A lantern tour of the New Bern Battlefield includes costumed re-enactors, telling the stories of enslaved people, soldiers, and the families near the Civil War battleground in eastern NC.
There’s more than just Bradford pears in bloom this week around North Carolina, as the NC Museum of Art celebrates its annual Art in Bloom festival from March 18-22.
Floral designers from across the state have interpreted artwork and objects to be showcased in the People’s Collection. This year’s theme, “Written in the Stars,” takes inspiration from the astrological zodiac.
But alas, the reason you’re reading about it in the intro to this column rather than farther down is because it’s already sold out. Don’t say I didn’t warn you; I included the dates in my Good News Friday column when they were first announced back in January. There’s still a couple more exhibits to come this year if you’re hoping to check out NCMA at a later date.
Below, I’ve compiled a list of three events occurring around North Carolina that, to the best of my knowledge at the time of this writing, are not sold out.
David Childers & It’s Snakes share a stage in Charlotte
Wednesday, March 18, 7 p.m.
The Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St.
It would be easy for folks who aren’t fully plugged in to North Carolina’s rich music history to scroll past the lineup of Wednesday night’s Evening Muse show in Charlotte without giving it much thought. I’m here to tell you: This is actually a big deal.
David Childers & the Serpents have more in common with It’s Snakes than the ophidian band names. Husband-and-wife duo Hope Nicholls and Aaron Pitkin (my sixth cousin once removed, for full disclosure) of It’s Snakes were inducted into the NC Music Hall of Fame in 2023 for their work with alt-rock band Fetchin’ Bones in the 1980s. They continued rocking right into the new millennium with different projects like Sugarsmack and nowadays It’s Snakes, which sees Nicholls employing her iconic singing voice from behind the drums.
Two years after Nicholls and Pitkin were honored, renowned Mount Holly singer/songwriter David Childers earned his spot in the NC Music Hall. His son Robert, a great Charlotte-area musician in his own right, plays drums with David’s latest backing band, the Serpents. David told Queen City Nerve in 2020 that Robert is behind the snake-like aesthetic in the band name and lyrics.
“That’s him, that ain’t me,” Childers said. “I like Jesus, man. Actually Robert does, too. His explanation about Lucifer and Satan and Luciferanism is pretty enlightening.”
Asheville-based Tin Roof Echo rounds out the bill.
Hallowed Ground Lantern Tour in New Bern
March 19-21, 6-9 p.m.
New Bern Battlefield Park, 300 Battlefield Trail, New Bern
Part of the North Carolina Civil War Trail that runs from Bentonville to Fort Fisher, New Bern Battlefield Park marks part of the site where the Battle of New Bern took place during the Civil War in 1862.
This week’s lantern tour of the park is more than just an educational program, it’s a chance to learn the stories of the civilians, soldiers, formerly-enslaved persons, and others who participated in or were impacted by the battle, all based on letters, diaries, and contemporaneous accounts.
This year’s program includes visiting nuns from Ireland and New York, the involvement of fascinating ships and maritime involvement in the battle, the evacuation of New Bern, and more.
Carrboro Django Reinhardt Festival
March 20-22, times vary
Cat’s Cradle Back Room, 300 E. Main St., Carrboro
There’s not a direct connection between famed Belgian-born French jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt and Carrboro, just a local musician and educator who cared enough about Reinhardt’s legacy to launch a yearly event paying tribute to his work.
What began in 2018 as a one-day event that featured a single performance, workshop and jam session has grown to include three days of musical fun, all thanks to the work of Gabriel Pelli.
This year’s fest includes Voyage Hot Club with Sam Farthing and Paulus Schaefer on Friday night, while Schaefer will lead a session with some of his favorite collaborators on the following evening. Wrap things up on Sunday with the Gypsy Jazz Jam and Hang taking place from 4-10 p.m. Different workshops will be held throughout the weekend.
BONUS: I’ll be back with more details next week, but since Saturday marks the start of its 2026 festival run, it’s worth checking out the website for The Viking Experience in Oxford.
