Philharmonik headlines Booth Playhouse show

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The Philharmonik with Bobby Carter fuses orchestration with hip hop Jan. 17 at Booth Playhouse.

Through Dec. 21

Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s “Nutcracker” performed by Charlotte Ballet at Belk Theater. Weeknight performances are 7:30 p.m., weekend shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets available at charlotte ballet.org or call (704) 372-1000.

Dec. 6

“Backstage With Louis Armstrong,” an off-Broadway musical drama, is 7-9 p.m. at The Arts Factory, 1545 W. Trade St. Admission is $20 and available at Eventbrite. Danny W. Mullen Sr. portrays the legendary jazz trumpeter.

• The Sol Kitchen, Black Notes Project and Carolina Theatre collaborate on “Franklin Presents: My Christmas” with the Renaissance Orchestra, 8 p.m. at Carolina Theatre.

The performance celebrates the 60th anniversary of Vince Guaraldi’s iconic jazz album “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Renaissance Orchestra of Atlanta, Charlotte Youth Symphony Orchestra, Opera Carolina Youth Choir, The Sol Kitchen, and Black Notes Project reimagine the album through the lens of Franklin, the first Black Peanuts character.

Tickets start at $76 and a portion of proceeds benefit Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and Opera Carolina youth programs. For details: thecarolina.com/events.

Dec. 7

Historic Rosedale hosts its annual candlelight tour featuring a garden stroll and guided house tour from 5-7 p.m. 

Check out the site by candlelight, where items like clothing, dinnerware, and furniture were designed to enhance the darkness that night brought without the benefit of electric lighting. The guided tour also features a holiday performance of strolling characters courtesy of Queen City Groove and light holiday treats including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and sweets at the pavilion. 

Gates open at 5 p.m. and the house tour begins at 6 p.m. Organizers request no cell phone lights be used inside the house; individual electric tapers for additional lighting will be provided.

New this year is Santa at work in the reconstructed blacksmith shop. Photos with Santa are available for $10 each, and can be taken with your own phone, or you can choose a printed souvenir photo. 

Dec. 12-21

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts’ production of “Scrooge! The Musical” is back for its fourth year. 

The musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol” is story of redemption, compassion, and the holiday spirit. Shows take place at Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell St. Tickets are available at matthewsplayhouse.com or by calling (704) 846-8343.

In addition to the eight regular performances, “Scrooge! The Musical” includes a "Pay What You Can" performance on Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Women's Health and Resilience Foundation, which advocates for women's health from the inside through knowledge, inspiration, and support.

• Middle C Jazz 

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.
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. 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.

Jan. 17

The Philharmonik with Bobby Carter at Booth Playhouse, 8 p.m.

Black Notes Project Music Weekend kicks off with the ensemble, which fuses classical orchestration with hip-hop’s energy and contemporary groove. Christian Gates, known professionally as The Philharmonik, is an American vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, lyricist, music producer and genre defining artist. Special guest Bobby Carter, producer of NPR’s Tiny Desk concerts, opens with a live DJ set.
Tickets: blumenthalarts.org/events/detail/the-philharmonik. 

Not too early for planning

Tickets are on sale for 2026 The Blues Is Alright Tour. 

The eighth annual Queen City Blues Festival is at Ovens Auditorium on March 7 at 7 p.m. The Southern soul and modern blues scene blend old-school storytelling with contemporary R&B. with performances by King George, Pokey Bear, Lenny Williams, West Love, Tonio Armani, Mike Clark Jr., EJ Jones, Stephanie Luckett & the YP Band, and Henry Welch.

Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.

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