Check out a variety of cultural presentations and performances in Orange County virtually or in-person this weekend!
Compiled by Daniel Stevenson
THURSDAY
The Spark with Tift Merritt: Abigail Washburn
In this new series, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter and UNC alumna Tift Merritt returns to Carolina Performing Arts to take us behind the scenes in artist-to-artist video interviews that delve deep into the creative process. The inaugural episode of The Spark with Tift Merritt features Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter Abigail Washburn. This event begins at 7:30 p.m., and registration is required.
Virtual Hanes Visiting Artist Lecture: Carmen Neely and Antoine Williams
UNC Department of Art and Art History hosts its first virtual Hanes Visiting Artist Lecture of the 2020/2021 season, featuring Carmen Neely and UNC MFA alumnus Antoine Williams of NC Black Artists for Liberation. North Carolina Black Artists for Liberation is a collective of Black artists and art workers committed to building an equitable arts and culture sector in the state. The event begins at 7 p.m. and will feature a Q&A with the artists.
William Darity Jr. and A. Kirsten Mullen: ‘From Here to Equality’
Flyleaf Books present a virtual evening with the authors of “From Here to Equality” at 6 p.m. In their book, William Darity Jr. and A. Kirsten Mullen confront the country’s racial injustices head-on and make a comprehensive case for economic reparations for U.S. descendants of slavery. William is the Samuel DuBois Cook Professor of Public Policy, African and African American Studies, and Economics at Duke University. Kirsten is a writer, folklorist, museum consultant and lecturer whose work focuses on race, art, history and politics
FRIDAY
‘Spirit Awakened’ Exhibit at The Hillsborough Gallery of Arts
The Hillsborough Gallery of Arts opens its newest collection online at noon. The collection features ironwood with silver and turquoise inlay by Larry Favorite, fused and stained glass by Susan Hope and cold wax and landscape paintings by Jude Lobe. The Gallery is owned by 21 local artists and features painting, sculpture, photography, glass art, jewelry, wood, pottery, art dolls, textiles and fiber art.
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
The UNC Process Series Presents: They Do Not Know Harlem
The UNC Process Series opens its 13th season with a livestreamed staged reading of Tristan Parks’ play, “They Do Not Know Harlem: In Communion With James Baldwin.” The play reconstructs the meaning of ‘home’ with the neurosis of familial dynamics, race and coming-of-age. James’ voice is a guide through this individual and collectivized exploration. The virtual performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and requires registration.
SATURDAY
Battle of the Blues Polo Match
Watch Duke and UNC alumni face off in the eighth annual match, and enjoy a day full of activities including a classical riding exhibition and croquet match. This year, the event takes place in Efland at The Barn at Lloyd’s Dairy.
Outdoor Saturday Sweat Group Training
Join an outdoor workout held by Chapel Hill Training at 10 a.m. at the Carolina Square plaza, featuring a DJ spinning high-energy workout tunes. There will be markings for proper social distancing, and masks will be required at all times. There is also an option to join the workout virtually. Pre-registration is required for both in-person and virtual classes.
Eat The Frog Fitness Open House
Eat The Frog Fitness hosts an open house from 7:30 a.m.-noon. Call to sign up for a workout session with limited availability to preserve social distancing. Tours of the state-of-the-art studio will be available, as well as prizes and refreshments by The Hill Nutrition.
Enjoy a classic afternoon of tea at home with the help of The Carolina Inn. The Destination hotel offers house-made accompaniments including savory tea sandwiches, assorted sweets, and fresh baked scones served with fresh lemon curd, English Devonshire cream and butter. Each box of goodies is hand prepared and packaged.
SUNDAY
The Mad Women of Hillsborough from 1846-1890
The Burwell School Historic Site hosts this virtual event with speaker Sylvia Hoffert, author and former professor of history and women’s studies at UNC, as part of “She Changed the World.” This initiative, led by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, commemorates the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage. Attendees can watch a video presentation and participate in a live Q&A focusing on women’s physical and mental health in the 19th century.
Breaking Barriers: Women of Color and the Right to Vote
Co-sponsored by The Center for the Study of the American South, this webinar explores the fight for the right of women of color to vote. The keynote speaker is Valerie Ann Johnson, dean of Arts, Sciences & Humanities and co-director of the Center for Racial and Social Justice at Shaw University. The event will be livestreamed from 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m., and registration is required.
