The opening of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art kicked off what is sure to be a busy year for the Qcity’s growing arts and culture scene. We have another uptown museum scheduled to open this year, and a variety of performing arts events for arts lovers and novices.

The schedule includes shows returning to Charlotte as well as others making their debut here. Below is a list of 10 performing arts you won’t want to miss. I also threw in a couple of road trips worthy of your consideration.

Jan. 15: The Mint Museum uptown is scheduled to open in October as part of the Wells Fargo Cultural Campus. Curator Jonathan Stuhlman offers a sneak preview and discussion of the art collection moving to the new Mint Museum. The Mint Museum of Art is on Randolph Road. www.mintmuseum.org

Feb. 7: After a successful movie career, Tyler Perry returns to the stage with “Madea’s Big Happy Family.” It’s Perry’s first new play in about five years. Bojangles' Coliseum. www.ticketmaster.com

Feb. 9-14: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performances here are becoming an annual tradition, but this year’s performance moves to the new Knight Theater. www.blumenthalcenter.org

Feb. 14: Comedian Aisha was the first female and African American host of E!’s “Talk Soup.” She was also the first African American to have a recurring role in NBC’s “Friends.” McGlohon Theatre. www.blumenthalcenter.org

Feb 26: Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour features pianist Kenny Barron, violinist Regina Carter, singer Kurt Elling, and guitarist Russell Malone. Knight Theater. www.blumenthalcenter.org

Mar. 13-20: See award-winning opera singer Denyce Graves in “Carmen” presented by Opera Carolina. Georges Bizet opera Carmen inspired the popular musical and later film “Carmen Jones,” starring Harry Belafonte and Dorothy Dandridge. In 2002, Beyonce and Mekhi Phifer starred in a hip-hop opera based on “Carmen.” Opera Carolina’s production of “Carmen” is a chance to see the opera, about a temptress, that started it all. March 13,14, 18 and 20. Belk Theater. www.operacarolina.org

April 5: TAO: The Martial Art of Drumming is a form of Japanese drumming that combines ornate costumes and choreography. Knight Theater. www.blumenthalcenter.org

Apr. 25: Bill Cosby is the cantankerous uncle who can make us laugh or hang our heads in shame, but he does it all with love. Despite his sometimes candid rants about African American youth, Cosby’s live performances tend to be mostly non-offensive stories about parenting and other life musings. Belk Theater. www.blumenthalcenter.org

May 13-15: Director’s Choice. N.C. Dance Theatre president and artistic director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux selected a premiere by Dwight Rhoden (a principal dancer and choreographer with the Alvin Ailey). Bonnefoux also selected George Balanchine’s “Apollo.” It’s focused on Apollo, the god of music, who is visited by three muses. The final piece is Mark Godden’s “Constructing Juliet,” inspired by “Romeo and Juliet,” for this program. Knight Theater. www.blumenthalcenter.org

May 19 - Jun. 13: If you missed the sold-out performances when “Wicked” was here a couple of years ago, then don’t miss out again. See and hear the story of Oz from the witches’ perspectives. The singing makes “Wicked” memorable, but the story of discrimination and love stays with you long after you’ve forgotten the songs. Ovens Auditorium. www.blumenthalcenter.org

Road trips:
May 28-June 13: Spoleto in Charleston is an excellent opportunity to experience a variety of visual and performing arts. Jazz singer Lizz Wright (June 2), Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba performs a West African style of music reminiscent of blues (June 9), the fiddle band the Carolina Chocolate Drops (June 13). The premiere events are ticketed, but there are numerous free activities and less expensive performance. www.spoletousa.org

July 14-18: National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta features modern dance performances, spoken word, discussions as well as theater. The schedule for 2010 isn’t available yet, but if last year’s schedule is any indication, then this is one festival not to be missed. Last year included a tribute E. Lynn Harris, who died last year, as well as a star-studded tribute to singer Nina Simone. www.nbaf.org

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