The annual Art in Bloom event at the Mint Museum of Craft + Design starts tonight with a gala party at the downtown museum from 7-9pm. Tickets are $75. Tomorrow, the wild times continue at the Hilton Charlotte with a talk at 10am by Carolyn Shepard. But hang on to your gardening tools "cause next up at 11am will be Martha Stewart. Yep, the mother of all homemakers will be in the "hood, assuming she hasn't been arrested for securities fraud first. A book signing and luncheon follow her talk. It'll cost you $75 to be in the same room with Maaatha. And finally, on Friday, the blooming trifecta concludes with two more talks, both of these at the museum. Glass artist Paul Stankard will speak at 10am and renowned floral designer Ron Morgan takes the podium at 11am. A book signing will follow. This part of the event costs $45. Call 704-366-4611 to register for the gala or any of the programs. (Wicker)
The Actor's Theatre's Flaming Guns of the Purple Sage, continues tonight at Spirit Square. This riotous tale of Big 8 and her passion for young injured rodeo wannabes contains adult language and content and is recommended for mature audiences. The show runs through April 6. Tickets range from $15-$20. For more information and a complete schedule of shows, call 704-372-1000 or visit online at www.actorstheatrecharlotte.org. (McKinney)
MARCH 28 . FRIDAY
Art Garfunkel, besides being a good actor and New York man about town, is known for his gorgeous countertenor voice which manages to be both radiant and delicate. Garfunkel and his voice first gained public notice when he was partners with Paul Simon in (duh) Simon & Garfunkel, one of most influential groups of the 1960s. He's most readily recognizable to the lumpen masses for the soaring tones of "Bridge Over the Troubled Water," a moving anthem upon first release that's been relegated to schlock status from overuse at weddings and bar mitzvahs. Fortunately, he has a lot more in his repertoire, including some scattered solo hits such as "All I Know" as well as the entire S&G songbook including the ballad "For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her" which made many a teen heart melt back in the day. Garfunkel will appear today and tomorrow with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra at 8pm in Belk Theater of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Tickets range from $15-$64. Call 704-972-2000. (Grooms)
Deemed Chickspeare's "Chick Pick for March," the Got a Light? Poetry Slam features 20 poets chosen by lottery to compete for cash prizes. Three sudden death rounds will determine the winners. Special guests, including Osirus Rain (event producer), are slated to perform between rounds at Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. Poet registration starts at 6:30pm. The games begin at 7:30pm. Admission: $7 in advance; $10 at the door; $20 to compete. 704-578-3570. (Herman)
Carolina Pro Musica, the city's purveyors of Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music, presents Our Best Baroque plus a world premiere tonight at 8:15pm in a concert at St. Mary's Chapel. To celebrate their 25th anniversary, the group commissioned a new work by Winston-Salem composer Margaret Vardell Sandresky. The work, Five Shakespeare Songs, features soprano, recorder, viola da gamba and harpsichord. Tickets are $12. For more info, call 704-334-3468. (Wicker)
MARCH 30 . SUNDAY
Tonight, area jazz musicians are joining forces at Tutto Mondo and Pewter Rose to raise funds for Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The show, entitled Ribbon In The Sky, features funk/jazz trio Hipshack's new power rock incarnation, the contemporary stylings of The Brubakers, Trio 21 and Standard Brands. The show is a tribute to local musician Tom Billotto's wife Karen, who succumbed to breast cancer earlier this year. Showtime is 7pm. (Davis)
Not for the weak-livered, The 2nd Annual Bartender's Ball hosts a variety of bars and restaurants, each boasting a specialty drink to sample. You can have a hangover in the morning and still feel good about yourself knowing that all proceeds benefit Operation Smile, Sippin' Safe & The American Diabetes Association. Held at Marriott City Center. Festivities begin at 7pm, featuring live music and a silent auction for sports and entertainment memorabilia. Be sure to wear somethin' really nice for this semi-formal, black-tie optional event. Tickets cost $40 in advance and $50 at the door. Call 704-622-5637 or go to www.CharlotteBartendersball.com for details. (Herman)
APRIL 1 . TUESDAY
Cathy Rigby, who last wowed Charlotte with her role in the revival of Peter Pan, returns in her current musical tour, Seussical The Musical. It's the witty world of Dr. Seuss brought to life with songs as some of your favorite characters try to bring harmony back to their world. Shows are at Ovens Auditorium through Sunday. Showtimes are Tuesday-Thursday, 8pm; Friday and Saturday at 8:15pm; and Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are $20-$58. Call 704-372-1000. (Wicker)