ArtsAgenda 

Ayres and Merriments a concert of music from the Highlands (of Scotland) through the Islands (England, Wales, Ireland) presented by Carolina Pro Musica. Fri., March 15, 8:15 p.m. $12, $6 for students and seniors. St. Mary's Chapel, 1129 E. 3rd St. 704-334-3468.

Chamber Music at St. Peter's Fifth Annual Benefit Concert Program will feature works by Mozart, Locklair, and Tchaikovsky. Sat., March 9, 8 p.m. $25 for general seating. St. Peter's Catholic Church. 704-335-0009.

Gold Medal Winner, Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Features the Gold Medal Winner of the 11th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition held in June 2001. Mon., March 18, 8 p.m. $20-$55. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-348-5800.

Mostly Mozart Neighborhood Concerts The program will feature works by Wagner, Haydn, and of course Mozart. The concerts will be held at three separate locations. Concert one will be held at Davidson College Presbyterian Church, Concert two will be held at Matthews United Methodist Church, and Concert three will be held at First United Methodist Church - Downtown. March 14, 7:30 p.m.; March 15, 7:30 p.m.; March 16, 7:30 p.m. $10. Charlotte Symphony, 201 S. College St. 704-972-2000.

The Orchestra Then and Now featuring works by Wagner, Lamar Stringfield, Robert Ward, and Howard Hanson. Sat., March 16, 7 p.m. $8/adults, $6/students & seniors, $17/families (2 adults and children). First United Methodist Church. 704-344-0098.

Providence United Methodist Church Recital Series "Happy St. Patrick's Day" - featuring the works of Arnold Schonberg, Mozart, and Ravel. Sun., March 17, 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Rd. 704-366-7442.

Strike Up The Jazz with the Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring Marvin Stamm on Trumpet. The orchestra will perform the London Suite by Erik Coates and the Olympic Fanfare by John Williams. Sat., March 16, 8 p.m. $20. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-846-2788.ComedyComedy Zone Pat Godwin and Al Katz. Comedic performance. March 6, 8 p.m.; March 7, 8 p.m.; March 8, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m.; March 9, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m. $6 Wednesday and Thursday. $10 Friday and Saturday. Illusionist-Gemini and Mike Trixx. Comedic performance. March 13, 8 p.m.; March 14, 8 p.m.; March 15, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m.; March 16, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m. $6 Wednesday and Thursday. $10 Friday and Saturday. 516 N. College St. 704-348-4242.

The Perch Theatre Perch Comedy. Cheerfully offending Charlotte since 1994. Located at 1500 Central Ave., 2nd floor. Showtimes are 9pm and 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights. There is also a late show on Saturdays at 1am. Performances are rated R for verbal content. www.theperch.com. Fri., Sat. $10/$8 for students with I.D. Extreme Improv. The Desperate for Attention Players will be performing Chicago-style, long-form shows. Down and dirty, stage clawing, improvised comedy available no where else in this area. Saturdays, 7 p.m. $8. 1500 B. Central Ave.Museums* Mint Museum of Art Art Glass: The Collection of Marjorie and Robert McDorman. Brilliant and elegant examples of art glass from the guilded age. Ranges from small vases and plates to much larger urns and lamps. Included are works from all of the major glassmakers of the period: Galle, Daum, Loetz, Tiffany, Carder, Steuben, Durand and Quezal among others. Mon.-Sun. Continues through June 16. The Gilded Age: Treasures from the Smithsonian American Art Museum. An insightful look, through 60 art masterpieces, into the era in which America assumed a leading role on the world stage. Mon.-Sun. Continues through April 21. Pierre Joseph Redoute: A Man Passionate About Flowers. a presentation of 24 nineteenth century botanical hand-colored engravings from Redoute's most renowned works, Les Lilacees and Les Roses, from public and private collections. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 28. Pierre-Joseph Redoute: A Man Passionate About Flowers. in honor of botanist Andre Michaux. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 14. 2730 Randolph Rd. 704-337-2000 or 704-333-MINT.

Mint Museum of Craft & Design Findings: The Jewelry of Ramona Solberg. Innovative jewelry pieces from an amazing artist. Mon.-Sun. Continues through March 31. Myth, Object and the Animal. the glass works of William Morris. 220 N. Tryon St. 704-337-2009.Spoken Word23 Studio/Pat's Tavern Open Mic Spoken Word Poetry Night. A chance for all local poets, drummers and entertainers to come showcase their talent. After each poetry session you can stay and listen to DJ Live and an up and coming musical act to follow. There will also be local incense, oil, art and jewelry vendors at the event. Thursdays. $5 before 10:30pm, $10 thereafter. 3209 N. Davidson St. 704-370-6107.

Crystal on the Plaza Reggae Club Wisdom Wednesdays. At Crystal on the Plaza Reggae Club, 3018 The Plaza Rd. Open Mic, Spoken Word, Poetry and other conscious thoughts and expressions. Word, Sound & Power...Roots, Culture & Knowledge. Hosted by Aquiyla and Nina, MC by Filmore, Musical Innervissions by DJ DR and DJ Justice. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. 3018 The Plaza. 704-376-3799.Theater: OpeningsAll My Sons This Arthur Miller play is an impressive drama that received the Drama Critics' Award for best new American play of the season. The play is concerned with the fortunes of the Keller and Deever families and their involvement in World War II. The climax showing the reaction of a son to his guilty father is a fitting conclusion to a play electrifying in its intensity. March 7, 8 p.m.; March 8, 8 p.m.; March 9, 8 p.m.; March 14, 8 p.m.; March 15, 8 p.m.; March 16, 8 p.m.; March 17, 2:30 p.m.; March 21, 8 p.m.; March 22, 8 p.m.; March 23, 8 p.m.; March 24, 2:30 p.m. $15-$20. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. 704-334-9128.

Closer by Patrick Marber. The tale of four soul's misdirected quests to find love. March 7; March 8; March 9; March 14; March 15; March 16. $10 on Thursday and Sunday. $12 on Friday and Saturday. Afro-American Cultural Center, 401 N. Myers St. 704-577-7274.

Inside Out Presented by American Dance Art, at the Booth Playhouse. Will include two original Charlotte premieres, Judy Greengrass and Strange Love. March 8, 8:30 p.m.; March 9, 8:30 p.m. $15. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000.

Jeffrey Paul Rudnick's self-described "play about love, death, and wisecracks" takes place when taking a leap of faith to be in a relationship seems anything but comedic. March 7, 8 p.m.; March 8, 8 p.m.; March 9, 8 p.m.; March 14, 8 p.m.; March 15, 8 p.m.; March 16, 8 p.m.; March 17, 8 p.m. $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students. Off-Tryon Theatre Company. 704-375-2826.

Jungalbook A new take on Rudyard Kipling's Classic Adventure Stories with Edward Mast's Jungalbook. March 8, 7:30 p.m.; March 9, 3 p.m.; March 10, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; March 15, 7:30 p.m.; March 16, 1 p.m.; March 17, 2 p.m. $10 for general admission. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-333-8983.

Steel Magnolias Comedy/Drama which tells the story of a group of gossipy southern ladies in a small town beauty parlor. March 8, 8 p.m.; March 9, 8 p.m.; March 10, 3 p.m.; March 15, 8 p.m.; March 16, 8 p.m. $7 for adults, $5 for students/seniors. Clover Middle School Auditorium, 320 Clinton Ave., Clover. 803-831-1048.

Terra Nova A historical account of Captain Robert Falcon Scott's race to the South Pole and his ultimate death. Wonderfully lyrical piece by Ted Tally based on Scott's actual journals found with his body which recounts a tale of courace and individual sacrifice. March 14, 7:30 p.m.; March 15, 8 p.m.; March 16, 8 p.m.; March 17, 3 p.m.; March 21, 7:30 p.m.; March 22, 8 p.m.; March 23, 8 p.m.; March 24, 3 p.m.; March 28, 7:30 p.m.; March 29, 8 p.m.; March 30, 8 p.m.; March 31, 3 p.m. $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students. Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell Street, Matthews. 704-321-7275.Theater: Ongoing* Les Miserables This production is the only production of the show currently touring the country. It is a carbon copy of the original productions still running on Broadway and in London; it has not been reduced or edited in any way. March 5, 8 p.m.; March 6, 8 p.m.; March 7, 8 p.m.; March 8, 8:15 p.m.; March 9, 2 p.m. & 8:15 p.m.; March 10, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. $20-$58. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-522-6500.Visual Arts: OpeningsArt Institute of Charlotte Gallery Making A Mark: An Exhibit of Art by Children Touched By Cancer. The exhibit features the work of young artists from around the country who address personal issues arising from their experiences with cancer and related blood disorders. Mon.-Fri. Continues through March 29. 2110 Water Ridge Parkway. 704-357-8020.

Jerald Melberg Gallery Modernist Mind & Mystical Spirit. works on paper by Oscar Bluemner. Mon.-Sun. Continues through April 20. A Certain Slant of Light. new oil paintings and watercolors by Thomas McNickle. Mon.-Sun. Continues through April 20. 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-3000.

Thomas Kinkade Carolina Place Gallery Thomas Kinkade Original to Be Unveiled. The original canvas Cape Hatteras Light. This is a rare opportunity for collectors to view one of Thomas Kinkade's original oil paintings. Sun., March 10. 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy., Pineville. 704-341-2000.

Winthrop University Galleries 150 Years. The debut of three new works by performance artist Jennifer Marie Wallace. Both object-oriented and performance-based, Wallace's art explores Southern issues and is based on her own knowledge of the South, having grown up in South Carolina. There will be three separate performances "Fickle Ballast", "Blue Blood Trickle" and "Drawn Taut". Wed., March 20, 1 p.m. 107 McLaurin, Rock Hill. 803-323-2493.Visual Arts: OngoingAfro-American Cultural Center High Cotton/Twenty Third Psalms Exhibit. Artists' Schroeder Cherry and Alec Simpson use a variety of technizues to explore the inner self in this exhibition. "High Cotton" is the metaphor used to describe the elements and experiences African-Americans had to endure to succeed in life. "Twenty-Third Psalms" is a reflection of the Lord's Prayer used to express African-American creativity and spiritual growth. Tue.-Sun. Continues through May 5. Leather as Art Exhibit. Artists, Terrance Hill and Marvin Sin mastered this unique technique of pulling and stretching leather to create powerful images that are not only pleasing to the eye, but also sensitive to the touch. Tue.-Sun. Continues through May 5. 401 N. Myers St. 704-374-1565.

Art Institute of Charlotte Gallery Rod Wimer's Monolyth Series. Subjects include abstracts, contemporary figurative, exotic wildlife and botanicals. Mediums include watercolor, acrylic, colored pencil, pen and ink, and pastel. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Continues through March 10. 2110 Water Ridge Parkway. 704-357-8020.

Center of the Earth Gallery The New Realism: 4th Annual Realism Invitational. will feature works by Robert Azank, Anthony Schepis, Joseph Hronek, Carol Lee Thompson, Rebecca Fagg, and Katherine Grossfeld. Mon.-Fri. Continues through April 27. 3204 N Davidson St. 704-375-5756.

Charlotte Art League Figurative. works by CAL members in varied mediums. Mon.-Sun. Continues through March 31. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.

* Charlotte Museum of History/Hezekiah Alexander Homesite & American Freedom Bell Raising The Roof: Barns of Our State. A photographic collaboration between the museum and Our State: North Carolina Magazine exploring a vanishing icon of the rural and agricultural South - the old wooden barn. Mon.-Sun. 3500 Shamrock Dr., Between Eastway and Sharon Amity. 704-568-1774.

Christa Faut Gallery Recent Work. Solo exhibition of mixed media paintings by Waddy Armstrong. Mon.-Sat. Continues through March 10. 19818 N. Cove Rd., Cornelius. 704-892-5312.

CPCC Art Gallery Lines and Shadows. Poetry by Rebecca Schenck and Photography by Gordon Schenck. Mon.-Fri. Continues through April 5. P.O. Box 35009. 704-330-6480.

Elder Art Gallery Men On Art. Will feature the work of four accomplished Southeastern artists. Carl Blair, Jim Creal, Paul Ladnier, and Wayne Trapp will provide new work to demonstrate diverse artistic styles. Mon.-Sun. Continues through April 3. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337.

Gallery L Portraits from the Golden Age of Jazz: Photographs by William P. Gottlieb. Exhibit features over 70 images of jazz greats such as Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra. These pictures have been featured on album covers, CD covers, postage stamps and in television documentaries and major motion pictures. Mon.-Sun. Continues through April 21. 310 N. Tryon St. 704-336-2020.

Green Door Gallery Group Show. featuring the original watercolors, drawings, prints, pastels and mixed media by Ken Hillberry. Paintings by Jennie Martin Tomlin, Marcel Bourbonniere, Hadassa Falson, Pottery by Kirk Argo, Norma Velazques-Frink, Carol Weston, Sculpture by Chase Winfield, Jeff Tudor, Fiber design by Peggy Luey, Functional Wood Design by Michael Brown and Stained Glass design by Kym Cress. Mon.-Sat. 221 West A St., Cannon Village, Kannapolis. 704-932-0099.

Hart-Witzen Gallery The Big Show. Large scale and collaborative works by 24 regional artists. Mon.-Sun. Continues through March 31. Oui. A mutual appreciation for each others' work, complimentary styles and a conversation about the color pink has led to emerging artists Dina Lowery and Michael Morgan Gibbons work simultaneously on two separate canvases switching the canvases periodically to work on each others painting. Completed paintings are unique exhibiting the style, inspiration and signatures of two artists. The ultimate artistic collaboration. Mon.-Sun. Continues through March 31. 611 W. 5th St. 704-334-1177.

Hodges Taylor Gallery Other Realities. Featuring the surreal and haunting works of Jerry Uelsmann. The reception for the artist will be February 1 from 6-8pm. Mon.-Sun. Continues through March 30. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.

* Jerald Melberg Gallery The Landscape of Dreams. Featuring the paintings, sculpture and works on paper of Raul Diaz. Mon.-Sun. Continues through March 9. 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-3000.

Joie Lassiter Gallery Still. by Doug Bohr. Mon.-Sun. Continues through March 31. 318 E 9th. 704-373-1464.

The Light Factory The Multiplication of Eggs: Experiments and Contraptions: An Installation by Nancy Fewkes. Interested in constructing a female perspective of biology, anatomy, history and experimental learning, Fewkes creates richly layered environments of sculptural forms and gold-toned albumen prints. Mon.-Sun. Continues through March 28. Members Portfolio Gallery: Twice Told - An Installation by Ginny Atkins. Atkins small boxes reveal the mysteries of collected lives. Mon.-Sun. Continues through March 28. 809 W. Hill St. 704-333-9755.

Microcosm Gallery Group Exhibition. Painters inculding John Haskins, Marilynn Fairchild, Scott Avett, Daniel Sztyber, Nina Verbuk and Alexander Sudakov. Mon.-Sun. Continues through April 1. 300 N. College St. #101.

Pentes Artworks Gallery All Women Show. Will feature the works of Sharon Augustyniak (photography), Lynda Calabrese (3 dimensional narratives & poetry), Sandy Culp (ceramic sculpture), Nisha Drinkard (fabric art), Sue Elrod (oil), Marilyn Fairchild (all media), Sue Hamilton (oil), Dolores Hibbard (oil & acrylic), Danna Pentes (multi media), and Ruth Pentes (photography). Tue.-Fri., 12-5 p.m. Continues through March 29. 1346 Hill Rd. 704-556-9897.

Pope's Gallery Jim Chapman. Bold captivating still lives (mostly fruit or flowers) painted in acrylic. Also featuring works by other local and regional artists in a variety of mediums. Mon.-Sun. Continues through March 31. Betty Mitchell. showing lovely, photo-realistic floral still lives painted in oil. Also exhibiting many works by local and regional artists. Mon.-Sun. Continues through March 31.

Queens College Art Gallery The Deluge of Mass Disorientation. the works of Guilbeau and Kerrane, a two-person, multi-media/electronic installation. Mon.-Sun. Continues through March 29. 1900 Selwyn Avenue. 704-337-2286.

Shain Fine Art Originals Landscapes, A Reflection of Consciousness. Oversized canvases reflect on the reflective qualities and movement of water surfaces that emulate and stimulate human reverie and, if you will, reflection. Mon.-Sun. Continues through March 31. Icons Of Domesticity. Portraits of furniture, successful portraits caputre the spirit and personality of the subject. Intimate interiors set the stage for metaphorical explorations. Mon.-Sun. Continues through March 31. 601-B Providence Rd. 704-334-7744.

Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art Nikki Blair: After The Instrument. From the complexities of the bio-tech industry to cosmetic surgery and prosthetics, according to the artists, we as a society have engaged in analyzing and re-structuring our bodies to the extent that scientific innovation will allow. Blair's work follows this banal practice to its extreme end and suggests the bizarre consequences of a world where our bodies are fragmented and possibly no longer able to be reassembled. Mon.-Sun. Continues through April 13. Picture Show. the works of James Casebere - a three part exhibition based on the relationship of photography and cinematography. Mon.-Sun. Continues through April 14. Photo + Video + Drawing = William Wegman. Features close to thirty years of Wegman's work in other media such as video, drawing, and altering his own and found photographs and postcards. In conjunction with the exhibit SECCA will present a selection of Wegman's videos including the U.S. premiere of his two most resent works, Reels 8 & 9. Mon.-Sun. Continues through April 12. 750 Marguerite Dr., Winston-Salem. 336-725-1904.

Tryon Center for Visual Art's Spirit Square Gallery What's New. Works by two curators and 25 selected artists. Mon.-Sun. Continues through April 15. 345 N. College St. 704-332-5535.

UNC-Charlotte New Sculptures. by Winston Tite. Mon.-Sun. Continues through March 22. A Woman's Work Is Never Done. works by Pauline Dove. Mon.-Sun. Continues through March 31.

Waterworks Visual Arts Center Cultures Revealed: Appliques from Around the World. Exhibition featuring traditional 20th century fiber handcraft from cultures throughout the world. Mon.-Sun. Continues through April 7. Salisbury. 704-636-1882.

Winthrop University Galleries Words and Images from Blackmon Road. The exhibit explores the concept of civic journalism through essays written by James Scott and Terry Plumb, and many of the images of veteran photographer Jim Stratakos being seen for the very first time. Mon.-Fri. Continues through March 31. 107 McLaurin, Rock Hill. 803-323-2493.

Wrightnow Gallery Art 2, an eclectic mix of both contemporary and traditional art, both two and three-dimensional. Paintings, digital art, pottery, stainless steel, and mixed natural sculpture. Participating artists: Michele Martin, Mary Brown, Julie Gasque, Stephanie Martin, Dianne Mahaffee, and Melinda Tindal. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through March 31. 3205 N. Davidson St. 704-554-8093. *