tue.-Sun. Pen and Ink Politics: Thomas Nast's Reconstruction-era Cartoons and African American Equality. Continues through Sept. 29. A Portion of the People: 300 Years of Southern Jewish Life. Exhibit runs Sept. 14 through Nov. 30. 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887.

Mint Museum of Art 2003 Mint Museums Antiques Show & Sale. Features Fesko Lecture (10:30 on Fri), Gala on Fri night, and Collector's Brunch on Sunday at noon. Show runs Oct 2 through Oct 5, Hours Fri 10-4, Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5. Tickets $9 in advance and $10 at the door. All Aglow. Through February 15, 2004. The Art of Romare Bearden. Sept. 18-Jan. 4. Burlon Craig and His Legacy. Continues through Oct. 19. Fashions of the Crinoline Era: 1840-1865. Through May 2004. Vantage Point 1. Julie Moos: Friends and Enemies, featuring portraits of couples who are either best friends or worst enemies and places them against a non-descript background. Exhibit through Dec. 7. 2730 Randolph Rd. 704-337-2000.

Mint Museum of Craft & Design American Quilt Classics 1800 - 1980: The Charles and Fleur Bresler Collection. Through Jan. 4, 2004. Sculptural Radiance: The Jewelry & Objects of Linda MacNeil. A fusion of glass and gold, featuring 25 works. Through November 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 Eye to Eye: Photography by Kim Wolhuter. Sept. 18-Dec. 14. Illustrator Vernon Grant: A Century of American Whimsy. Continues through Oct. 5, 2003. Piecing a Quilt of Life: World Connections. Exhibit runs through Apr. 25, 2004. 4621 Mount Gallant Rd., Rock Hill. 803-329-2121.

Spoken Word

Mert's Heart and Soul Uptown Saturday Nite. Featuring the area's most talented singers, rappers, and poets. Sign up for the Open Mic Showcase. Details: www.motifentertainment.com. Every second and last Saturday of the month at 10pm-until. $7 cover. 214 N. College St. 704-342-4222.

Wine Basket News from Mind and Soul. With Simone Atkinson, Doris Campbell, Barbara Lawing, Judy Tooley and Kathy Troutman. Fri., Oct. 3, 8 p.m. Free. 830 Lamar Ave. 704-333-3465.

Theater: Openings

Bash Play by Neil Labute, performed by the BareBones Theatre Group. Opening night dinner followed by the show. Oct 2-19. Show times are 8pm Thu.-Sat., with a 3pm matinee on the final Sun. of the run. Ticktes are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Southend Performing Arts Center, 201 Rampart St. 704-332-5300.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) 3 actors, 2 hours and 37 plays! Oct 1-5 at the Rowe Studio Theatre; Oct 11 at McKnight Hall, Cone Center. Oct. 1-5, 8 p.m.; Oct. 11, 8 p.m. $5 for students/seniors, $6 for UNCC faculty/staff and $10 for the general public. UNC-Charlotte. 704-687-3315.

Desdemona: A Play About a Handkerchief Paula Vogel tells the story of Desdemona that occurs between Shakespeare's scenes. Runs Sept. 24-27 at 8pm. Tickets $5 w/ Winthrop ID, $10 General Admisssion. Winthrop University, Rock Hill. 803-323-2287.

Elves and Trolls Join Charlotte's Grey Seal Puppets on a romp into the curious world of Elves and Trolls. Several tantalizing tales are told. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Runs Oct 3-5. Center $9, Side $7. Call for timings. Children's Theatre of Charlotte, 1017 E. Morehead St. 704-376-5745.

Finer Noble Gases Victory Pictures & C.A.S.T. (Carolina Actors Studio Theatre) opens the second show of its season with Adam Rapp's acclaimed, Finer Noble Gases. Call for reservations and info. This play contains adult content. Performances continue through Sept. 27, Wed-Sat at 8pm. $15, Wed is 'pay what you can' night. Central Ave Playhouse, 1118 Clement Ave. 704-455-8542.

A Grand Night For Singing CPCC Theatre kicks off its new season with a revue of the music of Rodgers & Hammerstein. Sept. 26, 27 and Oct. 3, 4 at 8pm, Sept. 28 and Oct. 5 at 2:30pm. $12. Pease Auditorium, CPCC, 1200 Elizabeth Ave. 704-330-6534.

Heartworm Special preview of a new whimsical romantic comedy by local playwright Nanci Hightower, prior to its Off-Broadway premiere in 2004. Oct 2-5. Thu, Fri and Sat at 8pm, Sat and Sun at 2:30pm. Tickets $20 for evening shows, $15 for matinees. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. 704-376-3777.

James and The Giant Peach Join James on his adventure to escape from his cruel aunts inside a giant magical peach. Presented by Clover Community Theatre. Shows: Thu, Fri & Sat at 8pm, Sun at 3pm. Sept. 26-28; Oct. 2; Oct. 4-5. Tickets: $7 for adults, $5 for students/seniors. Clover School District Auditorium, 1625 Highway 55 East, Clover. 803-831-1048.

Romeo and Juliet A Chickspeare event - Romeo and Juliet as you've never seen them: a ten-gallon hat, bad wigs, some really bad "opera" and more. Fri., Sept. 26, 8 p.m. Free performance, donations accepted. Southend Performing Arts Center, 201 Rampart St. 704-332-5300.

Titanic This musical is set aboard the famous doomed ocean liner and tells the stories of passengers and crew members. Sept. 25-28, 8 p.m.; Oct. 2-4, 8 p.m. $12 adults, $10 seniors/students. Little Theatre of Gastonia, 238 S. Clay St., Gastonia. 704-865-0160.

Twelfth Night One of Shakespeare's most amusing comedies has it all, including: mistaken identities, fabulous fools, and a love triangle. Oct. 8-11, 8 p.m.; Oct. 12, 2 p.m. $5 w/Winthrop ID, $10 General Admission. Winthrop University, Rock Hill. 803-323-2287.

Theater: Ongoing

Always...Patsy Cline The play gives the audience a chance to see Patsy really "let her hair down." Sept. 12-13, 18-19, 25-27 at 8pm. Sept. 21, 28 at 2:30pm. $10. Hickory Community Theatre, 30 Third St. NW, Hickory. 828-327-3855.

Evita Acclaimed musical about the fabulous myth of Eva, wife of Argentine dictator Juan Peron. Sept. 25-28. Thu-Sat at 8pm, Sun at 2:30pm. Tickets $22 Fri and Sat evenings, $17 on Thu and Sun. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. 704-376-3777.

Island A comedy by Kevin Brewer, winner of Peterson Emerging Playwright competition 2003-04. Sept. 23-27 at 7:30pm. $8 adults, $6 students/seniors. Hedrick Theatre, Catawba College, Salisbury. 704-637-4481.

Pump Boys and Dinettes Grass-roots musical about life and love by the roadside. Presented by Charlotte Repertory Theater. Runs Wednesday-Thursday 7:30pm, Friday-Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm. Through Oct. 12. $24-$38. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-348-5800.

Sylvia A.R. Gurney's comedy about love, relationships and inter-species dating. Reservations are suggested. Sept 24-27, Oct 2-4. 8pm. Sept. 24 is Pay What You Can Night. Off-Tryon Theatre, 3143 Cullman Ave. 704-375-2826.

Thoroughly Modern Millie Based on the 1967 Oscar-winning film about a young girl from Kansas who comes to New York City in the Roaring '20s in search of a new life. Continues through Sept. 28. Tuesday-Thursday 8pm; Friday 8:15pm; Saturday 2pm, 8:15pm; Sunday 2pm, 7:30pm. $23-$64. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000.

Visual Arts: Openings

Art Institute of Charlotte Gallery Marissa Pawelko. Features examples of her creativity in furniture design, product development and special events displays. The artist's reception from 5:30-7pm on Oct 23 is free and open to the public. Exhibit runs Oct 3 through Oct 31. 2110 Water Ridge Parkway. 704-357-8020.

Charlotte Art League Unleashed. An open art exhibit featuring a range of media from local artist. In the CALeidoscope Gallery. Through Oct 22. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.

Clay on Camden Robert Hasselle. Works in clay. Artist reception Oct 3, 6-9pm. Exhibit runs Oct 3 through Oct 31. 1510 Camden Rd. 704-790-2326.

ElderArt Gallery In My Time by Carl Blair. Exhibition of recent works celebrating the intertwining of Blair's love of life and the Appalachian landscape. Blair will present a gallery talk Oct 3 at 6:30pm. Champagne reception will continue through the evening until 9pm. Exhibit runs through Nov 1. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337.

Foust Studio 3. Contemporary art by Charlotte Foust, Linda LaCroix and Dina Lowery. Opening Reception and Wine Tasting by Brawley's Beverage, on September 26, 6-9pm. Through October. 5200 Park Rd., Suite 115. 704-525-7989.

Joie Lassiter Gallery Horace Farlowe. "Sculpture in October." The North Carolina native is known for his stone sculptures which are architectonic in nature and invite interaction. Reception Oct 1, 6:30-9:30pm. Exhibition runs Oct 3 through Oct 31. Horace Farlowe. "New Abstractions," sculpture by North Carolina native. Oct 3 - Oct 31; Reception on Oct 3, 6-9pm. 525 North Tryon Street, Suite 140. 704-373-1464.

Merchandise Mart Mint Museum Antiques Show & Sale. Features antique American, European and Oriental furniture, prints, ceramics and other material from 40 dealers throughout the country. A display of Italian fine and decorative art will be featured. Runs Oct 3 through Oct 6. Tickets are $15 at the door.

Merrill-Jennings Galleries Virginia Campbell Quillen. Main Street and Beyond - a One-Woman Show. Award-winning watercolorist Quillen received her fine arts training in LA and made Davidson her home in 1998. The paintings included are local scenes in and around town. Artist champagne reception on Oct 4, 1-4pm. Exhibit runs Oct 4 through 31. 463 S. Main St., Davidson. 704-895-1213.

Queen's Gallery & Art Center Robert A. Crum. An exhibition of recent drawings and oil paintings. Oct. 1-31. 1212 The Plaza. 704-372-2993.

Rowe Arts Galleries, UNCC Louis Jones - Paintings. From the Collection of Sonia and Isaac Luski. At Rowe Arts Main Gallery. Reception Oct 8, 5-7pm. Oct. 6-31. Semi Six: Draw, Paint, Print, Install. Six artists with divergent backgrounds - geographically as well as aesthetically - will participate in an exhibition at the Cone Center Main Gallery. Reception Oct. 2, 5-7pm. Oct. 1-30. Rowe Arts Building. 704-687-2473.

Sanctuary Art Studio & Galleries This Is My Brain. A solo exhibition by Jerry Lee Kirk featuring large scale paintings and collages from 1996-2003 plus new work. Gallery 1. Runs Oct 3 through Nov 5. (Within the context of this dream) everything is absurd. A group show featuring paintings, mixed-media art and photographs by the gallery regulars. Gallery 2. Exhibit runs Oct 3 through Nov 5. Canvas and Cake. A two-day exhibit of large scale paintings and portraits by UNCC graduate Jeremy Davis. Sept. 26; Sept. 27. 3440 North Davidson St. 704-877-2692.

Shain Gallery The Great Paint Off. Darren Young, Connie Winters, Clark Hawgood and Andrew Braitman will paint landscape scenes of the same subject in this unique event. Opening reception Oct 3, 6-9pm. Exhibit runs Oct 3 through Nov 30. 601-B Providence Rd. 704-334-7744.

The Art Preserve Jan Kinslowe and Linda Vista. Excavations, new installation by Jan Kinslowe and presenting sculptural artwork by Linda Vista. Exhibit runs Oct. through Dec. 3200 A North Davidson. 704-358-8882.

Wharton Fine Art Rediscover American Watercolors. Over 30 paintings by Russian American artist Vladimir Pavlosky (1884 - 1944), on display. Through Oct 31. 739 Providence Rd. 704-374-0500.

Visual Arts: Ongoing

Afro-American Cultural Center Blues In & Out and Bull Durham Festival Retrospective. Through Dec. 8. 401 N. Myers St. 704-374-1565.

Art Bar Michael A. Balbi. A 78-year old native of Wilmington, DE, Balbi now resides at Lake View Living Center in Pineville, NC. Sept. 18-Oct. 1. 1501 B. South Tryon St. 704-277-0802.

Art Institute of Charlotte Gallery Students Exhibit from all disciplines. Continues through Sept. 30. 2110 Water Ridge Parkway. 704-357-8020.

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.

Belk Visual Arts Center Douglas Houchens: The Primary Impulse. Features paintings and drawings by Davidson College Professor Emeritus. Exhibit runs Aug. 28 through Oct. 8. Gallery hours are Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm and on weekends, noon-4pm. 704-894-2519.

Blue Pony Gallery & Press Specimens. Mixed media light boxes and assemblages of Mikel Robinson. Also works by Kim Stimpson. Through Oct. 11. 3202A N. Davidson St. 704-334-9390.

Center of the Earth Gallery Ocean. An exhibition of new paintings by Jacob Cooley. Continues through Oct. 31. 3204 N Davidson St. 704-375-5756.

Charlotte Art League Unleashed - An Open Art Extravaganza. League members displaying talents through many styles and all mediums. Through October. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.

Christa Faut Gallery Veronica's Veils. Solo exhibition of acrylic paintings by Herb Jackson. Opening reception Sept. 26, 6:30-8:30pm. Runs Sept. 22 through Nov. 17. Gallery hours Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm. 19818 N. Cove Rd., Cornelius. 704-892-5312.

Clay on Camden Linda Dalton. Featuring functional and decorative works in clay. Exhibit runs Sept. 5 through Sept. 30. 1510 Camden Rd. 704-790-2326.

CPCC Art Gallery Jeff Pender. An exhibition of new ceramic works, entitled "Another World." Runs Sept. 8 through Oct. 13. P.O. Box 35009. 704-330-2722.

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 Robert Langford. "Evoking An Emotion" - an exhibition of abstract art. Meet the artist on Sep 25. Exhibit runs through Oct 12. 710 West Trade St. 704-332-5548.

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

ElderArt Gallery Leonel Matheu. Exhibit titled "Orientations," by Cuban-born Matheu, an internationally known artist whose symbolic work conveys clear anxiety. Exhibit runs Sept. 3 through Sept. 30. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337.

The Gallery at Carillon Convergence. Presents the work of five women artists offering a wide variety of recent paintings and sculpture. Exhibit runs through September 29. 227 W. Trade St. 704-334-8840.

Green Rice Designs & Studio A working artist studio and gallery. Visit during business hours or gallery crawls. To display artwork in the gallery: $35/month (1-2 pieces - dependent on size). www.green-rice.com. 510 E. 35th St. 704-344-0300.

Hidell Brooks Gallery Arless Day - Defining Collage: Awareness, Beauty & Creativity. The emphasis of the exhibit is detailed interiors which are full of plants, books and paintings. Through Nov. 1. 1910 S. Blvd. Suite 130. 704-334-7302.

Hodges Taylor Gallery Raymond Chorneau. New Monoprints - seductive and allusive images with a highly sophisticated palette. Exhibit runs August through Nov. 1. Mark Flowers, David Hooker. Mixed media narrative paintings and ceramic sculpture. www.hodgestaylor.com. Through Nov. 1. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.

Jerald Melberg Gallery Stephen Glaesner. Exhibit of woodwork. Through Oct. 18. 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-3000.

Joie Lassiter Gallery Mike Lavine. Through the transformation of sawdust Mike Lavine explores humanity's relationship with nature. Through Sept. 30. 525 North Tryon Street, Suite 140. 704-373-1464.

The Light Factory Women in Photojournalism. Member's Portfolio - William Toland: From the series, Grampa. Exhibit runs through Oct. 11. Spirit Square, Knight Gallery, 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755.

McColl Center for Visual Art Open House: Fall 2003 Artists-in-Residence. First look at this Themed Exhibition. Opening reception Oct. 3, 6-8pm. Exhibit runs Sept. 19 through Nov. 23. Gallery hours: 11am - 4pm, Tues-Sat. 721 N. Tryon St. 704-332-5535.

Merrill-Jennings Galleries Group Show. Features sixteen gallery artists. Through September. 463 S. Main St., Davidson. 704-895-1213.

Pope's Gallery King Family Pottery Show. Features enclosed articles and photos. Through Sept. 30. 1035 Providence Rd. 704-342-1774.

Pottery Central Pottery Central Gallery. Functional, sculptural and decorative pottery by local potters. Friday & Saturday 10-5 or call for appointment. 3534 Central Ave. 704-537-4477.

Rauch Gallery, Gaston College Janice Muller. Exhibit of oil paintings. August 18 - September 26. 201 Highway 321 South, Rauch Science and Fine Arts Bldg., Dallas. 704-922-6245.

Redsky Gallery Spotlight on New Artists. Features transcendent evocations in oil of Provence, as well as glass works. Exhibit runs through October 15. www.redskygallery.com. 4705 Savings Pl., Suite 108. 704-552-5200.

Rowe Arts Galleries, UNCC "FACLT-RT". The Bi-Annual Art faculty exhibition. At Rowe Arts Main Gallery. Sept. 18-26. "Paisano" Photographs by Anna Judy. An observation of a few of the many faces and activities that form the Mexican community across the US. Exhibit at the Cone Center Main Gallery. Sept. 18-28. Rowe Arts Building. 704-687-2473.

Sanctuary Art Studio & Galleries Destination To Be Determined Upon Arrival. A group show featuring paintings and mixed-media art. Sept. 18-Oct. 1. Painted Driftwood Creations. Rusk Masterton collects driftwood and transforms them with paint. Through Oct. 1. 3440 North Davidson St. 704-877-2692.

Shain Gallery Chas Fagan. A Yale grad, nationally known for his portrait work, landscapes and sculptures. Exhibit runs through September. 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.

The Art Preserve Jan Kinslowe. Landscapes and atmospheric abstracts. Exhibit runs throughout September. 3200 A North Davidson. 704-358-8882.

The Green Art on the Green. From 10am-3pm every Saturday morning during September, local artists will set up an art show. Bring a picnic and enjoy. Saturdays. Continues through Sept. 27. 400 South Tryon Street. 704-332-9583.

W.D.O. Karen Karnes. Widely regarded as the "grandmother of American ceramics." Exhibit runs through Oct. 11. Hearst Plaza Suite No. 1, 214 North Tryon St. 704-333-9123.

Winthrop University Galleries Untitled Projects. Tim Hussey, illustrator and artist, Aug. 25-Sept. 26. Brad Thomas, mixed media artist, Sept. 15-Oct. 3. Heather Johnson, artist-in-residence, Oct. 6-31. E Chen, artist-in-residence, Oct. 13-31. Exhibit runs Aug. 25 through Oct. 31. 107 McLaurin, Rock Hill. 803-323-2493.