On the Marquee: ‘Eureka Day’ at The Arts Factory

ASHLEY HALL-TIGHE

Trumpet soloist Ashley Hall-Tighe headlines Western Piedmont Symphony’s “Masterworks: Italian Inspirations” on Nov. 22 at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

Three Bone Theater presents “Eureka Day” through Nov. 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. 

Nov. 13

• Blues musician Mac Arnold and local jazz and blues artists perform during a celebration of Black philanthropy 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.

Nov. 19

• Black Charlotte is returning to Carolina Theatre 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.

Nov. 21-22

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

“American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard 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.

Nov. 22

• Western Piedmont Symphony presents “Masterworks: Italian Inspirations” at 7:30 p.m. at P.E. Monroe Auditorium on the campus of Lenoir-Rhyne University at 625 7th Ave NE, Hickory. 

The evening will start with Arvo Pärt’s  “If Bach had Been a Beekeeper” and Bach’s “Air on the G String.” The concert continues with Sammartini’s Recorder Concerto arranged for trumpet and Haydn’s classical Trumpet Concerto featuring internationally acclaimed trumpet soloist Ashley Hall-Tighe. The evening concludes with Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4, “Italian.”

Tickets are $20–$58 for adults. Student tickets are $10 with a valid ID. Students can buy $10 tickets in sections A and B only when accompanied by an adult who also buys a ticket in the same section. For tickets, visit wpsymphony.org, call (828) 324-8603, or go to the Western Piedmont Symphony Box Office at 243 Third Ave. NE. Box office is open Wednesday-Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

Nov. 23

• Josh Lee, a North Carolina native, will appear for a screening of the award-winning documentary “Lucha: A Wrestling Tale,” 4-7 p.m., at 4237 Raleigh St. Tickets: General admission $9.31 (under 18) and seniors (65-plus) $5.04.

The film follows four girls from the Bronx who formed New York City's first all-girls high school wrestling team — and the educators who help them fight for their futures. “Lucha” premiered at DOC NYC, where it won the Grand Jury Metropolis Award, one of the festival's highest honors. 

Lee, a native of Dunn, N.C., moved to the Bronx to teach special education and started the all-girls Lucha Wrestling Club. The nonprofit provides mentorship, athletic training, and college access for girls across the city.

Following the film, Lee will participate in a Q&A and discussion about the making of the documentary and the club's continued impact on young people.

Nov. 26

• Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade returns to Tryon Street for the 79th year. The procession step offs at 5:30 p.m. 

The holiday classic kicks off the season looking to build off 2024’s parade, which organizer say drew more than 46,000 attendees, 1,000 volunteers, and 85 units. The parade is free and VIP tickets are available near the performance zone at www.novanthealththanksgivingparade.com/tickets. 

Organizers are also looking for volunteers to walk as costumed cast members in the parade, handle the balloons or serve as parade marshals. To sign up, or for more information about the parade, visit www.novanthealththanksgivingparade.com.   

December
• 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 of the month 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 middlecjazz.com.

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