Hi there, it’s Phil Vavra. I hope you’ve been enjoying the beautiful spring weather. Although, for the pollen-averse among us, our antihistamines have been working overtime this month. I’ve tried everything from Allegra to Zyrtec. Bupkis. That’s why I made sure to include a few indoor events and activities for you to enjoy over the next week. Let’s find some air-filtrated fun!
Teen Angst, Broadway Style
Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Kimberly Akimbo, has come to Charlotte’s Knight Theater (430 S. Tryon Street) as part of the Blumenthal Performing Arts* PNC Broadway Lights Series. Written by David Lindsay-Abaire (Shrek) with a Tony Award-winning score by Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home), it’s the hilarious, heartbreaking, and inspiring story of going-on-16-year-old Kimberly Levaco and how she navigates her adolescence in the suburban New Jersey town where her off-kilter family has just moved. Despite being the new kid at school with a rare genetic condition and dysfunctional parents, Kimberly is determined to find adventure and happiness. Tickets start at $40.23. April 18-27.
Oenophiles Unite!
Charlotte Wine + Food Week returns for a 37ᵗʰ year of celebrating the grape and good works. Since 1989, this event has been serving up unique wine and food pairing experiences at restaurants all over the city. With the help of expert sommeliers, you’ll learn about and taste some of the world’s finest wines alongside the renowned vintners who made them. And some of the area’s top chefs will also keep you nourished as you bid on exquisite items, including fine jewelry, a luxurious cruise and, of course, wine. It’s all to help raise money for Charlotte-area children via four local charities. April 23-27.
UNCSA Presents…
University of North Carolina School of the Arts* in Winston-Salem has some exciting student productions on the calendar this month:
UNCSA’s A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute Fletcher Fellows will perform Ballymore, a contemporary opera in two parts composed by Richard Wargo and based on Brian Friel’s stage play Lovers. The production explores the joys and struggles of two couples navigating love and societal expectations in 1960s Northern Ireland. Performances are on Wednesday, April 23, and Friday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 27, at 2 p.m. at Agnes de Mille Theatre on the UNCSA campus, 1533 South Main Street in Winston-Salem. April 23-27.
The UNCSA School of Dance is presenting its Spring Dance, featuring new works and reimagined classics, including a contemporary piece set to Bach’s Cello Suite No. 4. The performances will take place Thursday through Saturday, April 24-26, at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, at 2 p.m. All performances will be in the Catawba Theatre on the UNCSA campus, 1533 South Main Street in Winston-Salem. April 24-27.
All Charleston, All the Time
I doubt the pollen count is any better in Charleston, South Carolina. But who cares? It’s Charleston! I’ll use any excuse to head down there. It just so happens that three big events have aligned for one incredible week in the Holy City:
- The Charleston Jazz Festival brings nine days of jazz performances to multiple venues in downtown Charleston by award-winning artists, including Terrence Blanchard, Jazzmeia Horn, Paquito D’Rivera, and Big Chief Donald Harrison. April 21-29.
- At the same time, Charleston Cocktail Week is going on! The seven-day libation celebration features signature cocktail tastings at renowned bars and restaurants all around Chucktown. April 21-27.
- You can round out your Low Country getaway with Art Charleston, a five-day visual art festival with gallery walks, artist lectures, and signature events hosted by and benefitting the Gibbes Museum of Art. April 23-27.
Movies in Myrtle
Recognized as one of the premiere events of its kind, the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival is a favorite of filmmakers and fans, alike. Now in its 20th year, the five-day festival includes submissions of feature-length films, shorts, documentaries, animation, and music videos. Screenings are held at the Grand 14 Stone Theater in the Market Common (4002 Deville St, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina). Single screening tickets and all-access passes are available. April 22-26.
Americana for Your Ears
Okay, we’ll have to be outside for this, but when great music is involved, I’m willing to suffer through some seasonal sneezing. One of North Carolina’s biggest annual arts events, MerleFest, begins Thursday, April 24 in Wilkesboro (1328 South Collegiate Drive). The three-day music festival was founded in 1988 in memory of North Carolina guitarist Eddy Merle Watson as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College and to celebrate “traditional plus” music. That means music of the Appalachian region, bluegrass, folk, country, rock, blues… you get the idea. This year’s lineup includes Bonnie Raitt, Donna the Buffalo, The Avett Brothers, Asleep at the Wheel, Sam Bush, Jim Lauderdale, and dozens of other performers. Single and multi-day tickets are available. April 24-27.
I’ll check in again next Thursday with more sounds, sights, and bites for you to enjoy. And remember new things are always popping up on the WDAV Events Calendar.
*Disclosure: Blumenthal Performing Arts and University of North Carolina School of the Arts are WDAV underwriters.