Wednesday, January 17
Oregon-bred trumpet impresario/composer Chris Botti doesn't leave a lot to be desired. What with his good looks and smooth jazz, he could easily have his pick of any woman on the planet. Instead, this devoted musician prefers to press his lips to a 1926 3 Bach mouthpiece and spend his nights careessing a Martin Committee trumpet made in 1939. His latest offering, To Love Again, features pop jazz standards and nine guest vocalists including former boss Sting (to whom Botti bears a striking resemblance), Jill Scott, and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler. Bring your significant other to his concert tonight at Ovens Auditorium. Don't be surprised if the night out ends a little earlier than expected. That's all a part of the Botti service. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com. (Broke? Tip: Tune into "Chill with Chris Botti" Radio Show - www.chillwithchrisbotti.com) -- Branna Calloway
Thursday, January 18
Always wanted to be famous? Well here is your shot for renowned acclaim ... at least in South Charlotte that is. Quaker Steak and Lube on Woodlawn Road will be hosting the Solo Artist Search. The competition, which began Jan. 11, will be held every Thursday until the finals on March 4. Competitors will be judged by crowd feedback. So start tuning up those rusty vocal chords 'cuz whether you're trying for the big win or cheering for the champion, your voice will need to be in tip-top shape! Check out the Web site for mo' info: www.quakersteakandlube.com. -- Maria Fisichello
Thought you'd never find the Jewish man or woman of your dreams here in Charlotte? Guess again. Chai Expectations is hosting its second Chai Nights Happy Hour for twentysomething Jewish singles. While it is a great opportunity to network and meet new people, the best part is it's free. Join some genuinely juicy Jewish folks at Cans, 500 W. 5th St., in the private party room, 6:30 p.m. RSVPing gets you free giveaways. www.chaiexpectations.com. -- Kimberly Lawson
Friday, January 19
Is your house missing that certain pow that would make it the envy of the neighborhood? The Build, Remodel, and Landscape Expo is coming to the Charlotte Convention Center to give you a leg up. This event is designed so that homeowners wishing to remodel or renovate may find all the necessary equipment under one roof. Let the experts guide you through all things home-related, from kitchens to siding. This showing comes to 501 College St. today and stays through Sunday. Details at www.myshowpage.com/charlotte. -- Nate Jones
After a brief holiday hibernation, ImaginOn's indigenous theatrical performers are back in action -- at both of the fantasy palazzo's venues. Upstairs at the McColl Family Theatre, Children's Theatre of Charlotte presents Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business through Feb. 4. You may have an inkling about how the precocious Junie decides to solve her "Show and Tell" dilemma at school, but that doesn't make getting tickets for this Joan Cushing musical any easier to come by. Take a look at the helter-skelter schedule and availabilities at www.ctcharlotte.org and then call 704-973-2828 instantly. While you're seeking to satisfy your toddler's jones for Junie, be aware that downstairs at the Wachovia Playhouse, Grey Seal Puppets is presenting their tangy new Salsa Cinderella. Begins simultaneously with Junie at 7:30 p.m. Friday and concludes with three Saturday performances at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. A great combo for 5-and-ups if you can get it. Up at the Mac, front orchestra tix are $18, general admission $14. Down at the Wack, those prices are $12 and $10. -- Perry Tannenbaum
Saturday, January 20
While we keep hearing about Baghdad's hapless electrical grid, another grim battle goes on with less notice -- restoring the priceless antiquities looted from the national Iraq Museum when Saddam's regime was toppled. Former Manhattan district attorney Col. Matthew Bogdanos was recalled to active duty by the U.S. Marines in the wake of 9/11 and subsequently named to lead the investigation of the looting. Bogdanos will talk about the monumental task of recovering those 5,000+ treasures in Casualties of War, a lecture and book signing at the Wachovia Playhouse in ImaginOn beginning at 7:00 p.m. Bogdanos adjourns to the ImaginOn Gift Shop to sign his book, Thieves of Baghdad: One Marine's Passion to Recover the World's Greatest Stolen Treasures. Presented by The Mint Museum with the Public Library, admission for Mint members is $4 and $5 for the general public. Call 704-337-2098. -- Tannenbaum
Monday, January 22
With popular song "How To Save a Life" featured in the hit prime-time show Grey's Anatomy, and a chart topping "Over My Head (Cable Car)," The Fray visits Charlotte's Ovens Auditorium tonight. The alternative band originates from Denver, Colo., and writes with tunes that embody a fun intensity, and dynamic depth. Internationally recognized and widely admired, The Fray's contemporary sounds make them a unique listen, and this an event worthy of every attendance. -- Kadee Blakely
Tuesday, January 23
In their original 1980s "punk-funk" incarnation, the erstwhile SoCal misfits in the Red Hot Chili Peppers, led by Anthony Kiedis and the late Hillel Slovak, perfected white negroism to a successful art. While the Chilis once embodied its Golden State's laidback cultural flux under the aegis of George Clinton, it's now eschewed the Mothership Connection for the second act rewards of the stadium-selling Mellowship. Cleverly though, Kiedis and Co. are bringing multi-kulti mages Gnarls Barkley in tow. Gnarls' Georgia geniuses will mos def offset any pablum with their transcendent Afrofuturist aesthestic and "Go Go Gadget Gospel." RHCP w/ GB @ Charlotte Bobcats Arena, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $56.50, available at 800-495-2295 or www.ticketmaster.com -- Kandia Crazy Horse
