FanFare: Sounds, Sights & Surprises of Spring

April 23, 2026

Phil Vavra Powered By Bragg Financial

What do you feel like doing this week? Hearing a world-class concert? Taking your kids or grandkids to the theater? Seeing great works of art? Or celebrating spring in the great outdoors? All those options and more are waiting to be explored in this edition of FanFare!

Earth Tones

Appalachian Arts* presents Trinidadian trumpeter and composer Etienne Charles at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts (733 Rivers Street, Boone) on Friday, April 24^th at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Charles has dedicated his recent works to highlighting the voices of marginalized peoples in the Americas. His latest work, Earth Tones, is a multimedia jazz performance featuring original compositions that draw attention to people and regions that are, or soon will be, severely affected by climate change. April 24.

Hearts Afire

Kwame Ryan returns to the podium as the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra* brings three love-inspired works to Belk Theater (130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte) Friday, April 24^th and Saturday, April 25^th at 7:30 p.m. The evening begins with Johan Svendsen’s Romeo and Juliet, Fantasia for Orchestra. That will be followed by a Symphonic Picture of George Gershwin’s 1935 opera Porgy and Bess. The concert culminates with Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. April 24-25.

Junie’s “Bestest” Day Ever

Blumenthal Arts* is presenting Junie B. Jones the Musical at Booth Playhouse (130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte), Friday, April 24^th (7 p.m.) and Saturday, April 25^th (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.). Based on the beloved children’s books by Barbara Park, this very fun production follows Junie as she navigates first grade and learns how to turn a bad day completely around. Full of energetic songs and big laughs, the show runs two hours with a 15-minute intermission and is recommended for theater goers ages 5 and up. April 24-25.

Night Notes

The Piedmont Choral Artists, under the direction of Joseph Judge, present Nightfall: Music of Stars, Dreams, and the Nocturne at two locations this weekend: All Saints Episcopal Church (525 Lake Concord Road, Concord) on Friday, April 24^th at 7:30 p.m., and First Presbyterian Church (126 W. North Street, Albemarle) on Sunday, April 26^th at 3 p.m. This evocative program will feature music by Ēriks Ešenvalds, Ola Gjeilo, Morten Lauridsen, Eric Whitacre, and more. Admission is free. April 24 & 26.

Weekend at Wing Haven

This weekend is a gardener’s dream at Wing Haven (260 Ridgewood Avenue, Charlotte) and it begins with the Garden Tour Sip & See on Friday, April 24^th from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Enjoy a selection of wines and small bites while exploring and learning about the flora and fauna. The annual Gardeners’ Garden Tour continues Saturday, April 25^th and Sunday, April 26^th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with tours of the private area gardens and visitation of the Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary, SEED Wildlife & Children’s Garden, and the Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden. April 24-26.

Ogre + Princess + Donkey

Central Piedmont Theatre presents Shrek the Musical at CPCC’s Halton Theatre (1206 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte), April 24^th through May 3^rd. This fun-for-the-whole-family show brings to life the beloved characters from DreamWorks’ animated Shrek films. You can take advantage of BOGO tickets for the Thursday, April 30^th performance, and a Family 4-Pack (2 adults, 2 kids) discount on any date. April 24-May 3.

Rabbit Returns

Matthews Playhouse* (100 E. McDowell Street, Matthews) is bringing the classic children’s tale, The Velveteen Rabbit, to the stage, April 24^th through May 3^rd. Recommended for ages 6 and up, the enchanting 60-minute one-act play tells the story of a toy bunny who hopes to become a real rabbit. April 24-May 3.

Spring Storm

Vocalist extraordinaire Storm Large (Pink Martini) joins the Winston-Salem Symphony* and Hudson Shad men’s vocal quartet at Reynolds Auditorium (301 N. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem) on Saturday, April 25^th at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 26^th at 3 p.m. This dramatic concert will include Kurt Weill’s “The Seven Deadly Sins,” music from Bizet’s opera “Carmen,” and “The Midnight Hour” by Anna Clyne. April 25-26.

Dorm Drama

Davidson Community Players* presents Anna Ziegler’s Actually at the Armour Street Theatre (307 Armour Street, Davidson), April 25^th through May 3^rd. Set at Princeton University, the play follows two students as they negotiate the social, sexual, and political pitfalls of their freshman year in a very frank and honest way. Recommended for ages 17 and up due to adult content and discussions of sexual assault. April 25-May 3.

Rob Reiner Retrospective

Independent Picture House* (4237 Raleigh Street, Charlotte) is remembering the late actor and director Rob Reiner with screenings of some of his most popular films. Rob Reiner: Laughter, Love & Conscience opens Saturday, April 25^th with The Sure Thing. The series continues through the month of May with Misery, A Few Good Men, The Princess Bride, and Stand by Me. April 25-May 30.

Brahms Away!

The Providence Chamber Players will be in concert at Providence United Methodist Church (2810 Providence Road, Charlotte) on Sunday, April 26^th at 6:30 p.m. They’re calling it “Brahms, Not Bombs.” Violinist Tatiana Karpova, cellist Oksana McCarthy (cello), and pianist Claudio Olivera will perform Johannes Brahms’ Piano Trio no. 1 in B major, op. 8 for violin, cello, and piano. April 26.

¡Olé!

    The Youth Orchestras of Charlotte’s Preparatory Orchestra and Sinfonia Strings are presenting their Spring Concert at CPCC’s Dale F. Halton Theater 1201 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte) on Sunday, April 26 at 7 p.m. Their program entitled “South America to Spain” will featuring music by composers from South America, Mexico and Iberia. April 26.

Leonid & Friends

Picture this: eleven Moscow-based musicians and singers flawlessly interpreting the hits of Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, Blood Sweat & Tears, Ides of March, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, and Deep Purple. If you spend any time on YouTube or social media, there’s a good chance you’re already familiar with Leonid & Friends. The international sensations are coming to the Belk Theater (130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte), Sunday, April 26^th at 7:30 p.m. Led by bassist and founder Leonid Vorobyev, the band now has over one million social media followers, more than 300 million video views, and has performed over 300 successful U.S. concerts. This might be the most fun you have all spring. April 26.

Baroque Masterpieces

The Mint Museum Uptown* (500 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte) presents Caravaggio/Revolution: Baroque Masterpieces from the Roberto Longhi Foundation, April 26^th through October 25^th.  Centered around Caravaggio’s painting “Boy Bitten by a Lizard,” the exhibition features more than 30 paintings by Baroque masters as well as modern video clips, photographs, and commentary from artists such as Martin Scorsese, Johnny Cash, and R.E.M. who were influenced by Caravaggio’s style. April 26-October 25.

Cawffee Tawk

What does it take to operate your favorite classical music radio station and who makes it happen? Find out when you join WDAV General Manager Frank Dominguez and Content Director Rachel Stewart for some “Coffee & Conversation” at Symphony Park Senior Living (12221 Sam Furr Road, Huntersville) on Wednesday, April 29^th from 10 to 11:30 a.m. You’ll learn all about what we do and enjoy a special musical performance by guitarist Alan Mearns. Plus, coffee and breakfast treats! Admission is free, but space is limited and registration is required. April 29.

Paganini of the Guitar

Concerts in America presents Brazilian 7-string guitar virtuoso Yamandu Costa at the Great Aunt Stella Center (929 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte) on Wednesday, April 29^th at 7:30 p.m. Conductor Kurt Masur once described him as “the Paganini of the Guitar.” With 17 albums of his own, Costa has also performed with Pepe Romero, Bobby McFerrin, and Melody Gardot. April 29.

Let’s Get Festive!

• April is for Arts: The three-day festival includes the Gallery Crawl, Art on the Green, and Concert on the Green with the Davidson College Jazz Ensemble in downtown Davidson. April 24-26.
  
• Tuck Fest: The Whitewater Center’s annual three-day celebration of the outdoor lifestyle with dozens of races and competitions, live music, expos, clinics, vendors, and more. April 24-26.
  
• ‘Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival: Open-air festival with 100+ artists and makers, food trucks, live music on multiple stages, and family-friendly fun in Old Town Cornelius. April 25.
  
• Garibaldi Festival: Art, music, and local culture come together for a full day of creativity and connection at Stowe Park in downtown Belmont. April 25.
  
• North Carolina Pickle Festival: Events include a dill-icious Pickle Eating Contest, Cuke Patch 5k, Tour de Pickle bike ride, recipe contest, car show, live music, the Pickle Princess Pageant and, of course, a Pickleball Tournament in Mount Olive, NC. April 25.
  
• Thrown Together Potters Spring Sale: You’ll find an exceptional selection of handcrafted pottery and original artwork created by some of North Carolina’s most talented artists at 1225 Dade Avenue, Charlotte. April 25.
  
• 19^th Annual PirateFest: Enjoyfine arts, live music, sword fighting, costumed pirates, and much more along the banks of the Tar River in Greenville, NC. April 25.
  
• Spring Craft and Garden Fair: Flowers, plants, herbs, artisanal crafts, food, music, dance, and demonstrations at the Charlotte Regional Farmer’s Market. April 26.
  
• Gluten Freedom Fest: A full day dedicated to celebrating gluten-free living with plenty of gluten-free food and beverages at Monday Night Garden Co. in Charlotte. April 26.
  
• Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival: Boat parade, seafood samplings from local chefs, live music throughout the day, a craft show, free activities for all ages, and a juried art exhibit featuring regional artists in Mount Pleasant, SC. April 26.

Remember, you can also find entertaining things to see and do on the WDAV Events Calendar. Have a great week!

FanFare is made possible in part by:

*Disclosure: Appalachian Arts, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Blumenthal Arts, Matthews Playhouse, Winston-Salem Symphony, Davidson Community Players, Independent Picture House, and Mint Museum are WDAV underwriters.