Chamber Music Concert the noted Ensemble Vermillian will perform a recital of Baroque chamber music at the Lingle Chapel of Davidson College Presbyterian Church. The trio will perform works by Bach, Corelli, Leclair and others. Thu., May 9, 7:30 p.m. The concert is free of charge. Davidson College, Davidson. 704-895-9931.Charlotte Flute Choir The program of light classical music will include both original and transcribed works written specifically for the medium of flute choir. Sun., May 19, 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. Sharon United Methodist Church, 4411 Sharon Road. 704-552-7128.

Charlotte Symphony Season Finale featuring conductor Joann Falletta and pianist Jon Nakamatsu. The program will highlight the works of Barber, Gershwin and Piston. May 17, 8 p.m.; May 18, 8 p.m. $12-$55. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

Hearts Joined in Solidarity A musical concert benefiting victims from 9/11 and Afghany men, women and children. Sat., May 18, 7-9:30 p.m. $10. Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 E. Morehead St. 704-358-9630.

Hooray for Hollywood...at the Booth! Carolina Voices 80 voice MainStage Choir will end its season with a Choral Tribute to the Great Film Musicals. Show will run May 16-18 at 8pm, and May 18-19 at 3pm. $20-$25. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000.

Miatta Fahnbelleh Concert Concert and entertainment featuring West African Icons - Miatta Fahnbelleh and Bosca Banks. Sat., May 18, 9 p.m. $30 at the door. Temple Beth El, 5101 Providence Road. 917-880-8170.

Orengo Band Latin rhythm, jazz and fun! Traditional Puerto Rican, Cuban and Dominican Republican sounds for a Latin jazz lovers' concert. Sat., May 11, 8 p.m. $15-$20. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.

Comedy

Comedy Zone Hypnotist Gary Conrad. Gary has amazed audiences with his hypnotism show. His show can only be described as a cross between the Rocky Horror Picture Sho and a legalized LSD trip. The show will run May 8-11, call for showtimes. Tom McGillen and John Rathbone. a regular on Comedy Central, Showtime and VH-1, Tom's act unfolds as a freewheeling collection of impressions, sketches and observations of everything imaginable. His rubber face has landed countless paying comedy gigs all across the country. Show runs May 15-18. Call for showtimes. 516 N. College St. 704-348-4242.

The Perch Theatre Perch Comedy. Cheerfully offending Charlotte since 1994. Located at 1500 Central Ave., 2nd floor. Showtimes are 9pm and 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights. There is also a late show on Saturdays at 1am. Performances are rated R for verbal content. www.theperch.com. Upcoming: Show 260-"Twice One Thirty" May 3-11. Audience Favorites. Fri., Sat. $10/$8 for students with I.D. Extreme Improv. Completely improvised shows every Saturday at 7pm. Similar to "Who's Line Is It Anyway?". Call 866-Improv1 or see website at www.extremeimprov.com. Improv classes ongoing. Saturdays, 7 p.m. $8. 1500 B. Central Ave.

Dance

Carmina Burana Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux's classic work featuring NC Dance Theatre, The Charlotte Symphony, the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte, the Winthrop University Chorale, and the Charlotte Children's Choir. May 10, 8 p.m.; May 11, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. $17-$50. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000.

Fowl Play a satirical contemporary interpretation of the classic Swan Lake presented by Moving Poets. Thursday-Saturday, May 9-11, at 8pm, and Sunday May 12 at 7pm. $14.50-$18.50. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000.

Museums

Asheville Art Museum John Cage Visual Art: To Sober and Quiet the Mind. A facinating exhibition composed of 75 works borrowed from public and private collections and includes a portfolio of handmade paper created by Cage. Tue.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & 1-5 p.m. Continues through June 30. $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, students with ID and children 4-15, children 3 and younger admitted free. 2 So. Pack Square at Park Place, P.O. Box 1717, Asheville. 828-253-3227.

Charlotte Museum of History/Hezekiah Alexander Homesite & American Freedom Bell Community of Faiths: The Spiritual and Religious Heritage of the Carolinas Piedmont. exhibit explores the impact of religion, faith-based institutions, and spiritual traditions on the region from early Native American villages to the present; includes gallery depicting the life, career and worldwide influence of Charlotte native son, Billy Graham. Tue.-Sun. Raising The Roof: Barns of Our State. A photographic collaboration between the museum and Our State: North Carolina Magazine exploring a vanishing icon of the rural and agricultural South - the old wooden barn. Tue.-Sun. 3500 Shamrock Dr., Between Eastway and Sharon Amity. 704-568-1774.

* Levine Museum of the New South Carolina Victorian - Rediscovering the New South's First Architecture. Celebrating the richness of this era which extended from the exterior to the interior, Carolina Victorian treats visitors to photographs of NC Victorian Landmarks, furnished Victorian rooms, scenes of Charlotte from 1905 versus today, and a dollhouse that replicates the tiniest details of a Victorian home. Mon.-Sun. 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887.

* Mint Museum of Art American Modern, 1925-1940: Design for a New Age. an exhibition to illustrate the competitive creative spirit of Americans. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Dec. 31. Art Glass: The Collection of Marjorie and Robert McDorman. Brilliant and elegant examples of art glass from the guilded age. Ranges from small vases and plates to much larger urns and lamps. Included are works from all of the major glassmakers of the period: Galle, Daum, Loetz, Tiffany, Carder, Steuben, Durand and Quezal among others. Mon.-Sun. Continues through June 16. Pierre Joseph Redoute: A Man Passionate About Flowers. a presentation of 24 nineteenth century botanical hand-colored engravings from Redoute's most renowned works, Les Lilacees and Les Roses, from public and private collections. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 28. 2730 Randolph Rd. 704-337-2000 or 704-333-MINT.

Mint Museum of Craft & Design Process. the works of Albert Paley. On display are concept drawings, finished drawings, maquettes or small-scale models, and photos of the finished commissions for five projects. Mon.-Sun. Continues through June 2. Quilts from the Carolinas. featuring the extraordinary work of contemporary quilt artists in North and South Carolina. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Sept 8. 220 N. Tryon St. 704-337-2009.

Spoken Word

23 Studio/Pat's Tavern Open Mic Spoken Word Poetry Night. a chance for all local poets, drummers and entertainers to come showcase their talent. After each poetry session you can stay and listen to DJ Live and an up and coming musical act to follow. There will also be local incense, oil, art and jewelry vendors at the event. Thursdays. $5 before 10:30pm, $10 thereafter. 3209 N. Davidson St. 704-370-6107.

Crystal on the Plaza Reggae Club Wisdom Wednesdays. at Crystal on the Plaza Reggae Club, 3018 The Plaza Rd. Open Mic, Spoken Word, Poetry and other conscious thoughts and expressions. Word, Sound & Power...Roots, Culture & Knowledge. Hosted by Aquiyla and Nina, MC by Filmore, Musical Innervissions by DJ DR and DJ Justice. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. 3018 The Plaza. 704-376-3799.

Jackson's Java Poetry Open Mike. Jonathan rice will host a poetry open mike. Thu., May 9, 8 p.m. 8544 University City Blvd. 704-595-9526.

Theater: Openings

2nd Annual New 15-Minute Play Festival 7 plays have been chose to be produced at the festival. They are: Tough Cookie by Rich Orloff, The Little In-Between by Carl Gonzalez, Next by Mary Miller, Among My Souvenirs by Dave DeChristopher, Snow White and the Seven Deadly Sins by Stan Peal, Biff and Blanche by John Twomey, and Do I? by Serena Rudin. May 9-11 at 8pm and May 12 at 2pm. $6. Queens College, 1900 Selwyn Ave. 704-577-7274.

The Bluest Eye The Afro-American Children's Theatre presents Toni Morrison's touching drama, The Bluest Eye. May 17, 7:30 p.m.; May 18, 4 p.m.; May 19, 4 p.m. $14/adults, $12/children. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-7410 or 704-372-1000.

The Medium and The Seven Deadly Sins The CPCC Opera Theatre will be presenting a double-bill of Gian Carlo Menotti's The Medium and Kurt Weill's The Seven Deadly Sins. A story of desire to communicate with the dead, The Medium is a haunting suspense rarely found in opera. The Seven Deadly Sins, an interpretation of a split personality, is a "sung ballet" performed in collaboration with CPCC's Dance Central. The shoe will run May 10-11 at 8pm and May 12 at 2:30pm. CPCC, P.O. Box 35009. 704-330-6534.

Nit Wits please call for reservations and directions. May 17, 7:30 p.m.; May 18, 7:30 p.m. $5. Lake Norman School of the Arts, Mooresville. 704-662-9107.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest the play based on the Ken Kesey novel of the same name. Show runs May 16-18, 23-25, 30-31 and June 1 at 8pm and on June 2 at 3pm. $12. McCelvey Center, York. 803-628-5025.

Shadowlands The West End and Broadway hit is the love story of C.S. Lewis and American poet Joy Davidman. Show runs May 16-25, Thursday-Saturday, at 8pm. $15/adults, $10/seniors and students. Off-Tryon Theatre, 3143 Cullman Ave. 704-375-2826.

A Taste of Broadway an ongoing musical theatre revue that will combine fine food with the flavor of Broadway. Sundays, 5-9 p.m. $10 per person for show only. Food costs extra. Swing 1000, 1000 Central Ave. 704-334-4443.

The Velveteen Rabbit presented by the Children's Theatre of Charlotte, this adaptation of Scott Davidson's classic book reminds us what all children know in their hearts: favorite toys are very "real; they are trusted companions and loyal friends. The show runs May 10-19, however all shows are sold out with the exception of the May 19 4pm show. Tickets are going fast, so hurry. $9/center, $6/side. Children's Theatre of Charlotte. 704-333-8983.

Visual Arts: Openings

Microcosm Gallery Exhibition of Paintings. by Jacek Palucha of Poland. For information about Jacek visit his website at www.palucha.art.pl/. Mon.-Sat. Continues through July 20. 300 N. College St. #101. 704-618-6568.

NC Museum of Art Empire of the Sultans: Ottoman Art from the Khalili Collection. an exhibit celebrating the rich artistic heritage of the Ottoman Empire. The exhibition presents approximately 200 objects from the Nassar D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, one of the largest collections of its kind. Tue.-Sun. Continues through July 28. $7.50-$5.50. 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 919-839-6262.

Shain Fine Art Originals Two Artist Show. a collection of works by Joseph Cave, and Mediterranean Grids by Sally Quirk. Mon.-Sun. Continues through June 30. 601-B Providence Rd. 704-334-7744.

Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art Fathoming. a collection of works by Karen Beall, Kristin Caskey, Nancy Davidson, and Jude Tallichet. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 7. 750 Marguerite Dr., Winston-Salem. 336-725-1904.

Visual Arts: Ongoing

Art Institute of Charlotte Gallery Drew Kinney: Entertainment Design. The exhibit will feature selected set design drawings, blueprints and elevations developed for movies and TV shows including Beverly Hills 90210 and American Pie. Art work for developed logos will also be displayed. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Continues through May 31. 2110 Water Ridge Parkway. 704-357-8020.

Bank of America Plaza Space, Structure and Vision. Curated by Joie Lassiter Gallery. Featuring works by Mary Edith Alexander, Helene Brandt, Gary Byrd, Lluis Lleo, Ran Ortner, Karen Rifas, Thomas Rose, Idamarie Spurr, Mike Wsol. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Nov. 15. 101 South Tryon Street. 704-373-1464.

Blue Pony Gallery & Press Crossing the Divide. and installation by Mikel Robinson. Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through May 31. Eight Recapped Whitewalls. woodcuts and monotypes by Rusk Masterson. Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through May 31. 3202A N. Davidson St. 704-334-9390.

Charlotte Art League Spring Into Art Juried Art Show. juried by Alex Horstman. Mon.-Sun. Continues through May 31. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.

Christa Faut Gallery Large Drawings. pieces by Herb Jackson. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. & 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through May 31. 19818 N. Cove Rd., Cornelius. 704-892-5312.

Diane Overcash Studio New Paintings. original oil and acrylic paintings by Diane Overcash. May's featured guest artist is W. Scott Deatherage. Mon.-Sun. 113 West First Street, Cannon Village, Kannapolis. 704-933-7917.

Elder Art Gallery The Masters. The exhibition will feature the work of Marc Chagall, Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein, Joan Miro, Roberto Matta, Robert Rauschenberg, Frank Stella and Andy Warhol. Tue.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Continues through May 31. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337.

Gallery L Vietnam: Journey of the Heart. photographs by Geoffrey Clifford, 1985-2000. A collection of stunning color images that contrast timeless pastoral scenes with views of a mondern culture beginning a new century. Mon.-Sun. Continues through June 9. 310 N. Tryon St. 704-336-2020.

Green Door Gallery Group Show. featuring the original watercolors, drawings, prints, pastels and mixed media by Ken Hillberry. Paintings by Jennie Martin Tomlin, Marcel Bourbonniere, Hadassa Falson, Pottery by Kirk Argo, Norma Velazques-Frink, Carol Weston, Sculpture by Chase Winfield, Jeff Tudor, Fiber design by Peggy Luey, Functional Wood Design by Michael Brown and Stained Glass design by Kym Cress. Mon.-Sat. 221 West A St., Cannon Village, Kannapolis. 704-932-0099.

Hart-Witzen Gallery I Love My Life. an exhibition by in-house artists, as well as a glimpse into their world behind closed doors. Featuring installation art, sculpture, photography, painting and blacksmithing. Mon.-Sun. Continues through May 20. 611 W. 5th St. 704-334-1177.

Hidell Brooks Gallery New Paintings. by Philip Geiger. Concurrently with this exhibition is a group exhibition with new works by Eric Aho, Carol Anthony, Tom Berg, Barbara Fisher, Tony Hernandez, Brian Rutenberg and Christopher Terry. Tue.-Sat. Continues through June 15. 1910 S. Blvd. Suite 130. 704-334-7302.

Hodges Taylor Gallery New Works. by Richard Fennell and Maud Gatewood, two North Carolina painters who have demonstrated extraordinary skill in visually describing our varied landscapes. Mon.-Sun. Continues through June 29. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.

Jerald Melberg Gallery Emily Wilson - New Sculpture. Wall sculptures which are the seamless integration of intricately hand-carved pieces of basswood upon an equally intricate steel wire armature. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Continues through June 8. Stanley Bielen - Still Life Impressions. first solo exhibition. Still lifes in the loose brushy style of the Impressionists, harkening back to the work of Edouard Manet and Pierre Renoir. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Continues through June 8. 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-3000.

The Light Factory The Topography of Desire. a multi-media installation by Jacqueline Heer. Mon.-Sun. Continues through June 15. 809 W. Hill St. 704-333-9755.

McColl Center for Visual Art's Spirit Square Gallery What's New 2. an exhibition of three-dimensional work by Charlotte area artists. Mon.-Sun. Continues through June 30. 345 N. College St. 704-332-5535.

Merrill-Jennings Galleries Fruit n' Flowers. a potpourri of spring paintings by Loren DiBenedetto, Jayne Braxton, Jim Chapman, Paula Wright and Charles Jay. Mon.-Sun. Continues through May 31. 463 S. Main St., Davidson. 704-895-1213.

Myersart Gallery Works by Local Artists. featuring functional and decorative works in clay by local artists including Mary Mason, Lambeth Marshal, Carolyn Carroll, John and Jan Myers, Sandra Delonis, Joyce Branch. Phyllis Graham, Patsy McAlpine, Gena Van Dyke, Cindi Powell, Donald L. Foster, Sylvia Coppola, Kim Frazier, Shelly Johnston, Carolyn Burke, Corine Gussman, Alex and Mary Miller, Robert Hasselle, Jennifer Kincaid, Fran Brown, Vanessa Grubbs, and Karen Kramer. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.,11 a.m.-5 p.m. & 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 1510 Camden Road. 704-790-2529.

Noel Gallery Black As... a body of work that consists of multimedia assemblages, oil on canvas paintings and constructions. Mon.-Sun. Continues through June 25. Transamerica Square 401 N. Tryon St.

Plantsylvania Garden Art. items of art for the garden and pond by Rose Hawley. Mon.-Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 1515 Camden Road. 704-334-5331.

Pope's Gallery Jodie Ochoa. exhibiting refreshing pastels depicting marshscapes, and landscapes. Also featuring works by other local and regional artists in a variety of mediums. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Continues through May 31. James Crompton. exhibiting dramatic and dynamic landscapes, seascapes, and music related paintings in oil. Also featuring original works by other local and regional artists in a variety of mediums. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Continues through May 31. 8016-900 Providence Rd. and 1035 Providence Rd. 704-541-3199 or 704-342-1774.

S. Lampke Fine Art and Design Collection of Works. featuring oils and pastels. Also showing oil floorcloths, painted "Cottage" furniture, and a collection of hand knotted Persian Carpets. Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 1517 Camden Road, Studio #5. 704-362-1033.

Shain Fine Art Originals Geoffrey Johnson. Atlanta based artist. Mon.-Sun. Continues through May 11. 601-B Providence Rd. 704-334-7744.

Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art Passage. a retrospective of the works of Martha Dunigan. Pieces on view in a variety of media, including sculpture, collage, printmaking, ceramics, and drawing. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 7. 750 Marguerite Dr., Winston-Salem. 336-725-1904.

Waterworks Visual Arts Center 150 Years of North Carolina Quilts & Rowan County Quilters: Yesterday & Today. Selections from the Pattie Royster James Collection as well as antizue quilts and works by Joyce Heilig, Nancy Isenhour, Karen Morgan, Rachel Sechler, Suzanne Walters and Brenda Zimmerman. Mon.-Sun. Continues through June 23. Salisbury. 704-636-1882.

Wingate University Art Faculty Exhibit. Includes works by professors: Marilyn Hartness, stoneware and ceramics; Louise Napier, watercolors and colored pencil works and fabric scenery; Karen Wheeler, computer graphics and drawings using mixed media work combining papermaking, drawing and computer graphics; and Lex Youngman, photos and videos. Mon.-Sun. Continues through May 11. 704-233-8308.

Wrightnow Gallery Decade. Charlotte's Eclipse Art Group bids farewell to Wrightnow Gallery with a 2-month exhibit of art by the founding members. Wrightnow will close for good in June. Mon.-Sun. Continues through May 31. 3205 N. Davidson St. 704-554-8093. *