Spend time with The Grinch, some jazz, and a new year

EAST COAST ENTERTAINMENT

The Voltage Brothers will ring in the new year Dec. 31 at Middle C Jazz.

A rundown of arts and entertainment options as we transition from the holidays to 2026.

Then, it’s time to turn the calendar for music the bring in the new year. Here’s what’s on tap:

Through Dec. 28

“Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” takes the stage at Belk Theater at Blumenthal Arts Center. Limited tickets remain for Dec. 26 (2 p.m., 6:30 p.m.), Dec. 27 (11 a.m., 3 p.m.) and Dec. 28 (11 a.m.).

Tickets: tix.blumenthalarts.org.

Dec. 31 

Middle C Jazz presents a New Year’s Eve celebration with the Voltage Brothers. 

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

Through Jan. 4

Mint Museum Randolph presents “Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks” and “Central Impact: Skateboarding’s Art and Influence.” 

“Future Now” features futuristic designs from Bata Shoe Museum’s holdings alongside creations from top designers, collectors, and innovators.

“Central Impact” explores skateboarding through its most iconic canvas: the deck. The exhibit features rare boards, original art, and archival media from the 1980s forward as it highlights the evolution of skate culture locally and globally. Free with general admission to the museum.

Jan. 9-10

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra presents Strauss’ “Blue Danube” at Belk Theater, 130 N Tryon St.

A sweeping tribute to Vienna and the rich tradition of the waltz, the program includes virtuosity to start the new year. Strauss's "On the Beautiful Blue Danube" evoking Vienna's famous river. Grammy-winning conductor Michael Christie will lead the symphony.

Tickets: tix.blumenthalarts.org.

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 Carter, producer of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, opens with a live DJ set.

For tickets, go online to: blumenthalarts.org/events/detail/the-philharmonik. 

Feb. 13

Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Stephanie Mills are extending their “The Queens! 4 Legends. 1 Stage” tour to Spectrum Center. The tour brings together four trailblazing R&B/pop giants for a celebration of legacy, sisterhood, and music.

Tickets: bpctickets.com.

March 7 

The eighth annual Queen City Blues Festival is at Ovens Auditorium 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., E.J. Jones, Stephanie Luckett & the YP Band, and Henry Welch.

Tickets: ticketmaster.com.

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