Hi, Phil Vavra here, and I’m combing the Carolinas for more culture, community, and cuisine. Now that spring is underway, I’m seeing more opportunities to get out of the house and enjoy engaging musical performances, festivals of all sorts, and even equestrian events. Let’s ride!
Bach Around the Clock
March 21st marked the 340th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach’s birth and the place to celebrate is downtown Davidson, NC. The North Carolina Baroque Orchestra*, the Davidson College Music Department, and Organ at Davidson present the Davidson Bach Festival at Davidson College Presbyterian Church (100 N. Main Street).
The three-day program includes the complete Goldberg Variations, the Coffee Cantata, chamber music, and an organ recital. Tickets for the performances on March 28th and 29th are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, plus fees. The organ recital on March 30th is free. More information on the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra website. March 28-30.
Movie Music Magic
I’m a sucker for a good movie soundtrack. It’s why I never miss Reel Music with Matt Rogers every Saturday afternoon at 5:00 on WDAV. And those big Hollywood scores are even better when you can hear them performed live.
The Sound of the Carolinas Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Tara Villa Keith (Music Director, Davidson College), is presenting an entire evening of movie music at Davidson United Methodist Church (233 S. Main St.) Sound of the Cinema is a free concert featuring orchestral themes and medleys from some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, including Spider Man, Back to the Future, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Saturday, March 29, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Horsing Around in the Palmetto State
It’ll be a weekend of equine extravaganzas in South Carolina. The 109th Aiken Horse Show will give you the chance to watch the horses on the show grounds and even take classes for both children and adults. March 28-30.
You can also trot over to the South Carolina Upstate Equine Council’s Spring Fling at the T. Ed Garrison Arena in Pendleton, SC. The two-day event will offer classes, vendors, and silent auctions. Admission is free for spectators. March 29-30.
And the ponies will be pounding the turf in Camden, SC. The Carolina Cup features thrilling steeplechase horse racing and elaborate tailgate parties. Saturday, March 29.
Festival Fever
The weather must be warming up because festival season appears to be in full swing. Here are a few that look like they’re worth the drive and maybe even an overnight stay:
Let’s start in the South Carolina Low Country with the Charleston Bluegrass Festival at the Woodlands Nature Reserve (4279 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC.) The two-day family-friendly event features live bluegrass performances, local food and crafts, fun outdoor activities, and premium camping options. March 28-29.
Savor the South’s favorite snack at the South Carolina Pimento Cheese Festival, at Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia (6071 St. Andrews Rd.) The event features food trucks, live music, kids’ activities, crafts, and a pimento cheese tasting (with paid tasting ticket). Free admission, $5 parking. Saturday, March 29, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
And how about a food and beer festival on the North Carolina coast? Get your fill of local seafood during Feast Wilmington at Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park (10-A Cowan St.) Craft + Cuisine on Saturday will pair 20 local breweries with 20 local chefs. Tickets begin at $100. March 29-30.
Youth Movement
If you have any doubts about the future of classical music, rest assured, it’s in good hands. You can see and hear for yourself as the Winston-Salem Symphony* and Youth Symphony present their annual Concert for Community to celebrate the winners of the Peter Perret Youth Talent Competition. The free performance will be held at Wake Forest University’s Wait Chapel, Saturday, March 29, 3:00 p.m.
Looking Ahead…
He won’t be in Charlotte until fall, but you might want to get your seats now. The one and only John Cleese will be at Ovens Auditorium on September 30th and tickets are already on sale for Not Dead Yet! – John Cleese and the Holy Grail at 50. The Monty Python alum will be hosting a special screening of the beloved cult classic, followed by conversation and an audience Q&A. I’m guessing Ticketmaster won’t accept shrubberies as payment.
Check back next week for more things to see, do, and eat. And don’t forget that new things are always showing up on the WDAV Events Calendar.
*Disclosure: North Carolina Baroque Orchestra and Winston-Salem Symphony are WDAV underwriters.