Festivals
Saturday in the Park in Rockwell ó 4-8 p.m., Aug. 1. Magician George Kluttz, One Love Gospel Hour, Piedmont Primetime Community Band, tractor pull for kids. Refreshment proceeds go to Nazareth Children’s Home.
Woodleaf Tomato Festival ó Aug. 15. Unity Presbyterian Church, 885 Woodleaf-Barber Road. 8 a.m.-Fun Run/Tomato Trot begins. Festival activities begin 9 a.m. Silent auction, antique tractors, bake sale, attic sale, pageants, crafts, pedal tractor pull, recipe cook-off, inflatable play area, live music. 704-278-3451. woodleaftomatofestival@yahoo.com.
Theater
“Mamma Mia” ó 7:30 p.m. July 30 and Aug. 2; 8 p.m. July 31 and Aug. 1; 2 p.m. Aug. 1-2. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
“Proof” St. Thomas Players ó 7:30 p.m. Aug. 6-8 and 12-15; 2 p.m. Aug. 9. Aug. 12 is “bring a friend for free” night. Florence Busby Corriher Theater, Catawba College. $10. 704-647-0999.
“Barefoot in the Park” Davidson Community Players ó Through Aug. 2. Duke Family performance Hall, Davidson College. Tickets $20-$22. 704-892-7918. www.carolinatix.org.
“Julius Caesar” Collaborative Arts Theatre ó Aug. 6-15, McGlohon Theatre, 345 N. College St., Charlotte. Free. 704-625-1288 or hi@collaborativeartstheatre.com.
National Black Theatre festival ó Aug. 3-8. Winston-Salem. 336-723-7907. www.NBTF.org.
“Death Under Cover” Charlotte Dinner Detectives ó Friday and Saturday nights, includes sit-down dinner at Grand Central in Charlotte. www.charlottesdinnerdetective.com.
Music and more
Beach music festival in Kannapolis ó Begins 7 p.m. Friday and 5 p.m. Saturday. Village Park Amphitheater, Dale Earnhardt Boulevard. Free. 704-920-4343. www.cityofkannapolis.com.
Nickelback ó 6 p.m. Friday, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Charlotte. www.livenation.com.
Dylan Gilbert, Jacqueline Lee, Linus van Pelt ó 7:30 p.m., July 31. Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St. $4. 704-633-ARTS. Legends Night ó7-10 p.m., July 31. Patsy Klein, Elvis, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash. Rocky River Vineyards, 11685 Reed Mine Road, Midland. 704-781-5035. www.rockyrivervineyards.com.
The Sammies, You Tonight, I Was Totally Destroying It, The Groves ó 9 p.m., July 31, Visulite Theatre, 1615 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte. www.visulite.com. 800-594-TIXX.
Sam Bush ó 8 p.m. July 31. Neighborhood Theater, 511 E. 36th St., Charlotte. $22 advance. 704-372-1000.
Divided By Four ó 8:30 p.m., Aug. 1. Looking Glass Artist Collective Black Box Theater. Old school music, shag dancers welcome. Fundraiser for Rowan Blues and Jazz Society’s October festival. $7. Refreshments. 704-636-2811.
Rascal Flatts with guest Darius Rucker ó Aug. 1, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Charlotte. www.livenation.com.
The New Familiars ó 9 p.m. Aug. 1. Neighborhood Theater, 511 E. 36th St., Charlotte. $10 in advance. 704-372-1000.
Una Voce presents “SoundWaves: a Vocal Jazz Experience” ó 7:30 p.m., Aug. 7. Cocktail hour and silent auction starts at 6:30 p.m. Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St. Chamber group of Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society. Free admission. www.SRChoralSociety.com.
The Avett Brothers ó 7:30 p.m., Aug. 8. Bojangles Coliseum, Charlotte. $30 and $25 in advance. www.ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.
“FUTURISM” music and art event ó 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14. Looking Glass Artist Collective. Artists will be creating works on site. Featuring artists Charles Crawford, Jason McLellan, Justin Russell, Jermaine Bracey. Music features artpunk and noise rock by Battle Beast, Sirens and Stronghold Crvsaders. www.salisburyartists.org.
Jonas Brothers ó Aug. 21. Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte. www.livenation.com.
Comedy
John Heffron ó 7:30 p.m., Aug. 26. McGlohon Theatre, Charlotte. Adult content and language. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter. org.
Ralphie May ó 7:30 p.m., Aug. 27. McGlohon Theatre, Charlotte. Adult content and language. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter. org.
Classes
“A Wicked Workshop: Keyboard Classes with a Wicked Twist” ó 9 a.m.-noon, Aug. 3-6. Featuring music from “Wicked” and “Wizard of Oz.” Ages 7-14, must have had at least one year of piano instruction. Catawba College Music Annex. $75, includes materials. Deadline to register: July 17. 704-881-1565. www.catawba.edu/communitymusic.
Free belly dance classes ó 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 10 and Aug. 18. Introduction to tribal style belly dance. Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St. kalimatribal@carolina.rr.com.
Social dance lessons ó 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 3-Oct. 8. Six-week swing session, beginners start at 6:30 p.m., more experienced at 7 p.m. City Park Center, 316 Lake Drive. $30 singles, $50 couples. Instructor: Diana Moghrabi. 704-638-5295. www.salisburync.gov/pkrec.
Camps
Chess camp ó 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Aug. 3-7. Ages 8 and up. All levels, beginners welcome. Players paired for tournament play according to ability level. Held at Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St. Tuition $100, includes $15 registration fee. Bring lunch. 704-639-0471.
This & That Big Band Dances ó 7-10 p.m. first Saturday of each month. Hurley YMCA. Music by The Hi-Liters. Bring a snack to share. $5. 704-636-0111.
Charlotte Poetry Slam ó 8 p.m. Aug. 21. McGlohon Theatre, Charlotte. $10. Contains adult content. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
Oakboro cruise-ins ó 5 p.m., fourth Fridays. Burnout at 9:30 p.m. 704-467-4992. www.oakborocruisein.com.
Cruzin’ Round Spencer ó 4-9 p.m. second Saturday of each month. Classic vehicles, entertainment, food. 704-633-7178.
Cruising Downtown Concord ó 3:30-9 p.m. fourth Saturdays. North and Union Street. www.concorddowntown.com.
Night life
The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. ó 9 p.m.-midnight Friday: Americana with Trees Leave, no cover; 9-11:30 p.m. Saturday: Donna Hughes, Americana and bluegrass, no cover. 704-797-0093. www.thebluevine.com.
Brick Street Tavern, 122 E. Fisher St. ó704-637-6047.
Dirty Water Saloon, 14910 Stokes Ferry Road, Gold Hill ó Deejay every Friday, no cover. 704-279-4286. www.myspace.com/dirtywatersaloon.
E.H. Montgomery General Store ó 7 p.m. Fridays: Community Night with bluegrass jam, Historic Village of Gold Hill. www.HistoricGoldHill. com. 704-279-5674, 704-267-9439.
Grove Inn, 1560 Hwy 29 South, China Grove ó 5-8 p.m., drink specials, deejay dance at 8 p.m. Every Friday: 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. karaoke/deejay dance with Avery Brothers. 704-855-9901.
High Rock Boat & Ski Club, 257 Boat Club Lane ó July 31: deejay Ervin Ellington. Open 6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Deejay every Friday and deejay or band every Saturday. 704-633-0251.
The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 ó Aug. 1: band-Signs of Life, and open mic. Open 7 p.m.-midnight Saturdays. Free refreshments, air hockey, foosball, pool. Public invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 704-213-1467. www.inntheloop.blogspot.com.
Singles
Piedmont Singles ó Meets 7:15 p.m. Fridays, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. July 31: Bingo with Jim Holshouser as caller. Covered dish. No joining fee, donations appreciated. Contact Frances Ward 704-637-3241.
Highlighters Dance Club ó First and third Fridays. Doors open 7 p.m., free line dance class 7:15 p.m. Open to singles 40 and over. Dress code. Heavy hors d’oeuvres served 8 p.m. BYOB. $10 members; $12 guests. Join for $20 and get in free the first night of joining. Non-smoking, dressy casual. American Legion Post 380, 4235 W. Tyvola Road, Charlotte. 704-548-9212. ssendecki@aol.com.
Zodiac Club ó July 31: Delmonicos, Fifth Friday covered dish. Meets second and fourth Fridays. Doors open 7 p.m., food served 8 p.m., live band starts 8:30 p.m. Open to mature singles over 40. $10 members, $12 guests. Dress code-upscale casual. Smoke-free. American Legion Post 380, 4235 West Tyvola Rd. Call 704-752-8824 or contact taylorbt@msn.com. Visit www.charlottezodiacdanceclub.com
Call for artists
2009 Carolina Artists Expo ó Entry form deadline: Aug. 7; delivery 10 a.m.-noon or 3-6 p.m. Aug. 17; show: Aug. 19-22. Salisbury Civic Center. Reception 6-8 p.m. Aug. 20. Work accepted in most media, including three-dimensional. Entry fee for up to five entries: members $25, nonmembers $35. Additional entries may be considered for $10 for up to three. Cash awards. More information: 704-797-0585. www.carolinaartist.org.
Winston-Salem Crafts Guild critique event ó Deadline Aug. 5. Open to anyone 18 or older who meets criteria for membership. Critique of those interested in membership takes place Aug. 17 at South Fork Recreation Center. Fee is $5, due by Aug. 5. 336-829-6991. www.winstonsalemcraftsguild.com.
Emerging Songwriter’s contest and showcase at Flat Rock Music Festival ó Submission deadline: Aug. 14. www.flatrockmusicfestival.com.
Poets are needed for Jazzy Art and Poetry Nights, 5-7 p.m., second Thursdays, at Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 413 N. Lee St. Call the Rowan Arts Council, 704-638-9887.
N.C. Turkey Festival, Raeford ó Arts and crafts vendors welcome to apply for festival being held Sept. 19. Homemade items only. www.ncturkeyfestival.org. 910-904-2424.
AuditionsOktoberfest, Hickory, seeking musicians between ages 13-20 ó Festival is Oct. 9-11. Teen bands will be selected to play on stages Friday and Saturday nights. Send CD, bio and photograph to HDDA, PO Box 9086, Hickory, NC 28603. 828-322-1121. www.hickoryoktoberfest.com.
Seeking vendorsWoodleaf Tomato Festival ó Aug. 15, Unity Presbyterian Church. Craft booth spaces $25. 704-278-3451 or 704-278-4248. woodleaftomatofestival@yahoo.com.
N.C. Turkey Festival, Raeford ó Food and commercial vendors welcome to apply for festival being held Sept. 19. www.ncturkeyfestival.org. 910-904-2424.
Art
Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St. ó “Shared Delusions” by Doug McAbee and Barbara Schreiber, recent work of Marge Loudon Moody and Whitney Peckman. Abundant Living exhibit reception 5-7 p.m. Aug. 5. Don Green sculpture. Gallery open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Groups may arrange guided tour. 704-636-1882. www.waterworks.org.
EastSquare Artworks, 122 E. Innes St. ó Sculpture Works-smaller scale works by the artists currently featured in Salisbury Sculpture Show on display through July by appointment. 704-798-0047. www.eastsquareartworks.com.
Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409 N. Lee St. ó Gallery open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, and whenever the “open” flag is out. 704-431-8964. www.railwalkgallery.com.
Looking Glass Artist Collective Gallery, 407 N. Lee St. ó Current exhibits: “Americana” art by members; Vivian Hopkins’ “Gold Hill Series.” Shop featuring art and crafts for sale by members is open 2-6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday, and during special events. 704-633-ARTS. www.salisburyartists.org.
Center for Faith and the Arts Galleries, 207 W. Harrison St. ó Exhibit of photography by Wayne Hinshaw on display through Aug. 31. Open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. 704-647-0999.
Green Goat Gallery, 516 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer ó “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” folk art featured through Aug. 16. 704-639-0606. www.greengoatgallery.com.
Cabarrus Arts Council Galleries, 65 Union Street, Concord ó “ELEMENTary – The Basics: Air, Earth, Fire and Water” through Aug. 13. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. 704-920-ARTS. www.cabarrusartscouncil.org.
Depot Visual Arts Center, 103 W. Center Ave., Mooresville ó Through Aug. 30- featuring art of Leo Gordon, Sandie Bell, John Weidman, carved and painted gourds by Whitney Peckman. Gallery hours: 1-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. 704-663-6661. www. mooresvilleartistguild.com.
Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte ó Native American art collection (Grice): “Passionate Journey.” “Masterworks from the New Orleans Museum of Art.” “The Art of Affluence: Haute Coutre and Luxury Fashions 1947-2007,” through spring 2010; Open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Admission $10 adults, $8 seniors and students, $5 ages 6 to 17, free for members and children 5 and younger. Free on Tuesdays 5-9 p.m. Admission also valid for Museum of Craft and Design on the same day. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum. org.
Mint Museum of Craft + Design, 220 N. Tryon St., Charlotte ó “American Quilt Classics, 1800-1980: the Bresler Collection.” Admission $10 adults, $8 seniors and students, $5 ages 6 to 17, free for members and children 5 and younger. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, free hours Tuesdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 704-337-2000.McColl Center for Visual Art, 721 N. Tryon St., Charlotte ó 704-332-5535. www.mccollcenter. org.
Reynolda House, Museum of American Art, Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem ó “The Stieglitz Circle: Beyond O’Keefe.” Open 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday. $10 adults, $9 seniors, students with ID and children free. 336-725-5150 or www.reynoldahouse.org.
Parks
Dan Nicholas Park, 6800 Bringle Ferry Rd. ó Rowan Wildlife Adventures, home of black bears, bobcats, deer and other animals. Reptile center features 4,000 gallon Cheerwine Aquarium. Paddle boats, miniature golf, miniature trains, carousel, Miner Moose Gem Mine, playground, camping year-round, Hurley Splash Pad. 704-216-7800. www.dannicholas.net.
Ellis Park, 3541 Old Mocksville Road ó Two ballfields, concession stand, lighted tennis courts, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, bocce courts, game room, shelters, playground. Event center has riding arena and judges tower. A 1.5 mile walking trail connects facilities. Old Ellis Schoolhouse includes game room, ceramics workshop, large dining room with fully-equipped kitchen. Programs include ceramics, karate, horse shows, T-ball, baseball. Therapeutic Recreation division for Rowan County Parks housed here. 704-216-7783.
Gold Hill Mines Historic Park 735 St. Stephens Church Road, Gold Hill ó Located in the heart of the Carolina Gold Rush Territory, the park is home of the Barnhardt Gold Mine, the first mine shaft in the U.S. dug to a depth of 500 feet, and Randolph Gold Mine which was dug to a depth of 850 feet. Gold Hill became know as the richest mining property east of the Mississippi creating one of the first gold rushes in history. Along with the mine shafts, sites in the park include the Gold Hill Jail, c. 1845, the restored Chilean Ore Mill c. 1824 (the only complete ore mill remaining in existence in N.C.), the Assay Office, the Bernhardt Log Barn, the Russell-Rufty Shelter, the Powder House and Gold Hill Pond. The barn and shelter are available for rent for formal and informal public use. Another area of interest is the Gold Hill Rail Trail for hiking and biking enthusiast. The park is open daily until dark. Free. Historic tours of the park are available by appointment. Information about tours: 704-267-9439; rentals: 704-279-5777. www.HistoricGoldHill.com.
Sloan Park, 550 Sloan Rd. ó Hiking trails, picnic shelters, volleyball courts, softball diamond, playground, Kerr Mill-1823 grist mill that houses a museum of early Americana, Alice Stanback Monument Forest. Open year round from 9 a.m. until dark. www.co.rowan. nc.us/parks/sloan.
Museums
N.C. Transportation Museum, Spencer ó Museum open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Train rides Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m. $6 adults, $5 children ages 3-12 and seniors ages 60 and up. Roundhouse Turntable rides at $1. Group rates available with advance notice. 704-636-2889 or 877-NCTMFUN. www.nctrans.org.
Rowan Museum, 202 N. Main St. ó Harter Postcard exhibit and “Hats, Handbags and Hankies.” Museum is 1854 courthouse that survived Stoneman’s raid. Displays and interpretive exhibits reflect life and history of Rowan County. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $3 adults, $1.50 students, free museum members. 704-633-5946.
Utzman-Chambers House, 116 S. Jackson St. ó Open 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 704-633-5946.
Dr. Josephus Hall House, 226 S. Jackson St. ó 1820 house museum features furniture and decoratives from Hall family and others. Costumed docents provide tours. $3 adults, $1.50 students, free to members of Historic Salisbury Foundation. For group tours, call HSF office, 704-636-0103.
Old Stone House, Granite Quarry ó Open 1- 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 704-633-5946.
Historic Rockwell Museum, 102 E. Main St. ó Photography exhibit. Museum open Sundays 2-4 p.m. and by appointment. For information call Ann Teague: 704-279-5783.
China Grove Roller Mill Museum ó Guided tours 2-4 p.m. second Sunday of each month. Museum is operated by Historical Society of South Rowan. For special tours call 704-433-3912. www.hist-society-srowan.com.
Historic Gold Hill, NC/Gold Hill Mines Historic Park ó 19th Century Living History Interpretations and educational tours weekends April-October and weekdays by appointment. Interpretative displays reflect life in the 1800s gold mining boom town. Village merchants and interpreters dressed in period costume weekends. Free admission. www.HistoricGoldHill.com. 704-279-5674, 704-267-9439.
Fort Dobbs State Historic Site, 438 Fort Dobbs Road, Statesville ó 704-873-5882. www.fortdobbs. org.
Mill Village Museum, Old No. 14 Church St., Cooleemee ó 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Large groups by appointment. Operated by Cooleemee Historical Association. 336-284-6040. Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte ó Family-friendly activities 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Regular admission is $6 adults, $5 students and seniors, $3 children 6-12, 5 and under free. Free admission Sundays. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. 704-568-1774. www.charlottemuseum.org.
Historic Latta Plantation, Sample Road, Huntersville ó Museum hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. $6 adults, $5 seniors and students, free for children under 5. www.lattaplantation.org. 704-875-2312.
Historic Rosedale Plantation, 3427 N. Tryon St., Charlotte ó Civil War National Register Federal house built circa 1815, excellent example of backcountry N.C. federal period architecture. Originally part of a 911-acre plantation. $5 adults, $4 students and seniors. Groups of 10 or more $4 per. Guided tours 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. 704-335-0325. www.historicrosedale. org.
Charlotte Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Road ó Focus on activities for ages 8 and younger. $5. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. 704-337-2671.