By BILL KISER
DavidsonNews.net

"Children of a Lesser God" opens this week at Armour Street Theatre.

The home finale for Davidson College’s women’s basketball team, performances of “Metamorphoses” and “Children of a Lesser God,” and a celebration honoring one of the area’s oldest communities highlight the available activities in the area this week. The week also includes a fund-raising Jazz and Art Fest Friday night at Davidson’s Homewood Suites. And on Saturday afternoon, the town of Cornelius will cap its Black History Month activities with an event honoring Smithville, whose roots in the 1880s make it one of the area’s oldest communities.

The Wildcats play their final game of the season at Belk Arena on Monday night against Southern Conference foe Wofford, with the team’s two seniors — Kristen Johnsen and Amanda Ottaway — being honored before the game.

Davidson (19-7, 15-2) is currently tied with Appalachian State atop the Southern Conference standings, but holds the tiebreaker after sweeping the season series against the Mountaineers.  A win Monday would not only give the Wildcats 20 wins for the first time since the 2007-2008 season, but would move them a step closer to winning their first-ever conference title.

Also this week, the Davidson men’s team hosts Elon on Thursday.

Davidson College’s Theater Department will perform Mary Zimmerman’s interpretation of “Metamorphoses,” with six shows scheduled between Wednesday and Sunday at the Barber Theatre in the Cunningham Theatre Center. Meanwhile, the Davidson Community players open their three-week run of “Children of a Lesser God” at the Armour Street Theatre, with shows Thursday through Sunday.

See also the latest movie listings at Our Town Cinemas, on this page at right.

ONGOING EVENTS

Celebrate Black History Exhibit, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Cornelius Arts Center, 19725 Oak St., Unit 1, Cornelius. A multimedia exhibit featuring works by local African-American artists, including Cornelius native James Donaldson, as part of the Cornelius PARC Department’s Black History Month celebration. Exhibit will run through Feb. 29.

Theater: Metamorphoses, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Barber Theatre, Cunningham Theatre Center, Davidson College. The Davidson College Theatre Department will perform Mary Zimmerman’s interpretation of “Metamorphoses.” The play, originally written by the Roman poet Ovid, is an ironic and moving look at human relationships. Zimmerman’s story ultimately brings audience members to a closer understanding of love, lust and loss. General admission is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors 60 and over, and $4 for students. Tickets may be purchased by calling the ticket office at 704-894-2135 weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or purchasing online at www.davidson.edu/tickets.

Theater: Children of a Lesser God, 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St., Davidson. The Davidson Community Players will perform “Children of a Lesser God,” the story of the relationship between a deaf student and her former teacher. Shadow interpreters will be used at all performances, and an audience “talk back” will be held after each performance on opening weekend. Tickets: $12-20, and can be purchased by calling the Armour Street Theatre ticket office at 704-892-79-53 or online at www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org.

Charlotte Motorcycle Show, 4-9 p.m. Friday, 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St., Charlotte. The inaugural Charlotte Motorcycle Show will feature displays from more than 20 manufacturers, hundreds of motorcycles on display and new-model debuts from the industry’s top brands. In addition, the Smage Bros. Stunt Show will perform, there will be displays of luxury and vintage motorcycles, and information sessions on new technology, maintenance tips, gear, apparel and accessory suggestions. Tickets: $13 (one day, online sale), $15 (one day at the door), and $30 (three day, online sale) for adults; $6 (one day, ages 6-11), $10 (two day, ages 6-11, and three day online). Ages 5-under admitted free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.motorcycleshows.com/charlotte.

MONDAY, FEB. 20

Davidson women’s basketball vs. Wofford, 7 p.m., Belk Arena, Davidson College. The Wildcats’ women’s basketball team, who lead the Southern Conference standings, can move a step closer to their first league title by beating Wofford in their regular-season home finale.

TUESDAY, FEB. 21

Lake Norman Chamber Business Before Hours, 8 a.m., Our Towns Habitat for Humanity, 20310 N. Main St., Cornelius. Lake Norman Chamber Business Before Hours reception, with breakfast and information about Habitat and its homeowners. In March, the chamber will team up with local businesses to fund and build a home for a deserving family. Info: 704-896-8957.

Anti-Bullying Workshop, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Community Room, Aquesta Bank, 19510 Jetton Road, Cornelius. The Cornelius-based Foundation for Respect Ability is offering a free introductory workshop on the tools and strategies to help deal with bullying in all its forms. The workshop is open to parents, teachers, school administrators and leaders of local organizations. Reservations: Call 704-438-9798 or email xbullying@gmail.com. Information: Visit www.xbullying.org.

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

Main Street Readers, 7 p.m., Main Street Books, 126 S. Main St., Davidson. Main Street Readers book club will discuss “Zeitoun” by Dave Eggers. Free.

Organ Concert, 7:30 p.m., Lingle Chapel, Davidson College Presbyterian Church, corner of Main Street and Concord Road, Davidson. Organ concert by the church’s associate music director Michael Rowland. Rowland will present works by Bach and Franck. There is no charge to attend, but donations will be collected. Information: Call 704-892-5641.

Kathleen Hall Jamieson

Communication Studies Lecture, 7 p.m., Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College. Talk by noted University of Pennsylvania political scientist Kathleen Hall Jamieson. Jamieson will present Davidson’s annual McGaw Lecture on the topic “How Today’s Consulting Tactics Could Have Unseated Lincoln.” Jamieson will explore whether Abraham Lincoln’s 1864 bid for re-election could have failed had he faced the attack tactics of contemporary political campaigns. Jamieson is the author or co-author of 15 books, including the latest she co-authored titled “The Obama Victory: How Media, Money, and Messages Shaped the 2008 Election.” There is no charge to attend the lecture. Information: Call 704-894-2095 or email ethics@davidson.edu. (See Feb. 19, “Jamieson takes aim at ugly side of political campaigns.”)

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22

Senior Mobile Art, 11 a.m., Torrence Chapel AME Zion Church, 21517 Torrence Chapel Road, Cornelius. The event, co-sponsored by the Cornelius PARC Department and the Community Arts Project, will feature art activities focused on noted African-American artists. Information: Call 704-892-6031 ext. 192 or email mstoner@cornelius.org.

Interdisciplinary Studies Discussion, 4:30 p.m., Carolina Inn, Davidson College. Discussion about “Time and Place” as part of the college’s “Time and …” multi-disciplinary series. Panelists for this presentation will be faculty members Brad Johnson from environmental studies, Jane Mangan from the history department and Pat Sellers from political science. There is no charge to attend. Information: Call 704-894-2385 or email viheitman@davidson.edu.

North Meck Republican Women Mix and Mingle, 5-7 p.m., Hickory Tavern, 9526 Birkdale Crossing Drive, Huntersville. The North Mecklenburg Republican Women’s monthly social, held the third Wednesday of every month. The public — women and men — are invited to attend.

Davidson Toastmasters, 6:30-7:45 p.m., Lake Norman YMCA, 21300 Davidson St., Cornelius. The Davidson Toastmasters weekly meeting. Visitors welcome. Doors open at 6 p.m. for setup and networking. Info: http://davidson.freetoasthost.org/index.html.

Live music at Paddy’s Pour House, 8 p.m., Paddy’s Pour House, 20930 Torrence Chapel Road, Cornelius. Musical act: Pluto for Planet www.paddyspourhouselkn.com.

THURSDAY, FEB. 23

Story Time at Main Street Books, 10 a.m., Main Street Books, 126 S. Main St., Davidson. February Story Time with stories, songs and fun for kids ages 1-5. Free, takes place every second and fourth Thursday of the month. Information: 704-892-6841.

A Night Out With Oscar, 6 p.m., Havana Banquet and Ballroom, Cornelius. A red-carpet gala by the North Mecklenburg Women’s Club, with a presentation of evening attire by Nordstrom’s, a formal dinner, cocktails, silent and live auctions, gift bags and other entertainment. Proceeds will go to the NMWC’s scholarship fund. Cost: $50 per person. Information-tickets: Call 704-806-0077 or 704-966-0389.

MI-Connection Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Meeting Room, Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St., Davidson. A meeting of the publicly-owned MI-Connection cable system’s board of directors.

Davidson men’s basketball vs. Elon, 7 p.m., Belk Arena, Davidson College. The Wildcats’ men’s basketball team, who lead the Southern Conference’s South Division standings, host Elon.

Ethics Lecture, 7 p.m., Alvarez Student Union, Smith 900 Room, Davidson College. Talk by Robin Lovin, Southern Methodist University’s Maguire University professor of ethics, discussing “Continuity and Change in Christian Ethics.” There is no charge to attend. Information: Call 704-894-2095 or email ethics@davidson.edu.

Symphony Orchestra Concert, 7:30 p.m., Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College. The Davidson College Symphony Orchestra will perform works including Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” and Hovhaness’s Symphony No. 2 “Mysterious Mountain.” There is no charge to attend. Information: Call 704-894-2848.

Live music at Summit Coffee, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St., Davidson – Live music: Billy Jones + The Pocket. Free. Info: 704-895-9090.

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

FRIDAY, FEB. 24

Lake Norman Chamber Focus Friday, 8-9:30 a.m., Randy Marion Board Room, Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, 19900 W. Catawba Ave., Cornelius. A special Focus Friday briefing to discuss complaints about Mecklenburg County’s Board of Equalization and Review, and the ongoing revaluation and appeals process. Von Moody of Thompson Reuters will be on hand to explain the property tax appeals process and state law as it relates to tax assessments, and Cornelius Mayor Jeff Tarte will make a presentation about his proposed Citizens Task Force on the issue. There is no charge to attend. The Focus Friday event is sponsored by CorneliusNews.net and DavidsonNews.net.

Musical Interludes, 12:30 p.m., Tyler-Tallman Hall, Sloan Music Center, Davidson College. The Davidson College Music Department will hold a mid-day concert by artist associates Cynthia Lawing and Gloria Cook, known together as “Ten Fingers on 176 Keys,” who will present a dual piano concert. There is no charge to attend the concert. Information: Call 704-894-2848.

Davidson baseball vs. Lehigh, 5 p.m., Wilson Field, Davidson College. The Wildcats’ baseball team hosts Lehigh in a nonconference game.

Board Game Night at Freckled Dog Pub, 7-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St., Davidson – Freckled Dog Pub upstairs at Summit presents Board Game Night. Free. Info: 704-895-9090.

Jazz and Artist Fest, 7-10 p.m., Homewood Suites of Davidson, 125 Harbour Place Drive, Davidson. The “Spread the Love” festival will benefit three local charities — the Community School of Davidson, the Davidson Lands Conservancy and the Ada Jenkins Center. The event features a performance by jazz ensemble Night Shift, art by a variety of artists will be displayed for sale, and guests will be able to enjoy food and wine. Tickets: $10 per person, attendees are encouraged to bring two to three cans of food for the pantry at the Ada Jenkins Center. More info in our preview, brickhousetavern.com.

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

SATURDAY, FEB. 25

LKN Chamber 10K Challenge Run-Walk, 8 a.m., Bailey Middle School track, 11900 Bailey Road, Cornelius. The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce Business Build 10K Challenge Run-Walk will raise funds for the Our Towns Habitat for Humanity. Runners and walkers collect pledges of at least $1 per lap. Prizes will be awarded to the runners and walkers with the most money collected. Participants or pledgers can register online at www.ourtownshabitat.org. Information: Call 704-897-1966 or email dbilodeau@aquestainsurance.com.

Davidson Farmer’s Market, 9 a.m.-noon, downtown Davidson, next to Town Hall – Davidson Farmer’s Market winter tailgate market. Local farmers and vendors selling meats, produce, dairy products, baked goods, and other items. Runs second and fourth Saturdays through March. Information: Visit www.davidsonfarmersmarket.org.

Drop-In Art, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Cornelius Arts Center, 19725 Oak St., Unit 1, Cornelius. Parents can bring their children to work at various art stations throughout the studio. As part of Black History Month, several of the stations during the month of February will be centered around African-American arists. The fee is $6 for the first hour and $4 for a second child or additional hours.

Dr. Seuss 75th Anniversary Celebration, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Food Court, Concord Mills, Bruton Smith Boulevard, Concord. The Simon Kidgits Club, Dr. Seuss Enterprises L.P. and Random House Children’s Books celebrate the 75th anniversity of the Theodor Seuss Geisel’s first published children’s book, “And To Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street,” with a series of events at Concord Mills. Information: Call 704-979-3000 or visit www.concordmills.com.

Celebrate Smithville, 1-4 p.m., Cornelius Town Hall, 21445 W. Catawba Ave., Cornelius. The town of Cornelius caps its Black History Month activities with an event honoring Smithville, one of the town’s oldest communities, with its roots dating back to the 1880s. Activities will include performances by local singing and dancing groups, memorabilia and pictures, crafting of a Community Quilt, an appearance by Cornelius artist James Donaldson, children’s activities and light refreshments. The event is free and open to the public. More info on the town website.

Cannon School Open House, 1 p.m., Cannon School, 5801 Poplar Tent Road, Concord. The private school will hold an open house for students and families interested in attending for the 2012-2013 school year. Information-registration: Visit www.cannonschool.org or call 704-721-7199.

Davidson baseball vs. Lehigh, 3:30 p.m., Wilson Field, Davidson College. The Wildcats’ baseball team hosts Lehigh in a nonconference game.

Sip and Shop at Wooden Stone Gallery, 4-6 p.m., Wooden Stone Gallery, 445 S. Main St., Davidson. Event features wines from vineyards across North Carolina. Cost: $8 per person. Information-reservations: Email jinny@woodenstonegallery.com or call 704-892-1449.

Dinner at Davidson, 6-9 p.m., Lilly Gallery, Chambers Building, Davidson College. The third-annual Dinner at Davidson, organized by the college’s Student Government Association and put on by various campus organizations, is a fundraiser for The Davidson Trust, which provides grants and other assistance to Davidson students. Tickets can be purchased online at www.davidson.edu/dinneratdavidson.

Charlotte Music Awards Songwriter of the Year, 7 p.m., NC Music Factory/The Saloon, 1000 Music Factory Blvd., off Graham Street, Charlotte – 2012 Charlotte Music Awards Singer/Songwriter Showcase. Winner will be crowned Singer/Songwriter of the Year. The 15 nominees include Davidson-based songwriter Rusty Knox (photo). Information: http://www.charlottemusicawards.org/tickets.cfm

Live music at Summit Coffee, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St., Davidson – Live music: Rick Spreitzer Trio. Free. Info: 704-895-9090.

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

SUNDAY, FEB. 26

Davidson baseball vs. Fairleigh Dickinson, 1 p.m., Wilson Field, Davidson College. The Wildcats’ baseball team hosts Fairleigh Dickinson in a nonconference game.

Faculty Recital, 3 p.m., Tyler-Tallman Hall, Sloan Music Center, Davidson College. The Davidson College Music Department will hold a cello concert by Alan Black, artist associate at Davidson and principal cellist for the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Black will perform Max Reger’s Solo Cello Suite in D Minor and Chopin’s Cello Sonata in G Minor. He will be accompanied by pianist Dana Protopopescu. There is no charge to attend the concert. 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.