Alexander String Quartet The quartet has performed in major music capitals of four continents, securing its standing among the premier ensembles of its kind. Sun., March 30, 8 p.m. $15 adults, $10 seniors. Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2135.

Always on Sunday Faina Lushtak, piano. Sun., March 30, 3 p.m. Free. Barnes Recital Hall, Winthrop U, Rock Hill. 803-323-2108.

Art Garfunkel w/ the Charlotte Symphony Pops Albert-George Schram will conduct the concerts that feature Mr. Garfunkel. March 28-29, 8 p.m. $15-$64. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

Arts at the Abbey A concert by Carolina Pro Musica. Tue., April 8, 8 p.m. Free. Belmont Abbey Basilica, 100 Belmont-Mount Holly Rd., Belmont. 704-334-3468.

Calico Winds Music spanning the eras from Bach to Zappa. Tue., April 1, 8 p.m. $15 adults/seniors; $5 students. Barnes Recital Hall, Winthrop U, Rock Hill. 803-323-2108.

Chamber Music at St. Peter's The Music of PDQ Bach. Performances held at noon and 5:30pm. Tue., April 1. Free. St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 115 W. 7th St. 704-332-7746.

Charlotte Symphony Special Youth Festival Young musicians from around the region perform with the Charlotte Symphony. Winners of the Young Artists' Competition are featured. Wed., March 26, 7 p.m. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

French Organ Music The program consists of organ solo compositions by Cesar Franck, Marcel Dupre, Jehan Alain & Jean Langlais. Sun., April 6, 3 p.m. Free. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 501 Pine St., Fort Mill. 803-547-5968.

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, Morrocroft, 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-6261.

The Jazz Review Contemporary jazz. Poetic Words, hosted by Kevin Jackson. Featuring prize giveaways and complimentary wine. Fridays, 5-10 p.m. $5. Charlene's Cuisine & Catering, 631 N. Tryon St. 704-289-8495.

Mostly Mozart & Neighborhood Concerts Presented by the Charlotte Symphony. Featuring brass music of the Renaissance and chamber orchestra works of the Baroque era. Wed., April 2, 7:30 p.m. $10. University Park Baptist Church, 6029 Beatties Ford Road. 704-972-2000.

Mostly Mozart & Neighborhood Concerts Presented by the Charlotte Symphony. Featuring brass music of the Renaissance and chamber orchestra works of the Baroque era. Thu., April 3, 7:30 p.m. $10. Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College, Davidson. 704-972-2000.

The National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland Presented by Carolinas Concert Association. Featuring pianist John O'Conor. Tue., April 8, 8 p.m. $25-$65. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-348-5800.

Organist CJ Sambach Presented by the Charlotte Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Nationally recognized organist will perform works by Bohm, Schumann, Vierne, Parker, Gigout and Guilmant. Sat., March 29, 7 p.m. Free. First Baptist Church, 301 S. Davidson St. 704-588-1290.

Our Best Baroque and a World Premiere World premiere of a work commissioned by Carolina Pro Musica. Fri., March 28, 8:15 p.m. $6-$12. St. Mary's Chapel, 1129 E. 3rd St. 704-334-3468.

Percussion Ensemble Concert Thu., March 27, 8 p.m. Free. Rowe Recital Hall, UNCC.

Peter & The Wolf with the Magic Circle Mime Company Presented by Charlotte Symphony Lollipops. Belk Theater. Sat., March 29, 11 a.m. $8-$16. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

Providence United Methodist Church Recital Series Selections by early music group, Ensemble Vita Nova. Sun., March 30, 7 p.m. Free. Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Rd. 704-366-7442.

Sims-Fadial-Vanderborgh Piano Trio Featuring works by Mozart, Turina and Mendelssohn. Presented by Friends of Music at Queens University. Sat., March 29, 8 p.m. $20. Students through college age admitted at no charge. Dana Auditorium, Queens University. 704-337-2213.

South of the Border An evening of music from Latin America. Sun., March 30, 7 p.m. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.

Spring Choral Concert Presented by the Queens University of Charlotte Chamber Singers at Belk Chapel. Wed., April 9, 8 p.m. Free. Queens University, 1900 Selwyn Ave. 704-337-2213.

The Winthrop Symphonic Band Held in Byrnes Auditorium. Wed., April 9, 8 p.m. Free. Winthrop University, Rock Hill. 803-323-2399.

Zephyros Wind Quintet Held in the Hannah Covington McGee Theatre of the George A. Batte Jr. Fine Arts Center. Thu., March 27, 7:30 p.m. $10. Wingate University. 704-233-8300.

Comedy

Bayou Kitchen Extreme Improv. Live improvised comedy created from your suggestions. Visit www.extremeimprov.com for more information. Call for reservations. Saturdays, 8 p.m. $5. 1958 E 7th St. 1-800-467-7681.

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. "Hangin' With Mr. Cooper," Mark Curry. March 28-29. Bobcat Goldthwait. April 4-5. $18.50. 516 N. College St., Wed. & Thurs.- 8pm, Fri. & Sat.- 8pm, 10:15pm. Visit www.thecomedyzone.net. 704-348-4242.

The Perch Theatre Perch Comedy. Cheerfully offending Charlotte since 1994. Showtimes are 9pm, 11pm, & 1am on Friday and Saturday nights. The 9pm show is non-smoking. 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.

Southend Performing Arts Center Late Night Improv. The show will be performed by Extreme Improv's Desperate for Attention Players with guest performers sitting in weekly. Presented by BareBones Theater Group and Extreme Improv. Wed., March 26, 11 p.m. $5. 201 Rampart St. 704-332-5300.

Dance

Innovative Works Featuring new works by North Carolina Dance Theatre artists and nationally acclaimed choreographers. Performed in Booth Playhouse. April 3, 7:30 p.m.; April 4-5, 8 p.m.; April 10, 7:30 p.m.; April 11-12, 8 p.m. $17-$26. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-348-5800.

NCDT Exposed Company dancers will take their classes and rehearse ballets slated for the upcoming Innovative Works series. Continues through March 29. Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon St. 800-935-0553.

Spring Dance Central presents their semester concert. April 4-5, 8 p.m.; April 6, 2:30 p.m. $12. Pease Auditorium, 1200 Elizabeth Ave. 704-330-6534.

Spring Dance Concert: Momentum A mix of choreography created by UNCC dance and theatre faculty. Held in Rowe Theatre. April 2-5, 8 p.m. $5 students; $6 faculty; $10 general public. UNC-Charlotte. 704-687-2599.

Under Egyptian Skies 2: An Evening of Middle Eastern Dance Featuring local and regional performers. Sat., April 5, 8 p.m. Adults, $15; children 12 & under, $5. Afro-American Cultural Center, 401 N. Myers St. 704-752-8323.

Museums

Charlotte Museum of History/Hezekiah Alexander Homesite & American Freedom Bell Heirloom Quilts. Continues through March 30. Highways & Byways of Our State. Continues through June. Soldier's Stories: War in the First Person. Continues through Sept. 30, 2004. Regular Museum admission. 3500 Shamrock Dr., Between Eastway and Sharon Amity. 704-568-1774.

Gaston County Museum of Art & History Carolinas Textile Exhibit- The Ties That Bind. Tue.-Sun. 131 W. Main St., Dallas. 704-852-6025.

Levine Museum of the New South Cotton Fields to Sky Scrapers. Tue.-Sun. New South, Old South, Somewhere in Between. Continues through Aug. 7. Pen and Ink Politics: Thomas Nast's Reconstruction-era Cartoons and African American Equality. Continues through Sept. 29. Row Upon Row: Sea Grass Baskets of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Continues through Apr. 20. 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887.

Mint Museum of Art Burlon Craig and His Legacy. Continues through Oct. 19. Distant Vistas: Images of Europe from the Mint Museum of Art Collection. Continues through June 1. Edward Hopper: The Paris Years. Continues through June 1. A Salute to Fashion Legend Bill Blass. Continues through April 13. 2730 Randolph Rd. 704-337-2000 or 704-333-MINT.

Mint Museum of Craft & Design Coming of Age. Tue.-Sun. Continues through April 6. Currents In Craft. Ongoing exhibit. Tue.-Sun. Point of View: Public and Private Collecting Part II. March 20-July 27. Tradition & Change: 19th and 20th Century Craft At The Mint. Ongoing exhibit. Tue.-Sun. 220 N. Tryon St. 704-337-2009.

Museum of York County All About Cats. Continues through Sept. 14, 2003. Illustrator Vernon Grant: A Century of American Whimsy. Continues through Oct. 5, 2003. Student Art Competition 2003. March 20-April 20. Virtue Leads and Grace Reveals: Embroideries and Education in Antebellum South Carolina. Continues through July 20. 4621 Mount Gallant Rd., Rock Hill. 803-329-2121.

Spoken Word

Mert's Heart and Soul Uptown Saturday Nite. Musical performances, spoken word artists, poets and an open mic contest. Mar. 29- Performances by R&B duo 1 Plus 1 & saxophonist Aaron Burnett. Every second and last Saturday of the month at 11pm. $7 cover. 214 N. College St. 704-623-0058.

Neighborhood Theatre Got a Light? Poetry Slam. Poet registration at 6:30pm. Only 20 poets will be chosen by lottery. Prizes awarded. Advance tickets may be purchased at Smelly Cat Coffee House. Fri., March 28. Poet registration: $20. General admission: $7 in advance, $10 at the door. 511 E. 36th St. 704-358-9298.

Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church Creative Currents Coffeehouse. A celebration of original art, music and poetry. Sat., April 5, 7-10:30 p.m. Free, but donations welcome. 9704 Mallard Creek Rd. 704-510-0008.

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: Openings

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer The classic tale by Mark Twain. March 28, 7:30 p.m.; March 29, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.; March 30, 2 p.m.; April 3-4, 7:30 p.m.; April 5, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.; April 6, 2 p.m. $6-$9. Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell Street, Matthews. 704-554-6862.

African Tales of Earth & Sky A collection of fables from West Africa. April 4, 7:30 p.m.; April 5, 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.; April 6, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; April 11, 7:30 p.m.; April 12, 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.; April 13, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. $8-$10. Children's Theatre of Charlotte.

Anton in Show Business A satiric look at regional theatre from the viewpoint of 3 actresses. Performed in the Johnson Studio Theatre. March 26-29, 8 p.m.; March 30, 2 p.m. $3 w/ Winthrop ID, $7 general admission. Winthrop University, Rock Hill. 803-323-2287.

Bus Stop A comedy by William Inge. Presented by Clover Community Theatre. April 4-5, 8 p.m.; April 6, 3 p.m.; April 11-12, 8 p.m.; April 13, 3 p.m. Adults, $7; students (through 12th grade) & seniors, $5. Griggs Road Elementary School, Clover, 100 Griggs Rd., Clover. 803-831-1048.

An Evening with Christine Lavin Performing in the Hannah Covington McGee Theatre of the George A. Batte Jr. Fine Arts Center. Dinner will begin at 6pm w/ the performance following at 7:30pm. Fri., April 4. Dinner and performance, $35; performance only, $15. Wingate University. 704-233-8300.

I Hate Hamlet A comedy presented by the Mooresville Community Theatre. April 4-5, 8 p.m.; April 10-12, 8 p.m. $5. Mooresville Citizens Center, Lake Norman. 704-662-1025.

Little Women directed by Eleanor Wixson, $12 adult $10 student and senior. April 6, 2:30 p.m.; April 10-12, 8:15 p.m. Little Theatre of Gastonia, 238 S. Clay St., P.O. Box 302, Gastonia. 704-865-0160.

Othello The Actor's Gym Theater Company presents this Shakespearean tragedy. April 4-5, 8 p.m.; April 6, 7:30 p.m.; April 10, 7:30 p.m.; April 11-12, 8 p.m.; April 13, 7:30 p.m.; April 17, 7:30 p.m.; April 18-19, 8 p.m. $10-$12. Southend Performing Arts Center, 201 Rampart St. 704-376-7418.

Seussical the Musical Starring Cathy Rigby as The Cat in the Hat. Explore the world of Dr. Seuss as you have never seen it before. April 1-3, 8 p.m.; April 4, 8:15 p.m.; April 5, 2 p.m. & 8:15 p.m.; April 6, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. $20-$58. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-372-3600.

Speed The Plow David Mamet's tale of greed, seduction and betrayal amongst friends. Presented by Inner Voices Theatre Company. April 3-6, 8 p.m.; April 9-12, 8 p.m. $15. Central Avenue Studio Theatre (CAST), 1118 Clement Ave. 704-502-8423.

Tartuffe A French comedy by Moliere. Held in Johnson Theatre. April 9-12, 8 p.m.; April 13, 2 p.m. $3 w/ Winthrop ID, $7 general admission. Winthrop University, Rock Hill. 803-323-2399.

Waking the American Dream with Sarah Jones. An exploration of the complex nature of identity, freedom and the obstacles facing immigrants in the US. The evening features a screening of Bringing Durban Home: Combating Racism Together and concludes with a discussion. Tue., April 1, 8 p.m. $5. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.

Theater: Ongoing

Angels in America This play critically examines responsibility versus freedom and contains adult language, subject matter and situations. Directed by Anne Marie Costa. March 27-29, 8 p.m. $12. Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2135.

Flaming Guns of the Purple Sage A farce that mixes hilarity with horror as a modern day monster faces off against the Cowboy Code of the Wild West. Directed by Dennis Delamar. March 26-27, 7:30 p.m.; March 28-29, 8 p.m.; April 2-3, 7:30 p.m.; April 4-5, 8 p.m.; April 6, 2 p.m. $15-$20. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.

The Miracle Worker Charlotte Rep's Broadway-bound production stars Academy Award-winner, Hilary Swank in the role of teacher Annie Sullivan. Performances held in Booth Playhouse. March 26-27, 7:30 p.m.; March 28, 8 p.m.; March 29, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; March 30, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. $35. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-348-5800.

Visual Arts: Openings

Art Institute of Charlotte Gallery The Travelogue Series. Photographs from Greece and Israel by David Neff. An artist reception will be held on April 16, 5:30-7pm. April 1-30. 2110 Water Ridge Parkway. 704-357-8020.

Beatties Ford Road Library Images of the Past: Rural Roots of Nellie Ashford. April 7-May 31. 2412 Beatties Ford Rd. 704-432-6706.

Charlotte Art League Still Life. Works of various media created by Charlotte Art League members. Artists' reception: April 4, 6-9pm during the First Friday Gallery Crawl. April 2-19. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.

City Hall Rotunda Gallery Works by Bobbie Ruth Reeves. April 1-30. 155 Johnston St., Rock Hill. 803-329-7000.

Dalton Gallery Studio Artists Exhibition. Opening reception: April 4, 6-8pm. Continues through April 20. Center for the Arts, 121 East Main St., Rock Hill. 803-328-2787.

Hodges Taylor Gallery Byron Baldwin. Photography. A reception will be held on April 4 from 6-8pm. April 4-May 31. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.

Jerald Melberg Gallery Brian Rutenberg & Milton Bloch. April 5-May 10 & 4 a.m. 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-3000.

Joie Lassiter Gallery The Gardener's Diary Annexed. Joan Bankemper. In this one woman show, she steps out of the garden into a conservatory showing vases, ferns and pedestal. Opening reception: April 4, 6:30-8pm. April 4-25. 318 E 9th. 704-373-1464.

McGregor Downs Gallery Leslie von Pongracz. Meet the artist and view his work on March 28, 4-9pm during the gallery crawl. March 28-April 30. 10801 Johnston Rd., Suite 219. 704-333-6699.

Pope's Gallery Louise Pinto. Still lifes and landscapes in oil [Myers Park]. April 1-30. Margaret Aycock. Turn-of-the-century images in oil [Arboretum]. April 1-30. 8016-900 Providence Rd. and 1035 Providence Rd. 704-541-3199 or 704-342-1774.

Shain Fine Art Originals Josh Grant. Artist from New Zealand. Meet the artist at the opening reception on April 4, 6-9pm. April 4-30. 601-B Providence Rd. 704-334-7744.

W.D.O. The Nature of Things/ Things of Nature. Featuring works in various media by Fong Choo, Ed Bing Lee, Valerie Mitchell, Jim Sams, Ken Sedberry, Ron Slagle and Jacques Vesery. A reception will be held April 4, 6-8pm. April 1-26. Hearst Plaza Suite No. 1, 214 North Tryon St. 704-333-9123.

Visual Arts: Ongoing

Art Institute of Charlotte Gallery Trio. Works by Mike Watson, Joe Thompson and Sue Ann Johnson. Continues through March 31. 2110 Water Ridge Parkway. 704-357-8020.

Center of the Earth Gallery March/April Exhibition. New paintings by Elizabeth Marin and new wall-mounted sculpture by J. Paul Sires. Continues through April 30. 3204 N Davidson St. 704-375-5756.

Charlotte Art League Driven to Abstraction. A show featuring abstracts of various media created by Charlotte Art League members. Continues through March 29. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.

Charlotte Public Library (Main Library) The Eye of the Beholder: Charlotte's Photographers and Their Work 1867-1917. Continues through May 17. Franklin Avenue House Series. Architectural photos from Carl Bergman. On display through May 4. 310 N. Tryon St. 704-336-2020.

Christa Faut Gallery Flora and Fauna. Solo exhibition of paintings by Elsie Dinsmore Popkin. Continues through March 29. 19818 N. Cove Rd., Cornelius. 704-892-5312.

City Hall Rotunda Gallery Works by Ken Blunt. Continues through March 31. 155 Johnston St., Rock Hill. 803-329-7000.

CPCC Art Gallery Cities Under One Moon. Works by Raed Al-Rawi and Alex Clark. Continues through March 29. P.O. Box 35009. 704-330-6480.

Crazy Jane's Local Artists. Works by Ellyn Bernstein, Mike Watson and Rod Wriner. Pottery by Ann Hamilton. Mon.-Sat. 1817 Hawkins Street. 704-332-5454.

Davidson College Excerpts. Photo paper-based works of Marco Breuer. Exhibited in the William H. Van Every Gallery of the Kat and Tom Belk Visual Arts Center. Continues through Apr. 16. Davidson. 704-892-8528.

ElderArt Gallery The Art of Food. Fifteen artists including a Spartanburg group, Southern Exposure, will present their interpretation of food as art. Continues through Apr. 12. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337.

Galatique Susan Nuttall Kaplan & Diana Hughes. Continues through March 29. 26 North Main St., Belmont. 704-608-1868.

Hidell Brooks Gallery Christopher Terry: Remembered Interiors. Continues through April 26. 1910 S. Blvd. Suite 130. 704-334-7302.

Hodges Taylor Gallery Tim Buchman. Photography. Continues through March 29. Tom Stanley and Thomas Sayre. Continues through Apr. 26. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.

Jeanne Rauch Gallery, Gaston College Africa Now. Curated by Dr. Alice Burmeister. Continues through March 28. Rauch Science and Fine Arts Bldg., Dallas Campus, 201 Highway 321 South, Gastonia.

Jerald Melberg Gallery Paul Jenkins and Alice Ballard Munn. Continues through March 29. 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-3000.

Joie Lassiter Gallery Joe Walters. Continues through Mar. 26. 318 E 9th. 704-373-1464.

The Light Factory 21st Annual Benefit Art Auction Preview. Local, regional and nationally recognized artists donate artwork to support The Light Factory's exhibitions and educational programs. March 21-April 17. Spirit Square, Knight Gallery, 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755.

McGregor Downs Gallery Various Artists. Featuring works by Elaine Rockey and Guillaume Azoulay. Continues through April 30. 10801 Johnston Rd., Suite 219. 704-333-6699.

Merrill-Jennings Galleries A Pretty Day. A one-woman show honoring folk artist, Addie James. Continues through March. 463 S. Main St., Davidson. 704-895-1213.

Microcosm Gallery Myths & Mortals. Exhibition of paintings by Justin Rivenbark. Continues through May 8. 300 N. College St. #101. 704-641-4256.

Myersart Gallery Works by Marylinn Fairchild. Works in bronze and clay and paintings. Continues through March 31. 1510 Camden Road. 704-790-2529.

NBC-6 One Woman Show. Solo exhibition, local artist Nancy Smith Couick. March 20-31. Billy Graham Pkwy. 704-847-7439.

Noel Gallery Arthur Gonzalez 1983-2003: Twenty Years Twenty Questions. Continues through Apr. 29. Transamerica Square, 401 N. Tryon St. 704-343-0050.

Pope's Gallery Jim Crompton [Myers Park]. March. Jim Chapman [Arboretum]. March. 8016-900 Providence Rd. and 1035 Providence Rd. 704-541-3199 or 704-342-1774.

Shain Fine Art Originals Generation Gap: Charlotte Mother and Denver Son. Paintings by Connie Winters and her son, Darren Young. Continues through March 31. 601-B Providence Rd. 704-334-7744.

Stewart's Village Gallery American Crafts. Featuring pottery by Bill Stewart, Sylvia Coppola, Lambeth Marshall & Bill Campbell. Daily. 116 McDonald St., Waxhaw. 704-843-5638.

UNC-Charlotte The Void Looks Back. Paintings by Pamela J. Bowers on exhibit in the Cone Center Main Gallery. Continues through March 31. 704-687-3315.

W.D.O. Functional to Fantastic Works of Art in Wood: Furniture & Sculpture. Brent Skidmore, David Merrifield and Erik Wolken. Continues through March 29. Hearst Plaza Suite No. 1, 214 North Tryon St. 704-333-9123.

Winthrop University Galleries Benny Andrews: "The Human Spirit Series" & John Monteith. Andrews' works are in the Rutledge Gallery while John Monteith's are in the Elizabeth Dunlap Patrick Gallery. Continues through March 30. 107 McLaurin, Rock Hill. 803-323-2493.