Who would you put on a Mount Rushmore of classical composers? Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky? That’s a debate you could have for days. A different sort of musical Mount Rushmore will be on stage at the Cain Center for the Arts in Cornelius this month. You can also catch a couple of organ recitals and an entertaining twist on a Shakespeare classic.
Goodness Gracious…
Davidson Community Players* wrap up their summer with Million Dollar Quartet at the Cain Center for the Arts* (21348 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius), August 8th through 23rd. This special co-production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical captures an untold moment in music history, when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis gathered for a jam session in Memphis during the rise of their careers. You’ll hear iconic American hits including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Walk the Line,” “Fever,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Hound Dog,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” and more.Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. August 8-23.
Widor’s Sixth
The 2026 Summer Recital Series from the Charlotte Chapter of the American Guild of Organists* continues with a recital by Owen Peck at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (115 W. 7th Street, Charlotte) on Sunday, August 9th at 4 p.m. Peck will be performing Charles-Marie Widor’s Sixth Symphony and other works. Admission is free, and a freewill offering will be accepted for the Robert and Ann Stigall Scholarship Fund, which helps cover private organ lesson costs for students in grades 6–12. August 9.
Fun with Swords
The Mint Museum Uptown* (500 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte) is expanding on its Caravaggio/Revolution exhibit with a presentation by Swordwind on Sunday, August 9th from 2 to 4 p.m. You’re invited to explore various traditional weapons and fighting styles of the past as Swordwind’s members bring the Baroque world reflected in the exhibition’s paintings to life through combat demonstrations, performances, and an audience Q&A. August 9.
Tony Bennett at 100
The great Tony Bennett would have been 100 this month and Middle C Jazz (300 S. Brevard Street, Charlotte) is presenting A Centennial Tribute to Tony Bennett on Sunday, August 9th at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. This celebration of the crooner’s life and musical legacy features his daughter, Antonia Bennett, along with Joe Gransden and the Noel Friedline Trio. Craft cocktails and small plates are served 45 minutes prior to show time. August 9.
Nowhere to Hide
The Piedmont NC Chapter of the American Guild of Organistspresents the final concert of the Sounds of the Summer series at Salem College’s Hanes Auditorium (430 Leaders Avenue, Winston-Salem) on Monday, August 10th at 7 p.m. The program called Nowhere to Hide will explore the Holtkamp Organ with its exposed pipe-work and precise articulation. Performers include Daniel Gauger, Reid Gilliam, and Sarah Kennedy. Admission is free. August 10.
Shakespeare Remixed
What if Juliet hadn’t ended it all over Romeo? Blumenthal Arts* invites you to find out when & Juliet comes to the Belk Theater (130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte), August 11th through 16th. Created by the Emmy Award-winning writer of “Schitt’s Creek,” the hilarious musical features a playlist of pop anthems and an empowering storyline that flips the script on Shakespeare’s great love story. August 11-16.
Game On!
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte presents Game On! Step Inside the Game at First United Methodist Church (501 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte August 13th and 14th at 7:30 p.m. Expect an immersive evening of soaring, cinematic video game music as you’re surrounded by striking visuals that will make you feel like you’re in the game. August 13-14.
Short Hops
- Brew at the Zoo: An evening of craft and local beer, live music, and wildlife at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, SC. Benefits conservation efforts and education programs. 21+ only. August 7.
- Waldensian Festival: Annual event commemorating the heroic Waldensian people who founded the town of Valdese, NC in 1893. The two-day festival features live music, street dances, a bocce tournament, over 170 food/art/craft vendors, open art competition, a classic car show, amusement rides, and more. August 7-8.
- Dream Asia Festival: Three-day celebration of Asian cuisine and culture with 80+ food vendors, an anime marketplace, performances, and family activities at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia. August 7-9.
- Eduardo de Rosamaria Flamenco Ensemble: An evening of traditional Spanish flamenco performance with music by Paco de Lucía, Isaac Albéniz, The Gipsy Kings, and Ottmar Liebert at the Arts Factory in Charlotte. August 8.
- Brew & Choo Summer Concert: Enjoy ‘90s cover band Gump Fiction, train rides, family fun, food trucks, and samples from local and regional breweries at the NC Transportation Museum in Spencer. August 8.
- Wood Day: Explore the art of woodworking with live demonstrations and a hands-on kids’ activity table at the Southern Highland Craft Guild’s Folk Art Center in Asheville. Free admission. August 8.
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Book Sale: The Independence Regional Library (6000 Conference Drive, Charlotte) is hosting a back-to-school sale. August 8.
- Sourwood Festival: The annual summer community celebration marks the beginning of the sourwood honey-selling season in Black Mountain, NC. August 8-9.
- Free Tuesdays at The Schiele: Tour the exhibits at the Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia free of charge between 4 and 8 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Planetarium shows are $5 per person. August 11.
We’re always updating the WDAV Events Calendar with more fun things to see and do, so be sure to check it often. Have a great week!
FanFare is made possible in part by:
*Disclosure: Davidson Community Players, Cain Center for the Arts, Charlotte Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, Mint Museum, and Blumenthal Arts are WDAV underwriters.