American Guild of Organists Summer Recital Series with recitalist J. Samuel Hammond and John Hammond, Carilloneurs. Thu., July 4, 8:30 p.m. Free - 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 with recitalist Jane Arant; Bob Rydel and Mike Miller, brass. Sun., July 7, 7:30 p.m. Free - a free-will offering will be taken to cover the costs of the series. Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3115 Providence Road. 704-588-1290.

American Guild of Organists Summer Recital Series Evensong by Decatur Presbyterian Church Choir. Sun., July 14, 3:30 p.m. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 101 Colville Road. 704-588-1290.

A Children's Celebration In Song a concert celebrating the accomplishments of children grades 2-6 who have finished their week-long day camp requirements. Sat., July 13, 3 p.m. Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church, 1117 South Boulevard. 704-374-1892.

Symphonic Stars & Stripes July 3 at UNCC, July 4 at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. July 3, 8:15 p.m.; July 4, 8:15 p.m. Free. Charlotte Symphony, 201 S. College St. 704-972-2000.

Comedy

Comedy Zone Marc Ryan and Hoop. More information? Showtimes and Ticket prices? Visit online at www.thecomedyzone.net. July 3; July 4; July 5; July 6. Kevin Meany and Rowland Jay Moore. More information? Showtimes and ticket prices? Visit www.thecomedyzone.net. July 10; July 11. Rowland Jay Moore and Joe Moorison. More information? Showtimes and ticket prices? Visit www.thecomedyzone.net. July 10; July 11. Kevin Meany and Rowland Jay Moore. More information? Showtimes and ticket prices? Visit www.thecomedyzone.net. July 12; July 13. 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 265 - The 8th Year Celebration Why The Heck Aren't We Famous Yet Show (July 5-6, 12-13). 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.

Museums

Charlotte Museum of History/Hezekiah Alexander Homesite & American Freedom Bell 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. Southern Roots: Not Cost Effective. an outdoor installation by Crista Cammaroto. This installation is a celebration of the natural gifts of shade and strength growing amidst our progress in this region. It is also a reminder to hang on tight to our trees and value the natural gifts of our southern Piedmont. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 10. 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. 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 American Modern, 1925-1940: Design For a New Age. organized by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Federation of the Arts in New York, the exhibition traces the rise of the American design and features the work of 50 leading designers including Frank Lloyd Wright, Norman Bel Geddes, and Russel Wright. Tue.-Sun. Continues through July 28. Currents In Craft. Ongoing exhibit. Tue.-Sun. Quilts from the Carolinas. featuring the extraordinary work of contemporary quilt artists in North and South Carolina. Tue.-Sun. Continues through Sept 8. Tradition & Change: 19th and 20th Century Craft At The Mint. ongoing exhibit. Tue.-Sun. 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: OpeningsAnnie Jr. a sixty minute version of the Broadway musical presented by CPCC Summer Theatre in the Pease Auditorium on the campus of CPCC. July 3, 10 a.m.; July 5, 10 a.m.; July 6, 10 a.m.; July 7, 10 a.m.; July 8, 10 a.m.; July 9, 10 a.m.; July 10, 10 a.m.; July 11, 10 a.m.; July 12, 10 a.m.; July 13, 10 a.m. $5. CPCC, P.O. Box 35009. 704-330-6534.

Beauty and the Beast Disney's Tony award-winning smash hit musical is returning to Charlotte. The classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an evil enchantress. July 9, 8 p.m.; July 10, 8 p.m.; July 11, 8 p.m.; July 12, 8:15 p.m.; July 13, 2 p.m. & 8:15 p.m.; July 14, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. $26-$63. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-348-5800.

The Collected Shorts of Anton Chekov To purchase tickets send reservations to info@thefarmtheatre.com. July 10, 8 p.m.; July 11, 8 p.m.; July 12, 8 p.m.; July 13, 8 p.m.; July 17, 8 p.m.; July 18, 8 p.m.; July 19, 8 p.m.; July 20, 8 p.m.; July 21, 3 p.m. $10. Off-Tryon Theatre, 3143 Cullman Ave. 704-375-2826.

Deja Vu The story of father and son who have both gotten engaged - share an affair with the governess - and extra added suprises. July 5, 8 p.m.; July 6, 8 p.m.; July 7, 2:30 p.m.; July 9, 7 p.m.; July 10, 8 p.m.; July 11, 8 p.m.; July 12, 8 p.m.; July 13, 8 p.m. $15. CPCC, P.O. Box 35009. 704-330-6534.Theater: Ongoing* 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.

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.Visual Arts: OpeningsCenter of the Earth Gallery Full Bleed. works by Brad Thomas. Unique pieces derived from the pages of his journals. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 3. 3204 N Davidson St. 704-375-5756.

Queens College Art Gallery Figural Landscape Series. Solo exhibition of oil paintings by North Carolina artist Natalie Bork. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 31. 1900 Selwyn Avenue. 704-337-2286.Visual Arts: OngoingAfro-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.

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.

Charlotte Art League CAL Families. featuring art by CAL members and their children, grand children, parents, grandparents and other family members. The show highlights the continuity of creativity in families. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 31. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.

Christa Faut Gallery Paintings From Old Movies. solo exhibition of oil paintings by Douglas Houchens. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 7. 19818 N. Cove Rd., Cornelius. 704-892-5312.

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. July's featured guest artist is Diane Overcash. Mon.-Sun. 113 West First Street, Cannon Village, Kannapolis. 704-933-7917.

Elder Art Gallery Paintings. works by Diane Voyentzie. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 13. 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. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337.

The Gallery at Carillon North Carolina Furniture: Commerce + Contract. an exhibition focusing on North Carolina furniture design and manufacturing. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 31. 227 W. Trade St. 704-334-8840.

Gallery L The Graceful Envelope. Ordinary envelopes decorated in extraordinary ways. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 25. 310 N. Tryon St. 704-336-2020.

Green Door Gallery Group Show. ongoing exhibition of artwork by local and regional artists featuring drawing, painting, pastels, mixed media, monotypes, ceramics, sculpture, photography, wood design, stained glass, fabric design and handmade jewelry. Artists include Ken Hillberry, Jennie Martin Tomlin, Marcel Bourboniere, Charlotte Foust, Kirk Argo, Dan Triece, Carol Weston, Norma Velasquez-Frink, Doug Knox, Kym Cress, Michael Brown, Jim Smith, Jeff Tudor, Tara Bengle, and Mike Hargett. Mon.-Sat. 221 West A St., Cannon Village, Kannapolis. 704-932-0099.

Hidell Brooks Gallery New Paintings. by Barbara Fisher. Her first solo exhibition. Her current body of work reflects her ongoing exploration of the visual and the psychic tension. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 31. 1910 S. Blvd. Suite 130. 704-334-7302.

Jerald Melberg Gallery The Joy of Seeing New Pastel Landscapes. by Irish Artist Victor Richardson. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 20. Flower Power - New Paintings and Works on Paper. works by California native Daniel Douke. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 20. 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-3000.

The Light Factory 2002 Members Show. a highlight of the creativity of our members with this non-juried exhibition. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 10. 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.

Merrill-Jennings Galleries 32nd Anniversary Gallery Group Show. featuring works by Hal Singer, Charles Jay, Barry Hohnston, Loren DiBenedetto, Jayne Braxton, Jim Chapman, Judith Gossenberger Brown, Virginia Campbell Quillen, Betsay Hampton, Miss Addie James, and Kenneth Nelson. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 31. Vanishing Carolina. by Virginia Campbell Quillen. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 31. 463 S. Main St., Davidson. 704-895-1213.

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 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. 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.

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 James Crompton. Exhibiting dramatic and dynamic landscapes, seascapes, and music related paintings in oil by James Crompton. Also featuring original works by other local and regional artists in a variety of mediums. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 31. Jim Chapman. exhibiting bold, captivating still lifes painted in acrylic by Jim Chapman. Also featuring original works by other local and regional artists in a variety of mediums. Mon.-Sun. Continues through July 31. 8016-900 Providence Rd. and 1035 Providence Rd. 704-541-3199 or 704-342-1774.

Pottery Central Pottery Central. featuring "Horse Hair Raku" pieces by Andrew Linton. Also featuring garden art and new dinnerware 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.

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 Floating World. japanese woodblock prints, Kimono cloth and Kimonos. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Sept 8. Salisbury. 704-636-1882.