In Conversation: Camille Brown – Thursday, noon-1pm – Join dancer and choreographer Camille Brown and Nicole Oxendine of Empower Dance Studio at The Pinhook for a conversation about dance, community development and Brown’s exploration of her African-American identity through movement. The talk will be followed by the dancers’ performance at Reynolds Industries Theater on Friday and Saturday. This event is free and open to the public, with a light lunch provided by Pie Pushers.
Poetry Writing Workshop with Jaki Shelton Green – Thursday, 12:30-1:45pm – North Carolina Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green hosts a documentary poetry workshop and reading at Durham Technical Community College. The Orange County native has written eight poetry books and was inducted into the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame in 2014. The event is free and open to the public, with limited seating.
Junior League of Durham and Orange Counties BINGO Night – Thursday, 6-9pm – Celebrate Mardi Gras with a game of bingo supporting the Junior League of Durham and Orange Counties at Reality Ministries. Admission gets you one bingo card per round: The cost of the event is $20 for 12 rounds. Senior citizens receive a discounted price of $15. Participate in special prize rounds and purchase extra cards the night of the event!
‘Freedom Fighters and Hell Raisers: A Gallery of Memorable Southerners’ – Thursday, 7pm – Join The Regulator Bookshop for a reading and book signing with Hal Crowther. In his book, the award-winning journalist recalls the passing of iconic Southern figures, including John Hope Franklin, Doc Watson and more.
Free Film Screening: ‘Olimpiada en México’ – Thursday, 7-9pm – The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University hosts a free screening of the film “Olimpiada en Mexico” (The Olympics in Mexico). This event complements Pop América, the first exhibition with a hemispheric vision of pop that provides a more complete understanding of art from 1965-1975.
Aaron Lewis: The State I’m In Tour – Thursday, 8pm – This country singer-songwriter made his debut in 2011 and brings his acoustic songs and stories to The Carolina Theatre. Receive a CD of his newest album with every pair of tickets purchased!
Grand Opening Tasting with Jo Landron – Friday, 6-9pm – Support LouElla at its grand opening with tastings of delicious wines and oysters from Oysters Carolina. Geer Street’s newest bottle shop and bar hosts Jo Landron from the Loire Valley of France to showcase his portfolio.
ICHSA South Quarterfinals – Friday, 7pm – Listen to the songs of students at this high school a capella competition at The Carolina Theatre. The Varsity Vocals International Championship of A Capella is the only tournament that showcases student a capella performers and is dedicated to providing students with valuable feedback from highly qualified judges.
Huggy Lowdown and Chris Paul – Friday, 8pm – Laugh out loud at this show hosted by two comedy pros at Rhythms Live Music Hall.
Super Secret 3-Year Anniversary! – Friday, 10pm-2am – It’s Arcana’s three-year anniversary! Celebrate at a dance party with DJ/MC Velcro from Puerto Rico.
Art Exhibit at Cecy’s Gallery & Studios – Friday-Saturday, 6pm-9pm – Peruse the works of local artist Mable C. Bullock, the 1983 recipient of the Afro-American Life Achievement Award, at this free exhibit open to the public. The pieces include a sculptural canvas inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem, “On the Pulse of Morning.”
Camille A. Brown and Dancers: Mr. TOL E. RAncE – Friday-Saturday, 8pm – This dance trilogy critiques white supremacy in American pop culture – the performance incorporates a variety of dance styles, including African, Lindy hop, ballet, tap and hip-hop. Raved by The New York Times as “dramatically brilliant, physically exhilarating,” this group takes the stage at Reynolds Industries Theater in a Duke Performances show you won’t want to miss.
Tinkering Series: Drones 101 – Saturday, 10-11:30am – Learn the basics of drones at this introductory workshop at the Museum of Life and Science! Explore mini drones and learn how to work them, all while developing flight skills and completing a small obstacle course. No flying experience is required!
Greater Triangle Home Show – Saturday, 10am-5pm – Discover how close you are to owning your dream home at this informational session at The Streets at Southpoint. Learn about the Triangle housing market and get excited about the numerous possibilities for your future home. Realtors, mortgage lenders and home improvement specialists will be available to answer all of your questions.
Kathak Indian Classical Dance – Saturday, 11am – Aakriti Kathak Academy presents a journey to North India through Indian classical music and dance at The Carolina Theatre. The Academy’s founder and director, Dr. Kriti Rakesh, and her team of Kathak dancers and musicians takes audiences on a journey to North India through dances that depict famous Hindu stories in dramatic expression, as well as dances that represent the modern art form with rhythmic footwork and graceful movements all set to melodic Hindustani music.
Patchwork Market – Saturday, noon-4pm – Shop a diverse selection of original goods from local makers and vintage vendors at this monthly market at Fullsteam Brewery.
Tinkering Series: Drones 201 – Saturday, 12:30-2pm – Improve your flight skills and take on complex challenges and obstacle courses at this intermediate drones course at the Museum of Life and Science. Practice indoor navigation and test your new skills on larger drones. This class is designed for people with some flying experience.
Durham Bulls Free Fan Fest – Saturday, 5-7pm – Kick off the Bulls’ baseball season at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park! Take batting practice on the field while enjoying food trucks, discounted merchandise and more. Grab your tickets to the season’s biggest games while you’re there!
Gaither Vocal Band – Saturday, 6-9:30pm – Enjoy an evening filled with music and fun at King’s Park International Church. The performance will feature members of the band and special guests Charlotte Ritchie and Gene McDonald.
ICCA Semifinals – Saturday, 7pm – Support young vocalists at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella competition at The Carolina Theatre. Watch as singers showcase their talent to a diverse audience of people who share a lifelong love for music.
Django Haskins and In The Pocket – Saturday, 8pm – This show at Motorco Music Hall supports StrongHER TogetHER, a program that encourages young women to stick together and overcome differences. This local songwriter and musician collaborates with talented students at Durham Academy to create music of all genres.
‘The Lord of the Rings’ – Saturday, 8pm – The Duke University Wind Symphony, directed by Verena Mösenbichler-Bryant, welcomes guest conductor/composer Johan de Meij and saxophone soloist Henk van Twillert to perform works including Johan de Meij’s “Fellini”and his “Symphony No. 1: The Lord of the Rings” at Baldwin Auditorium.
Carnaval of All Rhythms – Saturday, 8pm-1am – Participate in a night full of samba, frevo, maracatu and axé at this Brazilian Carnaval party at Rhythms Live Music Hall. This event features live music by Caique Vidal and Batuque, as well as dance performances and much more! Tickets are $15 dollars. This is a standing room event with limited seating.
The Beat Market – Sunday, 1-4pm – Visit this local art market that incorporates live local music at Fullsteam Brewery. Hosted by Durham Beat, the event features artists such as Bull City Baubles, Slowwjam, Cipher Art and more. Come grab a beer with your friends and peruse wares from local makers!
Beer, Beads & Beignets – Sunday, 3-6pm – Enjoy the tastes of Mardi Gras with King Cake-themed beignets, jazz music and beer from Durty Bull Brewing Company. Don’t forget to grab your beads from the bartender!
Songs of the South: Tribute to Southern Artistic Creativity – Sunday, 4-7pm – The Durham Symphony Orchestra honors famous poets, composers and performers in this concert at Hayti Heritage Center, which will also include a Maestro William Henry Curry original work that is a tribute to the victims and survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Guest artists include local sopranos, Rozlyn Sorrell and Tina Morris-Anderson, Duke-affiliated poet Dasan Ahanu, and local jazz and pop trumpet legend, Al Strong.
