This Weekend in Charlotte (Aug. 30-Sept.1)
What's going on in the Queen City?
It's Labor Day Weekend, and you know what that means: It's… Well, it's Labor Day Weekend. Guess I should have planned better for that setup.
This weekend's events are sprawling and spectacularly varied, with the first item on our list encompassing all three days and even offering jugglers. So grab a hot dog and a good pair of walking shoes; Labor Day Weekend is nigh. Click the bolded names of events for calendar listings.
Friday
Kicking off Friday, this weekend marks the grand opening of Romare Bearden Park. Named for the famed artist and writer, the park has been constructed in the Third Ward. However, this weekend’s events aren’t limited to just one space. Live music, museum tours, art displays and various performers (even jugglers) will be rounding out the festivities. Check the calendar listing for the full schedule for Friday, Saturday And Sunday, and go celebrate with your fellow Charlotteans. Check out a video from back when folks were just campaigning for a park dedicated to Bearden:
Since we’re already on the subject of premieres, Bechtler Museum of Art has a new exhibition, starting Friday. Modernism in Changing Times: Works from 1968 (running through Jan. 24) combines several works from names like Picasso, Calder and Chagall. Though the time period is shared between pieces, the mediums vary greatly with prints, paintings, sculptures and tapestries in the mix.
The All Arts Market, an event that moves between different venues, comes to the Chop Shop in NoDa. Check out (and buy) works from over 60 artists. Mediums range from photography and painting to woodwork and metal. Live music on the patio will be provided by Eric-Scott Guthrie. The event starts at 6 p.m. and is free to check out.
Saturday
A staged reading of the 1980s classic “The Breakfast Club” at UpStage offers more than just nostalgia. The dramatic reading comes with a drinking game, as well. For $10, you can join in on the fun, which also includes goodie bags and an invitation for audience participation. The show, put on by Paperhouse Theatre, begins at 8 p.m., and dinner service is available.
Singer-songwriter Matthew Mayfield, formerly of the band Moses Mayfield, plays The Evening Muse with guest artist Korby Lenker. Don’t let the acoustic fool you; Mayfield’s music has healthy dose of rock to provide. The performance starts at 8 p.m., and costs $8-$10. Check out one of his music videos below.
Sunday
The U.S. National Whitewater Center starts off its Labor Day celebration with a few races, but it makes room for plenty of live entertainment. The Railers, Mockingbird Sun and The Dirty Guv’nahs round out the list of performers. The center will wrap up the evening with a firework display over the water. The celebration is free, and you can see the full schedule in the calendar listing.
The second annual Bands Together for Chronic Illness takes Charlotteans back to the Chop Shop this weekend. Over 16 bands, including GoGo Pilot, Falling Through April and the Ryan Bach Band, are playing the family-friend and free event. Caricatures, face-painting and a silent auction will also be featured. Check the listing for more details.
Jay Pharoah, performing at the Comedy Zone at 8 p.m., is Saturday Night Live’s current master of impressions, quick to rattle off accurate Denzel Washington, President Obama, Will Smith, Jay-Z or even Eddie Murphy takes. But don’t take my word for it: See a video of his Washington and Smith impressions, made before he ever got the SNL gig, below.
