Durham
Painted Chair Auction
Eno River Unitarian Universalist FellowshipFounded in 1994, Durham’s Independent Animal Rescue helps care for unwanted and homeless animals in the Triangle. Its annual Painted Chair Auction is tonight, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The organization is run by volunteers, so all of the profits from the auction go to animal rescue and rehabilitation. Slated to be auctioned are works from more than 30 North Carolina artists, including, of course, painted chairs (actually only a handful), tables, jewelry, handblown glass pieces, photography and paintings. There are also items from business donors, including gift certificates from Weaver Street Market and Carolina Brewery, a trail ride from Dead Broke Farms, free massage therapy, season tickets from Playmakers, and an overnight stay and breakfast for two at the Washington Duke Inn. To see a list of items to be auctioned or purchase tickets ($15 advance, $20 at the door), visit www.animalrescue.net or call 403-2221. Megan Stein
Carrboro
Girls Rock NC
Cat’s CradleIt’s “another opportunity beyond sports to have a creative teamwork experience,” explains Amelia V.B. Shull, the director of N.C. Rocks Camp for Girls, now in its fifth year. Several dozen girls have spent a week preparing to rock out during practices at The ArtsCenter in Carrboro, learning about instruments and arrangements, creating their own press releases (one band’s next tour date is on Jupiter), writing songs, and studying the objectification of females by mainstream media and its consequences. The hard work pays off as eight bands (including the Electric Pandas) take to the Cradle stage tonight. The music starts at 7 p.m., and a $5 donation is requested. Jeyhoun Allebaugh
Garner
Russell Johnson
Lake Benson ParkAs a staple member of the Cary-based bluegrass band The Grass Cats, singer and picker Russell Johnson has been lending his signature lonesome tenor and pretty mandolin lines to country and roots stages for years. Tonight, he takes his graceful playing lakeside, where his blistering arrangements come supported by well-tuned friends strumming to the backdrop of a summer sun. Presented by the PineCone Music Series for free at 6 p.m. Kathy Justice
