Easter 

Easter Egg Hunt at Holy Cross Lutheran — April 1 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Holy Cross Lutheran, 601 South of Mocksville.  A light lunch will be served.

Easter Egg Hunt at  Kennedy-Hall — April 1 at 2 p.m.: Special eggs have candy, prizes, money. Age-appropriate hunting. Cupcakes and other refreshments, picture taken with the Easter bunny. Kennedy-Hall American Legion Post 106, 6250 NC Highway 801.

8th Annual Colonial Spring Frolic — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 1: Old Stone House, 770 Old Stone House Road. Colonial Easter egg dyeing, musket demonstrations, woodworking, open fire cooking, candle making, children’s games, colonial dancers and music. $5 adults, $3 students.

Easter Bunny Express at the NC Transportation Museum — April 7-15: 25 minute train ride with the Easter bunny. See nctrans.org/Home.aspx or call 704-636-2889

Faithful Friends Easter Egg Hunt — April 8 from noon -2 p.m.: Annual Easter Sniff N’ Snag Egg Hunt, over 1000 eggs with dog treats inside, door prizes. Registration 11:30 -noon,  $10 per dog. 220 Grace Church Road, 704-633-1722, www,faithfulfriendsnc.org

Easter Egg Hunt at Dan Nicholas Park — April 15: Infants through age 5 at 11 a.m. Ages 6-10 at 11:15 a.m. 6800 Bringle Ferry Road, 704-216-7803. https://www.facebook.com/Dan-Nicholas-Park

Easter Egg Hunt at Gold Hill –— April 15: 11 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Fest in Historic Gold Hill, Saint Stephens Church Road, www.goldhillnc.com

Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt at SDTM— April 15 at 2 p.m. for children K-grade 4; also  a drawing for an Easter basket. Regular admission applies. Spencer Doll And Toy Museum, 108 Fourth St., 704-762-9359, www.spencer dollandtoymuseum.com

Theater

Opening Night for ‘Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing’  — Tonight, March 30, at 7:30 p.m. Join the cast at a complimentary reception in the lobby immediately following the opening performance. Adults $14, seniors/students $12. Tickets at 704-633-5471 or PiedmontPlayers.com. Show dates March 30-April 1 and April 6-8 at 7:30 p.m., April 1, 2 and 8 at 2:30 p.m. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St.

Catawba College’s Blue Masque presents ‘25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ — March 29-April 1 at 7:30 p.m. Eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. Florence Busby Corriher Theatre, Catawba College, catawba.edu/theatre or 704-637-4481.

Lexington Youth Theatre’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ — 7 p.m. March 31 and April 1; April 2 at 2 p.m. Edward C. Smith Civic Center, uptown Lexington. Tickets $10 at the door. Local actor Micah Cross from Salisbury stars as Cogsworth. See www.lexingtonyouththeatreinc.com

Old Courthouse Theatre presents ‘The Music Man’ — April 21-May 7: Fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill cons the people of River City, Iowa . Old Courthouse Theater, 49 Spring St. NW. Tickets at www.oldcourthousetheatre.org or 704-788-2405.

One Acts Festival at Catawba — April 21-22 at 7:30 p.m. in Florence Busby Corriher Theatre, Catawba Theatre. Free. catawba.edu/theatre or 704-637-4481.

‘Alice in Wonderland: A Dance Fantasy’ — 7:30 p.m. April 27-28-29: Lee Street theatre, Catawba College, Steppin’ Out Dance Company team up in an experimental fantasy. $15. Performances will take place in the Lee Street Theatre, 329 N Lee St. www.leestreet.org or call 704-310-5507.

Music & more 

Verdi’s ‘Monumental  Requiem’ — 3 p.m. Palm Sunday, April 9:  Featuring a 200+ voice choir made up of choirs from Catawba College, Livingstone College, Pfeiffer University, Wake Forest University, the Piedmont Choral Society, the Salisbury Concert Choir and the Stanly Chorale, accompanied by the Salisbury Symphony under the direction of Maestro David Hagy.  Professional soloists. Keppel Auditorium, Catawba College, 2300 West Innes S.  Tickets and info at Piedmont Choral Society Facebook page, the Salisbury Symphony web page at http://salisburysymphonync.weebly.com or Kay Yates at 704-699-6053 or kayy2000@gmail.com

Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society’s  two spring concerts — 7:30 pm April 21  at First United Church of Christ at   207 West Horah St. • 4:30 pm April 23  at Milford Hills United Methodist Church at  1630 Statesville Blvd., Theme: “Sounds of the Jungle.” See https://www.facebook.com/Salisbury.Rowan.Choral.Society/

At The Davis —  • Jeff Little Trio April 7 at 8 p.m. Local favorite Jeff Little makes piano his lead instrument, rare in Appalachian or Americana music. He is joined by Steve Lewis, a two-time National Banjo Champion and MerleFest Guitar Champion, and Josh Scott, a highly sought after bassist. Back at the Davis by popular demand! Tickets $25 at www. cabarrusartscouncil.org or 704-920-2753. Davis Theatre, 65 Union St., South in the Historic Cabarrus County Courthouse.

Sunday concert at Mean Mug — 5:30-8 p.m. April 2: Salisbury’s own Jeremy Vess. 1024 S. Fulton St., 704-754-4615. www.meanmugcoffeeco.com

Let Your Voice Be Heard with ‘Downtown Beats’ — 6-7 p.m. April 24: Community sing impromptu chorus presented by Rowan Public Library. Free. Stanback Auditorium at RPL Headquarters. 704-216-8248 or Abigail.Hardison@rowancountync.gov or visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org

Open mic at Mean Mug — 7-11 p.m. March 31: Hosted by CJ Peters. Musicians, poets, storytellers. Signup begins 6:30 p.m1024 S. Fulton St., 704-754-4615, www.meanmugcoffeeco.com

Pickin’ for the Master — Friday, March 31 at 7 p.m. Concert with The Trailblazers, Alex Edwards, Jonah Horton, Daniel Thrailkill and Will Thrailkill followed by open jam session. The Trailblazers placed second this year at Nashville in the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America’s 34th annual International Bluegrass Band Championship. Free admission, donations accepted. Trading Ford Baptist Church, 3600 Long Ferry Road, 704-633-5986, www.tradingford.net

Eighth annual Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention — March 31-April 1: Surry Central High School in Dobson. Friday night: square dance featuring New Ballards Branch Bogtrotters and Whitetop Mountain Band. Saturday: adult and youth competition. Admission $5 daily, children 12 and younger free. Contestants get in free Saturday. 33-366-4034 or www.SurryOldTime.com

Salisbury Swing Band at Morgan Ridge Railwalk kickoff — April 1 from 1-4 p.m. Free; bring a lawn chair. Morgan Ridge Railwalk, 421 N. Lee St., 704-798-5840 or www.salisburyswingband.com

Patio Jamming — April 3: 6:30-9 p.m. on the patio at Mean Mug Cofee Shop.Musicians welcome. Free. 1024 S. Fulton St.

Charlotte Jazz Festival 2017 — April 20-23: Blumenthal Performing Arts’ jazz festival featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra under the leadership of Wynton Marsalis, at Levine Center for the Arts and Romare Bearden Park. Tickets at BlumenthalArts.org CharlotteJazzFestival.com or 704-372-1000.

HSF hosts Blankets & Bluegrass — Aug. 20 at 6 p.m.: Second Annual Blankets and Bluegrass free event is a bring your own picnic, beer or wine. Wine and beer also available for sale.

History 

 8th Annual Colonial Spring Frolic — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 1: Old Stone House, 770 Old Stone House Road, Salisbury. Celebrate Spring and the re-opening of the Old Stone House for the season. Historical tours of Michael Brown’s Colonial home, Easter egg dyeing activity, musket firing demonstrations, woodworking, open fire cooking demonstrations and tasting, candle making, children’s games, colonial dancers and music. Open to the public. Admission $5 adults and $3 students.

Kannapolis History Associates — 7 p.m. Monday, April 3: “George Washington: Myths, Legends And Stories” as presented by Terry Holt, president of the Rowan History Club. A. L. Brown High School social room, 415 E. First St., Kannapolis. Phil Goodman 704-796-0803.

20th annual Salisbury Confederate Prison Symposium — 5-9 p.m. April 28: Friendship Banquet with lecture, paid event at Landmark Church • 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 29: lectures at Catawba College • 10 a.m.-noon April 30: public memorial services at National Cemetery and Old Lutheran Cemetery; afternoon tour of pPrison site for Symposium registrants. Robert F. Hoke Chapter 78, United Daughters of the Confederacy. Info 704-637-6411 or southpaws@fibrant.com

Patriotic program and military awards bestowal service — 1 p.m. May 20: Free event at Stanback Auditorium, Rowan Public Library, by the Robert F. Hoke Chapter No. 78, United Daughters of the Confederacy. Info Sue Curtis, 704-637-6411, southpaws@fibrant.com

Great-great- great grandson of Andrew Jackson — April 12: Featured speaker for Historic Salisbury Foundation’s 44th annual meeting. Members and prospective members of the Foundation invited to attend the reception at the Salisbury Station at 6 p.m. followed at 7 p.m. by a brief business meeting. The evening will end with Judge Jackson’s intriguing accounts of President Jackson’s life, in a talk titled: “In America, anyone can grow up to be President.” Info at http://historicsalisbury.org/tours/annual-meeting

Reed Gold Mine 40th anniversary celebration — 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 22: Rare, special living history demonstrations, costumed interpreters.Pan for gold, take turns on the cradle rocker, guided tours and exhibits. Ticket info at 704-721-4653. Reed Gold Mine is in southeastern Cabarrus County, 12 miles southeast of Concord

‘Cheerwine: 100 Years’ exhibit —Cheerwine celebrates 100 years in its hometown in an exhibit at Rowan Museum. Through December 2017. 202 N. Main St. Free. 704-633-5946 or www.rowanmuseum.org

This & That 

Tonight Game night at Mean Mug Coffee Co. — 6-9 p.m. Thursdays March 30 and April 6: Bring your favorite board game. Free. 1024 S. Fulton St., 704-754-4615.

Spencer Doll And Toy Museum — • Thursdays at 2 p.m. Downton Abbey Club • Apr. 1, 2-4 p.m. Lisa Kline, author of children’s books, reading and autographing books • April 1: Author – Lisa Williams Kline at 2 p.m. Regular admission applies to events. Spencer Doll And Toy Museum, 108 Fourth St., 704-762-9359, www.spencer dollandtoymuseum.com

Salisbury Ghost Walk — Friday, March 31 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.: Walk covers six-block area down town. Tales of shadow ghosts, apparitions, orbs in 1800s Salisbury. Bring camera, smart phone, flashlight. $5 students, $10 adults, 5 and under free. Salisbury Ghost Walk questions/reservations 704-798-3102.

Band dance at the Y — 7-10 p.m. Saturday, April 1: Second Time Around Band.  Bring a covered dish. $8 per person. Open to the public. J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111, www.rowanymca.org

‘Because We Care’ Night — 7 p.m. Friday, April 7: AmVets present their annual night of bingo and fun, with hot dogs and chips. Held in the social room in Building 6 at the VA Hospital, 1601 Brenner Ave. AmVets Post 460, 704-732-4316.

Earth Day on the Greenway — 9 a.m. April 7: Exploratory. Prescott Section of Salisbury Greenway.

RPL Spring Photowalk at NC Transportation Museum — Saturday, April 8 from 10:30 a.m.-noon: Rowan Public Library’s spring photowalk for all ages and skill levels. Free. Bring your own camera, even phone cameras. Participants may submit photos k to be added to RPL’s online Flickr gallery and select photos will be printed and displayed at RPL Headquarters during May. RSVP at www.rowanpubliclibrary.org and click on photowalk link or call Paul Birkhead at 704-216-8242.

AAUW Outlook Readers discussion with author Susan King — April 11, 10:30 a.m.: Card Room, Trinity Oaks, 728 Klumac Road. King is author of “Optimism for Autism: The Inspiring Journey of a Mother and her Autistic Son,” co-authored with her son Patrick. http://salisbury-nc.aauw.net

60+ Bingo — 2 p.m. third Wednesdays. Info: 336-250-8585 or mdor.mkt@The MeadowsofRockwell. 612 China Grove Highway, Rockwell.

Cruisin’ The Grove — 3-7 p.m. April 15: Cruise in, Main Street in China Grove with deejay Steve Monday from Rowan County Weather. Shop and dine downtown.

Coming to the Rowan County Fairgrounds —  April 8-9: Sunny Day’s Craft and Vendor Show. Info: Peggi Brown, 336-880-3554.

Fairlane Club of America Show — 7 a.m.-1 p.m. April 1: At Kannapolis Intimidators Stadium. $5 admission or free with your 1962-1976 Fairlane car or Fairlane parts to sell. Details at carolinaswapandshow@yahoo.com or 704-738-5758

11th annual Touch a Truck event — April 22 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Get up close and hands-on with trucks and equipment in the City Hall parking lot, 217 S. Main St. Rain date 5/6. Free. Info at salisburync.gov/PLAY or 704-216-7529. To register a vehicle, call 704-216-2708.

Piedmont Bottle & Pottery Club 11th annual antique show and sale — Saturday April 22 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Bottles, jars and pottery. No early buyers. Salisbury Civic Center, 315 S. Marin Luther King Jr. Ave.(formerly S. Boundary St.) Free admission, free parking free appraisals. Chair John Patterson 704-636-9510 ncmilks@carolina.rr.com

National Astronomy day — 6-9 p.m. April 29: Star party at Carolina International School, 9545 Poplar Tent Road, Concord. Astronomical Society of Rowan, www.astrowan.org

Carolina automotive Swap and Show — Second Saturdays. 7 a.m.-1 p.m. April-Nov. 11: Kannapolis Intimidators baseball stadium, 600 Stadium Drive, through Nov. $5 admission. 704-267-5664, carolinaswap andshow@yahoo.com

Monthly Peace Circle —  6 p.m. every first Tuesday: Community based initiative for open and honest dialogue. Mean Mug Coffee Co., 1024 S. Fulton St., 704-754-4615, www.meanmugcoffeeco.com

Millers Ferry Fire Dept Auxiliary Spring craft event — 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. May 6: This event will support the auxiliary at Millers Ferry Fire Dept.

Fundraisers 

Spring Craft & Garden Faire — April 1: Featuring local craftsmen. Held at Christ UMC, 3401 Mooresville Hwy. Admission $3 adults, $2 students, children 5 and under free. Hosted by Youth United. Proceeds to assist with youth events and youth missions.

BBQ at Liberty UMC —  10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 1: Hickory cooked barbecue pork and chicken. Take out available. Liberty UMC at the intersection of Stokes Ferry and Liberty Roads.

IMPACT 2017: Celebrating 50 Years — April 6 at 6:30 p.m. Doors open 6 p.m. Resere seats on sale at North Hills Christian School, Helen Kelley Smith Gymnasium. $50. Free childcare available at 704-636-3005 ext. 110. Reserve your seat at eventbrite.com

Benefit luncheon for Concord’s Serenity House — 11:30 a.m. April 6: Former MLB player Darryl Strawberry will share his own personal story of addiction and recovery. Held at All Saints Episcopal Church, 525 Lake Concord Drive. info at 704-372-8809×341 or www.hopehaveninc.org

 Rhythm & Run 5K — April 7 at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and Museum, 203 West Ave., https://racesonline.com /events/rhythm-and- run-5k

Civitan Club of Salisbury spaghetti feast — Friday, April 7, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Salisbury Civic Center, 315 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., (formerly S. Boundary St.) $9 in advance / $10 at the door; meal includes drink and bread. On-site meals are all you can eat. Orders of ten or more may be delivered free. Buy your tickets from any Salisbury Civitan, or e-mail billbucher2012@gmail.com

Fundraiser for Salisbury Pride — 6-9 p.m. April 12: Sweet Meadow Cafe, secial dinner menu. Reservations recommended at 704-637-8715.  o    p

‘Pass the Plate’ for Rowan Helping Ministries — • April 22, 6-10 p.m.: Annual fundraiser for Rowan Helping Ministries. Food, live band, silent auction, casino games. Catawba Crystal Lounge, 2300 W. Innes St. Kris Mueller, 704-637-6838 ext 103 or kmueller@rowanhelpingministries.org

Ted Luther Memorial Golf Tournament, — April 29 at 8 a.m. Benefits Rowan Helping Ministries.Corbin Hills Golf Club, 704-637-6838, ext. 117, rowanhelpingministries.org

Superhero Fun Run for Prevent Child Abuse Rowan — April 29: The Terrie Hess House Child Advocacy Center. Downtown Salisbury 704-639-1700 preventchildabuserowan.org

St. Paul’s annual Cruise ’n Barbecue — 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 29: Poker Cruise: 9 a.m. Port-a-Pit chicken, music, cruise-in, raffles, door prizes noon-4 p.m. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 205 St. Paul’s Church Road. Info at Timdeal@bellsouth.net or www.facebook.com/stpaulscruisenbarbecue or 704-239-1172.

MuckFest MS — May 6: Fun mud run at Concord Speedway, 7940 U.S. Hwy 601 S. raises money to fight MS. Ticket price $80 until 4/19/17. Day-of ticket price is $105. Register at www.MuckFestMS.com

Bourbon in the ‘Bury — 3-7 p.m. May 13: “A tasting of generous spirits.” Tickets $40 each, include admittance, bourbon tasting, hor d’oeuvres, live music, raffles for prizes. In partnership with Chickweed. Additional fees/tax not included. Admission ticket required for non-drinkers too. City Tavern Salisbury, 113 E Fisher St. www.eventbrite.com/e/bourbon-in-the-bury-a-tasting-of-generous-spirits-tickets-32541252763 or www.bourboninthebury.com

PPT’s annual ‘Night on the Stage’ — May 19-20: Piedmont Players Theater fundraiser starring Tony Award winner Lillias White. Very limited seating for this exclusive event. To reserve your seats call 704-633-5471. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St. PiedmontPlayers.com

American Children’s Home 19th annual car, truck, motorcycle show — 8 a.m.-3 p.m. May 20: Register 8 a.m.-noon, $20 entry. Raffle, 50/50, silent auction, deejay, food, local vendors, Kids Zone. Free spectator admission and parking. Proceeds benefit the boys and girls who call the campus Home. Info at ecrews@ach-nc.org

Wine & beer tastings 

Salisbury Wine Shop — 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, March 31:  New Wine Discoveries From California With Andrew Alley.   New top quality California wines including a new release from Treasure Hunter and a new bourbon barrel aged red blend.  $5/person • 106 S. Main St., 704-636-5151, sws@ salisburywineshop.com

Morgan Ridge Vineyards and Brewhouse — 486 John Morgan Road, Gold Hill, 704-639-0911 or www.morganridgevineyards.com

Cauble Creek Vineyard and Winery — NC’s 100th Winery. Tasting room Friday -Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 1-6 p.m. $8. 704-633-1137, 700 Cauble Farm Road, see www.caublecreekvineyard.com

Douglas Vineyards — Tasting Room hours: Friday 2-8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 1-6 p.m. Wine Tasting $6. 7696 Freeze Road, Kannapolis, 704-939-6260, www.douglas vineyardswines.com or Facebook.

Cougar Run Winery — 704-280-3624. Cougar Run Winery, 363 N. Church St., Concord. www.cougarrunwinery.com/

Mean Mug Coffee Co. — 7-10 p.m. April 11: Wines paired with tapas-sized dishes on second Tuesdays. RSVP 704-754-4615.1024 S. Fulton St. www.meanmugcoffeeco.com

Old Stone Winery — 704-279-0930, 6245 US Hwy. 52. www.oldstonewines.com

Rocky River Vineyards — 704-781-5035. 11685 Reed Mine Road, Midland. www.rockyrivervineyards.com

Childress Vineyards — 336-236-WINE, 1000 Childress Vineyards Road, exit 89 off I-85, Hwy 64 W. Lexington. www.childressvineyards.com

Night Life

The Carriage Room, 2141 Statesville Blvd. — Sundays 2-7 p.m. Open Mic hosted by Danny Franklin • Fridays: pool tournament, $5. 704-647-9876, carriageroomnc@ facebook.com

DJs Restaurant, 1502 W. Innes St. — • Tuesdays, Live trivia. • Fridays, deejay • 704-638-9647, http://djsrestaurant.com

Firewater, 122 Avalon Drive — • Thursdays: Karaoke •Fridays-Saturdays: Deejay • Age 25+. 704-870-8689.

Go Burrito RumBar, 115 W. Fisher St. across from the mural — • Mondays: Poker Night • Tuesdays: Team Trivia • Wednesdays: Open Mic • Saturdays: Karaoke • www.facebook.com/GoBurritoRumBar

The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 — 8 p.m. Saturday: The Lasting Hope and Bachar-Chayah. Contemporary Christian music venue. Musicians invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 704-213-1467. 704-213-1467.

E.H. Montgomery General Store — 7-9 p.m. Fridays: Open acoustic Bluegrass jam. Historic Village of Gold Hill, 704-267-9439, www.themontgomerystore.com

Stars and Bars Tavern, 723 Klumac Road —Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Pool tournament.

Festivals

30th Hurley Park Spring Celebration — Sunday, April 2, from 2-4 p.m. at Lake Drive and Annandale Avenue featuring The Salisbury Swing Band (2-4 p.m.), carriage rides by Horse & Carriage LTD of Salisbury, The Soap Bubble Circus, Carolina Artists, Salisbury Symphony Musical Petting Zoo, Arbor Day Celebration sponsored by the Salisbury Tree Board, Rowan County Master Gardeners, T-Shirts by Ink-It. Free refreshments provided by Cheerwine & Hurley Park. Free and open to the public. Info at 704-638-4459 or dbeck@salisburync.gov

Inaugural Lexington Depot District Music Fest — 11 a.m.-10 p.m. April 8: Downtown at 333 S. Main St., main event entrance on E. 3rd Ave. The Gin Blossoms, Edwin McCain, The Lilly Brothers, The Ultimate Eagles Tribute Band-On The Border, The Steppin Stones and Holy Ghost Tent Revival. $45 general admission at the gate; advance discounts available. Music, beer, wine, food truck vendors, children’s games, activities. Rain or shine. Bring lawn chairs. Visit depotdistrictfest.com

Springfest Saturday —April 8 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.:  Vendor and craft show at  Mt. Olivet UMC. Raffles and food for purchse. 301 Mt Olivet Road, Concord, 704-782-8846.

Spring into Arts Festival — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 13: Free annual family-friendly event in Downtown Concord. http://www.concorddowntown.com

Rowan Chamber Dragon Boat Festival — July 29: Rowan Shrine Club on High Rock Lake, 6480 Long Ferry Road. Free to attend; see www.rowanchamberdragonboat.com for team signup costs.

NC Watermelon Festival in Murfreesboro — Aug. 2-5: 32nd annual festival with live entertainment, arts and crafts, food, 5K race/walk, fireworks, rides and games. Band schedule: Aug. 2 Band of Oz; Aug. 3 Backyard Groove; Aug. 4 Steve Owens and the Summertime Band; Aug. 5 Pizazz. Information 252-398-7695 or info@ncwatermelonfest.com

Classes

Great Women and Men United present Queens in Training — 6-8 p.m. on • April 4 and 12 • May 2 and 23. An empowerment group for young ladies age 8-17 for teenage girls to be empowered through discussions, trainings, meetings, workshops and programs aimed towards bringing back the fundamental essence of being a lady. Hurley Room Rowan Public Library, 201 W. Fisher St. Info: contact Chariel Dye (Minnette Smith) 704-738-7077.

CFA meditation — Starting April 2 from 2:45-3:45 p.m. at Center for Faith & the Arts, 207 W. Harrison St. Based on Vipassana or Insight Meditation tradition. $40/8 weeks, early registration discount by March 29. Scholarships available. Instructor Leilani Higgins. Register at leilani_higgins2000@yahoo.com or 336-271-6626.

Mean Masterpieces With Melody — 2-4 p.m. April 8: Paint-off classes every second Saturday with  Melody Martin; $25 includes 16×20 canvas, paint, brushes and supplies. RSVP to 704-754-4615. Held at Mean Mug Coffee Shop, 1024 S. Fulton St.

Meditation — First and third Sundays at 4 p.m. By donation only. 120 N. Church St. Studio A. See www.spotlightdancescene.com

60+ Gentle exercise — Fridays at 9 a.m. at The Meadows of Rockwell, 612 China Grove Hwy. Low-impact. Pre-register with Devan Bertch at 704-698-6459.

Country dance lessons at the Harold B. Jarrett — 6:30-9 p.m. Thursdays: $4 per person. Country Couples Circle Dance, Line Dance, Contra, more. Harold B. Jarrett American Legion Post 342, 1024 Lincolnton Road. 704-450-7446.

Classes at Waterworks Visual Arts Center — • Children. Clay Easter Basket. $35/$45. April 1. 10 a.m.-noon. Age 4-12; 4-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult • Adults. Hand and Wheel Pottery. $150/$180. Tuesdays, 6:30-9 p.m. April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9. Open studio for registered students May 13, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Ages 15-adult. 6-week class for all levels • Toddler Time II: Spring Colors and Creations. $20/$30. April 8. 10-11 a.m. 18 months-3 years, must be accompanied by one adult per child • Pre-register at 123 E. Liberty St., 704-636-1882 or www.waterworks.org

W4VEC Amateur Radio License Exams — 9:30 a.m. Saturdays May 13, Sept. 16, Nov. 18. W4VEC VEC Amateur Radio Exams Technician through Extra Class. $12 testing fee. Held at Bostian Heights Fire Dept., 8211 Old Concord Road, www.w4vec.org

Speakers & forums

Bright Ideas — 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays March 30 Find and develop ideas and resources. 10Thread, 1024 S. Fulton St.

Free programs at the Y — • 1 p.m. April 7: Rowan Hospice &   Palliative Care on Advance Care Planning • 3-6 p.m. April 19: Novant wellness screenings, call for appointment • Noon April 26: Family Crisis presents Lunch & Learn covered dish • Programs open to the public, sign up at 704-401-8158 or 704-636-0111 • J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd. Visit www.rowanymca.org

HT in NC | The Facts:  HT in NC | The Facts —  April 8: 7- 8:30PM: Sherry Earnhardt and Mitzi Weber from the Triad Ladder of Hope present the daunting realities of human trafficking in our state.  The seminar will be followed with time for questions and answers. HT in NC (Human Trafficking in North Carolina) will explore a number of overarching themes to present an understanding of human trafficking both locally and globally. A FREE DISCUSSION. Mean Mug Coffee Company 1024 S.Fulton Street,.

Third annual Voices from the Margin — 7:30 p.m. March 29-April 1: “Point Blank,” community sourced theatrical production exploring racism. Center for Faith & the Arts gallery show “Unreasonable Fears” on display in lobby on performance nights. Admission by donation. Lee Street Theater, 329 N. Lee St.

Salisbury-Rowan AARP — April 6 at 1 p.m. “Human Trafficking” by Mitzi Webber, executive director Ladder of Hope. Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, 1120 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Bring non-perishables for Rowan Helping Ministries. For seniors 50+.

AAUW Outlook Readers present  — 10:30 a.m. April 11: Discussion with Susan King, author of “Optimism for Autism: The Inspiring Journey of a Mother and her Autistic Son.” Card Room, Trinity Oaks Retirement Center, 728 Klumac Road. Sponsored by American Association of University Women. Info at codycarol@ bellsouth.net or http://salisbury-nc. aauw.net

Auditions

Lee Street theatre auditions For ‘Boeing Boeing’ — April 2-3 at 7 p.m. Classic French farce set in the 1960s. Performance dates May 18-20 and 25-27. Scripts available for perusal at 329 N. Lee St., www.leestreet.org, 704-310-5507.

Burning Coal Theatre Company auditions for 2017/18 season — Saturday, May 13, 2017 from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. at Murphey School auditorium, 224 Polk St., Raleigh. To shedule for an acting or backstage position email burning_coal@ipass.netor or visit www.burningcoal.org or call 919-834-4001.

Film

2017 RIVERRUN Film Festival — March 30-April 9: Stevens Center in Winston-Salem. Annual Family Day is April 1. Tickets and info at www.riverrunfilm.com or 336-721-1945.

Art 

Art scholarship to a  high school senior — Stanly Arts Guild is offering an art scholarship to a high school senior or college freshman.  Must be a resident of Stanly, Anson, Cabarrus, Montgomery, Rowan or  Union County. Get application at Falling Rivers Gallery, 119 W. Main St., Albemarle or www.fallingriversgallery.com and click on Stanly Arts Guild.Deadline May 20.  More information: Carole Poplin,   704-982-0806.

Fine Frame Gallery, 105 S. Main St. — New watercolors by Kenneth Koskela, oil paintings by Phyllis Steimel, assorted works by other local artists. 704-647-0340, www.fineframegallery.com

Roundabout Rail Walk Studios & Gallery, 409-413 N. Lee St. — March 30-April 29: Oil Paintings by June Battle “When Thoughts Become Art.” Meet-the-artist reception Friday, April 7 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The gallery is free and open to the public Thursdays through Saturdays 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Learn more at 704-469-2781 or  www.railwalkgallery.com

Sedberry’s Framing & Art Gallery, 324 W. Liberty St. — Artist of the month: Salisbury’s Eric Ward. 704-633-1246.

Waterworks Visual Arts Center — • Through May 20: “A Sense of Place,” features Harriet Hoover’s Family Fruit, sculptures, drawings, and performance; • Contemporary Southern photography titled The Do Good Fund; • Ann Marie Kennedy, New Work, installation and works on paper. 704-636-1882, www.waterworks.org

Trips 

Travel with the YMCA — • 9 a.m. April 11: Shallowford Popcorn Farms tour/ Hanes Mall shopping. Open to the public • 11:45 a.m. May 2: Barn Dinner Theater, comedy “Art of Murder,” Lunch included • 9 a.m. May 4: Duke Power Plant Tour/ Latta Plantation Tour. Lunch on your own. stopping at a shopping center • Exploring Scotland and Ireland, Oct. 15-26. If interested contact Barbara Franklin 704-223-1973 or Louise Klaver 704-636-0111 • Buses leave from J. F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd. www.rowanymca.org

Bus trip to Harrah’s Cherokee — Saturday, April 1: Sponsored by J C Price Hall of Fame. For reservations contact Brenda Cowan at 704-431-3973 or 704-633-9073

Steam powered train excursions — April 8-9: Full day excursion pulled by Class J #611 steam locomotive, to Lynchburg, Va., also two half day excursions. Full details at www.nctrans.org or 1-844-613-0611.

Steppin’ Out Social Club trip to Harrah’s Cherokee — Leave old Belk’s parking lot 7 p.m. Friday, May 5, return Saturday 8 a.m. Cost $40 with $20 returned upon arrival at casino. Small coolers welcome. Contact 704-232-5201 or 704-640-6993 to pay your money.

Davie County Senior Services trip to Pigeon Forge — May 9-11: Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg open again after forest fires. See three shows, tour local attractions and shops. Call Barbara at Davie County Senior Services, 336-753-6230.

‘The Ark Encounter’ — May 30-June 2: Woodleaf Joy Group is going to Kentucky to the Ark Encounter (Noah’s Ark), Creation Museum, Botanical Gardens, riverboat cruise, tour of Cincinnati, Kentucky Horse Park. 4 days, 3 nights. Contact Janie Waller 704-278-4803.

Senior Group of New Zion Baptist Church — July 22: Road trip to Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Ga. For age 55+. Call 704-633-9256 after 7 p.m.

Call for vendors

Craft and garden vendors — 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 1: $35 for 10×10 indoor space, $35 for 15×15 outdoor space. Contact Tamra Meres, 704-798-2046 or cmeres123@gmail.com

Sunny Day’s Craft and Vendor Show — April 8-9: Info: Peggi Brown, 336-880-3554. At the fairgrounds.

37th Jiggy with the Piggy — Annual event is May 5-May 6. Limit 20 vendors per category: arts and crafts, food, and commercial. Information/registration at kannapolisnc.gov/jiggywiththepiggy

Salisbury Pride Festival — June 24 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Information at www.salisburypride.com

China Grove Farmers Day — Craft vendors needed for China Grove Farmers Day Saturday, July 15. Contact Patti Price 704-857-2466 or pprice@chinagrovenc.gov

Call for performers

Spoken word artists — Center for Faith & the Arts seeks spoken word artists exploring bias, prejudice, intolerance. Gallery event of spoken word performances April 14, deadline March 31. Nancy Gaines, ngaines@fibrant.com

‘Come Tickle Our Ivories’ 2017 — Downtown Salisbury is searching for performers to play the pianos in the “Come Tickle Our Ivories” Grand Reveal event on Friday, May 5. If interested, or for more information, respond by April 21 to info@downtownsalisburync.com

Salisbury Swing Band— SSB is seeking instrumentalists. Auditions are Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. Contact Jim Grazcyk 704-798-5840 for more information.

Gold Hill Bluegrass jam — Acoustic Bluegrass jam. E.H. Montgomery General Store, Gold Hill. 7-9 p.m. Fridays. 704-267-9439. www.themontgomerystore.com

Blumenthal Performing Arts open mic nights — Free event open to performers, selected by lottery. E-mail openmic@ncbpac.org

Call for artists

Show your stuff at Hart Witzen’s Spring Free-for-All — 7-11 p.m. April 22: All artists welcome to apply: musicians, painters, sculptors, photographers, performance artists, installation artists, new media. No submission fee.  www.hartwitzengallery.com/

The Seasons of Hurley Park: 30 Years — Waterworks Visual Arts Center and Hurley Park Foundation present special juried group exhibition in celebration of the park’s pearl anniversary, No fee to enter. Deadline for entries Oct. 20, 2017. Exhibition: Feb. 10-May 19, 2018. Opening reception Feb. 16, 2018. Entry requirements and guidelines at 704-636-1882 or www.waterworks.org

Full Circle Arts seeks tiny art —  “Tiny Arts Show”  is moved to May. Artwork can be no larger than 7 inches in any direction; total with frame and/or pedestal no larger than 12 inches. $10 for up to 5 entries. Reception is May 11 from 6-8 p.m. Call 828-322-7545 or email info@fullcirclearts.org or visit www.fullcirclearts.org

Downtown Hickory Art Crawls — May 18, Sept. 21: Deadline April 15 for May 18; Aug. 15 for Sept. 21. For application, contact Barbara at blsinclair1@bellsouth.net or Connie at info@downtownhickory.com or 828-322-1121.

Artists and crafters — May 13: Historic Gold Hill’s 2017 Gold Rush Days Art and Craft Festival. Applications are at www.goldhillnc.com. All items should be hand-made, applications subject to approval. Deadline April 29 . Questions? goldhill merchantsassociation@gmail.com

Sculpture artists — Caldwell Arts Council seek sculptors for annual Lenoir outdoor sculpture sales gallery. www.caldwellarts.com, 828-754-2486, email info@caldwellarts.com

Newton’s Foothills Folk Art Festival — Saturday, Oct. 7: Juried folk-art themed show featuring work intensely influenced by and displaying the spirit of folk, visionary and outsider art. Fees, deadlines, guidelines, etc available at hickorymuseumofart.org or 828-327-8576 ext. 210. Newton is about an hour from Salisbury. Apply at www.foothillsfolkartfestival.com/artist-information.

Call for volunteers 

29th annual VIP Putt Putt Golf Tournament — April 8 from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. For individuals who are blind/visually impaired. Dan Nicholas Park. Volunteers will assist participants in navigating the course for play. No prior experience required. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Volunteer check-in 8:30 a.m. Contact Therapeutic Recreation Division-Rowan County Parks and Recreation, 704-216-7780 or vernice.gallon@rowancountync.gov

Rowan Helping Ministries volunteers – Pick up donated food, stock food pantry, intake interviews, laundry, meals. 704-637-6838.

Help feed the horses — Horse Protection Society, 2135 Miller Road, China Grove, hps@horseprotection.org or www.horseprotection.org

DAV transportation network of Rowan County — Volunteers to take veterans to hospital appts. Inquire at VAMC Salisbury volunteer office or call Jim Martin at 704-638-9000 x3904.

Novant Rowan Medical Center – Patient escorts, gift shop, surgical waiting room, flower delivery, ancillary support. dbhundley@novanthealth.org

Call for contestants

36th annual China Grove Farmers Day Festival — July 15: accepting applications for entries into the 2017 Little Mr & Miss Farmers Day Contest on May 1. Pre-registration is required. All entries MUST be received by 5 p.m. July 12. No late entries will be accepted. Contest open to first 20 applicants of each age group. Categories: • Infant to 2 years old Male • Infant to 2 years old Female • 3-5 years old Male • 3-5 years old Female. Apply to Patti Price, 333 N. Main St., China Grove, 704-857-2466. pprice@chinagrovenc.gov