Virtual concerts, fireworks from your car and 8 Best Bets for the week
It’s officially summer. And the longest day is now behind you. Somehow in 2020 that feels like uplifting news.
More uplifting news: live (safely distanced) tunes and brews, IBMA Bluegrass Award nominees announced, and live-in-person fireworks (yes, for real — from your car). What.A.Blast. #SpreadLove, y’all.
Black Farmers Market
After drawing crowds in Durham earlier this month, the Black Farmers Market is coming to Raleigh. Head to 1436 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh, June 28, for the market’s inaugural Raleigh run in support of Black farmers and entrepreneurs. Come early for the best selection. blackaugustinthepark.com
Drive-Through State Fair Food
The State Fair food days are back. Savor the flavor of the best of Fair fare without getting out of your car June 26028 and July 3-5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Think roasted corn, cotton candy, corn dogs, funnel cakes, deep-fried Oreos and Snickers, Dole Whip floats and more. Enter the fairgrounds parking lot via Trinity Road and order from your car. Drivers are asked to remain in their vehicles, and servers will come to you. Note the event is cash-only. Prices vary from $2 to $10. For a menu and prices, go to twitter.com/NCStateFair. Items subject to change.
Selma Fireworks
Not all fireworks are canceled. If you’re jonesin’ for the traditional July 4 light show, Selma’s All-American Fireworks Show is here for you. One caveat: stay in your car. Let Freedom ring “red, white and boom” style Thursday, July 2, at 9:15 p.m., view the show from the “Catch-Me-Eye” area (aka the vicinity of Highway 70 and Highway 301). It promises to be a blast. selma-nc.com/all-american-festival
Compose Carolina
A new music series showcasing UNC student and alumni composers has landed. Kicking off June 26 at noon, Compose Carolina — a six-installment weekly virtual summer series presented in collaboration with UNC Department of Music — features new musical compositions written and performed by current and recent UNC students. With the theme of Looking Forward, each event will feature one composer in conversation with a moderator from UNC’s Department of Music faculty, a recorded performance of the new composition, and a conversational “program notes” between the artist and moderator. Hosted by CPA’s COVID-era platform #CPAatHome, viewers can also stream on Facebook and YouTube.
The series will kick off with recent graduate Eliana Fishbeyn and her composition “Quiet Resistance,” played by a big band ensemble at the Manhattan School of Music, where the composer is earning her Master of Music degree in jazz composition. Stay tuned for Noah Balamucki (July 2), Christian Cail (July 10), David Green (July 17), Alex McKeveny (July 24) and James Larkins (July 31). music.unc.edu
Happy Hour, Live Music and More at Mason Jar Lager
Celebrating your fave F word (Friday, obviously!), fete the day in Fuquay-Varina at The Mason Jar Lager Co.’s socially distanced outdoor pation with Finally Friday Music Happy Hour with Chris Overstreet (6–9 p.m., free to enter). Then, Sunday, head back for Pickin’ on the Porch with GrassStreet (3–6 p.m., free to enter) for some live porch bluegrass — is there a better kind? 341 E. Broad St., Fuquay-Varina, facebook.com/masonjarlagers/
IBMA’s Bluegrass Music Awards nominees
Speaking of bluegrass, yes, we know we all have the blues about a World of Bluegrass remix. But something is always better than nothing. While the live fall fest has been canceled this year, the virtual version is on for Sept. 28–Oct. 3 with all the in-person portions you love. To give you a taste, the nominees for the 31st annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards will be announced on Friday, June 26 at 11 a.m. on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction (Channel 62). pinecone.org
Discover the Art of Science
How does art exploration through science and technology ignite transformation and imagination? Find out when art and science converge for the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences as guest speaker and local artist Alyssa Miserendino explores how one artist draws inspiration from research in physics, philosophy, psychology, sound, astronomy, myth, magic and poetry. Bring your questions Thursday (7–8 p.m.) and Watch the Science Café Live. Then, Friday, tune in for Citizen Science Adventure: Great Sunflower Project Part 2 (2–3 p.m.), as the Museum’s Chris Goforth, alongside Dr. Gretchen LeBuhn, biology professor at San Francisco State University and co-founder of the Great Sunflower Project, host a lively chat about all things pollinator and the value of your observations to scientists (so you can “bee” the change). Register to attend the live chat.
Virtual Trivia Tuesdays
Pop quiz, hotshot. Don’t forget everybody’s fave brain game Tuesday (weekly, 6–7 p.m.), Science Trivia where you can show off your smarts on a mix of science facts, current news, pop culture and scientific discoveries. Virtual Trivia Tuesdays are played on Kahoot and YouTube. Register to play science trivia. Once you complete your registration, you will receive an email with instructions on how to join the game. naturalsciences.org
Triangle Virtual Open Mic Night
Open mics are coming back — virtually. Tuesdays (8–10 p.m.) Carrboro-based Dwarf Star Studios and The Triangle Music Collective host a weekly virtual open mic nights featuring (eight-ish) live-from-home performances to benefit a bevy of organizations. Stream via Dwarf Star Studios’ YouTube channel or facebook.com/dwarfstarstudios, and catch previously recorded open mics on those channels as well.
Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre
Get lit in Henderson with a laser light show, followed by a drive-in movie double-header Friday with “Space Jam” and “Men in Black.” Already have plans? No worries. Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre (3336 Raleigh Road, Henderson) is getting “reel” seven days a week this summer. Check site for future show selections. For time and ticket info, and to purchase in advance, visit raleighroaddrivein.ticketleap.com.raleighroaddrivein.com
This story was originally published June 23, 2020 at 10:15 AM.