Theater

Opening night for PPT’s ‘Sister Act’ — Tonight at 7:30 p.m.  Join the cast for a complimentary reception immediately following the opening performance.  Adults $20, students/seniors $17. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St. 704-633-5471 or www.PiedmontPlayers.comhttp://www.PiedmontPlayers.com

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.

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.

PPT’s ‘Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing’ — March 30-April 1 and April 6-8 at 7:30 p.m., April 1, 2 and 8 at 2:30 p.m.  Adults $14, Seniors & Students $12. Youth Theatre, Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St., 704-633-5471, PiedmontPlayers.com

Piedmont Players Theatre season tickets — piedmontplayers.com or 704-633-5471.

Lee Street theatre season tickets — www.leestreet.org or 704-310-5507.

Music & more 

Jackson Emmer at New Sarum — 7 p.m. Friday: Touring songwriter from Colorado based out of Asheville. New Sarum Brewing Co., 109 N Lee St.

PaddyPalooza open mic at Mean Mug, 1024 S. Fulton St. — 7-11 p.m. March 17: St. Patrick’s Day Open Mic, with host Cameron Dingess. All are welcome, musicians, poets, storytellers. Signup begins 6:30 p.m. 704-754-4615, www.meanmugcoffeeco.com

Sunday concert at Mean Mug — 5:30-8 p.m. March 19: True North Acoustic Rock-n-Roll Show. Duo Bradley and Heather Steele. 704-754-4615, www.meanmugcoffeeco.com

Sunday concert at Mean Mug — 5:30-8 p.m. March 26: Steve Bost and Eric Upton. Upton is best known locally for touring with the Darrell Harwood Band. 704-754-4615, www.meanmugcoffeeco.com

Lenoir-Rhyne University A Cappella Choir in concert with  L-R Brass—  March 19 at 7 p.m. : ‘Ever-Present, Ever-Reforming’  at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St. Tribute to music inspired by the Lutheran Reformation in its 500th year. Free; free-will offering received.

Chatham County Line in concert — March 24 at 7:30 p.m.   in the  Lee Street Theatre and  Performing Arts Center, 329 N. Lee St. Tickets $30+tax at www.leestreet.org or 704-310-5507.

Let Your Voice Be Heard with ‘Downtown Beats’ — 6-7 p.m. March 27: Community sing impromptu chorus presented by Rowan Public Library. No experience or extended commitment and is free of charge. Stanback Auditorium at RPL Headquarters. Meet the last Monday of each month, Jan.-April. Contact Abigail Hardison at 704-216-8248 or Abigail.Hardison@rowancountync.gov or visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org

Open mic at Mean Mug Coffee Co., 1024 S. Fulton St. — 7-11 p.m. March 24: Java Jam weekly Open Mic hosted by Danny Franklin. All are welcome, musicians, poets, storytellers. Signup begins 6:30 p.m. 704-754-4615, www.meanmugcoffeeco.com

Wayne Henderson, Clay Lunsford, Matthew Weaver  —  March 28 at 7  p.m. at Rowan Public Library. Outdoor concert on the terrace, bring a chair. Free. www.rowanpubliclibrary.org

Salisbury Symphony hosts the North Carolina Symphony — Keppel Auditorium, Catawba College, 704-637-4314 or director@salisburysymphony.org

Lee Street theatre presents Classic Country Concert — March 17 at 7:30 p.m. with Salisbury’s own Graham Carlton, Tripp Edwards, Mary Gillespie, Carol Harris, Matthew Weaver. Tickets $20+tax at www.leestreet.org or 704-310-5507. 329 N. Lee St.

Kruger Brothers at The Davis — March 25 at 4 and 8 p.m. Two shows, rescheduled from a previous snow date.  Tickets $30 at CabarrusArtsCouncil.org and 704-920-2753.  65 Union St. S. downtown Concord.

Pickin’ for the Master — Friday, March 31 at 7 p.m. Concert followed by open jam session. Concessions available. No admission charge, donations accepted. Doors open 6 p.m. 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; b ring a lawn chair. Morgan Ridge Railwalk, 421 N. Lee St., 704-798-5840 or www.salisburyswingband.com

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 CharlotteJazzFestival.com, BlumenthalArts.org or 704-372-1000. Full schedule at CharlotteJazzFestival.com

The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center — 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. Complete listings at 704-372-1000 or www.blumenthalarts.org

Live at Harrah’s Cherokee — • Comedian Rodney Carrington, March 25 • Alice Cooper, April 29 • Poison, May 6 • Lee Brice, May 12 • Old Dominion, May 19 • Billy Currington, June 10 • Ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000. Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee.

History 

Bennett Place March lecture series — Durham’s Bennett Place State Historic Site, 1 p.m. Saturday March 25: Brenda McKean on food shortages and substitutions, Bennett Place was the site of the largest surrender of the Civil War. 4409 Bennett Memorial Road, Durham, www.bennettplacehistoricsite.com

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.

‘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.: Bring your favorite board game. Free and family-friendly. 1024 S. Fulton St., 704-754-4615.

Spencer Doll And Toy Museum —• 7-9 p.m. March 17: African American Fashion Show, tickets $10. Spencer Woman’s Club, 200 Third St. Light refreshments  • 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. March 24-25: Antiques Appraisal Fair (Roadshow Style). $5 per item, limit two. • March 25: Author Randell Jones, author of “In the Foot Steps of Daniel Boone” • Thursdays at 2 p.m. Downton Abbey Club • Regular admission applies to events. Spencer Doll And Toy Museum, 108 Fourth St., Spencer, 704-762-9359, www.spencerdollandtoymuseum.com

Band dance at the Y — 7-10 p.m. Saturday, March 18: Delmoninco Band . Line Dancing night • 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

Seminar with Genealogical Society of Rowan — 7 p.m. Tuesday March 21:   Genealogical Society of Rowan meets in Hurley Room, Rowan Public Library. Special Webinair program on how to use USA and World Newspapers to research your family history. Free.

Southern Piedmont Woodturners — March 21, 6:30-9  p.m.  Mini-Symposium, members demonstrate different topics and a Tool Swap.Clearwater Artist Studio and Gallery, 223 Crowell Drive NW, Concord, 704-796-0803.

South Main Book Co. — March 22 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., two writers from London, England: Anne-Marie Fyfe (poet) and Cahal Dallat (poet, artist, critic). South Main Book Co., 110 S. Main St., 704-630-9788, southmainbookcompany.com

Princess Party —  March 26 from 2-4 p.m.: Little girls invited to an afternoon with ‘royalty’ at Cannon Student Center, Catawba College. Arts and crafts, learn to walk like a pri-ncess, Pin the Nose on Olaf, Take  your picure with a princess. $20. Advance tickets at 704-645-4514 or at the door. Sponsored by the Delphinian Society at Catawba College.

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

Final Catawba community reading of King Lear — 7 p.m. March  21: At Downtown Catawba, Plaza Building, Suite 103, 100 W. Innes St. Led by Dr. Bethany Sinnott, ,  704-637-0136.

Coffee with a Cop at Mean Mug — 9-10 a.m. Tuesday March 28: Every second and fourth Tuesday. Free. 1024 S. Fulton St., 704-754-4615.

Coming to the Rowan County Fairgrounds — See Call For Vendors for booth info. • March 18-19: Randy’s Antique event. • March 25-26: CBA Swap meet and Bike Show. • April 8-9: Sunny Day’s Craft and Vendor Show. Info: Peggi Brown, 336-880-3554.

Tonight: The 2017 Miss Black & Gold Experience — Thursday, March 16 at 7:06 p.m. Gamma Mu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha wpresents Miss Black & Gold Scholarship Pageant, Varrick Auditorium, Livingstone College, 701 W. Monroe St. Free for students, $3 for guests. 704-253-0290.

Horizons Unlimited — 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. March 18: New laser show featuring movie music hits of John Williams Including Star Wars, Superman, ET, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, Close Encounters of the Third Kind. $2 admission. A public opening at The Margaret C. Woodson Planetarium • Also from 1-3 p.m. March Make Event, Glow in the Dark Art. Bring a jar and join the fun. 1636 Parkview Circle. Free admission; donations accepted. 704-639-3004.

Crop Day at Davie County Senior Services — 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, March 18: For scrapbookers and those who want to. Free. Bring your own project and supplies. Preregister at 336-753-6230 or Davie County Senior services, 278 Meroney St., Mocksville.

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

Blood drive

J.F. Hurley Family YMCA — 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m., March 23: American Red Cross Blood Drive at J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd. Sign up at 704-636-0111, ask for Louise.

Fundraisers 

Kiwanis Pancake Festival  —  March 17-18 at the YMCA.  Advance tickets at the Hurley Y and at the door.  Friday 5-8:30 p.m.,  Saturday 7-10:30 a.m.

Woodleaf Fire Dept. Chicken & Pork BBQ — Saturday March 18 from  11 a.m.-7 p.m.   $8 plate. 3500 NC HWY 801, Woodleaf.   Take out available. 704-278-0077.

Spencer Presbyterian breakfast and bake sale —  7:30-10:30 a.m. March 18: pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, grits, toast, drinks. $5 adults/ $3 children under 12. Proceeds support church ministries. Educational building, 117 1st Street, off Salisbury Ave. across from NC Trans Museum entrance.

Dana’s Chicken Noodles  Supper — 11 a.m.-7 p.m. March 18:  Rogers Park Reformed Church, 704 East 22nd St.,  Kannapolis. Also hot dogs, hamburgers, deserts. Proceeds go to South Rowan Bible Teaching Assoc.

‘Pasta With a Purpose’ — 5-8 p.m. March 18: Benefits the ongoing capital campaign for a handicap-accessible bathroom at First Baptist Church of China Grove. Entertainment by Back Creek Bluegrass Boys and Tori jones. Also a silent auction.     302 Patterson St., China Grove. Tickets $10 at 704-310-6741 or www.chinagrovefbc.com/event

Fish fry at St. Luke’s Lutheran Mt. Ulla — March 18 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.  Proceeds will assist Thompson family and Hampton family medical bills, West Rowan HS band uniforms, and generator for St. Luke’s activity building  to qualify as Red Cross Emergency Shelter facility.  St. Luke’s Lutheran, 11020 NC Hwy 801,.  www.stlukesmtulla.org or 704-278-2710.

AAUW Women’s History Month benefit brunch — March 18 at 9:30 a.m. “The Roots to Grow and the Wings to Fly: Changing the World with the Power of Education” by Janet N. Spriggs. Guest artist Teresa A. Moore-Mitchell. Hosted by American Association of University Women at First UCC, 207 W. Horah St. Brunch $10 per person. RSVP by March 10 to Eileen Hanson-Kelly, 704-855-8353 or hansonkelly@ctc.net

Too Much Sylvia in Concert — 4-8 p.m. March 25: Morgan Ridge Vineyard at the Pavilion. 704-639-0911  or www.morganridgevineyard.com/index.php/too-much-sylvia-band-boogie-for-boobies.html

Deacon Dash for Down Syndrome — March 25 at 8:30 a.m. Winston-Salem Fairgrounds. Fees and registration info at http://pdssn.org/3-2-1-deacon-dash-for-down-syndrome/

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

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/seat . Free childcare available. Contact the school at 704-636-3005 ext. 110. Reserve your seat online at eventbrite.com (Impact 2017 – Celebrating 50 Years)

Rhythm & Run 5K — April 7 at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and Museum, 203 West Ave., Kannapolis. Early registration $20 by Feb. 24; $25 Feb. 25-April 6; race day $30. Register at https://racesonline.com/events/rhythm-and- run-5k

‘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. • Coming up: Annual golf tournament:  April 29, 8 a.m.  gun shot start. Corbin Hills, 431 Wildwood Dr. • Contact Kris Mueller, 704-637-6838 ext 103 or kmueller@rowanhelpingministries.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.

American Children’s Home 19th annual Show-Off Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show — 8 a.m.-3 p.m. May 20: 12 classes plus specialty awards. Register 8 a.m.-noon, $20 entry. Raffle, 50/50 drawing, silent auction, deejay, food, local vendors, silent auction, Kids Zone activities. 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 17:  New Wines From South America with Andrew Alley.  $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: In-house pool tournament, $5. 704-647-9876, carriageroomnc@ facebook.com

DJs Restaurant, 1502 W. Innes St. — • Tuesdays, Live trivia at 8 p.m. • Fridays, deejay at 10 p.m. • 704-638-9647, http://djsrestaurant.com

Firewater, 122 Avalon Drive — • 7:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Thursdays: Karaoke with Cherokee • 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Fridays-Saturdays: Deejay • 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Sundays: Old School Jam, ladies free until 10:30 p.m., $5 cover • Age 25+. 704-870-8689.

Go Burrito RumBar, 115 W. Fisher St. across from the mural — • 8 p.m. Mondays: Poker Night • 8 p.m. Tuesdays: Team Trivia • 9 p.m. Wednesdays: Open Mic • 10 p.m. Saturdays: Karaoke • www.facebook.com/GoBurritoRumBar

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

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

Sunrise Cafe (formerly CJ’s), 210 Old Amity Hill Road, Cleveland — 6:30-8 p.m. Friday. Featuring Darrell Connor & The Country Music legends Band.

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, carriage  rides by Horse & Carriage  LTD of Salisbury, The Soap Bubble Circus, Salisbury Symphony instrument petting zoo, Carolina Artists, 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. depotdistrictfest.com

Spring into Arts Festival — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 13: Free annual family-friendly event in Downtown Concord showcasing visual and performing arts. Juried art show, musical entertainment, food, children’s area, outside beer and wine fest. 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.

Classes

Chrismon classes — 10 a.m. March 30-April 1: Chrismon classes at Rufty’s Chrismon Shop. Each day all levels will be taught. Call for reservations/info at 704-636-7790. Rufty’s Chrismon Shop, 280 Furniture Drive, info@chrismons.com

Great Women and Men United present Queens in Training — 6-8 p.m. on • March 23 • 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.

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. Harold B. Jarrett American Legion Post 342, 1024 Lincolnton Road. 704-450-7446.

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

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 March 18, 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 — Thursday,  March 16 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Find and develop ideas and resources at coworking facility 10Thread, 1024 S. Fulton St., every Thursday.

Free programs at the Y — • March 22 at noon. Home Instead presents Photography (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 to learn more.

Information Fair — 2-5 p.m. March 18, Matika Village Mobile Home Park, 1010 Airport Road. Free food, games, information. Sponsored by The Hispanc Coalition. Info at 704-638-5217 or humanresources@salisburync.gov

Brothers and Sisters of Children with Disabilities: Too Important to Ignore — Tuesday, March 21 from 6:30-8 p.m. Autism support with Carol Cranford. FUMC room 108, 217 S. Church St. Deadline for childcare rsvp is March 19 to Nancy Popkin, 704-894-9678 or   npopkin@autismsociety-nc.org

ESU presents — 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 23: . Mark Hewitt “Pottery today.” Son and grandson of directors of Spode. Held at the Country Club of Salisbury, $32 pp. RSVP to 704-216-2660 or Gerry Wood <gwood@gerrywoodauto.com. Sponsored by The English Speaking Union Salisbury Branch. www.esuus.org

Voices from the Margin — 7:30 p.m. March 29-April 1: “Point Blank,” explores racism.  Center for Faith & the Arts gallery show  “Unreasonable Fears” 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. Refreshments. For seniors 50+.

Auditions

PPT auditions for ‘Tom Jones’ — 7 p.m. March 20-21: Held on the 3rd floor of the Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St. Show dates March 16-25. See available roles at www.PiedmontPlayers.com

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

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 

Carolina Artists Guild annual Rowan/Salisbury Student Art Expo — Thursday, March 23 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday, March 24 from 10 a.m.-noon for public viewing at the Rowan Civic Center. Student art Kindergarten-12th grade on display. Awards reception is March 23 at 6 p.m.

Tonight: Clyde at The Carolina Artists — 6:30 p.m. third Thursdays: March 16 At Rufty Holmes Center, 1120 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Program presented by Clyde,  local artist and  charter member of the Carolina Artist Guild. The basics of drawing will be the subject.  Materials will be furnished.  Visitors always welcome.

Fine Frame Gallery, 105 S. Main St. — New watercolors by Kenneth Koskela, oil paintings by Phyllis Steimel, assorted works by other local artists. Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 704-647-0340, www.fineframegallery.com

Group Exhibit at Rail Walk Studios & Gallery, 409-413 N. Lee St. — 8 artists “Group Exhibit” through March 25. Meet the artists reception Feb. 17 from 5-7 p.m. Open Thursdays through Saturdays 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Near the new Morgan Ridge Rail Walk.704-469-2781, www.railwalkgallery.com

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

Tonight: Exhibit at Salisbury Business Center — 301 South Main St., 704- 209-4589, www.salisburybusiness center.com Carson High School Visual Arts Show at The Salisbury Business Center. March 16, 5-7:30 p.m. Opening. Over 60 Works on display. Music and appetizers.

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. • 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 704-636-1882, www.waterworks.org

ClearWater Artist Studios — Group show of four regional artists. Clearwater Artist Studios, 223 Crowell Dr. NW, Concord, 704-784-9535, www.clearwaterartists.com

Trips 

Travel with the YMCA — • 9 a.m. March 21: Flight Museum, includes plane that landed in the Hudson River • 9 a.m. April 11: Popcorn Factory/ Hanes Mall shopping • 11:30 a.m. May 2: Barn Dinner Theater, “Art of Murder” • 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.

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

Randy’s Antique event — March 18-19: Call 704-425-9838. Held at Rowan County Fairgrounds.

Women In Progress 7th year anniversary — Noon–3 p.m. March 25: Inviting representatives from community groups and locally owned businesses. Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, 719 S. Caldwell St. Contact Melissa at 704-754-1813 or gladdenm531@gmail.com

CBA Swap meet and Bike Show — March 25-26: Rowan County Fairgrounds. Info randall.bar43@yahoo.com

Craft and garden vendors needed — 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

thru June 8 Salisbury Pride Festival vendors — 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

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

Rehearsals for Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society — 7 p.m.: Coburn Memorial United Methodist Church, 901 S. Church St. All voice parts welcome with a simple audition for new singers. Director Matthew Newton (Catawba graduate). Info at 704-796-9683.

Downtown Salisbury Nights Out — Artists, crafters, musicians, more. 704-637 7814 or email mollie@visitsalisburync.com

Kannapolis Kaleidoscope Cultural Arts Festival — Oct. 24: All forms of arts and culture. 828-231-5037 or mknox@modernfilmzine.com

Call for artists

Deadline Friday: Visual and spoken word artists — Center for Faith & the Arts seeks visual and spoken word artists for upcoming exhibit exploring bias, prejudice, intolerance. Deadline March 10 • Gallery event of spoken word performances April 14. Spoken word artists deadline March 31 • Nancy Gaines, ngaines@fibrant.com

The Seasons of Hurley Park: 30 Years — Call For North Carolina Artists.  Deadline for entries: Oct. 20, 2017. Waterworks Visual Arts Center (WVAC) in partnership with The Hurley Park Foundation will present a special juried group exhibition in celebration of the park’s pearl anniversary, The Seasons of Hurley Park: 30 Years. Artists from all over North Carolina are invited to apply. There is no fee to enter.  For details on requirements and guidelines call 704-636-1882 or visit www.waterworks.org

Upcoming 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

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

Full Circle Arts of Hickory — Spring themed exhibition titled “Connections.” Show dates March 16-April 22. Cash awards. Opening reception 6-8 p.m. March 16. Full Circle Arts, downtown Hickory, 42-B Third Street NW, 828-322-7545 or email info@fullcirclearts.org or visit www.fullcirclearts.org

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. Application form available 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. Emily Huffman or Katie Murdock, 704-637-6838.

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

DAV transportation network of Rowan County — Looking for volunteers to take veterans to hospital appts. Inquire at VAMC Salisbury volunteer office or contact 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

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