Classical Music
A Celebration of American Song A recital featuring Broadus Hamilton, tenor; Jason McKinney, baritone; Emily Jarrell, piano. St. Patrick's Episcopal Mission, 201 Fairview Rd., Mooresville. Sun., Feb. 22, 5 p.m. Free, donations accepted. 704-665-4247.
Gaston Symphonic Band The concert will feature Suite No. 1 by Gustav Holst, Suite of Old American Dances by Bennett, Amparito Roca by Jaime Texidor, and Broadway One-step March and "Saint Thomas" by Sonny Rollins, arr. Aubrey Winter. Sun., Feb. 22, 3 p.m. Free. Belmont Abbey Basilica, 100 Belmont-Mount Holly Rd., Belmont. 704-334-3468.
Gil Shaham Maestro Perick will lead the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Beethoven's Violin Concerto and Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique with guest violinist Gil Shaham. www.charlottesymphony.org. Feb. 20; Feb. 21, 8 p.m. $15-$70. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.
National Symphony Orchestra A presentation of the Carolinas Concert Association. www.carolinasconcert.com. Wed., Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m. $25 - $75. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-348-5800.
Prodigy Plays Paganini A performance of the Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring violinist Rachel Lee. www.charlottephilharmonic.org. Sat., Feb. 21, 8 p.m. $17.50-$35. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-846-2788.
Comedy
Bayou Kitchen Extreme Improv. Chicago style long form show Friday nights at 8pm and joined by Psychotic Pooch for twisted comedy at 10pm. www.extremeimprov.com. Saturday nights short form show with audience suggestions. $10. 1958 E 7th St. 704-502-8423.
The Comedy Zone Upcoming Performances:. Feb. 18-21: Bobby Collins & Paul Hooper; Feb. 26-29: Ralphie May & Lanna Turner. www.thecomedyzone.net. 516 N. College St. 704-348-4242.
Katchikally Nick Lewis Comedy Corner. Urban comedy hosted by Nick Lewis with rotating comedians. Every Fri. and Sat. at 9:30pm. $10. 204 W. Woodlawn Road Suite A. 704-567-2634.
The Room John Valby. John Valby, aka "Dr. Dirty," plays dirty parody songs on his piano. Thu., Feb. 19, 10 p.m. $10 over 21, $13 18-21. 1812 Montford Dr. 704-527-4511.
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. 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. Mix & Max: Omnimax after hours. The program is aimed at anyone looking for something different on Friday night. Live music, Omnimax films, food and cash bar. Third Friday of every month. $10 members $12 (non-members). Omnimax. Now showing: Space Station, Top Speed, and Journey Into Amazing Caves. Call or visit website for times, www.discoveryplace.org. A T. Rex Named Sue. A fully articulated cast of a T-Rex fossil will be on display. Opens Feb. 21. www.discoveryplace.org. 301 N. Tryon St. 704-372-6261.
Levine Museum of the New South Charlotte Black Heritage Tour(sm)/Pilgrimage 2004. Visit three existing Slave cemeteries, a former slave church, participate in a traditional African memorial service, listen to live professional drumming and visit 25 other sites of African-American and Charlotte history. Every Saturday in February, 10am and 1:30pm. $16-$30. 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. Feb. 12-Aug. 15. 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887.
Mint Museum of Art 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. James Tanner. Tanner will talk about his innovative work in ceramics. Tue., Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m. Margaret Bourke-White. The photography of design, 1927-1936. Feb. 14-May 2. Through the Eye of the Camera. 19th and 20th century photography. Feb. 14-May 2. 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. Feb. 24: Influence of oak aging in red wine, wood tannins, grape tannins, French/ American/ Italian/ Slovanian Oak, effects of toasting. Tuesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. $30. 220 N. Tryon St. 704-337-2009.