Amahl and the Night Visitors One act opera by Gian-Carol Menotti presented by Central United Methodist Church Music Ministries. Sun., Dec. 5, 7 p.m. Free. Central United Methodist Church, 30 Union Street, Concord.
Electronic Music Concert Students studying electronic music will present their original compositions in this concert. Wed., Dec. 8, 10 p.m. Free. Sloan Music Center, Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2357.
New Music Davidson Davidson College music composition students will present this concert of their own original works. Tue., Dec. 7, 8 p.m. Sloan Music Center, Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2353.
Providence Chamber Music Series A concert featuring works from Williams, Holst, Hammerschmidt, and Howells. Sun., Dec. 5, 5 p.m. Free. Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Rd. 704-333-9536.
Wingate Sinfonia A concert band featuring holiday-themed entertainment to joyous concert music. Mon., Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. George A. Batte Jr. Fine Arts Center, Wingate University. 704-233-8307.
Comedy
The Comedy Zone Upcoming Performances:. Dec. 1-4: Phil Hogan and Marvin Lee. www.thecomedyzone.net. 516 N. College St. 704-348-4242.
Dilworth Playhouse Cafe Steve Moore. Moore has had his own HBO show and has appeared on the Ellen Show and The RoseAnne Show. Wed., Dec. 1, 9 p.m. $5. 1427 South Blvd., Suite 103. 704-632-0336.
SK Netcafe Stand-Up Wednesdays. Stand-Up Comedy. Wed., Dec. 1, 9:30 p.m. 1425 Elizabeth Ave. 704-334-1523.
Wine Up The Pink Turtle Sketchprov Experience. Whose Line, Second City, and Sketchprov style improv comedy. Reservations suggested. www.pinkturtle.net. Thu., Dec. 2, 8 p.m. Free. 3306 - C N. Davidson St. 704-301-1564.
Dance
Choreographers' Showcase A presentation of original works by the Dance Department. Dec. 1:3 at 8pm; Dec. 4 at 2pm. $5-$12. Robinson Hall, UNCC. 704-687-4473.
Holiday 6/15 Moving Poets features the full Nutcracker in 15 minutes and "sixth sock" by Alban Elved. Theater 36, the Hart-Witzen, NODA. Dec. 8-19, Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $15-$25. 704-527-6683.
Senior Dance Showcase Choreography by senior dance majors with a wide variety of dance styles. Dec. 3, 8 p.m.; Dec. 4, 2 p.m. $5-$10. Johnson Theatre, Winthrop University. 803-323-2255.
Museums
Charlotte Museum of History Main Streets of Our State. A traveling photography exhibit. Nov. 24-Jan. 2. Our Changing Landscape: Early Views of People and Place in the Carolina Piedmont. An exhibition that illustrates and interprets the changes in the Carolina Piedmont landscape. Nov. 24-May 25. Solving the Rock House Mysteries. Interactive exhibit examines clues revealed by photographs, oral histories, and archaeological discoveries. Nov. 24-Dec. 31. Stitched from the Soul. The Farmer-James collection of African American quilts. Nov. 24-March 25. 3500 Shamrock Dr. 704-568-1774.
Discovery Place Bug Bash!. A day long program of fun activities, including a chance to eat bugs, in celebration of the newest IMAX film, Bugs, A Rainforest Adventure. Sat., Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Communication Exhibit. Follow electronic messages around the world, see your voice, and get a glimpse at the next generation of the information age. Nov. 24-Jan. 10. IMAX Dome. Now showing Roar: Lions of the Kalahari and Bugs! A Rainforest Adventure. www.discoveryplace.org. 301 N. Tryon St. 704-372-6261.
Levine Museum of the New South Cotton Fields to Sky Scrapers. Tue.-Sun. Living Traditions. Folk Arts of the American South. Nov. 24-Jan. 9. Rural Voices and Visions: Local Communities Speak Out About Their Landscapes. Nov. 24-April 20. We're Still Here: Native Americans in the Southeast. Nov. 24-Jan. 9. 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887.
Mint Museum of Art Andrew Wyeth: The Helga Pictures. An opportunity to see the work of America's foremost realist artist. Nov. 24-Jan. 9. Holiday Craft & Art Sale. Features one of a kind items from more than twenty local artists including pottery, jewelry, paintings, collages, garden sculpture, ornaments, scarves, cards and more. Sat., Dec. 4, 10 a.m. Improving Community Quality of Life. A national expert in early childhood interventions, Craig Ramey, will discuss his experiences in identifying community and child needs and taking systematic approaches to change. Thu., Dec. 2, 10:30 a.m. Free. North Carolina Pottery: A Restless Tradition. Nov. 24-Feb. 27. Porcelain American Style. July 31, 2004-June 14, 2005. Pottery American Style. Nov. 24-Feb. 20. VantagePoint III: Elizabeth Turk - The Collars. Nov. 24-Dec. 31. 2730 Randolph Rd. 704-337-2000.
Mint Museum of Craft & Design The Nature of Craft and the Penland Experience. Nov. 24-Jan. 30. Speaking Volumes: Vessels from the Collections of Mint Museums. Nov. 24-April 17. Tradition & Change: 19th and 20th Century Craft At The Mint. Tue.-Sun. Wine Classes. Topics: Holiday party planning with wines, recipes for Mulling, ordering proportions, stemware and gift ideas. Dec. 7, 6:30-8pm. $30. 220 N. Tryon St. 704-337-2009.
Museum of York County Eewww, Yuck!. Understanding Nature's Most Unhuggable Creatures. Through Summer 2005. Our Changing Landscapes: Early views of people and places in Carolina Piedmont. Nov. 24-May 15. 4621 Mount Gallant Rd., Rock Hill. 803-329-2121.
Schiele Museum, Gastonia 1500 East Garrison Blvd. 704-866-6900.
Readings & Signings
Park Road Books Ron Coddington. Author will sign Faces of the Civil War. Fri., Dec. 3, 7 p.m. Park Road Shopping Center, 4139 Park Rd. 704-525-9239.
Spoken Word
Tea Rex Teahouse Poetry Open Mike. Hosted by Jonathan Rice. Fri., Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m. 2102 South Blvd. 704-595-9526.
Theater: Openings
9 by 9 at 9 Showcase highlighting works of local playwrights, directors and actors with nine new plays, by nine authors. www.theatrecharlotte.org. Dec. 3-4, 9pm. $9. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. 704-376-3777.
The Canterbury Tales Presented by Actors Seen Unseen and produced by special arrangement with Theatrefolk. Sat., Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. $10. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.
Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) A presentation of a fun-filled comedy by the Theater Dept. Dec. 2-4, 7 p.m. $5-$7. Myers Park Sr. High School, 2400 Colony Rd. 980-343-5800.
Fall One-Act Play Festival Evening of short one-act plays directed by theatre majors. Dec. 4, 8 p.m.; Dec. 5, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. $5-$10. Johnson Theatre, Winthrop University. 803-323-2287.
The FGM (Fairy God Mother) and The Marriage Proposal Two one-act comedies presented by The Department of Dance and Theatre. Dec. 2-4, 8pm; Dec. 5, 2pm. $5-$12. Robinson Hall, UNCC. 704-687-2599.
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change! Four actors portray over 60 characters in a musical about dating, mating, marriage and life. Presented by Charlotte Repertory Theatre, contains adult content. www.charlotterep.org. Dec.4-31, Wed.-Thurs., 7:30pm; Fri.-Sat., 8pm; Sun., 2pm. $37.50. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000.
A Mad, Mad Madrigal! Performed by Arts Repertory Theatre, in rep with Actor's Theatre of Charlotte's Santaland Diaries. www.geocities.com/epic_arts_rep. Dec. 3-6, 10-13, 17-22, Fri/Sat at 9:30p.m.; Sun/Wed at 7:30p.m. $15. Actor's Theatre, 650 E. Stonewall Street. 704-342-2251.
Ntozake Shange's Choreopoem Ntozake Shange's choreopoem "for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf." Featuring Charlotte radio personality Cheryl Patterson, actress Jacqueline Kennedy and local talent. Dec. 3-5; Dec. 9-12. $5-$10. Livingstone College. 704-216-6260.
The Studio Series Dept. of Dance and Theare at UNCC presents a series of performances combining the work of faculty and student choreographers, dancers and directors and actors. Robinson Hall. Dec. 1-5. $5-$15. UNC-Charlotte. 704-687-4473.
Visual Arts: Openings
ArtHouse Seven Degrees: A Female Photographic Journey. An exhibition of works by seven photographers from the Winthrop Univ. Fine Arts Program. Opening Reception: Dec. 3, 7-11pm. Dec. 1-Jan. 1. 3103 Cullman Ave. 704-577-4587.
Artists' Atelier Carolina Fine Art & Craft Exhibition and Sale. Opening Reception: Dec. 5, 1-6pm. Through December. 1346 Hill Rd. 704-552-6200.
Big Toe Studio New Gallery. Metal Sculpture by Theron Michael Ross and Fused Glass jewelry by Janet Barnes. Opening Reception: Dec. 3, 7-10pm. Through December. 3123 Cullman Ave. 704-578-8529.
Charlotte Art League La Danse. A group exhibition. Reception: Dec. 3, 6-10pm. Dec. 3-31. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.
Gaston County Public Library Looking at Lincoln: Political Cartoons of the Civil War Era. A free-standing panel touring exhibition. Dec. 1-30. 1555 East Garrison Blvd, Gastonia. 704-868-2167.
Hart-Witzen Gallery Female Perspective III. Fri., Dec. 3. Mud-Dust-Paint-Clay. Painting and ceramics by UNCC students. Opening Reception: Dec. 3, 6pm-midnight. Dec. 3-Jan. 15. 136 E. 36 St. 704-334-1177.
Jerald Melberg Gallery Pablo Picasso. Lithographs, Etchings and Linocuts. Dec. 4-Jan. 22. 625 S. Sharon Amity Rd. 704-365-3000.
Joie Lassiter Gallery Maja Godlewska & John Nickerson. Reception: Dec. 3, 6-9pm. Dec. 3-Jan. 14. 525 North Tryon Street, Suite 140. 704-373-1464.
McColl Center for Visual Art Current Affiliate Artist's Exhibition. Opening Reception: Dec. 3, 6-8pm. Dec. 3-Jan. 8. 721 N. Tryon St. 704-332-5535.
Pope's Gallery Group Exhibit. An exhibition of pottery and B&W photographs. Dec. 1-31. 1035 Providence Rd. 704-342-1774.
Redsky Gallery Petite Paintings. Holiday Party & Jewels and Jewel Tones . Fri., Dec. 3, 6-9 p.m. 4705 Savings Pl., Suite 108. 704-552-5200.
Shain Gallery Common Ground. Roger Dale Brown, & Amy Dobbs. Opening Reception: Dec. 3, 6-9pm. Dec.3-31. 601 Providence Rd. 704-334-7744.
W.D.O. Christmas Open House. Fri., Dec. 3, 6-9 p.m. Hearst Plaza Suite No. 1, 214 North Tryon St. 704-333-9123.
Watkins Gallery, Queens Rick Crown Pottery Show. The show features functional ware and animal sculptures. Opening Dec. 5, 2pm. Through Dec. 15. 1900 Selwyn Ave. 704-756-8416.
Visual Arts: Ongoing
Art Institute of Charlotte Gallery Charlotte-Mecklenburg High School Teachers. A combination of mixed media, 2- and 3-dimensional work from various instructors within the public school system. Through December. 2110 Water Ridge Parkway. 704-357-8020.
Art Preserve New paintings by Jan Kinslowe. Through Dec. 24. 3200 A North Davidson. 704-358-8882.
Belk Visual Arts Center, Davidson College Faculty Art Exhibition. Through Dec. 8. 704-894-2519.
Blue Door Group Exhibition. Paintings, sculpture, handcrafted jewelry, unique Christmas gifts. Fri., Dec. 3, 6-10 p.m. 618 West Morehead. 704-372-7726.
Breathe Art Space Portraits: A Comparative Look. A group exhibition. Through Dec. 24. 228 Caldwell Lane, Suite B, Davidson. 704-896-1799.
Center of the Earth Gallery Paintings by Roberto Azank and Glass Sculptures by Wes Hunting. Through Dec. 24. 3204 N Davidson St. 704-375-5756.
Christa Faut Gallery Jewelry Show. Also a group exhibition of paintings by Gallery artists. Nov. 24-Dec. 30. 19818 N. Cove Rd., Cornelius. 704-892-5312.
Clay on Camden Clay Works by Andy Smith. Photography by Daniel Coston. Through November. 1510 Camden Rd. 704-790-2326.
Cone Center, UNCC Marek Ranis: The Corridor. Through Dec. 10. 704-687-3315.
Cosmos Cafe Violeta Moreno. An exhibition of paintings. Through January. 300 N. College St., Suite 101. 704-372-3553.
CPCC Art Gallery Asbury, Kentucky. Works by Kevin Sparks. Nov. 24-Dec. 17. Elizabeth Ave. 704-330-6480.
Cuvee Wine & Art Gallery Sharon Obee. Opening Reception: Dec. 2. Nov. 30-Jan. 31. 710 West Trade St. 704-332-5548.
Dalton Gallery Works by Barbi Dalton and Megan Marshall. Reception: Dec. 2, 5:30-7:30pm. Nov. 24-Dec. 27. Center for the Arts, 121 East Main St., Rock Hill. 803-328-2787.
Davidson College Faculty Exhibition. New paintings and sculptures from art faculty members Herb Jackson, Russ Warren, Cort Savage and visiting member McArthur Freeman. Van Every/Smith Galleries. Nov. 24-Dec. 8.
ElderArt Gallery Ringling Comes to Town. Paintings by the school's faculty and students. Through December. Art for Collectors. Nov. 24-Dec. 31. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337.
Fu's Custom Tattoos The Greatest Sketch Show On Earth. A collection of sketches by over 80 tattoo artists from across. Nov. 24-Dec. 14. 901-D N. Tryon St. 704-376-4556.
Gallery 620 Nicolai Froehlich. An exhibition of recent landscape photography. Through Jan. 5. 620 W. Morehead St. 704-618-9966.
The Gallery at Carillon Tanja Softic. Exhibition titled On the Nature of Things. Through Jan. 21. 227 W. Trade St. 704-334-8840.
Gallery L, Main Library Unchained Memories: Readings from Slave Narratives. Multi-media including photos, reproductions of rare books, prints, and interactive presentations. Nov. 24-Jan. 2. 310 N. Tryon St. 704-336-2020.
Hidell Brooks Gallery Still Lifes & Street Scenes. Group exhibition of gallery artists. Nov. 5- Dec. 23, 2004. 1910 S. Blvd. Suite 130. 704-334-7302.
Hodges Taylor Gallery Maud Gatewood. A mini-perspective of the artist. Through November. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.
Icehouse Center Gallery, Davidson Art for the Holidays. Through December. Designer Jewelry. A group exhibition. Through November. 432 S. Main St. 704-892-7323.
Joie Lassiter Gallery Marc Lambrechts. Working primarily with wood and plaster, Lambechts creates detailed geographies. Through Jan. 14. 525 North Tryon Street, Suite 140. 704-373-1464.
The Light Factory Searchings: The Secret Landscapes of Flowers. Exhibition of fashion photographer Barbara Bordnick's large chromogenic photographic prints. Nov. 24-Dec. 9. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755.
McColl Center for Visual Art Needle Art: A Postmodern Sewing Circle. Through Jan. 8. 721 N. Tryon St. 704-332-5535.
Modern Eye Gallery Abstraction Today. Grand opening exhibit featuring the diversity of abstraction in painting, printmaking, and photography. Nov. 24-Dec. 17. 1923-A South Blvd. 704-333-3190.
Pottery Central Pottery Central Gallery. Functional, sculptural and decorative pottery by local potters. Friday & Saturday 10-5 or call for appointment. 3534 Central Ave. 704-537-4477.
Rowe Arts Galleries, UNCC Joan Tweedy: Ceramics. Through Dec. 10. Rowe Arts Building, 9201 University Blvd.
Shain Gallery Natural Response. Works of William Jameson. Nov. 5-30. 601 Providence Rd. 704-334-7744.
Synergy Studios, Shelby Art to Go. Select, unique gifts for Christmas from an array of fine art and crafts representing work of various artists. Nov. 29-Jan. 7. 212-B W. Warren St. 704-487-0144.
W.D.O. The Language of Wood. Nov. 24-Dec. 31. Hearst Plaza Suite No. 1, 214 North Tryon St. 704-333-9123.
Waterworks Visual Arts Center Sculptural Basketry and Forest. Nov. 24-Jan. 22. Artists' Invitational Exhibition. Nov. 24-Jan. 8. 123 East Liberty St., Salisbury. 704-636-1882.
Winthrop University Galleries M.F.A Thesis Exhibition. Jennifer Gilomen and Kata Billups. Through Jan. 21. Mike Lavine. Precious 017 is a series of temporary, indoor installations built with millions of small, tropical hardwood shavings. Through Jan. 21. 107 McLaurin, Rock Hill. 803-323-2493.