Culture

LEFT: THE 2ND FRIDAY STREET FESTIVAL IN CORNELIUS. BOTTOM: THE DAVIDSON COMMUNITY PLAYERS CONNIE COMPANY PRESENTS SHOWS WITH YOUTH ACTORS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

A Mecca for the Arts

Photo by John McHugh

Immerse yourself in all the area has to offer

BY RENEE ROBERSON

Whether you’re into the live music scene, visual art, theatre, or dance, there’s plenty of places to find cultural entertainment in our area.

Construction on the Cain Center for the Arts is well underway and is slated to open in December 2022. It will be Lake Norman area’s only public arts and community center, and plans to offer flexible performance, education, gallery and community spaces. In September 2021, Cornelius Parks and Recreation turned programming over to Cain Center, and Cornelius Arts Center will also be moving their classes and events there as well.

If you’re a theatre buff, you’re in luck, as any production by Davidson Community Players is sure to satisfy. The company offers shows throughout the year, as it has a permanent home at the cozy Armour Street Theatre in Davidson and each summer, residents can enjoy performances in the larger Duke Family Performance Hall at Davidson College.

Davidson College also produces top-notch theatrical productions throughout the year. In addition, the college offers the C. Shaw and Nancy K. Smith Artist Series, which brings in performances by visiting musicians, choral groups, dance troupes and theatrical companies. Music at Davidson College includes the Davidson College Concert Series along with performances by The Davidson College Concert Choir, The Davidson College Chorale, The Davidson College Jazz Ensemble and The Davidson College Symphony Orchestra.

For more than 13 seasons Music at St. Albans in Davidson has brought world-renowned musicians to the Lake Norman area performing in musical genres such as Celtic, classical and gospel.

During the warmer months, pack a picnic basket and head out to the Village Green (corner of Main Street and Concord Road) in Davidson for Concerts on the Green. From big band to beach music and yacht rock, this series appeals to all ages. Birkdale Village in Huntersville offers a summer concert series on the weekends. Old Town Cornelius is home to the monthly 2nd Friday Street Festival Series, which feature live music, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks and other family-friendly entertainment.

Art crawls throughout Cornelius and Davidson throughout the year offer extra fun. The Van Every/Smith Galleries and Katherine and Tom Belk Visual Arts Center at Davidson College also offer changing exhibitions, artist receptions and talks throughout the year.

However you wish to express your creativity or enjoy the creativity of others, you can bet there’s an outlet for you in the Lake Norman area.

The Scoop

Cain Center for the Arts

www.cainarts.org

Davidson Concerts on the Green

www.concertsonthegreen.com

Davidson College

www.davidson.edu

Davidson Community Players

www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org

Music at St. Albans

www.musicatstalbansdavidson.org