Arts Agenda 

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.

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. Saturday Sampler: African Animal Safari. Children, ages 5 and older with an accompanying adult, will take a guided tour through the Museum'sAfrican animal collections and learn how various species survive in different habitats. Sat., Feb. 21, 10 a.m. $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 students, free to CHM members. 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 Kristin Henderson. Author will discuss and sign Driving by Moonlight: A Journey Through Love, War, and Infertility. Sat., Feb. 21, 2 p.m. Helene Ekster-Owics & Gwen Gioia. Authors will sign and discuss dating tips from the book Nobody's Perfect. Sat., Feb. 21, 7 p.m. Brad Land. Author will sign and discuss Goat. Tue., Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m. 3327 Pineville-Matthews Rd. 704-341-9365.

Newsstand International Gwen Hunter. Mystery writer will sign copies of her latest novel Grave Concerns. Fri., Feb. 20, 12-3 p.m. 5622-128 E. Independence Blvd. 704-531-0199.

Walden Books, Carolina Mall Gwen Hunter. Author will sign Grave Concerns. Fri., Feb. 20, 5-7 p.m.

Spoken Word

Afro-American Cultural Center Harambe Tuesday. A mixture of poetry and discussion, perfect for first time readers or seasoned poets. Every first and third Tuesday. Free. 401 N. Myers St. 704-374-1565.

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.

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

Theater: Openings

Belles on Their Toes The sequel to the acclaimed Cheaper By The Dozen and a comedy in three acts. Feb. 20-21, 27-28 at 8pm; Feb. 22 & 29 at 2:30pm. www.rhcommunitytheatre.org. $5-$8. Rock Hill Community Theatre, 236 West Main St., Rock Hill. 803-324-2578.

The Colored Museum A social satire of living exhibits which whirl through history, inflating stereotypes to the point of explosion. Feb. 21 at 8pm; Feb. 22 at 2pm. $12. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. 704-375-9553.

A Lie of the Mind A presentation of a play by Sam Shepard. Recommended for mature audiences. Feb. 18-21, 8pm; Feb. 22, 2pm. $5 Winthrop ID, $10 general. Winthrop University, Rock Hill. 803-323-2287.

A Midsummer Night's Dream A youth production of the Piedmont Players. www.piedmontplayers.com. Feb. 20-21, 7:30pm; Feb. 21, 2:30pm. $6. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St., Salisbury. 704-633-5471.

Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery The Afro-American Children's Theatre presents a comedy about the coming of age of a young black girl growing up in the South in the 60s. www.aactcharlotte.org. Feb. 20 at 7:30pm, Feb. 21 at 4pm & 7pm, Feb. 22 at 3pm. $10-$12. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-7410.

Theater: Ongoing

1963 BareBones Theatre Group teams up with Torch Bearer productions for 1963 by local playwright Judy Simpson Cook. Feb. 19-21 at 8pm; Feb. 22 at 3pm. $15 adults, $12 students. Southend Performing Arts Center, 201 Rampart St. 704-332-5300.

The Altruists A dark comedy about a dedicated : if disorganized and demented : group of young radicals. Presented by The Off-Tryon Theatre Company. Feb. 18-21, & 26-28; Feb. 18 "Pay What You Can Night" All shows at 8pm. $15 adults, $12 students/seniors. Off-Tryon Theatre, 3143 Cullman Ave. 704-375-2826.

Annie Loveable musical and family treat, presented by CPCC Theatre. Feb. 20-21 at 8pm; Feb. 22 at 2:30pm. $12. Pease Auditorium, CPCC, 1200 Elizabeth Ave. 704-330-6534.

Copenhagen For decades, scientists and historians have pondered about the WWII meeting between two Nobel laureates to discuss the atomic bomb. This drama reenacts this meeting to consider the possibilities. Presented by Charlotte Repertory Theatre. Feb. 18-19, 7:30pm; Feb. 20-21, 8pm; Feb. 22, 2pm & 7:30pm. $24.50 - $37.50. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-348-5800.

Glengarry Glen Ross David Mamet's 1984 Pulitzer Prize winning Drama is being held over. Feb. 20-21, 27-28, March 5-6, at 8pm; Feb. 29 at 3pm. $15 adults, $12 Students/Seniors. Carolina Actors Studio Theatre (CAST), 1118 Clement Ave. 704-455-8542.

Jungle Book An adaptation of Rudyard Kipling classic, presented by Matthews Playhouse.www.matthewsplayhouse.com. Feb. 19 & 20 7:30pm, Feb. 21 2pm & 7:30pm, Feb. 22 2pm. $7 & $9. Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell Street, Matthews. 704-846-8343.

Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen What happens when some well known chefs and television personalities compete against one another in a cooking contest? Murder Mystery Dinner Theater produced by About Town Tours. 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.

Twenty Years Ago A nostalgic and inspirational look at life. Presented by Narroway Productions. Advanced reservations required, tickets include dinner and show. www.narroway.net. Fridays & Saturdays in Feb., 7pm. $24.95. The Studio at Regent Park, Fort Mill. 803-802-2300.

Visual Arts: Openings

Art Preserve Group Exhibit. Currently showing contemporary abstact paintings by Jan Kinslowe, furniture by Beth Phillips, sculptural pieces by Linda Vista and paintings by Eric Olsen. Through March. 3200 A North Davidson. 704-358-8882.

Hart-Witzen Gallery NoDa Gallery. Featuring a new exhibition of original works by regional artists each month. Works from Florence, Italy, by Osiris Rain, through the month of February. Singer-Songwriter Open Mic every Wednesday. Personal Masterpiece Exhibition. Feb. 20: An exhibit featuring visual, performance & musical arts of 100 regional artists, 8pm; Feb. 21: Mardi Gras Masquerade Party, 9pm. 136 E. 36 St. 704-334-1177.

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 Multi-media student works. Included in the exhibit will be artwork from students in Interior Design, Fashion Marketing, Graphic Design and Multimedia & Web Design. Through March 31. 2110 Water Ridge Parkway. 704-357-8020.

BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA Surface Matters. Artists from the Southeast explore surface and materials challenging the viewer to look deeper and stretch their awareness, using newspaper, steel, concrete, monofilament, fiber, acrylics and oil. Curated by Joie Lassiter Gallery. Also at First Citizens, 128 S. Tryon. Through Nov 15. 101 South Tryon Street. 704-373-1464.

Breathe Art Space Journey Within. An exhibit by Group Doshi featuring works in oil, ceramics, paper collage, ink andphotography. Runs through Mar. 6. www.breathe-artspace.com. 228 Caldwell Lane, Suite B, Davidson. 704-896-1799.

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

Christa Faut Gallery Joana Wardell. "History Lessons," a solo exhibition of paintings. Feb. 12-March 2. 19818 N. Cove Rd., Cornelius. 704-892-5312.

Cuvee Wine & Art Gallery Georgie Pocheptsov. An exhibit of drawings and paintings by Georgie Pocheptsov, an eleven-year-old artist. Opening Reception: Feb. 20, 6-9pm. Feb. 12-March 27. 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. Through Feb. 21. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337.

Fewell Park Gallery, Rock Hill Karen Greene Frazier. A collection of works entitled "Moods, Memories, Dreams, Visions and Possibilities." Feb. 12-26. 1204 Alexander Rd. 803-329-5649.

The Gallery at Carillon Fiber Images. This exhibition of contemporary fiber will feature 11 wall works by 8 artists. Feb. 12-April 16. 227 W. Trade St. 704-334-8840.

Gallery L, Main Library Gettin' Along: A View of Racial Integration in America. An exhibit of photographs taken in the 1930s and 1940s by Joe Schwartz. www.plcmc.org/galleryL. Feb. 15-March 28. 310 N. Tryon St. 704-336-2020.

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. 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. Exhibit runs through Feb. 28. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.

Joie Lassiter Gallery Joe Walters. Selected works from Charleston-based artist featuring works with intricate and complex natural forms, shifting between formalism and realism. Through March 26. 525 North Tryon Street, Suite 140. 704-373-1464.

JS Pottery Gaston County Doctors and Their Art. A grouping of work created by six of Gaston County's Physicians. Through February. 27 South Main Street, Belmont. 704-829-0360.

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 Michael Harrison, An Italian Diary & Frank Hunter's Sunflowers. Harrison, a Charlotte based artist, made the pictures in the show while teaching in Italy. Feb. 12-March 13. Spirit Square, Knight Gallery, 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755.

Merrill-Jennings Galleries Addie James. A one woman show called A Home of My Own by NC folk artist to benefit Our Towns Habitat for Humanity. Through Feb. 29. 463 S. Main St., Davidson. 704-895-1213.

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 Lee Stewart / Gerin Choiniere. Original works on paper and canvas, sculpture, ceramic, glass, studio furniture, art-to-wear, jewelry, and more. Featuring photographers Gerin Choiniere and Lee Stewart, ceramic artist Corine Guseman and wood artist James Soder. Through Feb. 29. 4705 Savings Pl., Suite 108. 704-552-5200.

Shain Gallery Small Paintings. A beginning collectors show. Through March 3. 601-B Providence Rd. 704-334-7744.

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