Marquee: Off to the Big Top at Charlotte Spark Festival

ABC

“American Idol’ winner Ruben Studdard  headlines “Ruben Studdard Sings Luther Vandross” Nov. 21-22 at Knight Theatre.

The Charlotte Spark Festival takes over Noda Brewing on Nov. 8 with the theme “Under the Big Top.”

The one-night-only festival transforms the space into a circus-inspired atmosphere with roving circus acts, live music, art galleries, food and local vendors, a puppy zoo, fashion showcases and dance.

Highlights include more than 20 local artists performing live, an immersive art gallery experience, circus-inspired VIP experience, food, vendors, fashion and life entertainment and giveaways throughout the evening.

Doors open at 5 p.m.

• Three Bone Theater presents “Eureka Day” Nov. 7-23, The Arts Factory, 1545 W Trade St. Written by Jonathan Spector, directed by Tonya Bludsworth.

Advance tickets online at threebonetheatre.com are $30, $35 at the door and $20 for students and educators.

The Eureka Day School in Berkeley, California, is a bastion of progressive ideals: representation, acceptance, social justice. In weekly meetings Eureka Day’s five board members develop and update policy to preserve a culture of inclusivity that reaches decisions by consensus. 

But when a mumps outbreak threatens the Eureka community, facts become subjective and every solution divisive, leaving school leadership to confront the central challenge: Build consensus when no one agrees on truth.
The production is recommended for ages 14 and older due to references of illness and death in children, public health crises and vaccine hesitancy. 

• Blues musician Mac Arnold and local jazz and blues artists perform during a celebration of Black philanthropy Nov. 13 at Carolina Theatre, 230 N Tryon St.

Rhythm & Roots includes tributes and a celebration of Foundation For Black Philanthropy. Music inspired by Charlotte's Black philanthropic legacy honors historical and cultural contributions of Black Charlotteans, with tributes to James Ferguson, Elizabeth Randolph, Lethia Jones Henderson and Jimmie and Minnie McKee.

The program starts at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $96.15 to $127 and available at Ticketmaster.com.

• Black Charlotte is returning to  Carolina Theatre on Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. for an evening of Charlotte-focused poetry from 15 spoken word artists with backing from the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets for Black Charlotte: Live in Concert are available at TheCarolina.com. Carolina Theatre is located at 230 N Tryon St.

• Ruben Studdard sings Luther Vandross Nov 21-22 7:30 p.m. at Knight Theater, 430 S Tryon St.

The “American Idol” winner brings to life the songs that shaped a generation. Studdard brings out the warmth and romance in Vandross songs like "Here and Now," "Dance with My Father," and "A House Is Not a Home" backed by the power of the Charlotte Symphony. 

Tickets range from $30.48 to $114.71 and available online at tix.blumenthalarts.org.

• Middle C Jazz is all in for December.

The club is hosting a series of music celebrations from smooth jazz artists to R&B favorites throughout the month. Tickets for all December performances, including the exclusive New Year's Eve event, are available immediately.

A major highlight is the two-night run with the smooth jazz artists Peter White, Mindi Abair, and Vincent Ingala Dec. 12-13. It also includes an optional VIP pre-show wine and jazz tasting with Mindi Abair.
Among the highlights: 

(Dec 4) “Happy Holidays – A Soulful Christmas” with Jay D Jones (R&B and holiday soul)

(Dec. 11) Ray Singleton Holiday Party Night (R&B favorites and holiday classics)

(Dec. 12-13) Peter White Christmas with Mindi Abair & Vincent Ingala

VIP Pre-show Wine & Jazz Tasting with Mindi Abair

(Dec. 14) Adrian Crutchfield: “For You at Christmas ... with Love & Jazz!” 

(Dec. 17-18) “A Charlie Brown Christmas” featuring Lovell Bradford and Tyra Scott, family-friendly celebration of the Vince Guaraldi Trio

(Dec. 19) Joey Santo Sings Christmas Classics of Sinatra, Crosby, & Martin perform vintage holiday standards

(Dec. 21) Jingle Jazz Tour featuring B.K. Jackson, Erin Stephenson and Gino Rosaria

(Dec. 31) New Year’s Eve celebration with the Voltage Brothers 

For tickets, showtimes and schedule, go to www.middlecjazz.com.

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