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.

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. Vernon Grant. An exhibit of Grant's work, Storybook Village. Jan. 31-Oct. 31. 4621 Mount Gallant Rd., Rock Hill. 803-329-2121.

Readings & Signings

Barnes & Noble, Arboretum Celia Rivenbark. Author will discuss and sign We're Just Like You, Only Prettier. Wed., Jan. 21, 7 p.m. Lysa Mateu. Author will sign and discuss Psychic Diaries. Sat., Jan. 24, 7 p.m. Robin Edgar. Meet author of In My Mother's Kitchen. Sat., Jan. 24, 2 p.m. 704-341-9365.

Barnes & Noble, Huntersville Hunter Darden. Author will sign Tapestry, a novella. Sun., Jan. 25, 3 p.m. Birkdale Village, 8725 Townley Rd., Huntersville. 704-895-8863.

Davidson College Susan Allport. Author will discuss her writing about love and food in Smith 900 room of the Alvarez College Union. Mon., Jan. 26, 7:30 p.m. 704-894-2441.

Spoken Word

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.

Phoenix Rising Poetry & Fiction Reading. Readings and workshop with authors Mary E. Martin and Pat MacEnulty of Winthrop University. Jan. 23: Readings and reception at 7pm (free); Jan. 24: Workshop for writers, 1-4pm ($15 donation). 9215 Monroe Rd., #130. 704-849-2021.

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

Festival of New Works The Theater Dept. of Davidson College presents unpublished plays of playwrights and students. Black Box, Cunningham Fine Arts Building. Feb. 3-7 at 8pm; Feb. 8 at 2pm. $4. Davidson College. 704-894-2361.

Glengarry Glen Ross David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize winning play, presented by C.A.S.T. (carolina actors studio theatre). Jan. 22-24; Jan. 28-31; Feb. 4-7 at 8pm. Jan. 28 is "Pay What You Can Night.". $15, $12 Students/Seniors. Carolina Actors Studio Theatre (CAST), 1118 Clement Ave. 704-455-8542.

The Laramie Project The story of Matthew Shepard, a University of Wyoming student who was beaten to death for being gay. The project later inspired an HBO film. Jan. 29-31 and Feb. 4-7 at 7:30pm; Feb. 1 at 2:30pm. $9-$15. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St., Salisbury. 704-633-5471.

Oedipus Rex The greatest Greek tragedy ever written. Special appearances by Charlotte Symphony Ensemble at the Jan. 24 & 31 performances. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Jan. 23, 7pm; Jan. 24, 7:30pm; Jan. 25, 2pm; Jan. 30, 7:30pm; Jan. 31, 3pm. Center Seats $12, Side Seats $10. Children's Theatre of Charlotte, 1017 E. Morehead St. 704-376-5745.

Rumpelstiltskin A retelling of the Grimm Brothers' tale presented by Davidson College Theater Dept. Jan. 23 at 7:30pm; Jan. 24 at 10:30am, 2:30pm, 4:30pm; Jan. 25 at 3pm. $4 adults, $3 children. Blackbox Theatre, Cunningham Arts Bldg., Davidson. 704-892-7953.

She Loves Me The perfect romantic, musical comedy. Two feuding co-workers are unwittingly in love with each other as anonymous pen pals. The musical which inspired the movie, You've Got Mail. Jan. 30-31, Feb. 5-7, 12-14, 8pm. Feb. 8, 15, 2:30pm. $17 Thurs/Sun, $22 Fri/Sat. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. 704-376-3777.

Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen What happens when some well known chefs and television personalities compete against one another in a cooking contest? Jan. 23 - Mar. 31, Wed - Sat, 7pm. $32.95 adults, $21.95 children 6-12 (Wed & Thu); $38.95 adults, $24.95 children 6-12 (Fri & Sat). Ovations, 3014 East Independence Blvd. 704-602-2595.

Theater: Ongoing

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. $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. 15-17, 22-24 at 8 pm. Matinee: Jan. 25 at 3 pm. $15 adults, $12 students/seniors. Southend Performing Arts Center, 201 Rampart St. 704-332-5300.

Mass Appeal A clash of ideologies and generations is the setting for this play written by Bill C. Davis about a young seminarian who rattles the established order at a Catholic parish run by an older priest. Directed by Marilyn Carter. January 22-24 8:30pm. $5. Dilworth Coffeehouse, 1235-B East Blvd., Kenilworth Commons. 704-905-2152.

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

Visual Arts: Openings

Charlotte Art League Grand Reopening & 40th Anniversary Prelude Celebration. A silent auction will be the focus of the evening with donated artworks. Live music by Gael Warning. Fri., Jan. 23, 6-9 p.m. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.

The Light Factory Michael Harrison, An Italian Diary & Frank Hunter's Sunflowers. Harrison, a Charlotte based artist, made the pictures in the show while teaching in Italy. Opening Reception: Jan. 23, 6-9pm. Jan. 23-March 13. Spirit Square, Knight Gallery, 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755.

Redsky Gallery Lee Stewart / Gerin Choiniere. Original works on paper and canvas, sculpture, ceramic, glass, studio furniture, art-to-wear, jewelry, and more. Over 260 regional and national artists represented. January Spotlight features four artists: photographers Gerin Choiniere and Lee Stewart, ceramic artist Corine Guseman and wood artist James Soder. Opening Reception: Jan. 23, 6:30-8:30pm. Exhibit runs through Feb. 29. 4705 Savings Pl., Suite 108. 704-552-5200.

Van Every Gallery, Davidson College Chuck Close: Prints and Process. This exhibition examines the diverse and innovative methods the artist has developed along with master printmakers to create variations on similar subjects. Jan. 22-Feb. 27. Davidson. 704-894-2519.

W.D.O. Post-Industrial Romanticism. A group exhibit featuring works in clay, glass and metal. Feb. 3-March 13. Hearst Plaza Suite No. 1, 214 North Tryon St. 704-333-9123.

Visual Arts: Ongoing

Art Bar Piper Warlick. Portraits of contemporary women in the style of old Hollywood. Through February. 1501 B. South Tryon St. 704-277-0802.

Art Institute of Charlotte Gallery Filiz Emma Soyak. Striving To Be Conscious : The Art of Living, a solo exhibition of the latest paintings and collages. Through January. 2110 Water Ridge Parkway. 704-357-8020.

Center of the Earth Gallery Pleasure Places IV. An annual group exhibition featuring artists exploring interior and exterior worlds with varied styles and approaches. On exhibit through Feb. 28. 3204 N Davidson St. 704-375-5756.

Christa Faut Gallery Group Exhibit. A group exhibition of paintings, drawings and prints by Gallery artists. On exhibit through Feb. 2. 19818 N. Cove Rd., Cornelius. 704-892-5312.

Clay on Camden Don Cheek. Debut works in clay. Through January. 1510 Camden Rd. 704-790-2326.

Cuvee Wine & Art Gallery Frank Haas. An exhibit of paintings. On exhibit through Jan. 31. 710 West Trade St. 704-332-5548.

Dalton Gallery J. Michael Simpson. Exhibition entitled Natural Constructions. Through February 18. Center for the Arts, 121 East Main St., Rock Hill. 803-328-2787.

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 Joseph Greenberg. Retrospective of Paintings by New York artist entitled New York, My Home. Jan. 16 - Feb. 28. Leon A. Makielski. Four Seasons, landscape paintings from the artist's personal collection. On exhibit through February 21. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337.

The Gallery at Carillon Fiber Images. This exhibition of contemporary fiber will feature 11 wall works by 8 artists. Jan. 19-April 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 1980s : 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. Jan. 15-31. 510 E. 35th St. 704-344-0300.

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. Exhibit runs through Feb. 28. 1910 S. Blvd. Suite 130. 704-334-7302.

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. Jan. 15-31. Edward Rice, Matt Overend. Recent monotypes and new paintings from South Carolina artists. 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. On exhibit through Feb. 14. 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-3000.

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.

Lesbian & Gay Community Center Francisco Gonzales. An exhibit of Charlotte printmaker, a gallery artist with Blue Pony Gallery and Press. Through March 13. 1401 Central Ave. 704-333-0144.

The Light Factory Images & Impact Show. The project is a celebration of the many individuals who make a collective difference in Charlotte. 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. On exhibit through Feb. 1. 103 West Center Ave. 704-663-6661.

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.

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.

Thomas Thoune Gallery Tom Thoune & Raymond Grubb. An exhibit of images entitled French Scrapbook. Exhibit runs through Feb. 5. 228 East Blvd. 704-334-9087.

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.