happenings

Now open

 Limani is now open at Phillips Place, in the spot previously home to Upstream. The New Yorkbased restaurant serves Greek and Mediterraneaninspired, seafood-focused cuisine. limani.com  Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse opened its newest location at Piedmont Town Center in SouthPark. duckworths.com  The Gilded Cellar, a 6,800-square-foot event space on the lower level of Resident Culture South End, opened. The venue includes a 4,000-square-foot room and a private bar and can accommodate up to 275 people for a cocktail reception and up to 200 people seated. residentculturebrewing.com  Museum of Illusions opened last month in uptown, featuring more than 60 interactive exhibits, including holograms, optical illusions and more. The museum is part of a conglomerate of 38 private museums in 25 countries. moicharlotte.com

Mama’s Ricotta’s, the homestyle Italian restaurant on Kings Drive, underwent an extensive renovation last fall that includes an expanded dining area, a private dining space that seats 30, and a kitchen upgrade. “After 30 years in business, we thought it was time for not only a refresh, but an expansion,” owner Frank Scibelli said in an email. Mama Ricotta’s worked with Peadon Finein Architecture and Gais Construction on the project.

Two new businesses are set to debut this spring at Camp North End: Room Service, a boutique cocktail bar and lounge, and Stay Inn, a specialty market. The two businesses are a collaboration between Rachel Hopkins, co-owner of Black Moth Bars, and Jules Zanoni, owner of grow plant shop. Room Service, led by Hopkins, will offer cocktails, beer and wine along with shared plates in the evening. Zanoni’s Stay Inn will sell glassware, cocktail supplies, candles, linens, flowers and specialty foods such as olive oil and tinned fish. SP

Camp North End

Black Moth Bars

January

HAPPENINGS

Sojourners at Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art

Through Feb. 11

This group exhibition explores the idea of “places, people, and things — both real and imagined — in the constant flux of transition and change” and features works by more than a dozen regional and national artists. eldergalleryclt.com

Brian Rutenberg: Banners of the Coast at Jerald Melberg Gallery

Jan. 7- Feb. 18

Brian Rutenberg’s abstract landscapes reflect the duality of the South Carolina resort town where he was raised, from brightly colored amusement parks and arcades to low country landscapes. The show — the artist’s ninth solo exhibition with the gallery — includes new oil paintings on linen and paper. An opening reception with the artist will be held Jan. 13 from 6-8 p.m. jeraldmelberg.com

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra performs Copland Symphony No. 3 at Belk Theater

Jan. 13-14 | 7:30 p.m

Canadian-Trinidadian guest conductor Kwame Ryan leads the program, featuring what’s often called the “Great American Symphony” along with John Adams’ “Short Ride in a Fast Machine” and Korngold’s Violin Concerto in D Major. charlottesymphony.org

29th Annual McCrorey YMCA MLK Holiday Celebration

Jan. 16 | 8 a.m.

This annual breakfast event returns to an in-person format, with prayer, speakers and performances. Proceeds support programs at the McCrorey YMCA in northwest Charlotte, the second-oldest Y in Charlotte and the region’s first African-American YMCA. ymcacharlotte.org

Skate and Date at the U.S. National Whitewater Center

Jan. 18, 25; Feb. 1, 8 | 6:30 p.m.

Take a spin around the Whitewater Center’s seasonal outdoor ice-skating rink, followed by a three-course meal at River’s Edge. $65 per person; beer and wine are available for purchase. Register online at whitewater.org.

Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week

Jan. 20-29

Enjoy prix fixe, three-course meals from $30-$45 per person at dozens of participating restaurants in the Charlotte metro region. charlotterestaurantweek.iheart.com

Barry Manilow at Spectrum Center

Jan. 21 | 7 p.m.

He can’t smile without you — the 79-yearold singer-songwriter has been charming audiences since the ’70s. Ticket prices vary. ticketmaster.com SP SOZO Gallery

After 10 years, SOZO Gallery will close on Jan. 31. The gallery founded by Hannah Blanton opened in uptown in 2013 and moved to Plaza Midwood in January 2021. SOZO’s roster of artists includes Wendy Bilas, Percy King, Robert Langford, Kenny Nguyen and Beverly Smith.

“I offer my profound thanks to the many artists, collectors, mentors and organizations that have partnered with SOZO Gallery through the years,” Blanton said in an emailed statement. “Each of you has had an important influence on the evolution and growth of SOZO.”

In the coming months, Blanton plans to launch SELAH, an artist advisory firm and art consultancy. Sozo Gallery is located at 904 Pecan Ave., Unit 101. sozogallery.net

Scan the QR code on your mobile device to view our online events calendar — updated weekly — at southparkmagazine.com.