The Listings 

NOVELLO FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

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• Charlie Register
• TOMMY HAYS

A NOVELLO EVENING WITH AMY TAN
Monday, Oct. 9 at 7pm
Halton Theater at CPCC
1206 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte
Tickets: $12 and $15
For tickets and information call the CPCC box office at 704-330-6534.

A NOVELLO EVENING WITH DR. ANDREW WEIL
Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 7pm
Halton Theater at CPCC
1206 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte
Tickets: $12 and $15
For tickets and information call the CPCC box office at 704-330-6534.

A NOVELLO EVENING WITH DOUG MARLETTE
Thursday, Oct. 12 at 7pm
Wachovia Playhouse at ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
300 E. 7th St., Charlotte
Tickets: $12 and $15
For tickets and information call the Children's Theatre box office at 704-973-2828, or purchase tickets online at www.ctcharlotte.org.

A NOVELLO AFTERNOON WITH DR. RUSS GREENFIELD
Saturday, Oct. 14 at 2pm
Wachovia Playhouse at ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
300 E. 7th St., Charlotte
Tickets: $12 and $15
For tickets and information call the Children's Theatre box office at 704-973-2828, or purchase tickets online at www.ctcharlotte.org.

A NOVELLO EVENING WITH MARK DE CASTRIQUE
Monday, Oct. 16 at 7pm
Wachovia Playhouse at ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
300 E. 7th St., Charlotte
Tickets: $12 and $15
For tickets and information call the Children's Theatre box office at 704-973-2828, or purchase tickets online at www.ctcharlotte.org.

A NOVELLO EVENING WITH MARGARET MARON
Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 7pm
Wachovia Playhouse at ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
300 E. 7th St., Charlotte
Tickets: $12 and $15
For tickets and information call the Children's Theatre box office at 704-973-2828, or purchase tickets online at www.ctcharlotte.org.

A NOVELLO EVENING WITH JANE & MICHAEL STERN
Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 7pm
McColl Family Theatre at ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
300 E. 7th St., Charlotte
Tickets: $12 and $15
For tickets and information call the Children's Theatre box office at 704-973-2828, or purchase tickets online at www.ctcharlotte.org.

A NOVELLO EVENING WITH TOMMY HAYS
Thursday, Oct. 19 at 7pm
Wachovia Playhouse at ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
300 E. 7th St., Charlotte
Tickets: $12 and $15
For tickets and information call the Children's Theatre box office at 704-973-2828, or purchase tickets online at www.ctcharlotte.org.

WORDPLAY SATURDAY
Saturday, Oct. 21 from 10am to 2pm
Inside and outside ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
FREE

A NOVELLO EVENING WITH SONIA NAZARIO
Monday, Oct. 23 at 7pm
Wachovia Playhouse at ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
300 E. 7th St., Charlotte
Tickets: $12 and $15
For tickets and information call the Children's Theatre box office at 704-973-2828, or purchase tickets online at www.ctcharlotte.org.

NOVELLO PRESS NIGHT
Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 7pm
McColl Family Theatre at ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
300 E. 7th St., Charlotte
FREE

A NOVELLO EVENING WITH MARK ETHRIDGE
Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 7pm
Wachovia Playhouse at ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center

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• PAC
• ONE MAN STAR WARS

A NOVELLO EVENING WITH PEARL CLEAGE
Thursday, Oct. 26 at 7pm
Wachovia Playhouse at ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
300 E. 7th St., Charlotte
Tickets: $12 and $15

A NOVELLO EVENING WITH AUGUSTEN BURROUGHS
Friday, Oct. 27 at 7pm
McColl Family Theatre at ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
300 E. 7th St., Charlotte
Tickets: $12 and $15
For tickets and information call the Children's Theatre box office at 704-973-2828, or purchase tickets online at www.ctcharlotte.org.

BOOK BRUNCH
Saturday, Oct. 28 at 9:30am
Wachovia Playhouse at ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
300 E. 7th St., Charlotte
FREE

A NOVELLO EVENING WITH DAVID BALDACCI
Saturday, Oct. 28 at 7pm
McColl Family Theatre at ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
300 E. 7th St., Charlotte
Tickets: $12 and $15
For tickets and information call the Children's Theatre box office at 704-973-2828, or purchase tickets online at www.ctcharlotte.org.

A NOVELLO FINALE WITH MITCH ALBOM
Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 7:30pm
McColl Family Theatre at ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
300 E. 7th St., Charlotte
All tickets: $25, includes free, signed copy of For One More Day.
For tickets and information call the Children's Theatre Box Office at 704-973-2828, or purchase tickets online at www.ctcharlotte.org.

ARTS

ARTFEST OF MATTHEWS 21st annual juried fine arts and crafts show. Downtown Matthews, McDowell St. www.matthewschamber.com. Sept. 30, 10am-6pm; Oct. 1, 1-6pm. 704-847-3649.

CALLE CINCO LATIN STREET FESTIVAL The festival promotes cultural diversity by promoting the Latin-American culture through music, dance, food, wine and art by creating a bridge to our communities. Fifth St., between College & Brevard. www.callecinco.com. Sat., Sept. 9, 12-11pm. 704-344-0004.

THE CAROLINA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL This festival is a medieval amusement park, a 9-stage theater, a 20-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament and a feast. 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville. Oct. 7-Nov. 19, Sat. and Sun., 10am-5:30pm. $5-$17. 704-896-5544.

CHARLOTTE FILM FESTIVAL Inaugural independent film festival revolving around the theme, "Office Stories." Sept. 15-17. Events/screenings will be stationed at the Levine Museum of the New South, ImaginOn's Wachovia Playhouse and Duke Theatre in Spirit Square. www.charlottefilmfestival.org.

CULINARY ARTS EXPERIENCE 5th annual event presenting the best in food, wine and beer. Gateway Village, 800 West Trade St. www.charlotteshout.com. Sept. 29-30. 704-332-1800.

CULTURE CAMP Children 6 and up will participate in various arts and crafts projects and interactive performing arts activities. First Saturday of every month, 10am-12pm. $5 per family. Afro-American Cultural Center, 401 N. Myers St. 704-374-1565.

DAVIDSON CONCERT ON THE GREEN The concerts take place at Davidson's town green, at Main Street and Davidson/Concord Road. www.concertsonthegreen.com. Sept. 10: The Stardusters Big Band; Sept. 17: Davidson College Symphony & Jazz Ensemble. All 6-8pm.

DOWNTOWN BLUES FESTIVAL Featuring Roy C. Robin Rogers, Noel Freidline Duo and more. www.rockhillarts.org. Oct.5-7, 8pm-12am. $10-$20. Downtown Rock Hill, Main Street. 803-328-2787.

ENDURANCEFEST Sports and music festival hosted by City Park. Full day's activities for the entire family with three events to choose from: Black Sheep Cycles Time Trial, SouthPark Cycles Mountain Bike Challenge and Charlotte Running Co. Trail Run and food, beer, prize money and live entertainment. www.endurancefest.com. Sat., Sept. 2, 6:45am-6:30pm. Charlotte Coliseum, 100 Paul Buck Blvd. 704-507-9337.

FAMILY VAUDEVILLE EXTRAVAGANZA A family-friendly lineup of physical comedians, magicians, object manipulators and acrobats. Sat., Sept. 2, 7:30pm. $5. Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson. 704-894-2135.

FESTIVAL IN THE PARK Visitors will enjoy a range of musical, performance and visual arts native to the Southeast. All performances are family-friendly. www.festivalinthepark.org. Sept. 21, 6-10pm; Sept. 22, 12-10pm; Sept. 23, 10am-10pm; Sept. 24, 10am-6pm. Free. Freedom Park. 704-338-1060.

GREAT GRAPES: WINE, ART AND FOOD FESTIVAL The outdoor festival offers premier wines and some of the best local, regional and national jazz and blues. Children's activities will also be on hand. www.uncorkthefun.com. Sat., Oct. 7, 11am-7pm. $15-$20. Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall. 800-830-3976.

IGUNNUKO FESTIVAL A family-oriented celebration of African culture through the arts. Will feature live performances of jazz, reggae, gospel, African, Caribbean and other cultural entertainment. Sept. 2-3. Free. Frazier Park, 1200 W. 4th St.

LATIN AMERICAN FESTIVAL 16th annual event filled with activities, performances and authentic foods from Latin America. Sun., Oct. 1, 12-7pm. Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road. 704-337-2000.

ONE MAN STAR WARS Charles Ross plays all characters from George Lucas' original trilogy, even singing the score and recreating the effects. Oct. 14, 7 and 9pm. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. $20-$25. 704-372-1000.

PIEDMONT POTTERY FESTIVAL Event celebrating the region's rich pottery traditions through demonstrations, talks, displays and sales. Sat., Oct. 7, 10am-4pm. $3-$6, $2-$4 for CHM members. Historic Brattonsville, 1444 Brattonsville Road, McConnels. 803-684-2327.

PRIDE SUNSET JAZZ SERIES Sept. 8: "The Reunion" at CPCC's Halton Theater, 7:30-10:30pm, $30-$35; Sept. 9-10: Outdoor Concerts on "The Green" at 435 S. Tryon St, starting at 1pm, Free. www.pridesunsetjazzseries.com. 704-375-9553.

SOUTHERN IDEAL HOME SHOW A home and garden show featuring ideas, products and services. www.southernshows.com. Sept. 15, 12-9pm; Sept. 16, 10am-9pm; Sept. 17, 10am-5pm. $7, 15 and under free. Charlotte Merchandise Mart, 800 Briar Creek Rd. 704-376-6594.

CLASSICAL MUSIC

ALISON BROWN QUINTET This Grammy Award-winning banjo player will perform. Thu., Sept. 21, 7:30pm. $21-$28. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.

AROUND AMADEUS: INSPIRATION IN MOZART'S WORLD Celebration of Mozart's 250th birthday by Carolina Pro Musica. Sun., Sept. 24, 3pm. Dana Auditorium, Queens University, 1900 Selwyn Ave. 704-337-2200.

BONNIE RIDEOUT'S SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS US-Scottish Fiddle champion Rideout and the Scottish Christmas ensemble perform traditional Scottish carols, wassail tunes and reels. Sun., Dec. 3, 3pm. $22-$32. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

CLASSICS 1 The Charlotte Symphony performs Opening Ninth -- Ode to Joy! from Beethoven's ninth symphony. Features soprano Twyla Robinson in her debut with the CSO. Pre-Concert Talk, 7pm. Sept. 15, 8pm; Sept. 16, 8pm. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

CLASSICS 2/FRIDAY MORNING COFFEE CLASSICS 1 Hungarian Rhapsody with pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet playing works from Liszt, Saint-Saens, Messiaen and Kodály. Pre-Concert Talk, 7pm. Fri., Oct. 16, 10am; 8pm; Sat., Oct. 7, 8pm. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

CLASSICS 3 The Charlotte Symphony performs SIBELIUS' Violin Concerto in D Minor and MAHLER's Symphony No. 1, "The Titan." Pre-Concert Talk, 7pm. Fri., Nov. 10, 8pm; Sat., Nov. 11, 8pm. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

CLASSICS 4/FRIDAY MORNING COFFEE CLASSICS 2 Modern Masters with pianist Joanna MacGregor playing John Adams' Short Ride in a Fast Machine: Fanfare for Orchestra and Century Rolls for Piano and Orchestra and Stravinsky's Pétrouchka. Pre-Concert Talk, 7pm. Fri., Dec. 1, 10am; 8pm; Sat., Dec. 2, 8pm. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

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• PAC
• BONNIE RIDEOUT'S SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS AT ST. MARY'S Carolina Pro Musica continues its holiday tradition with readings of the season, medieval and Renaissance music and carols for all to sing. Sat., Dec. 9, 7pm. Historic St. Mary's Chapel, 1129 East Third St. 704-330-6534.

FIRST TUESDAY CONCERTS Chamber Music at St. Peter's kicks off this season with guest pianist Jon Nakamatsu. AfterWork concert at 5:30pm. www.chambermusicatstpeters.org. Tue., Sept. 5, 12:10pm. Free. St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 115 West Seventh St. 704-335-0009.

FIRST TUESDAY CONCERTS A Tenor and Telemann by Telemann, Johann Sebastian Bach and John Playford. An early music consort featuring vocalist Jeff Price, violinist Emily Chatham, Barbara Krumdieck on cello, bassist Jeff Ferdon and Henry Lebidinsky on harpsichord. AfterWork concert at 5:30pm. Tue., Dec. 5, 12:10pm. Free. St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 115 West 7th St. 704-335-0009.

HELLO DOLLY The Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra presents classical guitarist Denis Azabagic. Sat., Oct. 21, 8pm. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-372-3600.

MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS The Charlotte Symphony Pops present its annual holiday celebration. A mixture of traditional and the innovative, this concert has something for everyone. Dec. 8-10. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

MESSIAH The Charlotte Symphony and the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte celebrate the holidays with a masterpiece unparalleled in popularity -- Handel's Messiah. Thu., Dec. 21, 7:30pm. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

MUSIC NOISE SILENCE The Magic Circle Mime Company accompanies the Charlotte Symphony in this performance. Pre-Concert Festival, 10am. Sat., Sept. 9, 11am. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

OKTOBERFEST! The Oratorio Singers with Calin Lupanu on violin. Fri., Oct. 14, 8pm. Halton Theater, CPCC, 1206 Elizabeth Ave. 704-330-6534.

ORQUESTRA DE SAO PAULO Carolinas Concert Association performs Brazilian music with cellist Antonio Meneses. Mon., Nov. 6, 8pm. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

PERUVIAN PERSPECTIVE Carolina Pro Musica performs music of Europe and the Americas with recorder player Alejandra Lopera-Quintanilla of Peru. Sat., Oct. 28, 8pm. Church of the Holy Comforter, 2701 Park Road. 704-332-4171.

PETER NERO The Charlotte Symphony Pops presents Peter Nero. Nero has won two Grammy Awards and is the conductor of the Philly Pops. Sept. 8, 8pm; Sept. 9, 8pm. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

PROVIDENCE CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES Works by Albert Roussel, Frank Bridge and Claude Debussy: Sun, Sept. 24, 7pm. Performance of Igor Stravinsky's L'Histoire du Soldat: Sun., Oct. 22, 7pm. Annual performance of the Christmas concert: Sun., Dec. 3, 7pm. Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Rd. 704-366-7442.

RUSSKIES AND YANKS CSO Neighborhood Concert with the Davidson College Symphony Orchestra. Sat., Nov. 18, 8pm. Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2135.

SALUTE TO VIENNA Features as cast of 75 musicians, singers and dancers including top European soloists, performing waltzes, polkas, songs and marches. Fri., Dec. 29, 8pm. $35-$75. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

STAY TUNED: THE GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra performs with Five by Design. Part of the Charlotte Symphony's Pop Series. Fri., Nov. 24, 8pm; Sat., Nov. 25, 8pm. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

WORLD MUSIC SPECIAL The Charlotte Symphony presents sitar players Ravi and Anoushka Shankar with Anoushka's band. Tue., Oct. 3, 7:30pm. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

COMEDY

BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Bill Cosby. Comedy legend brings his brand of humor centered on the basics like parenting, kids, family and relationships. Sun., Oct. 8, 4 & 7pm. $25-$60. Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood. Improvisational comedy from two of the stars of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" Thu., Nov. 16, 7:30pm. $35-$45. 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

CHARLOTTE COMEDY THEATER Live Improvised Comedy. Features Charlotte's top improv comedy ensembles in a high energy, interactive show (Rated R). www.charlottecomedy.com. Friday and Saturday, 9 & 11pm. $10. 1308 D The Plaza. 866-467-7681.

THE PERCH Live Sketch Comedy. Rated "R" for verbal content. www.theperch.com. Friday and Saturday, 9 & 11pm. $10. 1212 Central Ave. 704-372-7724.

SPIRIT SQUARE MacHomer. Rick Miller performs Shakespeare's Macbeth while channeling Homer Simpson and at least 49 other members of The Simpsons' extended family. Fri., Nov. 3; 7:30pm; Sat., Nov. 4, 7:30pm. 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.

DANCE

CINDERELLA North Carolina Dance Theatre will perform Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux's Cinderella with sets designed by NYC Ballet set designer Alain Vaes along with Dwight Rhoden's World Premiére. Sept. 28-Oct. 1. $10-$56. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

INNOVATIVE WORKS This best-selling series will welcome choreographers Septime Webre, Mark Diamond, Dwight Rhoden and Daniel Gwirtzman. In addition NC Dance Theatre dancer Heather Ferranti Ferguson presents a new work. Nov. 2-4, 9-11. $10-$55. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

MOVEMENT THROUGH THE MASTERPIECES Fall Dance Concert that combines classical music by famous composers with choreographed works by UNCC faculty and guest artists. Nov. 15-19. $5-$12. Anne R. Belk Theater, Robinson Hall. 704-687-2599.

NUTCRACKER A Charlotte holiday tradition gets updated. Bonnefoux's Nutcracker will improve on the classic while keeping with its style. Students from The School of North Carolina Dance Theatre will perform in the company of over 100 dancers. Dec. 14-17. $10-$56. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

TANGO FIRE Journey through the history of Tango with Argentinian Tango company, Estampas Portenas. Tue., Nov. 14, 8pm. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

MUSEUMS

CHARLOTTE MUSEUM OF HISTORY Brother, Can you Spare a Dime: Music of the Great Depression. Charlotte Civic Orchestra provides music from that era as visitors are engaged with activities and storytelling from the period. Sun., Oct. 8, 2:30pm. Civil War Lantern Tour. Take a walk back in time and relive the Civil War, as you take an in-depth look into the conditions, hopes and fears that common foot soldiers lived with. Reservations required. Sat., Nov. 4, 6-10pm. $4-$8. Hands-on-History: Harvest Fun. Celebrate the arrival of fall with an afternoon of harvest activities for the kids. Try homemade apple cider, create apple stamp art and learn about how a colonial family would prepare for the winter. Sat., Sept. 9, 2pm. Haunted Homesite. Travel down candle-lit paths at the historic Homesite as you listen to storytellers, enter a costume contest or enjoy fall crafts and cookie decorating. Reservations required. Sat., Oct. 28, 6-9pm. $6. Personal Legacies: Surviving the Great Depression (Charlotte/Mecklenburg 1929-1939) Opening. This exhibit explores the Charlotte/Mecklenburg area during the Great Depression through the stories of its citizens. Sat., Sept. 30, 2-4pm. 3500 Shamrock Dr. 704-568-1774.

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• Peter Schaaf
• JON NAKAMATSU Pianist will open First Tuesday Concerts series

CHARLOTTE NATURE MUSEUM Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! Come learn about these animals from a real entomologist and see how we benefit from their presence. Sat., Sept. 16, 10am-1pm. Amazing Arachnids. Prepare for Halloween by looking at some of the most creepy (or beautiful) spiders, scorpions and arachnids in the world. Sat., Oct. 21, 10am-1pm. Turkey Talk. Come see a live turkey and learn about the Eastern Wild Turkey and why Ben Franklin wanted it to be our national symbol. Sat., Nov. 18, 10am-1pm. 1658 Sterling Rd., adjacent to Freedom Park. 704-372-6261.

DISCOVERY PLACE Action! An Adventure in Moviemaking. Action! is a chance to really get into the movies, featuring interviews with top filmmakers, costumes and scripts. You can even make the trailer for your own movie, Escape from Zircon. Aug. 15-Jan. 2. Meet the Moviemakers free w/ ADM; EfZ, $2. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The Charlotte Observer IMAX® Dome Theatre at Discovery Place presents the fourth installment in the beloved Harry Potter franchise; the second full-length feature film to be shown in this format that surrounds the viewer with 15,000 watts of sound and light, creating the effect of being in the film with the characters. Aug. 2 - Sept. 4. $9-$11; free for children under 2. IMAX Dome. Now showing Deep Sea, ending Jan. 15 and Mystery of the Nile, ending Sept. 4. www.discoveryplace.org. 301 N. Tryon St. 704-372-6261.

GASTON COUNTY MUSEUM From Barter to Banks: The American Economy. Explores the impact our economy has on our culture through the various forms of money, from colonial times to present, the rise and evolution of the banking system, and significant changes in the working of our economy. www.gastoncountymuseum.org. Aug. 29-March 4. Kastner/Rhyne Family Bible. Exhibit featuring the German language bible printed c. 1564. Aug. 15-22. 131 W. Main St., Dallas. 704-852-6025.

LEVINE MUSEUM OF THE NEW SOUTH Cotton Fields to Sky Scrapers. Tue.-Sun. Families of Abraham. Photographic, narrative exhibit celebrating life and faith traditions among the three Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Dec. 15-May 6. From Cambodia to Carolina: Tracing the Journeys of New Southerners. New exhibit traces the resettlement of Cambodians beginning in 1981 to both Charlotte and Greensboro. Aug. 15-Nov. 27. La Virgen De Guadalupe and Carrying On Hispanic Traditions In North Carolina. Photographic exhibition tracing the religious tradition of the Virgin of Guadalupe -- Mary, Mother of Jesus -- who is said to have appeared in Mexico in 1531. Features the work of Duke University photographer Luis-Rey Velasco. Oct. 27-Jan. 21. www.museumofthenewsouth.org. 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887.

MINT MUSEUM OF ART Encouraging American Genius. Master Paintings from the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Oct. 7-Dec. 31. Gifts from the Delhom Service League and the Mint Museum Auxiliary. Historical porcelain and pottery collection and present pieces acquired into the museum's permanent collection through these organizations. Aug. 15-Dec. 10. Mirth and Mayhem. Exhibition of Staffordshire figures dating from 1810-1835. Nov. 18-April 29. North Carolina Pottery from the Elizabeth and Leo Kohn Collection. Explores the works of NC potters new to the museum's collection: Blaine Avery, Samantha Henneke, Bruce Gholson, Herb Cohen, Don Davis and more. Aug. 15-Nov. 5. Spanish Colonial Art from the Lilly and Francis Robicsek Collection. This selection of 18th and 19th century works shows the merging of European, Central and South American art. Aug. 15-Sept. 10. The Mint Museums: 1936-2006. This small exhibition will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the MMA. 70th Birthday Celebration: Sun., Oct. 22, 12-5pm. Sept. 16-Dec. 31. www.mintmuseum.org. 2730 Randolph Road. 704-337-2000.

MINT MUSEUM OF CRAFT + DESIGN Mint Menagerie: Critters from the Collection. An exhibition focusing on man's interaction with nature and art: fantasy, ritual and symbol, ornament, animals as helpmates and animals as companions. Aug. 15-Nov. 26. Tradition & Change: 19th and 20th Century Craft at the Mint. Tue.-Sun. Woven Worlds. Basketry from the Clark Field Collection. Sept. 9-Dec. 31. www.mintmuseum.org. 220 N. Tryon St. 704-337-2009

MUSEUM OF THE CHEROKEE INDIAN Emissaries of Peace. Cherokee and British Delegations of 1762. Exhibition utilizes the memoir of British Lt. Henry Timberlake. www.cherokeemuseum.org. Aug. 15-Sept. 30. 589 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee. 828-497-3481.

SCHIELE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY Birds! See the amazing diversity of birds presented in more than 90 common and exotic mounted specimens, study the behavior of live birds in the aviary and visit "Dr. Bird Brain's Laboratory." April 1-Dec. 31. $2-$3. 1500 E. Garrison Blvd. 704-866-6900.

READINGS & SIGNINGS

GASTON PUBLIC COUNTY LIBRARY Dot Jackson. Author will read and discuss Refuge. Thu., Sept. 7, 7pm. Celia Riverbank. Author will read and discuss Stop Dressing Your Six-Year-Old Like a Skank. Tue., Sept. 26, 7pm. Randell Jones. Author will read and discuss In the Footsteps of Davy Crockett. Thu., Sept. 28, 7pm. Alexandra Sokoloff. Author will read and discuss The Harrowing. Tue., Oct. 24, 7pm. Joseph Bathanti. Author will read and discuss Coventry. Sat., Oct. 14, 7pm. Timothy Tyson. Author will read and discuss Blood Done Sign My Name. Sun., Oct. 15, 7pm. Robert Inman. Author will read and discuss The Christmas Bus. Sat., Dec. 2, 10:30am. Scott Fowler. Author will read and discuss Jimmy Black's Tales of the 1982 Tar Heels. Tue., Dec. 5, 7pm. 1555 East Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-868-2167.

PARK ROAD BOOKS Billie Bierer. Author will sign and discuss The Legend of Tommy Jo Sanchez. Sat., Sept. 2, 1pm. Angelina Corbett. Author will sign and discuss The Little Pink Book of Feminine Leadership. Thu., Sept. 7, 7pm. Paul Leonard. Author will sign and discuss Music of a Thousand Hammers. Sat., Sept. 9, 1pm. Adrienne Bashita. Author will sign and discuss When I Met You. Sat., Sept. 16, 11am. Melinda Rainey Thompson. Author will sign and discuss S.W.A.G.: Southern Women Aging Gracefully. Wed., Sept. 20, 4pm. Ladianne Mandel. Author will sign and discuss Play Them Bones. Fri., Sept. 22, 7pm. Harriet McBryde Johnson. Author will sign and discuss Accidents of Nature. Sat., Sept. 23, 1pm. Susan Kelly. Author will sign and discuss The Last of Something. Wed., Sept. 27, 7pm. Peter Lavezzoli. Author will sign and discuss The Dawn of Indian Music in the West. Mon., Oct. 2, 7pm. Doug Marlette. Author will sign and discuss Magic Time. Thu., Oct. 5, 6:30pm. Amy Sedaris. Author will sign and discuss I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence. Sat., Oct. 21, 1pm. Alexandra Sokoloff. Author will sign and discuss The Harrowing. Wed., Oct. 25, 7pm. Robert Inman. Author will sign and discuss The Christmas Bus. Sat., Nov. 18, 2pm. Park Road Shopping Center, 4139 Park Rd. 704-525-9239.

SPOKEN WORD

BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER An Afternoon with Terry Gross. An afternoon with the host of NPR's Fresh Air. Sun., Nov. 12, 3pm. 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

MCKNIGHT HALL, UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE Sex Signals. A presentation of improvisational comedy, education and audience participation to address dating, sex and date rape on college campuses. Wed., Sept. 13, 7-9pm. Free. Cone University Center, UNCC. 704-687-3315.

ESCAPE THE DAILY GRIND, SALISBURY Poetry Reading. Read your own work or the work of others, or just listen. www.murraystudios.net. Fourth Thursday of every month, 7 p.m. 118 Main St., Salisbury. 704-798-9497.

WINE UP Soultry Tuesdays. Open Mic. Live DJ. Tue., 9pm. $7. 3306 N. Davidson St., NODA District. 704-605-6983.

THEATER: OPENINGS

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Production of the Tony Award-winning new musical comedy as part of the Broadway Lights series. Oct. 10-15. Tue-Fri, 8pm; Sat, 2 & 8pm; Sun, 2 & 7:30pm. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

AMAHL & THE NIGHT VISITORS Gian-Carlo Menotti's opera performed by Opera Carolina. Dec. 15 & 16. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.

BAD DATES One-woman show starring Laurie Riff as thirty-something single mom Haley Walker whose decided to re-enter the dating scene "after a long dry spell." Sept. 7-23. Thu-Sat, 8pm; Sun., Sept. 10 & 24, 3pm; Pay What You Will : Wed., Sept. 13, 8pm. $12-$20. 1315 East Condominiums, Suite 537, 1315 East Blvd between Scott and Kenilworth.

THE CHRISTMAS BUS World premiere of Bob Inman's musical in conjunction with the Public Library's Novello Press publication of the book. Dec. 1-17. $14-$18. The McColl Family Theatre at ImaginOn, 300 East 7th St. 704-333-8983.

DARK RIDE Len Jenkins' play follows ten characters, linked together by circumstance, as they search for meaning in "random" objects and events that causes them to collide with each other. Nov. 15-18, 7:30pm; Nov. 19, 2pm. $4-$6. www.davidson.edu/tickets. Black Box Theatre, Cunningham Arts Bldg., Davidson College. 704-894-2135.

THE EYES OF GOD New drama from Charlotte playwright Ann Marie Oliva that follows a young woman who has hit rock bottom and turns to the church home of a religious cult for shelter. Talkbacks on Oct. 8, 13, 15 and 20. Opening Reception: Fri., Oct. 6, 7pm. Oct. 6-21.Thu, 7:30pm; Fri/Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2:30pm; Pay What You Can: Wed., Oct. 11. $12-$18. www.piproductions.org. Actor's Theatre, 650 E. Stonewall St. 704-367-1345.

FERDINAND THE BULL Karen Zacarias' adaptation of the children's classic The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson. Oct. 20-Nov. 5. $14-$18. The Wachovia Playhouse, 300 East 7th St. 704-333-8983.

FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS Alan Ball's comedy about bridesmaids hiding out from a horrible wedding reception. Oct. 5-22. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.

HOTEL PARADISO English translation of the French farce by Georges Feydeau and Maurice Desvallieres that proves that nothing goes the way you intend in the pursuit of happiness. Oct. 25-28, 8pm; Oct. 29, 2pm. UNCC's Anne R. Belk Theater, Robinson Hall. 704-687-2599.

I AM MY OWN WIFE 2004 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award Winning play by Doug Wright that tells the story of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a real-life German transvestite who managed to survive both the Nazis and the Commies. Sept. 6-23. Wed., Sept. 6, 7:30pm; Thu, 7:30pm; Fri/Sat, 8pm; Sun, Sept. 17, 2:30pm; Pay-What-You-Can: Wed, Sept. 13, 7:30pm. $23-$28. Actor's Theatre, 650 E. Stonewall St. 704-342-2251.

MADAMA BUTTERFLY Opera Carolina production of Giacomo Puccini's masterpiece. Oct. 26-29. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW Another book in C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia series comes to life in this new production by the Children's Theatre of Charlotte. Oct. 6-29. $14-$18. The McColl Family Theatre at ImaginOn, 300 East 7th St. 704-333-8983.

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• PAC
• BILL COSBY

MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT 2005 Tony Award winner for Best Musical. SPAMALOT re-envisions the film classic "Monty Python and The Holy Grail." Nov. 28 -- Dec. 10. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-372-1000.

THE OLDEST PROFESSION Paula Vogel's bittersweet comedy about five aging "practioners" who are fighting to stay in the "Life" while dealing with a diminishing clientele, aching joints, and increased competition. Nov. 8-25. Wed., Nov. 8, 7:30pm; Thu, 7:30pm; Fri/Sat, 8pm; Sun, Nov. 19, 2:30pm. Pay-What-You-Can: Wed, Nov. 15, 7:30pm. No performance Nov. 23. $23-$28. Actor's Theatre, 650 E. Stonewall St. 704-342-2251.

THE SANTALAND DIARIES David Sedaris' holiday classic about a young man trying to make ends meet while working as an elf at Macy's. Dec. 7-23. Thu, 7:30pm; Fri/Sat, 8pm; Sun, Dec. 10 & 17, 2:30pm. $20. Actor's Theatre, 650 E. Stonewall St. 704-342-2251.

SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN HOMECOMING Piedmont Players Theatre presents the world premiere of Connie Ray and Alan Bailey's new show that chronicles the return of the Sanders Family Singers. Nov. 9-11, 15-18, 7:30pm; Sun., Nov. 12, 2:30pm. Meroney Theater, 213 South Main St, Salisbury, NC. 704-633-5471.

THE SPITFIRE GRILL Davidson Community Players and Mooresville Community Theatre team up for this presentation of a musical following the daily routine of parolee Percy, Hannah, and Shelby at the title establishment and a mysterious visitor that only comes out at night. Based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff. Nov. 9-11, 16-18, 8pm; Nov. 12 & 19, 2pm. $13-$15. Nov. 9-12: Davidson United Methodist Church, 233 S. Main St, Davidson; Nov. 16-19: Mack Civic Center, 215 N. Main St, Mooresville. 704-892-7918.

STOP KISS Diana Son's award-winning play tells the story of two women whose lives are shattered by a brutal hate crime. Contains mature themes and adult language. Oct. 4-7, 8pm; Oct. 8, 2pm. UNCC's Lab Theater, Robinson Hall. 704-687-2599.

SUMMER AND SMOKE Tennessee Williams' play that follows the life of Alma Winemiller, a spinster living in a rural Mississippi town and her love affair with the boy-next-door. Oct. 18-19, 7:30pm; Oct. 20-21, 8:15pm; Oct. 22, 2pm. $6-$14. www.davidson.edu/tickets. Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson. 704-894-2135.

TARRADIDDLE TALES Explores four simple folk tales from four different countries: "The Magic Tree," a Bantu folk tale; "Peter the Fool," a Danish story; "Spider Talk," an Anansi story from Ghana; and "Tiger Trap," from India. Nov. 18-19. $10-$12. The Wachovia Playhouse, 300 East 7th St. 704-333-8983.

'TIS THE SEASON Holiday play compiled by the Tarradiddle Players that takes you on a journey through seasonal celebrations from around the world. Dec. 8-23. $14-$18. The Wachovia Playhouse, 300 East 7th St. 704-333-8983.

THEATER: ONGOING

SHEAR MADNESS Cabaret theater experience that unfolds as a whodunit in which the audience solves the crime. Through Oct. 28: Wed.-Fri., 8pm; Sat., 2 and 8pm; Sun., 3pm. $20-$35. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.performingartsctr.org.

VISUAL ARTS: OPENINGS

CALEIDOSCOPE GALLERY Black + White = Gray: Drawing in Value. Statewide juried exhibit. Sept. 15-Oct. 26. 2006 Fall Into Art. Regional juried show. Nov. 2-Dec. 8. SweetArts: Small Works & Miniatures. Open show. Dec. 15-Jan. 11. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.

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• Joan Marcus
• MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT

CENTER OF THE EARTH GALLERY Gayle Stott Lowry. Solo exhibition of new works inspired by a recent journey to Scotland. Opening Reception: Friday, Sept. 15, 6-9pm. Sept. 7-Oct. 27. 3204 N Davidson St. 704-375-5756. http://www.centeroftheearth.com.

DALTON GALLERY Girl Stories. Exhibition featuring Tonya Gregg, Barbara Shreiber, Paula Smith and Kathy Yancey. Opening Reception & Kickoff for the 2nd Annual Downtown Blues Festival: Thursday, Oct. 5, 6pm. Center for the Arts, 121 East Main St., Rock Hill. 803-328-2787.

ELDERART GALLERY Jung Han Kim. Opening reception: 6-9pm Sept. 1. Sept. 1-30. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337. www.elderart.com.

HAYES GEORGE GALLERY New Works. Two-person show featuring Spanish sculptor Marta Moreu and landscape painter James Shay. Opening Reception: Friday, Oct. 6, 6-9pm. Oct. 6-Nov. 14. 225 East Worthington Ave. # 100. 704-332-3278.

HODGES TAYLOR GALLERY 4 Young Painters and Emotional Rescue. Group exhibition including three painters from New Orleans. Sept. 8-Oct. 27. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.

JERALD MELBERG GALLERY The Torn Edge. Solo exhibition of collages and related prints by Robert Motherwell (1915-1997). Sept. 8-Oct. 14. Riverbend. Exhibition of abstract landscape paintings by South Carolina native Brian Rutenberg. Oct. 20-Dec. 9. Survey of Gallery Artists. Exhibition will include works by such gallery artists as Romare Bearden, Dale Chihuly, Raul Diaz and Wolf Kahn, among others. Dec. 16-Feb. 3. 625 S. Sharon Amity Road. 704-365-3000. www.jeraldmelberg.com.

THE LIGHT FACTORY Intrinsic Artifice. Exhibition of Carl Chiarenza's black-and-white constructions, Stan Brackage's short films, David Maisel's aerial photography and the digital works of Susan Brenner. Nov. 10-Feb. 8. Whitewash. Brad McCallum and Jacqueline Terry's exhibit examines the past and present through video works and paintings and drawings. Nov. 10-Feb. 8. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755. www.lightfactory.org.

MCCOLL CENTER FOR VISUAL ART Fall 2006 Artist-in-Residence Exhibition. Featuring Eric Anderson, Charles Kapsner, Songyi Kim, Bradley McCallum & Jacqueline Tarry, Aiko Miyanaga and Carla Stetson. Joint Opening Reception with Machines & Mechanisms. Sept. 22-Nov.19. Machines and Mechanisms: Kinetic. Kinetic sculpture by Arthur Ganson. Opening Reception: Friday, Sept. 22, 6-9pm; talk by the artist at 6:30pm. Sept. 22-Nov. 4. Raymond Chorneau and Cindy Neuschwander. Exhibition of new paintings. Nov. 3-Dec. 22. 721 N. Tryon St. 704-332-5535. www.mccollcenter.org.

MODERN EYE GALLERY Four Painters: Four Perspectives. Group exhibition of abstract painters: Bob Rankin, David Freeman, James Leonard, and David Novak. Artist Reception: Friday, Sept. 1, 6-9pm. Sept. 1-Oct. 21. A Woman's View. Features the work of Linda Luise Brown, Judith Cutler, Monika Dalkin, Christina Quinn, and Elsa Turner. Artist Reception: Friday, Nov. 3, 6-9pm. Nov. 3-30. All About Mike. Charlotte artist Mike Watson explores pure abstraction and the abstracted landscape. Gallery Reception: Friday, Dec. 8, 6-9pm. Dec. 1-31. 1923-A South Blvd. 704-333-3190.

RUTLEDGE GALLERY Winthrop Works by Leo Twiggs. Presented in collaboration with Clinton Junior College and the Dalton Downtown Arts Initiative. Sept. 4-Oct. 7. Force of Nature. Exhibition by Yumiko Yamazaki and Rikuo Ueda. Oct. 13-Nov. 16. www.halsey.cofc.edu/fon.html. 1898 Alumni Dr. 803-323-2493.

WENTWORTH GALLERY Peter Max. Meet the Artist reception with the pop culture icon. Sat., Sept. 9, 6-9pm. South Park Mall, 4400 Sharon Rd. 704-365-2733.

VISUAL ARTS: ONGOING

AFRO-AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER Without Boundaries: The Afro-American Cultural Center Permanent Collection. This exhibit includes more than 40 works of fine art representing many different styles and techniques and sharing a single theme: the African Diaspora experience. www.aacc-charlotte.org. 401 N. Myers St. 704-374-1565.

B.BROWN GALLERY Prudy Weaver, Patsy Howell and Robin Rowe. An evening featuring these gallery artists. Aug. 15-25. 131 C Matthews Station St. 704-321-0999.

CALEIDOSCOPE GALLERY Water: The Source of Life. Group exhibition of artists' interpretation of the title theme. Aug. 3-Sept. 7. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.

DALTON GALLERY New Vistas. An exhibition of collage and watermedia images by Elsa Turner. Aug. 15-Feb. 13. Center for the Arts, 121 East Main St., Rock Hill. 803-328-2787.

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• JUNG HAN KIM "Shuffling" included in artist's exhibit at Elder Gallery

ELDERART GALLERY Southern Contemporary. Exhibition of two SC artists: Claire Miller Hopkins and Jill Jones with southern landscapes and still life paintings and figures. Aug. 15-31. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337. www.elderart.com.

THE EVENING MUSE Stone Faces and Sanctuaries. Infrared Quad tone giclées taken along Ley lines - photographs by John Gessner. Aug. 15-31. 3227 N. Davidson St. 704-376-3737.

GALLERY L, Main Library 381 Days: The Montgomery Bus Story. Multimedia presentation of a people's strategic act of faith and determination. Aug. 6-Oct. 15. 310 N. Tryon St. 704-336-2020.

GREEN RICE GALLERY Earth Visions. A photography show by Elizabeth Sproul Ross. Aug. 15-31. 451 E. 36th St. 704-344-0300.

HART-WITZEN GALLERY Life versus The Camera. Seven years of charcoal drawings by David Thayer French. Also by appt. Aug. 15-31. Soup II. Interdisciplinary invitational exhibition promoting national and regional emerging artists exploring themes in contemporary art. Artist Receptions/Gallery Crawls: Friday, Oct. 6, 6-10pm; Oct. 20, 6-10pm. Oct. 6-31. 136 E. 36 St. 704-334-1177.

HAYES GEORGE GALLERY Everything's Figurative. Featuring artists: Michel Beaucage, Rein, de Lege, David de Villier, Marta Moreu and Pamela Murphy. Aug. 15-25. 225 East Worthington Ave. # 100. 704-332-3278.

HIDELL BROOKS GALLERY Moments In Time. Contemporary art exhibition by Barbara Fisher. Aug. 15-31. 1910 S. Blvd. Suite 130. 704-334-7302.

HODGES TAYLOR GALLERY The Present Tense of Making. Exhibition of Architectural Graduate Research by Nick Ault and Jason Slatinsky. Aug. 15-31. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.

JERALD MELBERG GALLERY The Quilts and Prints of Gee's Bend. An exhibition of prints and original quilts by Mary Lee Bendolph and Louisiana Bendolph, internationally acclaimed Gee's Bend quilters. Aug. 15-Sept. 2. 625 S. Sharon Amity Road. 704-365-3000. www.jeraldmelberg.com.

THE LIGHT FACTORY (Id). An exhibition of photographic self portraiture. Opening Reception and Performance by Pinky Bass: Sept. 8. Sept. 28: Artist lecture with Arno Raphael Minkkinen and Maya Derren film screening. Aug. 18-Oct. 12. Mexico. Exhibit by street photographer Harvey Stein. Aug. 18-Oct. 30. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755. www.lightfactory.org.

MCCOLL CENTER FOR VISUAL ART Launched: First Annual North Carolina Undergraduate Juried Exhibition. Aug. 15-Sept. 9. 721 N. Tryon St. 704-332-5535. www.mccollcenter.org.

MODERN EYE GALLERY A Modern Eye: Part One. Group exhibit of work by the gallery's local, national and international artists, featuring non-objective paintings, sculpture, prints and photography. Aug. 15-25. New Abstractions 2006. Charlotte gallery debut for Texas artist Robert Langford. Aug. 15-31. 1923-A South Blvd. 704-333-3190.

REDSKY GALLERY Opposites Attract. Artwork of Tim McMahon and Todd Crockett, two bold artists with different forms: landscapes and vistas. www.redskygallery.com. Aug. 15-Sept. 8. 4705 Savings Place, Suite 108. 704-552-5200.