Enjoy Motown legacy and stories
Dawn Anthony performs at the Davis Theatre April 24
Dawn Anthony believes music unites people.
CABARRUS ARTS CALENDAR
On Friday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m., Dawn Anthony brings Motown and More to the Davis Theatre, leading a high-energy ensemble through the music and history of Motown. The performance traces the sound of Hitsville USA while shining a light on the musicians and voices who shaped it.
Anthony's connection to music runs deep. Born in Philadelphia and raised in Atlanta before settling in the Charlotte area, she grew up surrounded by it. "One side of my family was doo singers and the other side was gospel and classical singers," she says. "It was a whole family of singers."
That foundation eventually led her into the classroom as well as the stage. While returning to school as a nontraditional student, she found herself working with young people through music. "I shared music and the love of music," she says. "Through that, I found a calling."
That calling shaped Motown and More. Anthony builds the show around the full ecosystem of the Motown sound, not just its most famous names. "A lot of programming focuses on Berry Gordy," she explains. "For me, it's about the battery power that made Motown what it was, which was the musicians."
Those musicians include the Funk Brothers and groups like the Andantes, whose voices carried across countless recordings. By pulling those stories forward, Anthony invites audiences to listen differently, to hear what has always been there.
For Anthony, the way music is delivered matters just as much as the music itself. She often thinks back to a moment that reshaped her understanding of performance.
After singing with a gospel artist, she watched a deaf audience member approach the singer with an interpreter. "He was telling her how much it meant to him that even though he couldn't hear a word she sang, her essence and the love on her face carried beyond any microphone straight to him."
"I knew then that that is the kind of singer I wanted to be," she says.
That perspective shows up in every part of the performance, from the way songs are introduced to how audiences are invited in. A mentor once told her, "I don't want you just to sing a song that sounds good to people. I want you to create an experience."
Expect music from The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and more, along with stories, surprises and moments that invite the audience to move, respond and remember.
At the heart of it all is the spirit that made Motown endure. "Watching the division fall because this music was and still is ... a uniter," Anthony says.
On Friday, April 24, the same evening as the performance, the Galleries will open "Through the Ether," a solo exhibition by local painter April Simmons, from 5-7 p.m.Come early and spend the night celebrating the talent in our own backyard.
Tickets: https://bit.ly/ dawnanthonyshow
Support the arts
Want to see art in your community? Consider making a gift to the Cabarrus Arts Council: Help keep art alive in our region through a donation of any size. Visit cabarrusartscouncil.org/ donate.
This week
(March 31-April 6) Let's Paint: Spring Flowers (MTP) — Tuesday, March 31, 4-5 p.m. — Ages 6-11 — Celebrate the arrival of spring with your own artistic masterpiece. We will use some simple household items to paint bright and colorful flowers. No registration. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 — Cabarrus County Public Library.
Cyanotype Sun Prints – Presented by the Cabarrus Arts Council* (MTP) — Wednesday, April 1, 4:30-5:30 p.m. — Ages 6-11 — Make art with sunlight! Kids will use special paper and everyday objects to create cool blue-and-white cyanotype prints. This hands-on activity blends science, creativity and sunshine, and each child will take home their own unique masterpiece. *Registration required; please only register children who will be participating. For more information, visit the Cabarrus County Libraries events page.
Easter Egg Paint Party* (HAR) — Wednesday, April 1, 5:30-6:30 p.m. — Family — Paint an egg with us! We will have stickers, paint and so much more to make sure your egg is as beautiful as springtime. And stick around for a reading of bunny books before the Easter Bunny hops up to your homeplace. *Registration required. Registration opens 2 weeks before event date. For registration, visit the Cabarrus County Libraries events webpage.
Kid Crafters Corner -Rainy Day Umbrellas (MTP) — Thursday, April 2, 4-5 p.m. — Ages 4-11 — What are we to do with all these April showers!? Join us to make a much-needed umbrella to last until we get those May flowers. Our finished crafts will be on display in the library all month long! For more information, visit the Cabarrus County Libraries events webpage.
Cyanotype Sun Prints – Presented by the Cabarrus Arts Council* (CON) — Thursday, April 2, 4:30-5:30 p.m. — Ages 6-11 — Make art with sunlight! Kids will use special paper and everyday objects to create cool blue-and-white cyanotype prints. This hands-on activity blends science, creativity and sunshine and each child will take home their own unique masterpiece. *Registration required; please only register children who will be participating. For registration, visit the Cabarrus County Library events webpage.
Crafter's Corner (MID) Rock Painting — Saturday, April 4, 3-4 p.m. — Adults (18+) — This month is all about rock painting! Paint a Kindness Rock or a decorative rock for your house or garden. No registration. For more information, visit the Events for April 2026 — Cabarrus County Public Library page.
Coffee and Crafting (CON) Monday, April 6, 10-11 a.m. — Ages 18+ – Start your week off right, with coffee and a craft at the Concord Library. For this month's craft, we'll make CD art. Adults only. Registration is required. For more information, visit https:// bit.ly/CabarrusLibraryevents.
Cyanotype Sun Prints – Presented by the Cabarrus Arts Council* (MID)Monday, April 6, 4:30-5:30 p.m. — Ages 6-11– Make art with sunlight! Kids will use special paper and everyday objects to create cool blue-andwhite cyanotype prints. This hands-on activity blends science, creativity and sunshine, and each child will take home their own unique masterpiece. *Registration required; please only register children who will be participating. For more informaton, visit https:// bit.ly/CabarrusLibraryevents.
Next week
(April 7-April 13) Paint to Sip! PAINT & PLANTERS (Workshop) — Tuesday, April 7, 10 a.m. to noon — Decorate a terra cotta pot to give as a gift or use in your own home. Includes indoor plant as well. A Parks & Recreation associate leads this fun morning workshop. For registration and more information, visit www.clearwaterartists.com/events.
OPENING RECEPTION: Impulse 2026: RCCC Annual Student Art Show — Friday, April 10, 5-7 p.m. — Join us to celebrate another year of fabulous artworks by the students of the Fine & Applied Art Department at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC)! Open to the public with light refreshments provided by students and sponsors. For more information, visit www.clearwaterartists.com.
Sound & Stories–Musical Craft (KAN)Tuesday, April 7, 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. — Ages 3-5 with caregiver – Where music and reading come together! This story time introduces basic musical concepts through sounds, stories instruments and more! Join us to make a musical egg shaker! For more information, visit https:// bit.ly/CabarrusLibraryevents.
Cyanotype Sun Prints – Presented by the Cabarrus Arts Council* (AFT)Tuesday, April 7, 5:30-6:30 p.m. — Ages 6-11– Make art with sunlight! Kids will use special paper and everyday objects to create cool blue-and-white cyanotype prints. This hands-on activity blends science, creativity and sunshine, and each child will take home their own unique masterpiece. *Registration required; please only register children who will be participating. For more information and registration, visit https://bit. ly/CabarrusLibraryevents.
Cyanotype Sun Prints – Presented by the Cabarrus Arts Council* (KAN)Wednesday, April 8, 4:30-5:30 p.m. — Ages 6-11– Make art with sunlight! Kids will use special paper and everyday objects to create cool blue-and-white cyanotype prints. This hands-on activity blends science, creativity, and sunshine, and each child will take home their own unique masterpiece. *Registration required; please only register children who will be participating. For more information and registration, visit https://bit. ly/CabarrusLibraryevents.
Creative Collective: Pipe Cleaner Flowers (AFT)Thursday, April 9, 4-5 p.m. — Ages 12-18– A monthly program where teens get creative! This month, we're hopping on the viral trend of pipe cleaner flowers. We'll make a small bouquet and decorate a jar. No registration. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/ CabarrusLibraryevents.
Bad Art Night (CON)Thursday, April 9, 4:30-5:45 p.m. — Ages 9-13 — Join us for an evening of bold creativity; an opportunity to explore visual expression without the constraints of perfection. Create something wildly unique using our art supply inventory and compete for the grand prize! For more information, visit https:// bit.ly/CabarrusLibraryevents.
Crochet Headband Project* (MTP)Thursday, April 9, 5:307:30 p.m. — Ages 18+ – Practice your crochet skills and learn a new pattern by making a cute mesh crochet headband! *Must know how to do the Chain and Double Crochet Stitch. *Registration Required. For more information and to register, visit https://bit. ly/CabarrusLibraryevents.
Preschool Picassos (HAR) Friday, April 10, 10:30-11:30 a.m. — Ages 3-5 with a caregiver – Drop-in for DIY art projects to complete together! Please wear clothes that you don't mind getting messy. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/ CabarrusLibraryevents.
Coffee & Canvas (MTP) Saturday, April 11, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Ages 18+ – Follow a step-by-step painting tutorial while enjoying light refreshments and a cup of coffee. Excellent for beginners. Starting this month, we will have No Registration with Limited Seating. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/ CabarrusLibraryevents.
Art Club (HAR)Saturday, April 11, 3:30-5 p.m. — Ages 12+ – Artists of all kinds are welcome to drop in and create in a group setting. Bring your own tools, or borrow some of ours, to work independently on your own works in progress or create something new from prepared art prompts No registration. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/ CabarrusLibraryevents.
Upcoming Cyanotype Sun Prints – Presented by the Cabarrus Arts Council* (HAR)Tuesday, April 14, 4:30-5:30 p.m. — Ages 6-11– Make art with sunlight! Kids will use special paper and everyday objects to create cool blue-andwhite cyanotype prints. This hands-on activity blends science, creativity and sunshine and each child will take home their own unique masterpiece. *Registration required; please only register children who will be participating. For more information and to register, visit https://bit. ly/CabarrusLibraryevents.
Kid Krafters (CON)Wednesday, April 15, 4:30-5:30 p.m. — Ages 6-11 – Join us as we explore reflections and symmetry by making your own D.I.Y. kaleidoscope. Experiment by creating different designs and seeing how the reflection changes! No registration. For more information, visit https:// bit.ly/CabarrusLibraryevents.
Crochet for Beginners (KAN)Tuesday, April 21, 5:307:30 p.m. — Ages 13+ – Are you interested in learning how to crochet? Join us for a three-week course where we meet once a week to learn basic crochet skills while making our first project. Attendees must come to the first meeting to continue the course. Supplies and crochet kits will be provided by the Friends of Kannapolis Library. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/ CabarrusLibraryevents.
Improv 101 (CON)Thursday, April 23, 5-6 p.m. — Teens (Ages 12-18) – Come stretch your acting skills with this program. Improv 101 will teach you how to get in touch with your inner thespian. Join us for games, skits and more! No registration. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/ CabarrusLibraryevents.
OMG, You Knitted That?! (MID)Saturday, April 25, 4-5 p.m. — Ages 12 + – Unlock your potential with Knitting in the Round. Beginners can learn the basics of knitting, while experienced knitters can try out patterns/suggested patterns from some of the knitting books that will be at the program for reference. No registration or prior skills required; all skill levels welcome. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/ CabarrusLibraryevents.
Craft, Play and Connect (MID)Monday, April 27, 3:30-5 p.m. — Family. Looking for something to do with the kids after school? Join us the last Monday of the month for stories, crafts, games and snacks. Parents and caregivers encouraged to participate. Drop in. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/ CabarrusLibraryevents.
Crafter's CornerBee Bubblers (MTP)Monday April 27, 4-5 p.m. — Adult 18+ Join us to make a pretty yard decoration from simple items to put out as a safe watering station for bees and butterflies! No registration. For more information, visit https:// bit.ly/CabarrusLibraryevents.
What's The Stitch? (AFT) Monday, April 27, 5-7 p.m. — Ages 10+ – A club for all yarn enthusiasts, bring your projects to work on with other hobbyists – whether it's crochet, knitting or weaving! Drop-in, supplies limited. For more information, visit https:// bit.ly/CabarrusLibraryevents.
Cabarrus Art Guild Call for Spring 2026 Judged Show Art Intake – Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — The Cabarrus Art Guild is calling for artist submissions of varying mediums for the Spring 2026 Judged Art Show! Registration and payment are required. The last day to register and pay online will be April 27. The last day to register by mail will be April 24. For more information on submission guidelines and to register, visit the Cabarrus Art Guilds' "Exhibit" webpage.
Ongoing The Cabarrus Art Guild's
Open Art Tuesdays — Every Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Guild welcomes visitors for firsttime visits free at weekly Open Art Tuesdays at ClearWater — in the Lower Level, "Greenway Gallery." Enter through the double glass doors facing Kerr Street, in the Main Building. Guild members come as often as they like. Bring lunch, a project and your supplies. Sometimes a member gives a "Pop-Up" class! The Guild is a ClearWater Tenant in Lower-Level Studio LL-102. See the Cabarrus Art Guild Profile Page. For more information, visit www.clearwaterartists.com.
Learn the Age-Old Art of Pastels — Pastel classes are offered by Regina Burchett on an individual or small group basis. Classes are typically two hours in length, and the materials are included for the first two classes, to ensure that the student will get to experience working with pastels before they commit to an investment in materials. Individual classes are $30 per two-hour session. Note: Regina moved from her ClearWater Studio to a home studio in July 2017, so individual lessons may be given there. Group classes at ClearWater Artist Studios may be public, or private (i.e. limited to a group you select). Group classes require a minimum of four students and max of 10. Age 10 and older. Contact Regina at 704-925-9838 for more information. Her website is www.reginaburchett.com.
„ EDITOR'S NOTE: Find the complete arts calendar online at www.independenttribune.com.
