Friday, June 20

MUSIC

It’s country time

Expect a packed show with plenty of hits tonight when Toby Keith steps on the stage at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. The popular country star brings with him an array of show-stoppers, such as ”High Maintenance Woman.” “Get My Drink On” and “She's a Hottie” from the latest CD. He also brings with him a strong opening act in Montgomery Gentry. The show’s at 7:30 tonight at the amphitheater, 707 Pavilion Blvd., Charlotte. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $29.50 to $69.50. You can find them at (704) 522-6500 or www.livenation.com.

Saturday, June 21

EVENT

Push, pull, get ’em moving

Watch tractors and fill yourself with barbecue at the Richburg tractor show will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Lewisville High School, 3971 Lewisville High School Road, Richburg. Tractor owners are invited to bring their tractors and farm equipment to display, and Tom Weaver will demonstrate his binder and thrasher machines. The event’s free and the barbecue’s on $7 a plate.

MUSIC

It’s a soulful sound

Rock Hill band Mellogroove heats up Charlotte Saturday with a unique blend of soul, jazz and Latin rhythms at Stir Concert Theatre, 3500 E. Independence Blvd, Charlotte. Admission is free until 11 p.m. Doors open at 9 p.m. For details, visit www.myspace.com/ mellogroove or www.stirnc.com.

THEATER

Honk if you love it

Be prepared to laugh and cry during “Honk! Jr.” a re-telling of the classic Hans Christian Andersen’s story, “The Ugly Duckling.” Rock Hill Community Theatre presents the funny family musical at 8 p.m. Saturday at South Pointe High School. Tickets are $10 adults and $8 students and seniors, children younger than 5 are free. For details, visit www.rockhilltheatre.org or 324-2578.

Sunday, June 22

EVENTS

Garden getting face lift

Celebrate Glencairn Garden’s 50th anniversary with a kick-off party from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday. The event, which marks the start of a year-long celebration for the Charlotte Avenue garden, will feature the Blue Chip Band and a brief program on the history and significance of the patch of urban green. The concert will be on Crest Street in front of the Bigger House. Note: Crest Street will be blocked at Charlotte Avenue. Get there early to grab a balloon and some light refreshments. This party also kicks off the “face lift” the garden’s getting as new phases of the area are brought to life. If the weather’s bad, call 329-5620 or visit www.rockhillrocks.com for event status.

Get out the capes

Comic fans can find a bit of heaven Sunday in Charlotte during the Comic Fans Heroes convention, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. It’s a family-friendly atmosphere where fans can mingle directly with professionals and exhibitors, featuring over 10,000 square feet dedicated to indie and alternative comics creators and publishers. Event admission is $10 per person. Kids ages 12 and younger are free. For details, visit www.heroesonline.com.

Tuesday, June 24

MUSIC

Reviving the sound

She’s a rocker, a mother and a breast cancer survivor. Melissa Etheridge endures, and she’s promoting her ninth album, “The Awakening,” with a tour that includes a Tuesday stop in Charlotte. Catch the American classic at 8 p.m. Tuesday at Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte. Tickets are $35 to $100 at www.ticketmaster.com.

EVENT

Humor, darkness, beauty

Asheville, N.C., native Wayne Caldwell’s in the area to sign his new book, “Cataloochee.” It’s at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Joseph Beth Booksellers at SouthPark Mall, Charlotte. “Cataloochee“ is a classic novel of place and family set post-civil war. It explores three generations of Southern families, their dreams, their downfalls and their faith. For details, call (704) 602-9800.

Wednesday, June 25

THEATER

Politics and animals clash in ‘Chesapeake’

If you like art, politics and dogs, the comedy “Chesapeake” is for you. Personalities clash when a provocative artist and a conservative Southern congressman cross paths. Caught in the middle of the conflict is the congressman’s beloved dog, Lucky. Catch it at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Duke Energy Theatre, Charlotte. Tickets are $15 to 25; check www.blumenthalcenter.org or call (704) 372-1000.