The CIAA may have come and gone, but that doesn’t mean there is a shortage of things to do in the Queen City. Kick the week off with a night of theater as the Carolina Actors Studio Theatre pays homage to Nelson Mandela with the play “Sizwe Bansi is Dead.” Charlotte Fashion Week gets underway as jazz vocalist Gregory Porter comes to town. Here’s a look at what’s happening around Charlotte in the days ahead:

“Sizwe Bansi is Dead,” through Mar. 15 at Carolina Actors Studio Theatre – In remembrance of Nelson Mandela, CAST presents this production by Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona. It is set in 1972 Port Elizabeth, South Africa and tells the story of Sizwe Bansi, who has run out of time on his passbook to find a job and is facing deportation. He is faced with a dilemma when he stumbles across a dead body with a passbook. Does his identity card really define who he is? Could he give up his family and his name in order to survive? March 7 is Fuel Pizza Friday with a post-show Q&A with the cast and production team. Visit www.nccast.com for tickets or more information.

“Jewelry + Metals of the Carolinas,” through March 6 at CPCC’s Ross Gallery in the Overcash Center – This exhibit features artwork by jewelry artists and metal smiths from North and South Carolina. It includes work by seven emerging and established artists presenting a variety of techniques and materials, including enamel, plastic, resin, bronze, silver, mirror and silicone rubber among others. Visit www.cpcc.edu for more information.

CFG Presents Style Week, March 5-8 at the NC Music Factory. A biannual event that provides a platform for designers and boutiques to showcase their work. It is a celebration of the fashion, beauty and arts culture of the Carolinas.A Boutique Showcasewill be held Mar. 6 at Label House, providing a sneak peek into what will be trending this spring in boutiques around town. Visit www.CFGStyleWeek.com for more information.

An Evening with Gregory Porter, March 7 McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square – Heralded by the Huffington Post as “the brilliant new voice of jazz,” Gregory Porter is known by fans as a big man with a big sound. Largely unknown before his 2010 Grammy-nominated debut CD “Water,” Porter has quickly become one of jazz’s leading male vocalists with his soul-drenched and emotionally charged original songs.  Tickets are $38-$45. Visit www.CarolinaTix.org for more information.

SiNGZA! A Musical Soiree, March 8 at the historic Palmer Building. NASCAR’s Rick Allen will host this festive evening and fundraiser in benefit of Carolinas Voices. The night will include musical entertainment, auctions, dancing, dinner and feature a Wine Wall and Restaurant Frenzy. Auction items include unique jewelry, art, spa certificates, fun foodie gifts and more than 20 themed baskets. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased at (704) 374-1564.  Visit www.CarolinaVoices.org for more information.

By the Way, Meet Vera Stark, through March 15 at the Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte. Get ready to meet Vera Stark, a headstrong African-American actress who blazed a trail for black women in Hollywood as The Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte brings Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize winning play to the stage. “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark” gives audiences a glimpse in to the blinding movie studio lights of 1930's Hollywood. What begins as a raucous comedy flashes forward 40 years and tells the story of African Americans in entertainment from a unique perspective, illuminating the legacy of race in film and everyday life. Approximate run time is two hours with one 15-minute intermission. Visit www.atcharlotte.org for more information.

Tuesday Morning Breakfast Forum Meetings, most Tuesdays at West Charlotte Recreation Center. Led by community activist Sarah Stevenson, this weekly community forum begins at 8:30 a.m. with featured guest speakers providing insights on topics impacting Charlotte-Mecklenburg residents. Each meeting also includes question-and-answer sessions. Anyone present may stand and offer information about upcoming community events or milestones. Visit www.tuesdayforumcharlotte.org for more information.

2014 March Money Madness, March 13 at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille – This annual fundraiser for the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. takes place on the first night of the ACC and SEC men’s basketball tournament. Watch your favorite teams square off and try your luck with a chance to win the raffle grand prize of up to $5,000. Party tickets start at $30 and include appetizers and drink tickets for select beer and wine. Visit www.paschalpromotions.com for more information.

“Jerusalem,” through March 30 at The Charlotte Observer IMAX Dome Theatre at Discovery Place – This film explores the mystery of Jerusalem’s enduring appeal. Why has it been fought over, destroyed and rebuilt countless times over its 5,000-year history? What made it so important to so many different cultures? The film “Jerusalem” attempts to answer these questions by following three young Jerusalemites and their families – Jewish, Christian and Muslim. Visit www.DiscoveryPlace.org for more information.

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