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.
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 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. 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 Highways & Byways of Our State. a photographic road trip of eclectic NC sites and scenes, all viewed from the state's Highways and Byways, using archival images from Our State: North Carolina magazine. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Jan. 12. 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. 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. Celebrating the Legacy of Romare Bearden. a two part juried exhibition inspired by Bearden's collages, subjects, style, or Carolina roots. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Oct. 27. Cycles of Life in African Art: Fantasy Coffins from Ghana. works arranged according to the themes of: Everyday Life, Power and Prestige, and Birth and Death. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Sept 22. Everyman's Gold. English lustreware from the Collection of John Elsley. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Dec. 1. Narratives of African American Art and Identity. The David C. Driskell Collection. Artists include Edward Bannister, Henry O. Tanner, Jacob Lawrence, Elizabeth Catlett, William Johnson, Romare Bearden and Sam Gilliam. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Oct. 27. 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.
North Carolina Museum of History Flashback to the 60's. a collection of memoriblila that significantly defines a period of profound social and cultural change in America. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Sept 28. 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-715-0200.
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.
