Live music takes center stage in this edition of FanFare. From classical guitar to cool jazz and beyond, you’re sure to find something at one of the area’s smaller, more intimate venues to soothe your soul over the next week. Oh, and the annual Bigfoot Festival is coming up, so you’ll have decisions to make.
Jazz in the Queen City
Telarc recording artist Melissa Morgan makes her JazzArts Charlotte’s JAZZ ROOM debut at the Stage Door Theater (155 N. College Street, Charlotte) on Friday, August 22nd and Saturday, August 23rd, with two performances per night of Billie Holiday selections. Morgan fuses soul, blues, and timeless jazz standards with a voice and style that has drawn comparisons to Dinah Washington and Marlena Shaw. Tickets range from $28 to $35. August 22-23.
Glorious Guitar
Classical guitarist Xuefei Yang, known as Fei, is bringing her U.S. tour to CPCC’s Parr Center (1201 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte) on Saturday, August 23rd at 7:30 p.m. Named one of the Classic FM’s top 100 classical musicians in the world, Fei was also ranked among the top six guitarists of the last century by BBC Music Magazine. She’ll play a wide-ranging program including works by Albéniz, Tárrega, Piazzolla, Jobim, Satie, Strayhorn, Sakamoto, and her own Xinjiang Fantasy. August 23.
Appalachian Keys
The Jeff Little Trio returns to Catawba College* for an evening of Appalachian-inspired piano music on Saturday, August 23rd at 7:30 pm in Keppel Auditorium (2300 W. Innes Street, Salisbury). A pre-concert reception begins at 6 p.m. with beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and heavy hors d’oeuvres. August 23.
Homegrown Bluegrass
The Cabarrus Arts Council presents Mountain Home recording artist Unspoken Tradition at the Davis Theater (65 Union Street S., Concord) on Saturday, August 23rd at 7:30 p.m. The North Carolina-based bluegrass quintet has garnered a fervent following across the Southeast and is a fast-rising voice of a new generation of roots music artists. Tickets are $41.58. August 23.
Book Sale Bonanza
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is hosting not one, but two book sales this Saturday, August 23rd. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., it’ll be at the South End Farmers Market (2000 South Boulevard, Charlotte). Then, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., you can score fiction, non-fiction, children’s, young adult, cookbooks, and coffee table books at the Pineville Library, (505 Main Street, Suite 100, Pineville) with extra children’s books available. If you time it right, you can hit both sales. As always, prices start at only $1.00. If you need to make room on your shelves for new purchases, book donations are currently being accepted at all open Charlotte Mecklenburg Library locations. August 23.
Piano Man
Contemporary jazz pianist Bob James is coming to Middle C Jazz (300 S. Brevard Street, Charlotte) to do four shows on Thursday, August 28th and Friday, August 29th. Discovered by Quincy Jones at the Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival in 1962, James made his mark in the 1970s as the architect of an innovative new sound that fused jazz with classical music and funk. His audience grew in 1978 after his song, “Angela,” was used as the theme for the hit sitcom, “Taxi.” Showtimes are at 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. both nights. Craft cocktails and small plates are served before each show. August 28-29.
Cirque in the Summer
The endlessly creative Cirque du Soleil will get bendy at Bojangles Coliseum (2700 E. Independence Boulevard, Charlotte) with five performances of their hit production, OVO, August 28th through 31st. This show has captivated audiences in 40 countries and features a cast of 53 acrobats and musicians transformed into a larger-than-life insect colony. August 28-31.
Off the Beaten Path
- York Summerfest: Over 40 years of summertime tradition returns with a Murder Mystery Dinner, craft fair, art exhibits, classic cars, three entertainment stages, and kids’ activities in downtown York, South Carolina. August 22-23.
- WNC Bigfoot Festival: Free day-long event on Main Street in Marion, North Carolina, celebrating all things Sasquatch, including Yeti-themed activities, educational panels, food, and even a Bigfoot Calling Contest. August 23.
- High Country Beer Fest: The 18th annual event in Boone, North Carolina, offers quality craft beer, ciders, and other brews with an emphasis on education. Enjoy beverages from more than 40 breweries, plus delicious food, three bands, and more. Ages 21 and up; no children or dogs/pets admitted. August 23.
I’ll have more sounds, sights, and bites for you next week. You can also see what’s coming up in the days and weeks ahead on the WDAV Events Calendar!
*Disclosure: Catawba College is a WDAV underwriter.