Here are a gaggle of summer events happening in Charlotte and the surrounding area Aug. 18-Sept. 2 as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.

ARTS

Alive. Comedian Jared Stern. Aug. 21; Aug. 22. 2909 N. Davidson St.

Lake Norman Comedy Zone. Comedian Dave Tucker. Tue., Aug. 18, 7 p.m. $10. Comedian Dustin Diamond. Comedian and former TV star from his role as Screetch in Saved By The Bell. Thu., Aug. 20, 7:30 p.m. $20. Comedian John Heffron. The Lake Norman Comedy Zone presents a performance by comedian John Heffron, winner of NBC’s show, Last Comic Standing. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tue., Aug. 25. $20. Galway Hooker, 17044 Kenton Dr., Cornelius. 704-995-2658.

McGlohon Theatre. Comedian John Heffron. The Comedy Zone and Blumenthal Performing Arts Center present a performance by comedian John Heffron, winner of NBC’s show, Last Comic Standing.Show contains adult language and content and is not appropriate for ages 17 and under. Wed., Aug. 26, 7:30 p.m. $20. Comedian Ralphie May. The Comedy Zone and Blumenthal Performing Arts Center present a special performance by comedian Ralphie May, a popular contestant from NBC’s show Last Comic Standing. Show contains adult language and content. Thu., Aug. 27, 7:30 p.m. 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.

SK Netcafe. Taboo Tuesday. Open mic with no language or content restrictions. All comics get five minutes on the stage. Tuesdays, 9 p.m. $2. 1425 Elizabeth Ave. 704-334-1523.

Charlotte Comedy Theater. Charlotte Comedy Theater. High energy, interactive improv comedy shows, private events, classes and team building workshops. Features Chicago comedy veterans and top local talent every weekend for eight years running. Shows: CCT Improv Games on Friday, 8 p.m.; Explicit Content. Stand-up comedy showcase featuring material too controversial to play on the Charlotte Comedy Coalition's regular shows. $10. Fridays, 10 p.m.; CCT's Culture Shock on Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sketch Comedy on Saturday, 10 p.m.; Open Mic featuring stand-up and off-the-wall comedy on Saturday, 11:30 p.m. All shows $10 (Jam $5). Rated R. For show details, visit www.charlottecomedy.com or call 803-458-6824. Saturdays; Fridays. $10. 1308 The Plaza.

The Nook. Robot Johnson. Sketch comedy at the Charlotte Comedy Theatre in The Nook. For more information, visit www.robotjohnson.com. 21 and up. Saturdays, 10 p.m. $10. 1308 The Plaza.

Joseph-Beth Booksellers. Robert Tompkins and Donald Beagle. Signing The Life and Art of Ralph Ray Jr. Thu., Aug. 20, 7 p.m. Dr. Larry Rogers. Signing Against the Grain. Sat., Aug. 22, 11 a.m. Toni Emehel. Signing Wilderness Women Live to Tell the Story. Sat., Aug. 29, 2 p.m. 4345 Barclay Downs Dr. 704-602-9820. www.josephbeth.com.

Altar Boyz. Award-winning Off-Broadway musical comedy based off the book by Kevin Del Aguila and music and lyrics by Gary Adler and Michael Patrick Walker. For tickets, call 704-372-1000 or visit www.queencitytheatre.com. Aug. 20-22, 8 p.m. $14-$28. Duke Energy Theatre, 345 North College St. 704-372-1000.

The Color Purple. This famed musical based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the Oscar-nominated film by Steven Spielberg, follows the inspiring story of a woman named Celie. Presented by Oprah Winfrey. Aug. 25-27, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 28, 8 p.m.; Aug. 29, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Aug. 30, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. $30-$95. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St.

Death Under Cover. Charlotte's Dinner Detective presents this interactive comedy musical dinner murder mystery set in London during WWII where the audience decides who-dun-it. Group, senior, AAA and military discounts available. Advanced reservations required. For information and tickets, call 704-840-5013 or visit www.charlotteshungrygumshoe.com. Fri., Aug. 28, 7 p.m. Tickets include a 3-course sit-down dinner and two-hour show, tax, tip and parking. $59. Grand Central Events, 1000 Central Ave. 704-373-1699.

Shear Madness. A who-dun-it murder mystery that puts the audience right in the middle of the action. Audience participation allows for a different outcome every night. Aug. 18, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 20, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 21, 8 p.m.; Aug. 22, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Aug. 23, 2 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.; Aug. 25, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 26, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 27, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 28, 8 p.m.; Aug. 29, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Aug. 30, 2 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.; Sept. 1, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 2, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 3, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 4, 8 p.m.; Sept. 5, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Sept. 6, 2 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. $29.50 and up. Stage Door Theater, North College St. at 5th St.

Center of the Earth Gallery. City/Country: Sharon Dowell, Dana Johns, Maxx Morgan and Christopher Stephens. An exhibition that features works that capture both landscapes and urban scenes. Continues through Aug. 22. 3204 N. Davidson St. 704-375-5756. www.centeroftheearth.com.

Christa Faut Gallery. 20 Year Anniversary Exhibition. Featuring special paintings, glass and sculptures by gallery artists. Continues through Aug. 31. 19818 N. Cove Road, Cornelius. 704-892-5312. www.christafautgallery.com.

Elder Art Gallery. Young - Fresh - New. This annual exhibition features paintings by emerging, mid-career and well-established artists from across the nation. Participants include Cynthia Anderson, Lance Hewison, Martin Hvattum, Gopika Sitwala, Martha Armstrong, Lara Martini, Susu Pianchupattana and Dirk Walker. Continues through Aug. 31. 1427 South Blvd. 704-370-6337. www.elderart.com.

Hidell Brooks Gallery. Introductions 4. Continues through Aug. 29. 1910 S. Blvd., Ste. 130. 704-334-7302.

Jerald Melberg Gallery. American Scenes. Featuring works by New York native Linden Frederick. Continues through Sept. 5. Scene in America. This is an invitational landscape exhibition titled Scene in America. Continues through Sept. 5. 625 S. Sharon Amity Rd. 704-365-3000. www.jeraldmelberg.com.

Lark & Key Gallery and Boutique. Woodcut Prints by Dan Allegrucci with featured potter Ronan Peterson. Exhibition features woodcut prints by Dan Allegrucci and ceramics by potter Ronan Peterson. Continues through Aug. 30. New Works from Angie Renfro and featured potter Amy Sanders. Renfro’s oil paintings feature objects and landscapes, while ceramic artist Amy Sanders' works are inspired by textiles, quilting and her role as a mother. Opening reception: Fri., Sept. 4, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 2-27. 453 E. 36th St., Ste. B.

The Light Factory. The Light Factory Second Juried Annuale. Showcases works from emerging artists across the country. Juried by Trevor Schoonmaker, curator of contemporary art at The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University. Continues through Sept. 6. The Light Factory 37th Annual Members Show. Featuring a variety of works of all mediums by members of The Light Factory. Continues through Sept. 13. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755. www.lightfactory.org.

Providence Gallery. The Far Away and Nearby. New landscape and seascape paintings by Gary Shelley and Curt Butler. Continues through Aug. 31.

The Art House. In the Meantime. Mark Doepker's solo exhibition, featuring portraits and figures by drawings, paintings, and wall sculptures. Live music during the gallery crawl/reception on Aug. 21, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Continues through Aug. 31. 3103 Cullman Ave.

Waterworks Visual Arts Center. Shared Delusions. Featuring works by Doug McAbee and Barbara Schreiber. Held in Norvell Gallery. Continues through Aug. 22. Recent Work. Featuring works by Marge Loudon Moody and Whitney Peckman. Held in Woodson and Osborne Galleries, Stanback Gallery Hall. Continues through Aug. 22. New Work. Featuring works by Sharif Bey in the Young People's Gallery. Continues through Aug. 22. Dare to Imagine 2009. Featuring works by Hannah Thompson in Stanback Gallery Hall. Continues through Aug. 22. 123 East Liberty St., Salisbury. 704-636-1882. www.waterworks.org.

Songs On A Summer's Eve. The Ethos Chamber Singers, a professional chamber choir, will present a series of concerts. Fri., Aug. 21, 7:30 p.m. Myers Park Presbyterian Church.

2009 Cornelius Outdoor Cinema Series. Weather permitting, all movies will begin at dusk (8:30pm). Bring your own blankets and lawn chairs. August 19: Open Season at Kenton Place; August 22: Transformers at Cornelius Town Hall. Free. Kenton Place, 17115 Kenton Dr., Cornelius. Cornelius Town Hall, 21145 Catawba Ave., Cornelius. For more information, call 704-765-1450 or visit www.corneliuspr.org/2006outdoorcinemaseries.html.

Movies in the Park at Kannapolis. August 21: Bolt. Free. 8:45 p.m. Village Park, located along A and C Streets and North Loop Road in Kannapolis. 704-920-4343. www.cityofkannapolis.com.

MUSIC

Uptown Amphitheatre Aug. 21: Counting Crows; Aug. 27: Chickenfoot. 820 Hamilton St. 704-916-8970. www.livenation.com.

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Aug. 21: Alan Jackson; Aug. 30: Crue Fest 2 with Motley Crue, Godsmack, Theory of a Deadman, Drowning Pool, and Charm City Devils. 707 Pavilion Blvd. 704-549-5555. www.livenation.com.

Neighborhood Theatre Aug. 21: Eyes of the Elders; Aug. 22: Night of Blues featuring Riyen Roots and more.; Aug. 28: Res. 511 E. 36th St., Charlotte. 704-358-9298. www.neighborhoodtheatre.com.

Tremont Music Hall Aug. 20: Streifte Geist, Reserve and Chapel Grove; Aug. 21: Jubilee, Adulture, Buckmaster, BlngxBdgt; Aug. 22: Analog Daze, Red All Over, Illicitizen; Aug. 23: Cobra Starship, The Audition, The Friday Night Boys; Skeet Skeet; Aug. 27: Hotspur, Brandon Kirkley and the Firecrackers, Through Porchlight, Elevation, Transmission Fields; Aug. 28: Emery, Closure In Moscow, Ivoryline, Kiros; Aug. 29: Junior Astronomers, O' Brother, The Lights, Fluorescent; Aug. 30: Michael Alvarado, Shannon McArthur and Union County. 400 W. Tremont Ave. 704-343-9494. www.tremontmusichall.com.

Visulite Theatre Aug. 18: The Fiery Furnaces and White Rabbits; Aug. 20: Neighbors Acres and No Strings Attached; Aug. 22: Leisure McCorkle; Aug. 26: Eric Hutchinson; Aug. 27: The Scene Aesthetic, The Color Fred, The Ready Set, Steven Jerzak and Tyler Williams; Aug. 28 & 29: DriveBy Truckers. 1615 Elizabeth Ave. 704-358-9200. www.visulite.com.

Amos’ Southend Aug. 19: King's X with Snowfight; Aug. 20: Sister Hazel; Aug. 26: Hot Tuna Electric with Old School Freight Train and Contagious Blues Band; Aug. 28: Black Ritual with A Road Eternal and PMK; Aug. 29: Virgo Party hosted by Born Under Punches; Aug. 30: Gorilla Productions Battle of the Bands. 1423 S. Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-377-6874. www.amossouthend.com.

Double Door Inn Aug. 19: Jeff Sipe Trio; Aug. 20: The Drownout with The Spalding Grays; Aug. 21: The Spongetones with The Cruise-O-Matics; Aug. 22: Hope Massive; Aug. 24: The Monday Nite All-Stars; Aug. 26: The Anonymous; Aug. 27: Bill Hanna Jazz Jam; Aug. 28: The Moderate and Do It To Julia; Aug. 29: Hot Politics with Sci Fi; Aug. 31: The Monday Nite All-Stars. 218 East Independence Blvd. 704- 376-1446. www.doubledoorinn.com.

Snug Harbor Aug. 19: American Aquarium, The Lesser Pauls and Perry Fowler; Aug. 21: Cement Stars, Today the Moon Tomorrow the Sun, Human Pipi Armstrong, Matt Van Dam; Aug. 22: The Have and the Have Nots, Moenda, The Black Pockets; Aug. 23: Tatooed Millionaires, Dirtbag Love Affair, Chocha Loca; Aug. 26: Zoe Vette and the Revolvers, Asphalt Blaster, Pistolero; Aug. 28: Truckstop Preachers; Aug. 29: The Husbians, Red Collar, Arsonists vs. Arborists; Aug. 30: Sndae with DJ George Brazil; Sept. 2: Harry Egypt’s Extreme Karaoke . 1228 Gordon St. 704-333-9799. www.sungrock.com.

The Milestone Aug. 20: The Holy Smokies, The Weight and Motel Glory; Aug. 21: Lamb Handler, Up with the Joneses and Shine River; Aug. 22: Pen15 with Planet Piss and Homeless Boner; Aug. 26: Honorary Title, Good Old War, Cory Branan and Josh Moore; Aug. 27: IED, The 33's and When It Hits; Aug. 28: Siren, The Have and the Have Nots, Battle Beast, Machete and No Shoulders; Aug. 29: Ear Pwr, Toro Y Moi, Cement Stars, The New Heaven and The New Earth; Aug. 30: Nations, Fight Amp, Meth Mountain; Sept. 2: Harry Egypt's Extreme Karaoke and Projexorcism. 3400 Tuckaseegee Rd. www.themilestoneclub.com.

The Evening Muse Aug. 18: David Mayfield; Aug. 19: Gareth Asher, Ernie Halter and MiGGs; Aug. 20: Dylan Sneed and Ellen Cherry; The Junior Astronomers with Rora Zetella; Aug. 21: Hot House Hefftones with Blair Crimmins; Dale Watson; Aug. 22: Reeve Coobs and The Bittersweets and Mando Saenz; Megan Jean and Travel by Train; Aug. 23: Filthy Ink featuring DJ LP, M.P.R. Independent and more; Aug. 24: Find Your Muse open  mic; Aug. 26: Chris Church and Andrea Reese; Communication Corporation, Rita's Gift and Coma League; Aug. 27: Ellis Paul, Amissville and Chris Trapper; Aug. 28: The Rescues and AM; Aug. 29: Secret Agent and 23 Skidoo; Mark Mathis, Jeremy Current and Austin Crane; The Superficials with Rachel Vanslyke; Aug. 31: Find Your Muse open mic. 3227 N. Davidson St. 704-376-3737. www.eveningmuse.com.

MORE FUN

Annual Girls' Night Out Party. Complimentary mini-massages, one-minute manicures, free product samples and great advice on fall beauty to be given away at Annual Girls' Night Out party. Tue., Sept. 1, 5:30-8 p.m. Beauty Brands' Charlotte, 5335 Ballantyne Comons Pkwy.

Exit54 Band. Performing country, rock and beach music. There will also be wine and appetizers. Fri., Aug. 28. Rocky River Vineyards, 11685 Reed Mine Rd., Midland. 704-781-5035.

Hummingbird Festival. Anyone interested in hummingbirds is invited to get a close-up look at these flying "jewels." Festival also features games, music, story telling, displays, vendors, cracts and face-painting. Sat., Aug. 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission,but donations are requested. Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Rd. 704-598-8857.

The Greater Charlotte Antique and Designer Showcase. Showcase will feature celebrity appraiser Judith Katz-Schwartz who will be giving free appraisals for shoppers during the show. Glass, crystal and porcelain restoration services, as well as professional jewelry repair will also be available at the show. For more information, call 704-596-4643 or visit www.charlotteantiqueshow.com. Aug. 28-30. Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, Concord, 4551 Old Airport Rd., Concord.

Heavy Rotation. Jazz, funk, fusion rock. Live Improv jam band. Guest poets, singers, and emcees. Ages 21 and up. For information call 704-332-8566. Saturdays, 11 p.m. $3. The Nook, 1308 The Plaza.

Island Vibe Nights. The Attic Bar in conjunction with West Indian Charlotte will host Caribbean-themed nights, dubbed Island Vibe Nights. The monthly event features authentic calypso and reggae music, as well as $3 Red Stripe and Smirnoff Ice drinks. 21 and up. For more information, visit www.theatticuptown.com. Last Thursday of every month, 5:30 p.m. Continues through Sept. 24. Free. The Attic, 200 N. Tryon St, #B. 704-358-4244.

Salsa Dancing, Tapas and Wine Party. Visit Queen City Ballroom for a fun, summer evening of hot salsa dancing lessons, followed by a tapas and wine party afterwards. Salsa Wheel Lessons begin at 8 p.m. Tapas and wine will be served at 9 p.m. For more information, call 704-541-5440. Fri., Aug. 28. $10. Queen City Ballroom, 10403 Park Rd., Ste. I.

Southern Ideal Home Show. Shop, compare prices, and talk with experts about your next building, remodeling, decorating or landscaping project. Everything you need for your home and garden is all in one place. For more information go to htt://southernidealhomeshow.com. Aug. 28, 12-9 p.m.; Aug. 29, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Aug. 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $9, under 15 free with paying adult. The Park (formerly The Charlotte Merchandise Mart), 2500 Independence Blvd.

Subaru River Jam. Featuring food, drinks and live rock music from the Thirsty Horses. For more information, visit www.usnwc.org. Thu., Aug. 20, 7 p.m.; Featuring food, drinks and live alternative music from Orange Crush. For more information, visit www.usnwc.org. Thu., Aug. 27, 7 p.m. Free. US National Whitewater Center, 820 Hawfield Rd.

US National Whitewater Center Raft Guide Rodeo. Invitational competition for professional raft guides. Thu., Aug. 20. US National Whitewater Center, 820 Hawfield Road.