Charlotte Culture, Something for Everyone at The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and Beyond

Charlotte Culture, The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and Beyond

November 16th, 2008 Categories: About Charlotte, Things To Do Charlotte

Things to Do In Charlotte NC!

by Kelly Robinson

Charlotte NC Today I received an email from the North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center about a concert this weekend at the Belk Theater showcasing the Charlotte Symphony and the Side Street Strutters, a seven-piece jazz band. Tickets are as low as $15. Unfortunately I’m not able to go; but, I’m happy to know about it. And I’m thrilled it’s the third email I’ve received this week from Carolina Tix or Blumenthal about upcoming cultural events.

When I relocated from Pittsburgh to Charlotte, I knew the weather would be a welcome change, but I wasn’t as optimistic about the arts scene. Pittsburgh’s cultural history is rich (it’s symphony began in 1896), and attracts renowned performers from around the world. The Pittsburgh Cultural District isn’t called “Little New York” for nothing! Could Charlotte’s cultural venue that was built while I was in college compare? In a word, YES!

I’ve been to two performances at the Belk Theater, the anchor of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center: “Lion King” in the summer of 2007 and “The Magic of Christmas,” which is a yearly tradition. Both experiences were wonderful. I can’t tell you how excited I am to be in a city that attracts Broadway performances. My mom made sure to expose me to the wonders of the stage, taking me to the musical classics when I was a child. My guess is “Lion King” might replace “South Pacific” as a classic - and I can’t wait to take my kids the next time it roars into town!

What’s fantastic is that the performances stretch beyond the Blumenthal’s walls. Other theaters exist near the Blumenthal which host a variety of events from lectures to plays to intimate concerts. There literally is something for everybody.

And everybody includes the youngsters. My kids may not be ready for a night on the town yet (Lion King’s standing ovation wasn’t done until 11:00 p.m.), but they’re certainly awake the hour before lunchtime, which is when the Charlotte Symphony presents the Lollipops series. Throughout the year, the symphony gives one-hour performances catered to the under-10 crowd. Even cooler is the “petting zoo” opens at 10:30 a.m., when kids can touch and hear the instruments up close and personal. Everyone knows that exposing children to the arts enhances their development - and is critical to the arts’ survival. Let’s hope Charlotte’s cultural district continues to survive and thrive for years to come.

ed note: My wife and I also frequent the Blumenthal. We saw Chicago there last week, and Elie Wiesel last year.

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