November 2008 Best Bets

Dunkan Sheik

A dozen years ago, Duncan Sheik was a fresh-faced Ivy Leaguer with a hit single called "Barely Breathing." His angsty sound won him legions of fans, but his subsequent output became more artsy, and he got tabbed an experimental singer-songwriter. But he also started doing soundtracks and musical theater. This month at the Blumenthal, he'll play hits from his early career, as well as songs from the recent Broadway smash Spring Awakening, for which Sheik won a Tony, and upcoming theater/music project Whisper Rooms. November 9

Warhol and the Waterfront

For years, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra has been accused of being predictable. Which makes this event all the more welcomed. For this two-day affair, the CSO is working with local colleges, the Mint Museum, WDAV, and the public library to present a multimedia extravaganza of art, film, talk, and, yes, some music. Philip Glass's Symphony No. 3 for String Orchestra will be paired with Andy Warhol images. Leonard Bernstein's score for On the Waterfront will be matched with scenes from the classic film. And Alan Yamamoto conducts Ravel's masterpiece for the violin, Tzigane. November 14 at CPCC's Halton Theater and November 15 at Davidson's Duke Family Performance Hall.

Possibilities: Rising Stars of Contemporary Craft in North Carolina

This month is your last chance to check out this exhibit presenting new crafts from six North Carolina artists including Vivian Beer, Devin Burgess, Cristina Córdova, Anne Lemanski, Brent Skidmore, and Jerilyn Virden. The artists, who were chosen based both on their current work and the consideration of their potential or "possibility" in the field, are young to midcareer craftsmen. Ends November 30 at the Mint Museum of Craft + Design.

Nicole Atkins

While this singer and songwriter only lived in Charlotte for a few years, her pre-fame performances around the Queen City during that time have given her the reputation of a hometown favorite. In recent years her introspective lyrics and unique sound have been favorites at music festivals such as Austin City Limits and Bonnaroo, as well as on television including an American Express and an Old Navy commercial, and appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman and Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Now, the former UNCC student is back in Charlotte performing songs from her popular album, Neptune City, at the Neighborhood Theater. November 8