Music & more 

Live@Lee Street concert series presents — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5: Woody Pines and The Blue-Eyed Bettys. An evening of old-time feel-good music. $15 + tax, lobby and bar 6:30 p.m., doors 7 p.m. Tickets at www.leestreet.org/liveatleestreet/ or 704-310-5507.

Fridays@First annual Advent series — Noon, Friday, Dec. 5: Concert by the Catawba Singers under the direction of Dr. Phillip Burgess. The series continues each Friday during advent with guest artists including Martha Bassett performing Appalachian ballads and carols on Dec. 12 and concert pianist Jacob Hahn performing music of Liszt, Bach, Wang, and Schubert on Dec. 19. Free, open to the public. First United Methodist Church, 217 S. Church St., 704-636-3121, www.fumcsalisbury.org

Marc Hoffman — Friday-Sunday Dec. 5-7: Marc Hoffman performs at Urban Sip at The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte, 201 E. Trade St. See www.marchoffman.com and Dec. 12-14

Paleface coming to the Davis Theatre — 7:30 p.m.Thursday, Dec. 18: Indie folk band Avett Brothers collaborator, $15 at www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org or box office or 704-920-2753.

Salisbury Symphony Big Band Bash — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10: “Here’s lookin’ at you kid,” celebrating the legacy of “Casablanca.” Dinner at Hedrick Little Theater followed by dancing, wine and hors d’ouvres in the Crystal Lounge. Call 704-637-4314 for reservations.

The Salisbury Swing Band — 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13: Appearing at the Carolina Mall in Concord with a program of Christmas favorites for your shopping pleasure. Dr. Steve Etters, directory; Laura Millspaugh, vocalist. Information 704-209-4157 or www.salisburyswingband.com

Chuck Johnson & Charlyhorse with Gigi Dover & Big Love at the Double Door — Dec. 31: Double Door Inn, 1218 Charlottetowne Ave, Charlotte, ticket info at 704-372-1000, www.doubledoorinn.com

 

Theater 

Piedmont Players Theatre presents ‘A Seussified Christmas Carol’ — Public tickets go on sale Monday. See story page 6D.

Broadway’s Best Christmas Revue — • Dec. 5-7:   See CHRISTMAS, page 9D.

Old Courthouse Youth Theatre presents ‘On the Worst Day of Christmas’ — Dec. 12-21: An adventure to save the annual Christmas Pageant. See CHRISTMAS, page 9D.

 

Comedy

Comedy night at the Grapevine — 9 p.m. Saturday: Live comedy night with J.D. Colwell headlining plus Jarred Kreger. Tickets $8. 209 S. Main St., 6704-870-2574, www.cartuccisgrapevine. com

Jeff Foxworthy at Harrah’s Cherokee — Jan. 3: Ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000. Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee.

 

History 

Rowan Museum History Club — 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9: Bob Plott: Our State Dog, the Plott Hound. Presented by Rowan History Club, free. Rowan Museum Messinger Room, 202 N. Main St., (rear entrance, use elevator) 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.com or www.rowanmuseum.org/

 

Fundraisers 

Winter Wonderland craft show — 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 6: Salisbury High School Gymnasium, 500 Lincolnton Road, softball fundraiser for Lady Hornets.

Fish fry fundraiser for Tony Wise family — 3:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6: To help family of the late Tony Wise, owner of Wise Oil Co. All proceeds will to go the family. Held at  First UMC, 110 W. Church St., China Grove. Call 704-857-9713 x 12.

Old Courthouse Theaters’s 24th annual New Year’s Eve murder mystery dinner theatre — See CHRISTMAS, page 9D.

Ninth annual Lupus Mardi Gras Gala — 7 p.m.-midnight Saturday, Feb. 21: CenterStage@NoDa, 2315 N. Davidson St., Charlotte. For info call Lupus Foundation of America, NC Chapter office, 704-716-5640 or email info@lupusnc.org

Waterworks Oyster Roast 2015 — 6:30-11:30 p.m. Jan. 24: 10th annual New Year tradition supports the arts. Daddy’s of Lake Norman provides oysters and jumbo shrimp. Dancing, food, drin. For ages 21 and up. Waterworks members $80, others $85. www.waterworks.org or 04-636-1882.

 

Night Life

The Loft at Benchwarmers, 113 E. Fisher St. — • Monday, NTN trivia • 704-639-0694.

The Carriage Room, 2141 Statesville Blvd. — • Sign-up by 7 p.m. Fridays for in-house pool tournament, $5, start playing by 7:30 • Every Sunday open pool table all day • 704-647-9876, carriageroomnc@ facebook.com

Open mic tonight at Cartucci’s Grapevine, 209 S. Main St. — • 8 p.m. tonight: Open mic night, all talent welcome. Hosted by Matthew Church • 8:30 p.m. Friday: Josh Daniel and Mark Schimick Project, $5 cover • Thursday Karaoke 6:30-10:30 p.m. • 6 p.m.-midnight Fridays-Saturdays, live music begins at 9 p.m. For age 21 and over • 1 p.m. SundayFunday football showing three games on three screens open • 704-870-2574, www. cartuccisgrapevine.com

CJ’s BBQ, 210 Old Amity Hill Road, Cleveland — • 6:30 p.m., Friday night bluegrass with Hazy Ridge. 704-278-4070 DJs Restaurant, 1502 W. Innes St. — • 7:30. p.m. Thursdays: Freeport Jazz house band, no cover • Sunday: NFL football • Monday: Money Night Football. $200 cash prizes • 704-638-9647, http://djsrestaurant.com

Go Burrito, 115 W. Fisher St. across from the mural — • 8-10 p.m. Mondays: Live team trivia • Tuesdays: Open mic night • Wednesdays: Karaoke • Thursdays: Pong tournament • Weekends: Live music, deejay, karaoke and more. www.facebook.com/ GoBurritoRumBar

The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 — Saturday Heavenly Armored and Saving Darkness this sat • Set Free Church meets 5:30 p.m. Saturdays. Free refreshments, air hockey, foosball, pool. Public invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 704-213-1467.

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

Nashville Nights, 125-127 E. Innes St. — • 9:30 p.m. Saturday: Bonfire, $5 cover • Thursdays karaoke • Thursdays-Fridays Deejay Cherokee • Fridays live deejay • 704-762-9990, www.nashvillenightsnc.com

Rick’s BBQ and Grill, 929 S. Main St. — • 6 p.m. Monday, Thursday: Karaoke • 6 p.m. Tuesday: Cruise-in • 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday-Saturday: Karaoke. 704-642-0050.

Uncle Buck’s All American Pub & Grub, 127 S. Main St. — Friday: Live music with Rickett Pass Band • Magic Mondays 6-8 p.m. with magician Glen Yost • Bike Night Tuesdays 6-9 p.m. • 704-633-3750, www.facebook.com/unclebucksgrub

 

Wine & beer tastings 

Cartucci’s Grapevine — 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays: Wine tastings ​$20/person, $30/couple; Beer tastings $15/person, $25/couple​ • Each week’s beverages paired with Tapas, sliders and other creations prepared by Chef Brad McKay. Reservations encouraged. Call 704-870-2574 to reserve your spot and let us know how many will be attending. 209 S. Main St., 704-870-2574. www.cartuccis grapevine.com

Tonight at Salisbury Wine Shop — • 5:30-7:30 p.m. tonight: Duck-Rabbit beer tasting with Gerry Kuhn of The Duck-Rabbit Brewery of Farmville, NC. $5/person • 5:30-7:30 p.m Friday: Italian Wine Tasting with Koichi Matsuda of CHL International Trading Company. $5/person • 1-3 p.m. Saturday: Free Uncle Scott’s Root Beer tasting. Free samples of root beer made in Mooresville • 106 S. Main St., 704-636-5151, sws@salisburywineshop.com

Cauble Creek Vineyard and Winery — North Carolina’s 100th Winery. Tasting room open Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 1-6 p.m. Wine tastings $8 per person with a selection of eight wines for tastings. Also juices, non-alcohol ciders, food products, gift items. 704-636-1137, 700 Cauble Farm Road, see www.caublecreekvineyard.com for information on upcoming events.

 

This & That 

Craft Fair at the Y — 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3: Open to the public. J. F. Hurley Family YMCA, Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111, www.rowanymca.org

Walk With a Doc and talk  heart arrhythmia — Saturday, Dec. 6: Registration begins 8:45 a.m., event starts at 9 a.m. with Dr. Tom Christopher, cardiologist. Participants walk at their own pace.Meet at Neal Davis Gazebo in Les Myers Community Park, 130 Lawndale Ave. SE, in Concord.

Bonsai winter silhouette exhibition — Dec. 6-7: Open to the public, in the atrium of David H. Murdock Core Laboratory Building, 150 Research Campus Drive on the NC Research Campus (NCRC) in Kannapolis. Free. http://stevenzeisel.wix.com/winterbonsai

Frozen kids party — 2 p.m. Dec. 6: Frozen party with Else; crafts, decorate cupcakes, fun photos. Dress up. $25 per child by advance reservation. At Carolina Lily, 1375 Kern Carlton Road, 704-639-0033, carolinalily@att.net

Second Time Band at J.F. Hurley Family YMCA — 7-10 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6: Bring a snack to share. $6 per person, non-members welcome J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.

Blood Drive at J.F. Hurley Family YMCA — 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 23: Drop in, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.

Self-defense for seniors — 2-4 p.m. Jan. 7: $25 per person, open to all seniors 55+, J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.

Concord Library events — • Creators of Cool: Abstract Painting with Tape Lines Dec. 9 at 4:30 p.m., stories plus contribute to a new piece of artwork for the Children’s Room wall. 704-920-2058 • League of Extraordinary Legos on Dec. 16 at 4:30 p.m. for ages 4-12. Information 704-920-2058 • 7 Union St. North, Concord, www.cabarruscounty.us/library or Facebook

NC Rowan County Anime Group — 6-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15: Membership drive at Comic Monstore, 813 Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0049. Showing anime series Witch Craft Work Comedy and Romance, rated G, also covering plans for home convention Ichiban Con 6 in January. www.yahoogroups.com/group/NCRowanCountyanime/

 

Classes

Felted lattice scarf workshop with Vickie Clontz — 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13: No knitting involved, but lots of fun and creativity. Light lunch provided. Payment will hold your space at 704-431-4527 or Green Goat Gallery, 516 S. Salisbury Ave. Spencer. Cost $95 includes all materials and lunch. www.greengoatgallery.com

Card making at the Y — • 1-3 p.m., Dec. 1 and 15 • 6-8 p.m. Dec. 4 nd 18 • Make six cards. Non-member $15, member $12, J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.

Lighted Christmas ball workshop — 10 a.m. Saturday Dec. 6: John Calvin Presbyterian Church, 1620 Brenner Ave. For each ball you wish to make, bring 200 mini-lights. All other materials supplied by JCPC. Also bring canned food to donate to Rowan Helping Ministries.

Annual gingerbread house workshop at the Rowan Museum — 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7: $35 per child (price includes one attached adult), includes decorating a gingerbread house with candies and decorations and icing, photo with Santa, tours of the Museum, refreshments. 202 N. Main St., Messinger Room. 704-633-5946 or emailrowanmuseum@fibrant.com to schedule your arrival time of 1, 2 or 3 p.m.

Bridge lessons at City Park — 1-3 p.m. Mondays Jan. 5-March 16: Learning class to teach basic beginners bridge for those who have not played in awhile or those with an interest but have never played. $5 for the whole 11-week course or free to Salisbury/Rowan Newcomers members. Contact Instructor Kerry Morgan at cmorgan33@carolina.rr.com or 704-636-8906.

Waterworks Visual Arts Center — Sign up at 704-636-1882. For details on classes visit www.waterworks.org. Located at 123 E. Liberty St.

• Christmas Ornaments in Clay: Dec. 6, ages 4-12. Instructor: Brenda Gariepy. Create a set of handmade clay holiday ornaments.

• Fused Glass Ornaments: Dec. 6, Ages 16+. Instructor: Betti Pettinati-Longinotti. Spend the day making holiday ornaments.

A SoulCollage Journey — 1:30-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6: $45, registration required at www.faithart.org or 740-647-099. Center for Faith & the Arts, 207 W. Harrison St.

Pottery 101 — 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 6: Your House as a Christmas Cottage. For kids, no experience needed, advanced registration required. For ages 6-14. Cost: $35. Pottery 101, 101 S. Main St., 704-209-1632, www.pottery-101.com

Free basic computer classes — Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Classes run for two hours. Call 704-680-7317 or 704-870-8862 to schedule an appointment time. Knox’s Computer Business, 512 Klumac Road, Suite 8.

Wine Down and Create — 6-8 p.m. first Mondays: At The Green Goat Art Gallery, 516 S. Salisbury Ave. Spencer, across from N.C. Train Museum. Canvases available for purchase; paints, easels, brushes, aprons, instructions, provided. $25 per class. Bring your own beverage. Call Patt 704-232-6000 or Carol 704-213-6171 or www.winedownandcreate.com and Facebook.

Free online courses through RPL — Gale Courses: high-quality, noncredit online courses free with your library card. New sessions of six-week courses start monthly. Enroll at www.rowanpubliclibrary.org and click Online Tools, or call 704-216-8243.

 Salisbury Art Station — 4-6 p.m. ongoing weekly classes: $25 per class. Tuesdays 4-6 p.m. for ages 5-7 • Wednesdays 4-6 p.m. for ages 7 and up • Thursdays 4-6 p.m. for ages 7 and up. 704-754-0853 or art.notions@yahoo.com 215 Depot Street, 704-754-0853.

Beginning and intermediate weaving — Private lessons on a floor loom. Liese Sadler, 215-300-4369, livethreadstudio@ gmail.com

Painting with Patt — Ongoing adult oil painting classes, Tuesdays 1-3 p.m., Wednesdays 6-8 p.m. Call for info or to sign up. Class size limited to four. Patt Legg, 704-232-6000, 704-762-9647, www.pattlegg.net

Zumba fitness — • 5:30 p.m., Mondays, Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, 704-216-7714 • 6 p.m. Thursdays, $3 per person, St. Matthews Church Salisbury • J.F. Hurley Family YMCA’s aqua zumba, 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

 

Singles

Piedmont Singles — 6:15 p.m. Fridays: Bingo. For singles as well as those widowed or divorced. 1908 Statesville Blvd., Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, no joining fee, donations appreciated, covered dish.

New Beginnings Singles Club of Lake Norman — 6:30 p.m. third Thursdays: social group of singles over 50, Captain’s Galley Restaurant in Mooresville. Visitors welcome. 704-677-2331.

 

Film

Second Saturday Screenings — 3 p.m. Double feature at Hall Gym, free admission • Dec. 13: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Polar Express • 1400 W. Bank St., concessions available, 704-216-PLAY

NC Rowan County Anime Group — 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec, 6: NC Rowan County Anime Group Christmas Party features the anime movie “Avengers Confidential.” Meet at Magic Mart at 5:45 p.m. to caravan to member’s home • Coming up: Charlotte Comic book Show Sunday, Dec. 14. Details at www.yahoogroups.com/group/NCRowanCountyanime/

 

Auditions

‘Becky’s New Car’ — 7 p.m. Dec. 15-16: Lee Street theatre presents a Center for Faith & the Arts’ St. Thomas Players production by Steven Dietz. Claudia Galup directs. Auditions at CFA at Haven Lutheran Church, 207 W. Harrison St. Rehearsals begin early January. Show dates Feb. 19-22 and 26-28. Copies of the script available for checkout; email info@leestreet.org to make arrangements. Questions? Email jen4hubbard@gmail.com

 

Art 

The Framing Gallery, 320 N Main St. across from Koko Java — Artist of the Month: Barbara Duffy, local artist for 25 years, specializing in Plein Air and oil paintings. Gallery hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Tuesday and Saturday, 704-633-1246.

Fine Frame Gallery, 105 S. Main St. — • Folk Art by Wanda Clark  and Fall watercolors by Mark Brincefield. • Monday/Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 704-647-0340, www.ineframegallery.com

The Green Goat Gallery, 516 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer — Carve Into Life…Palette Knife Paintings of Patt Legg. Gallery hours Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. then 5- 8 p.m.; Sunday: 1-6 p.m. 704-431-4527, greengoatgallery@yahoo.com

Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409-413 N. Lee St. — “Small Wonders” art exhibit of small paintings by members of Rail Walk Studios & Gallery. See page 7D.

Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St. — •  Gallery hours Monday – Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 704-636-1882, www.waterworks.org

 

Trips 

YMCA sponsored trips — • Two seats left for the Belk Theater Feb. 15 trip to “The Phantom of the Opera” • July 14, 2015, “Annie,” Belk Theater, limited amount of seats • Non-members welcome, buses leave from J. F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd. Details at 704-636-0111, lklaver@ rowanymca.com

Bus trip to Christmas City — Saturday, Dec. 20: The Community Travelers take a bus trip to Christmas City: McAdenville. For information and reservation call Brenda Cowan @ 704.633.9073

 

Call for vendors

MLK Jr. holiday post-parade celebration —12:30-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015: Human Relations Council accepting applications for food, craft, retail vendors to participate. Held at Hall Gym, no vendor fee. Register at www.tinyurl.com/joinMLK2015. Go to www.humanrelationscouncil.org or email humanresources@salisburync.gov

 

Call for volunteers

MLK Jr. celebration weekend — Human Relations Council needs volunteers to help plan MLK Jr. holiday parade and breakfast programs. A community event with input needed from community representatives. Find meeting dates at www.tinyurl.com/joinMLK2015. Go to www.humanrelationscouncil.org or email humanresources @salisburync.gov

Help feed the horses — The Horse Protection Society, 2135 Miller Road, China Grove, needs volunteers to help feed the horses. Go to www.horseprotection.org or email hps@horseprotection.org.

 

Call for performers

MLK Jr. holiday parade — 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015: Human Relations Council needs community groups, bands, dancers, other performers to participate in downtown Salisbury parade. Register your group at www.tinyurl.com/joinMLK2015. Go to www.humanrelationscouncil.org or email humanresources@ salisburync.gov

MLK Jr. holiday post-parade celebration — 12:30-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015: Human Relations Council needs community groups,