Summer 2019 officially kicks off June 21. Make sure you get your arts and culture fix by taking advantage of these FREE activities happening throughout Mecklenburg County. Check for new events and updates at ArtsAndScience.org/CultureBlocks.
African Drum Circle presented by Drums 4 Life
When: June 22, 2019 (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
Where: Beatties Ford Road Regional Library (2412 Beatties Ford Rd., Charlotte, NC 28216)
Join us for an African Drum Circle. A drum circle is a group of people from a few to many arranged in a circle experiencing the spontaneous creation of music on a variety of drums and percussion instruments. No prior experience or instruments are necessary; Drums 4 Life will provide instructions and instruments.
Little Aviators presented by Carolinas Aviation Museum
When: June 22, 2019 (10 a.m. – 11 a.m.)
Where: Steele Creek Branch Library (13620 Steele Creek Rd., Charlotte, NC 28273)
Little Aviators is a Pre-K program designed for children ages 3-5 and their caretakers. Join us as we host a morning of stories, crafts, and hands on experiences designed to encourage aviation exploration in young children. This program incorporates literacy skills, STEAM activities, and community helpers to inspire children to discover the world of aviation and aerospace.
Finding Home Again Photography Course presented by Photosynthesis Inc.
When: June 22, July 20, August 17 & September 28, 2019 (2 p.m. – 4 p.m.)
Where: West Boulevard Library (2157 West Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28208)
This photography course is for Montagnard first generation immigrants. No experience needed. Bring any camera you would like to work with – cell phone cameras work great. After a final exhibit of participants’ work, students will be given their framed art work to keep. Class is limited to 20 students. To reserve a spot email ginger@psphotoart.com with your name, cell phone number, and what camera you will be bringing to class.
Hands-on Clay presented by Clayworks
When: Various dates. See below.
Where: Hickory Grove Library (5935 Hickory Grove Rd, Charlotte, NC 28215)
Our teaching artists will teach different clay techniques to create your own pottery that will last a lifetime. Lean how to roll, pinch, texturize, slip and score clay while creating different project each workshop. Each workshop is a different project, so you can come back again and again. Projects range from pitchers to mugs to wall hangings. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today. Projects will be taken back to Clayworks to be glazed and fired before being returned to the rec center for pickup. Free but you must pre-register by calling 704-416-4400.
- Tuesday, June 25 – Senior Workshop (10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
- Thursday, August 1 – Youth/Teen Workshop (5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
Hands-on Clay senior workshop presented by Clayworks
Thursday, June 27, 2019 (10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.)
Where: Mallard Creek Recreation Center (2530 Johnston Oehler Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269)
Our teaching artists will teach different clay techniques to create your own pottery that will last a lifetime. Lean how to roll, pinch, texturize, slip and score clay while creating different project each workshop. Each workshop is a different project, so you can come back again and again. Projects range from pitchers to mugs to wall hangings. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today. Projects will be taken back to Clayworks to be glazed and fired before being returned to the rec center for pickup. Free but you must pre-register by calling 980-314-1121.
Hands-on Clay youth/teen workshop presented by Clayworks
Friday, June 28, 2019 (3:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.)
Where: Grier Heights Community Center (3100 Leroy St, Charlotte, NC 28205)
Our teaching artists will teach different clay techniques to create your own pottery that will last a lifetime. Lean how to roll, pinch, texturize, slip and score clay while creating different project each workshop. Each workshop is a different project, so you can come back again and again. Projects range from pitchers to mugs to wall hangings. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today. Projects will be taken back to Clayworks to be glazed and fired before being returned to the rec center for pickup. Free but you must pre-register by calling 980-498-1487.
East Side Block Music Festival presented by Dapper Street Productions
When: Saturday, June 29, 2019 (5:00 p.m – 8:00 p.m.)
Where: Albemarle Road Recreation Center (5027 Idlewild Rd N, Mint Hill, NC 28227)
Join us at the East Side Block Music Festival! This uplifting event includes entertainment featuring Dapper Street Jazz Band, a food truck and kids’ zone. Be sure to bring your family, friends, lunch, lawn chairs and blankets. For more information call 980-314-1101.
Unplugged+Live Concert Series presented by Dear Soul Music Co.
When: July 19, August 16 and September 20 (Doors at 7 p.m., show starts at 7:15 p.m.)
Where: Camp North End (1824 Statesville Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28206)
The Unplugged+Live Series is a touring concert series in support of independent singer-songwriters. This monthly showcase will feature local talent hosted by Arsena Schroeder every third Friday, July-September!
African Diaspora Community Workshops presented by Moving Spirits
When: Now through July 20, 2019 (Thursdays 6:30 p.m – 7:30 p.m and Saturdays 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.)
Where: Aldersgate Community Center Center (3800 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215)
Join us for series of African diaspora dance, afro-modern dance and percussion workshops. Open to youth ages 12-18. For additional information email movingspiritsinc@gmail.com.
Life Skills Through Theatre Arts by Children’s Theatre
When: Every Wednesday, from June 19- August 7, 2019 (1 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
Where: Tuckaseegee Rec Center (4820 Tuckaseegee Road, Charlotte, NC 28208)
Campers will be engaged through guided activities to improve communication skills, support creative choices, be more confident, have empathy and work in cooperation with others, and to better appreciate the arts. Activities include ensemble/team building, theatre games, improv/comedy basics, group storytelling, craft and prop creation, public speaking exercises.
Life Skills Through Theatre Arts by Children’s Theatre
When: Every Monday, from June 17- August 5, 2019 (1 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
Where: Belle Johnston Community Center (1000 Johnston Dr, Pineville, NC 28134)
Campers will be engaged through guided activities to improve communication skills, support creative choices, be more confident, have empathy and work in cooperation with others, and to better appreciate the arts. Activities include ensemble/team building, theatre games, improv/comedy basics, group storytelling, craft and prop creation, public speaking exercises. Recommended for grades 1-6. For more information contact Kristy Detwiler by calling 704-889-2400 or emailing KDetwiler@pinevillenc.gov.
All the World’s a Stage–Theater Workshop
When: Every Tuesday and Thursday, from June 25 – August 15 (Noon to 1:30 p.m.)
Where: Beatties Ford Road Library (2412 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216)
Using Shakespeare’s works, All the World’s a Stage program will allow participants to experience elements of theatrical art with awareness in relevant issues in the safe confinement of a library community room. The program will consist of different workshops focusing on theater history, storytelling and script-writing, character study and acting-the-part, set design manipulation, dancing and movement, and a cumulative performance presentation. Register at cmlibrary.org/calendar. Ages 10-40.
Event details are subject to change and new events are added to the calendar regularly. To stay informed, check ASC’s updated listing at ArtsAndScience.org/CultureBlocks. You can also sign up for Culture Blocks text messages and receive upcoming Culture Blocks activities happening in your community. It’s easy- just text the word CULTURE to 797979.
A little more about Culture Blocks
Culture Blocks embraces and celebrates the cultural life and desires of residents and connects communities to arts and culture activities that speak to their interests. By providing cultural experiences closer to where residents live (libraries, parks, recreation centers, and relevant community spaces), ASC increases access and reduce transportation and parking barriers.
Culture Blocks, funded by Mecklenburg County, is a community partnership between Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Arts & Science Council and Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation.
Charlotte on the Cheap is a member of 
