Weekend Arts Events (Nov. 25-27)
FRIDAY
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS
The moniker of composer of Chip Davis, Mannheim Steamroller broke through with a synth-driven version of “Deck the Halls” in the 1980s. The record on which the tune appears sold 5 million copies.
THE NEW FAMILIARS: A TRIBUTE TO LEVON HELM & MUSIC OF THE BAND
The band’s popular tribute comes to the Fillmore stage. Helm was drummer and vocalist for The Band, one of roots rock’s legendary acts. The New Familiars have been a rock scene staple in the city for the past decade.
SPEEDWAY CHRISTMAS
Drive on the track and check out the Speedway's Christmas village, with more than 3 million lights used in the 800 displays. The Christmas Village has wagon rides, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, and even a petting zoo.
HOLIDAY ON ICE
Holiday On Ice invites families to come out to the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza for some, you guessed it, holiday fun on the ice. While the whole family is in town, it’s a suitable outdoors outing.
REID'S HOLIDAY JAM
The SouthPark location of Reid's Fine Foods hosts several local musicians between 6 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Acts include Cass Palin, Michael Elliot, Walker Barnes, Benjamin Fisher, Charlotte Parrott, David Buck, and more.
SATURDAY
A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER
Here comes the 2014 Tony-winner for Best Musical, about a man who wants to jump to the front of the heir line for the family fortune. One NPR critic said he's "never laughed so hard at a Broadway musical."
DANGERMUFFIN
The boys from Folly Beach return to Charlotte for a show at the Visulite. The trio's sound mixes folk, jam band fare, and a handful of other genres.
NICK CANNON
The comedian comes to Charlotte for a one-night show at the Comedy Zone at AvidXchange Music Factory. If a packed house has you claustrophobic during the holiday weekend, you can head over to the city’s premier comedy club to sneak in some laughs.
LARK & KEY GALLERY AND BOUTIQUE
This South End gallery displays paintings and functional art, highlighting the works of national artists as well as local and regional creators. Holiday Showcase, THROUGH DEC. 31, brings seasonal works to gallery visitors. Traditional artwork, pottery (decorative and functional), jewelry, and glass are featured.
SUNDAY
DISCOVERY PLACE
Kids will be kids—and adults will feel like kids—at this uptown science museum. From live animals to grand experiments of physics, the museum offers a multi-disciplinary adventure. Genghis Khan, THROUGH APRIL 30, 2017, explores the life of the legendary conqueror. Artifacts, settings, and relics from his time period, from jewelry and clothing to musical instruments and weaponry, are featured.
HARVEY B. GANTT CENTER FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN ARTS + CULTURE
Named for Harvey Gantt, the first African-American mayor of Charlotte (and the first African-American student at Clemson University), this 46,000-square-foot museum reflects both history and current art. It's part of the Levine Center for the Arts, a group of arts institutions in uptown. Shaping the Vessel: Mascoll + Samuel, THROUGH JAN. 16, displays 20 wood works created by John Mascoll and Avelino Samuel. Nellie Ashford: Through My Eyes, THROUGH JAN. 16, focuses on the folk art of the Charlotte native, who explores cultural identity and community. See 30 newly created mixed-media works by Ashford. The museum’s permanent exhibition, the John & Vivian Hewitt Collection of African-American Art, showcases the work of 20 artists, including Charlotte native Romare Bearden.
