By BILL KISER
DavidsonNews.net

It’s a week full of the arts — for the eyes, ears and taste buds — for residents in Davidson and surrounding communities. See below for details.

The Davidson College theatre department will hold five performances of The Little Foxes, Lilliam Hellman’s classic melodrama, at the Barber Theatre Wednesday through Sunday; while the Warehouse Performing Arts Center in Cornelius presents three showings of Stupid Human Tricks, four one-act comedies written by Christopher Durang.

For your auditory pleasure, Davidson College Presbyterian Church will host a recital by organist Patrick Pope and trumpeter Mark Dulin Tuesday evening, and Davidson College will hold two concerts this week at the Tyler-Tallman Hall — a chamber music recital by students directed by Charlotte Symphony Orchestra principal cellist Alan Black on Tuesday night, and a piano recital by students on Sunday afternoon. In more modern musical fare, Summit Coffee in downtown Davidson will hold its Songwriters Showcase Thursday night and welcomes Davidson Express Friday night, and the Brickhouse Tavern in Davidson brings Wally and Dave Friday and Spin on Saturday.

In the visual arts, Davidson College professor Hagit Barkai’s exhibition — titled “It Looks Something Like This” — continues Monday through Saturday at the college’s Belk Visual Arts Center. And if your favorite piece of art rides around on four wheels, the Charlotte Auto Show is Thursday through Sunday (with a pre-opening show on Wednesday night) at the Charlotte Convention Center.

If you’re taste is for the culinary arts, Lake Norman Cottage in Davidson’s North Harbor Place serves its Dinner of Awesomeness Wednesday night; RibFest takes over the Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce in downtown Mooresville on Friday afternoon; and the Davidson Winter Farmer’s Market will be open on Saturday morning.

These events — and more below — are in our day-by-day calendar at right. Also, at right on this page, see our movie show times listings for Our Town Cinemas.

MONDAY-TUESDAY

Paws to Read, 4 p.m., Davidson Branch, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, 119 S. Main St., Davidson. Meets every Monday and Tuesday. Children boost confidence and reading skills by reading to a certified therapy dog. Information: Call 704-416-4000.

MONDAY-SATURDAY

Art Exhibit, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 12-4 p.m. Saturdays, Belk Visual Arts Center, Davidson College, Davidson. Exhibition of paintings and other works by Davidson College assistant profesor Hagit Barkai. The exhibition, titled “It Looks Something Like This,” reflects Barkai’s experience growing up in Israel. There is no charge to attend. Information: Call 704-894-2519.

WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY

The Little Foxes, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Barber Theatre, Cunningham Theatre Building, Davidson College, Davidson. The Davidson College theatre department will have five performances of Lillian Hellman’s classic melodrama The Little Foxes. Set in the south at the turn of the 20th century, the play depicts siblings squabbling in a quest for wealth, power and independence. The show is recommended for ages 12 and up. Admission is $15, $11 for seniors and $6 for students. Tickets can be purchased by calling 704-894-2135 weekdays between 10 a.m.-4 p.m., or online at www.davidson.edu.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY

Charlotte Auto Show, 12-9 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St., Charlotte. Come check out over 400 vehicles and new 2012 models. Kids under 12 are free. For more info and tickets, visit www.charlotteautoshow.com or call 704-364-1078.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

Stupid Human Tricks, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, The Warehouse Performing Arts Center, 9216-A Westmoreland Road, Cornelius. Four one-act performances written by Christopher Durang and directed by Rachel Jeffreys and Anne Lambert. Tickets: $20 adults, $15 students/seniors/groups of eight or more. Reservations: Call 704-619-0429 or email tickets@warehousepac.com.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

Carolina Renaissance Festival, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Carolina Renaissance Festival grounds, on Poplar Tent Road just south of N.C. 73. 18th-annual Carolina Renaissance Festival, with food; crafts; music, juggling and other circus entertainments; jousting demonstrations; fun rides and games of skill. Continues Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 20. Info: RenFestInfo.com, or call 704-896-5544 or 877-896-5544.

MONDAY, NOV. 14

Woodland Discovery Fall Explorers, 4-6 p.m., Fisher Farm Park, 21215 Shearers Road, Davidson. Observe and explore nature during the fall, including water, sun, earth, air, plant life, bugs and more. Each session covers brand new material. Open to ages 4 to 10 years. To register, go the the Parks and Recreation department website at www.ci.davidson.nc.us.

Kid Lit for Adults, 4 p.m., Davidson Branch, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, 119 S. Main St., Davidson. An informal book discussion of the life and works of Margaret and H.A. Rey. We welcome teachers, parents, media specialists, grandparents, librarians and all adults who enjoy reading children’s books. Information: Call 704-416-4000.

Biology Lecture, 4:30 p.m., Dana Science Building, Room 146, Davidson College, Davidson. Talk by professor of Biology Malcolm Campbell, who will discuss “Synthetic Biology: Insights Into Natural Biology and New Technologies.” There is no charge to attend. Information: Call 704-894-2184.

Mooresville Board of Commissioners, 6 p.m., Executive Board Room, Mooresville Town Hall, 413 N. Main St., Mooresville. The monthly meeting of the town of Mooresville’s Board of Commissioners. The public is invited to attend.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission, 6 p.m., 2100 Randolph Road, Charlotte. Monthly meeting of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission.

Davidson women’s basketball vs. Mercer, 6 p.m., Belk Arena, Davidson College. The Wildcats host Mercer in a nonconference game.

Domestic Violence Advisory Board, 6:15 p.m., Environmental Protection Boardroom, Hal Marshall Services Center, 700 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. Meeting of the Mecklenburg County Domestic Violence Advisory Board.

Media Studies Lecture, 7 p.m., Alvarez Student Union, Davidson College, Davidson. Talk by Ekaterina Skorodinskaya, a journalist for the Russian newspaper “Argumenty i fakty,” who will speak about “Media Freedom in Putin’s Russia.” Information: Email amewington@davidson.edu or call 704-894-2397.

Lake Norman Marine Commission, 7 p.m., Charles Mack Citizens Center, 215 N. Main St., Mooresville. Monthly meeting of the Lake Norman Marine Commission.

Davidson men’s basketball vs. Richmond, 8:15 p.m., Belk Arena, Davidson College. The Wildcats host Richmond in a nonconference game.

TUESDAY, NOV. 15

Literacy Expo, 6-8 p.m., Beatties Ford Road branch, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte. The Charlotte Mecklenburg Literacy Roundtable will host the forum for learning about local literacy agencies and resources. Training sessions for tutors will also be available. Attendees are asked to pre-register at uncc.surveyshare.com. For more information, email bruce.taylor@uncc.edu.

Davidson Board of Commissioners, 6 p.m., Davidson Town Hall, Main Street, Davidson. Regular monthly meeting of the town of Davidson’s Board of Commissioners. The public is invited to attend.

Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners, 6 p.m., Meeting Chamber, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E. Fourth St., Charlotte. Regular meeting of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners.

Archaeology Lecture, 7:30 p.m., Semens Lecture Hall, Belk Visual Arts Center, Davidson College, Davidson. Lecture by visiting assistant professor of classics Hilary Becker and professor of chemistry Ruth Beeston, who will discuss “Roman Rainbow: A Chemical and ArchaeologicalInvestigation of an Ancient Pigment Shop.” There is no charge to attend. Information: Email hibecker@davidson.edu or call 704-894-2318.

Political Science Lecture, 7:30 p.m., Hance Auditorium, Chambers Building, Davidson College, Davidson. Talk by John Alexander, Batten Visiting Professor of Public Policy, who will speak about “Crisis and Leadership in the Age of Obama.” There is no charge to attend. Information: Email pagardner@davidson.edu or call 704-894-2204.

Organ Recital, 7:30 p.m., Davidson College Presbyterian Church, corner of Main Street and Concord Road, Davidson. Organ concert by Patrick Pope, director of music at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in Charlotte, and trumpeter Mark Dulin. There is no charge to attend, but donations will be accepted. Information: Call 704-892-5641.

Student Chamber Music Recital, 7:30 p.m., Tyler-Tallman Hall, Sloan Music Center, Davidson College, Davidsson. Performance of chamber music by Davidson students directed by Alan Black, principal cellist for the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. There is no charge to attend. Information: Call 704-894-2848.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 16

Baby Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Cornelius Branch, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, 21105 Catawba Ave., Cornelius. Meets every Wednesday. Babies experience brain stimulation through language and socialization. New sights and sounds are shared with a parent/caregiver through books, songs, and rhymes. Ages: Up to 18 months. Information: Call 704-416-3800.

Toddler Storytime, 11 a.m., Cornelius Branch, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, 21105 Catawba Ave., Cornelius. Meets every Wednesday. Toddlers build language skills, participate in music and movement activities, and discover the fun of books. Explore letters, sounds, and new words through stories and activities. Ages: 18 to 36 months. Information: Call 704-416-3800.

Spanish for Kids, 11:15 a.m., Davidson Branch, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, 119 S. Main St., Davidson. Meets every Wednesday. Children will learn the basics of the Spanish language through songs, stories and hands on activities. Special emphasis is placed on language development and repetition. Information: Call 704-416-4000.

Pre-School Storytime, 11:30 a.m., Cornelius Branch, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, 21105 Catawba Ave., Cornelius. Meets every Wednesday. Preschoolers engage with books and activities that encourage language and pre-reading skills. Hear stories, sing songs, and develop the skills needed to become a successful reader. Information: Call 704-416-3800.

Learn, Quest, Play Wii, 5 p.m., Cornelius Branch, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, 21105 Catawba Ave., Cornelius. Meets every Wednesday. Teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking have never been so much fun. Join your peers to develop your skills and engage with the library on a whole new level. Information: Call 704-416-3800.

Dinner of Awesomeness at LKN Cottage, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Lake Norman Cottage, 200-A North Harbor Place, Davidson. Enjoy four world-class wines wonderfully paired with fine cuisine. Tickets are $40 per person plus tax and gratuity. Seating is limited to only 25 guests. Call 704-237-3629 for more information and reservations.

Charlotte Auto Show Preview Night, 6:30 p.m., Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St., Charlotte. Preview Night benefiting Levine Children’s Hospital. Come check out over 400 vehicles and new 2012 models. Music, hors d’oeuvres and refreshments provided. Tickets are $50. For more info and tickets, visit www.charlotteautoshow.com or call 704-364-1078.

Lecture by Eleanor Beardsley, 7 p.m., Alvarez Student Union, Davidson College, Davidson. Talk by National Public Radio correspondent Eleanor Beardsley, who will discuss “How Media Affects Individuals’ Interactions with Their Governments” as the college’s second Bank of America Lecture of the year. There is no charge to attend. Information: Call 704-894-2440.

THURSDAY, NOV. 17

Woodland Discovery Fall Explorers, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Fisher Farm Park, 21215 Shearers Road, Davidson. Observe and explore nature during the fall, including water, sun, earth, air, plant life, bugs and more. Each session covers brand new material. Open to ages 4 to 10 years. Also available are “School Day Out” sessions for Oct. 28 (Celebrate Fall) and Nov. 11 (Fairies and Gnomes). To register, go the the Parks and Recreation department website at www.ci.davidson.nc.us.

Public Library Board of Trustees, 12 p.m., third floor, Dickson Board Room, Main Library, 310 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. Meeting of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s board of trustees.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Advisory Committee, 4:30 p.m., Auditorium I and II, Hal Marshall Services Center, 700 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. Monthly meeting of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Advisory Committee.

Summit Songwriters Showcase, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St., Davidson. Info: 704-895-9090.

FRIDAY, NOV. 18

Mecklenburg County Information Services and Technology Advisory Committee, 7:30 a.m., Valerie C. Woodard Building, 3205 Freedom Drive, Suite 107, Charlotte. Monthly meeting of the Mecklenburg County Information Services and Technology Advisory Committee.

Global Cafe, 10 a.m., Cornelius Branch, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, 21105 Catawba Ave., Cornelius. Meets every Friday. Learn about America’s history and culture while improving your English conversational skills. No registration necessary. Information: Call 704-416-3800.

Pre-School Storytime, 10:15 a.m., Davidson Branch, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, 119 S. Main St., Davidson. Meets every Friday. Preschoolers engage with books and activities that encourage language and pre-reading skills. Hear stories, sing songs, and develop the skills needed to become a successful reader. Information: Call 704-416-4000.

RibFest, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce, 149 E. Iredell Ave., Mooresville. Fundraiser for the Holy Smokes Mission and Ministry and other community programs through the MSI Chamber. 1/4 hickory-smoked chicken plate $8, 1/2-rack baby back ribs $12, full rack of ribs $16. Plates include baked beans, slaw and roll. Meals can be pre-ordered through Nov. 11, but a limited number of walk-up orders will be accepted. Information-orders: Call 704-664-3898 or email info@mooresvillenc.org.

Toddler Storytime, 11 a.m., Davidson Branch, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, 119 S. Main St., Davidson. Meets every Friday. Toddlers build language skills, participate in music and movement activities, and discover the fun of books. Explore letters, sounds, and new words through stories and activities. Information: Call 704-416-4000.

DCPC Memorial Luncheon, 12 p.m., Congregation House, Davidson College Presbyterian Church, corner of Main Street and Concord Road, Davidson. Pre-holiday memorial luncheon is intended for men and women as an opportunity for anyone who has lost a spouse or child to come together and share a meal and comforting fellowship. Cost of the luncheon is $15 per person. Transportation is available if needed. Information-reservations: Call 704-892-5641 or emailing muse_t@bellsouth.net.

LKN Artisan Marketplace, 4-9 p.m., Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak St., Suite 12, Cornelius. Browse handcrafted gifts and collectibles from local and African artists at the Lake Norman Artisan Marketplace. All funds raised will go toward the Kilgoris Project’s support of a Kenyan village through education, feeding programs, economic development and clean water. Information: Visit www.kilgoris.org.

Kidtropolis Fall Chill, 5:30-8 p.m., Lake Forest Church, 8519 Gilead Road, Huntersville. The night begins on the lawn with dinner (bring a picnic or purchase on-site from Brian’s Dog House Grill or CiCi’s Pizza), relay races, face painting and balloon artists. At 6:30 p.m., we’ll head inside to enjoy an interactive performance of silly songs from The Mudpuddles. After the concert, stick around for s’mores and hot chocolate. More information at www.lakeforest.org.

DCPC Film Festival, 7 p.m., Davidson College Presbyterian Church, corner of Main Street and Concord Road, Davidson. Two movies — one for children, the other for teens and adults — will be shown each Friday during the church’s Film Festival. This week: Soul Surfer (teens-adults), Up (children). Films will be followed by discussion groups. Information: Call 704-892-5641.

Davidson Express at Summit, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St., Davidson. Info: 704-895-9090.

Live music at the Brickhouse, 8:30 p.m., Brickhouse Tavern, 209 Delburg St., Davidson – Live music with Wally and Dave. Info: 704-987-2022 or brickhousetavern.com.

SATURDAY, NOV. 19

Davidson Winter Farmer’s Market, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., downtown Davidson next to Town Hall. The first week of the Winter Farmer’s Market, which will be open the first and third Saturdays in November and December and the second and fourth Saturdays January through March. Local farmers and vendors selling meats, produce, dairy products, baked goods, and other items available. Information: Visit www.davidsonfarmersmarket.org.

LKN Artisan Marketplace, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak St., Suite 12, Cornelius. Browse handcrafted gifts and collectibles from local and African artists at the Lake Norman Artisan Marketplace. All funds raised will go toward the Kilgoris Project’s support of a Kenyan village through education, feeding programs, economic development and clean water. Information: Visit www.kilgoris.org.

Davidson football vs. Valparaiso, 1 p.m., Richardson Stadium, Davidson College. The Wildcats close out their 2011 season with a Pioneer League game against Valparaiso.

Black and White Masquerade Gala, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Charles Mack Citizen Center, 215 N. Main St., Mooresville. Annual banquet and fundraiser for Serenity House in Mooresville. Dress is black, white or black and white; masks optional. Guest speaker is Jeff Mendenhall, author of Your Economic Destiny. Tickets are free, but reservations are required. Information-reservations: www.serenityhousegala.eventbrite.com.

The Light Factory Art Auction, 7 p.m., Extravaganza Depot, The Light Factory, 1610 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. The 30th-annual The Light Factory Art Auction will feature works by area and regional photographers and artists. A silent auction will begin at 7 p.m., with the live auction starting at 9 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person, and can be purchased online at www.eventbrite.com. To see the works available at the auction, visit www,lightfactory.org.

Live music at the Brickhouse, 8:30 p.m., Brickhouse Tavern, 209 Delburg St., Davidson – Live music with Spin. Info: 704-987-2022 or brickhousetavern.com.

SUNDAY, NOV. 20

Photos with Santa, 1-6 p.m., Cornelius Fire Department, Main Street Station, Cornelius. Santa Clause will be making an early visit to the area at the CFD’s Main Street Station. Bring the kids to get photos taken with Santa. Information: Call 704-728-9587.

Piano Recital, 3 p.m., Tyler-Tallman Hall, Sloan Music Center, Davidson College, Davidson. Recital by students of artist associates in piano Ruskin Cooper and Cynthia Lawing. There is no charge to attend. Information: Call 704-894-2848.

HAVE NEWS?

To have your event listed in our calendars, please send to listings@davidsonnews.net. Our events calendars appear on both DavidsonNews.net and CorneliusNews.net.