Arts Agenda 

Classical Music

Charlotte Civic Orchestra Third concert of the season featuring performances of various composers. Sun., Feb. 1, 3 p.m. $8 adults, $6 seniors/students. Dana Auditorium, Queens University.

Charlotte Symphony The Charlotte Symphony, led by guest conductor Peter Oundjian, will perform Smetana's The Moldau, Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 1 with pianist Markus Groh, and Sibelius' Symphony No. 2. www.charlottesymphony.org. Jan. 23; Jan. 24, 8 p.m. $14 - $64. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

First Tuesday Concerts Chamber Music at St. Peter's will honor the life of American composer Lou Harrison with this concert. Two works by Harrison will be performed. Varied Trio, for violin, piano and percussion, and also Suite, for cello and harp. St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 7th and North Tryon. AfterWork Concert at 5:30pm. A reception follows at Hodges Taylor Gallery following the 5:30 concert. Tue., Feb. 3, 12 p.m. Free. 704-335-0009.

The Jacques Thibaud String Trio Chamber music series with a performance by Jacques Thibaud String Trio, with Phil Thompson, clarinet. Tue., Jan. 27, 8 p.m. $5 w/Winthrop ID, $15 General Admission. Barnes Recital Hall, Winthrop U, Rock Hill. 803-323-2108.

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.

The Comedy Zone Upcoming Performances:. Jan. 21-24: Tony Luewellen, Eric Hunter and MC Mary Asher; Jan. 24: Mathis Madness with Mark Mathis from "Fox News Edge" and headliner, Eric Hunter plus allstars; Jan. 29-31: Bobcat Goldthwait and Rich Ragains. www.thecomedyzone.net. 516 N. College St. 704-348-4242.

Dance

Ailey II The troupe is a smaller version of Alvin Ailey's acclaimed original dance company. Sun., Jan. 25, 8 p.m. $10-20. Duke Performance Hall, Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2135.

Dance Portraits The NC Dance Theatre (NCDT) kicks off celebration for George Balanchine's 100th birthday, with Dance Portraits: a look at the careers of two of his greatest stars, Patricia McBride and Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux. There will also be a presentation of never before seen video clips of McBride and Bonnefoux, and a question and answer period with dance critic Clive Barnes. Sat., Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m. $10-$25. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.

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. Daily. Omnimax. Now showing: Space Station, Top Speed, and Journey Into Amazing Caves. Call or visit website for times, www.discoveryplace.org. Speed. Exhibit and experience delivering a high-speed plunge into the world of high-performance, limit-stretching and barrier-smashing motion. Through Feb. 2004. 301 N. Tryon St. 704-372-6261.

Levine Museum of the New South Cotton Fields to Sky Scrapers. Tue.-Sun. Courage: The Carolina Story That Changed America. The 1954 decision, Brown v. Board of Education (the Supreme Court declared racially segregated public schools unconstitutional), initiated massive change in race relations across the country. Jan. 31-Aug. 15. 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. Jan. 15-29. 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887.

Mint Museum of Art All Aglow. Through February 15, 2004. Fashions of the Crinoline Era: 1840-1865. Eight mid 19th century crinoline fashions, featuring wide hoop skirts, from the museum's costume collection are currently on display. Through May 2004. Windows into Heaven. "Windows into Heaven: Russian Icons," from the Robicsek Collection of Religious Art, presents a group of 65 18th and 19th century Russian icons. Through Feb. 15, 2004. 2730 Randolph Rd. 704-337-2000.

Mint Museum of Craft & Design The Artful Teapot: 20th Century Expressions from the Kamm Collection. An exhibit examining the chameleon-like form of the teapot and how it has become an inventive vehicle for artistic expression in the 20th century. January 31-May 30, 2004. 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. 27: Wine and Cheese Pairing: Rioja : Manchego (Sheep Milk), Australia : Cheedam (Cow Milk), France : Poivre d'Ane, Bleu de Corse (Goat Milk), Italy : Pecorino (Sheep) Fontina, Piedmont (Cow). Tuesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. $30. 220 N. Tryon St. 704-337-2009.