As I was writing this week’s FanFare, I realized there are now fewer than three months left to shop for the December holidays. For some folks, that’s an eternity. For others, like me, it’s time to start worrying. I’m not good at shopping so I need all the time I can get! Fortunately, there are a few opportunities to do at least some of it in the next week, along with an impressive lineup of live entertainment and cultural events.
CSO + Bruce Hornsby
Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers will be performing with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra* at the Amp Ballantyne (11115 Upper Ave, Charlotte) on Friday, September 26th at 7 p.m. As a singer, pianist, composer, and bandleader, Hornsby has drawn upon a wide range of musical traditions to build an acclaimed body of work going back to his chart-topping days of the 1980s. Tickets start at $55. September 26.
NCBO on the Road
It’s going to be a busy weekend for the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra* with three performances of Autumn Leaves, a musical celebration of the changing of the seasons. The program includes Vivaldi’s “Autumn” from The Four Seasons, Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto #4, as well as Concerti for 2 oboes & 2 recorders by Telemann and Vivaldi.
Friday, September 26th at 7:00 p.m.
Wesley Memorial Methodist Church
1225 Chestnut Drive, High Point, NC
Free concert: Your donations to the orchestra are appreciated.
Saturday, September 27th at 3:00 p.m.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
520 Summit Street, Winston Salem, NC
Fundraiser for Friends of Music in memory of Bill Rahn
$25 suggested donation.
Sunday, September 28th at 3:00 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church
164 Fairview Rd., Mooresville, NC
Free concert: Your donations to the orchestra are appreciated.
Happy Birthday, Thomas!
The North Carolina Transportation Museum (1 Samuel Spencer Drive, Spencer) is celebrating Thomas and Friends’ 80th Anniversary, September 26th through 28th and October 3rd through 5th. Thomas the Tank Engine, Percy, and Sir Topham Hat are coming to town for Day Out With Thomas: The Party Tour with train rides, photo ops, a hay bale maze, food vendors, and much more. September 26-28, October 3-5.
Magic in the Air
After selling out arenas across Europe, the Ehrlich Brothers are bringing their mind-blowing magic show, Diamonds, to Ovens Auditorium (2900 E. Independence Boulevard, Charlotte) on Friday, September 26th at 7:30 p.m. The family-friendly experience is a mix of jaw-dropping illusions, spectacular pyrotechnics, and death-defying thrills. September 26.
Musical Milestone
This year marks a major anniversary for the Charlotte Master Chorale.* The ensemble is opening its 75th season at First United Methodist Church (501 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte) on Saturday, September 27th at 7:30 p.m. The program will feature Johann Sebastian Bach’s Magnificat and Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna. Tickets are $30. September 27.
Sound & Sight
The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (159 Ginny Stevens Lane, Blowing Rock) is hosting the national premiere of Sound & Sight on Saturday, September 27th at 4 p.m. It’s a collaboration of the music of contemporary composer Roger Tréfousse and the paintings of the late Jack Boul, which are currently on exhibit at the BRAHM. The music will be performed by the Faculty Ensemble from Appalachian State University’s Hayes School of Music. Admission is free, but space is limited. Registration is recommended. September 27.
Potters Market at the Mint
This could be a great holiday shopping opportunity! Over 50 of North Carolina’s top ceramic artists, including more than 30 from Western North Carolina, will be at the Mint Museum Randolph* (2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte) for the Potters Market at the Mint on Saturday, September 27th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You’ll be able to see and purchase high-quality ceramic work, interact with the makers, and enjoy live music, pottery demos, a beer garden, and local food vendors. While you’re there, why not explore the Mint Museum’s galleries? September 27
Broadway at the Broyhill
Improv meets musical theater at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center* (1913 Hickory Boulevard, Lenoir) with the one-of-a-kind show, Broadway’s Next Hit Musical, on Saturday, September 27th at 7:30 p.m. Everything, from the dialogue to the songs, is improvised with suggestions from the audience, making it a truly unique experience. September 27.
Run for Green
Davidson Lands Conservancy* is holding its 20th annual Run for Green on Saturday, September 27th. The 10K, 5K, and 1-mile races will begin at 8:00 a.m. on the Town Green (119 S. Main Street, Davidson). Runner registration supports efforts to protect natural areas, open spaces, trees and greenways in our area. September 27.
Around the World in 8 Hours
UNC Charlotte is hosting its annual International Festival at the Barnhardt Student Activity Center (9290 Barnhardt Lane, Charlotte) on Saturday, September 27th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Over 35 nations will be represented at the marketplace-style event with booths staffed by UNC Charlotte students and members of the Charlotte area community, dance performances, a Parade of Nations, and more. The International Festival is open to the public with free admission and parking. September 27.
Steep Canyon Saturday Night
Blumenthal Arts* is presenting the Grammy Award-winning Steep Canyon Rangers at Knight Theater (550 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte) on Saturday, September 27th at 8 p.m. The Western North Carolina-based bluegrass band is also known for their collaborations with Steve Martin. Time Sawyer will be the opening act. September 27.
Monday Night Lyle
Blumenthal Arts* is also bringing Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group to Knight Theater (550 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte) on Monday, September 29th at 7:30 p.m. The Texas-based singer, composer, and actor, has expanded the definition of American music by fusing elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel, and blues in a 40-plus-year career that includes 14 albums. September 29.
Music on Campus
The Davidson College Symphony Orchestra (DCSO) is presenting an uplifting musical montage in support of love, freedom, family, and mother earth at the Duke Family Performance Hall (207 Faculty Drive, Davidson) on Tuesday, September 30th at 7:30 p.m. The program includes Jean Sibelius’s Finlandia, Neridah Oostenbroek’s Freedom, Stacy Garrop’s There’s a Village in my Sneakers, and Anna Clyne’s Restless Oceans, among others. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Call the Union Box Office at 704-894-2135. September 30.
Soweto Gospel Choir
The multi-Grammy and Emmy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir, Tuesday, September 30th at the Carolina Theatre (230 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte). The electrifying vocal ensemble will perform a program of South African freedom songs, traditional spirituals, as well as the music of Aretha Franklin, Harry Belafonte, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Leonard Cohen, and more. September 30.
It’s Just a Flesh Wound
The one and only John Cleese will be at Ovens Auditorium (2900 E. Independence Boulevard, Charlotte) on Tuesday, September 30th at 7:30 p.m. Not Dead Yet! – John Cleese and the Holy Grail at 50 will feature a special screening of the beloved 1975 cult classic, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, followed by conversation and an audience Q&A with the Monty Python alum. September 30.
Be Home by Midnight
The World Ballet Company is presenting the timeless fairy tale, Cinderella, at Ovens Auditorium (2900 E. Independence Boulevard, Charlotte) for one night only on Wednesday, October 1st at 7 p.m. This acclaimed family-friendly production features a multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers, over 150 hand-sewn radiant costumes, richly detailed hand-crafted sets, and sparkling choreography by Marina Kesler. October 1.
Disney on Ice
It’s all the fun of Disney with world-class figure skating when Disney on Ice returns to Bojangles Coliseum (2700 E. Independence Boulevard, Charlotte), October 2nd through 5th. The interactive show promises to delight with charming characters, high-flying aerial acrobatics, amazing special effects, and magical music. October 2-5.
Destination: Pawleys Island
One of the Southeast’s most beloved cultural gatherings, the Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art is back with a full slate of events throughout the month of October. The fun begins with the 25th Annual Pawleys Island Wine & Food Gala at The Reserve Golf Club of Pawleys Island (18 Reserve Drive, Pawleys Island, SC) on Thursday, October 2nd from 7 to 10 p.m. The festival continues with a variety of musical performances, including tributes to ABBA, Burt Bacharach, Big Band Swing, the Bee Gees, James Taylor, and more. October 2-18.
Quick Hits
- MOJA Arts Festival: Celebration of African American and Caribbean visual and performing arts with traditional crafts, food, and children’s activities in Charleston, SC. September 25-October 5.
- Art on the Mountain: Explore and shop for fall theme items, holiday gifts, and unique art pieces of all types with more than 25 artists and craft makers at the Ashe Arts Center in West Jefferson. September 27.
- Catawba Fest: Live entertainment, children’s entrepreneur market, food trucks, eating contests, golf cart show, holiday shopping, and more at Catawba Park in Tega Cay, SC. September 27.
- Art on Main: More than 70 juried artists bring their works of clay, metal, wood, fiber, photography, jewelry, and paintings to Main Street in Hendersonville. September 27-28.
- Artstock Studio Tour: Visit artists’ studios and galleries in Greensboro, High Point, and Guilford County. Admission is free. October 2-5.
There’s no doubt about it; fall in the Carolinas is a lot of fun! I’ll bring you more to see, do, and eat next week. And don’t forget that new things are always showing up on the WDAV Events Calendar.
*Disclosure: Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, North Carolina Baroque Orchestra, Mint Museum, Charlotte Master Chorale, J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, Davidson Lands Conservancy, and Blumenthal Arts are WDAV underwriters.