First Friday Arts: Concert events, theater and free summer season enjoyable in Charlotte this July | WFAE 90.7

As the Charlotte area heads right into a scorching Fourth of July weekend, there is not any scarcity of the way to rejoice the nation’s 250th birthday. But as soon as the fireworks fade, there are many different methods to fill your calendar this month.

For our July version of First Friday Arts, WFAE’s Nick de la Canal is joined by Lawrence Toppman, arts critic-at-large for The Charlotte Ledger; WFAE director of group engagement Rubie Britt-Height; and WFAE’s new program director, Joe Kendrick, to share their suggestions.

Joe’s picks

Eric Luttrell @ The Music Yard (July 3)

If you are trying to dance your method into the vacation weekend, Joe recommends catching Los Angeles-based digital artist Eric Luttrell at The Music Yard. Opening the present is Heat VVave, making for an brisk begin to the Fourth of July weekend.

“If you feel like dancing,” Joe says, that is the place to be.

Eddie 9V @ U.S. National Whitewater Center (July 4)

Joe’s second decide is Georgia blues-rock artist Eddie 9V, who performs Saturday on the Whitewater Center with guitarist Zach Person opening the present.

Though nonetheless a younger musician, Joe says Eddie 9V channels traditional blues, rock and soul influences right into a high-energy stay efficiency.

“He’s going to play music that’s going to bring you back to those classic blues sounds,” Joe says. “A lot of fun, a very good entertainer, a lot of high energy.”

The Noises 10 reunion @ Snug Harbor (July 18)

Later within the month, Joe recommends a reunion present from Charlotte band The Noises 10 at Snug Harbor. The live performance additionally options Cassettiquette and DJ Hope Nicholls, a well-known identify to many longtime Charlotte music followers by way of bands together with Fetchin Bones, Sugarsmack and It’s Snakes.

Joe says it is “worth checking out for sure.”

Lawrence’s picks

“Life Chronicles” @ Blume Studios

Lawrence is trying ahead to Life Chronicles, the latest digital actuality expertise at Blume Studios.

The 45-minute immersive exhibit takes guests on a journey by way of the evolution of life on Earth. Lawrence says the collection of VR experiences at Blume has constantly impressed him.

“It’s a wonderful, really effective way to feel you are taken out of your time and out of yourself,” Lawrence says.

“Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” @ Booth Playhouse

Lawrence can also be recommending “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors,” a contemporary, comedic tackle Bram Stoker’s traditional vampire story.

He says the manufacturing seems to mix conventional horror with farcical comedy, drag efficiency and gender-bending humor — “kind of a cross between the traditional Dracula legend … and a sort of crazy Rocky Horror vibe.”

“The Griot and the Nightingale” @ The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

Lawrence additionally urges listeners to not miss “The Griot and the Nightingale,” the main retrospective of artist David McGee at the moment on show on the Bechtler Museum.

He calls it his favourite visible artwork exhibition of the 12 months.

“It’s funny, witty, emotional. I just can’t recommend it highly enough,” Lawrence says.

Rubie’s picks

America 250 Charlotte Festival @ Romare Bearden Park (July 4)

Rubie recommends kicking off Independence Day at America 250 Charlotte, a free celebration in Romare Bearden Park from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.

The pageant contains cultural performances, poetry readings, meals vans, household actions and a youngsters zone earlier than night fireworks.

Rubie says the occasion options “cultural performances and poetry readings, food trucks, a kids zone, and so much more.”

Free guided hikes @ Reedy Creek Park

For anybody trying to spend time outside, Rubie recommends Mecklenburg County’s free guided hikes at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve.

Visitors can discover trails beneath the shade timber, go to the character heart’s stay native animal displays and exhibition corridor, or benefit from the National Wildlife Federation-certified yard habitat, full with butterfly gardens and bird-feeding stations.

“If you’re trying to beat the heat,” Rubie says, “you can be in there, or if you just want to be under the shady trees and be outside … that’s a nice thing to do.”

Live on the Plaza @ Duke Energy Plaza (July 5 & July 15)

Rubie’s last suggestion is Live on the Plaza, a free lunchtime efficiency collection introduced by the Harvey B. Gantt Center and group companions together with Casa de la Cultura.

Performances happen at Duke Energy Plaza all through the summer season. One spotlight this month is a July 15 efficiency by Son de Pueblos, that includes Afro-Caribbean drumming and dance.

“It’s a chance to break away from your workday,” Rubie says, “experience a lunch break with art and culture, and then get back to work.”