2nd Annual Holiday Concert The Greensboro Symphony Orchestra will present a concert of holiday favorites. Sponsored by The United Arts Council of Gaston County. Thu., Dec. 5, 8 p.m. $25. Proceeds will go to the United Arts Council of Gaston County. Unity Place, 201 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia. 704-853-2787.
Choral Concert A choral concert by 'Round Midnight. Seating is limited. Call for reservations. Sun., Dec. 8, 7 p.m. $10 per person. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont. 704-825-4490.
Christmas at the Abbey The Abbey Chorus of Belmont Abbey College will present its annual Holiday concert at Belmont Abbey Basilica in Belmont, NC. The program will feature traditional carol arrangements and other music of the Holiday season. Sun., Dec. 8, 3 p.m. Free. Belmont Abbey College, 100 Belmont-Mount Holly Rd., Belmont. 704-334-3468.
Davidson Students' Original Compositions Several students of Davidson College Associate Prof.Jennifer Stasack will present their original compositions in concert in Tyler-Tallman Hall. Wed., Dec. 4, 8 p.m. There is no admission charge. Sloan Music Center, Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2353.
An Evening of Piano Music Davidson College students will present an evening of piano music including works by Paderewski, Mozart, Dohnanyi, Chopin, Gershwin, Debussy and others. Thu., Dec. 5, 8 p.m. Free. Sloan Music Center, Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2177.
Fa La La Welcome the holiday season with the rhythmic pulse of the Gaelic tradition, the lyric strains of oboe and bagpipe and the quiet accompaniment of harp and classical guitar. Tickets are available online at www.onevoicechorus.com. Sat., Dec. 7, 4 p.m. & 8 p.m. Matinee tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door; evening tickets are $17 in advance, $20 at the door. Seniors and students, $10 anytime. Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth Ave. 704-529-2951.
The Festival of Carols and the Holiday Concert The carols and tree lighting will begin on the steps of Tillman Hall. People will walk along the illuminated sidewalk on their path to Byrnes Auditorium for the Holiday Concert. The concert will feature soloist Jerry Helton and David Lowry on the organ. Tue., Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m. Free. Winthrop University, Rock Hill. 803-323-2255.
Jazz & Classical Essentials Sunday Brunch Borders will be playing jazz and classical music from their essential catalogs. Coffee and pastry provided. Sundays, 1-3 p.m. Free. Borders, 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-6261.
Magic of Christmas The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra presents its annual holiday extravaganza, under the direction of Associate Conductor David Tang. Dec. 5-7, 8 p.m.; Dec. 7-8, 2:30 p.m. $15-64. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.
Messiah Handel's Messiah, in collaboration with the Charlotte Music Club with choir, orchestra and soloists. Presented by the Charlotte Civic Orchestra. Sun., Dec. 8, 3 p.m. Adults $8, seniors/students $6, families $17. First United Methodist Church, 501 N. Tryon St. 704-344-0098.
Singing Christmas Tree, Joy to the World Experience familiar carols as well as holiday music and dance from the USA, England, Russia, Germany, France, Mexico, Africa and the Caribbean. Visit www.carolinavoices.org. Dec. 6-7, 8 p.m.; Dec. 7-8, 3 p.m. $10-20. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-522-6500.
The Spirit of the Season with Providence High Singers Join Choral Director Terri Setzer and her Providence High women's and men's ensembles as they sing away our bah humbugs and get us into the holiday spirit. Sat., Dec. 7, 7 p.m. Free. Barnes & Noble, Arboretum. 704-341-9365.
Symphonic Band and University Choirs Holiday Concert The combined UNCC choirs will present 3 works featuring student soloists and percussionists. The combined UNCC choirs and band will perform "A Festival of Carols," arranged by Warren Barker and "Amazing Grace," arranged by William Himes. Fri., Dec. 6, 8 p.m. Free. University Hills Baptist Church, 1500 Suther Road. 704-687-2262.
WDAV Benefit Concert Vocal Alchemy, a choral ensemble of 8 multi-cultural musicians, will debut at the Vermillion Winter Holiday. Their diverse musical backgrounds encompass various styles including western classical, Indian classical, jazz, religious choral, American country and opera. Sat., Dec. 7, 7 p.m. $10 at the door. Harvey's at Vermillion, 13700 Anthea Ln., Huntersville. 704-301-0552.
The Wonder of Christmas Presented by the North Mecklenburg Community Chorus. Mon., Dec. 9, 7 p.m. Free. Huntersville Presbyterian Church, Huntersville. 704-947-8614.
Comedy
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. Show #275: Dec. 6-14. The Talking Baby Talk Show is every Thursday at 9:30pm. Performances are rated R for verbal content. www.theperch.com. Fri., Sat. $10/$9 with students/military 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. Continues through Jan. 8. 3143 Cullman Ave. 704-375-2826.
