Variety highlights arts council’s season

The Cabarrus Arts Council’s season is in full swing, and organizers say they’ve put together a collection of offerings meant to reach a more diverse audience.

The season, which kicks off each fall and runs through spring, includes art walks, gallery shows, a film festival, regional acts, rising stars and Broadway performers.

“The new year brings many exciting performances to the Davis Theatre,” said Sara Heiser, performing arts manager for the arts council. “We are presenting such a variety, there will definitely be something for everyone.”

The art council’s flagship series, On Stage at the Davis, features professionally touring groups who perform on stage in the 227-seat Davis Theatre, in the Historic Cabarrus Courthouse.

From January to May, the Davis Theatre will present seven performances that range from bluegrass and jazz to an illusionist and maybe even the indescribable. The next performance will be Jan. 17 as the Malpass Brothers – an opening act for Merle Haggard – share their classic country music.

“Then, in February we have Jason Bishop, a fantastic illusionist who we’ve wanted to bring to the Davis ever since we saw him in Atlanta in 2008,” Heiser said. “And later that month, the finest bluegrass in our region is back with Brand New Opry.”

Acts in March could be described as abstract and original.

“We have two very unique shows,” said Heiser. “Squonk’s Mayhem and Majesty is like nothing you have ever seen – a spectacle of mesmerizing video projections and constantly transforming scenery blended with original music and haunting vocals.

“The Thistledown Tinkers will take to our stage with their arsenal of instruments to deliver their version of Celtic music with attitude,” Heiser said.

April will feature acts from two areas on the musical spectrum. First will be The Jeremy Kittel Band.

“Their music can’t be pigeonholed,” said Heiser. “There’s jazz and blues, along with Celtic and chamber music influences. It’s American acoustic music at its best, performed by four guys with impressive musical pedigrees.

“And we’ll end the year with a bang with local saxophone sensation, Shableek. He and his band play contemporary jazz for standing-room-only crowds across the Charlotte area.”

Live performances not your thing? Try an art exhibit.

“Something Old, Something New,” which showcases how 18 artists use traditional themes or techniques in new ways, will be on display in The Galleries through March 7. Works range from photography, printmaking and ceramics to quilting, paintings, mixed media, found materials and furniture.

Future shows will feature some bigger names from the state, regional and national art scenes.

“ ‘The Edge’ will be an incredible show, especially for the lovers of new and contemporary art,” said Lin Barnhardt, visual arts director. “We are privileged to showcase the work of Bob Trotman, Kenn Kotara, David Stuempfle, Virginia Derryberry, Betty Clark, just to name a few.”

“Fantasy Island,” which opens in June, will look at the world of the imagination with an emphasis on tropical. Artists Adrienne Dellinger and Archie Smith will demonstrate some of their techniques during the downtown Concord Art Walk 6:30-8 p.m. Feb. 22.

The Modern Film Fest will feature a screening of an independent film each month through April. Often, the director or someone related to the film hosts discussions after each film.

This month, film buffs can view “The Trial,” a Christian-themed legal thriller based on a book by Robert Whitlow. The movie was filmed in the Charlotte area. Showtime will be 7 p.m. Jan. 24. A short film showcase will be March 21.

The arts council began partnering with Modern Film Fest two years ago to bring free screenings of independent films.

“The films shown are very diverse, as is obvious by our upcoming movies,” said Pat Verner, the arts council’s communications director. “ ‘The Trial’ is a serious dramatic movie, and ‘Eyeborgs’ is a sci-fi thriller. Both were filmed in North Carolina.

“ ‘Star Wars Uncut,’ on the other hand, is an outrageous compilation of scenes …. We’ve had documentaries, animation and even horror classics, and many of the directors have been here to answer questions.”