WDAV Blog

FanFare: A New Season of Fun is Brewing

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As summer winds down, two of WDAV’s signature events are ramping up. Not to brag, but the new seasons of our Small Batch Concert Series and Reel Music Film Series are starting with some very compelling offerings. Plus, there’s plenty on tap for the beer lovers this weekend.

Small Batch is Back

WDAV is pouring another round of Small Batch concerts beginning with the Charlotte Master Chorale Chamber Singers at Free Range Brewing (2320 N. Davidson Street, Charlotte) on Saturday, August 29th at 7 p.m. This will be our first choral music program in Small Batch history featuring an upbeat, eclectic lineup of works brought to you by the Queen City’s premier chamber choir. Tickets are $20 (“Pay What You Can” and no-cost ticket options also available) and include a limited-edition pint glass filled with a Free Range beverage. The concert event is general admission, so arrive early to grab a seat. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. August 29.

Modern Bluegrass

Cabarrus Arts Council* welcomes Nashville’s DownRiver Collective to the Davis Theatre (65 Union Street S., Concord) on Saturday, August 29th at 7:30 p.m. The award-winning band blends elements of traditional bluegrass, old-time folk, and classic country with the flavors of Americana, rock, and modern pop. August 29.

Teen Tunes

Chamber Music for All presents a concert of works by a couple of teenagers at Davidson College’s* Tyler-Tallman Recital Hall (Sloan Music Center, 323 Concord Road, Davidson) on Monday, August 31st at 7:30 p.m. The ensemble will perform an octet written by Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich when he was 18, and another completed at the age of 19 by Romanian composer Georges Enescu. August 31.

Storytime with Piedmont Opera

The Triad’s Piedmont Opera* invites families to a special Storytime at the Carver School Road Branch Library (4915 Lansing Drive, Winston-Salem) on Tuesday, September 1st at 10 a.m. Piedmont Opera singer Regan Bisch will read The Philharmonic Gets Dressed and demonstrate what it’s like to be an opera performer. You’ll also have a chance to meet Ms. Bisch. September 1.

Remembering 9/11

7th Street Concerts* will be opening its fourth season with The Day the Music Didn’t Stop: 9/11 at 25 Years, a spoken word and musical remembrance at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (115 W. 7th Street, Charlotte) on Tuesday, September 1st at 7 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Stuart Hoke was working at Trinity Church Wall Street on that fateful day 25 years ago. He’ll share his firsthand account of what he witnessed at Ground Zero. Musicians from 7th Street Concerts (string quartet, oboe, piano, and organ) will perform works inspired by the events of 9/11 and themes of remembrance, hope, and healing. September 1.

Scandinavian Sounds

This year, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA)* is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute with a series of special performances, including Northern Luminescence: A Journey through Nordic Song at Watson Hall (1533 South Main Street, Winston-Salem) on Tuesday, September 1st at 7:30 p.m. Singing in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish and Finnish, acclaimed soprano Alisa Jordheim will present works by Edvard Grieg, Eyvind Alnæs, Agathe Backer Grøndahl, Hugo Alfvén, Jean Sibelius, Lars-Erik Larsson, Albert Schnelzer and Carl Nielsen. September 1.

Reel Music Returns

WDAV’s Reel Music Film Series returns to Independent Picture House (4237 Raleigh Street, Charlotte) with a screening of A Late Quartet on Thursday, September 3rd at 7 p.m. The 2012 drama explores a time of both professional and personal upheaval for the fictional Fugue String Quartet, played by Christopher Walken, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, and Mark Ivanir. The classical soundtrack features music by Haydn, Bach, Sarasate, and Korngold, with Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 14 as a focal point of the story. September 3.

Books, Beer & More

  • The Bookish Bloom Bazaar: Shop for books and plants, feast on pizza, and sip tasty beverages at NoDa Brewing (150 W. 32nd Street, Charlotte). August 29.
     
  • Savor High Point: Explore cuisine from around the world while you enjoy cultural performances, live music, interactive experiences, art installations, and more at the Mendenhall Transportation Terminal in High Point. August 29.
  • Living History Museum Day: Experience what life was like in the North Carolina mountains during the 18th century at the Hickory Ridge History Museum in Boone. August 29.
  • High Country Beer Fest: Sample and learn about quality craft beer, ciders, and fermented foods from more than 40 unique breweries and other purveyors at the High Country Fairgrounds in Boone. August 29.
  • Local Block Market #9: Browse and shop with over 30 diverse vendors, enjoy live music, and learn to play the Peruvian game Sapo at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (4150 Yancey Road, Charlotte). August 30.

The WDAV Events Calendar is another place to discover what’s happening the cultural life of our region. Be sure to check it often!

FanFare is made possible in part by:

Bragg Financial

*Disclosure: Cabarrus Arts Council, 7th Street Concerts, Davidson College, Piedmont Opera, and UNCSA are WDAV underwriters.

Beyond the Audition Screen: Why the Support for Women in Music Must Continue

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By Zoē Bethea

It’s February 2, 2026, and Lady Gaga just won a Grammy award for Best Pop Vocal Album. In her acceptance speech, instead of basking in the glory of her significant win, she had something more pressing to address–the heaviness she felt for her fellow female producers and curators in the room. She said, “fight for your songs, fight for yourself as a producer, [and] make sure that you are heard loudly.” In Gaga’s almost two-decade-long career, with accolades ranging from Oscars to MTV Awards to Guinness World Records and more, she still expresses her need to be heard and treated fairly as a woman in the music industry. 

This disparity not only affects the Pop genre but also classical music. Dr. Amy Phelps, a doctor of Music Arts from the University of Iowa, expressed in her dissertation research that in orchestras, despite “blind auditions,” where musicians audition behind a screen to try to eliminate bias from their judging committee, there is still a great disparity when it comes to who gets to fill the seats in each section. 

On the musical front and in so many other areas of society, women face immense amounts of inequality that can be life-changing and extremely discouraging. It is not only about the lack of equal pay or opportunity, but also about the feeling and impact of not being treated as a fully capable human being by other human beings. 

For these reasons, August 26th is recognized as Women’s Equality Day as a reminder to the world of the work that must continue to be done to create positive environments and safe spaces for women where they are seen and treated as equals compared to their male counterparts. It is a day to celebrate and acknowledge the strength, capabilities, and accomplishments of all women from all walks of life.

Specifically, the day commemorates the 19th Amendment and its role, alongside the Women’s Rights Movement, in advancing voting equality; however, the movement does not stop there. 

The 2026 Seat at the Table report by Women in CTRL records, which covers “gender and ethnic representation in leadership and governance across the UK music industry,” stated that the percentage of female board members across the UK Music trade bodies was on an upward trend from 32% in 2020 to 52% in 2024. That percentage has since declined in 2026, with 49% of board members being female. 

Although there has not been a regression in percentages since 2020, there still has not been a sufficient increase in the percentage of women appointed to these administrative positions. Change must still be made. 

While it is common to come across female artists in the music industry,  as listeners, we do not necessarily know what the artist has been through or is currently going through behind the scenes. This is why, on National Women’s Equality Day, being vocal about supporting female artists and musicians is powerful and leaves a lasting impact. 

It could be as simple as diversifying your playlists and familiarizing yourself with North Carolina native musicians like the famous jazz composer Nina Simone, Grammy-award-winning R&B artist Roberta Flack, or folk artist Rhiannon Giddens. Perhaps you want to support a bit closer to home? Creative Loafing’s Critic’s Choice for Best Female Vocalists in Charlotte has highlighted several local female musicians, including Shana Blake of the Shana Blake Band, Erika Blatnik, Reeve Coobs, and more. 

Music already brings people together. Let it bring people together to support one another’s efforts properly.

Support women. Support female artists. Support growth.

FanFare: Hungry for the Arts

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What’s new on the FanFare menu? We have a Broadway musical, a bit of opera, three days of chamber music, and a dragon boat festival all coming up this week. Let’s dig in!

Peter Pan for Preschoolers

The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte (300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte) presents Peter Pan’s Neverland Adventure, August 20th through 30th. This immersive, sensory-led experience brings audiences into the enchanting world of Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, and Captain Hook like never before. The 45-minute one-act performances are limited to 30 guests per show and are designed for preschoolers on the autism spectrum or with other sensory sensitivities. August 20-30.

Feed Me, Seymour!

Blumenthal Arts* is bringing the not-so-scary Little Shop of Horrors, to Booth Playhouse (130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte), August 21st through August 23rd. Set to a 1960s-inspired rock & roll, doo-wop, and Motown soundtrack, the beloved Broadway musical tells the story of hapless florist Seymour Krelborn, who pines for his co-worker, Audrey, while having to contend with the bloodthirsty and carnivorous plant, Audrey II. August 21-23.

Question of Sovereignty

Three Bone Theatre is staging Mary Katherine Nagle’s Sovereignty at the Arts Factory (1545 W. Trade Street, Charlotte), August 21st through September 6th. Set in present-day Oklahoma, the play follows a young Cherokee lawyer and her colleague as they defend the inherent jurisdiction of the Cherokee Nation in the U.S. Supreme Court when a non-Indian defendant challenges the Nation’s authority to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators of domestic violence. That storyline is juxtaposed with scenes from 1835, when the Cherokee Nation was still 800 miles to the east in the southern Appalachians, including North Carolina. August 21-September 6.

Fiddlin’ Around

Brevard Music Center* presents Fiddle Forward with acclaimed fiddler/violinist Casey Driessen at the Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium (349 Andante Lane, Brevard) on Saturday, August 22nd at 7:30 p.m. Driessen will be joined by members of BMC’s faculty in an eclectic showcase of bluegrass, jazz, folk, and global influences. August 22.

Huzzah!

The Daniel Stowe Conservancy (6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont) is celebrating the first anniversary of its Prairie Castle Playground with a weekend of medieval merriment during Castle Faire, August 22nd and 23rd. Your family is invited to come dressed in your Renaissance festival finest and enjoy activities including the Sequin Dragon Egg Workshop, Fairy House Crafting, and Stained-Glass Painting Workshop. Gravity Check Juggling will be performing, and you’ll find plenty to eat at ye olde food trucks. Garden admission or membership required to attend and workshops have additional fees. August 22-23.

Opera 101

Piedmont Opera* invites opera lovers and the opera curious to an afternoon of musical exploration with Opera LITE at the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center (226 E. Main Street, Yadkinville) on Sunday, August 23rd at 3 p.m. It’s a chance to meet and hear classically trained opera performers in a casual setting and learn more about the art form. August 23.

Josh Groban & CSO

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra* will accompany multi-platinum selling recording artist and actor Josh Groban at Belk Theater (130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte) on Wednesday, August 26th at 8 p.m. The concert entitled Stage, Screen, and Symphony will celebrate the some of the iconic music of Broadway and Hollywood with Groban’s inimitable voice and the power of the CSO. August 26.

Historic Lancaster Music Festival

Chamber Music for All will be headlining the Historic Lancaster Music Festival at the Lancaster Cultural Arts Center (307 W. Gay Street, Lancaster, SC), August 27th through 30th. The ensemble is led by Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Calin Lupanu and violinist Monica Boboc. They’ll be joined by several other musicians and guest artists for the following performances:

Thursday, August 27th at 6:30 p.m.

  • Musicians: Calin Lupanu (violin), Monica Boboc (violin), Phillip Bush (piano), and special guest artist Bjorn Ranheim (cello, St. Louis Symphony).
  • Program: Bruch – Piano Trio, Op. 5 in C Minor; Tchaikovsky – Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50.


Saturday, August 29th at 6:30 p.m.

  • Musicians: Calin Lupanu (violin), Monica Boboc (violin), Wenlong Huang (viola), Marlene Ballena (cello), and special guest artist Ethan Uslan (piano).
  • Program: Montgomery – Strum; Turina – La Oracion del Torero for String Quartet; Piazzolla – Tango Ballet for String Quartet; solo jazz piano selections.


Sunday, August 30th at 3 p.m.

  • Musicians: Calin Lupanu (violin), Monica Boboc (violin), Hanna Zhdan (violin), David Horak (violin), Wenlong Huang (viola), Marcus Pyle (viola), David Olson (cello), Nico Mazziotto (cello).
  • Program: Shostakovich – Two Pieces for String Octet, Op. 11; Enescu – Octet, Op. 7

Weekend Wanderings

  • Rowan Chamber Dragon Boat Festival: Enjoy dragon boat races, food trucks, vendors, and fun family activities at the Rowan Shrine Club on High Rock Lake near Salisbury. August 22.
  • York Summerfest: Live music, food trucks, arts and craft vendors, kids zone, and a car show in downtown York, SC. August 22.
  • Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Book Sale: The Sugar Creek Library (4045 N. Tryon Street, Suite A, Charlotte) is hosting a back-to-school sale. August 22.
  • Austrian Wine Dinner: Newman’s Restaurant at The Orchard Inn in Saluda hosts a sumptuous five-course meal paired with some of the wonderful wines of Austria. August 27-28.

Remember, you can also see what else is happening on the WDAV Events Calendar. Enjoy your week!

FanFare is made possible in part by:

Bragg Financial

*Disclosure: Blumenthal Arts, Brevard Music Center, Piedmont Opera, and Charlotte Symphony Orchestra are WDAV underwriters.

How a Summer at WDAV Showed Me What Really Powers Classical Public Radio

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By Madison Hunter

As a musician, classical music has been a meaningful part of my life for many years, and my interest in arts administration has made me more curious about the work that happens behind the scenes at arts organizations. Before this summer, I knew WDAV as a listener and it was a station I had grown familiar with and appreciated long before I ever imagined I would have the opportunity to work there. Walking into the station as an intern, then, was especially meaningful. I wasn’t just entering an unfamiliar space; I was stepping behind the scenes of an organization I had already come to love as a listener.

Madison Hunter

During my internship, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects that gave me a much broader understanding of what goes into running a classical radio station. I worked on writing and research projects, helped develop a playlist for the Oak Row museum exhibit, and created graphics and stickers that were super fun. I also got swamped by Excel spreadsheets. Each project introduced me to a different aspect of the station’s work and gave me the opportunity to learn from the people who make the station possible.

One of the biggest things I learned is that there is so much more to running an arts organization than what an audience experiences. As a listener, it was easy to think only about the music being played on the air. Working at WDAV showed me how many people, departments, decisions, and behind-the-scenes processes make that experience possible. Seeing those connections firsthand was eye-opening and gave me an even greater appreciation for the work that arts organizations do every day.

My internship has also challenged me to grow personally and professionally. I learned that being a good intern is not only about completing the work assigned to you, but also about asking questions, seeing opportunities, and taking initiative. I received feedback about becoming more assertive, and while it was something I knew I needed to work on, the internship gave me opportunities to practice it. Conducting interviews and taking greater ownership of my projects helped me become more comfortable putting myself forward.

Most of all, I am leaving WDAV with a deeper appreciation for the station and the people behind it. It has been a unique experience to go from being someone who listened to WDAV to someone who had the opportunity to contribute to its work. I am truly grateful to everyone who took the time to teach me, answer my questions, share their experiences, and make me feel like part of the organization. This summer has given me a better understanding of the arts administration field and of the professional I hope to become. I will carry what I have learned here with me long after my internship ends, and I am grateful for the opportunity to experience WDAV from both sides.

A Summer of Good Vibrations Behind the Scenes at WDAV

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By Zoē Bethea

If my present self could go back and tell my past self what the internship would be like, I would say: 

“Just chill, this internship will not only be a perfect fit, but will allow you to open your eyes to see things that were right in front of you. Just work well and be a sponge.”

Yes, that is right, a sponge just like my favorite childhood TV show, SpongeBob Square Pants. As a current undergraduate student entering my junior year of college, I have learned the importance of being an intentional sponge. 

Zoē Bethea

Because I am constantly growing and learning, it’s imperative that I soak up the knowledge, skills, and advice from the people around me to progress, and during my time at WDAV, I did just that.

I applied to be a marketing intern with the thought of incorporating my writing, digital media curation, and creativity skills. At the same time, I wanted to challenge myself and explore different areas of work as a communication-journalism major to feed my potential interests. 

So, I thought that marketing at a radio broadcasting station would be a great intersection of my concentration and respective field. Alongside that, I love and respect music and actively sing in an acapella group on my college campus, so this opportunity was perfect for me. 

Upon getting the position, I did not quite know what to expect. I knew that there would be some designing involved, perhaps some creativity sprinkled in, but in whole, as is for many interns, surprises were on the horizon. 

From the social media projects I worked on to the articles I researched and wrote, to the reconnaissance on creative marketing tactics, each area of work either introduced me to something new in the world of marketing or allowed me to see something from a new perspective. 

I sat in on various meetings with the marketing team and saw the ins and outs of the promotion, event, and media curating process. Seeing what it takes to market brands cohesively and strategically so their audience can receive and enjoy them was eye-opening. Something that truly stood out to me was the significance of proper preparation and planning. Taking the time to engage with your audience and ask their opinion of your product helps to better present your brand or product. This internship, in part, taught me that branding is important, but even more so is the intentionality behind it. 

Lastly, I got insight into what it takes to run a radio station. Of course, I grew up listening to the radio, so it isn’t a foreign concept to me. However, understanding the software used, the programming, and the scheduling side felt like getting the insider scoop on what I enjoyed throughout my childhood. I did not realize how much calculation went into bringing our favorite radio stations to my family and me.

Overall, I enjoyed the work that I was doing because of the people I worked with. In general, with each job I’ve held, I have come to understand how important it is to have a good work environment. On my first day, I was nervous about how things would work out, but by the end of the day, I was reassured that it would be fine. WDAV’s environment is very friendly, respectful, calm, and frankly fun. I mean, where else do I get to be zoned in and listen to classical music all day? 

Whether I was with my fellow intern or the WDAV staff, it was genuinely a pleasure to work with, talk with, and learn from everyone. There were lots of great sponge moments that I soaked up and will take with me moving forward.

FanFare: Celebrating A North Carolina Icon

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North Carolina has a rich musical heritage and one of the state’s greatest influences on American music is being remembered this weekend in Boone. It’s also Pride Weekend in Charlotte, and you’ll have a chance to meet two of your favorite WDAV announcers in Salisbury.

Doc Watson Day(s)

Celebrate the legacy of Grammy-winning musician and North Carolina native Doc Watson with two days of music honoring the late guitarist, singer, and songwriter. The weekend begins at the Jones House Cultural Center (604 W. King Street, Boone) on Friday, August 14th at 5 p.m. with a free concert showcasing traditional old-time and bluegrass music from some of those influenced by Doc Watson, including Eliot Smith & Noah Lanham, Olivia Phillips, Trevor McKenzie & Steve Kruger, and Nick Chandler and Delivered.

On Saturday, August 15th, the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country (559 W. King Street, Boone) will present a free screening of the documentary Doc Watson: One of the People at 2 p.m., followed by a ticketed concert featuring renowned guitarist Tommy Emmanuel at 7:30 p.m. Called “one of the best acoustic guitarists in the world,” Emmanuel will perform selections from his new album, Living in the Light, as well as the songs that made the Australian musician a star on the global stage. August 14-15.

Béla x Banjo x Beatles

Brevard Music Center* welcomes 19-time GRAMMY winner Béla Fleck to Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium (349 Andante Lane, Brevard) on Saturday, August 15th at 7:30 p.m. The concert will draw BMC’s 2026 Blue Ridge Banjo Camp to a close with Béla, celebrated faculty members, and special guests performing the music of The Beatles on banjo. August 15.

Pride Weekend

Charlotte Pride* will be celebrating 26 years of LGBTQ arts and culture at First Ward Park (301 E. 7th Street, Charlotte), August 15th and 16th. The weekend will feature diverse arts and entertainment including Flourish, the festival’s indoor celebration of local artists and performers, a health fair, and a youth and family zone. The annual parade proceeds down N. Tryon Street on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. August 15-16.

Wiggles Wisdom

Another one of Australia’s beloved exports, The Wiggles, are bringing their Tree of Wisdom Spectacular to Ovens Auditorium (2700 E. Independence Boulevard, Charlotte) on Monday, August 17th at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. It’s nice to see that The Wiggles are still touring. They were on heavy rotation in the minivan when my sons were little. This is why I still know most of the words to “Fruit Salad Yummy Yummy.” August 17.

A Day in the Life of WDAV

Join WDAV for the next Coffee & Conversation at Trinity Oaks* (728 Klumac Road, Salisbury) on Wednesday, August 19th at 10 a.m. Longtime host and Associate Content Director Myelita Melton and General Manager Frank Dominguez will give you a fun behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of your classical public radio station. That will be followed by a special musical performance by cellist Mira Frisch and violinist David Russell. And of course, there’ll be coffee and breakfast treats! Space for this free event is limited, so please RSVP. August 19.

Get Wild!

The Whitewater Center (5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte) has opened Wildwoods, a new outdoor adventure area created specifically for younger kids. It features dozens of challenging activities to explore and conquer, including the Treehouse Village with multi-story treehouses connected by hammocks, swinging bridges, swings, and boulder gardens. The Wildwoods Cabin is where you can get your passes, food, and beverages. Now open.

Cats, Crafts & Calves

  • Davidson College* Fan Fest: Watch the Wildcats football team scrimmage, play tailgate games, hop on inflatables, and enjoy craft beer and concessions at Davidson College Stadium. August 14.

  • Downtown West Jefferson Gallery Crawl: Ashe County Arts Council* presents a walking tour of galleries, shops, and businesses from 5 to 7 p.m. in downtown West Jefferson, NC. August 14.

  • Art in the Park: Monthly event through October featuring 70 juried artists selling jewelry, furniture, lawn ornaments, pottery, textiles, paintings, and more in downtown Blowing Rock. August 15, September 12, October 3.

  • The Blue Ridge Brutal: Choose from 25-, 50-, 70-, or 100-mile bike rides through the Blue Ridge mountains beginning and ending at the Museum of Ashe County in Jefferson, NC. Proceeds benefit the Ashe Advantage Project, 501c3, to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors. August 15.

The WDAV Events Calendar is always being updated with more performances and experiences, so be sure to check it often. Have a great week!

FanFare is made possible in part by:

Bragg Financial

*Disclosure: Brevard Music Center, Charlotte Pride, Trinity Oaks, Davidson College, and Ashe County Arts Council are WDAV underwriters.

A Symphony of Legacies: How Everyday Listeners Help Keep Classical Music Alive

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We don’t always know what WDAV means to the listeners on the other side of the radio. Sometimes, we don’t find out until years later.

Several years ago, Robert, a retired professor from Charlotte, made a modest contribution to WDAV—the only contribution the station had ever received from him.

Then, during the uncertainty of the pandemic, we learned that Robert had also included the station in his will. His unexpected gift was a humbling reminder that we don’t always know how much WDAV means to our listeners.

Part of Robert’s gift helped create the WDAV Innovation Fund, which gives the station room to try new ideas. Today, the fund is helping WDAV explore new ways to reach listeners and support the arts in our community, including a project to strengthen and expand Piedmont Arts, our podcast about arts and culture across the region.

But not every legacy gift arrives as a surprise. Some reflect relationships that deepen over many years.

David, a retired pharmacist and longtime supporter, traveled with WDAV on several tours. Along the way, he got to know station staff and fellow listeners. When making his plans for the future, David chose to include WDAV alongside other organizations that mattered to him. His gift will help make the music and experiences he valued possible for future listeners.

And sometimes, we’re fortunate enough to know about someone’s generosity from the start.

Renee has been part of WDAV’s community for years. She’s a devoted listener and donor, a familiar face at station events, and a longtime volunteer. During on-air campaigns, she’s often one of the friendly voices answering the phone when other listeners call in to donate.

When Renee updated her estate plans recently, she took care of her family first, then chose to leave a percentage of her estate to WDAV. She plans to keep volunteering for years to come, knowing that her support will continue long into the future.

Because Renee told us about her plans, we can celebrate her generosity and say thank you today.

Every listener’s relationship with WDAV is different. Maybe yours began with a piece of music you never forgot, a voice that became a familiar companion, or simply years of listening.

During Make-a-Will Month, we encourage you to make or update your own plans. After taking care of the people you love, you might consider whether the organizations that have brought meaning to your life have a place in those plans, too.

If WDAV is an important part of your life, a gift in your will is one way to help ensure the music continues for future generations.

Learn more about making or updating your will and WDAV’s free Giving Docs resource.

Already included WDAV in your plans? We’d love to know so we can thank you and welcome you to the WDAV Legacy Society.

Let us know.

*Names and some identifying details have been changed to protect donor privacy.

FanFare: Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On

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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:

Bragg Financial

*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.