“The courthouse is on fire!” Many local folks know where they were on the afternoon of March 25, 2010. That was the day the iconic, historic 1881 Chatham County Courthouse on the circle in Pittsboro was almost lost to a fire. Fortunately, local documentary filmmaker Mike O’Connell, of Haw River Films was ready with his gear to capture on film footage from that… Read More →
Arts Event Spotlight
Go See This: “Straws” Documentary Film
Documentary filmmaker Linda Booker follows her subjects where they lead, attributing the impact of her films to the people who tell her their stories. For her latest film “Straws”, she singles out Jackie Nunez, founder of the Last Plastic Straw, who has been at the forefront of this movement since 2011, Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, Dr…. Read More →
Go See This: Celebrate the Bluegrass Experience
With 45 years of shows, recordings, beloved fans, and international accolades, where does one start with The Bluegrass Experience? Just as he does on stage with the Bluegrass Experience, the band’s lead guitarist Tommy Edwards serves as our guide through a bit of bluegrass history, Chatham County, and a few song titles popular in the band’s repertoire. [All videos of live performances are thanks to Carol… Read More →
Go See This: ClydeFEST Celebrates 15 Years
ClydeFEST is an ol’ timey carnival based on colorfully painted cedar creatures (a.k.a. “critters”) and the former woodsman who makes them. Self-taught folk artist Clyde Jones and his ever-present Stihl chainsaw delights in the joy his art brings both children and adults. Still, who knew when ClydeFEST was launched 15 years ago that it would be such a… Read More →
Go See This: The Small Museum of Art
The corner of Small and East Streets in Pittsboro is a handmade hive of activity. Salvaged windows allow natural light to wash newly installed walls made of reclaimed wooden planks that glow a translucent milky white. A rusted tin ceiling above and a large sliding door bring to mind rural barns. Modern wiring and flooring appropriate for high traffic areas… Read More →
Go See This: Shakori Hills Stimulates the Senses
For four days in the fall and spring, the bucolic Chatham County community of Silk Hope is enhanced with an event that awakens all the senses. Celebrating its fourteenth year, the Shakori Festival of Music and Dance is a world of sights, sounds, smells, and feelings that helps make Chatham an especially amazing place. Bands from across the state and around… Read More →
Go See This: New Era Gospel in Historic Haywood
As he extends a hand of welcome, a church member offers, “We’re a noisy church.” The drum kit and electric and bass guitars on the altar at Rosehill American Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church in the Haywood community of Moncure are the first clues that he’s right. When the service starts, the band is joined by four singers who make heartfelt… Read More →
Go See This: “Goodnight, Death: A Banned Book Murder Mystery”
Do you consider yourself an astute observer? Do you listen carefully? How well do you know the people who live next door? And how do you know that the person who just passed your table at the restaurant isn’t a murderer? At the premiere of a one night only dinner theater performance of “Goodnight, Death:… Read More →
Go See This: 4th Annual Mardi Gras Party
A recent six-alarm fire on Canal Street has worried Crescent City revelers that Mardi Gras might be curtailed this year. But Chathamites need not be concerned. The 4th Annual Mardi Gras Party, hosted by the North Carolina Arts Incubator, will bring the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of New Orleans to Siler City. “The annual… Read More →
Go See This: Sisters’ Voices Winter Concert
Days end sooner. Nights grow longer. The air is crisper and songs sung by Sister’s Voices in their annual Winter Concert weave through the bare trees of Chatham County. Sisters’ Voices is a choral community of girls in two ensembles — nine girls from 2nd and 3rd grades, and 14 girls from 4th through 8th grades. Their Winter Concert… Read More →