Rocker Todd Rundgren, perhaps best known for his landmark 70s experimental albums Something/Anything and A Wizard, A True Star, will play the Neighborhood Theatre tonight at 8pm. Rundgren, whose cult following in the 70s was rabid enough to launch a line of fan-produced "Todd Is God" bumper stickers, is on a solo tour this time around, his only accompaniment being a wide array of musical instruments. Tickets are $25, available by calling 704-358-9298. (Davis)
To help Charlotte become the fourth city in America to be designated an asylum for writers under threat of imprisonment, torture or death (oh, my!), area poets including Tony Abbott, M. Scott Douglass, Mary Kratt, Diana Pinkney and Jonathan Rice present a Benefit Reading for Cities of Asylum tonight at 8pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church. It's been said the pen is mightier than the sword, and although it may not seem like it, writers have been fighting battles that have put them at risk for hundreds of years. Help keep the channel of free speech open and running. For more information, call 704-347-3844, and to research cities of asylum, visit www.autodafe .org/cities/cities.htm. (McKinney)
The mighty Christof Perick will direct the Charlotte Symphony as they present Weber's Der Freischutz, or The Sharpshooter, tonight and tomorrow night at 8pm in the Performing Arts Center. The opera tells the story of Max, a ranger who tries to up his rank by entering a shooting contest. Of course, he never misses and wins the heart of his beloved -- but as fate would have it, "evil forces" convene and he accidentally shoots her! Hmm, sounds like author William Burroughs' situation. In any case, we'll leave the rest up to the CSO, the Oratorio Singers and soprano Ute Selbig. Tickets range from $12-$60. For more information, call 704-972-2000 or visit online at www.charlottesymphony.org. (McKinney)
FEB 8 SATURDAY
It's easy to point out black activists of the past -- what with the annals of history at our backs, names like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Malcolm X jump to mind. What isn't as easy is pointing out those who work just as hard today, but with Black History Month here again, that's what the Main Library hopes to accomplish as they present Making History: Today's Young Black Activists. Speakers will include Jeffrey Johnson, National Director of Youth, College and Young Adults for the NAACP, Angela Nissel, author of The Bloke Diaries, and Kevin Powell, political activist and poet (though most likely known for his role in the newly born Real World series on MTV). The presentation begins at 4pm in the auditorium of the Main Library. For more information, call 704-336-2074 or visit online at www.plcmc.org. (McKinney)
In further celebration of Black History Month, the Charlotte Museum of History will present A Journey Into Jazz with famed musician Michael Porter. Porter, a native of Asheville, has performed with Herbie Mann, Solomon Burke and Lionel Hampton, among countless others. Today, he brings an interactive exploration of jazz roots from 2-4pm, and at a wine and jazz evening from 7-10pm. Tickets to the early session are free with museum admission; the late session is $15 per person, which includes an evening of music, dancing, hors d'oeuvres and wine. For more information, call 704-568-1774 or visit online at www.charlotte museum.org. (McKinney)
FEB 9 SUNDAY
The ever-popular, and ever-impressive, NY Philharmonic will perform at Ovens Auditorium today at 3pm, courtesy of Carolinas Concert Association. They haven't been to Charlotte in 29 years, so you can just imagine how excited they must be! Tickets range from $35-$85. For more information, call 704-527-6680 or visit online at www.carolinasconcert.com. (McKinney)
FEB 12 WEDNESDAY
BareBones Theatre Group and Stage One Productions' rendition of Little Murders premieres tonight at Southend Performing Arts Center (SPAC). Director George Gray puts a modern twist on Jules Feiffer's dark comedy about a dysfunctional family on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and their bouts with the increasingly frequent and senseless violence that has taken over New York City. Performances are scheduled for February 12-15 & 19-22 at 8pm, and February 16 at 3pm. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for students. SPAC is located at 201 Rampart St. Call 704-332-5300. (Herman)