Weekend Best Bets: Choruses, Community and Cutting a Rug

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Nia Holloway as-Nala-and-The Lionesses-in-ShadowlandPhoto Joan Marcus-DIsney-2
“The Lion King” continues its month-long run at DPAC this weekend. // Copyright Disney, Photo by Joan Marcus

The Lion King – Thursday, 7:30, Friday, 8pm, Saturday, 2pm and 8pm, and Sunday, 1pm and 6:30pm – Watch as the Serengeti comes to life on stage along with your favorite Disney characters – Simba, Timon, Pumbaa and more – when the six-time Tony Award-winning musical makes its triumphant return to the Durham Performing Arts Center for a month-long production run. Director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals as well as the extraordinary work of choreographer Garth Fagan and some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by artists Elton John and Tim Rice. DPAC, 123 Vivian St.; $33+; 919-680-2787

Now Boarding – Thursday-Saturday, 8pm, Sunday, 3pm – Airports are the sites of both the most mundane parts of everyday life and strange occurrences. Come along for the ride as director and choreographer Killian Manning combines text, props, movement and music in eclectic ways. Common Ground Theatre, 4815-B Hillsborough Rd., $10-$15; 919-384-7817

Josh Ritter – Thursday, 8pm – The highly acclaimed Americana singer-songwriter will perform with his Royal City Band, bringing fans a taste of his October release, “Sermon on the Rocks.” Named by Stephen King as his favorite album of 2015, “Rocks” will be provided to each concert-goer as a free download. The Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St.; $29+; 919-560-3030

brownsville song (b-side for tray) – Thursday-Saturday, 8:15pm, and Sunday, 2pm – This regional premiere, directed by Jeff Storer, tells the tale of a family coping with loss, taking strength from one another and struggling to find a reason for hope after an act of senseless violence. Manbites Dog Theater, 703 Foster St.; $5-$25; 919-682-3343

Beer + Samosas Tasting – Friday, 4:30-7:30pm – Beer Durham hosts a meet-and-greet with the whimsical mixed media artist Cinc Hayes alongside a free beer tasting from Epic Brewing Company. View Cinc’s latest paintings in the lobby while enjoying free beer and samosas from Tan-Durm. Root beer will be available for children in attendance. Beer Durham, 404 Hunt St., Ste 110; Free admission; 919-680-0770

“Local Souls” Opening Reception – Friday, 6-9pm – The artist-owned Hillsborough Gallery continues its annual show “It’s All About The Story,” which features a diverse array of art inspired by the writings of North Carolina authors. This year features Allan Gurganus, whose work has been praised for its dark humor and emotional insights into history. Stop by for a reading at the gallery Sunday at 4pm, too. Hillsborough Gallery of Arts, 121 N. Churton St., Hillsborough; Free; 919-732-5001

PopUp Chorus – Friday, 7pm – Never been a part of PopUp Chorus before? The idea is quite simple. Join people of all ages as you learn two songs and perform them as a group. In honor of Bruce Springsteen, who will be coming to NC on tour this spring, sing his iconic song of love, lust and longing, “I’m On Fire,” as well as the mellow California pop classic, “Take It Easy,” written and sung by Glenn Frey of The Eagles, who passed away just last month. Motorco Music Hall, 723 Rigsbee Ave; $10 adults, $5 students

A Community Conversation on Climate Change – Friday, 7pm – Join authors and Duke University Law professors Jedediah Purdy and Jonathan Weiner for the latest installment in the Community Conversation series. Purdy’s fifth book, “After Nature,” will serve as a point of departure for a discussion on the Anthropocene – or, the Age of Humans – and climate policy, politics and public understanding. Weiner, who also teaches classes on environmental and public policy at Duke, served as a negotiator at the world’s first UN-backed climate treaty in 1992. The Regulator Bookshop, 720 Ninth St.; Free; 919-286-2700

NYC Meets NC Film Screening – Friday, 8-10pm – The new downtown microcinema will wrap up the month of February with the introduction of Josh Lewis and Joel Schlemowitz, two New York-based filmmakers whose innovative ideas and technique have invigorated the modern cinematic world. Join them for a 45-minute display followed by a joint Q&A session. UNEXPOSED, 105 Hood St., STe. 5; $5; 352-318-5872

Vocalosity – Friday, 8pm – “Glee” fans unite! Twelve fantastic voices come together at this brand-new musical event, presenting a diverse repertoire ranging from classic choral to barber shop quartet to Bruno Mars. Produced by “Pitch Perfect”’s Deke Sharon and choreographed by Sean Curran, a “STOMP” original cast member, the evening is sure to inspire and excite. The Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St.; $27+; 919-560-3030

Dreaming of the ’90s Dance Party – Friday, 10pm – It’s another installment of ’90s-themed parties, featuring the sounds of DJs PlayPlay and Queen Plz. Bring your dancing feet, mom jeans and mood rings! The Pinhook, 117 W. Main St.; $5; 919-667-1100

The Boutique Bridal Show – Saturday, 1-5pm – An intimate gathering of the most outstanding vendors in the Triangle are here to make your day exceptional. All ticket sales will be donated to Dress for Success, a nonprofit that provides professional attire and career development tools for women affected by poverty. The Cookery, 1101 W. Chapel Hill St.; $10 single, $15 couple; 919-908-8974

Durham under Development Meet-and-Greet – Saturday, 5-7pm – Pleiades Gallery and Aaron Mandel present a special ongoing exhibit that recognizes this a time of transition in Durham, featuring the work of 15 guest artists along with the gallery’s nine artists-in-residence. The theme: What is happening in the community and artistic visions of what might transpire going forward. Saturday’s event will feature a community meet-and-greet to discuss the city’s progress. Pleiades Gallery, 109 E. Chapel Hill St.; Free; 919-797-2706

Daddy Daughter Dance – Saturday, 6-8:30pm – Show off your dance moves with your little girl. Music will be provided, being a good dancer is optional! The event includes refreshments and a complimentary keepsake photo. Uncles and grandfathers welcome, too. I.R. Holmes Sr. Recreation Center at Campus Hills, 2000 S. Alston Ave.; $5-$11; 919-560-4444

Metropolitan Opera Rising Stars – Saturday, 8pm – For more than 125 years, the Metropolitan Opera has been the artistic home of the greatest singers in the world. But the Met is also the launching pad for the opera stars of the future. Another generation of young singers is waiting in the wings to be discovered. The following Rising Stars will be performing: Janai Brugger (soprano); Sarah Mesko (mezzo-soprano); Trevor Scheunemann (baritone); Sean Panikkar (tenor); with Brent Funderburk (pianist, musical director). The Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St.; $12+; 919-560-3030

BLACK MAGIC – Saturday, 8pm-midnight – Join Black Ops Theatre, Durham’s newest theater company, for an evening of exploration in black history and a fundraiser for the blossoming troupe. Attendees are invited to mingle, enjoy hors d’oeuvres by Irregardless Cafe, and enjoy a series of pop-up performances by Johanna Burwell, Drina Dunlap, Ron Mcgill, Yuri Brown, Kristian King and more – all in honor of black artists’ contributions to the world of entertainment and art. The Carrack Modern Art, 111 W. Parrish St.; $15 suggested donation; 704-213-6666

Willie Bradley & The Main Street Band – Saturday, 8-11pm – Get your urban jazz fix this weekend with the Fayetteville-based trumpeter’s soulful sounds. The artist is a master of his instrument, boasting early-career collaborations with some of the jazz world’s finest, including Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry and Max Roach. The show also presents a unique pairing of Bradley and young keyboardist Nicholas Cole; in spite of their generation gap, the two artists bring forth an inarguably brilliant perspective on contemporary jazz to the stage. Beyù Caffè, 335 W. Main St.; $10; 919-683-1058

Scharpling & Wurster – Saturday, 9pm – Jersey City-based Tom Scharpling and Jon Wurster bring their live show, featuring material from their WFMU “Best Show” program, to Durham. Motorco Music Hall, 723 Rigsbee Ave.; $20 advance, $22 door

Pump Station History Hike – Sunday, 2pm – Stroll through history on this hike featuring Durham’s first public drinking water source. Eno River Association board member Milo Pyne will lead the hike to the old Pumping Station and share how things worked. Time permitting, hike the remainder of the 1.5 mile loop. Portions of the hike will be off-trail, some sections may be steep, muddy or on rough terrain. You may want a walking stick, and sturdy shoes are a must. Pump Station Access of Eno River State Park, 4000 Rivermont Rd.; Free; 919-620-9099

Anonymous Jones Album Release Show and Party – Sunday, 9pm – Born and raised in Durham, recording artist Twiwan Joyner, aka Anonymous Jones, releases his album, “Like Minds.” 90% of the project was written and produced by him. This project shows the growth and progression in Anonymous Jones; the main focus is to find inner peace and spread love. The Pinhook, 117 W. Main St.; $7; 919-667-1100

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