This Weekend in Charlotte: The Book of Liz, John Heffron, Melissa Etheridge, & Science on the Rocks
FRIDAY
THE JAZZ ROOM
The monthly program from Charlotte’s Jazz Arts Initiative is back. This time, trombonist Mitch Butler plays the tunes of JJ Johnson. Johnson was one of the first to discover the potential of the instrument as a lead voice in an ensemble.
LACA PROJECTS
This museum works to expose the city to Latin American art and culture. Latin American Masters: The Quest of Printmaking (through Aug. 21) showcases work from artists who hail from six different countries. More than 60 pieces display varying styles, methods, and expressions through the form.
SCIENCE ON THE ROCKS: BACK TO SCHOOL
On the third Friday of every month, Discovery Place has science-tinged parties for adults ($8-$10, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.), with changing themes. For “Back to School,” expect games like the Dirty Spelling Bee, Killer Chemistry, and more.
PROMENADE ON PROVIDENCE
This series, on Fridays and Saturdays, rotates between music and kids’ movies. Out on the lawn, check outs acts like Stella Rising and Borderlyne. Films include Maleficent and Planes: Fire & Rescue.
STONECREST SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
This Friday/Saturday program has two stages for the Saturday portion: the Fountain Stage and the Plaza Stage. Both Brubakers and Greg Lilley Band tackle multiple dates throughout the series.
SATURDAY
JOHN HEFFRON
The Last Comic Standing alum comes to Charlotte’s flagship comedy club. The comic has also dabbled in board games. In That Guy Game, female bar-hoppers match cartoon men to real-life counterparts.
THE BOOK OF LIZ
The Book of Liz, running Aug. 6-22, marks the second play staged at Charlotte Art League, a non-profit organization and gallery that typically promotes visual art. Donna Scott Productions presents the tale, written by Amy and David Sedaris. The Raleigh-bred siblings have made waves in both the theatrical and literary worlds, and this zany comedy is in line with their separate reputations for the quirky and subversive. Read more about this production here.
ROBERT MOTHERWELL: A CENTENARY EXHIBITION
They came from all over—FedExed from Texas, transported in trucks from New York, or borrowed from other galleries. Each component is a piece of a puzzle, one that when displayed on the walls of the Jerald Melberg Gallery this Saturday, will represent the life of Robert Motherwell. The abstract expressionist is the subject of the Cotswold locale’s latest exhibition: Robert Motherwell: A Centenary Exhibition. Read more about this exhibit, here.
BLAKENEY CONCERT SERIES
Taking place between Encore and Brixx, hit the fountain stage for bands each Friday and Saturday. Heroes At Last, Loafers, Natty Boh, and DJ Chuck are among the acts who add some music to the Blakeney experience each week.
SUNDAY
MELISSA ETHERIDGE
Etheridge’s career has seen 15 Grammy nominations (and two wins), 13 studio albums, and several decades of touring. The event’s official description says Etheridge will share the tales behind the songs, as well.
GRIFFIN HOUSE
For two nights, Saturday and Sunday, Griffin House performs at the Evening Muse. The singer-songwriter’s style is a blend of folk and rock, and the Springfield, Ohio, native currently resides in Nashville.
