Weekend Arts Events (Jan. 8-10)
FRIDAY (Jan. 8)
JAZZ AT THE BECHTLER: POST-HOLIDAY BLUES: MANY SHADES OF BLUE
In this January tradition, the Ziad Jazz Quartet performs the works of John Coltrane, Jimmy Heath, and Lee Morgan.
CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY: SAINT-SAENS CELLO CONCERTO NO. 1
French composer Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns penned this concerto during the Romantic Era. More than 140 years later, it’s performed by our symphony, with Cicely Parnas featured on cello.
THE LIGHT FACTORY
This venue’s vision statement says, “The Light Factory is committed to photography and film as a means of enriching lives and transforming communities.” Connie Thalken: Eyes Open Slowly (through Jan. 29) displays the work of the photographer and multimedia artist, who often uses animals and the natural world in her exhibits. In this show, Thalken uses taxidermy photos to examine the “often paradoxical relationship between human and animal.” Classes include DSLR usage, black and white film photography, and portrait photography.
SATURDAY (Jan. 9)
ROCKIE LYNNE
Armed with six LPs’ worth of tunes, Lynne has been active on the country circuit for a decade. Regional cred: This show is not far from his hometown of Statesville.
WICKED
This stage show flips the narrative of The Wizard of Oz on its head, swapping the traditional roles of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. One of the most decorated Broadway shows in recent years, the production continues to entertain crowds as it returns in different venues like Ovens Auditorium.
SOL DRIVEN TRAIN
Charleston's Sol Driven Train comes to the Visulite with The Get Right Band this weekend. The band is self-described as a “brass-kickin' roots rock." We’d agree with that assessment.
SUNDAY (Jan. 10)
SUNDAY FUN DAY: MY CAROLINA HOME
Families are welcome at the Mint's family day. Art projects and demos, gallery access, yoga sessions, and more are available. This version has accompanying mountain music, which pair well with Eugene Thomason's paintings.
HARVEY B. GANTT CENTER FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN ARTS + CULTURE
Once called the Afro-American Cultural Center, this museum has roots in the 1970s and jumped around venues in Charlotte before settling in this location in 2009. Dance Theatre of Harlem: 40 Years of Firsts (Jan. 22-June 26) celebrates the 40-year-old ensemble with costumes, storytellings, and multimedia. The museum’s permanent exhibition, the John & Vivian Hewitt Collection of African-American Art, showcases the work of 20 artists, such as Charlotte native Romare Bearden.
