Arts Agenda 

Classical Music

Davidson College Concert Choir & Chamber Singers A performance of works ranging from the Renaissance to the twentieth century, and from motets to spirituals. Davidson College Presbyterian Church Sanctuary. Thu., Jan. 15, 8 p.m. Free. 704-894-2357.

Daybreak of Freedom The Charlotte Symphony will present its Seventh Annual community concert honoring the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. www.charlottesymphony.org. Mon., Jan. 19, 7 p.m. $8-$30. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

Katia and Marielle Labeque A duo pianist performance by internationally acclaimed artists, presented by Carolinas Concert Association. Tue., Jan. 20, 8 p.m. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-348-5800.

Mostly Mozart Alan Yamamoto, the Charlotte Symphony's new Resident Conductor will lead his first series of Charlotte Symphony concerts as the Symphony presents Mostly Mozart concerts. Performances: Jan. 7 at First Baptist Church, 301 South Davidson St; Jan. 8 at Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College; Jan. 9 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1300 India Hook, Rock Hill, SC; Jan. 10 at University City United Methodist Church, 6100 West Sugar Creek Rd. All are at 8pm. www.charlottesymphony.org. $15 adults, $5 students/children. 704-972-2000.

The Mozart Experience The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra presents The Mozart Experience with special guests the Magic Circle Mime Company under the direction of Resident Conductor, Alan Yamamoto. www.charlottesymphony.org. Sat., Jan. 17, 11 a.m. $8-$18. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

Organ Recital of Latvian Music Adris Rozukalns, Director of Music at St. John's Lutheran Church in Statesville, will present a wide variety of Latvian organ music. First United Methodist Church, 501 North Tryon St. Mon., Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m. 704-588-1290.

Providence Chamber Music Series The first concert of the New Year includes: Franz Joseph Haydn's String Quartet in C Major, Op. 20, No. 2; Heitor Villa-Lobos' "The Jet Whistle"; and Trio for Oboe, Clarinet, and Bassoon by American composer Gordon Jacob, featuring the TreVent reed trio. Sun., Jan. 11, 7 p.m. Free. Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Rd. 704-333-9536.

Comedy

Bayou Kitchen Extreme Improv. Chicago style long form show Friday nights at 8pm ($5) and joined by Psychotic Pooch for twisted comedy at 10pm ($10). www.extremeimprov.com. Saturday nights short form show with audience suggestions, 8pm ($10). 1958 E 7th St. 704-502-8423.

Dance

A Winter Festival of Dance Featuring civic dance companies from across the region. Warlick Performing Arts Center, Gaston Day School. Sat., Jan. 17, 7 p.m. $10 adults, $8 students/seniors. 704-865-5943.

Museums

Charlotte Museum of History The Faces of Our State. Through June 2004. Powerful Persuaders: World War II Posters. Guns, tanks, and bombs may have been the chief weapons of World War II, but there were other forms of warfare. Propaganda posters waged an ongoing campaign for the hearts and minds of the American people. Through Sept. 1. Soldier's Stories: War in the First Person. Continues through Sept. 30, 2004. Where Eagles Soar. This collaborative exhibit with the Carolina Raptor Center compares and contrasts eagles in their natural habitats with their symbolic and historical importance. Exhibit runs through Apr. 4. 3500 Shamrock Dr. 704-568-1774.

Discovery Place Machine Shop. Get a lift from the pulley, spin wheels, gears and learn about inclined planes and more. Omnimax. Now showing: Space Station, Top Speed, and Journey Into Amazing Caves. Call or visit website for times, www.discoveryplace.org. 301 N. Tryon St. 704-372-6261.

Levine Museum of the New South Cotton Fields to Sky Scrapers. Tue.-Sun. Focus on Justice: Carolina Photographers and the Carolina Piedmont. Exhibit featuring photographs documenting the regional Civil Rights movement as seen through the eyes of Carolina photographers. Dec. 30-Jan. 29. 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887.

Mint Museum of Art All Aglow. Through February 15, 2004. Fashions of the Crinoline Era: 1840-1865. Continues through May. Raphael to Monet. Exhibit runs through Jan. 11. Windows to Heaven. "Windows into Heaven: Russian Icons" from the Robicsek Collection of Religious Art, presents a group of 65 18th and 19th century Russian icons. Dec. 20 - Feb. 15, 2004. 2730 Randolph Rd. 704-337-2000.

Mint Museum of Craft & Design Spectrum: The Sculpture of Jon Kuhn. Works in blown glass. Through Mar. 21, 2004. Tradition & Change: 19th and 20th Century Craft At The Mint. Ongoing exhibit. Tue.-Sun. Wine Classes. Jan. 13: The Bordelais Celebrities : Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. New World/ Old World StylesHistorical, Geographical Perspective Meritage /Proprietary Structural Differences and Similarities. Tuesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. $30. 220 N. Tryon St. 704-337-2009.

Museum of York County Piecing a Quilt of Life: World Connections. Features contemporary art quilts made by 23 women with stories to tell. Exhibit runs through Apr. 25, 2004. 4621 Mount Gallant Rd., Rock Hill. 803-329-2121.

Spoken Word

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

Mama's Caribbean Grill Uptown Saturday Nite. Featuring 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. 1504 Central Ave. 704-375-8414.

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.

Tea Rex Teahouse Poetry Open Mic. Hosted by Jonathan Rice. Fri., Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m. 2102 South Blvd. 704-595-9526.

Tonic The Soul Movement. An underground nite for Spoken Word/Poetry, Soul Classics, Neo-Soul, Deep/ Soulful House, Urban Grooves & Underground Hip-Hop. thesoulmovement@mindspring.com. Sundays. $5 before 9:30pm. 1427 E. 4th St. 704-580-7187.

Theater: Openings

Bat Boy: The Musical Off-Broadway cult hit presented by Actor's Theatre of Charlotte. www.actorstheatrecharlotte.org. Jan. 14-Feb. 8: Wed. & Thu. at 7:30pm, Fri. & Sat. at 8pm, Sun., Feb. 8 at 2:30pm. Jan. 20 at 7:30pm is "Pay What You Can Night." Jan. 14 performance followed by a free wine/cheese reception. $17-$22. Actor's Theatre, 650 E. Stonewall Street. 704-342-2251.

Lonely Planet A story of a mild-mannered map store owner confronted with his own mortality. A hysterical and heartbreaking exploration of the power of friendship. www.barebones.org. Jan. 8-10, 15-17, 22-24 at 8 pm.Matinee: Jan. 25 at 3 pm.Pay what you can: Jan. 12 at 8 pm. $15 adults, $12 students/seniors. Southend Performing Arts Center, 201 Rampart St. 704-332-5300.

Oliver! Charles Dickens' greatest characters--Oliver Twist, Fagin, Nancy, Bill Sikes and the Artful Dodger--spring to life in Lionel Bart's OLIVER!. Performances: Jan. 13-15 at 8pm; Jan. 16: at 8:15pm; Jan. 17 at 2pm & 8:15pm; Jan. 18 at 2pm & 7:30pm. $23 to $61. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-379-1380.

The Sting Children's Theatre's Ensemble Company, made up of talented local high school actors, will present The Sting, in the Theatre's Black Box Stage. Jan. 14-17 at 7:30pm, Jan. 18 at 2pm & 7:30pm. $6. Children's Theatre of Charlotte, 1017 E. Morehead St. 704-333-8983.

A Winter's Tale Presented by Chickspeare. Jan. 8-10, Jan. 14-17, Jan. 21-24, Jan. 14 is "Pay What You Can night" All Shows at 8pm. $15 for adults, $10 for students/seniors. Off-Tryon Theatre, 3143 Cullman Ave. 704-375-2826.

Theater: Ongoing

Actors Scene Unseen A series of live Internet broadcast plays featuring area playwrights, actors and directors. www.actorssceneunseen.com. Every other Friday, 8:30 p.m. Johnston Room, Hilton, 222 East Third St.

Exit the Body A mystery/farce presented by The Young Yorkville Players. www.yorkvilleplayers.com. Jan. 2-4, & 9-10 at 8pm; Sunday matinees at 3pm. $10. McCelvey Center, York, 212 E. Jefferson St., York. 803-628-5025.

Visual Arts: Openings

Clay on Camden Don Cheek. Debut works in clay. Artist Reception: Jan. 9, 6-9pm. Through January. 1510 Camden Rd. 704-790-2326.

Hidell Brooks Gallery Assemblages. Introducing 10 new collage artists including Andrew Young, Gary Nisbet, Suzi Cozzens, Peter Thiebeault, Gail Raab, Lynn Whipple, Kenna Moser, Patrick Atkinson, Katherine Ace and Suzanne Ulrich. Opening Reception: Jan. 9, 6-8pm. Exhibit runs Jan. 9 through Feb. 28. 1910 S. Blvd. Suite 130. 704-334-7302.

Hodges Taylor Gallery Edward Rice, Matt Overend. Recent monotypes and New Paintings from South Carolina artists. Opening Reception: Jan. 9, 6-8pm. Exhibit runs through Feb. 28. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.

Jerald Melberg Gallery Wolf Kahn. An exhibition of both paintings and pastels inspired by the artist's sojourns across America. The exhibition will include works from such diverse locations as Hawaii, Michigan and North Carolina. January 10 - February 14, 2004. 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-3000.

The Light Factory Images & Impact Show. The project is a celebration of the many individuals who make a collective difference in Charlotte. Opening Reception: Jan. 9, 6-9pm. Exhibit runs through January. Spirit Square, Knight Gallery, 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755.

Mooresville Artists Guild Jan Jenson. The show features framed photographs of a number of jazz musicians, including Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, B.B. King, and Manhattan Transfer.Reception: Jan. 11, 2-4pm. Jan. 9-Feb. 1. 103 West Center Ave. 704-663-6661.

Thomas Thoune Gallery Tom Thoune & Raymond Grubb. An exhibit of images entitled French Scrapbook. Opening Reception: Jan. 16, 7-9pm. Exhibit runs Jan. 16-Feb. 5. 228 East Blvd. 704-334-9087.

Visual Arts: Ongoing

Chudy K. Gallery New Gallery. Displays of original art work as well as free art classes, framing, social events each week showcasing artists. Through January. 2530-2532 The Plaza. 704-358-8870.

Cuvee Wine & Art Gallery Frank Haas. An exhibit of paintings. Opening Reception: Jan. 9, 6-10pm, featuring live jazz. Jan. 5-Jan. 31. 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 Brothers Together. Patrick and Sean Glover present two diverse views of the world. Exhibit runs through Jan. 10. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337.

The Gallery at Carillon Katie Walker: Wall Tales. An exhibition by South Carolina painter. Dec. 30-Jan. 16. 227 W. Trade St. 704-334-8840.

Gallery L, Main Library Art on a String. An exhibit featuring 100 different kites : most created during the 1980's : from China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam, where kites flew as early as the seventh or eighth century. Through Feb. 1. 310 N. Tryon St. 704-336-2020.

Green Rice Designs & Studio Nancy Prator. FDNY Fire Houses on exhibit. Local artist showing at the gallery: David Ritland, Jessie Lynn Courson and Tate Harmer. www.green-rice.com. Dec. 30-Jan. 31. 510 E. 35th St. 704-344-0300.

Hart-Witzen Gallery Resolutions. Visual & performing art. Fri., Jan. 16, 8 p.m.-12 a.m. 136 E. 36 St. 704-334-1177.

Hodges Taylor Gallery Phillip Garrett. The show, titled An Itinerant's Botany, is composed of botanical images gleaned from the artist's meanderings in nature, from northern California to Edisto Island and home. Dec. 30-Jan. 31. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.

Joie Lassiter Gallery Holiday Group Show. Works by four gallery artists:John Nickerson, Linda Fantuzzo, Peggy Rivers and Maja Godlewska. Through January 2004. 525 North Tryon Street, Suite 140. 704-373-1464.

The Light Factory Jill Enfield. Exhibition: The Transformed Image. Through Jan. 24. Spirit Square, Knight Gallery, 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755.

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.

Redsky Gallery Sam Taylor, Beth Williams, Pat Scull. Features woodfired pottery, jewelry, and colorful ceramic pieces. Exhibit runs Dec. 19 through Jan. 20. Lee Stewart / Gerin Choiniere. Photography. Also exhibiting: James Soder : Wood, Corine Guseman : Ceramics. Evening Reception January 23. Exhibit runs through Jan. 31. 4705 Savings Pl., Suite 108. 704-552-5200.

Shain Gallery Marilyn Simandle. California artist Marilyn Simandle produces Contemporary California Impressionism. Show runs through Jan. 31. 601-B Providence Rd. 704-334-7744.

That's a Lotta Deli & Cafe Grand Opening Celebration. Featuring paintings by Kathleen Burke. Exhibit runs through January 25. 2041 South Blvd. 704-334-3401.

W.D.O. Contemporary Danish Glass. Featuring five artists. Exhibit runs through Jan. 31, 2004. Hearst Plaza Suite No. 1, 214 North Tryon St. 704-333-9123.

Winthrop University Galleries Art & Design Faculty Exhibition Four. In the Rutlege and Elizabeth Dunlap Patrick galleries. Exhibit runs through Jan. 24. 107 McLaurin, Rock Hill. 803-323-2493.