This Weekend's Arts Events (Sept. 25-27)

September 23, 2015

FRIDAY
CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY CLASSICS: BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO. 7
Beethoven's 7th symphony is supplemented by his "Piano Concerto No. 1" and Stravinsky's "Pulcinella Suite." Behzod Abduraimov is featured on the piano for this one.

FESTIVAL IN THE PARK
In its 51st year, this Charlotte fixture is back with bands, 180 artists, and a wide array of food. The annual arts festival has become one of the city’s premier fall destinations, drawing thousands each time. The event runs for three days and is free.

ONE MAN BREAKING BAD
Do I really need to explain this one further? One man, acting out the entirety of Breaking Bad and all of its characters. If you’ve seen the show, this humorous riff by Miles Allen sells itself.

SATURDAY
A SORDID AFFAIR
Producer Del Shores, comedian Caroline Rhea, and actor Leslie Jordan represent the Sordid Lives series, and all three come to Charlotte for this fundraiser. Nonprofit Different Roads Home, Inc., which aids those with chronic illnesses, benefits from the show.

AN EVENING WITH THE BOB JAMES QUARTET
Time for some smooth jazz, courtesy of a two-time Grammy winner. The keyboardist has recorded dozens of albums solo, but this performance comes with an ensemble.

THE PATRON SAINT OF LOSING SLEEP
Call center rep Ada has insomnia. Things get complicated when a caller’s drama enters her life. Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte presents this narrative from Diana Grisanti.

LAST IN A SERIES: 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.

SUNDAY
BECHTLER MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
The Bechtler is more than just a rolling roster of fine art exhibitions. Films, chamber music, and presentations tie into the works, with jazz concerts as a separate monthly offering. Portraying the Patron: Andy Warhol and the Bechtlers (through Jan. 18) displays the interaction between the famed art patrons and the pop-art legend in 1973. Sam Francis: Rapid Fluid Indivisible Vision (through March 7, 2016) explores the abstract expressionist work. Francis is known as “one of the leading interpreters of color and light,” the Bechtler says.

LAST CHANCE: LA CAGE AUX FOLLES
The revivals of this comedy-musical keep adding Tony Awards to the collection. The owner of a drag club tries to hide his relationship with another man from his son, who brings home his fiancee. The potential in-laws turn out to be ultra-conservatives.