Tuesday, january 12
Blooze-soaked '70s megarockers Aerosmith have been savvier than most at playing the endurance game, diversifying their classic-rock portfolio with lucrative endorsements and Diane Warren-penned soundtrack treacle. The Bosstown-bred superstars' canny spectacle still delivers live, though, on the strength of front man Steven Tyler's cartoonish flamboyance and deathless nuggets like "Sweet Emotion" and "Dude Looks Like a Lady." With retro-rockin' pal Lenny Kravitz in tow, Aerosmith is walking our way tonight at Charlotte Bobcats Arena. The sold out show is at 7:30pm. For more details, visit CharlotteBobcatsArena.com. (Crazy Horse)
Friday, January 13
Just in time for the King Weekend, the Queen City will host the Legacy of Black Women - Short Film Showcase for the third consecutive year. Six films by African-American women directors will be shown tonight in McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. The evening kicks off at 7pm with a reception, followed by the movies at 8pm. Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the door; all proceeds go to the charitable programs of the Deltas of Charlotte. For tickets, call 704-372-1000. (Brunson)
The South meets South Africa in Fabricated Harmony, a new exhibit opening today. American artist Pat Ward Williams and South African artist Sue Williamson are both featured with solo works that touch on society's inability to embrace equality and change. The centerpiece, Comfort Zones, is a collaboration of the two that explores racism through video and installation. The Light Factory is at 345 N. College St. For more information, call 704-333-9755 or go to www.lightfactory.org. (Calloway)
Oh, dear. You were too preoccupied or intoxicated on New Year's Eve to catch Pink Martini performing live during NPR's traditional "Toast of the Nation" marathon. And you missed the 12-piece band in the national TV debut on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on November 22. Redemption is yours at Charlotte Symphony Orchestra's next Pops Concert, as Martini serves up fresh intoxicants at Belk Theater in its first hook-up with CSO since 2002. Somewhere between a Cuban dance orchestra, a chamber ensemble and a Brazilian marching street band, Martini is anything but dry. Friday and Saturday at 8pm. Tickets are $19-$59. Call 704-972-2000. (Tannenbaum)
Charlotte Folk Society's upcoming free concert and jam will feature popular Charlotte singer/songwriter Michael Reno Harrell. With seven CDs under his belt and another one on the way, this bluegrass boy's got "Appalachian grit" in his hair and he's not about to wash it out. Harrell will draw you in with his knack for storytelling. Refreshment break, song circle and open jam session will follow, as always. Things get going at CPCC's Bryant Recital Hall tonight at 7:30pm. The campus is at 1220 Elizabeth Ave. To learn more about Harrell, go to www.michaelreno.com. (Emily Milloy)
january14saturday
Carolina Actors Studio Theatre launches the new year with a fresh fix of Sam Shepard violence and depravity as The Late Henry Ross saunters into town through February 4. Since statesmen and Senators are not Shepherd's métier, expect the brothers who reel out onto the CAST stage -- products of their dear dad's abuse -- to be of the seedy sort. As daddy's corpse reposes nearby, the sibs work on their issues, further littering the place with profanity, conflict and drunken rhumbas. Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm at 1118 Clement Avenue. Adult tickets are $15, or $12 for students/seniors. Call 704-455-8542. (Tannenbaum)
Sunday, january 15
The Providence Chamber Music Series offers a blithe and adventurous evening -- including a world premiere! -- in its Wind Serenade program. Dru DeVan and Anna Brock will introduce the Essay for Clarinet and Piano by Mary Armistead-Jones. Harpist Betsey Sesler and flutist Shirley Gilpin will harmonize on an equally unfamiliar piece, Bernard Andres' Narthex. If you're hoping for a touch of the traditional, there's Mozart's Serenade in C Minor for pairs of oboes, clarinets, bassoons, and French horns. Starting time for this free concert is 7pm at Providence United Methodist Church, on the corner of Providence and Sharon Amity. (Tannenbaum)
In Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Beloved Community, "poverty, hunger and homelessness will not be tolerated . . . and prejudice is replaced by a spirit of brotherhood." These are powerful words in the face of Hurricane Katrina and the countless lives left in limbo by that actual storm as well as the figurative one gripping our country. The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration commemorates this "peaceful warrior" who embraced unity of all faiths in love and truth. Congressman Mel Watt, the guest speaker, was one of the millions inspired by King's Beloved Community. The celebration will be held at Myers Park Presbyterian Church today at 3pm with a reception following the service. (Calloway)
Monday, january 16
One of Charlotte Symphony's most treasurable traditions returns as their Daybreak of Freedom concert caps the city's celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a fresh mix of music and inspiration. Harry Davidson, director of the Duke Symphony Orchestra, leads the CSO, teaming with the Charlotte CommUnity Choir under the direction of Tony McNeill. Ticket prices for this Belk Theater event are slashed to an economical $8-$30, making this 7pm memorial concert a true community gathering. Call 704-972-2000. (Tannenbaum)
Tuesday, january 17
If you've tasted the coloristic legacy of Charles Dutoit's orchestral recordings, the conductor's appearance with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is a can't-miss opportunity. At the Carolinas Concert Association's next offering, Dutoit will lead the Londoners in Tchaikovsky's Symphony #6 ("Pathetique") and Sibelius' tasty Karelia Suite. In between those two delights, Joan Kwuon takes the spotlight for Mozart's Violin Concerto #5. Tickets for the 8pm concert at Belk Theater are $20-$70. Call 704-372-1000. (Tannenbaum)