FanFare: ‘Tis the Season for Finales

May 14, 2026

Phil Vavra Powered By Bragg Financial

This will be the weekend to catch your favorite orchestras and ensembles before they shift gears for the summer. The CSO, Western Piedmont Symphony, Charlotte Civic Orchestra, and Lake Norman Orchestra are all wrapping up their seasons this week!

Guys and Dolls

Dilworth Players are performing the Broadway musical, Guys and Dolls, at Dilworth United Methodist Church (605 East Boulevard, Charlotte), May 14^th through 16^th. Based on Damon Runyon’s stories about gamblers and missionaries, the romantic comedy features familiar songs including “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” The Thursday and Friday shows start at 7:30 p.m. Saturday’s performances are at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The Saturday evening show will have an ASL interpreter and designated ASL accessible seats. May 14-16.

Copland & Kahane

“Home” means different things to different people. That’s what the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra* will be exploring at Knight Theater (430 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte) on Friday, May 15^th and Saturday, May 16^th at 7:30 p.m. Kwame Ryan directs the season ending program, which includes Jennifer Higdon’s contemporary “SkyLine” from City Scape and Aaron Copland’s iconic Suite from Appalachian Spring. Then, Spotlight Series Artistic Partner Gabriel Kahane will join the CSO to perform his oratorio-style work, emergency shelter intake form, with a choir of community members directly affected by homelessness. May 15-16.

Not So Mean Green

Acting Out Studio presents Shrek the Musical Jr. at the Cain Center for the Arts* (21348 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius) on Friday, May 15^th at 6 p.m., and Saturday, May 16^th at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m. This hilarious adaptation of the Oscar-winning film and Broadway musical features two different casts. May 15-16.

Musical Wanderlust

The Western Piedmont Symphony* closes out its 2025-2026 Masterworks Series with a globetrotting finale at Lenoir-Rhyne University’s P.E. Monroe Auditorium (775 6^th Street NE, Hickory) on Saturday, May 16^th at 7:30 p.m. The program includes Karl Goldmark’s Overture to Sakuntala, Georges Bizet’s L’Arlesienne Suite No. 1, and Max Steiner’s Casablanca Suite. The evening will conclude with Camille Saint-Saens’ Piano Concerto No. 5, “Egyptian,” featuring acclaimed Canadian pianist Sheng Cai. May 16.

Fate & Destiny

The Salisbury Symphony Orchestra returns to Catawba College’s Keppel Auditorium (2300 W. Innes Street, Salisbury) on Saturday, May 16^th at 7 p.m. It will be an evening of contemporary and classic musical storytelling, beginning with Carlos Simon’s Fate Now Conquers, a modern reflection on Beethoven’s enduring influence. Korean American composer Soon Hee Newbold’s Iliad will be performed with the Salisbury Symphony Youth Orchestra, followed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s festive Capriccio Espagnol. Finally, your spirit will soar as the orchestra closes out the concert with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. May 16.

Young Blood

The Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras are also winding down their season with an afternoon of monumental music at Knight Theater (430 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte), Saturday May 16^th at 2 p.m. Conductor Ian Passmore and the Youth Symphony will perform music from Bernstein’s West Side Story and Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet. The Youth Camerata is taking on Bruckner, Sibelius, and Tchaikovsky. The Youth Philharmonic and Youth Ensemble will present a blend of new and classic works. May 16.

Charlotte’s Secret Gardens

If you’re new to Charlotte or simply want to know more about it, make your way to the Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward, May 16^th and 17^th. It’s a fun, walkable way to explore one of uptown’s most attractive neighborhoods and see some of the hidden jewels in the crown of the Queen City. The self-guided tour includes food, wine and cocktail tastings with live music at gardens and restaurants in Historic Fourth Ward. May 16-17.

Rhythms of Spring

The Charlotte Civic Orchestra concludes its season with a celebration of spring at Community Church at Lake Wylie (104 Hamilton’s Ferry Road, Lake Wylie, SC), Sunday, May 17^th at 3 p.m. The concert will feature Rimsky-Korsakov’s Procession of the Nobles; Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1, featuring soloist David Lebel; the world premiere of Lorraine’s Atocha; as well as a “Salute to the Big Bands,” arranged by Calvin Custer. May 17.

Peter & the Symphony

Christopher James Lees conducts the Rock Hill Symphony for a free afternoon performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s delightful Peter & the Wolf at McGirt Auditorium (825 Crawford Road, Rock Hill, SC) on Sunday, May 17^th at 4 p.m. Music lovers of all ages will enjoy hearing each character of this timeless musical tale brought to life by the orchestra. May 17.

Wine & Song

Laurel Gray Vineyards-Winery (5726 Old U.S. Highway 421, Hamptonville) is hosting the Lake Norman Orchestra for their season finale on Sunday, May 17^th at 2 p.m. Highlights include George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, featuring pianist Julie Jones, selections from Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird, Franz von Suppe’s Light Cavalry Overture, George Bizet’s Prelude to Carmen, as well as music from Phantom of the Opera, The Magnificent Seven, The Empire Strikes Back, the Beatles, and the Alan Parsons Project. May 17.

Noel & Maria

Music at St. Alban’s* (301 Caldwell Lane, Davidson) is bringing its season to a close with the always entertaining jazz pianist Noel Freidline and vocalist Maria Howell on Sunday, May 17^th at 3 p.m. This delightful afternoon will be set to some of the best music of the past 80 years, including Ella Fitzgerald and Motown. Come early for a conversation with the artists beginning at 2 p.m. May 17.

Abbondanza!

The St. Anthony Foundation of Charlotte invites you to Festa Italiana Charlotte at the Gateway Village Promenade (800 W. Trade Street, Charlotte) on Sunday, May 17^th from 1 to 6:30 p.m. It’s an all-inclusive Italian food and wine grand tasting experience with more than 25 culinary partners. The festival includes chef demonstrations, live music, an Italian sports car exhibit, and more. Spring Cocktail Attire is encouraged. Net proceeds from the event benefit individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Nevins Inc. May 17.

88 Keys of Fun

Spring isn’t just about ragweed; we also have ragtime. The next Providence Chamber Music Series spring concert will feature pianist Ethan Uslan at Providence United Methodist Church (2810 Providence Road, Charlotte) on Sunday, May 17th at 6:30 p.m. With Ethan at the keys, it’s guaranteed to be an entertaining and enlightening hour of ragtime, jazz, and swing piano. Admission is free. (Shameless plug: You can also catch Ethan Uslan at WDAV’s first-ever Tuesday Trivia Live event, hosted by me and Frank Dominguez, on Tuesday, May 26^th at 7 p.m. as part of Steinway at Free Range Brewing.) May 17.

Chamber Music in Davidson

The Davidson College* Concert Series wraps up its season with Chamber Music for All at Tyler-Tallman Hall, Sloan Music Center (323 Concord Road, Davidson) on Monday, May 18th at 7:30 p.m. The ensemble features musicians from the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, including Concertmaster Calin Lupanu. The program will include cello quintets by Luigi Boccherini and Franz Schubert. May 18.

Sparks on Stage

Blumenthal Arts* is bringing The Notebook to Belk Theater (130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte), May 19^th through 24^th. Based on Nicholas Sparks’ best-selling novel and film adaptation, the stage musical brings a new dimension to the lifelong romance of Allie and Noah. May 19-24.

Steinway @ The Mint

The Mint Museum Uptown* (500 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte) and Steinway Carolinas* have launched the Steinway Residency Series, a monthly event featuring live piano performances by accomplished pianists from our region. It’s scheduled for every third Wednesday from 6 to 6:45 p.m., and these performances are part of the museum’s Free Wednesday Nights. Jazz and gospel pianist Lovell Bradford performs on Wednesday, May 20^th. Tour the galleries before or after the performance, from 5 to 9 p.m., and maybe even squeeze in dinner at Mariposa. Ongoing.

Springtime Sounds

Frances Blaker directs the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra* for Les Élémens: Celebrating Spring on Thursday, May 21^st (5 p.m.) at Davidson College Presbyterian Church (100 N. Main Street, Davidson) and Friday, May 22^nd (7 p.m.) at Morning Star Lutheran Church(12509 Idlewild Road, Matthews). The program will include selections from Jean-Féry Rebel’s Les Élémens, as well as Telemann’s Concerti for strings and winds, Geminiani’s Folia, Mozart’s Divertimento K. 137, and more. Suggested donations are $20 general, $15 seniors. May 21-22.

Tutankhamun & Titanic

2026 is shaping up to be the year of VR. Two immersive experiences are taking up residence in Charlotte this month. First, Blumenthal Arts* is presenting Horizon of Khufu at Blume Studios (904 Post Street, Charlotte) through August 30^th. Recommended for ages 8 and up, the 45-minute virtual reality journey takes you from present-day Egypt to 2,500 BC. Along the way, you’ll explore the pyramid, cruise the Nile, and learn about ancient embalming rituals. Tickets start at $28. Through August 30.

Meanwhile, Titanic: The Exhibition is coming to the Park Expo & Conference Center (2500 E. Independence Boulevard, Charlotte), Friday, May 15^th through Sunday, July 5^th. This VR voyage takes you aboard the famous ship with authentic artifacts, realistic recreations of the vessel’s interior and exterior, and a Virtual Reality component. The visit lasts about one hour, and adult tickets start at $29.50. Kids under 4 get in free. May 15-July 5.

Mid-May Musts

• Cola Jazz + Roots Fest: Two-day family-friendly event celebrating music, culture, and community with performances by local and national jazz stars, plus food and craft vendors in downtown Columbia, SC. May 15-16.
  
• Mayberry Farm Fest: Tractor Parade (5/15), vendors, agricultural exhibits, and kids’ activities in downtown Mount Airy. May 15-16.
  
• Charlotte Asian & Dragon Boat Festival 2026: A day of dragon boat races, cultural performances, Asian cuisine, boba tea, local vendors, and more at Ramsey Creek Park on Lake Norman in Huntersville. May 16.
  
• 23^rd Annual Yadkin Valley Wine Festival: Wine tastings from over 15 area wineries, food trucks, local craft vendors, and live music in Elkin. May 16.
  
• Cheerwine Festival: Head to the birthplace of the Southern carbonated classic with plenty of good food, live entertainment, the family fun zone, and all the Cheerwine you can drink in downtown Salisbury. May 16. 
  
• Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Book Sale: Gently used and bargain-priced Science Fiction, Fantasy, Manga, and Graphic Novels at the Steele Creek Library. May 16.
  
• Saluda Arts Festival: Paintings, pottery, sculpture, fiber arts in downtown Saluda plus traditional and contemporary folk and bluegrass music at the amphitheater. May 16.
  
• 2026 Japan Fest: Annual celebration of Japanese food, culture, and games at Urban District Market in Charlotte. May 16-17.
  
• Artsplosure: Two-day festival in downtown Raleigh with an Art Market and 175 juried visual artists from across the U.S., who work in ceramics, glass, fiber art, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, and wood. May 16-17.
  
• Art in the Park: Monthly event through October featuring 70 juried artists selling jewelry, furniture, lawn ornaments, pottery, textiles, paintings, and more in downtown Blowing Rock. May 16, June 13, July 25, August 25, September 12, October 3.

Remember, the WDAV Events Calendar is always being updated with new arts and culture offerings from across our region. Check it out and go have some fun!

FanFare is made possible in part by:

*Disclosure: Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Cain Center for the Arts, Western Piedmont Symphony, Music at St. Alban’s, Davidson College, Blumenthal Arts, Mint Museum, Steinway Carolinas, and North Carolina Baroque Orchestra are WDAV underwriters.