Here are a gaggle of summer events happening in Charlotte and the surrounding area July 27-August 5 as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.

ARTS

Barefoot In The Park July 23-25, 8 p.m.; July 30-31, 8 p.m.; August 1, 8 p.m. August 2, 2 p.m. When a newly wedded lawyer moves into an apartment with too many quirks, he becomes bothered. He refuses to join his wife on a barefoot walk through the snow one night, and afterwards all hell breaks loose as he gets kicks out of the home and then returns, not for reconciliation, but to kick his wife out of the house, since he pays the bills. Presented by Davidson Community Players. $20-$22. Davidson College’s Duke Family Performance Hall, 207 Faculty Dr., Davidson. 704-372-1000.

Shear Madness A who-dun-it murder mystery that puts the audience right in the middle of the action. Audience participation allows for a different outcome every night. July 16, 7:30 p.m.; July 17, 8 p.m.; July 18, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; July 19, 2 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.; July 21, 7:30 p.m.; July 22, 7:30 p.m. $29.50 and up. Stage Door Theater, North College St. at 5th St.

Julius Caesar Part of Collaborative Arts’ free Shakespeare festival. Free. August 5-6, 7:30 p.m.; August 7-8, 8 p.m.; August 9, 3 p.m.; August 12-13, 7:30 p.m.; August 14-15, 8 p.m. McGlohon Theatre, 345 N. College St. For more information, call 704-625-1288 or email hi@collaborativeartstheatre.com.

Death Under Cover Charlotte's Dinner Detective presents this interactive comedy musical dinner murder mystery set in London during WWII where the audience decides who-dun-it. Group, senior, AAA and military discounts available. Advanced reservations required. For information and tickets, call 704-840-5013 or visit www.charlottesdinnerdetective.com. Fri., July 31, 7 p.m. Tickets include a 3-course dinner and two-hour show, tax, tip and parking. $69. Grand Central, 1000 Central Avenue. 704-377-4596.

Grits: The Musical July 31, 8 p.m.; Aug. 1, 8 p.m.; Aug. 2, 3 p.m.; Aug. 5, 8 p.m.; Aug. 6, 8 p.m.; Aug. 7, 8 p.m.; Aug. 8, 8 p.m.; Aug. 9, 3 p.m.; Aug. 12, 8 p.m.; Aug. 13, 8 p.m.; Aug. 14, 8 p.m.; Aug. 15, 8 p.m. $25. Actor's Theatre of Charlotte, 650 E. Stonewall St. 704-342-2251.

Mamma Mia! This hit musical is about a mother who is forced to confront her past as her daughter - who is getting married - invites three men, each of whom were her mothers past time lovers, to visit the island for the wedding. July 29, 7:30 p.m.; July 30, 7:30 p.m.; July 31, 8 p.m.; Aug. 1, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Aug. 2, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St.

Lark & Key Gallery and Boutique Woodcut Prints by Dan Allegrucci with featured potter Ronan Peterson. Exhibition features woodcut prints by Dan Allegrucci and ceramics by potter Ronan Peterson. Opening reception is Fri., Aug. 7, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. July 29-Aug. 30. 453 E. 36th St., Ste. B

Mint Museum of Art Passionate Journey: The Grice Collection of Native American Art. Exhibition features contemporary Native American pottery, modern Maya weavings and Mexican performance masks. Continues through Oct. 17. Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Rd. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org.

Mint Museum of Craft + Design American Quilt Classics, 1800-1980: The Bresler Collection. Featuring a diverse collection of quilt designs that illuminate pattern and process. Through Feb. 6, 2010. 220 North Tryon St. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org.

Christa Faut Gallery Group Exhibition of Paintings and Drawings by Gallery Artists. Continues through August 3. 19818 North Cove Rd., Cornelius. 704-892-5312. www.christafautgallery.com.

Carolina Family Eye Care Recent Works by Local Artists. Featuring works for sale by Ashley Lathe, Diane Pike, Joni Purk, Patricia Steele Raible, Paul Keysar and Scott Boyle. Continues through August 10. 8320 University Executive Park Dr., Ste. 100.

Center for the Arts 5th Annual Photography Competition Exhibition. Exhibition held in Dalton & Perimeter Galleries. Continues through July 31. Community Photography Exhibition. Exhibition held in Edmund D. Lewandowski Classroom. Continues through July 31. 121 E. Main St., Rock Hill

Center of the Earth Gallery City/Country: Sharon Dowell, Dana Johns, Maxx Morgan and Christopher Stephens. An exhibition of diametric opposites, sweeping landsacpes and urban scenes to take viewers on an engaging excursion. Continues through August 22. 3204 N. Davidson St. 704-375-5756. www.centeroftheearth.com.

Elder Gallery Studio Selections Volume II. Featuring works by Daniel Bayless, Ed Handelman, Tom Perkinson, Calvin Jones, William Farnsworth, Jill Jones, David Benson and Carl Blair. The exhibition will also feature a sculpture by Mitch Lewis. Continues through July 31.1427 South Blvd. 704-370-6337. www.elderart.com.

Green Rice Gallery Through the Looking Glass. Features more than 10 artists with broadly varying styles of work, from oils to acrylics or woodworks to mixed media sculptures. Continues through August 2. 451 E. 36th St. 704-344-0300.

Hodges Taylor Gallery Here’s Looking at You: Figurative Art by Bob Trotman. Exhibition features selected figurative sculptures in wood and related drawings by Bob Trotman. Continues through August 15. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.

Jerald Melberg Gallery American Scenes. Focuses on New York native Linden Frederick’s small-scale paintings that pay homage to humble American scenes and find beauty and intrigue in the banal. July 25-Sept. 5. Scene in America. An invitational landscape exhibition. July 25-Sept. 5. 625 S. Sharon Amity Rd. 704-365-3000. www.jeraldmelberg.com.

The Light Factory The Light Factory Second Juried Annuale. Showcases works from emerging artists across the country. Juried by Trevor Schoonmaker, curator of contemporary art at The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University. Continues through Sept. 6. The Light Factory 37th Annual Members Show. Featuring a variety of works of all mediums by members of The Light Factory. Continues through Sept. 13. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755. www.lightfactory.org

McColl Center For Visual Arts Sizzle. The exhibition features selected works by current 11-month and summer affiliate artists. Continues through Aug. 15. 721 N. Tryon St. 704-332-5535. www.mccollcenter.org

Mint Hill Arts Canvas and Clay. Features oil and pastel paintings by Virginia L. Dauth and pottery by members of Mint Hill Arts as well as the Carolina Clay Matters Guild. Continues through Aug. 6. Grace Building, 7714 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd. 704-545-0894. www.minthillarts.org.

Renee George Gallery Group Show. Featuring works by a variety of artists, including Christopher Reilly. Continues through Aug. 1. 2839 Selwyn Ave. 704-332-3278.

Shain Gallery Works by Geoffrey Johnson, Terry DeLapp, Paul Hunter and Chas Fagan. Continues through July 31. 2823 Selwyn Ave. 704-334-7744. www.shaingallery.com.

Waterworks Visual Arts Center Shared Delusions. Featuring works by Doug McAbee and Barbara Schreiber. Held in Norvell Gallery. Continues through Aug. 22. Recent Work. Featuring works by Marge Loudon Moody and Whitney Peckman. Held in Woodson and Osborne Galleries, Stanback Gallery Hall. Continues through Aug. 22. New Work. Featuring works by Sharif Bey in the Young People’s Gallery. Continues through Aug. 22. Dare to Imagine 2009. Featuring works by Hannah Thompson in Stanback Gallery Hall. Continues through Aug. 22. 123 East Liberty St., Salisbury. 704-636-1882. www.waterworks.org.

Discovery Place Shipwreck! Pirates and Treasure This exhibit takes guests on a journey beneath the sea to uncover the mysteries of some of the world’s most-famous shipwrecks. Continues through Jan. 31, 2010. 301 N. Tryon St. www.discoverplace.org.

Joseph-Beth Booksellers Frank Melvin Braden. Signing Humours of Folly. Thu., July 30, 7 p.m. 4345 Barclay Downs Dr. 704-602-9820. www.josephbeth.com.

Booth Playhouse NC Dance Theatre School of Dance Summer Repertory Performance Fri., July 31, 8 p.m. $10 at the door. 130 N. Tryon St.

2009 Cornelius Outdoor Cinema Series Weather permitting, all movies will begin at dusk (8:30pm). Bring your own blankets and lawn chairs. August 5: Madagascar 2 Escape 2 Africa. Free. Kenton Place, 17115 Kenton Dr., Cornelius. For more information, call 704-765-1450 or visit www.corneliuspr.org/2006outdoorcinemaseries.html.

The Master of Suspense: 7 Alfred Hitchcock Classics August 1: Saboteur; Free. 2 p.m. ImaginOn’s Wachovia Playhouse, 300 E. 7th St. 704-973- 2780. www.imaginon.org.

MUSIC

Uptown Amphitheatre July 28: Jason Mraz. 820 Hamilton St. 704-916-8970. www.livenation.com

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre July 31: Nickelback with Hinder, Papa Roach and Saving Abel; August 1: Rascal Flatts with Darius Rucker; 707 Pavilion Blvd. 704-549-5555. www.livenation.com.

Neighborhood Theatre July 31: Sam Bush; August 1: The New Familiars. 511 E. 36th St., Charlotte. 704-358-9298. www.neighborhoodtheatre.com.

Tremont Music Hall July 28: Mike Parker Band; July 30: Pradigy GT; July 31: 25 Minutes To Go; Aug. 1: Astrid Haven; Aug. 2: Art show with music from DJ Isaac; Aug. 4: The Have and the Have Nots; Aug. 5: The Lo and Beholds. 400 W. Tremont Ave. 704-343-9494. www.tremontmusichall.com.

Visulite Theatre July 30: Bluegrass Showcase featuring GC/DC and the Old Invention; July 31: The Sammies; Aug. 1: Big Mammas House of Burlesque; Aug. 2: Four Year Strong; Aug. 4: Cracker. 1615 Elizabeth Ave. 704-358-9200. www.visulite.com.

Amos’ Southend July 30: Rayen Belchere and friends; Aug. 2: The Crystal Method. 1423 S. Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-377-6874. www.amossouthend.com.

Double Door Inn July 30: Bill Hanna Jazz Jam; July 31: Actual Proof; Aug. 1: Anthem International Music Festival; Aug. 2: Blue Sunday with Hwy 61; Aug. 3: Service Industry Night with Monday Nite All-Stars; Aug. 5: Walter Trout. 218 East Independence Blvd. 704- 376-1446. www.doubledoorinn.com.

Snug Harbor July 29: Pterodactyl; July 31: Birds of Avalon; Aug. 1: Modern Skirts; Aug. 2: Battle Beasts; Aug. 5: Harry Egypt's Extreme Karaoke with Projexorcism and Human Pipi Armstrong. 1228 Gordon St. 704-333-9799. www.sungrock.com.

The Milestone July 30: Harvey Milk; July 31: Order of Chaos; Aug. 1: Crackers and Snackmeat; Aug. 2: Choca Loca; Aug. 5: Total Chaos. 3400 Tuckaseegee Rd. www.themilestoneclub.com

The Evening Muse July 29: Paul Atkinson and Coma League; July 30: Michelle Malone and Endway; July 31: Hannah Miller and No Second Troy. 3227 N. Davidson St. 704-376-3737. www.eveningmuse.com.

Time Warner Cable Arena American Idols Live! American Idol contestants from season 8, including Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud, Megan Joy, Michael Sarver and Scott MacIntyre to perform. Sat., Aug. 1, 7 p.m. $40.50-$69.50. 333 E. Trade St.

Charlotte Jazz Band and Free Concert An ensemble drawn from the members of the Charlotte Concert Band invites you to the concert titled "Swing Era Favorites" to hear some selections from the Big Band era on. Sun., Aug. 2, 7 p.m. Free. Dana Auditorium, 1900 Selwyn Ave

MORE FUN

Garden Nights July 30: Visit Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden every Thursday evening for this year’s Garden Nights program, which sports the theme “Tropical Oasis.” Stroll the garden and enjoy guided garden walks, live entertainment, food with a tropical flair, beer and wine. $5-$10. 5 p.m.-9 p.m. 6500 South New Hope Rd. 704-825-4490. www.dsbg.org.

2009 Annual Kickball For All Yawl Classic The biggest one-day kickball event in the Charlotte area will be hosting a 32 team first round in a round robin format. Ages 21 and up. Visit http://www.sports4adults.com for more information. Sat., Aug. 1, 9:30 a.m. Olde Providence Park, 3800 Rea Road.

2009 Battlefield Carolina Martial Arts Charity Tournament The 7th annual tournament benefits the Sheriff's Office Youth Explorers. For more information visit http://www.parksschooloftaekwondo.com. Sat., Aug. 1, 10:30 a.m. $10 per person. 5 and under free. Salvation Army Service and Worship Center, 1506 Union Road, Gastonia.

Island Vibe Nights The Attic Bar in conjunction with West Indian Charlotte will host Caribbean-themed nights, dubbed Island Vibe Nights. The monthly event features authentic calypso and reggae music, as well as $3 Red Stripe and Smirnoff Ice drinks. 21 and up. For more information, visit www.theatticuptown.com. Last Thursday of every month, 5:30 p.m. Continues through Sept. 24. Free.The Attic, 200 N. Tryon St, #B. 704-358-4244.

Lake Norman Over 45 Singles Dance Lake Norman Over 45 Singles Dance at Havana Social Club. Hor d'oeuvres will be provided. For more information, visit meetup.com and search for Lake Norman Over 45 Singles. You may also make a reservation by calling 704-500-9305. Fri., July 31, 7 p.m.Havana Social Club, 17105-102 Kenton Place, Cornelius. 704-892-7000.

Street Kings Custom Bike Show Free registration from 10am-noon. Free hotdogs and sundrops, multiple vendors, raffle prizes, and entertainment. 704-784-5400. Grand prize $2500! Sat., Aug. 1.254 Concord Parkway S., 254 Concord Parkway S., Concord.

Subaru River Jam Featuring food, drinks and live music. July 30: Matt & Jon Acoustic Duo. Free. 7 p.m. US National Whitewater Center, 820 Hawfield Rd.