Charlotte Symphony Performs Mahler's Third Symphony Featuring contralto, Renee Morloc, women of the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte and members of the Charlotte Children's Choir. Oct. 11-12, 8 p.m. $12-60. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

Davidson College Concert Choir and Chamber Singers An annual choral concert of music from the Renaissance through the 20th century. Davidson College Presbyterian Church. Wed., Oct. 9, 8 p.m. Free admission. 704-894-2357.

Grand Vistas and Violins The Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra will feature violinist Pip Clarke in the second concert of the 2002-03 season. Concert selections include Scottish Fantasy by Bruch, Academic Festival by Brahms, and the original movie soundtrack scores to Born Free and Schindler's List. Sat., Oct. 19, 8 p.m. $20. Calvary Church, 5801 Pineville-Matthews Rd. 704-846-2788.

Melange a Trois Stories, mythology and poetry surrounded by the sounds of classical and jazz for cello and guitar. Burwell. Wed., Oct. 16, 8 p.m. Queens University, 1900 Selwyn Ave. 704-337-2213.

Music Fit for the Queen A concert of music celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, including music from her 1952 coronation. Sun., Oct. 13, 3 p.m. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. First United Methodist Church, 501 N. Tryon St. 704-333-9081

Twelfth Night with CANTUS This all-male a cappella choir from St. Olaf, Minnesota returns to the McCelvey Center. The Twelfth Night Celebration will follow the concert. Have an opportunity to speak with this group as well as enjoy desserts, coffee and champagne. Sat., Oct. 19, 8 p.m. $12 for CHC members, $15 for on-members. McCelvey Center, York, 212 E. Jefferson St., York. 803-684-3948.

Variety of Viols Presented by Carolina Pro Musica. Jeff Ferdon will be on hand to help inaugurate the treble viol- the most recent instrument acquired by the ensemble's members. Call or visit www.carolinapromusica.org for more information. Fri., Oct. 18, 8:15 p.m. $12 regular admission, $6 for students and seniors. St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 1510 E. 7th St. 704-334-3468.

ComedyBayou Kitchen Extreme Improv. Completely improvised comedy shows based on your suggestions. Similar to "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" See our website at www.extremeimprov.com for details/reservations. Saturdays, 7 p.m. 1958 E 7th St. 1-866-467-7681.

*The Perch Theatre Perch Comedy. Cheerfully offending Charlotte since 1994. Showtimes are 9pm, 11pm, on Friday and Saturday nights, and an additional show on Saturdays at 1am. The 9pm show is non-smoking. The Talking Baby Talk Show is every Thursday at 9:30pm. Auditions are twice a year, next set is Nov. 4. Performances are rated R for verbal content. www.theperch.com. Fri., Sat. $10/$8 for students with I.D. 1500 B. Central Ave. 704-372-7724.

Psychotic Pooch Live Sketch Comedy and Improv. Comedy rated NC-17 for situations and content. Large group rates available. Call for reservations, directions or more info. DJ after-party every Saturday. Fri., Sat., 11 p.m. 3143 Cullman Ave. 704-375-2826.

The Comedy Zone College Night and "SIN" (Service Industry Workers) Night. Get free admission for the 8pm show and with your Comedy Zone ticket, get in free to Have a Nice Day Cafe. Wednesdays. Russ Nagel and Michael Reed. Oct. 9-12. Paul Lyon. Oct. 16-19. 516 N. College St., Wed. & Thurs.- 8pm, Fri. & Sat.- 8pm, 10:15pm. 704-348-4242.

Dance

Gateway South Presented by the Moving Poets Theatre of Dance. Featured performances include the world premiere of Southern Tour- a tribute to painter Maud Gatewood, and The Echo- a piece inspired by the prison writings of Wole Soyinka. A cultural event of original dance, theater and multimedia, produced and created in Charlotte. Preview performance, Oct. 9. Booth Playhouse. Oct. 9-12, 8 p.m.; Oct. 13, 7 p.m. Tickets are $15-24.50. Preview prices are $10-15. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-527-6683.

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.

Club Myxx Organik Funk. Hip-Hop, Spoken Word open mic. Sundays, 9 p.m. $5. 3110 S. Tryon St. 704-623-0058.

Crystal on the Plaza Reggae Club Wisdom Wednesdays. 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 Innervisions by DJ DR and DJ Justice. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. 3018 The Plaza. 704-376-3799.

Swing 1000 Rhythm Theory Tuesdays. Enjoy open-mic poetry, music, and dancing. Doors open at 6pm. Poetry begins at 7:30pm. Tuesdays. Free before 7:15pm. 1000 Central Ave. 704-334-4443.

Theater: OpeningsThe Canterville Ghost Adapted by Marisha Chamberlain. Based on the story by Oscar Wilde. When the Otis family buys an English estate from Lord Canterville, they are warned that the castle comes with an unusual "extra": the 300-year-old ghost of Simon de Canterville. For ages 7 and up. Produced by the Children's Theatre of Charlotte. Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 19, 3 p.m.; Oct. 20, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 26, 3 p.m.; Oct. 27, 2 p.m. $10 general admission, $15 special reserved. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.