Easter Fun 

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.

Community Easter Egg Hunt — Noon-2 p.m. April 8:  Bring your Easter basket. Hot dogs and drinks provided. Sherrills Ford Road Baptist Church, 6455 Sherrills Ford Road.

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

Glow-in-the-dark Egg Hunt — April 8 at 7 p.m. at Luther’s Lutheran Church at the corner of Stokes Ferry and Richfield Roads.

Easter Egg Hunt at New London UMC — April 9, from 3-4:30 p.m., 206 S. Main St. Play games and hunt for Easter Eggs. Volunteers to help hide eggs please be present by 2:30 p.m.

Flashlight Egg Hunt —   April 14 at 7 p.m. at  World Hope Worship Center, 2203 Mooresville Road.  Free event. Hot dogs, games, prizes.

Easter Egg Hunt at Transformation Church — April 15 at  1 p.m. 1350 Old Stone House Road. Food, music, prizes for ages 1-12. 704-633-6588, Facebook or www.transformationchurchnc.com

Easter Egg Hunt at Landmark Church — April 15 from 2-4 p.m. For children up to 12 years old.   L 1910 Mooresville Road, 704-633-8200.

Easter Egg Hunt at Organ Lutheran Church — April 15 from 2-4 p.m. for K-5th grade with games and a visit from the Easter Bunny. 1515 Organ Church Road.

Town of China Grove annual Easter Egg Hunt — April 15 at 10  a.m. At the Community Building, 412 S. Myrtle Ave. Easter Bunny will visit; light refreshments after the egg hunts.  Rain or shine.

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 at 10 a.m. Egg Hunt and 11 a.m. 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.spencerdollandtoymuseum.com

 

Theater

Closing weekend for ppt’s ‘Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing’  —  Tonight through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.  Adults $14, seniors /students $12. Youth Theatre, Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St., 704-633-5471, PiedmontPlayers.com

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.

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 salisburysymphony.org

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/

Jeff Little Trio at The Davis — Friday, April 7 at 8 pm. Local favorite Jeff Little with Steve Lewis and Josh Scott. Back by popular demand. Davis Theatre, 65 Union St., South in the Historic Cabarrus County Courthouse. Tickets $25 at 704-920-2753 or www.cabarrusartscouncil.org

Sunday concert at Mean Mug — 5:30-8 p.m.  April 9: Brave The Bullets.  Travis Hyll and Bryan Christopher are ‘Brave The Bullets’. Brave The Bullets is an energetic acoustic rock project from Salisbury, 1024 S. Fulton St.,704-754-4615, www.meanmugcoffeeco.com

Open mic at Mean Mug — 7-11 p.m. April 7: Open mic plus CD release party for Jamie Slate. 1024 S. Fulton St., 704-754-4615, www.meanmugcoffeeco.com

Patio Jamming — 6:30-9  p.m.  April 10: Patio jamming at Mean Mug Coffee Company, 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.

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. Last Monday of each month Jan.-April. 704-216-8248 or Abigail.Hardison@rowancountync.gov or visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org

East Rowan’s Spring Musical: ‘Age Of Aquarius’ —  7 p.m. April 28-29: featuring music from the 1960s with original script and choreography. East Rowan High School Auditorium. Tickets $12, on sale at  the school office, 175 St. Lukes Church Road, 704- 279-5232. Limited seating.

 

History 

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

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

 

This & That 

Downtown Salisbury First Friday Night Out — 5-9 p.m. www. downtownsalisburync.com April 7: Hop Around Town – Spring Showcase and Easter Activities. Caniche girl

Tonight Game night at Mean Mug Coffee Co. — 6-9 p.m. Thursdays April 6 and 13: 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 • April 8 – Showing Frozen and Frozen Karaoke following the movie! 1 p.m. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Snow Queen”. April 22 – Blue-grass Music by the Jones Sisters at 2 p.m. With John Lee. Regular admission applies to events. Spencer Doll And Toy Museum, 108 Fourth St., Spencer, 704-762-9359, www.spencer dollandtoymuseum.com

Band dance at the Y — 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.

Dance at Harold B. Jarrett Post 342 — 7-10 p.m. Friday, April 14 (second Fridays): With deejay Lee Clark. $10 admission, finger foods will be served includes snacks and drinks. 1024 Lincolnton Road. Info 704-637-1722.

Band dance at the Y — 7-10 p.m. Saturday, April 15: Delmonicos 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

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

Sunny Days Craft and Vendor Event and more at the Fairgrounds — April 8 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and April 9 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission $2, under 12 free. Antler Hill Band, Kid Zone, East bunner food vendors, 75+ craft vendors. Peggi Brown, 336-880-3554.

Ricky B’s Throttle Fest at the Fairgrounds — 7 p.m. April 8: Throttle King Qualifier, Mud Race, DOT, Outlaw Slick, Unlimited Tugs, Diesel and ATV Dirt Drags. Gates open 5 p.m., adults $15, kids 10 and under $5.  Tailgating spot $20 per vehicle.

 NC Science Festival with a theme at  Horizons Unlimited — 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 8:  “A Magical Celebration” includes potions class, story time in Setzer School, Quidditch practice on the back lawn, Harry Potter Trivia, a visit from the Rowan-Public Library’s Bookmobile, a brand new Harry Potter star talk in the Margaret C. Woodson planetarium and much more.  The Margaret C. Woodson Planetarium. 1636 Parkview Circle. Free admission; donations accepted. 704-639-3004.

April 8: Carolina automotive Swap and Show — 7 a.m.-1 p.m. April-Nov. 11: Kannapolis Intimidators baseball stadium, 600 Stadium Drive, Second Saturdays through Nov. $5 admission. 704-267-5664, carolinaswap andshow@yahoo.com

Spring Carnival at the Fairgrounds —  April 13-16: Free gate and admission  Thursday-Friday 5 p.m.-close; Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m.-close; pay one price wristband for $20 ($15with coupon); wristband good all day. Rides, games, food. Amusement rides provided by Powers and Thomas Midway.

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.

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

Music all day and test rides — April 29: Motorcycle test rides 9-11 a.m., music all day, Sip-N-Shop from noon-3 p.m., free food. Tilley Harley-Davidson, 653 Bendix Drive, 704-638-6044, www.tilleyhdofsalisbury.com

Monthly Peace Circle — 6 p.m. May 2 and 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

L&R Beach Bingo and Vineyard — 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday.  Not-for-profit, proceeds used for community projects. 960 Talbert Blvd., Lexington. 704-310-8888.

Community drum circle —  6:-8 p.m. April 7: At Center for Faith & the Arts. 207 W. Harrison St. behind and below Haven Lutheran Church. Free; donations accepted.

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.

Haulers on Union street party — Thursday, May 18 at 5 p.m.: More than 30 monster energy nascar Cup car haulers en route to Charlotte Motor Speedway. A free party in the streets with Chairmen of the Board and The Entertainers, activities for children, food trucks, giveaways, race cars on display, more. Info at 704-454-4522 or www.600festival.com

 

Fundraisers 

 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

Raising money for Eddie and Martha-Marie Smith to adopt two children from an Eastern European orphanage — April 8 from 1-4 p.m. at The Refuge Salisbury, 128 N Fulton St.  Moer than 1500 pieces of LuLaRoe clothing.

‘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, April 7:  All Pinot Noir (pronounced P-No No-R) wine tasting with Andrew Alley, 17th Street Distributing.  Feature Sparkling, Rosé, Red Pinot Noir wines from Spain, California,New Zealand.  $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. — 7-9 p.m. April 11: $10 presale or $15 at the door. RSVP 704-754-4615.1024 S. Fulton St. www.meanmugcoffeeco.com second tuesdays

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

Tim Clark Band live — 8 p.m.-midnight Friday, April 7:AmVets Post 460, 285 Lakeside Drive, doors open 5 p.m.  Tickets $10. Food and beverages available for purchase. 704-870-8777.

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 — • Monday: Poker Night • Tuesday: Team Trivia • Wednesday: Open Mic • Saturday: Karaoke • www.facebook.com/GoBurritoRumBar

The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 — 8 p.m. Saturday:  11th year anniversary show Saturday April 8 starting at 7 p.m. with live music by Scarred Worship, Mercy Falls, Revelation, Bought by Blood, Relentless Flood. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chips for sale. A special fundriasing night of praise an worship. 2 at the door. Contemporary Christian music venue. Musicians invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 704-213-1467.

Mario’s Restaurant, 8850 Statesville Blvd., Cleveland — Saturday, April 8: 6:30-8 p.m. Deep Roots performs traditional folk, classic country, gospel.   704-278-4444, www.facebook.com/Mariosbarberjunction

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

Nashville Nights, 125-127 E. Innes St. — • 9:30 p.m. Friday: DJ Caibel • 9:30 p.m. Saturday: 704-762-9990, www.nashvillenightsnc.com

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

Old Stone Vino, 515 S. Main St., Kannapolis — Live music Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday. 704-938-2337.

The Charlotte Zodiac Dance Club — American Legion, 4235 W. Tyvola Road, Charlotte. Second and fourth Fridays. 704-236-0344. www.charlottezodiacdanceclub. com

 

Festivals

Inaugural Lexington Depot District Music Fest — 11 a.m.-10 p.m. April 8: Downtown Lexington. 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. Music, beer, wine, food truck vendors, children’s games, activities. Rain or shine. Bring lawn chairs. See 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.

Fifth Annual Mount Ulla Spring Festival — May 6 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.: Flower, plant, crafter and vendor event. Some proceeds benefit West Rowan Volunteer Fire Department • 6 p.m. Summer Barn Dance Kick-Off where local musicians are invited to join in and jam out. Hosted by West Rowan Farm, Home, and Garden, 11575 NC Hwy 801, Mount Ulla. Info at 704-278-2800.

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

Denton Antiques Festival — June 30-July 4: Annual Denton Antiques Festival at Harrison Park in downtown Denton. Daily from 7:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. Info at 336-859-4231.

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

State and Federal Grant Writing —   April 25 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.: One day workshop on  federal grant application guidelines, standards for proposals, needs statements, research, best practices, budgets and other nuts and bolts. Cost  $197. Register at http://fundingforgood. org /product/state-federal -grant -writing-hickory-nc-425/

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.

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

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 —• 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

Salisbury Chapter of Winston Salem State Alumni — Sunday, April 9 at 3 p.m. at Noble and Kelsey Funeral Home  223 E. Fisher St.

Bright Ideas — 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays. 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

‘Human Trafficking in NC’ — April 8 at 7 p.m.: Sherry Earnhardt and Mitzi Weber from the Triad Ladder of Hope, followed Q&A. Free. Mean Mug Coffee Company 1024 S.Fulton St.

 

Home & Garden

Salisbury Farmer’s Market — Opens for the season April 15: West Fisher and South Jackson Streets across from Rowan Public Library. Saturdays 8 a.m.-noon. Wednesday Farmer’s Market opens April 19.

Lexington Farmers Market — Opens for the season May 6, 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. Saturdays May 6-Oct. 7, and Wednesdays during peak season, plus Harvest and Holiday Market in November and December. 129 S. Railroad St. inside the Old Railway Depot, 336-731-7317 or www.lexingtonfarmersmarketnc.com/

Kannapolis Farmers Market — Thursday, 4-7pm May through September, at the corner of Vance Ave and Dale Earnhardt Blvd.

China Grove Farmers Market —  he Market at the Mill will kick-off its eighth season Friday, May 5, from  4-6 pm at the China Grove Roller Mill, 308 N Main St.   The Market at the Mill also has new hours this year.   The Market will be open from 4 to 6 p.m. every Friday, May through September.    Vendor fees are $10 per week or $50 for the season.  New vendors are being accepted.

For more market information, contact the Rowan Museum at (704) 633-5946.

 

Auditions

Lee Street theatre auditions For ‘Big Fish’ — April 9-10 at 7 p.m. Directed by Craig Kolkebeck, music direction by Adrian Smith, choreography by Mavis Scully. Performance dates June 15-24. Script  info available at 329 N. Lee St., 704-310-5507,  www.leestreet.org

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 for residents of Stanly, Anson, Cabarrus, Montgomery, Rowan or  Union County. Deadline May 20. Info: 704-982-0806. Application at  www.fallingriversgallery.com

Cabarrus Art Guild reception —for the annual Spring, Judged Show on April 21 from 6-8  pm. Water color, Acrylic, Oil, photography, mixed media as well as pottery, will be judged. 11 Union St., downtown Concord.

RCCC Student Art & Design Exhibition opens at ClearWater Gallery  — Opening reception 5-7 p.m. Friday, April 7: “Impulse” at  ClearWater Artist Studios, free and open to the public.  Refreshments.  Student artists and RCCC faculty will be present. On exhibit through April 27. 223 Crowell Dr. NW, Concord, 704-784-9535, www.clearwaterartists.com

Center for Faith and the Arts, 207 W. Harrison St. — April 21, 6-9 p.m: Gallery event and opening of “Unreasonable Fears” with  spoken word poetry and music.  207 W. Harrison St., behind Haven Lutheran Church. www.faithart.org or 704-647-0999.

The Carolina Artists — 6:30 p.m. third Thursdays: At Rufty Holmes Center, 1120 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Visitors 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

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 29: Sponsored by JC Price Sports Hall of Fame.  $40. Contact Brenda Cowan 704-633-9073  or Wayne Woodruff  704-890-0916 for reservations by April 15.

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

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 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

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

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 — Juried group exhibition in celebration of the Hurley Park’s pearl anniversary, No fee to enter. Deadline Oct. 20, 2017. Exhibition: Feb. 10-May 19, 2018. Opening reception Feb. 16, 2018 at Waterworks Visual Arts Center. 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

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 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 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