WDAV Blog

FanFare: From Brevard to Bikini Bottom

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There’s plenty to see and do over the next several days. You can catch one of Mozart’s operas in Brevard, explore the first-ever North Carolina Piano Festival in Winston-Salem, or even take the kids to see SpongeBob SquarePants on stage in Charlotte. Keep reading to learn more.

Seussical Jr.

Theatre Charlotte (501 Queens Road, Charlotte) presents its second annual Penguin Project production, June 18th through 21st. Based on the beloved works of Dr. Seuss, Seussical Jr. is a joyful musical adventure that celebrates friendship, imagination, belonging, and the importance of every voice with beloved characters including The Cat in the Hat and Horton the Elephant. The cast features young artists with disabilities paired with peer mentors. June 18-21.

Juneteenth Celebration

Black Crown Cinema is honoringJuneteenth with Lullabies & Life, a night of poetry, music, and storytelling at the Carolina Theatre (230 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte) on Friday, June 19th at 7:30 p.m. Six award-winning Charlotte poets, including Jay Ward, will be accompanied by Charlotte String Collective to share stories of love, life, and resilience through Jazz, Soul, Blues, and Hip-Hop. June 19.

Take Me Back to Bikini Bottom

The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte presents The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition at the McColl Family Theatre (300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte) on Friday, June 19th (7 p.m.) and Saturday, June 20th (2 & 7 p.m.). Based on the beloved animated series, SpongeBob SquarePants, the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover a volcano is about to erupt, threatening the existence of their underwater world. June 19-20.

We’re Not in Kansas Anymore

The Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center presents a new dance and circus production of The Wizard of Oz at Knight Theater (550 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte) on Saturday, June 20th at 7 p.m. The stage will be transformed into the “Yellow Brick Road” as students ages 6 to adults will add an element of high-flying athletic dancing in this creative twist on the classic tale. June 20.

Spirits on the Rail

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (45 Mitchell Street, Bryson City) is serving up a new tasting experience called Bourbon Train Spirits on the Rail on Saturday, June 20th. As you wind through the beautiful scenery of Western North Carolina, you’ll enjoy three bourbon cocktails paired with a chef-prepared four-course dinner, including a sweet orange scallop salad, braised beef short ribs, a bourbon-glazed peach bread pudding, and more. June 20.

Orchestral Fireworks

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra* has two free outdoor performances coming up over the next week and they both include post-concert fireworks (weather permitting). You can catch the CSO at Bailey Road Park (11536 Bailey Road, Cornelius) on Saturday, June 20th at 6 p.m.; and at Pineville Lake Park (1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville), Thursday, June 25th at 8:30 p.m. June 20 & 25.

CSO Goes Hollywood

The next installment of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s* Summer Pops series pays tribute to the sounds of the big screen with Hollywood Hits at Symphony Park (4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte) on Sunday, June 21st at 8:15 p.m. It’s the perfect Father’s Day concert with blockbuster movie scores by composers such as John Williams and others. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the prelude performance by Wilmington, NC Americana duo Courtney Lynn & Quinn starts at 7 p.m. June 21.

Music in Brevard

The Brevard Music Center’s* 90th season is underway with some exciting performances over the next week. The Parker Concert Hall Summer Series includes the Balourdet Quartet on Tuesday, June 23rd at 7:30 p.m. with a program featuring Amy Beach’s String Quartet in One Movement, Eleanor Alberga’s String Quartet No. 2, Nicky Sohn’s Galaxy Back to You, and Johannes Brahms’ String Quartet No. 3. Then, members of the BMC Artist Faculty perform World of Schumann at Parker Concert Hall (141 Milner Circle, Brevard) on Wednesday, June 24th at 7:30 p.m. with Robert Schumann’s Fantasiestücke, Clara Schumann’s Piano Trio in G minor, and the Piano Quartet No. 3 in C minor by Johannes Brahms. There’s opera, too. The Janiec Opera Company and Brevard Festival Orchestra are presenting Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro on Thursday, June 25th at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 27th at 2 p.m. at Brevard College’s Porter Center (1 Brevard College Drive, Brevard). June 23-27.

North Carolina Piano Festival

University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA)* is launching the inaugural North Carolina Piano Festival at Watson Hall (1533 S. Main Street, Winston-Salem), June 25th through July 10th. The three-week event will feature internationally acclaimed guest artists William Wolfram and Arthur Greene, distinguished faculty performers Dmitri Shteinberg and Dmitri Vorobiev, as well as rising young pianists from across the country performing works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Mozart, and Schumann. The festival will conclude with a concert of outstanding student performers from this summer’s intensive program. All performances are free and open to the public. June 25-July 10.

Virginia Road Trip

The Heifetz International Music Institute at Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, Virginia, is presenting its 2026 Festival of Concerts, June 25th through August 1st. The 30th anniversary event features more than 50 daily presentations of solo and chamber music performances by students, guest artists, and faculty. June 25-August 1.

Award-Winning Eats

A few restaurants in our region have been getting some high praise recently. The Italian organization 50 Top Pizza recently held its annual awards ceremony for America’s best pizzerias in Manhattan, and a couple from our neck of the woods made the ranking. Charlotte’s own Pizza Baby, which has two locations in the city, clocked in at #42. It’s not their first time on the list. MPN Mission Pizza Napoletana in Winston-Salem is 19th on the 2026 ranking. And Pizzeria Toro in Durham got an honorable mention. For the record, Una Pizza Napoletana in New York City was named the best pizzeria in the U.S. for the fifth year in a row.

Timeout.com released their 2026 list of the 11 Best Sushi Restaurants in America, and there’s one around here. Uchi was founded in Austin, TX, but there’s also a location on Commonwealth Avenue in Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood neighborhood. They do things like combine bluefin tuna with watermelon, and salmon with candied quinoa and blueberry. Sounds like my kind of place.

More Weekend Doings

  • Charlotte Summer Market & Festival: Wide variety of handmade goods, fashion, art, home décor, delicious food, and live entertainment at Romare Bearden Park in Uptown Charlotte. June 19.

  • North Carolina Blueberry Festival: Events include the 5K run/walk, Tour de Blueberry bike race, antique show & sale, shag contest, car show, barbeque, craft & food vendors, kids’ activities, live music, and lots of blueberries in Burgaw. June 19-20.

  • Juneteenth Rock Hill: Three-day celebration including Food Truck Friday, Freedom Fest on Saturday, and Sunday Service in Rock Hill, SC. June 19-21.

  • NoDa Artisan Festival: Curated mix of vendors offering handmade crafts, fashion, art, home décor, specialty goods, and tasty food options in Charlotte’s First Ward Park. June 19-21.

  • Cars & Coffee: Full weekend of classic, exotic, and custom vehicles; automotive parts and apparel; plus, coffee and food trucks at Freedom Park in Charlotte. June 19-21.

  • Boonerang Music & Arts Festival: Live music, silent disco, art vendors, local brewed beer, great food, and kids’ activities in downtown Boone. June 19-21.

It’s always a good idea to check the WDAV Events Calendar, just in case I missed anything. Have a great week!

FanFare is made possible in part by:

Bragg Financial

*Disclosure: Theatre Charlotte, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Brevard Music Center, UNCSA, and Heifetz International Music Institute are WDAV underwriters.

The 4 Essential Black Classical Composers On My African American Music Appreciation Month Playlist

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By Madison Hunter

During African American Music Appreciation Month, we honor the legacy of the artists who have defined the American musical landscape. Many Black composers are crucial to the classical canon, yet often overlooked. I want to introduce you to four artists whose work holds deep historical significance and resonates with me personally, echoing the spirituals and hymns of my upbringing. They brilliantly blend classical structures, from Romanticism to modern styles, with the depth of Black life, making their art both deeply personal and universally vital.

To begin your journey through this heritage, here are four essential listening suggestions.

Nathaniel Dett

Nathaniel Dett was a pioneer who believed spirituals and folk traditions deserved a place in the concert hall. He bridged European classical structures with African American folk melodies, crafting “rough timber” themes into sophisticated piano suites. His Magnolia Suite blends Romantic-era textures with a distinct expressive voice. With its gentle waltz-like pulse and flowing melodic lines, “The Place Where the Rainbow Ends” evokes a fond memory revisited. Dett returns to the opening motif throughout, creating a familiar thread that guides the listener. Its richly Romantic character and lyrical writing offer an inviting introduction to the suite.

Video: Magnolia Suite: Part II, No. 5 The Place Where the Rainbow Ends 

H. Leslie Adams

H. Leslie Adams is a key voice in the Black classical music sphere, known for his commitment to his own artistic vision. Rather than following academic trends, he often self-commissioned works to maintain creative freedom. His piano music is conversational and warm, carrying the emotional energy of the Late-Romantic era. In his Etude in C-Sharp Minor, an undulating bass line sets the stage for a blend of Romantic lyricism and impressionistic color. The result is a subtly atmospheric work that moves fluidly between introspection and expression. While C-sharp minor is often associated with mystery and melancholy, Adams frequently turns toward moments of brightness, giving the piece a distinctive emotional balance.

Video: Etude in C Sharp Minor 

Jessie Montgomery

A compelling voice in contemporary music, Jessie Montgomery’s work reflects her background as a violinist and her upbringing in New York’s Lower East Side. Her writing often blends jazz, hip-hop, and spirituals with classical tradition. Montgomery’s Starburst captures the energy of rapid star formation through relentless momentum and dazzling orchestral color. High, shimmering strings punctuate the texture with flashes of brightness, while different sections of the ensemble continually take up and transform the material. The result is a work in constant motion, unfolding with the excitement and unpredictability of a burst of creative energy.

Video: Starburst 

Carlos Simon

Carlos Simon bridges sacred traditions and the modern concert hall. With roots in the Pentecostal church—he began playing organ by ear at age 10—his music is deeply emotional and spontaneous. He is a pivotal figure in the Black classical music sphere, consistently finding new ways to elevate African American heritage. In Amen!, Simon draws on his Pentecostal roots to create a work filled with energy, color, and reverence. The opening features gospel-inspired choral textures, with brass and orchestral lines imitating the call-and-response of a congregation in worship. As the piece develops, shimmering orchestral writing and cascading runs build momentum, eventually giving way to percussion recalling hand clapping and tambourines, reinforcing the rhythmic pulse of communal celebration. The result is a work that channels the sound and spirit of the Black church into a vibrant orchestral setting.

Video: Amen!

Madison Hunter is a rising senior studying Music and Arts Administration at UNC-Greensboro. She is working with WDAV this summer, supporting a variety of station operations with a focus on programming and membership.

FanFare: Concerts, Cocktails & Crafts

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There’s so much explore in the new edition of FanFare. The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra has three performances this weekend, the Piedmont Shakespeare Company kicks off its 2026 summer season, the Queen City has a new cocktail bar, and there are several arts & crafts sales to check out. Don’t forget your wallet!

CSO on the Go!

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra* has a fun-filled weekend of outdoor performances. It starts with their annual free concert at Stumptown Park (120 S. Trade Street, Matthews) on Friday, June 12th. A prelude performance begins at 7 p.m. and the Symphony goes on at 8:30 p.m. Then, the CSO Roadshow makes a stop at the Simmons YMCA (6824 Democracy Drive, Charlotte) for another free concert on Saturday, June 13th at 6 p.m. And the Summer Pops series continues with the Best of Broadway, featuring vocalist Susie Pepper, at Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall (4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte) on Sunday, June 14th. The prelude performance by jazz singer Dawn Anthony begins at 7 p.m. and the CSO will take the stage at 8:15 p.m. June 12-14.

Sassy Southern Seniors

The Green Room Community Theatre (10 S. Main Avenue, Newton) is presenting the uproarious Four Old Broads, June 12th through 21st. Set at “Magnolia Place Assisted Living,” this laugh-out-loud comedy follows a group of spirited retirees who can’t help but investigate some suspicious goings-on in their retirement home. Rated PG-13 for mature themes, language, and suggestive humor. June 12-21.

Pickleball for Good

Pickleballplayers of all skill levels are invited to compete in Habitat for Humanity Charlotte Region’s 2026 Pickleball Tournament at the Belmont CityRec Center (1315 E. Catawba Street, Belmont) on Saturday, June 13th starting at 8 a.m. You’ll be serving in more ways than one by helping local families find a pathway to affordable homeownership across Gaston, Iredell, and Mecklenburg counties. June 13.

More Courts in the QC

Speaking of pickleball, Charlotte has a new place to play. Peak Time Pickleball (1515 S. Clarkson Street, Charlotte) is now open in the Wilmore neighborhood. The 78,000-square-foot multi-story club offers 19 indoor courts; leagues, lessons and clinics; a gym with fitness classes, saunas, locker rooms, and showers; a pro shop, and a lounge serving beverages. Outdoor courts are coming this summer, followed by a bar, golf simulators, and even co-working spaces. Pickleball and PowerPoint!

Hogwarts in the Triad

The Greensboro Symphony Orchestra is bringing Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix to the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts (300 N. Elm Street, Greensboro) on Saturday, June 13th at 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 14th at 3 p.m. The GSO will perform Nicholas Hooper’s score live as the 2007 fantasy plays on the big screen. June 13-14.

Much Ado About Shakespeare

It’s time to pick your date and make your reservation for Piedmont Shakespeare Company’s 2026 summer touring production of Much Ado About Nothing, June 13th through 27th.As always, the performances are free. They even offer childcare at select performances (with advance reservation) and an ASL-interpreted performance in Greensboro. Without further ado, here’s the schedule:

Winston-Salem: Hanes Auditorium, Elberson Fine Arts Center, Salem Academy & College (430 Leaders Avenue)

  • Saturday, June 13th at 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, June 14th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

High Point, NC: High Point Theatre (220 E. Commerce Avenue)

  • Wednesday, June 17th at 7 p.m.

Walnut Cove, NC: South Stokes High School (1100 S. Stokes High Drive)

  • Thursday, June 18th at 7 p.m.

Burlington, NC: Cummings High School (2200 N. Mebane Street)

  • Saturday, June 20th at 7 p.m. (Childcare available with reservation)
  • Sunday, June 21st at 2 p.m.

Greensboro, NC: Van Dyke Performance Space, Greensboro Cultural Center (200 N. Davie Street)

  • Wednesday, June 24th at 7 p.m. (ASL-interpreted performance)
  • Thursday, June 25th at 7 p.m. (Childcare available with reservation)
  • Friday, June 26th at 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, June 27th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Red, White & Blue

The Stateline Community Orchestra, led by Dr. David Gordon, will be performing a free concert of patriotic orchestral favorites at Charlotte Catholic High School Fine Arts Center (7702 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte) on Sunday, June 14th (Flag Day!) at 3 p.m. America 250: A Musical Celebration will include such showstoppers as “Stars and Stripes Forever,” “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Chicago,” “America the Beautiful,” and others. Suggested donations of $10 will be gratefully accepted. June 14.

The Real Church Pipes of Winston-Salem

The Piedmont NC Chapter of the American Guild of Organists invites you to enjoy Sounds of the Summer, a five-part exploration of some of Winston-Salem’s magnificent pipe organs. The first one, Downtown Classic, will feature the Susan Orgain, Tate Addis, and Robert Poovey performing a wide-ranging repertoire on the mid-century Schlicker Organ at First Presbyterian Church (300 N. Cherry Street, Winston-Salem) on Monday, June 15th at 7 p.m. Admission is free. June 15.

Mint-y Fresh

The Steinway Residency Series continues with Steinway Carolinas* at the Mint Museum Uptown* (500 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte) on Wednesday, June 17th at 6 p.m. with a piano performance by Hwa-Jin Kim, PhD, founder and artistic director of Sonare Music Academy and Sonare Club of Atlanta. The series features free concerts by accomplished pianists from our region on the third Wednesday of the month. While you’re there, you can also check out the amazing Caravaggio exhibition. June 17.

Toddler Tunes

Something fun for the little ones is coming to town! Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Got the Moves will be at Ovens Auditorium (2700 E. Independence Boulevard, Charlotte) on Wednesday, June 17th at 6 p.m. This all-new show features Elmo and his pals performing favorite songs such as “Sunny Days,” “Letter of the Day,” and more. June 17.

21st Century Cabaret

Moving Poets present Flophaus Cabaret at the McColl Center (721 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte), June 17th through 20th. Inspired by The Threepenny Opera and German cabaret scene of the 1920s and ‘30s, this multi-media event will feature elements of theater, dance, jazz, and opera performed by over 35 national, regional, and Charlotte-based actors, dancers, musicians, and singers. June 17-20.

Don’t cry for me, Argentina!

Davidson Community Players* are staging a production of the iconic musical, Evita, at the Duke Family Performance Hall (2017 Faculty Drive, Davidson), June 17th through 28th. Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, the musical about Argentinian political icon Eva Peron was the first British show to win the Tony Award for Best Musical (1979). June 17-28.

Karen Slack’s African Queens

Piedmont Opera concludes its season with African Queens, a free community concert at First Baptist on Fifth (501 W. 5th Street, Winston-Salem) on Thursday, June 18th at 7:30 p.m. Curated and performed by Grammy Award-winning soprano Karen Slack, this production celebrates the history and legacy of seven extraordinary African queens whose stories remain underrepresented in Western cultural narratives. The program combines new works by several composers including Damien Geter, Jessie Montgomery, and Carlos Simon, along with traditional repertoire, spoken word, and visual art. Pre-show tickets are available for $25. Free community tickets are available now (suggested ticket price $22). June 18.

Piedmont Pops

The Piedmont Wind Symphony will be performing at the Coal Pit at Incendiary Brewing (486 N. Patterson Avenue #105, Winston-Salem) on Thursday, June 18th at 7:30 p.m. Artistic Director Mark A. Norman will lead the free concert with a mix of movie scores, Broadway showstoppers, and rousing patriotic selections. June 18.

New Watering Hole

Charlotte’s Optimist Hall (1115 N. Brevard Street, Charlotte) has a new hot spot called Pollyanna. The stylish bar took over the space vacated by Billy Sunday and it specializes in classic cocktails such as the Martini, Negroni, and Old Fashioned. You’ll also find new concoctions, including “The Dillyanna,” made with gin, dry vermouth, and house-made pickle brine; and the zesty “Meet Me in the Garden,” made with Cachaça, white rum, lemon, red bell pepper, and hellfire bitters. Now open.

Arts & Crafts Happenings

  • South End Summer Artisan Festival: Handmade crafts, fashion, art, home décor, specialty goods, and delicious food options in Charlotte’s Romare Bearden Park in the heart of Charlotte. June 12-14.

  • Vintage Market Days of Charlotte’s American Dreams: Interior designers, decorators, and over 65 dealers with unique vintage & antique goods, handmade treasurers, clothing, jewelry, live plants, and more at Cabarrus Arena & Events Center in Concord. June 12-14.

  • Art in the Park: Monthly event with 70 juried artists selling paintings, pottery, textiles, jewelry, furniture, functional art, and more in downtown Blowing Rock. June 13.

  • Starworks Annual Craft Invitational: Curated exhibition-style sale featuring talented artists working in ceramic, glass, wood, metal, and fiber in Star, NC. June 13.

  • Front Street Arts & Crafts Festival: Celebration of mountain art and culture with more than 40 artisans, shops, galleries, and food in downtown Dillsboro, NC. June 13.

We’re always adding new stuff to the WDAV Events Calendar, too, so be sure to check it often. Thanks for reading!

FanFare is made possible in part by:

Bragg Financial

*Disclosure: Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Steinway Carolinas, Mint Museum, and Davidson Community Players are WDAV underwriters.

International Choral Composers Institute: A Q&A with Sherry Blevins

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with Mary Lathem

Based in Charlotte, NC, the International Choral Composers Institute is a 5-day immersive program dedicated to nurturing and instructing choral composers and lyricists of all levels while connecting them with real-world editors and publishers. Now in its second year, ICCI is gearing up for another round of the fast-paced, transformative musical experience that has already resulted in numerous inspiring – and often unanticipated – benefits to participants and the broader choral composition sphere. 

I’m the Marketing Director here at WDAV, but by night, you’ll often find me at choir rehearsal! Last year, I had the privilege of participating in the ICCI closing concert with Charlotte Chamber Choir, and I look forward to singing again this year. Ahead of ICCI 2026, I caught up with founder, director, and composing instructor Sherry Blevins to chat about what she’s looking forward to this time around, and what audiences can expect at the concert on June 28th.

Tell us about your musical journey! When did you first become interested in choral music, and how has that led to the path you’re on today?

My earliest musical memories include sitting in my little-kid rocker singing along to folk songs while my dad played guitar. There has always been music on both sides of my family. My great uncle is in the Smithsonian for the claw-hammered banjo picking style, so you could say that the musical influence runs deep!

Once I started school, I was involved in music every chance I got. I was fortunate to have Dr. Sonja Sepúlveda as my music teacher in elementary school, where I was in the performing chorus, and again in high school, where I joined every ensemble possible. I picked up piano and guitar in middle school and started voice lessons soon after. By the time I got to college, music was my life. I love to teach, so I majored in music education with a principal in voice. After gaining some teaching experience, I earned my master’s degree in choral conducting from Appalachian State University. Then, after years of teaching in public schools, including supervising music student teachers at the university level, I began composing out of a need for more sophisticated literature for children. My first piece, “If You Heard My Voice,” was published and from there, I was hooked!

Congratulations – I’m so excited that ICCI is back for a second year! It’s taken a tremendous amount of effort and determination to bring this project to life, and last year’s result was extraordinary. Can you give our blog readers some insight on how ICCI came to be, and how things are shaping up for this summer?

I’m so incredibly excited too! The idea for a composer’s institute isn’t mine, although I did borrow ideas from the best and then added my own. I was fortunate to have attended the CORO Composer’s Institute in Iowa twice with Jocelyn Hagen where I premiered three choral works, and more recently, I had the honor of studying with Dr. Raphael Fusco at Opera Lucca where I composed and premiered art songs in Italy! I was so inspired by all of these experiences that I decided to create something based on those models, but with a little twist. In the 11 years I’ve been composing, I’ve had over 40 songs published, but to most composers, the choral publishing industry feels like a mystery. So, one feature I’ve added is to invite a different choral publishing house for every day of ICCI. This way our students can learn directly from those sources.

Last summer’s ICCI was our first, and we had a total of 40 composers and lyricists. This year, we have 61 registered! This means that we’ve had to find all new venues to accommodate our larger numbers. Planning and executing an international event like this is a huge undertaking, but with my wife, Ruth Petersen, as my Executive Director, and with incredible instructors like lyricist Tony Silvestri, composers Jocelyn Hagen (last year), Brandon Boyd (last year), Raphael Fusco (both years), Kate Janzen (both years), Victor Johnson, and Zanaida Stewart Robles, it’s hard to go wrong! We also have sessions planned with Alfred Music, Endeavor, E.C. Schirmer, J.W. Pepper, and Hinshaw. Finally, we even have a Zoom session planned with international celebrity composer, Eric Whitacre! So, you could say it’s going well.

One thing I’ve found particularly heartening to witness is that last year’s ICCI students and faculty have created such a special, supportive community, and it seems like it happened pretty organically. Why do you think you’ve all formed such a tight bond?

I honestly think it starts with hiring the right people. Our instructors and staff care about our students as people first and they teach with great passion. We also go the extra mile to make everyone comfortable during their stay in Charlotte, such as helping them pair with roommates, making sure we accommodate any special needs – dietary or physical, and just being available to help when needed. I’m honestly not sure how we ended up so tightly knit after 5 days together, but I have to believe that it’s the right intentions paired with the right people combined with hard work in planning so that the event itself can be smooth and joyful for all involved.

How are past students benefitting from their ICCI experience and the relationships they’ve formed since?

I will say that we have a Facebook group called International Choral Composers Institute and almost daily, I share good news from our students and instructors. If someone gets published, graduates, has a premiere, etc., I share it and ask that others help me celebrate. I know there can be negatives with social media, but we choose to use the platform to lift each other up. We also care enough to reach out when there are hardships. Often, just feeling like you’re not alone in your artistic struggles can help a community bond in ways that are hard to describe. I just posted how normal it is for me to hit a wall about two-thirds of the way into composing something and many students chimed in that they too have experienced the wall! 

I also think it speaks to the life of a composer or lyricist. Often, we have to create in solitude. It’s the nature of the work. Because of this, we crave connection with others, but it’s rare we have the opportunity to connect with people like us. Our students primarily come from the United States, but this year, we also have students from the U.K., Canada, Germany, and Australia! Despite the different places we originate, we seem to bond and quickly find common ground. It’s pretty magical when you put us all together.

Okay, let’s talk about the concert (and how it comes together). Speaking as someone who was part of the lab choir last year, it’s a wild, adrenaline-filled experience for everyone involved. Can you break down the process for us, from the moment students arrive with their pieces to the final performance?

Yes, and thank you for loaning your beautiful voice to us, Mary! We were so fortunate to have a collaboration with Charlotte Chamber Choir and their incredible director, Matt Wetmore and hopefully some from the Charlotte Master Chorale as well this year.

The trickiest part of the institute is that premieres of new works by students and faculty need to happen on the last day’s concert. Many of these pieces exist either partially or not at all at the start of the week. This means that not only are students and teachers working furiously to finish them, but we need a choir to learn them quickly AND perform them in a matter of hours. That’s a tall order. Luckily, Matt Wetmore, director of the Charlotte Chamber Choir, is not afraid to work hard nor to dive into literature that didn’t exist the week prior. With the help of volunteers from the choir and the fact that many of our students are skilled vocalists themselves, we ended up with a large and very accomplished choir for our concert. After several nights of rehearsals with the composers present to give feedback, the choir was ready to put on a wonderful concert. I should also mention that our instructors take poetry by our lyricists and, sometimes in one day, compose works that also premiere – often as solos. That part amazes me! 

Is there anything else our readers should know about ICCI?

I would love to share that our concert will be at the Cain Center for the Arts in Cornelius on Sunday, June 28th at 5 p.m. Tickets to our ICCI World Premieres Concert are $20 each. We also offer educator and student discount tickets at $10 each for anyone who contacts me for a discount code. I can be reached at sherryblevinsmusic.com. For anyone who comes to our concert, get ready to hear all brand new choral works by our top students as well as some surprise acts by our world-renowned artists in residence, maybe even new music by me, and a two-time Grammy winning surprise guest singer! Go to cainarts.org for tickets. We hope to see you there.

FanFare: Music, Moonshine & ‘Mush

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We have another fun week ahead of us. The Charlotte Symphony will be performing the Black Panther soundtrack with the movie and launching their 2026 Summer Pops season. You can also catch the final weekend of the Charlotte Bach Festival and the beginning of the High Country Jazz Festival in Boone. Plus, there’s moonshine and livermush on the menu. Enjoy!

Weekend in Wakanda

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra* is bringing Ryan Coogler’s 2018 Marvel masterpiece, Black Panther, to the big screen at Belk Theater (130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte) on Friday, June 5th and Saturday, June 6th at 7:30 p.m. Anthony Parnther conducts as the CSO performs Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar® and Grammy®-winning score live on stage along with the entire feature-length film. June 5-6.

Charlotte Bach Festival

Bach Charlotte’s* annual Charlotte Bach Festival winds down this weekend. Pianist Esther Jeehae Ahn, flutist Emi Ferguson, and cellist Guy Fishman will be presenting Echoes of Bach with works by Poulenc, Satie, Rameau, and Franck at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church(1001 Queens Road, Charlotte) on Friday, June 5th at 7:30 p.m. Then it’s Handel’s powerful three-act oratorio, Theodora, at the Sandra Levine Theatre, Gambrell Center, Queens University of Charlotte (2319 Wellesley Avenue, Charlotte) on Saturday, June 6th at 7:30 p.m. The festival concludes with organist Lester Ackerman performing at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church(1001 Queens Road, Charlotte), Sunday, June 7th at 3 p.m. See the full schedule here. Through June 7.

Whodunit in Winston-Salem

The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem presents the hilarious musical adventure, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, at Hanesbrands Theatre (209 N. Spruce Street, Winston-Salem), June 5th through 21st. This beloved show by Rupert Holmes (If you like pina coladas…) lets you choose the ending as a quirky Victorian theater troupe brings Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel to life with plenty of laughs and catchy tunes. June 5-21.

Tell Me a Story

Join Charlotte Storytellers for Past Lives at Free Range Brewing (2320 N. Davidson Street, Charlotte) on Saturday, June 6th at 7 p.m. Admission for this evening of captivating tales and memories with some of the Queen City’s best storytellers is free, but you should definitely reserve your seat. June 6.

Voices and Instruments

The Charlotte Chamber Choir* will be performing Coro Accompagnato: An Afternoon of Accompanied Choral Music on Saturday, June 6th at Christ Episcopal Church (1412 Providence Road, Charlotte) and Sunday, June 7th at St. John’s Episcopal Church (1623 Carmel Road Charlotte). Both concerts begin at 3:30 p.m. and will feature compositions by Shawn Kirchner, Jake Runestad, and Elaine Hagenberg, as well as classic works by Felix Mendelssohn and Johannes Brahms. June 6-7.

Pop(s) Goes the Summer

The tradition continues as the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra* returns to Symphony Park to kick off its annual Summer Pops series on Sunday, June 7th at 8:15 p.m. The 2026 edition begins with American Classics featuring popular works by composers from across the United States. The second half of the concert will include the talented Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra for a side-by-side performance. Arrive early to catch the prelude performance by Charlotte violinist and songwriter Emanuel Wynter beginning at 7 p.m. Don’t forget your chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets! June 7.

High Notes

The Appalachian Theatre* (559 W. King Street, Boone) presents the 5th Annual High Country Jazz Festival, June 10th through 14th. The festival kicks off with Grammy-winning saxophonist Miguel Zenon and acclaimed Venezuelan pianist Luis Perdomo on Friday, June 10th at 6:30 p.m. Performances continue with fan favorites Spyro Gyra (6/12, 7:30 p.m.), Wycliffe Gordon (6/13, 7:30 p.m.), and the Emmet Cohen Trio (6/14, 3 p.m.). June 10-14.

Marsalis in the Mountains

Jazz luminary Branford Marsalis returns to Brevard Music Center’s Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium (349 Andante Lane, Brevard) on Thursday, June 11th at 7:30 p.m. The saxophonist joins the BMC’s all-star faculty and students for a swinging night of beloved tunes and timeless standards. June 11.

Edgar Allan WHOA!

With original music by Danny Elfman, Edgar Allan Poe: The Musical is coming to the Palmer Building (2601 E. 7th Street, Charlotte), June 11th through 13th. A macabre mashup of musical theatre, dramatic storytelling, and themed cocktails, this 90-minute experience brings several of Poe’s dark tales to life. 21+ only; mocktails available upon request. June 11-13.

Flip!

Charlotte Ballet* is bringing Flip back to the Patricia McBride and Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance (701 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte), June 11th through 20th. The stage becomes a canvas as Charlotte Ballet’s professional dancers present a bold, playful, and deeply personal performance entirely of their own creation. June 11-20.

Powerful Perspectives

Waterworks Visual Arts Center (123 E. Liberty Street, Salisbury) is currently exhibiting ART for ALL: ART from ALL Perspectives, featuring works in a wide range of media by 27 local and regional BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) artists, including Alexandre E. Henrique and Garland “Mickey” Chambers. Through June 27.

Summer Flicks

“The Lost Years” summer film series returns to the Carolina Theatre* (230 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte), June 11th through August 22nd. It features movies released while the historic theater sat dormant for nearly 50 years before its renovation and re-opening in 2025. This summer’s lineup includes box office hits from ’90s and early 2000s on Thursdays, with a couple family-friendly titles+ on Saturdays. The flicks begin at 7 p.m. and tickets start at $5. Here’s what’s showing:

  • 6/11: Titanic
  • 6/13: Men in Black
  • 6/25: Clueless
  • 7/2: Independence Day
  • 7/9: Home Alone
  • 7/11: Home Alone 2+
  • 7/16: The Matrix
  • 7/23: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
  • 7/30: Mean Girls
  • 8/6: Kill Bill Vol. 1
  • 8/20: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
  • 8/22: Wall-E+

A Very VR Summer

Blumenthal Arts* is adding to its lineup of VR experiences at Blume Studios (904 Post Street, Charlotte) with two more joining the ancient Egyptian-themed Horizon of Khufu. Beginning June 11th, you can explore 3.5 billion years of our planet’s natural history with Life Chronicles. And if you’re feeling less Earth-bound, try Space Explorers: The ISS Experience, featuring more that 250 hours of footage from the International Space Station. Each VR experience runs 45 minutes. Through August 30.

Moonshine & Other Delights

  • Cherry Bounce Festival: Live bluegrass/Americana music, local and regional art, as well as moonshine- and cherry-inspired items from restaurants and businesses in Forest City. June 5-6.

  • Taste of Charlotte: Dozens of local food purveyors offering more than 100 menu items over three days on Tryon Street in uptown Charlotte. June 5-7.

  • Toe River Arts Studio Tour: A showcase of the talent and studios of North Caroina’s Yancey and Mitchell County artists along with an exhibit in Spruce Pine. June 5-7.

  • 18th Annual Livermush Festival: People either love livermush or hate it, but every year the town of Marion celebrates the Appalachian delicacy with live music, craft vendors, hog-calling and pig-squealing contests, and plenty of food. June 6.

  • Daniel Boone Day: A celebration of the famous frontiersman and 18th century life at the Hickory Ridge History Museum in Boone. June 6.

  • Thyme for Youth Plant Sale: Replenish your plant supply at the Winthrop Education Garden in Rock Hill, SC. June 6.

Still looking for something to grab your attention? Check out our WDAV Events Calendar for even more events and activities!

FanFare is made possible in part by:

Bragg Financial

*Disclosure: Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Bach Charlotte, Charlotte Chamber Choir, Appalachian Theatre, Charlotte Ballet, Carolina Theatre, and Blumenthal Arts are WDAV underwriters.

Bachstravaganza: Charlotte Bach Festival Grows to 15 Events

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By Lawrence Toppman

While my head is reeling pleasantly after seeing five concerts in as many days, let me jot down some recollections at the halfway point of the 2026 Charlotte Bach Festival.

The seventh annual festival has paid plenty of homage to the titular composer, from organist Avi Stein’s all-Bach organ recital last Sunday to the free “Tuning In” lecture today, in which musicologist Roseen Giles will deconstruct his Cantata No. 9 before a full-length rendition of it.

Yet the capstone performances will go to Purcell tonight with a concert version of his opera “Dido and Aeneas” and Handel on Saturday night, with a rare concert performance of his opera “Theodora.” (You’ll find the full schedule at bacharlotte.com.)

I saw nothing so grand as the latter in my visits to two churches, a brewery and two concert halls. Yet I absorbed pieces that were new to me, pieces that weren’t but seemed to be in the freshness of the performances, and a relaxed warmth that comes from a new informality.

The Early American Singing Tradition

I started Friday night with this sing-in at Matthews United Methodist Church, a new venue this year. (For a kid who reads music poorly and was raised in a synagogue, it was mostly a listen-in.) Four young Vocal Fellows led the full house through a dozen hymns set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach and others, stressing the link to an American choral activity that goes back beyond our nation’s founding.

I had never seen a Bach performer in shorts, but his casual dress gave the audience the feeling that we were all family. Hymns were grouped by themes of faith, sorrow, joy and thanksgiving, and almost everyone found a vocal line to follow. When we reached “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded,” the most beautiful chorus in Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, I remembered that Paul Simon adapted it for “An American Tune,” an ode to immigrants that seems especially poignant now.

Virtuosity Unleashed: A Piano Extravaganza

Keyboardists Esther Jeehae Ahn and Nicholas Susi paid tribute to JSB, she with a prelude and fugue from The Well-Tempered Clavier and he with Brahms’ finger-busting adaptation of the famous Chaconne in D Minor, written for the left hand. Yet this gig was mostly an excuse to play wonderful music by anyone from Debussy to Dvorak. A third of the events this spring have no admission charge – this was the third free one in a row – and 150 people in the back room of Free Range Brewing were seated and standing in every possible spot.

I’ve heard other recitals there and been put off by the spillover of bar noise, even with the connecting door closed, but that wasn’t much of an issue Saturday afternoon. The only interruption came from an excited canine (Johann Sebastian Bark?) who had to be relocated. I saw people there I didn’t see at other events, drop-ins who soaked up great music on a whim.

Gloria! Bach, Handel and Vivaldi

I understood why the chamber orchestra at Queens University’s Sandra Levine Theatre played Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 1, as he’s the founder of the feast. I understood the programming of Vivaldi’s Gloria in D, as Bach frequently adapted his work and, according to a program note for another show, learned his conception of the concerto from his Italian contemporary. The work sounded small-scale in such a large venue, but the sense of celebration came through.

The real surprise, speaking of things we’ve all sung, were the half-dozen choruses from Handel’s “Messiah.” I couldn’t figure out why these chestnuts took up space on a Bach Charlotte program, until I heard the chorus at work. The singers perfectly articulated every note in Handel’s florid runs, never smudging even when conductor Avi Stein whipped through “For Unto Us a Child is Born.” The spacious “Amen” had gravity and lightness at once.

Listen Up, Lovers! Songs of Love and Desire

Hearing 10 early Baroque songs about wounded hearts, cruel sirens and pitiless enchantresses is like eating a meal made entirely of marzipan. It’s impossible for me not to laugh at the melodrama of “Grief is my delight, and moans are my joys. I nourish myself only with tears,” however beautifully set by Claudio Monteverdi and lesser lights. The only humor Monday evening at Queens’ Kathryn Greenhoot Recital Hall came from interjections by theorbo player John Lenti, who contributed accompaniment and two soft-grained solos.

Soprano Arwen Myers told us Monteverdi was the first major composer to make music reflect what was being sung, rather than simply using text as an opportunity for lovely vocal lines. She reinforced that argument not only with elegant, nimble singing but by turning each song into a mini-drama with convincing body language. She almost made me believe these outrageous utterances reflected deep sentiments, not stylized and superficial expressions. Almost.

Dall’Italia Con Amore

My journey concluded Tuesday night at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, a familiar Bach Charlotte venue. Co-music director Guy Fishman and seven colleagues played two cello concertos by Vivaldi, an early cello concerto by Luigi Boccherini and Boccherini’s String Quintet in E Major. Fishman, the cello soloist, played them with love acquired by long acquaintance: He revealed that one of the Vivaldis and Boccherini’s concerto were the first two his teacher gave him to hear when Fishman started out at 12.

Yet the revelation was the quintet, which came off as the meatiest work of the night. How does one play a piece everybody in the hall knows, whether they realize it or not? (You know it, too.) You play as if encountering it for the first time yourself, with brio and elegance but without schmaltziness or heavy underlining. That’s what this group did, proving that Bach Charlotte’s two biggest virtues are making us hear unfamiliar works with pleasure and familiar ones as if they were

FanFare: Beach Boys & Beach Books

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This next week offers quite a bit of musical variety across our region. You’ll find performances of chamber music, jazz standards, larger classical works, opera, and to get you in the spirit of summer, some surf sounds. There are also a couple of opportunities to stock up for your beach reading. Have you booked your rental house yet?

Good Vibrations

The Cain Center for the Arts* (21348 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius) presents Pet Sounds Live on Friday, May 29th at 7:30 p.m. More than just a rock and roll tribute, the show is a musical journey back in time to when the Beach Boys were creating some of their iconic songs. You’ll feel like you’re in the studio as hits including “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “God Only Knows,” “California Girls,” and “Good Vibrations” were coming into existence. May 29.

Chamber Music Weekend

Founded 18 years ago, the Rutherford Chamber Consort is presenting On Wings of Joy, with compositions by Mozart and Dvorak. The public is invited to enjoy three free concerts in western North Carolina this weekend. May 29-31.

  • Friday, May 29th, 7 p.m. at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer (502 W. Sumter Street, Shelby)
  • Saturday, May 30th, 7 p.m. at Adaville Baptist Church (805 Oakland Road, Spindale)
  • Sunday, May 31st, 2:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Episcopal Church (150 Melrose Avenue, Tryon)

Charlotte Bach Festival

Bach Charlotte’s* annual Charlotte Bach Festival continues through June 7th at venues across the Charlotte area. Pianists Esther Jeehae Ahn and Nicholas Susi will be performing Virtuosity Unleashed: A Piano Extravaganza, featuring Baroque and Classical era works, at Free Range Brewing (2320 N. Davidson Street, Charlotte) on Saturday, May 30th at 3 p.m. Admission is free. Then at 7:30 p.m., you can catch performances of Vivaldi’s Gloria, choruses from Handel’s Messiah, and Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 1 in C, BWV 1066 at the Sandra Levine Theatre, Gambrell Center, Queens University of Charlotte (2319 Wellesley Avenue, Charlotte). Henry Purcell’s stirring Dido and Aeneas and a recital of Bach and the French Influence are also on the festival schedule. Through June 7.

Orchestral Jazz

Led by artistic director Dr. Tara Villa Keith, the all-volunteer Orchestra of the Carolinas* (as heard on Piedmont Arts) is made up of professional, semi-professional, and high-level amateurs who are dedicated to creating accessible musical experiences for everyone. Their inaugural season closes on Saturday, May 30th at Davidson Town Hall & Community Center Auditorium (251 South Street, Davidson). The 7 p.m. concert will feature Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Carmen Bradford in a program of jazz standards, including works by George Gershwin, Fats Waller, and Nelson Riddle. Arrive early for a pre-concert talk at 6 p.m. May 30.

WSS Season Finale

Michelle Merrill conducts the Winston-Salem Symphony* in two performances this weekend at Reynolds Auditorium (301 N. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem) on Saturday, May 30th at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 31st at 3 p.m. The season-ending program will open with Conor Brown’s varied How to Relax with Origami. Winston-Salem composer Dan Locklair’s work Since Dawn pairs Maya Angelou’s poetry narrated by North Carolina Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green with the Winston-Salem Symphony Chorus directed by Dr. Chris Gilliam. The concerts close with Aaron Copland’s Symphony No. 3, featuring the familiar Fanfare for the Common Man. May 30-31.

Andrew’s Anniversary

Violinist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Andrew Bird, makes his debut with the Greensboro SymphonyOrchestra at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts (300 N. Elm Street, Greensboro) on Sunday, May 31st at 7 p.m. Bird will celebrate the 20th anniversary of his acclaimed album,The Mysterious Production of Eggs, by performing it in its entirety with orchestral arrangements. That will be followed by a suite of some of the most-beloved jazz, folk, and pop melodies from his expansive repertoire. May 31.

Intro to Opera

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, May 31st 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. May 31.

Ripped from the Headlines

They sing, they dance, they crack wise. Blumenthal Arts* presents Charlotte Squawks 21: Hold My Beer at Booth Playhouse (130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte), June 4th through 28th. There’s no shortage of material for the hilarious SNL-style skewering of our local news and those who made it over the past year. June 4-28.

The Lost Colony

Headed to the Outer Banks this summer? North Carolina’s long running and beloved outdoor drama, The Lost Colony, is back for its 2026 season at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre (1409 National Park Road, Manteo), June 4th through August 22nd. Conceived in 1937 by Paul Green, the dramatic musical tells the story of some of America’s earliest English settlers and the mystery of their disappearance from Roanoke Island. You can also take a backstage tour; and on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, arrive early for the free Native Pre-Show, featuring traditional dances by the Native American Company of The Lost Colony. June 4-August 22.

More Weekend Finds

  • Armenian Food Festival: Three days of savory Armenian cuisine, sweet pastries, and family-friendly entertainment at St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Charlotte. May 29-31.
  • The Bookish Bloom Bazaar: Shop for books and plants, meet authors, enjoy food trucks, and paint your own mini pot to help raise money for Carolina Breast Friends at Summit Coffee on the Plaza in Charlotte. May 30.
     
  • Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Book Sale: Load up on gently used and bargain priced summer beach reads at the University City Regional Library. May 30.
  • Charlotte Vintage Market: Forty-five vintage clothing and antiques vendors, more than 25 food stalls, and live music at Optimist Hall. May 31.

Our WDAV Events Calendar is always being populated with new events and activities. Be sure to check it often!

FanFare is made possible in part by:

Bragg Financial

*Disclosure: Cain Center for the Arts, Orchestra of the Carolinas, Winston-Salem Symphony, and Blumenthal Arts are WDAV underwriters.

FanFare: Mapping a Route to Music, Museums & More

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The unofficial start of summer usually means there’ll be traffic. This weekend, families will be heading to pools, lakes, and beaches in droves. Another few dozen drivers will be making multiple left turns at Charlotte Motor Speedway. But if you’re willing to brave a bit of the bumper-to-bumper, you’ll be rewarded with some truly entertaining experiences this Memorial Day weekend. Let’s start with a trip to South Carolina’s Lowcountry.

Spring into Spoleto

Every year, the Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston, SC’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with orchestral, chamber, choral, opera, dance, jazz, contemporary music, theater performances, and talks. This year’s event runs for 17 days from May 22nd through June 7th and will feature renowned artists and emerging performers. Highlights include performances of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, Mozart’s Mass in C Minor, Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring Suite, Samuel Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915, Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, the U.S. premiere of Scottish Ballet’s Mary, Queen of Scots, and a Martha Graham Dance Company celebration. The kid-centric Piccolo Spoleto Festival runs concurrently. May 22-June 7.

Murder Most Foul

The Little Theater of Gastonia (238 South Clay Street, Gastonia) is presenting a stage adaptation of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, May 22nd through 31st. Recognized as the world’s best-selling mystery of all time (under different titles), the story is about ten strangers trapped on an island off the coast of England. Each is accused of past crimes that went unpunished by the law. As they turn up dead one at a time, the remaining guests deduce that the murderer is one of their own. May 22-31.

Whitewater Weekend

The Whitewater Center (5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte) is kicking off the Memorial Day Weekend, May 23rd and 24th, with a variety of activities and events. You can enter the 3-, 5-, or 8- mile trail races on Saturday morning. Then, explore pass activities (rafting, climbing, ziplining, ropes courses, etc.) and yoga classes (on land or SUP) on Saturday and Sunday. Both evenings bring live music from Doc Robinson and Dylan Chambers to the River Jam Stage. Plus, there’s always good food and craft beer on tap. May 23-24.

Can You Dig It?

The North Carolina Fossil Festival returns to the Aurora Fossil Museum (400 Main Street, Aurora), May 23rd and 24th. This family-friendly celebration of the state’s rich fossil record includes fossil displays, a dinosaur show, live entertainment, food and craft vendors, silent auction, and an opportunity to dig for fossils yourself. Admission is free with some ticketed activities. May 23-24.

LEGO Legend

Discovery Place Science (168 W. 6th Street, Charlotte) is hosting Brick Masters Studio: Build with LEGO Bricks Like a Pro, May 23rd through September 7th. This immersive exhibition by acclaimed LEGO artist Sean Kinney features more than 100 of his sculptures built with over two-million pieces. It’s also a hands-on experience that allows you to explore your own artistic and engineering talents. The exhibition is included with your museum admission. Just don’t walk around without your shoes on. May 23-September 7.

American Classics

Winston-Salem Symphony* violinist Ewa Gondek and guitarist Wiley Porter are bringing the Great American Songbook to the Mary Alice Warren Community Center (7632 Warren Park Drive, Lewisville) for a free afternoon concert on Saturday, May 24th at 3 p.m. The duo’s program will include popular standards by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, and many more. May 24.

Let’s Get Trivial

Tuesday Trivia,WDAV’s weekly online classical music quiz, is in its sixth year of testing and enlightening listeners with challenging questions about the great works, composers, musicians, instruments, and more. Now we’re taking the fun on the road with Tuesday Trivia LIVE at Free Range Brewing (2320 N. Davidson Street, Charlotte) on Tuesday, May 26th at 7 p.m. Join us for a high-energy, prize-filled night of classical music trivia, featuring ragtime pianist Ethan Uslan in a special round of Name That Tune. This event is part of Steinway at Free Range Brewing, a ten-day musical collaboration between Free Range Brewing, Steinway Carolinas, Tosco Music, WDAV, and Bach Charlotte. Teams and individuals are welcome. Pre-registration is encouraged. May 26.

Love is Like Oxygen

Blumenthal Arts* is bringing the Belle Epoque to the Queen City. Winner of 10 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, Moulin Rouge! The Musical comes to the Belk Theater (130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte), May 26th through 31st. The elaborate stage production follows the plot of Baz Luhrmann’s romantic 2001 film with its lavish costumes and pop soundtrack that blends classic and modern hits. May 26-31.

Bountiful Baroque

Bach Charlotte’s* annual Charlotte Bach Festival gets underway with Bach & Brahms: From Counterpoint to Power, a free performanceat Free Range Brewing (2320 N. Davidson Street, Charlotte) on Wednesday, May 27th at 3 p.m. Cellist Guy Fishman and pianist Esther Jeehae Ahn will make the musical connection from the Baroque to Romantic era with works including Brahms’ Cello Sonata in E minor. The festival continues through June 7th with performances of Vivaldi’s Gloria, choruses from Handel’s Messiah, Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, Handel’s Theodora, as well as works by Johann Sebastian Bach and those he influenced at venues across the Charlotte area. May 27-June 7.

Small Batch Finale

Steinway at Free Range Brewing continues with our final WDAV Small Batch concert for the 2025-2026 season at Free Range Brewing (2320 N. Davidson Street, Charlotte) on Thursday, May 28th at 7 p.m. The evening will feature acclaimed pianist and Charlotte native Phillip Bush performing an eclectic program of works by Frederic Chopin, Phillip Glass, Duke Ellington, and more. Admission is free, but tickets are required, and I recommend arriving early if you want a place to sit. May 28.

Weekend Wanderings

  • 22nd Annual White Squirrel Weekend: Three-day festival with live music, beer garden, over 100 local vendors, and plenty of family-friendly fun in downtown Brevard. May 22-24.
  • Animazement: This annual celebration of Japanese animation and culture convention highlights anime, manga, video games, and more at the Raleigh Convention Center. May 22-24.
  • Mile High Kite Festival: Go fly a kite at this free event with kite demonstrations, craft and food vendors, and music in Beech Mountain. Free kites are provided for kids 12 and under to decorate (while supplies last). May 23.
  • 2nd Annual Carrboro Bluegrass Festival: Ten acts will be performing at the Cat’s Cradle Backyard in Carrboro. Seating is first-come, first-served. May 23.
  • Sandhills Motoring Expo: See more than 120 unique and hand-picked automobiles in 16 classes, along with special display vehicles throughout the historic Village of Pinehurst. May 24.

You may want to add a few more stops along the way when you see what else is on the WDAV Events Calendar. Buckle up, drive safely, and have fun!

FanFare is made possible in part by:

Bragg Financial

*Disclosure: Winston-Salem Symphony, Blumenthal Arts, and Bach Charlotte are WDAV underwriters.