By BILL KISER
DavidsonNews.net

It’s the first full week of March — that means March Madness has begun, with Davidson in the finals of the Southern Conference basketball tournament Monday in Asheville, and the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament beginning Thursday in Atlanta. For those who won’t be glued to the TV, there’s plenty to do this week in Davidson and the surrounding communities – from a regional biz expo Monday to Hough High’s production of “Annie” to a big bass tournament on Lake Norman.

The Lake Norman Business Expo — the area’s largest business trade show, held by the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce — will be Monday from 10-5 at Davidson College’s Belk Arena, and is open to the public.

For those who prefer the stage, head over to Hough High School later this week for performances of “ANNIE,” the first full-length musical performed by the school’s Theater Department. Shows will be held Thursday through Sunday.

There’s also “Stones In His Pockets,” being performed Thursday-Saturday at the Warehouse Performing Arts Center in Cornelius; and “Children of a Lesser God” on Thursday-Sunday (with two shows on Saturday) by the Davidson Community Players at the Armour Street Theatre in Davidson.

More musically inclined? Check out singer Abigail Lennox teaming with duo Earl’s Chair for a program of Celtic music on Saturday night, or the Mark Sterbank Jazz Group performing hymns and spirituals on Sunday afternoon, both at Davidson’s St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. There’s also performances by local groups at Summit Coffee in downtown Davidson on Thursday through Saturday nights.

Still need a sports fix? Drive over to Blythe Landing in Cornelius on Saturday and check out the 26th-annual Jim Ledbetter Memorial Bass Tournament, which helps raise funds for the V Foundation.

ONGOING EVENTS

ANNIE the Musical, 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, Hough High School auditorium, 12420 Bailey Road, Cornelius. The first full-scale musical produced and performed by the Hough High Theater Department. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students.

Davidson Alumni College, March 5-7, Davidson College. Alumni and friends of the college are invited to enjoy four days on campus exploring with Davidson faculty members on the roles media and technology have historically played in moving citizens to take social action and responsibility. Cost is $450 per person or $850 for a couple. For information contact 704-894-2450 or email betaylor@davidson.edu.

Stones In His Pockets, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from March 8-24, Warehouse Performing Arts Center, 9216-A Westmoreland Road, Cornelius. Charlotte’s Anne Lambert presents the award-winning comedy “Stones In His Pockets” with performances Thursdays-Saturdays, and a 2:30 p.m. matinee March 18. The comedy by Marie Jones tells the story of two down-on-their-luck Irish lads and their quiet rural community as they come to terms with the visit of a big Hollywood movie shoot. Playing over 15 characters between them, Charlotte actors Michael Harris and Hank West bring to life this hilarious and moving script. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 for seniors, students and groups. Reservations can be made by calling 704-619-0429 or email at tickets@warehousepac.coms.

Children of a Lesser God, 8 p.m. March 8-10, and 2 p.m. March 10-11, 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.

MONDAY, MARCH 5

Lake Norman Business Expo, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Belk Arena, Davidson College, Davidson. The area’s largest business trade show is held by the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, and will feature more than 170 businesses and non-profit organizations. Admission is free and open to the public.

DUMC Blood Drive, 1:30-6:30 p.m., Davidson United Methodist Church fellowship hall, 233 S. Main St., Davidson. The church will hold a blood drive for the American Red Cross. Reservations can be made by calling 704-258-4133 or emailing porters2@bellsouth.net.

TUESDAY, MARCH 6

Davidson Horticulture Symposium, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Knobloch Campus Center, Davidson College. The 28th-annual Davidson Horticulture Symposium’s theme is “The Roots of Passion: The Inspired Gardener.” The registration deadline is Feb. 24, 2012, and can be done online at www.davidsonsymposium.org. For more information, visit www.davidsonsymposium.org, email davidsonsymposium@gmail.com or call 704-892-9062.

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

Democratic Precinct District 127 Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Hopewell Baptist Church fellowship hall, 18841 Davidson-Concord Road, Davidson. Annual precinct meeting will elect a new vice president and select delegates to the Mecklenburg County Democratic convention in mid-April. Information: Email casstevens191@bellsouth.net.

Davidson Precinct 206 Democrats, 7 p.m., Davidson Town Hall, Main Street, Davidson. The annual meeting of the Davidson Precinct 206 Democrats. Information: Call 704-439-7118.

Opera Preview, 7 p.m., Tyler-Tallman Hall, Sloan Music Center, Davidson College. A discussion of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin led by bass-baritone Dan Boye, department chair and professor of physics, as a preview of Opera Carolina’s upcoming production. There is no charge to attend the talk. For more information, call 877-333-8990.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7

Community Blood Drive, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Mitchell Community College, Mooresville Campus, 219 N. Academy St., Mooresville. A blood drive organized by the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. Appointments can be made by calling 704-972-4700.

Health Care Showcase, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Charles Mack Citizen Center, 215 N. Main St., Mooresville. The Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce will hold the Live the Good Life Health Care Showcase, with more than four dozen exhibitors and local health care providers available to answer questions. Admission is free. Information: Call 704-664-3898, email info@mooresvillenc.org, or visit www.mooresvillenc.org.

Davidson women’s lacrosse vs. St. Francis (Pa.), 1 p.m., Richardson Stadium, Davidson College. The Wildcats’ women’s lacrosse team hosts St. Francis (Pa.)

Community Blood Drive, 3:30-6:30 p.m., PIT Instruction and Training Center, 156 Byers Creek Road, Mooresville. A blood drive organized by the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. Appointments can be made by calling 704-972-4700.

Mountain Island Lake Marine Commission, 6:30 p.m., Lee Dukes Waste Water Treatment Plant, 7980 Babe Stillwell Farm, Charlotte. The monthly meeting of the Mountain Island Lake Marine Commission.

Davidson Toastmasters, 6:30-7:45 p.m., Lake Norman YMCA, 21300 Davidson St., Cornelius. Guests are welcome to the weekly gathering of the Davidson Toastmasters, whose members practice public speaking and leadership skills in a motivating and encouraging environment. Information: Visit www.davidsontoastmastersclubs.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 8

Story Time at Main Street Books, 10 a.m., Main Street Books, 126 S. Main St., Davidson. Story Time with stories, songs and fun for kids ages 1-5. Free. 704-892-6841 (every second and fourth Thursday).

LKN Kiwanis Social Night, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Choplin’s Restaurant, 19700 One Norman Boulevard, Cornelius. The public is invited to the monthly social night of the Lake Norman Kiwanis Club. Members are being sought who are interested in getting involved in community service. Information: Call 704-351-5644.

Nature Program: Preview of 2012 Lake Projects, 7 p.m., Youth Services Room, Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. Retired Duke Energy scientist Gene Vaughan will present “Sneak Preview of 2012 Lake Norman Wildlife Projects.” Among Vaughn’s topics will be the Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists’ upcoming construction on the lake of nine great blue heron rookeries and 10 osprey nesting platforms; placement of deepwater fishery habitat (often called honey-holes) and the planting of up to 1,000 button bushes around numerous islands and wetlands to prevent erosion. Information: Visit www.lakenormanwildlife.org or call 704-877-4788.

Stand Up North Carolina, 7-9 p.m., Charles Mack Citizen Center, 215 N. Main St., Mooresville. Guest speaker will be former WSOC-TV reporter and current WBT-AM talk show host Vince Coakley. The event is free and open to the public.

Live music at Summit Coffee, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St., Davidson. Live music by Billy Jones and The Pocket. Free. Info: 704-895-9090 or visit www.summitcoffee.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 9

Live music at Freckled Dog Pub, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St., Davidson. Freckled Dog Pub upstairs at Summit presents the Mike Strauss Trio. Free. Info: Call 704-895-9090 or visit www.summitcoffee.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 10

Jim Ledbetter Memorial Bass Tournament, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Blythe Landing, Cornelius. The 26th-annual Jim Ledbetter Casting Out Cancer Memorial is the longest-running bass fishing tournament in North Carolina, and is named for the late TV fishing show host who lived in Catawba County. Nearly 400 anglers from North Carolina and surrounding states are expected to compete, with proceeds going to the V Foundation. See more in our March 2, 2012, preview article.

Davidson Farmer’s Market, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., 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.

Weathers Creek Writers Series, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., The Farm at Weathers Creek, 1170 Shinnville Road, Cleveland, N.C. Workshop on “More than ME in Memoir” by Jessica Handler, author of the memoir “Invisible Sisters.” Space is limited to 14 students. Lunch is included. Cost: $75 per person. Information-reservations: Call 704-662-0187.

Tea Time at Wooden Stone Gallery, 2-4 p.m., Wooden Stone Gallery, 445 S. Main St., Davidson. Event features cupcakes made by SweetCakes of Cornelius, offerings of an assortment of teas and a recipe exchange. Cost: $8 per person, reservations required. Information-reservations: Email jinny@woodenstonegallery.com or call 704-892-1449.

Community Blood Drive, 2:30-6:30 p.m., The Grand Theatre AmStar, 206 Norman Station Boulevard, Mooresville. A blood drive organized by the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. Appointments can be made by calling 704-972-4700.

Davidson women’s lacrosse vs. Siena, 3 p.m., Richardson Stadium, Davidson College. The Wildcats’ women’s lacrosse team hosts Siena.

Celtic Music Concert, 7:30 p.m., St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 301 Caldwell Lane, Davidson. New York-based singer Abigail Lennox joins Celtic duo Earl’s Chair for a program of tunes, songs and stories from Ireland, Scotland and New England during their “The Deer’s Cry: Music for the Celtic Saints” tour stop at St. Alban’s. Tickets: $15 general admission, $10 for students (under age 21) and seniors (65 and older), children under age 12 admitted free. Information: Call 704-654-6997.

Live music at Summit Coffee, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St., Davidson. Live music by TBA. Free. Info: 704-895-9090 or visit www.summitcoffee.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 11

Community Blood Drive, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Hopewell Presbyterian Church, 10500 Beatties Ford Road, Huntersville. A blood drive organized by the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. Appointments can be made by calling 704-972-4700.

Charlotte Writers’ Club North, 2-4 p.m., Warehouse Performing Arts Center, 9216-A Westmoreland Road, Cornelius. Poet Gilda Morina Syverson will read selections from her full-length poetry book “Facing the Dragon.” A book signing will follow the reading. Information: Call 704-896-7774 or visit www.gildasyverson.net.

Music at St. Alban’s, 3 p.m., St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 301 Caldwell Lane, Davidson. The Mark Sterbank Jazz Group will perform hymns and spirituals as part of the church’s Music at St. Alban’s concert series. Tickets are $15 general admission and $10 for seniors, with children under age 12 admitted free. A reception with the performers will follow the concert. Information-tickets: Call 704-941-0650.

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