8 minute read
Datebook
OUR TOWN
From romance to tea parties to engaging with history, February offers cultural opportunities for all.
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by ADDIE LADNER and KARA ADAMS
The North Carolina Museum of Art presents the work of Durham architect Phil Freelon, who passed away in 2019, in “Container/Contained: Phil Freelon Design Strategies for Telling African American Stories.” The exhibition follows four decades of his work and a multitude of projects, including the designs for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., and the Durham County Human Services Complex. With a focus on architecture that highlights African American identity and community, “Container/Contained” takes a deep dive into the relationship between architecture and storytelling. Free; 2110 Blue Ridge Road; ncartmuseum.org NOTED
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BLACK HISTORY MONTH GALLERY EXHIBITION All month | See website
Visit Apex’s Halle Cultural Arts Center to see the artwork of local Black creative Charlton Cole on display all month long. Born and raised in Jamaica, Cole has always been inspired by the beauty of his surroundings and the colors of nature, an appreciation that shines through in his impressionist landscape paintings. At the end of the month, Halle will close the exhibit with a reception where guests will get to meet Cole in person and ask him questions about his work. Free; 237 N. Salem Street, Apex; thehalle.org
CROSSED KALUNGA BY THE STARS & OTHER ACTS OF RESISTANCE All month | See website
This exhibit at the Gregg Museum of Art and Design explores transformative circumstances, memory, and ancestry. It features contemporary pieces from sculpture to portraiture from seven artists with roots across the globe: Athlone Clarke, Marielle Plaisir, Esmerelda Mila, Rex Miller, José Bedia, Renée Stout, and André Leon Gray. Each showcases how art can tell the story of a journey across the “kalunga,” which in the Kikongo language of the Congo-Angola Basin means “threshold between worlds,” or the Atlantic Ocean, particularly in relation to the Middle Passage. Free; 1903 Hillsborough Street; gregg.arts. ncsu.edu
AMERICAN AQUARIUM Feb. 3 - 5 | 8 p.m.
Head to Lincoln Theatre for American Aquarium’s three-day concert series “Roadtrip to Raleigh,” featuring openers Aaron Lee Tasjan, Old 97’s and Margo Cilker, and Zach Bryan. Led by songwriter and frontman BJ Barham, American Aquarium has been steadily cranking out alt-country rock albums and hits like “The Luckier You Get” ever since they were founded in Raleigh in 2006. From $39.50; 126 E. Cabarrus Street; lincolntheatre.com
GREATER TUNA Feb. 4 - 20 | See website
Theatre in the Park kicks off its new season with a two-man comedy show about the fictional small town of Tuna, Texas. Ira David Wood IV and David Henderson star as all 20 characters in the show, from aunties to dogs, and this zany production promises nonstop laughs and a mirthful start to the 2022 season in Pullen Park. From $20; 107 Pullen Road; theatreinthepark.com
KRISPY KREME CHALLENGE Feb. 5 | 12 - 7 p.m.
Since its inception in 2004, the annual
TRIANGLE WINE & FOOD EXPERIENCE Feb. 3 - 5 | See website
Join Raleigh native and culinary allstar Ashley Christensen for this year’s Triangle Wine & Food Experience, a benefit event for Frankie Lemmon School & Developmental Center. This year, TWFE offers a mix of in-person and virtual options. “This event is about celebrating wine, food, and friendship — but at its heart it’s about supporting the children and families of Frankie Lemmon,” says executive director Marsha Hargette. Local restaurants including Angus Barn, Margaux’s Restaurant, and Second Empire will feature special menus, and on the more intimate side, a number of small Krispy Kreme Challenge has become a rite of passage for North Carolina State University students as well as a wildly successful local fundraiser for UNC Children’s Hospital. Starting at the Memorial Belltower, participants will race to the Krispy Kreme on Person Street (a 2.5-mile trek), where they will attempt to eat a dozen glazed doughnuts — and keep them down — before running back to campus within the hour timeframe. For those not interested in challenging their gastrointestinal fitness, participants can also register as No Doughnut Runners or Casual Runners, who aren’t expected to eat a full dozen. $50; 2011 Hillsborough Street; krispykremechallenge.com
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dinners will feature award-winning chefs (like Chris Shepherd and Sarah Grueneberg) paired with celebrity food personalities inside hosts’ homes. In addition to the dinners, there are live in-person and online auctions for wine, food experiences, vacation homes, and more. Prices and locations vary; trianglewinefood.org
PRINCESS TEA Feb. 5 - 6 | See website
Have the little ones don their finest princess gowns and head over to Marbles Kids Museum for a magical afternoon tea experience. In addition to enchanted wands, glittering tiaras, sweet treats, and a little bit of fairy dust, the Princess Tea will include themed crafts and activities. From $20; 201 E. Hargett Street; marbleskidsmuseum.org
DOUBLE CHOCOLATE DATE Feb. 8 | 8 p.m.
It’s a date! Zoom with esteemed French baker Lionel Vatinet of Cary’s La Farm Bakery and Triangle-based wine importer Queen of Wines in preparation for Valentine’s Day for a virtual Chocolate & Wine Double Date. For two interactive hours, guests will learn to prepare chocolate mousse and molten chocolate lava cake. The recipes, ingredients, tools needed to make the desserts, and a bottle of sparkling wine will be available for pickup ahead of time at La Farm so you can cook and sip right alongside your hosts. $150; virtual; lafarmbakery.com
THE FABBA SHOW: A TRIBUTE TO ABBA Feb. 8 | 7:30 p.m.
Become the dancing queen you’ve always wanted to be during this concert packed with all the ‘70s flair, go-go boots, and unmatchable energy of ABBA in their prime. Londoner Marie-Claire Follett and her husband, Andy Marshall, are joined by a California-based cast for this tour of tribute shows that’s traveling along the One of the most well-known (and tragic) love stories of all time will be told through song and dance this month at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts. Carolina Ballet will present Romeo & Juliet with thrilling sword fights, swelling musical numbers, and awe-inspiring ballet, along with all the heartbreak you’ve come to expect from Shakespeare’s original story. See it in-person or opt for the live-streamed performance available on Feb. 4. From $27; 2 E. South Street; carolinaballet.com
ROMEO & JULIET Feb. 3 - 20 | See website
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East Coast. Expect to boogie along to all your favorite disco hits and more at the Fletcher Opera Theater at Duke Energy Center, where The fABBA Show will leave you saying Thank You for the Music. From $35; 2 E. South Street; ticketmaster.com
DANCING IN THE STREET: THE MUSIC OF MOTOWN Feb. 10 - 12 | See website
Get ready to dance all night long to all your favorite Motown tunes from artists like Lionel Richie, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, and The Temptations. This performance from the North Carolina Symphony and special guests will feature all the classic songs you know and love, from “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to “I’m Coming Out.” From $40; 2 E. South Street; ncsymphony.org
SOUL YOGA Feb. 12 & 26 | 9 - 11 a.m.
Grab your yoga mat and head to CAM Raleigh for a “hip yet soulful” class designed to fit all skill levels. Hosted by Raleigh-based Soul Yoga, the hour promises to share a new form of yoga with more energy and movement, complete with a DJ spinning tunes from the likes of Johnny Hathaway, Lion Babe, and John Legend. As you stretch out in the galleries, take in CAM’s ongoing exhibits and learn to promote a connection between your mind and soul through deep breathing poses and a relaxing but revitalizing flow. $15; 409 W. Martin Street; camraleigh.org
ROMANCE IN THE AIR Feb. 12 | 2 & 4:30 p.m.
Hear voices from the North Carolina Master Chorale perform love songs from pop’s leading ladies, including Etta James, Cher, Adele, Diana Ross, and Lady Gaga. This jazzy Valentine’s performance at Transfer Co. Food Hall will be performed by a 16-voice chamber choir accompanied by drums, piano, and bass. $25; 500 E. Davie Street; ncmasterchorale.org
Let Us Surpass Your Expectations!
- Dr. and Mrs. Richard “Dick” Myers
We along with the Myers’ are sure you will be pleased Make plans to visit us and learn why so many others
We’re available to meet via Zoom or in person. 919.518.8907 thecypressofraleigh.com DATEBOOK
ITALIAN DINNER Feb. 14 | See website
Grab your lover (or just a friend) and head to Mulino for an indulgent fourcourse wine dinner featuring dishes like scallops with parmigiana truffle fonduta, braised beef over polenta, and classic tiramisu. The fixed-price menu includes one bottle of premium red or white wine and two welcome beverages. Call ahead or make a reservation on their website to select your time. $125 per person; 309 N. Dawson Street; mulinoraleigh.com
CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE Feb. 18 | See website
Have an antique watch, weathered book, or yellowing letter in the attic? The Conservation Branch of the North Carolina Museum of History offers a complimentary 30-minute assessment of your prized relic, and tips on how to care for it. Be sure to check their website for items they can’t evaluate, such as objects with live ammunition or evidence of pest infestation. Free; 5 E. Edenton Street; Call 919-814-6965 for appointments, ncmuseumofhistory.org
FEARRINGTON FOLK ART SHOW Feb. 19 - 20 | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Head to Pittsboro for one of the most celebrated displays of American craftsmanship in the region, where you can take in unique pieces made by regional and national artists. Shop handmade decor and art such as Crystal King’s animal figurines, Mark May’s recycled robots, and Hamidou Sissoko’s sculptures made from scrap metal and old engine parts. $5; 2000 Fearrington Village Center, Pittsboro; fearrington.com
