American Guild of Organists Summer Recital Series featuring Patricia Parker. Sun., Aug. 18, 7:30 p.m. All recitals are free and open to the public; a free-will offering will be taken to cover the costs of the series. Myers Park Baptist Church. 704-588-1290.

*Brightstar Music Festival Chamber Music Concert Series three different spectacular programs with the acclaimed Festival musicians. August 8 & 10 - Orli Shaham with members of New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Pittsburgh and Charlotte Symphonies. For complete information visit online at www.brightstarfestival.org. Aug. 8, 8 p.m.; Aug. 10, 8 p.m. $7-$25 per show, $50/all three. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.

Charlotte Chapter of the American Guild of Organists Summer Recital Series featuring Daniel Hanneman and John Apple. Sun., Aug. 11, 7:30 p.m. All recitals are free and open to the public; a free-will offering will be taken to cover the costs of the series. Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 216 S. Aspen St., Lincolnton. 704-588-1290.

Downtown Davidson's Sunday Concerts on the Green Series on the town green, featuring Local Blues Band Scaldcat. More information? www.concertsonthegreen.com. Sun., Aug. 11, 6 p.m. Free and open to all. Davidson College, Davidson. 704-892-8528.

Sizzlin' Summer Music Series The smooth sounds of jazz musician, Roy Dunlap will kick off the series on August 17. The world renowned ensemble, MANTRA, will perform on August 31. The series will conclude on September 14 with national recording artist and jazz saxophonist, don Braden. More information? www.aacc-charlotte.org. Aug. 17, 8 p.m.; Aug. 31, 8 p.m.; Sept 14, 10:30 p.m. $12 per show. Afro-American Cultural Center, 401 N. Myers St. 704-374-1565.

Comedy

Comedy Zone Benny Baker and R. Bruce. call for showtimes and ticket prices, or visit online at www.thecomedyzone.net. Aug. 7; Aug. 8; Aug. 9; Aug. 10. Dave Attell. from Comedy Central's Insomniac. More information? www.thecomedyzone.net. Aug. 14; Aug. 15; Aug. 16; Aug. 17. 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 Cooling Colonial Desserts. Help create and taste a variety of traditional summer treats in our log kitchen and springhouse. $1 w/paid admission $2 children under 12 $4 students/seniors $6 adults. Sat., Aug. 10, 2-4 p.m. Furniture Caning Techniques. Charlie Smith's workshop will include practicing techniques on basic frames and using these skills on furniture. All supplies provided. Lunch included. $20 members $30 non-members. Call for reservations. Sat., Aug. 17, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Lost North Carolina: An Architectural Heritage Exhibition. Peer into North Carolina's past, as inspiring architecture that no longer stands is revealed through photographic prints and drawings. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Sept 30. 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 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. Everyman's Gold. English lustreware from the Collection of John Elsley. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Dec. 1. 2730 Randolph Rd. 704-337-2000 or 704-333-MINT.

Mint Museum of Craft & Design Currents In Craft. Ongoing exhibit. Tue.-Sun. Patchwork Crash Course. led by Claudia Reynolds, a featured quilter at the museum, is perfect for beginners. Attendees will be instructed in basic quilting techniques, giving them a foundation to start quilting as a hobby. Supplies and lunch included, $75 members $100 non-members. Call to register. Sat., Aug. 17, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 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: Openings

The Shadow Box winner of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for best play of the season. All proceeds will go to support the Catawba Care Coalition, a non-profit organization which provides support and services to patients and families living with HIV/AIDS. Aug. 9, 8 p.m.; Aug. 10, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Aug. 11, 3 p.m. $10. Children's Theatre of Charlotte. 704-578-6213.

Shirley Valentine Broadway comedy tour-de-force - at Spirit Square's Duke Power Theatre. Starring Charlotte's own Rebecca Koon. Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 16, 8 p.m.; Aug. 17, 8 p.m.; Aug. 18, 2 p.m.; Aug. 21, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 23, 8 p.m.; Aug. 24, 8 p.m.; Aug. 25, 2 p.m.; Aug. 28, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 30, 8 p.m.; Aug. 31, 8 p.m. $18-$25. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-348-5800.

Theater: Ongoing

*Crimes of the Heart presented by The Davidson Commmunity Players in Hodson Hall on the campus of Davidson College. Aug. 8, 8 p.m.; Aug. 9, 8 p.m.; Aug. 10, 8 p.m. $15/adults, $13/seniors and students. Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2340.

*The Maids/An Experiment for Theatre: August Stringberg's Miss Julie presented by The Farm Theatre. For more information visit online at www.thefarmtheatre.com. Aug. 8, 8 p.m.; Aug. 9, 8 p.m.; Aug. 10, 8 p.m. Free at Hart-Witzen Gallery.

*A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare, will be presented at the Off-Tryon Theatre by The Actor's Gym Theater Company. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Aug. 8, 8 p.m.; Aug. 9, 8 p.m.; Aug. 10, 8 p.m.; Aug. 15, 8 p.m.; Aug. 16, 8 p.m.; Aug. 17, 8 p.m. $10. At 3143 Cullman Ave. 704-375-2826.

*Not Now, Darling by Ray Cooney and John Chapman, presented at The Meroney Theatre in Salisbury. Aug. 7, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 8, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 9, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 10, 7:30 p.m. $9/Wednesday, $12/seniors and students, $14/adults. Piedmont Players Theatre, 213 S. Main St., Salisbury. 704-633-5471.

*Smoke on the Mountain a summer musical presented by Old Courthouse Theatre. Aug. 8, 8 p.m.; Aug. 9, 8 p.m.; Aug. 10, 8 p.m.; Aug. 11, 2:30 p.m. $12/adults, $8/children 12 and under. Old Courthouse Theatre, Inc., P.O. Box 1187, Concord. 704-788-2405.

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: Openings

Microcosm Gallery Colorful Nature. an exhibition of paintings by Daniel Sztyber. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Oct. 9. 300 N. College St. #101. 704-641-4256.

Visual Arts: Ongoing

Afro-American Cultural Center African Rituals and African-American Celebrations. exhibit illustrates the sacred rituals brought to America from Africa that are now an integral part of African-American cultural celebrations. Tue.-Sat. Continues through Aug. 25. 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 ext. 33.

Applewood Gallery Near Visions. Pastels with an intimate vantage point featuring Judith Cutler. Also, Terry Thirion, Ada Offerdahl and other artists. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Sept 26. 3920 Park Rd. 704-525-6162.

Art 1 Gallery 57th Juried Exhibition 2002. presented by Art 1 and the Watercolor Society of NC. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 23. 170 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia. 704-854-8800.

Art Institute of Charlotte Gallery Tattoo Baby Doll Project. the works of Sherri Wood. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 30. 2110 Water Ridge Parkway. 704-357-8020.

Artists' Atelier Carolina Open Studios. by appointment. Ongoing exhibits feature paintings and mixed media by popular North Carolina Artists: Peggy Hutson Weston, Fay M. Miller, Carol Mueller, Betty G. Robinson; Photography by Waldo Miller; and sculptures by Greg Weston. Studios are open to the public, gallery owners, designers and art connoisseurs. Please call for an appointment. Mon.-Sun. 220 W. 10th St. 704-347-2781.

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 Artists In Residence. group show. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 25. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.

Christa Faut Gallery Summer Group Exhibition. of paintings, drawings and lithographs by Gallery artists Romare Bearden, Clara Couch, John Borden Evans, Laura Grosch, Jim Henry, Herb Jackson, Denise Lisiecki, Elsie Dinsmore Popkin, Janet Powers, Russ Warren and Waddy Armstrong. Mon.-Sat. Continues through Aug. 30. 19818 N. Cove Rd., Cornelius. 704-892-5312.

Diane Overcash Studio New Paintings. original oil and acrylic paintings by Diane Overcash. June's featured guest artist is Mary Karriker. July's featured guest artist is Diane Overcash. Mon.-Sun. New Paintings. featuring the works of Scott Avett. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 31. 113 West First Street, Cannon Village, Kannapolis. 704-933-7917.

Elder Art Gallery Thinking On Canvas. works by Patrick Glover. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 17. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337.

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 Recent Still Life Paintings. works by Thomas Buechner. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Sept 7. Oil Paintings and Sculpture. works by Enrico Embroli. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Sept 7. 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-3000.

Joie Lassiter Gallery Group Show. including Maya Godlewska, Peggy Rivers, and Marc Lambrechts. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 31. 318 E 9th. 704-373-1464.

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.

Microcosm Gallery Exhibition of 20th Century Ukranian Masters. featuring G. Chernyavsky, S. Lunyov, and A. Sudakov. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 8. 300 N. College St. #101. 704-641-4256.

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. New Works. functional stoneware pottery by Kim Frazier. Mon.-Sun. New Pottery Works. functional wheel thrown stoneware and porcelain by Sylvia Coppola and clay sculpture by her daughter Sarah Coppola. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 31. 1510 Camden Road. 704-790-2529.

NC Museum of Art Selections From The Birds of America. Works by John James Audubon. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Dec. 1. 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 Sharon Augustyniak. featuring black and white photography of far away places and of local regions as well, including Charlotte. Exhibition many original works of art by other local and regional artists as well. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 31. Jodie Ochoa. featuring pastels depicting marshscapes and mountain landscapes. Exhibition many original works of art by other local and regional artists as well. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Aug. 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.

Shain Fine Art Originals New Works. featuring works by nationally renowned Santa Fe artists Michael Lynch and David Ballew who recently collaborated on plein air painting in the Carolinas. Also - Baptiste, Henry Barnes, Laura Buxton, Dennis Campay, Amy Dobbs, bonnie brown fergus, Robert Frank, William Jameson, Geoffrey Johnson, Downy Doxey-Marshall, Robert Marshall, Janet Powers, Sallie Quirk, R.A. Red Corn, Kim Schuessler, Marilyn Simandle, and Connie Withers. Mon.-Sun. 601-B Providence Rd. 704-334-7744.

Skillbeck Gallery Various Artists. a distinctive collection of contemporary American crafts. Features jewelry, ceramics, handblown glass, and a large selection of Judaica. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 248 S. Sharon Amity Rd., Cotswold Village Shops, Courtyard. 704-366-8613.

Transamerica Building 38-18-34. presented by The McColl Center for Visual Arts. Six sculptures which portray women in battle with modern society. Each sculpture is an exotic creation using a variety of found objects such as happers, wheels, tree limbs, and saw blades. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Sept 8. 704-376-7739.

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

Wrightnow Gallery Emerging Art. from local and regional artists. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Sept 30. Emerging Art. from local and regional artists. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Sept 30. 3205 N. Davidson St. 704-554-8093.