American Guild of Organists Summer Recital Series featuring Stephen & Susan Talley and Laurel Talley on violin. Sun., June 9, 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public, a free-will offering will be taken to cover the costs of the series. Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 E. Morehead St. 704-588-1290.

American Guild of Organists Summer Recital Series featuring recitalist William Sawyer. Sun., June 16, 7:30 p.m. First Baptist Church, 301 S. Davidson St. 704-588-1290.

Downtown Davidson's Sunday Concerts on the Green all shows are free and open to the public and take place on the town green. The next performance will feature a Tribute to the Musicals of Richard Rodgers. Sun., June 9, 6 p.m. Davidson College, Davidson. 704-892-8528.

Symphonic Juke Box part of the Summer Pops Series. Performance will feature works by Shostakovich, Chabrier, Elgar, Verdi, Borodin, Puccini, and Tchaikovsky. Performance will be held as follows: June 13-Stumptown Park, Matthews - June 14-Frank Liske Park, Concord - June 15-Gaston County Park, Dallas - June 16-Symphony Park at SouthPark. June 13, 8:15 p.m.; June 14, 8:15 p.m.; June 15, 8:15 p.m.; June 16, 7 p.m. Charlotte Symphony, 201 S. College St. 704-972-2000.

Symphony Spectacular Symphony Park Inagural Concert. June 8-at Duke Power Energy Explorium, Lake Norman. June 9-at Symphony Park at SouthPark with the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra presenting a prelude. June 8, 8:15 p.m.; June 9, 8:15 p.m. Charlotte Symphony, 201 S. College St. 704-972-2000.

Comedy

Comedy Zone Tim Wilson. Uncle BS. A regular on "Nashville Now" and a John Boy and Billy favorite. Tim weaves a fresh but skewed look at an upside-down world. When he picks up his guitar, grab hold of your chair because we guarantee you'll fall out laughing. One of the hottest comics in the country. June 7, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m.; June 8, 7 p.m.,9 p.m. & 11 p.m. Call for prices. 516 N. College St. 704-348-4242.The Eddie Griffin Tour, featuring comedian and actor Eddie Griffin (the new Undercover Brother) will hit the Belk Theatre of the Performing Arts Center at 8pm on June 7. Tickets are $35-50, available by calling 704-522-6500.

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. 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

Seasons a year end performance presented by Community School of the Arts students. The performance will include all the school's dance students displaying their dance accomplishments learned this year. Sat., June 8, 7 p.m. $8. 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 Heirloom Quilts. Crafted by regional artists from 1830-1920. Tue.-Sun. Continues through June 30. 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. Continues through July 14. 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 The Allure of East Asia. An exhibition that glimpses into the wealth and variety of Asian art created over time. An engaging reflection of the aesthetics and techniques that produced incredibly beautiful ceramics, furniture, textiles and crafts throughout thousands of years. Over 100 objects will be on display. Tue.-Sun. Continues through July 14. 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. Digital Gardens. a collection of digital art work created by 40 junior and sophomore high school students studying graphic communications at The Highland School of Technology in Gastonia. 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 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.

Theater: Openings

Always...Patsy Cline presented by The Producers' Group. Ted Swindley's musical tribute. Show runs June 12-July 28. Showtimea are Wednesday-Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 3pm and 7pm. $22-$25. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. 704-334-9128.

Candide Music by Leonard Bernstein, book adapted from Voltaire by Hugh Wheeler. Lyrics by Richard Wilbur with additional lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and John Latouche. Show runs June 6-8 and 12-15 at 7:30pm and June 9 at 2:30pm. $14/adults, $12/students and seniors. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St., Salisbury. 704-633-5471.

The Frog Prince the classic tale of the handsome Prince who was turned into an ugly frog by a wicked witch and could only be released from the evil spell by a kiss from a Princess, presented by Patchwork Players in the Auditorium of the Gaston County Public Library. Fri., June 14, 10 a.m. Gaston County Public Library, 1555 East Garrison Blvd, Gastonia. 704-868-2165 or 704-868-2167.

Kiss Me, Kate a musical comedy of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. June 11, 8 p.m.; June 12, 8 p.m.; June 13, 8 p.m.; June 14, 8:15 p.m.; June 15, 2 p.m. & 8:15 p.m.; June 16, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. $20-$61. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000.

* Oklahoma! part of the Central Piedmont Summer Theatre -it features some of the areas finest musical talents. Award-winning actors, Patrick Ratchford, Susan Roberts and Stephen Ware head a cast of 25 in this all-time musical favorite. June 5, 8 p.m.; June 6, 8 p.m.; June 7, 8 p.m.; June 8, 8 p.m.; June 9, 2:30 p.m.; June 11, 7 p.m.; June 12, 8 p.m.; June 13, 8 p.m.; June 14, 8 p.m.; June 15, 8 p.m. $15. CPCC, P.O. Box 35009. 704-330-6534.

Proposals Set in the Poconos, Neil Simon's Proposals recalls the summer of 1953, which was the last time the Hines family gathered. It's a summer of romantic entanglements which intertwine the nine characters' lives in one afternoon. Be suprised and delighted when you manage to stop laughing. June 6, 8:15 p.m.; June 7, 8:15 p.m.; June 8, 8:15 p.m.; June 9, 2:30 p.m.; June 13, 8:15 p.m.; June 14, 8:15 p.m.; June 15, 8:15 p.m. Little Theatre of Gastonia, 238 S. Clay St., P.O. Box 302, Gastonia. 704-865-0160.

The Sound of Music the timeless story of the singing Von Trapp family. June 13, 8 p.m.; June 14, 8 p.m.; June 15, 8 p.m.; June 20, 8 p.m.; June 21, 8 p.m.; June 22, 8 p.m. $20 adults, $18 students/seniors. Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2340.

Theater: Ongoing

* Fuddy Meers David Linsay-Abaire's uproarious farce, presented by Actor's Theatre of Charlotte. June 5, 7:30 p.m.; June 6, 7:30 p.m.; June 7, 8 p.m.; June 8, 8 p.m.; June 12, 7:30 p.m.; June 13, 7:30 p.m.; June 14, 8 p.m.; June 15, 8 p.m.; June 16, 2 p.m. $14-$18. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.

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 Vagina Monologues Eve Ensler's celebrated and provocative play that has become a phenomenon worldwide returns to Charlotte. Starring Glynis Bell and Rhonda Ross. Thru June 9, Tuesday-Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 5pm and 8pm, and Sunday at 3pm and 7pm. No shows on Monday. $32-$42. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. 704-358-9298.

Visual Arts: Openings

Afro-American Cultural Center Women of a New Tribe. a photographic study of African-American beauty. The exhibit showcases the many-faceted beauty of a very unique group of women; women who did not meet the widely held eurocentric standards of beauty. The exotic images of these women is captured by photographer, Jerry Taliaferro. Tue.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 25. 401 N. Myers St. 704-374-1565.

Art Institute of Charlotte Gallery Hatch Show Prints. from Hatch Show Print in Nashville, one of the oldest working letterpress print shops in America. Hatch posters have featured such country music performers as Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Garth Brooks. Mon.-Fri. Continues through July 31. 2110 Water Ridge Parkway. 704-357-8020.

Blue Pony Gallery & Press Songs of Summer. a colorful collection of painting and monotypes by Jan Kinslowe, Margret Kuehni and Mary Lou Sussman. Tue.-Sat. Continues through June 29. Into the Mystery. mixed media works by Linda Vista. Tue.-Sat. Continues through June 29. 3202A N. Davidson St. 704-334-9390.

Elder Art Gallery Landscapes East to West: As the Crow Files. featuring the work of nine American artists from the east coast to the west coast. Tue.-Fri. Continues through July 20. Paintings. works by Diane Voyentzie. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 13. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337.

Hart-Witzen Gallery Creative Juices. exhibition by in-house artists and guest artists. Featuring installation art, sculpture, photography, painting and blacksmithing. Mon.-Sun. Continues through June 24. 611 W. 5th St. 704-334-1177.

Myersart Gallery New Works. gas-fired, ash glazed, stoneware pottery by Robert Hasselle - as well as functional and decorative works by 27 other local artists. Mon.-Sun. 1510 Camden Road. 704-790-2529.

Visual Arts: Ongoing

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. Eye to Eye. Photographic Exhibit - will consist of 18 images depicting candid views from deep in the African Bush. The collection will be open to the public during normal business hours. Mon.-Sun. Continues through June 8. 101 South Tryon Street.

Center of the Earth Gallery New Paintings from the Interiors Series. works by Page Laughlin. Tue.-Sat. Continues through June 29. Drawings In Space. new sculpture by Paul Sires. Tue.-Sat. Continues through June 29. 3204 N Davidson St. 704-375-5756.

Charlotte Art League From Beast to Bunnies. featuring art by CAL members depicting mammals of all types and sizes. Mon.-Sun. Continues through June 30. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.

CPCC Art Gallery Paintings. by David Freeman, a Professor of Art at Winthrop University. His acrylic paintings are abstract - reminiscent of the Abstract Expressionists - and generally in large scale. Mon.-Thur., 12-3 p.m. Continues through July 26. P.O. Box 35009. 704-330-2722.

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

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.

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.

Joie Lassiter Gallery Various Works. featuring Eric Anderson, Shaun Cassidy, Jeff Huberman, Marc Lambrechts, Lluis Lleo, John Nickerson and Ran Ortner. Mon.-Sun. Continues through June 30. 318 E 9th. 704-373-1464.

The Light Factory Urban Identities: 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 Open House. featuring 8 Affiliate Artists. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 19. 721 N. Tryon St. 704-332-5535.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 704-343-0050.

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 Beth Goldston. featuring delightful pastels depicting landscapes of Eastern North Carolina. Also exhibiting other original works of art by local and regional artists. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Continues through June 30. Dorothy Shoemaker. featuring picturesque landscapes in oil, painted on canvas. Exhibiting many original works by other local and regional artists. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Continues through June 30. 8016-900 Providence Rd. and 1035 Providence Rd. 704-541-3199 or 704-342-1774.

Pottery Central Pottery Central. featuring functional and sculptural salt fired pieces by Andrew Linton and new planters and garden art by Karen Linton. Tue.-Sat., 12-5 p.m. 3534 Central Ave. 704-537-4477.

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 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 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. 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.

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. *