Arts Agenda 

Charlotte Comedy Theater Live Improvised Comedy. Interactive, improvisational comedy similar to Whose Line Is It Anyway. Rated R. www.charlottecomedy.com. July 15-16: Comedy Battle. The 1st two teams will perform July 15, 10pm and 2nd two on July 16, 8pm. Championship July 16, 10pm. $10. 1111 - D Hawthorne Ln. 866-467-7681.

The Comedy Zone Upcoming Performances:. July 6-9: Allyn Ball & Naughty; July 13-14: Keith Alberstaadt. www.thecomedyzone.net. 516 N. College St. 704-348-4242.

Dilworth Neighborhood Grille The Pink Turtle Sketchprov Experience. Whose Line, Second City, and Sketchprov- style improv comedy. Reservations suggested. www.pinkturtle.net. Fri. & Sat., 8:30pm. $5. 911 E. Morehead St. 704-301-1564.

The Perch Live Sketch Comedy. Rated "R" for verbal content. At CCT, 1111 Hawthorne Ln. # D. www.theperch.com. Thursdays, 9 & 10:30pm. 704-566-0053.Museums

Museums

Charlotte Museum of History Hands-on History: Cooling Colonial Desserts. Bring children to help create their own Colonial summer treat! Sat., July 16, 2-4 p.m. Regular Museum admission. Homesite Alive: Handweaving. Take a tour of the oldest house in Charlotte and learn about the ancient skill of weaving. Visitors will be able to "throw a shot" on the loom and help make a piece of fabric. Wed., July 6, 1-4 p.m. Regular Museum admission. Kites to Kitty Hawk. A multi-media interactive exhibit. June 28-Sept. 6. Nii Tettey Tetteh and the Kusun Ensemble. Although rooted in traditional African music, the group has developed a new brand of music, "Nokoko," and has performed for audiences around the world. July 16, 2005. 6:30 and 8:30pm. $10 for members; $15 for non-members. Vecinos/Neighbors. A bilingual photographic exhibition. Through Aug. Whatzit?. This exhibit challenges the visitor to identify unique and unusual artifacts rarely on public display. Through Sept. 3500 Shamrock Dr. 704-568-1774.

Discovery Place Grossology. Exhibit exploring good, bad and ugly about how the body works. Through July. IMAX Dome. Now showing Roar: Lions of the Kalahari, Bugs! A Rainforest Adventure, Forces of Nature and Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag. www.discoveryplace.org. 301 N. Tryon St. 704-372-6261.

Levine Museum of the New South Cajun House Party. Learn about this fascinating culture in the New South and enjoy a Cajun food buffet, dance lessons, stories and music provided by the Miller Band and the Carolina Gator Gumbo Band. Fri., July 8, 5:30 p.m. Tickets start at $15. Cotton Fields to Sky Scrapers. Tue.-Sun. 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887.

Mint Museum of Art Ancient Egyptial Art for the Afterlife. Local collector offers a glimpse of ancient Egypt. July 15-Dec. 4. Museum Docent. Experience art and become a docent who leads tours and helps visitors understand art works. No art experience is needed. Enthusiastic people who value art and communicate well in groups are invited to apply. sperry@mintmuseum.org. Retrospective of Prints by Chuck Close. June 28-Aug. 7. 2730 Randolph Rd. 704-337-2000.

Mint Museum of Craft + Design Murano: Glass from the Olnick Spanu Collection. June 28-Dec. 31. Point of View III: North Carolina Artists as Collectors. June 28-Oct. 9. Tradition & Change: 19th and 20th Century Craft At The Mint. Tue.-Sun. 220 N. Tryon St. 704-337-2009.

Museum of York County Eewww, Yuck!. Understanding Nature's Most Unhuggable Creatures. Through Summer 2005. 4621 Mount Gallant Rd., Rock Hill. 803-329-2121.

Schiele Museum of Natural History, Gastonia Rainforest Alive!. June 28-Sept. 4. 1500 E. Garrison Blvd. 704-866-6900.Readings & Signings

Readings & Signings

Barnes & Noble, Arboretum George Ellison and K. Randell Jones. Discussion and signing of Mountain Passages by George Ellison and Scoundrels, Rogues, and Heroes of the Old North State edited by Randell Jones. Sat., July 9, 2-4 p.m. 3327 Pineville-Matthews Rd. 704-341-9481.

Beatties Ford Road Library Altonya Washington. Author will read excerpts from her latest novel, Love Scheme, followed by a book signing and reception. Tue., July 12, 7 p.m. 2412 Beatties Ford Rd. 704-432-6706.

Borders, Stonecrest Mary Alice Monroe. Author will read and sign her new novel, Sweetgrass. Mon., July 11, 7:30 p.m. 7836 Rea Rd. 704-752-3782.

Gaston County Public Library Mark Helprin. Award-winning writer Mark Helprin will read from and discuss his new novel, Freddy and Fredericka. Sun., July 10, 4 p.m. Free. 1555 East Garrison Blvd, Gastonia. 704-868-2164.

Joseph-Beth Booksellers Mary Alice Monroe. Author will discuss and sign her new novel, Sweetgrass. Tue., July 12, 7 p.m. Kathy Reichs. Bestselling author Kathy Reichs will sign Cross Bones. Tue., July 19, 7 p.m. 4345 Barclay Downs Dr. 704-602-9820.Spoken Word

Spoken Word

Jackson's Java Poetry Open Mike. Hosted by Jonathan Rice. Thu., July 14, 8 p.m. 8544 University City Blvd. 704-595-9526.

Union County Public Library, Monroe TheSpokenWord!. Gives voice to local poets by providing a safe, welcoming environment in which to share their work. X-rated or obscene poetry will not be tolerated. Original work or favorites are welcome. Mon., July 11, 6:30 p.m. 316 East Windsor St. 704-283-8184.