Take a musical trip around the world
Jessica Fichot performs March 20 at Davis Theatre
Jessica Fichot's shows blend styles and cultures and bring high energy to the stage.
CABARRUS ARTS CALENDAR
On March 20, Jessica Fichot brings her global sound to the Davis Theatre for a light, whimsical performance blending cultures, languages and vintage styles. The week before her Cabarrus Arts Council concert, she will perform for thousands of Cabarrus County Schools students through Students Take Part in the Arts. This is your chance to see one of the artists inspiring youth across our county.
Growing up in France with a French father and Chinese mother, Fichot is bilingual and was surrounded by music from different cultures. As a child she was drawn to English language songs, but after moving to the United States for college she rediscovered the music she had once overlooked. That realization sparked the sound she is now known for, an eclectic mix of French chanson, 1930s Shanghai jazz, gypsy swing and international folk influences.
Today, her touring ensemble includes Tanner Olivas (clarinet, tenor sax), Michael Papillo (upright bass), Tom Moose (guitar), and Jessica Fichot (vocals, accordion, toy piano). The sound evokes the café jazz traditions of Paris as easily as the dance halls of old Shanghai. Many of the songs she performs draw from the French tradition of chanson, a style of vocal driven storytelling music, alongside classic tunes from the golden age of Chinese jazz.
While the languages may vary, French, Mandarin, Spanish, and English among them, there is a musical thread throughout. "The instruments and the style often overlap," Fichot explains. "Even when the languages change, the music has a unifying voice."
Her performances are as much about connection as they are about music. Between songs, Fichot shares stories about the origins of the pieces she performs, like a beloved Shanghai classic she humorously discovered playing repeatedly in a souvenir shop during yearly visits to the city.
Audience participation is also part of the experience. Fichot frequently invites listeners to clap along, sing short phrases in different languages, or join in call and response moments that turn the theatre into a shared experience.
During the school performances, Fichot will introduce middle school students to the instruments on stage and even perform arrangements of classic video game themes alongside traditional songs. "It's really the age when kids connect deeply with music," Fichot says. "I hope they enjoy it, have fun, and maybe feel inspired to explore music themselves."
Join us on March 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Davis Theatre for this passport-free musical trip around the world. Tickets are available now at https://bit.ly/ jessicafichot.
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 10-March 16)
Mixed Level Hand-building — Tuesdays, now through April 28 – 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Whether beginner or advanced, Mixed-Level Hand building is designed for students of all levels of experience. In this class, students will learn a variety of clay construction techniques, including pinching, coiling, slab building and using simple molds. Students will investigate various surface decoration techniques, gaining an understanding of slip trailing, incising, stamped impressions, and wax resist to enhance their clay toolbox. Each week students will be challenged to grow and evolve creatively through guided instruction and through self-guided practice with scheduled Open Studio times. For registration and more information, visit www.clearwaterartists.com.nty Public Library.
Teen Stitches Made Simple: Crochet Hair Scrunchie (MTP) Thursday, March 12, 4:30-5:30 p.m. — Ages 12-17– Learn how to make a trendy handmade hair scrunchie using the art of crochet! Participants will gain knowledge of the basics of crochet in a friendly and inclusive environment.Come join in the craft! All supplies provided, limited seating. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library.
Macrame Madness: Pie Macrame Coasters* (KAN)Saturday, March 14, 4-5:30 — Ages 13+ – Ready for some Macra-mayhem?! Join us and create pie-themed macrame coasters! Materials will be provided; registration required. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library.
Create a Goldfinch Needle Felted Fiber Painting — Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Learn to use needle-felting wool fiber to "paint" a picture. We will be starting with a prefelt base (sheet of partially felted wool) that has a transfer of the simple photo of a goldfinch in a flower garden. Then, using our fibers and needles we will try and recreate our picture in fiber (and, of course, use our creative license!). We will be learning to blend fibers to get our results. Our "painting" will be an 8 x 10 picture which can easily be placed in an 11 x 14 mat and frame. For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org.
Create a 3D Needle Felted OtterSaturday, March 14, 1-5 p.m. — Come and create a cute otter character for yourself or a special someone. Great way to practice the use of shapes and colors to create your character! Create a playful otter and learn needle felting skills or add to the knowledge that you may already have! For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org.
Girls Night Out meets Loop There It Is! (MTP) Monday, March 16, 6-7 p.m. — Ages 18+ – Enjoy friendly fellowship as you learn the basics of hand-knitting while creating an adorable Peep Bunny! We'll cover how to get started and practice essential hand-knitting techniques you can use in future projects. Use your bunny as a cozy pillow or a sweet stuffed friend for someone special. All supplies provided, limited seating. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library.
Next week
(March 17-March 23)
Macrame Madness: Mushroom Necklace (CON)Tuesday, March 17, 5:30-7 p.m. — Ages 13+ – Ready for some Macra-mayhem?! Join us and create a mushroom necklace! Materials will be provided; registration required. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library.
MP Literary Festival: Cathy Pickens – Thursday, March 19, 4 p.m. — The Friends of the Mt. Pleasant Library present the Mt. Pleasant Literary Festival: Chapter 2: The Story Unfolds, a three-day celebration of books, authors and the literary arts, coming to the Mt. Pleasant Library on March 19-21. All #mplitfest events are free, but registration is required as seating is limited. Go to www.mpfol.org/mp-literary-festival for more information on all the authors and events!
Paint & Chat (KAN) Thursday, March 19, 6-7:30 p.m. — Ages 18+ – Join us for a fun painting project! Chat, paint and maybe learn a new skill. The painting project will vary each session with hands-on guidance provided. No registration, and supplies are limited. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library.
Spring Blooms: A Colored Pencil Workshop Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Join artist Lisa Albinus for a three-hour colored pencil workshop focused on creating a soft spring floral in pinks, creams and greens. Students will work from a provided line drawing, learning layering and blending techniques to bring their flower to life. This class is designed to build confidence with colored pencils without requiring a large supply list or advanced drawing skills. All levels are welcome. For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org.
Procreate Basics: The Artist's Hand in a Digital WorldSaturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — A beginner-friendly, hands-on introduction to Procreate focused on true, handdrawn digital art — not AI. Students will learn the Procreate interface, brushes, layers, masking, color tools and export options while completing a guided illustration and turning it into a professional-quality digital sticker. For registration and more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org.
Loop There It Is! — Hand-Knit a Peeps Bunny (CON)Monday, March 23, 2-3 p.m. — Learn the basics of hand-knitting while creating an adorable Peeps Bunny! We'll cover how to get started and practice essential hand-knitting techniques you can use in future projects. Use your bunny as a cozy pillow or a sweet stuffed friend for someone special. All supplies provided, but limited seating. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library.
Macrame Madness: Clover Keychains* (KAN)Monday, March 23, 5-7:30 p.m. — Ages 13+ – Ready for some Macra-mayhem?! Join us and create lucky clover keychains! Materials will be provided; registration required. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library.
Upcoming
Loop There It Is!
Hand-Knit a Peeps Bunny (KAN)Tuesday, March 24, 6-7:30 — Ages 18+ – Learn the basics of hand-knitting while creating an adorable Peep Bunny! We'll cover how to get started and practice essential hand-knitting techniques you can use in future projects. Use your bunny as a cozy pillow or a sweet stuffed friend for someone special. No registration, and limited supplies. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 — Cabarrus County Public Library.
Kid Krafters (CON) Wednesday, March 25, 4:30-5:30 p.m. — Ages 6-11 – It's March Mystery Madness! Craft a "spy kit" you can use for all your mystery-solving needs. No registration. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library.
Macrame Madness: Coasters (CON)Thursday, March 26, 5:30-7 p.m. — Ages 13+ – Ready for some Macra-mayhem? Join us and create piethemed macrame coasters! Materials will be provided; registration required. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library.
Southern Piedmont Woodturners NEW Monthly Meeting & WorkshopSaturday, March 28, 9 a.m. to noon — The Southern Piedmont Woodturners Association leases a large space at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios (Studio 122), and has about 65-70 members. See their Artist Page on this website for images and/ or their own website for more info. Southern Piedmont Woodturners (SPW) has changed its regular monthly meeting schedule for the New Year (2026), from the third Tuesday evening to fourth Saturday morning. Non-members are welcome to attend the first time for free. "Open Turning" and Workshop events for members occur regularly. Any participation in turning activities, unless advertised as a Public Workshop, is only allowed after joining the club and taking appropriate training. For more information, visit www.clearwaterartists.com.
Art Walk on Union – Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gather the family and head to downtown Concord for a day of fun at Art Walk, an all-day arts festival celebrating handmade artwork from local artists and makers. Enjoy live music, food trucks, local brews and wines, and special participation from downtown shops and restaurants. Be sure to stop by The Galleries to explore our current exhibition and browse our gift shop featuring artwork from local and regional artists! For more information, visit www.cabarrusartscouncil.org or call 704-920-2787.
OMG, You Knitted That?! (MID)Saturday, March 28, 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 would be at the program for reference. No registration or prior skills required; all skill levels are welcome. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library.
Craft, Play and Connect (MID)Monday, March 30, 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 are encouraged to participate. Drop in. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library.
Crafter's Corner Self-Care (MTP)Monday, March 30, 4-5 p.m. — Adult 18+ – Join us to make aromatherapy body or lip scrubs to spoil your dry winter skin and get it ready for spring, using simple household items! No registration is needed. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library.
What's The Stitch? (AFT)Monday, March 30, 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, and supplies are limited. Room 117. For more information, visit Events for March 2026 – Cabarrus County Public Library.
Let's Paint: Spring Flowers (MTP)Tuesday, March 31, 4-5 p.m. — Ages 6-11Celebrate 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.
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 ShowFriday, 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.
Ongoing
The Cabarrus Art Guild's Open Art Tuesdays – Every Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Guild welcomes visitors for first-time 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.
Sip & Stitch at West Loop Local — Mondays at 6 p.m. This is an extension of our Tuesday Hooks & Books meet-up. Anyone is welcome to join, just bring your crochet or knitting project to work on. You're welcome to purchase your own food and drink from the West Loop Local menu! We meet upstairs at West Loop Local (231 West Ave). For more information, visit www.editionsbookstore.com.
Puddle Painting Workshop — Every Monday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Experience the mesmerizing art of fluid acrylic pouring in this intuitive, hands-on workshop. Choose from three canvas sizes and let your creativity flow — no experience needed! Come solo or bring a friend for fun, stressfree, painting adventure! All ages welcome. RSVP required at High Branch Brewery, McGill Avenue Northwest #100. For more information or to RSVP, visit www.tuxedokat.com.
Community Survey: Concord Public Art Commission Project — A new public art project is coming to Les Myers Park in Concord. Help guide the mural design by participating in the online survey. To fill out the survey, visit www.publicinput.com/ concordmural.
Editor's Note: Find the complete arts calendar at www.independenttribune.com.
