OUR TOWN

Spring is near and with it comes stargazing, flower-forward events, arts fundraisers and the opening night of the Durham Bulls’ season.

by ADDIE LADNER

Big Night In

March 9 | 7 p.m.

Three years ago, the Arts Councils of Wake County, Durham County and Chatham County, along with the Orange County Arts Commission, united to raise money for local artists. It was the height of the pandemic, a time when live concerts and art exhibitions were canceled and working artists struggled. Their efforts took shape as Big Night In, a musical revue and arts show that was broadcast on televisions throughout North Carolina. The fundraiser was such a success that it’s become an annual tradition, raising more than half a million dollars to support arts and culture through grants to nonprofit cultural organizations, public art and artist-in-residence programs. This year, Big Night In’s lineup includes country musician Rissi Palmer, husband-and-wife folk duo Chatham Rabbits, sculptor Patrick Dougherty and poet Dasan Ahanu, who was recently named the Piedmont Laureate. Catch the show live on WRAL or head to the Mayton Inn in downtown Cary for the official Big Night In Watch Party to enjoy the music live and in-person, along with food and drinks. “We are thrilled to be presenting these incredibly accomplished artists from across the Triangle,” says Jennifer McEwen, president and CEO of United Arts. “The donations they bring in make the Triangle the unique and beautiful place in which we all love to work and live.” Free to watch; broadcast and live-streaming, WRAL-TV; bignightin.org

All information is accurate as of press time, but please check waltermagazine.com and the event websites for the latest updates

Pull out the rhinestones, neon and space-inspired swag for An Evening to Ignite: Galactic Glam, a futuristic and philanthropic evening. This year, the annual fundraiser from MerrimonWynne House and Band Together will benefit No Women, No Girl. This local nonprofit collects everyday essentials like feminine products, toothpaste and shampoo for girls and women in the area who are experiencing poverty or are in crisis. With the help of La Fête Planning & Design, prepare for an intergalactic evening of fun cocktails (Margarita from Mars, anyone?), rousing game tables and a packed dance floor thanks to tunes from nine-piece party band Light Years and local DJs. For the menu, expect cosmic-inspired cuisine like “solar flare” bites and “nebular nachos.” “With your help, we can make an out-of-this-world impact on their mission: to provide hope, everyday hygiene essentials and education to women and girls in the Triangle area. Brace yourself for an evening encapsulated with cosmic cocktails, casino games, canapés, constellation stations and more,” says Mary Steury with Merrimon-Wynne. From $150;400 N. Blount Street; merrimonwynne.com

Stargazing At The Willard

March 1 & 29 | 7 - 9 p.m.

The moon and the conjunction of Venus and Jupiter — a phenomenon where the two planets appear incredibly close together — will be visible for two evenings this month. Get a better look from the rooftop of Glenwood South’s The Willard Rooftop Lounge, where the Raleigh Astronomy Club will provide telescopes and the bartenders will serve up celestial-inspired cocktails. In the past, one of those libations has been the Deep Field, a butterfly pea flowerinfused gin libation with lemon, honey and aquafaba. Free; 9 Glenwood Avenue; thewillardraleigh.com

Sign Of The Times

March 4 | Various times

Kicking off this month, the North Carolina Museum of History will unveil its newest exhibition, Sign of the Times. It explores the protests and marches that have occurred in our state’s communities over time. That includes the stories of people who were involved, issues that galvanized the movements, and how, over time, these protests have shaped society. From early efforts like the 1774 Edenton Tea Party through emancipation to current-day movements for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, women’s rights and voting equity, this exhibit explores questions of racial and social justice, civic duties, civil rights and environmental activism across North Carolina. Ayla Ammon, curator of political and cultural history at the museum, says working on the exhibition has been eyeopening: “Putting together this exhibition showed us how important protest is in both American and North Carolina history. You can’t help but walk through and feel the excitement, passion, horror and hope that inspired people to pursue the ‘more perfect Union’ they were promised in the Constitution. We hope it will help people understand that protest is a topic worthy of historical study and that it will show them how ordinary people make history every day.” 5 E. Edenton Street; ncmuseumofhistory.org

MOZART: SYMPHONY NO. 40

March 9 - 26 | Various times

The artists of Carolina Ballet will dance to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 for the first time this month. Artistic director Zalman Raffael is excited to share a blend of music and choreography with the audience on stage. “Mozart subtly captures human undertones, allowing the dancers to portray the refined elements of the symphony while expressing their true natures as well,” he says. Along with this number, there will be another ensemble premiere by the ballet’s resident choreographer, Amy Hall Garner. From $27; 2 E. South Street; carolinaballet.com

Nature Nerds

March 10 | 1 - 2 p.m.

Expand your knowledge of the Triangle’s unique flora and fauna by exploring areas of Lake Crabtree County Park. As part of the park’s monthly Nature Nerds series, which explores a different group of plants or wildlife each month, park educator Charles McClay will lead guests through paved and lakeside trails in the woods to look for early spring blooms such as Trout Lilies, Atamasco Lilies and azure bluets. While walking, you can also contribute to science research by helping collect data for the park’s Biodiversity Project. Open to ages 10 and up; minors must attend with a registered adult. Preregister for the event, as it fills up fast. Free; 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville; wake.gov/parks

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

March. 11 | 10 a.m.

Street, then continues along Wilmington Street, down Fayetteville Street, and ends at the intersection of S. Salisbury and W. Lenoir Street — so there are plenty of corners and sidewalk spots to set up shop. Bring the family to see the bagpipe players, tap dancers, decorated floats and all the other characters that participate each year. After the excitement, continue the Ireland-inspired holiday with brews and pub fare at Hibernian (311 Glenwood Avenue) or Flying Saucer (328 W. Morgan Street). Free; downtown; raleighstpats.org

Art In Bloom

March 15 - 19 | Various times

Art in Bloom — the annual event when pieces from the North Carolina Museum of Art are interpreted in flowers — is back this year. Beyond taking in the stunning floral works inside the museum, there are many ways to enjoy the event. On Mar. 16, foodscape pioneer Brie Arthur will host a workshop titled Inspiring Combinations to teach home gardeners how to successfully add both ornamental and edible plants to their landscapes. Watercolorist Ryan Fox will lead a class on Mar. 18 to explore creating palettes and layers on paper through water and paint. And with your purchased ticket to Art in Bloom, enjoy live tunes in the cafe from a range of performers including Persian classical act Sayeh Ensemble and Smitha Prasad, a vocalist specializing in South Indian Carnatic music. From $30; 2110 Blue Ridge Road; ncartmuseum.org

Fancy Nancy The Musical

Starting March 17 | Various times

If you have young children or grandchildren, chances are you’re familiar with the beloved children’s book series Fancy Nancy by Susan DiLallo. It chronicles a spirited young girl and her adventures at school and home with family and friends. Raleigh Little Theatre is bringing the character to life this month with Fancy Nancy the Musical. It follows Nancy and her friends Rhonda, Wanda, Bree and Lionel as they prepare to make

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their onstage debut — an exciting event, until Nancy doesn’t get the role she has her eye on. From $13; 301 Pogue Street; raleighlittletheatre.org

THE MUSIC OF PHIL COLLINS & GENESIS

March 17 & 18 | 8 p.m.

Hear the North Carolina Symphony pay tribute to legendary musician Phil Collins and his band Genesis at Meymandi Concert Hall. Conducted by Stuard Chafetz and with vocals by Aaron Finley and Brook Wood, expect to relive beloved tracks like “One More Night,” “Take Me Home” and “Follow You Follow Me.” From $30; 2 E. South Street; ncsymphony.org

UNPLUGGED

Mar 16 | 7 - 9:15pm

Visual and performing art have become one with Artspace’s Unplugged series. This month, they’ll feature Stray Local,

Heights House Supper Club

March 13 & 14 | 5 or 7:30 p.m.

NOTED

Liz Grandchamp of Grandchamp Hospitality and Sarah Shepherd of Heights House Hotel have collaborated on an intimate monthly popup dinner set in the dining room of the historic Italianate mansion. Over seven courses, guests can enjoy an elevated, seasonally inspired menu with offerings from scallop crudo to handmade pasta to osso buco. Wine professional Halsey Merritt curates the pairings and Heights House Parlor barman Will Bryant pours specialty cocktails. March’s menu is inspired by the Piedmont region of Italy, known for its incredible wine, olive oil, truffles, cheeses and pasta varieties. Jeff Bramwell, the former wine director of Italian bistro Mother and Sons in Durham — who is currently writing a book on the region — will be contributing to this month’s menu for an extra-authentic experience. $95; 308 S. Boylan Avenue; heightshousenc.com/supper-club

Join the indie songwriting pair of Hannah and Jamie Rowen. Artspace’s director of community engagement David Moore says the series, sponsored by Come Hear NC and The Longleaf Hotel, has proven to be a community builder. “We’ve built an intentional connection between live music and the artwork in our gallery spaces through storytelling,” says Moore. “We set out to create a unique vibe to attract a wider audience, and so far the response has been extremely positive.” From $15; 201 E. Davie Street; artspacenc.org

AN EVENING WITH BEVERLY MCIVER & LIZA ROBERTS

March 23 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Be the first to experience Durham artist Beverly McIver’s new exhibition at the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM). Liza Roberts, author of Art of the State and WALTER’s founding editor, will host an evening of intimate conversation, heavy hors d’oeuvres, beverages and a book signing. McIver, a nationally recognized artist profiled in Roberts’ book, is known for her raw, expressive portraits. From $45; 409 W. Martin Street; waltermagazine.com/savethedate

Mindfulness At The Museum

March 23 | 10 a.m.

Stretch and flow in the Rose Jackson and Evelyn Thiem Garden at the Gregg Museum of Art and Design as part of its Mindfulness at the Museum: Yoga in the Garden series, which will take place once a month through May. March’s session will be led by sports and yoga enthusiast Jeff Manning with the Alexander Family YMCA. Before or after yoga, explore the rest of the ground’s heritage trees and walkways, or visit the exhibitions inside the museum. This month, you’ll find

This is Not: Aldwyth in Retrospect in the Adams and Woodson galleries. It pays homage to Aldwyth, an artist whose collage and found object artwork has been exhibited all over the world, despite her rarely leaving her home in the South Carolina marshland. Free; 1903 Hillsborough Street; gregg.arts.ncsu.edu