Fall Arts Calendar 

THE AHN TRIO The "Korean Seoul Sisters" will perform a variety of traditional classical pieces in addition to exciting, edgy works by contemporary composers. This performance is part of Wingate University's concert series on September 3, 7:30pm. Tickets are $20. For more information or reservations call 704-233-8300.

AMERICAN SALUTE The Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring the Eddie Mabry Dancers and tenor Daniel Rodriguez, will perform music by Richard Hayman, John Williams, Morton Gould, and Carmen Dragon at Belk Theater on September 7, 8pm. Tickets $15-$35. Call 704-846-2788 or visit www.charlottephilharmonic.org.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Carolina Pro Musica celebrates their 25th Anniversary with the premiere of "Gloria" by G.F. Handel, recently discovered and authenticated, featuring soprano Rebecca Miller Saunders at St. Martin's Episcopal Church on September 21 at 8:15pm. Tickets: $6-$12. 1510 E. 7th St., 704-334-3468, www.carolinapromusica.org.

BENT will be presented by Off-Tryon Theatre September 12-14, 19-21, and 26-28. All performances are at 8pm at the Off-Tryon Theatre. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors. 704-375-2826, www.offtryon.org.

CALLE 54 Latin jazz legends Chano Dominguez, Bebo Valdez, Giovanni Hidalgo and more perform in Belk Theater September 29 at 7:30pm. Tickets: $22-$45. 704-372-1000, www.performingartsctr.org.

CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY SPOTLIGHT: SEASON DEBUT Christof Perick conducts the Charlotte Symphony as part of its Classics series on September 27-28 at Belk Theater at 8pm. Tickets: $14-$60. 704-972-2000. www.charlottesymphony.org.

COLOURPHOBIA Moving Poets presents Sarah Emery's high energy and highly satirical Colourphobia (the fear of clowns) on September 2, 8pm, at Spirit Square. The performance is free. For more information call 704-527-6683.

THE COMMEDIA PUSS IN BOOTS by Lane Riosley will be performed by the Tarradiddle Players at Children's Theatre, 1017 E. Morehead St., September 20-29 at 4pm. Ages 5 and up. Tickets: $8-$10. 704-376-5745, www.ctcharlotte.org.

DAVIDSON COLLEGE MUSIC ENSEMBLE sponsored by Davidson College and the town of Davidson, performs as part of Davidson's Concert on the Green Series on September 22 from 6-8pm. 704-892-4440, www.concertsonthegreen.com.

DENYCE GRAVES will be in concert on September 5 in Belk Theater at the Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $15-$100. 704-372-1000, www.performingartsctr.org.

FIRST TUESDAY CONCERT SERIES Chamber Music at St. Peters presents Johannes Brahm's "Piano Quartet in C minor" at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 115 W. Seventh St., September 3, 12pm. Free admission. Call 704-335-0009.

FALL TRILOGY presented by North Carolina Dance Theatre, features a world premiere of Mark Godden's "New Work," and American premiere of Nicolo Fonte's "Spoken in Red" and George Balanchine's "Four Temperaments," performed at Belk Theater with the Charlotte Symphony September 19-21 at 8pm. Tickets: $10-$55. 704-372-1000, www.ncdance.org.

THE FANTASTICKS directed by Jamey Varnadore will be presented by the CPCC Theatre Department on September 27, 28 and October 4,5 at 8pm, October 6 at 2:30pm. Join the CPCC Theater as they revisit the longest running musical in American Theater history. Performance will be in Pease Auditorium on the main campus. Tickets are $12. For more information, call 704-330-6534.

THE GLASS MENAGERIE by Tennessee Williams comes to Booth Playhouse at The Performing Arts Center September 7-29, brought to you by Charlotte Rep, and directed by Joseph Hardy. Starring Penny Fuller as Amanda. It is the personal story of a young man and his desire to break away from his Southern dysfunctional family. Tickets: $24-$31.50. 704-372-1000, www.charlotterep.org.

HANSEL AND GRETEL Charlotte Youth Ballet performs this classic story at The Matthews Community Center Theater on September 28, 11am and 7pm. Tickets are $12 adults and $6 children. Call 704-366-5133 for more information.

MACBETH Tiny Ninja Theater does their unusual take on Shakespeare at the Off Tryon Theater Company, 3143 Cullman Avenue, in NoDa, on September 20-29. Tickets are $15; call 704-375-2826 for reservations or visit www.tinyninjatheater.com.

MACBETH Victory Pictures, Inc. presents an industrial strength production of Shakespeare's classic play at The Warehouse Theater at the Hart-Witzen Gallery, 611 W. Fifth St., on September 12-14 and September 19-21, 8pm. Tickets $15. Call 704-455-8542 for reservations.

JANICE MARTIN, violinist, will perform as part of the Davidson College Artists Series at Duke Family Performance Hall on the campus of Davidson College on September 26, 8pm. Tickets are $15. For more information call 704-894-2135.

NODA NEW PLAY FEST AND SHORT PLAY SLAM a new event presented by Off-Tryon Theatre September 16-18 and 23-25. All shows are at 8pm at the Off-Tryon Theatre. Tickets are $10, or $15 for Play Pass that grants admission to all plays and slams. Call 704-375-2826, www.offtryon.org.

THE MEMBER OF THE WEDDING Winner of the Critics Circle Award for Best Play, Carson McCullers' drama, displaying the loneliness of an overly imaginative young Georgian girl, will be performed at Old Courthouse Theatre, 49 Spring Street, NW, Concord, from September 19-28 at 9pm. Tickets: $12, children 12 and under $8. 704-788-2405.

PAUL TAYLOR DANCE COMPANY will perform September 1 at 8pm. One of the world's best-known and most respected dance companies returns to Charlotte after a 20-year absence. The performance will be at the Performing Arts Center. Tickets range from $20-$55. For more information call 704-372-1000.

THE SECRET GARDEN This major Broadway hit and musical treasure for children and adults will be performed at Little Theatre of Gastonia, 238 South Clay St., Gastonia, directed by Leslie Hodnett and Susan Lisle, September 26-29 and October 3-5. Tickets: $12, $10 seniors and students. 704-865-0160.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2001, UNO NUNCA MUERE LA VISPERA by Monika Bravo. Bravo made this film while she was an Artist-in-Residence on the 91st floor of the World Trade Center. The McColl Center for Visual Art, 721 N. Tryon St., will show the film on September 11, 11am-4pm, free admission. Call 704-332-5355.

SHIRLY VALENTINE will be presented by the Davidson College Theatre Department, September 4-8, in Hodson Hall. Tickets are $20, seating is limited. Call 704-894-2135

SHOW BOAT part of Theatre Charlotte's 75th Performance Season, this musical will be performed at Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Road, on September 12-14, 19-22, 26-29. Tickets: 704-334-9128, www.theatrecharlotte.org.

SNAPSHOT The Farm Theater Group, under the direction of Anthony Cerrato, presents a dramatic anthology of vignettes interpreting a photograph of two people at Mount Rushmore. The production will take the audience on a guided tour through The Warehouse Theater and the Hart-Witzen Gallery and through the authors' realities. Performance dates are September 26-28 and October 3-5, 8pm; tickets are $15. For more information, call 704-455-8542.

WEST SIDE STORY The classic musical update of the Romeo & Juliet story will be performed at Belk Theater September 10-15 as part of a new national tour. Individual tickets range from $20-$58. Call 704-372-1000, or visit www.performingartsctr.org.

THE WROSLAV CONNECTION The Charlotte Civic Orchestra performs in remembrance of September 11, 2001 on September 22, 2002 at 3pm. Tickets are $6-$17. First United Methodist Church, 501 N. Tryon St. 704-344-0098.

OCTOBERBALLET HISPANICO Hispanic culture comes alive in this fusion of ballet, modern and Latin dance. This traveling show will be presented at Belk Theater, October 6 at 7:30pm. Tickets: $15-$40. 704-372-1000, www.performingartsctr.org.

THE CANTERVILLE GHOST adapted by Marisha Chamberlain, based on the story by Oscar Wilde, will be performed by Children's Theatre at Spirit Square October 18-27. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Tickets: $10-$15. 704-376-5745, www.ctcharlotte.org.

CAROLINA WRITERS NIGHT Sponsored by Creative Loafing and the Novello Festival Press, this longstanding tradition welcomes distinguished regional novelist Lee Smith, NC novelist/playwright Jim Grimsley, Novello Literary Award winner Ron Rash, Novello Festival Press poet Irene Blair Honeycutt and Novello Festival Press children's writer/illustrator Lauren Faulkenberry to Neighborhood Theatre on October 16 at 7:30pm. Admission is free. www.novellofestival.org.

CASSANDRA KING wife of Pat Conroy, will be at Park Road Books, formerly known as The Little Professor, Park Road, October 9 at 7pm to talk about and sign copies of her debut novel, Sunday Wife. Call 704-525-9239.

CHESTNUT BRASS Queens University Friends of Music sponsor this concert at Dana Auditorium, October 4, 8:15pm. For more information, call 704-337-2213.

COPPELIA will be danced by the Shanghai Ballet at Belk Theater on October 28 at 8pm. Tickets: $85-$295. 704-527-6680, www.carolinasconcert.com.

DAVID SEDARIS best-selling author, humorist and contributor to NPR's This American Life will perform at Ovens Auditorium on October 21 at 8pm. Tickets are $20-$25. For more information or to reserve tickets call 704-522-6500.

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK will be performed by the Davidson College Theatre Department. New adaptation is by Wendy Kesselman and will be directed by Sharon Green, at Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College, October 23-26 at 8pm and October 27 at 2pm. Tickets: $12, $8 faculty/staff, $6 students. Recommended ages 11+. 704-894-2135.

DRACULA will be presented by Off-Tryon Theatre just in time for Halloween. Performances are October 24-26, 30-November 2. All shows start at 8pm at the Off-Tryon Theatre. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors. Pay what you can on October 30. 704-375-2826, www.offtryon.org.

EMANUEL AX considered by many to be the world's greatest living pianist, performs at the Performing Arts Center for one night only, October 5 at 8pm, as a part of the Charlotte Symphony's Classics series. Tickets: $40-$75. 704-972-2000, www.carolinasymphony.org.

ENCORE! LINDA EDER! Broadway star, actress, and singer Laura Eder is back by popular demand. She performs at Ovens Auditorium with the Charlotte Symphony Pops October 25-26 at 8pm. Tickets: $15-64. 704-972-2000, www.charlottesymphony.org

AN EVENING WITH A'LELIA BUNDLES Great-great-granddaughter of the famous African American entrepreneur, philanthropist and political activist, Madam C.J. Walker, Bundles is considered the authority on Walker's life, winning high acclaim for her biography On Her Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker. She will appear at the Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth Ave., on October 18 at 7:30pm, as part of the 2002 Novello Festival of Reading. Tickets are $15. 704-372-1000. www.performingartsctr.org.

AN EVENING WITH ALICE RANDALL Gaining national attention with her novel The Wind Done Gone, a blistering parody of Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind, Randall will speak at the Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth Ave., on October 17 at 7:30pm, as part of the 2002 Novello Festival of Reading. Tickets are $15. 704-372-1000. www.performingartsctr.org.

AN EVENING WITH BILLY COLLINS, US Poet Laureate, Collins is known for his commanding poetry readings and has won critical acclaim for his "meditative, ironic, and witty" poetry. He will appear at Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St., on October 10 at 7:30pm, as part of the 2002 Novello Festival of Reading. Tickets are $15. 704-372-1000. www.performingartsctr.org.

FALL CHORAL CONCERT at Queens University, featuring the various choral groups from Queens University, will be presented on October 23 at 8pm. For more information call 704-337-2213.

FIRST TUESDAY CONCERT SERIES Chamber Music at St. Peter's presents Ludwig von Beethoven's String Quartet, Op. 59, #1 "Rasumovsky" at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 115 W. Seventh St., on October 1, 12pm. Free admission. Call 704-335-0009.

GATEWAY SOUTH Moving Poets' first full length production of the year features The Echo and the world premiere of Southern Tour, at Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St., on October 9-13, 8pm. Call 704-372-100 for reservations or visit www.movingpots.com.

GLENIS REDMOND This poet will perform at Children's Theatre October 11-12. Recommended for ages 5+. Tickets: $6-$8. 704-376-5745, www.ctcharlotte.org.

GRAND VISTAS AND VIOLINS The Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra and internationally acclaimed violinist Pip Clark perform Bruch's "Scottish Fantasy, Op. 46," "Academic Festival," and the themes from Born Free and Schindler's List at Calvary Church on October 19, 8pm. Tickets $20. Call 704-846-2788 or visit www.charlottephilharmonic.org.

THE LARAMIE PROJECT will be presented by Moises Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theater Project. This theatrical collage retells the Matthew Shepard tragedy in Laramie, WY in 1998. It will be performed October 9-27 at Spirit Square by the Actor's Theatre of Charlotte. Tickets: $12-$18. 704-342-2251, www.actorstheatrecharlotte.org.

LEE SMITH Best-selling author will be at Park Road Books (formerly The Little Professor), October 15 at 7pm to discuss and sign copies of her new book, Last Girls. Call 704-525-9239.

LEND ME A TENOR is a hilarious look at back-stage theatrical mishaps and will be performed at Theatre Charlotte October 31 and November 1-2, 7-10, 14-17. 704-334-9128, www.theatrecharlotte.org.

M. BUTTERFLY by David Henry Hwang will be performed at the Booth Playhouse October 19-November 10. Brought to you by Charlotte Rep and Syracuse Stage. This Tony Award-winning play tells the story of a French diplomat and his love affair with a Chinese opera star. Tickets: $24-$31.50. 704-372-1000, www.charlotterep.org.

MAHLER'S MIGHTY THIRD Christof Perick conducts the Charlotte Symphony, Renee Morloc, Women of the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte, and Charlotte Children's Choir in Mahler's "Third Symphony" as part of the Classics series October 11-12 at Belk Theater at 8pm. Tickets: $14-$60. 704-972-2000, www.carolinasymphony.org.

MAMMA MIA! Currently on Broadway and touring nationally, it's ABBA's greatest hits woven into three love stories to be performed at Ovens Auditorium October 8-20. Tickets are $20-$67. 704-372-1000, www.performingartsctr.org.

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart sung in Italian with projected English translations, will be presented by Opera Carolina at Belk Theater on October 17 and 19 at 8pm and October 20 at 2pm. Tickets: $34-$65. 704-372-1000, www.operacarolina.org.

MELANGE A TROIS Performance will be in Burwell Hall, Queens University, October 16, 8pm and features stories, mythology, and poetry surrounded by the sounds of classical and jazz for cello and guitar. For more information call 337-2213.

MUSIC FIT FOR THE QUEEN Carolina Voices presents a musical celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, including music from her 1952 coronation at First United Methodist Church, 501 N. Tryon St., on October 13, 3pm. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

A NOVELLO EVENING WITH RICK BRAGG Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for his coverage of the Oklahoma City bombing, Bragg has also written a memoir describing his journey from a harsh childhood to a nationally renowned, prize-winning journalist, All Over but the Shoutin', and will speak at the Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth Ave., on October 19 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15. 704-372-1000. www.performingartsctr.org.

A NOVELLO EVENING WITH NORTON JUSTER AND JULES FEIFFER Juster and Feiffer will share from their work (including The Phantom Tollbooth) in a tandem presentation of words and illustrations at Duke Family Performance Hall at Davidson College, on October 3 at 7pm. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Call 704-894-2134 to order. www.novellofestival.org.

A NOVELLO EVENING WITH SHARYN MCCRUMB North Carolina native, McCrumb compares her best-selling books, such as The Ballad of Frankie Silver, to Appalachian quilts, incorporating elements from such distinct genres as historical fiction, mystery and fantasy while tracing the connection between the culture of the British Isles and the Appalachian Mountains. She will appear at the Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth Ave., on October 15 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15. 704-372-1000. www.performingartsctr.org.

A NOVELLO EVENING WITH SUZE ORMAN Personal finance editor for CNBC, host of a nationally syndicated radio show, and author of three New York Times bestsellers including The Road to Wealth, Orman has a "penny saved, penny earned" philosophy that focuses on preserving, rather than building income. She will speak at Dana Auditorium at Queens College, 1900 Selwyn Ave., on October 12 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $45. 704-372-1000. www.performingartsctr.org.

A NOVELLO EVENING WITH JAMES PATTERSON Edgar Award-winning author and multiple national bestseller, Patterson, author of Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider, will speak at the Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth Ave., on October 14 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15. 704-372-1000. www.performingartsctr.org.

ROMARE BEARDEN 1914-1988: THE CHOREOPOEM by Ruth E. Sloane will be performed as part of Johnson C. Smith University's Lyceum Series on October 2 at 7:30pm in Grimes Lounge. Call 704-378-1022.

SOMEONE'S KNOCKING: AN ODD LITTLE COMEDY written by Rich Orloff and directed by James Yost, will be presented by BareBones Theatre Group at the Off-Tryon Theater Company, 3143 Cullman Avenue October 3-5 and 10-12 at 8pm and October 13 at 2pm. General admission is $10 on Thursday and Sunday and $12 on Friday and Saturday, $8 for students and seniors for all shows. 704-577-7274, www.barebones.org.

TRAJE NUEVO hailed as the hottest new force in the Cuban musical invasion, perform as part of the Davidson College Artists Series at Duke Family Performance Hall on October 1, 8pm. Tickets are $15. For more information call 704-894-2135.

THREE MO' TENORS Victor Trent Cook, Rodrick Dixon, and Thomas Young, come to Belk Theater on October 26 at 8pm. Tickets: $18-$50. 704-372-1000, www.performingartsctr.org.

VARIETY OF VIOLS Carolina Pro Musica presents 16-18th century music. Debut of new treble viol by Dom Zuchowitz at St. Martin's Episcopal Church on October 18 at 8:15pm. Tickets: $6-$12. 1510 E. 7th St., 704-334-3468, www.carolinapromusica.org.

NOVEMBERA TRIBUTE TO PATRICIA MCBRIDE AND JEAN-PIERRE BONNEFOUX This tribute includes a one-hour video presentation of the highlights of their careers and a Q&A period with the artists mediated by dance critic Clive Barnes. In Booth Playhouse, November 16 at 8pm. 704-372-1000, www.ncdance.org.

ACADEMY OF ST. MARTIN IN THE FIELDS Violinist Joshua Bell performs with England's Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, the world's most recorded chamber orchestra, at Belk Theater on November 19 at 8pm. Tickets: $85-$295. 704-527-6680, www.carolinasconcert.com.

AMERICAN HEROES: A SALUTE WITH THE US NAVY MEN'S GLEE CLUB Albert-George Schram conducts the Charlotte Symphony Pops at Belk Theater November 8-9 at 8pm. Tickets: $15-$60. 704-972-2000, www.charlottesymphony.org.

BLACK LIGHT MAGIC performed by the Omimeo Mime Theatre at Children's Theatre, November 1-3. Recommended for ages 5+. Tickets: $6-$8. 704-376-5745, www.ctcharlotte.org.

BRENTANO STRING QUARTET presented by Queens University Friends of Music at Dana Auditorium on November 16, 8:15pm. For more information call 704-337-2213.

BRAVO! BIG BAND Vocalists Lynn Roberts and Michael Maguire sing favorite Big Band hits accompanied by the Charlotte Symphony Pops on November 29-30 at Belk Theater at 8pm. Tickets: $15-$60. 704-972-2000, www.charlottesymphony.org.

BRITTEN WAR REQUIEM combines the power of the Latin requiem with the poignant poetry of a slain World War I soldier and will be performed as a part of the Charlotte Symphony's Classics series at Belk Theater on November 22-23 at 8pm. Tickets: $14-$60. 704-972-2000, www.carolinasymphony.org.

PAT CONROY will be at Park Road Books (formerly The Little Professor) November 14 at 12pm to sign copies of his memoir, My Losing Season. Book must be purchased on site. No reservations. 704-525-9239.

DANGLING IN THE TOURNEFORTIA-THE BUKOWSKI EXPERIENCE Presented by the Warehouse Theatre Group. Get up front and personal with the late alcoholic, womanizer, abuser, and genius Charles Bukowski at The Warehouse Theater in the Hart-Witzen Gallery, 611 W. Fifth St., on December 5-21, 8pm. Tickets are $15. For more information call 704-455-8542.

DRACULA will be presented by Off-Tryon Theatre November 1-2 at the Off-Tryon Theatre. All shows start at 8pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors. 704-375-2826, www.offtryon.org.

FALL CONCERT performed by the Charlotte Concert Band at Queens University on November 17, 3pm. For more information call 704-337-2213.

FIRST TUESDAY CONCERT SERIES Chamber Music at St. Peter's presents Gabriel Faure's "La Bonne Chanson" at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 115 W. seventh St., on November 5, 12pm. Free admission. Call 704-335-0009.

FULLY COMMITTED by Becky Mode will be performed at the McGlohon Theatre in Spirit Square November 6-17. Performed by Charlotte Rep. A story of coercion, threats, and bribes, which includes 40 wildly diverse characters, all performed by one actor. Tickets: $24-$31.50. 704-372-1000, www.charlotterep.org.@

HALLELUJAH! The Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra in collaboration with the Charlotte City Ballet, the Eddie Mabry Dancers, the Charlotte Philharmonic Community Chorus, and the Philharmonic Holiday singers for a Christmas Concert at Belk Theater on November 24, 8pm. Tickets $15-$35. Call 704-846-2788 or visit www.charlottephilharmonic.org.

THE ILLUSION by Tony Kushner and directed by Chad Calvert, presented by BareBones Theatre Company at The Attic Theatre in the Afro-American Cultural Center 401 N. Myers St., on November 14-16 and 21-23 at 8pm and November 24 at 2pm. General admission is $10 on Thursday and Sunday and $12 on Friday and Saturday, $8 for students and seniors for all shows. 704-577-7274, www.barebones.org.

THE MEMORY OF WATER This darkly hilarious play, written by Shelagh Stephenson and directed by Bill Neville, will be performed by Davidson College Theatre Department at Black Box Theatre, Cunningham Fine Arts Building, November 20-23 at 7:30pm and November 24 at 2pm. Tickets: $4, only purchased at the door. For more information call 704-894-2135.

MICHAEL FLATLEY'S LORD OF THE DANCE touring nationally, comes to Belk Theater November 12-17. Tickets: $20-$58. Call 704-372-1000, www.performingartsctr.org.

MOSTLY MOZART 1 Christof Perick conducts with flutist Susanna Self Huppert, November 14 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church; November 15 at Matthews United Methodist Church; and November 16 at First Baptist Church. Concerts are at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10. Call 704-972-2000.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Shakespeare's classic will be presented by Off-Tryon Theatre November 14-16, 20-23 at Off-Tryon Theatre. All shows start at 8pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors. November 20 is pay what you can night. 704-375-2826, www.offtryon.org.

MUSIC FOR A CARNIVAL The Charlotte Civic Orchestra performs on November 3 at 8pm. Tickets $6-$17. Dana Auditorium, 1900 Selwyn Ave. 704-344-0098.

MY THREE ANGELS This comedy takes place in French Guyana. Directed by Millie Elting, it will be performed at Little Theatre of Gastonia, 238 South Clay St., Gastonia, November 14-17 and 21-23. Tickets: $12, $10 seniors and students. 704-865-0160.

THE NIGHTINGALE performed by the Grey Seal Puppets at Children's Theatre, 1017 E. Morehead St., November 15-17. Recommended for ages 6+. Tickets: $6-$8. 704-376-5745, www.ctcharlotte.org.

O'RILEY PLAYS CHOPIN Carl St. Clair conducts the Charlotte Symphony and pianist Christopher O'Riley plays Chopin's "Second Piano Concerto" as part of the Classics series on November 1-2 at 8pm at Belk Theater. Tickets: $14-$60. 704-972-2000, www.carolinasymphony.org.

ELIZABETH RANSOM AND JOSEPH PECORARO This flute and guitar duo appear as part of the Davidson College Concert Series at Tyler-Tallman Hall on November 11, 8pm. For more information. 704-894-2135.

SIX FIFTEEN Charlotte's Moving Poets dance troupe presents six 15-minute performances with unique collaborative cross-disciplinary artists at The Warehouse Theater at the Hart-Witzen Gallery, 611 W. Fifth St., on November 15-16, 8pm. For more information call 704-527-6683.

THE TAMBURITZANS Forty college students from Duquesne University perform traditional Eastern European music and dance. The performance, November 2 at 8pm, is part of the Davidson College Artists Series at Duke Family Performance Hall. Tickets are $15. For more information, call 704-894-2135.

TEENY TINY TALES by the Tarradiddle Players, is a preschool show at Children's Theatre, November 9-10. Recommended for ages 3-5. Tickets: $6-$8. 704-376-5745, www.ctcharlotte.org.

A THURBER CARNIVAL Winner of a Tony Award, this revue uses James Thurber stories to depict American life at its most ridiculous. Performed at Theatre Charlotte, November 29-30 and December 1. Tickets: $7. 704-376-3777, www.theatrecharlotte.org.

A TUNA CHRISTMAS by Taston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard will be performed at Booth Playhouse November 23-December 15, by Charlotte Rep. Terry Loughlin directs this hilariously irreverent Yuletide smash which takes place in Tuna, Texas. Tickets: $38.25. 704-372-1000, www.charlotterep.org.

DECEMBER

9 X 9 @ 9 Theatre Charlotte continues its successful showcase highlighting works of local playwrights, directors, and actors with nine new plays, each nine minutes long, beginning at 9pm, December 6-7. Tickets: $9. 704-376-3777, www.theatrecharlotte.org.

AMAHL & THE NIGHT VISITORS by Gian-Carlo Menotti will be sung in English at the McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square on December 20 at 7pm and December 21 at 11am and 2pm. Presented by Opera Carolina. Tickets: $15 for adults and $9 for youth (6-16). 704-372-1000, www.operacarolina.org.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER by Barbara Robinson, one of the funniest plays on the planet, will be performed by Children's Theatre at Spirit Square December 6-15. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Tickets $10-$15. 704-376-5745, www.ctcharlotte.org

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE MUSICAL A holiday tradition. Performed at Belk Theater on December 1 at 2pm. Tickets: $14-$32. 704-372-1000, www.performingartsctr.org.

CHRISTMAS AT ST. MARY'S Tomm Lorenzin returns as narrator for this holiday event. Medieval and Renaissance music, readings, and carols will be presented by Carolina Pro Musica on December 14 at 7pm and 8:30pm at historic St. Mary's Chapel. 1129 E. 3rd St. Call 704-334-3468, or visit www.carolinaspromusica.org.

FIRST TUESDAY CONCERT SERIES Chamber Music at St. Peter's presents Andre Jolivet's "Pastorales de Noel" and Dan Locklair's "Dream Steps" at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 115 W. Seventh St., on December 3, 12pm. Free admission. Call 704-335-0009.

HANDEL'S MESSIAH The Charlotte Civic Orchestra collaborates with the Charlotte Music Club, for this performance at First United Methodist Church, 501 N. Tryon St., on December 8 at 3pm. Tickets $6-$17. Call 704-344-0098 for more information.

MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS David Tang conducts the Pops at this Charlotte Symphony Orchestra annual holiday extravaganza December 5-8 at Belk Theater at 8pm. Tickets: $15-$64. 704-972-2000, www.charlottesymphony.org.

THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER This classic comedy, by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, depicts what happens when an "acid-tongued radio celebrity," after accepting a dinner invitation, breaks his hip and must move into an "ordinary, All American family's" home to recuperate. Performed at Old Courthouse Theatre in Concord, December 5-15. Tickets: $12, $8 kids 12 and under. 704-788-2405.

MESSIAH David Tang conducts the Charlotte Symphony with the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte on December 18 at 7:30pm at First United Methodist Church - downtown. Tickets are $20. 704-972-2000, www.charlottesymphony.org.

NUTCRACKER Charlotte Youth Ballet performs the Christmas classic at Ovens Auditorium December 14, 6pm. Tickets are $6-$20. Call 704-335-3100 or 704-522-6500 for reservations.

NUTCRACKER will be performed by North Carolina Dance Theatre with the Charlotte Symphony at Belk Theater, December 12-15 and 19-22. Evening performances at 7:30pm, matinees at 2pm. Tickets: $10-$55. 704-372-1000, www.ncdance.org.

QUEENS COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA will be in concert at Dana Auditorium on December 9, 8pm. For more information, call 704-337-2213.

SHAKESPEARE'S ROMEO & JULIET performed by Charlotte's all female Shakespeare company, Chickspeare, at Off Tryon Theater Company, December 12-14, 19-21. Tickets $12 adult $10 students and seniors. Call 704-344-4546 for more information.

SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE Carolina Voices present "Joy to the World," a collection of familiar and unfamiliar Christmas carols from many nations, at Ovens Auditorium on December 6, 8pm, December 7, 3pm and 8pm, and December 8, 3pm. Tickets are $10-$20. For more information call 704-522-6500.

'TIS THE SEASON compiled by the Tarradiddle Players, features wintry and holiday tales from around the world. It will be performed at Children's Theatre, December 13-22. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Tickets: $8-$10. 704-376-5745, www.ctcharlotte.org.

VISUAL ARTS

ACC CRAFT SHOW will be held at the Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St., 704-331-8187. The juried contemporary American craft exhibition features 240 artists. December 13, 10am-8pm, December 14, 10am-6pm, December 15, 10am-4pm. Tickets $6-$10.

APPLEWOOD GALLERY 3920 Park Road, 704-525-6162. July 25-September 26: Near Visions: Pastels with an Intimate Vantage Point featuring Judith Cutler and other local artists.

CENTER OF THE EARTH GALLERY 3204 North Davidson St., 704-375-5756, www.centeroftheearth.com, Hours: Monday by appointment, Tues.-Fri. 11am-5pm, Sat. 12-5pm. September 6-October 26: Chris Stephens uses vibrant colors to portray the sweeping landscapes of the Shenandoah Valley. November 1-December 28: Maggie Taylor creates provocative symbolic images using photography and computer generated imagery, often appropriating Victorian photographs.

CENTRAL PIEDMONT COMMUNITY COLLEGE ART GALLERY CPCC Central Campus, 1201 Elizabeth Ave., 704-333-3399. August 19-September 27: Artists of Baoding, PR China featuring Baoquan Tan, a nationally known traditional watercolor artist, and Zhanliang Wu, a master calligrapher.

CHRISTA FAUT GALLERY 19818 North Cove Rd., Suite E3, Jetton Village, Cornelius, 704-892-5312, www.christafautgallery.com. Hours: Fri. 10am-5pm, Sat. 10am-3pm. September 6-October 6: solo exhibition Water, Earth, Sky by Elizabeth Bradford Millsaps. October 6-November 17: solo exhibition Romare Bearden. November 20-December 31: Precious Metals to Wear jewelry show by National Metalsmiths.

DICKSON GALLERY McColl Center for Visual Art, 721 N. Tryon St., 704-332-5535. October 4-November 16: Fall 2002 Artists at McColl Center, an exhibition of work by the Fall 2002 Artists-In-Residence and Affiliate Artists. Public opening October 4, 6-8pm, free admission. December 6-January 11: Release, by Shaun Cassidy, McColl Center for Visual Art Affiliate Artist. Public opening December 6, 6-8pm, free admission.

ELDERART GALLERY 1427 South Blvd., 704-370-6337, www.elderart.com. August 31-October 26: Art that Inspired Robert Frost featuring American Impressionist Leon Makielski. November 1-December 14: The Joy of Wonder featuring Wayne Trapp's newest wall sculptures of cast aluminum and dramatic abstract oil paintings.

FOUST STUDIO 5200 Park Rd., Suite 115, 704-525-7989. September: Figurehead featuring new mixed media collages by Charlotte Foust and Before Autumn, landscapes by Tyler Strouth. Opening reception is September 13, 6-9pm. October: Fall Installation features new work by Charlotte Foust. November: Holiday Open House featuring gift sized artwork by local artists, November 22, 11-7pm and November 23, 10-4pm. December: Small Works Show features artwork by Foust, LaCroix, Strouth, Lowery, and Boyd Pottery. Open Fridays and Saturdays all of December. Regular hours: Wednesday-Friday. 11-3pm or by appointment.

GALLERY L Main Library, 310 N. Tryon St., 704-336-2020, www.plcmc.org/galleryL. September 1-October 13: Dress Rehearsal: Costumes from the Children's Theatre of Charlotte October 20-December 1: Feelin Groovy: Rock and Roll Graphics, 1966-1970 featuring posters and handbills created during the heydey of the Haight-Ashbury music scene.

GALLERY W.D.O. Hearst Plaza, Suite No.1, 214 N. Tryon St., 704-333-9123, www.gallerywdo.com. September: Rick Beck's cast glass sculpture in In the Gardens and Valerie Beck's painted and blown Totems. October: Hoss Haley's steel and concrete sculpture and A Tribute to 50 Years in celebration of Byron Temple's life and work in clay. November: clay work by John Godheart and wood sculpture by Joel Urruty. December: Each Piece is an Object of Desire mixed media and Toys for the Adult Collector.

HODGES TAYLOR GALLERY 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799. September-October: Virginia Scotchie - Between Form and Function, Randy Shull - Homefront. November-December: Raymond Chorneau and Tony Griffin.

McCOLL CENTER FOR VISUAL ART Middleton-McMillan Gallery, Spirit Square, 345 N. College St., 704-332-5355. September 2-October 28: rhythm, spirit, fragment, layer, color Expression in Clay, by five Clay Affiliate artists. Opening reception September 13,6-8pm, free. November 22-January 5: falleg malverk, by Peggy Rivers, McColl Center for Visual Art Affiliate Artist. Public Opening November 22, 6-8pm, free.

JERALD MELBERG GALLERY 3900 Colony Rd., 704-365-3000, www.jeraldmelberg.com. July 27- September 7: Recent Still Life Paintings by Thomas Beuchner and Oil Paintings and Sculpture by Enrico Embroli. September 7-November 2: Romare Bearden's Revisited featuring unique collages, watercolors, and prints. November 9-January 4, 2003: Wolf Kahn at Seventy-Five featuring his oil paintings and pastel drawings.

LIGHT FACTORY 809 West Hill St., 704-333-9755, www.lightfactory.org. October 1-12: Digital Invitational photographs by Robert Creamer, Bill Jenkins, Marie R. Kennedy, and Judith McMillan. October 19-November 30: Recycled Realities by John Willis. Still-life images found in bales of paper scraps create commentary on mass culture and communication.

MICROCOSM ART GALLERY 704-618-6568. October 1-9: Colorful Nature - the works of Daniel Sztyber. October-December: paintings by European painters John Haskins, Irina Ilyina, Dariusz Orszulik, and Kasia Gadzalo.

MINT MUSEUM OF ART 2730 Randolph Rd, 704-337-2000, www.mintmuseum.org. August 24-October 27: Narratives of African American Art and Identity: The David C. Driskell Collection and Charlotte's Own: Romare Bearden. November 22-January 26, 2003: Furniture of the American South 1680-1830: The Colonial Williamsburg Collection. Admission is $6/adults, $5/students and seniors, $2.50 children ages 6-11, free for children 5 and under.

MINT MUSEUM OF CRAFT + DESIGN 220 N. Tryon St., 704-337-2000, www.mintmuseum.org. April 26-September 8: Quilts from the Carolinas. September 7-April 6, 2003: Coming of Age traces the evolution of the museum's collection (1937 to present). September 21-February 23, 2003: Point of View: Public and Private Collecting Part I demonstrates how materials, techniques, and themes guide collectors in their quest to shape meaningful collections. Admission is $6/adults, $5/students and seniors, $3 children 6-11, free for children 5 and under.

NOEL GALLERY Transamerica Square, 401 N. Tryon St., Suite 104, 704-343-0050, www.noelgallery.com. September 13-October 29: David Driskell, the artist showcases an exhibit of Driskell's paintings. November 1-December 29: Cedric Smith's multimedia collage paintings take on a flight of fancy similar to a child's storybook in Once Upon a Time. Artist reception and book signing on November 1.

NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC, 919-839-6262, www.ncartmuseum.org. July 14-December 1: selections from The Birds of America by John James Audubon. October 13, 2002-January 5, 2003: Art in the Age of Rubens and Rembrandt. It comprises five distinct exhibitions celebrating the glories of 17th century Dutch and Flemish Art. Free admission.

POPE'S GALLERY Arboretum, 8016-900 Providence Rd., 704-541-3199. September: Photo-realistic oil paintings of regional wildlife and mountainscapes by Denise Nelson. October: landscapes by Cher Cosper. November: Lively oil paintings by Sheila Hamilton. December: an assorted selection of original works by various artists. Myers Park, 1035 Providence Rd., 704-342-1774. September: Black and white photography by Sharon Augustyniak. October: Sheila Hamilton. November: Denise Nelson. December: assorted artists.

SHAIN FINE ART 601 Providence Rd., 704-334-7744. September 6-30: Colorado and California Impressionists, by Michael J. Lynch and Marilyn Simandle. Artists will attend opening reception on September 6, 6-9pm. October 3-31: American Landscape-Contemporary Nostalgia by Andrew Braitman. Braitman will attend opening reception on October 3, 6-9pm. November 7-30: William Jameson. Jameson will attend opening reception on November 7, 6-9pm. December 13-January 31: Playing With the Mystery, by Amy Dobbs and David Ballew. Dobbs will attend opening reception on December 13, 6-9pm.

SOUTHEAST ORIGAMI FESTIVAL will be September 24-30. The Festival will include exhibitions, demonstrations, hands-on activities, entertainment, and instructional workshops. One-Day Festival passes are $35 adult; $20 under 15; Three-Day Festival passes are $85, adult $55 under 15. Call 704-375-3692 or visit http://southeastorigamifestival.home.mindspring.com.

SOUTHEASTERN CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ART 750 Marguerite Dr., Winston-Salem, 336-725-1904. Through September 28 at Main Gallery: Health, Happiness and Metempsychosis: the work of James Harold Jennings. Through September 28 at Potter Galleries: Gregory Barsamian's Animayhem. October 26-January 12 at Potter Galleries: Yoko Ono: En Trance. October 19-January 12 at Main Gallery: Songs in the Key of Z: The Curious Universe of Outsider Music October 19-January 12 at Main Gallery: Crude, Awry, and Rescued: Beloved Selections from the Museum of Bad Art.

UNC-CHARLOTTE GALLERIES August 13-October 6: Picture(s), by Arthur Liou. Reception September 27, 12-2pm. August 23-September 20: The University of North Carolina Department of Art Faculty Biannual Exhibition, Rowe Arts Main Gallery.

WENTWORTH GALLERIES South Park Mall, 4400 Sharon Rd. 704-365-2733. Opening September 7, exhibit by world-renowned artist Peter Max, Pop to Patriotism. Exhibit runs through September. Max will be present at the exhibit on September 7 from 6-9pm.

WINTHROP UNIVERSITY GALLERIES 107 McLaurin, Rock Hill, SC., 803-323-2493. August 19-October 27: High and Low: Printmaker's Views of Society 1600-1800. September 5-October 27: Two Ways with Wood: Bob Kopf and Randy Shull. November 8-January 26, 2003: Art and Design Faculty Exhibition Three.