COMEDY
BOOTH PLAYHOUSE Charlotte Squawks: 7-YEAR BIT©#. Described as Broadway meets Saturday Night Live. This year's show will feature 30 hilarious parodies. Adult language and content. June 10, 8 p.m.; June 11, 8 p.m.; June 16, 7:30 p.m.; June 17, 8 p.m.; June 18, 8 p.m.; June 22, 7:30 p.m.; June 23, 7:30 p.m.; June 24, 8 p.m.; June 25, 8 p.m. $29.50 and up. 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
HAMPTON INN I'm Single in Charlotte Improv show. An outrageous comedy about the single life, strange dates, awkward moments of silence and unfortunate mishaps. Ice breaker games at 7:15 p.m. For more information, call 704-618-4203 or visit www.funnyboneimprov.com. Sat., June 4, 8 p.m. $10 cash at the door. 9615 Independence Pointe Parkway, Matthews.
PREVUE Charlotte Comedy Theater. Features Charlotte's improv comedy ensemble in a competitive battle of hilarity. High energy, audience interactive improv that's rated R. For reservations and more information, call 803-548-6824 or visit www.charlottecomedy.com. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. $10. 2901 North Davidson St., Charlotte.
THE COMEDY ZONE AT THE NC MUSIC FACTORY Rob Schneider. June 23, 8 p.m.; June 24, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m.; June 25, 7 p.m. & 9 p.m. $30-$35. Pat Godwin. June 29, 8 p.m.; June 30, 8 p.m.; July 1, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m.; July 2, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m. $15-$20. Grandma Lee. July 6, 8 p.m.; July 7, 8 p.m.; July 8, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m.; July 9, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m. $15-$20. Jon Reep. July 13, 8 p.m.; July 14, 8 p.m.; July 15, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m.; July 16, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m. $20-$25. John Witherspoon. July 21, 8 p.m.; July 22, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m.; July 23, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m. $20-$25. Steve-O. July 28, 8 p.m.; July 29, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m.; July 30, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m. $30-$35. Todd Yohn. Aug. 3, 8 p.m.; Aug. 4, 8 p.m.; Aug. 5, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m.; Aug. 6, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m. $10-$15. Pauly Shore. Tue., Aug. 9, 8 p.m. $25-$30. Josh Wolf. Aug. 19, 8 p.m.; Aug. 20, 8 p.m. Flavor Flav's Freaky Comedy Tour. Aug. 25, 8 p.m.; Aug. 26, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m.; Aug. 27, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m. $20-$25. 900 Seaboard St., Suite B3, Charlotte. www.thecomedyzonecharlotteiscoming.weebly.com.
THE COMEDY ZONE FORT MILL AT MADISON'S ON THE CORNER Open Mic Night. Stand-up comedy open mic. Comics get five minutes. Sign-up starts at 7 p.m. Thursdays, 9:30 p.m. 12x12 Super Challenge Stand-up Showcase. 12 local comics write a brand new five minute set every month of 2011. Featuring Derek Blackmon, Chris Brown, Eddie Conz, Olie Cuevas, Debbie Millwater, D Moore, DeVan Penegar, Steve Price, Pat Sabre, Eric Shun, Patrick Steward and Jessica Winkelman. Third Thursday of every month, 8 p.m. Continues through Dec. 31. $10. Kenny Smith. June 3, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m.; June 4, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m. $10. Frankie Paul. June 10, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m.; June 11, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m. $10. Johnny Millwater. June 17, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m.; June 18, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m. $10. Mo Alexander. June 24, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m.; June 25, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m. $10. 900 Crossroads Plaza, Fort Mill. 803-802-3990. www.madisonsotc.com.
THE COMEDY ZONE LAKE NORMAN AT GALWAY HOOKER James Gregory. Tue., June 7, 7 p.m. $25. Johnny Millwater. Tue., June 14, 8 p.m. $10. Mo Alexander. Tue., June 21, 8 p.m. $15. Max Dolcelli. Tue., June 28, 8 p.m. $10. Donna Carter. Tue., July 5, 8 p.m. $10. Rich Guzzi. Tue., July 12, 7 p.m. $10. Lawrence Thomas. Tue., July 19, 7 p.m. $10. Todd Yohn. Tue., July 26, 8 p.m. $10. Matt Davis. Tue., Aug. 2, 8 p.m. $10. D. Cameron. Tue., Aug. 9, 8 p.m. $10. Paul Hooper. Tue., Aug. 16, 8 p.m. $10. Derek Richards. Tue., Aug. 23, 8 p.m. $10. 17044 Kenton Drive, Cornelius. 704-995-2658. www.lkncomedyzone.com.
THE MILL Robot Johnson. Sketch comedy troupe performs every Saturday. 3306A N. Davidson St., Charlotte.
WINE UP Improv Charlotte. Local improv with a global impact. Performs long form and short form comedic improv games. Proceeds benefit local and international charities. For more information, visit www.improvcharlotte.org. First Friday of every month, 7 p.m. 3306 N. Davidson St., Charlotte. 704-372-2633. www.wine-up.com.
Museums
Charlotte Museum of History Charlotte Stories: Our Collections, Your Treasures. Highlights a variety of treasures from the Charlotte Museum of History collection, as well as borrowed items. Charlotte's Pole to Pole Flag. This exhibit traces a Charlotte city flag's journey to the North and South Poles. Mecklenburg: Crossroads of Commerce. Tells the story of Charlotte from the nation's first Gold Rush through the Civil War, World War II and other significant events up to the present day. Mecklenburg Germany. Exhibit featuring photos of Mecklenburg Germany in honor of the 250th anniversary of the coronation of Queen Charlotte. Continues through Dec. 31. Settlement in the Backcountry. Learn about 18th century settlers who traveled the Great Wagon Road into the rugged N.C. Piedmont frontier. You can also view Charlotte, as it appeared in 1775 through an interactive diorama. Solving the Rock House Mysteries. Chronicles the restoration of the Alexander homesite and explores the names and faces, myths and legends, surrounding the more than 230 year old home. 3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte. 704-568-1774. www.charlottemuseum.org.
Discovery Place Cool Stuff. Exhibit explores science and physics through hands-on interaction and experimentation. Also allows visitors to launch objects into the air, lie on a bed of nails, crush a garbage can, use a laser to listen to secret messages and more. Explore More Stuff. Discover the secrets of stuff through chemistry and physics in this exhibit that allows visitors to experiment with forces and materials, through magnetism, electricity and more. KidScience. Fun and learning go hand in hand at this exhibit for young visitors. The stimulating atmosphere relates to science and math. Children will learn by touching and testing different environments and activities, including water tables, wind tunnels, blocks, gears and air tubes. RACE: Are We So Different?. Offers an in-depth historical and cultural look at race and racism. Described as exploring three primary themes - "the science of human variation," "the history of the idea of race," and "the contemporary experience of race and racism in the United States" - the exhibit also features enlightening hands-on interactive displays, activities and films. Life: A Journey Through Time. The exhibition is a multimedia presentation with images captured by National Geographic wildlife photographer Frans Lanting. Continues through Sept. 5. Think it Up. Think freely, take risks and explore the unknown through air tubes, mechanical launchers, air sculptures, footwear and more. World Alive. Exhibit explores the Earths's biodiversity, through a range of habitats and live species. From rainforests to aquariums, viewers can broaden their education and experience related hands-on activities. 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-372-6261. www.discoveryplace.org.
Gaston County Museum of Art & History The History of Sun-Drop: A Gaston County Legacy. The exhibit will feature Sun-Drop memorabilia, including old advertising signs, clocks, therometers, NASCAR items, bottles, photographs and more. Continues through Sept. 10. Period Hotel Rooms. These rooms will explore the history of the Hoffman Hotel starting from its beginnings through the 1920s. Visitors will see what it would have been like to stay at the hotel as well as traveling through Gaston County. The exhibit will feature interactive displays and a new hands-on children's area. Toss. Featuring artwork by Raymond Ray. Continues through July 9. 131 W. Main St., Dallas. 704-852-6025. www.gastoncountymuseum.org.
Levine Museum of the New South Cotton Fields to Sky Scrapers. The interactive exhibit features Charlotte and its 13 surrounding counties as a case study to illustrate the profound changes in the South since the Civil War. COURAGE: The Carolina Story That Changed America. The exhibit tells the powerful grassroots story of the Rev. J.A. De Laine and the citizens of Clarendon County, S.C., who filed the first lawsuit to challenge racial segregation inside of public schools in America. Continues through Jan. 22. 200 E. 7th St., Charlotte. 704-333-1887. www.museumofthenewsouth.org.
Festivals/Events
2ND ANNUAL UPTOWN CHARLOTTE JAZZ FEST Two days of performances by jazz musicians from around the world. June 24, 8:30 p.m.; June 25, 6:30 p.m. $38-$52. NC Music Factory, 820 Hamilton St., Charlotte. 704-716-2327. www.ncmusicfactory.com.
4TH OF JULY FESTIVAL A three-day 4th of July celebration featuring live music and fireworks at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. July 2, 4 p.m.; July 3, 4 p.m.; July 4, 4 p.m. U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte.
80'S MUSIC IN THE PARK Family concert featuring live 80's music from 80'z Enuff, as well as children's activities and concessions. Sat., June 25, 7-9 p.m. Free. Bailey Road Park, 11536 Bailey Road, Cornelius.
AZUCAR: A CULTURAL CELEBRATION Caribbean fest featuring traditional dancing, live music (Cuban son, Dominican merengue and salsa). In addition, there will be Spanish Caribbean cuisine, handmade artisan crafts and mojitos available for purchase. For more information, visit www.latinamericancoalition.org/azucar.html. Fri., June 3, 7 p.m. $10-$15. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St., Charlotte. 704-358-9298.
BLUES OUT BACK CONCERT Concert featuring blues musician Abe Reid. Fri., June 10, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Gaston County Museum of Art & History, 131 W. Main St., Dallas. 704-852-6025. www.gastoncountymuseum.org.
BIG MAMMA'S HOUSE OF BURLESQUE Burlesque performance featuring Big Mamma D and others, as well as comedy performances and a costume contest. Sat., June 11, 8-11 p.m. $12-$15. Visulite Theatre, 1615 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte. 704-358-9200.
CHARLOTTE CHILDREN'S CHOIR 25TH ANNIVERSARY NIGHT OF NOTES The fundraiser celebration includes a cocktail reception, heavy hors d'oeuvres, silent and live auctions. Sat., June 4, 6 p.m. $40-$60. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
CON A DE ARTE (A IS FOR ART) An annual weeklong celebration that showcases Hispanic arts and culture in Charlotte. Held at Gil Gallery (109 W. Morehead St.) on June 3 and at the Main Library (310 N. Tryon St.) on June 4.
CON CAROLINAS SCI FI CONVENTION Convention celebrates 10 years of Carolina sci-fi featuring special guests Harry Turtledove, Justin Chung, Jamie Chambers and others. For more information, visit www.concarolinas.org. June 3-5. Hilton University Place, 8629 JM Keynes Drive, Charlotte.
FASHION DEMOCRACY "FASHIONISTAS RULE" MODEL COMPETITION Model competition featuring regional models competing for cash and prizes. Fri., June 17, 6 p.m. CenterStage@NoDa, 2315 N. Davidson St., Charlotte.
FIRST FRIDAYS: EMBELLISHMINT Ongoing series featuring after-hours access to galleries, live entertainment, fashion shows and chocolate tastings. Fri., June 3, 6 p.m. $10. Mint Museum Uptown, 500 South Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org.
FLYING SAUCER'S 9TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY Featuring live music and drinks, including special drinks. Sat., June 4, 12 p.m.-2 a.m. Flying Saucer, 9605 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-717-8179. www.beerknurd.com.
FRIDAY FRIENDS FESTIVAL A multicultural and interfaith celebration that seeks to bridge the gap between races and cultures. For more information, visit www.meckmin.org. Thu., June 2, 5:45-7:45 p.m. Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. 7th St., Charlotte. 704-333-1887. www.museumofthenewsouth.org.
FRIDAY LIVE AT THE FACTORY Tonic to perform. A portion of proceeds will benefit Kids First of the Carolinas. Fri., June 3, 5-11 p.m. $5. North Carolina Music Factory, 820 Hamilton St., Charlotte. 704-716-2327. www.ncmusicfactory.com.
Murphy's Dirty 30 Mud Volleyball Tournament A dirty, muddy game of volleyball to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte. For more information, visit www.habitatmudvolleyball.org. Sun., June 5, 1 p.m. Metrolina Expo & Fairgrounds, 7100 Statesville Road, Charlotte.
HEROES CONVENTION Comic book convention organized by Heroes Aren't Hard to Find. For more information go to www.herosonline.com/heroescon. June 3-5. $15-$30. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St., Charlotte.
JAZZ AT THE BECHTLER Performance by the Ziad Jazz Quartet and other artists. June 3, 6 p.m. $8. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 South Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-353-9200. www.bechtler.org.
MATTHEWS SUMMER CONCERT & MOVIE SERIES Screening Back to the Future. Pre-movie activities at 7 p.m.; Film starts at dusk (8:30 p.m.). For more information, visit www.matthewsfun.com. Sat., June 4. Free. Stumptown Park, Matthews, 207 West John St., Matthews.
MISS GAY CHARLOTTE AMERICA PAGEANT Drag beauty pageant including male interview and talent contest. Wed., June 15, 9 p.m. $40 for contestant entry fee. The Scorpio, 2301 Freedom Drive, Charlotte.
PARLOUR MAGIC: AN EVENING OF INTIMATE ASTONISHMENT A magic show with Hannibal of Unique Motivational Theater. June 3, 10 p.m.; June 10, 10 p.m. $27.50. CenterStage@NoDa, 2315 N. Davidson St., Charlotte.
THE POWER OF ART: BUILDING CREATIVE CAPITAL THROUGH COMMUNITY MOSAICS Lecture presentation featuring images of community mosaic projects facilitated by Laurel True in the US, Kenya, Ghana and Haiti. Fri., June 10, 6 p.m. $20-$40. Ciel Gallery, 1519 Camden Road, Charlotte. 704-577-1254. www.cielcharlotte.com.
PROJECT ART AID GOES PINK Exhibition of original artwork from local artists presented by Project Art Aid in conjunction with the American Cancer Society. Full proceeds will benefit the Charlotte Chapter of the American Cancer Society. Fri., June 17, 6 p.m. $15. The Atrium, 401 S. Tryon St., 401 S. Tryon St., Charlotte.
PUDDING WRESTLING AT HARTIGAN'S IRISH PUB Fundraiser sponsored by the Charlotte Rollergirls with a pudding wrestling contest, as well as beerpong and corn hole. Fri., June 3, 7 p.m. $10. Hartigan's Irish Pub, 601 S. Cedar St., Charlotte. 704-347-1841. www.hartigans.com.
PURGATORY: SECOND CIRCLE - SINS OF LUST Single Cell Productions returns with its popular fetish show. Sat., Aug. 20, 8 p.m. $12-$15. Amos' Southend, 1423 South Tryon St, Charlotte. 704-377-6874. www.amossouthend.com.
SEVEN: AN EVENING OF MODERN DANCE Original dances performed by Viscera Dance Theatre members Annie Vereen and Jack Kirven. Sat., June 18, 12 a.m. Green Rice Gallery, 451 East 36th St., Charlotte. 704-344-0300. www.green-rice.com.
SPRING BENEFIT PERFORMACE Dance performances by students and guests for North Carolina Dance Theatre School. Thu., June 2, 7:30 p.m. $15-$50. North Carolina Dance Theatre, 701 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-372-0101. www.ncdance.org.
SPEAK UP YOUTH POETRY SLAM Monthly exhibition of young area performers, presented by SlamCharlotte and Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Open to all ages. Sun., June 19, 6 p.m. $5. Duke Energy Theatre, 345 North College St., Charlotte. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT BLAKENEY VILLAGE GREEN Jes Seda Group to perform. June 3-4, 7-10 p.m. Blakeney Village Green, Ardrey Kell & Rea Road, Charlotte.
TASTE OF CHARLOTTE Featuring food and beverages from a variety of restaurants, as well as entertainment. June 10, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; June 11, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; June 12, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is free, but guests must purchase coins for food and beverages. Held in Uptown Charlotte along Tryon Street (from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to 6th Street). For more information, visit www.tasteofcharlotte.com.
UPTOWN POETRY SHOWDOWN Poetry slam showdown featuring local poets and a youth poetry slam. Sat., June 4, 12-4 p.m. $5-$10. Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, 551 South Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-547-3700. www.ganttcenter.org.
VILLAGE TAVERN AT 5 Live music by Scott Smith. Fri., June 3, 5-10 p.m. Village Tavern, 4201 Congress St. Suite 19, Charlotte.
WHITEWATER RIVER JAM The Victor James Band to perform. Thu., June 2. US National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte. 704-391-3900. www.usnwc.org.
WINEMAKER DINNER Reception and paired-wine dinner celebrating the recent opening of Urban Sip Wine and Scotch Bar, featuring special guest Stu Smith, winemaker for Smith-Madrone. Wed., June 22, 6:30 p.m. The Ritz-Carlton, 201 East Trade Street, Charlotte.