FanFare: Is There Kleenex at the Concession Stand?
May 7, 2026
Do theaters sell tissues in the lobby? If not, they should probably offer some along with their other concessions, especially when presenting something that’s likely to elicit tears from the audience. Having seen both film adaptations of The Color Purple, I’m guessing Theatre Charlotte’s upcoming production of the stage musical will require some dabbing of the eyes. It’s a moving story, to say the least. More about that below.
Hops & Harmonies
The Charlotte Master Chorale* Chamber Singers have a fun-filled evening of music on tap at the Triple C Brewing Barrel Room (2832 Griffith Street, Charlotte) on Friday, May 8th at 7:30 p.m. Kenney Potter and Philip Biedenbender will lead this casual concert featuring several lighthearted works. Hopefully, you won’t get lightheaded after too many beverages. Pace yourself. May 8.
Spring Into Summer
The North Carolina Baroque Orchestra* Chamber Players are performing Spring into Summer at three locations, May 8th through 10th. The program will feature Spring and Summer from Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, and other works. The concerts are free, but donations are gratefully accepted.
First Presbyterian Church
125 N. Meeting Street, Statesville, NC
Friday, May 8th at 7 p.m.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
520 Summit Street, Winston-Salem, NC
Saturday, May 9th at 4 p.m.
($20 suggested donation)
Lancaster Cultural Arts Center
309 W. Gay Street, Lancaster, SC
Sunday, May 10th at 3 p.m.
Love is Love
Theatre Charlotte* is presenting The Color Purple, May 8th through 24th. The soul-stirring musical based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel tells the story of Celie, a young African American woman who navigates a life of abuse before discovering the strength to break free. Jazz, gospel, and blues songs accentuate themes of hope, resilience, and the power of finding one’s voice. May 8-24.
Bien sûr!
Caritas A Capella Ensemble presents En français: A French Choral Journey at Trinity Presbyterian Church (3115 Providence Road, Charlotte) on Saturday, May 9th at 7:30 p.m. The program will feature French and French-inspired sacred and secular choral music spanning more than five centuries with works by Duruflé, Debussy, and Lauridsen. And it’s BYOB — Bring your own beret. May 9.
Wizard of Winston-Salem
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with a trip to the Emerald City. Michelle Merrill will conduct the Winston-Salem Symphony* for Defying Gravity: The Wonderful Music of OZ at Reynolds Auditorium (301 N. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem) on Saturday, May 9th at 7:30 p.m. You’ll feel like dancing down the “Yellow Brick Road” with music from The Wizard of OZ, Return to OZ, The Wiz, and Wicked. Featured performers include vocalists Campbell Walker Fields,Jessica Hendy,Kelli Rabke, and pianist John Fischer. May 9.
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Ludmila European Music and Art Academy is presenting Mary Poppins Jr. at the Cain Center for the Arts* (21348 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius) on Saturday, May 9th at 6 p.m. Based on P.L. Travers’ beloved stories and the classic Disney film, the stage musical is filled with memorable songs, energetic dance numbers, and enchanting special effects. May 9.
May I Have a Word?
Book Buyers in the Eastway Crossing Shopping Center (3040 Eastway Drive B, Charlotte) hosts their Spring 2026 Poetry & Fiction Reading on Saturday, May 9th at 7:30 p.m. The evening will feature readings by Erin Rose Coffin, Benjamin T. Dudley, and Misha Lazzara. That will be followed by an Open Mic session with a five-minute maximum per reader. May 9.
Sing Along with Maria
This has “mom” written all over it. Well, certainly my mom. The Carolina Theatre* (230 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte) is bringing The Sound of Music back to the big screen. The five-time Academy Award-winning musical had its Charlotte premiere at the Carolina Theater and ran for a record-breaking 79 weeks from 1965 to 1966. You can relive the magic with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer on Saturday, May 9th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The evening showing is also a sing-along with the iconic Rodgers & Hammerstein soundtrack. Edelweiss… May 9.
Wine & (Grilled) Cheese
Mother’s Day weekend also has a few festivals to offer, from food to folk art and more.
- Ballantyne Wine Festival: Large selection of regional and national wines, plus live music and local craft vendors at Ballantyne Village in Charlotte. May 9.
- Charlotte Grilled Cheese Festival: A crispy, melty celebration of America’s favorite sandwich at South End Station, where creative grilled cheese variations will be paired with delicious drinks from local bars. May 9.
- Kaleidoscope Fest: Spring festival featuring fine art and crafts, performing arts, culinary arts and craft brewing, martial arts, and more in downtown Waxhaw. May 9.
- Foothills Folk Art Festival: Meet artists, watch live demonstrations, and shop for one-of-a-kind pieces of authentic contemporary Carolina foothills folk art in downtown Newton. May 9.
- Fiber Day at the Folk Art Center: Demonstrations by regional craft artists working in weaving, spinning, dyeing, and other fiber traditions, plus a hands-on kids’ activity table in Asheville. May 9.
- Lake Lure Arts & Crafts Festival: More than 100 artisans and food vendors. Fine arts, graphics, photography, jewelry, glass, pottery, wood, textiles, leather in Lake Lure, NC. May 9-10.
- St. Philip Neri Italian Festival: Three-days of homemade Italian food, wine tastings, live entertainment, parade, games, rides, and the Cannoli Run 5K in Fort Mill, SC. May 14-16.
I hope you have a very happy Mother’s Day weekend. Be sure to check the WDAV Events Calendar for even more art, culture, and fun across our region!
FanFare is made possible in part by:
*Disclosure: Charlotte Master Chorale, North Carolina Baroque Orchestra, Theatre Charlotte, Winston-Salem Symphony, Cain Center for the Arts, and Carolina Theatre are WDAV underwriters.
