PinePitch

Live After 5

Live After 5 returns to Tufts Memorial Park Friday, April 13, with music, dancing, food, beer, wine and fun activities for the kids. The event is free, and you are invited to bring picnic baskets if you want but, please, no outside alcoholic beverages. Beer, wine and other beverages will be available at the park for purchase, in addition to food from Jason’s Mini Donuts and What’s Fore Lunch food trucks. The band will be Night Years. Don’t forget your lawn chairs, blankets and dancing shoes. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m., and continues until 9 p.m. Tufts Memorial Park is located at 1 Village Green Road W., in Pinehurst. For more information, call (910) 295-1900.

Meet the Author

In Frances Mayes’ new book, Women in Sunlight, three middle-aged, American women, Camille, Julia, and Susan, meet at an orientation for an active lifestyle community and decide to lease a villa in Italy. When they make friends with their American neighbor, Kit, the women begin to see new potential for themselves, rediscovering their sense of adventure over the course of a year in the land of la dolce vita. Mayes will be at The Country Bookshop on Thursday, April 12, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the book, answer questions, and sign copies. Stop by, meet and get inspired by “the Bard of Tuscany,” author of Under the Tuscan Sun and much more. The Country Bookshop is located at 140 N.W. Broad St., in Southern Pines. Call (910) 692-3211 for more information.

Blues & Brews: A Festival at the Farm

Malcolm Blue Farm is a living history farm dating back to the early 19th century when the Sandhills area was known as the Pine Barrens. A visit to the farmstead and museum will give you a rare glimpse into the life of early settlers and on Saturday, April 21, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., you’ll get to enjoy a day of bluegrass performances by Tommy Edwards Bluegrass Experience, Unspoken Tradition, Time Sawyer, and Songs From The Road Band. You can stroll around the beautiful grounds, shaded by 100-year-old Darlington oaks as you enjoy the music and festival. Beer, cider and food will be available for purchase. Admission is $5. The Malcolm Blue Farm is located at 1177 Bethesda Road, Aberdeen. For more information, call (910) 944-7275.

Annual Home & Garden Tour

The Southern Pines Garden Club celebrates its 70th anniversary by inviting you into six gracious homes, enhanced by inspiring floral arrangements, and lovely gardens. The tour, on Saturday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., includes “Loblolly” (the Lancaster Home), designed for Helen Boyd Dull, a Garden Club founder; the Saulnier Home, designed by Alfred B. Yeomans, a nationally renowned landscape architect who helped shape the Weymouth neighborhood in the late 1800s; and Liscombe Lodge in Pinehurst, once the home of Gen. George Marshall. Tickets are available at The Country Bookshop, The Sandhills Woman’s Exchange or www.southernpinesgardenclub.com, and are $20 in advance or $25 the day of, and include an orchid sale, a Pinehurst Resort greenhouse tour and restaurant discounts. All proceeds go toward community beautification and horticultural education projects. The tour begins at the Campbell House, 482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 690-1440.

The Miracle Worker

As a baby, Helen Keller was stricken with an illness that left her blind and deaf. As a young child, she was nearly feral. Yet she grew up to graduate cum laude from Radcliffe College and become an influential social and political activist and inspirational role model. The story of that transformation, made possible by her teacher, Annie Sullivan, is told in William Gibson’s play The Miracle Worker.

Judson Theatre Company brings The Miracle Worker to the stage at Owens Auditorium from Thursday through Sunday, April 12 to 15. The production stars John James, from TV’s Dynasty series, and New York actors Lea DiMarchi as Annie Sullivan and Allison Podlogar as Helen Keller. Owens Auditorium is located on the Sandhills Community College campus, at 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Tickets are $38 in advance and $43 at the door. Student, military and SCC discounts are available at the door. For show times and tickets, visit www.judsontheatre.com.

Southern Pines Springfest

On Saturday, April 28, more than 160 vendors from North Carolina and beyond will entice you with their beautiful paintings, jewelry, metal art, photography, woodwork, designs from nature, and more. For your entertainment, there will be games, rides, food and live music. Activities for kids abound on the Kid’s Block; and the Youth Bike Races for children 10 and under will have kids competing on their bikes, tricycles and Big Wheels. Sponsored by the Southern Pines Business Association and the Town of Southern Pines, the day of spring festivities happens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. along both sides of Broad Street in historic downtown Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 315-6508. And don’t forget Springfest at Shaw House, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the corner of Morganton and Broad St., where tours and activities will be free for the day.

The Carolina Cabaret

Enjoy the Carolina Philharmonic’s “Broadway Cabaret” starring Jeff Kready, a suave song and dance man who appeared in A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder and Billy Elliott the Musical and Megan McGinnis, who debuted on Broadway in The Diary of Anne Frank and played Beth in the musical Little Women. With David Michael Wolff hosting from the keyboard, Jeff and Megan will take you on a journey through some of your favorite melodies, interlaced with riveting backstories. You can catch this intimate performance at either 3 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, at Owens Auditorium, Sandhills Community College, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Tickets range from $30 to $60, with discounts for students and active military. For more information, call  (910) 687-0287 or visit www.carolinaphil.org.

A Spirited Evening of Music

On Wednesday, April 4, the Southern Pines Sister Cities, under the musical direction of Baxter Clement, will present a community concert with local and Irish teen musicians. As part of the Sister Cities International Music Exchange Program, students from the Southern Pines area traveled to Ireland to study Irish music and perform, and the music students from Newry, Mourne and Down District of Northern Ireland are coming here to do the same. Come to the Sunrise Theater, enjoy the music and offer some warm Southern hospitality to these young visitors. The performance is free and starts at 7 p.m. The Sunrise Theater is located at 250 N.W. Broad St., Southern Pines. Call (910) 315-4323 for more information.

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Our Little Hummingbirds

One of the delights of spring is the return of our hummingbirds, and it’s not too early to start thinking about getting your garden ready for them. Come hear local ornithologist and wildlife ecologist Susan Campbell talk about “Plants that Nurture and Attract Hummingbirds.” Campbell is the North Carolina authority on hummingbirds, and you may have seen her at Weymouth Woods, where she conducts research and bands hummingbirds as they pass through.

Sponsored by the Sandhills Horticultural Society and Sandhills Council of Garden Clubs, the talk takes place Friday, March 16, at 1 p.m. at the Ball Center at Sandhills Community College. Campbell  will describe hummingbirds’ physical attributes and tell you the best ways to attract them. The event is free, but registration is required, so if you are interested, please email landscapegardening@sandhills.edu to reserve your spot. SCC is located at 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. For more information, call (910) 692-6185.

Dining with History at the Shaw House

Back by popular demand, the creamed chicken and waffles luncheon will be served at the Shaw House Tea Room on Monday, March 19. Two years ago, the Moore County Historical Association revived the luncheon, once offered daily at the circa 1821 Shaw House. Chefs Jim Jones, co-president of MCHA, and Roberta Williams will prepare the delicious food on-site. There will be pitchers of maple syrup to drizzle on the waffles for fans of the creamed chicken-waffle-syrup taste combination. The dessert will be the traditional prune cake.

There are two seatings: one at 11:30 a.m. and another at 1 p.m. Lunch will be served in both the Shaw House and the Garner House, an 18th-century cabin behind the Shaw House, both located at corner of Morganton Road and Broad Street in Southern Pines. Take-out service will be available. After lunch, diners are invited to visit the gift shop.

The price per guest is $20. Please call (910) 281-5417 to make a reservation (required). For more information, call (910) 692-2051.

From Rio to Pinehurst

The Tufts Archives and Given Memorial Library will hold its 2018 Spring Colloquium, “Where Is Golf Going?” featuring renowned golf course architect Gil Hanse, on Wednesday, March 21, in the Cardinal Ballroom at the Carolina Hotel. Hanse designed the Olympic Course in Rio de Janeiro — where golf returned as an Olympic sport for the first time in over a century — in addition to creating Pinehurst’s acclaimed short course, The Cradle, and designing the highly praised Castle Stuart Golf Links in Inverness, Scotland. He’s currently working on a redesign of the Pinehurst No. 4 course. Tickets are $100. Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. The Carolina Hotel is at 80 Carolina Vista Drive in Pinehurst. Tickets are available at the Tufts Archives, 150 Cherokee Road in Pinehurst or at www.giventufts.org. For additional information call (910) 295-3642.

Magic and Mayhem

Dr. Jonathan Drahos and the Uprising Theatre Company invite you to join them on Thursday, March 15, for “Magic and Mayhem,” a benefit sponsored by the village of Pinehurst at the Fair Barn in support of Shakespeare in the Pines Summer Festival’s June presentation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The festive evening begins with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by a short performance of songs and scenes reflecting the “magic and mayhem” celebrated in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The evening will also include food, a silent auction and music.

Tickets for individuals are $75, $140 for couples, and $650 for tables of 10. You can purchase tickets at the door and online. The Fair Barn is located at 200 Beulah Road South, in Pinehurst. For more information and tickets, visit www.uprisingtheatrecompany.com.

Soup and Bread

Come to “Empty Bowls 2018,” a fundraising event to benefit Sandhills/Moore Coalition for Human Care, a nonprofit corporation that provides food, clothing and emergency resources to our Moore County neighbors in need. The date is Sunday, March 4, from 12 to 2 p.m., at the Country Club of Whispering Pines, where you will enjoy live music and delicious soups and desserts prepared by area restaurants and chefs, including Filly & Colts, Chef Clay White, Wolcott’s and Scott’s Table.

A general admission ticket of $40 also entitles you to a keepsake pottery bowl. A limited number of $20 tickets, without keepsake bowls, are available. Tickets for children ages 10–15 are $8 while children 9 and under can partake for free. Sponsorship opportunities are available. The venue is located at 2 Clubhouse Blvd., Whispering Pines. For tickets and more information, call (910) 693-1600 (option 5) or visit www.sandhillscoalition.org.

BYOT (Bring Your Own Talent)

The Arts Council of Moore County routinely invites all Moore County artists — actors, dancers, graphic designers, musicians, photographers, singers, visual artists, writers and other creative types — to get together for Artists Meetups. On Thursday, March 22, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Trinity Community Outreach Center will host an open mic acoustic event for singers, poets. A house piano, drums and sound system will be provided. Unlimited signups. Photographers, painters and dancers are welcome to capture and interpret the music. Savory and sweet snacks and light beverages provided. This is a free ACMC event. All artists are welcome to come and share their creative passion. The TCOC is located at 972 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 692-2787 or visit www.MooreArt.org/ArtistsMeetup.

The Rooster’s Wife

Friday, March 2: The Kennedys. Now in their 22nd year as recording artists, the Kennedys are continually touring the United States and United Kingdom, playing acoustic folk rock at its finest. $10.

Sunday, March 4: Merlefest on the Road. Andy May, the Barefoot Movement and the Waydown Wanderers mix traditional Appalachian with whatever other styles they are in the mood to play. $20.

Sunday, March 11: Hiroya Tsukamoto and Kyshona Armstrong offer Japanese folk music and poetry through words and music. $15.

Thursday, March 15: Open mic.

Friday, March 16: Ms. Adventure’s Avril Smith, Vickie Vaughn and Kimber Ludiker play fiddle, bass, and guitar and have voices that soar through original and traditional tunes.

Sunday, March 18: Scroggins and Colorado perform a powerful, high mountain bluegrass explosion that features banjo and mandolin, incredible vocals and easy stage banter. $20.

Friday, March 23: The Steel City Rovers mix Celtic and North American traditions; and offer sophisticated musical arrangements and clever lyrical compositions. $10.

Sunday, March 25: Ameranouche — a rip-roaring ensemble playing hot acoustic, Gypsy-inspired music on traditional French jazz guitars. $15.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and music begins at 6:46 at the Poplar Knight Spot, 114 Knight St., Aberdeen. Prices given above are advance sale. For more information, call (910) 944-7502 or visit www.theroosterswife.org for tickets.

Sounds on the Grounds Fundraiser

On Sunday, March 25, from 4 to 8:30 p.m., come to the Weymouth Center for Arts & Humanities for a family-friendly fundraiser in support of the beautiful grounds, historic buildings and Weymouth’s wonderful community programs. Hear music by Momma Molasses, playing with James Villone and Evan Campfield on bass; 80’s Unplugged; Whiskey Pines; and Becca Rae. Enjoy food and beverage provided by Kona Ice, Wildfire Pizza, Swank Coffee, Southern Pines Brewery and Weymouth (wine), among others. Shop at pop-up stores. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members, $5 for teens (ages 12–15) when accompanied by an adult. No charge for children under 12. This event is hosted by Weymouth Young Affiliates. Weymouth Center is located at 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 692-6261 or www.weymouthcenter.org.

Back the PAC

Join the Pinecrest Athletics Club at the Fair Barn on Saturday, March 10, in an evening filled with friends, food, dancing and fundraising in support of all student athletes at Pinecrest High School. From 6 to 11:30 p.m., enjoy beer, wine, hors d’oeuvres and music by DJ King Curtis. The evening will also include live and silent auctions. Tickets are $50 for individuals. Tables of eight may be reserved. You can purchase tickets at Cameron and Company, Village of Pinehurst; Knollwood Fairways and Driving Range, Southern Pines; Pinecrest High School; and First Bank, Pinecrest Branch; or by contacting Christa Gilder at (910) 528-1437 or christa.gilder@mzero.com.

PinePitch

The Montagues and Capulets en Pointe

On Sunday, Jan. 21, the Sunrise Theater will present the Bolshoi Ballet, captured in HD live from Moscow as they perform the company’s premiere of “Romeo and Juliet.” With choreographer Alexei Ratmansky’s dramatic urgency and Prokofiev’s romantic and cinematic score, this production of Shakespeare’s beloved story of the two star-crossed lovers who defy their feuding families to be together is both fresh and timeless. This is classical ballet at its finest. The show begins at 12:55 p.m. and runs for 2 1/2 delightful, if heart-wrenching, hours. Tickets are $25. Sunrise Theater is located at 250 N.W. Broad St., Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 692-8501 or visit sunrisetheater.com.

The Carolina Philharmonic

Begin your New Year with two of the most celebrated orchestral masterworks of all time: Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Schubert’s Unfinished Symphonies. Beethoven’s “knock of fate” — the most famous four notes in Western civilization — begins an epic journey of transformation that ends in renewal and triumph. Schubert’s Unfinished Symphonies are haunting and uplifting; and the mystery of what prevented him from finishing his most immortal work remains as great today as when the notes first flowed from his quill. Join Maestro David Michael Wolff on Wednesday, Jan. 10, as he leads the Carolina Philharmonic in an unforgettable concert, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Owens Auditorium, Sandhills Community College, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Tickets range from $30 to $60, and military and student discounts are offered. For more information, call (910) 687-0287 or visit www.carolinaphil.org.

Meet the Author

A.J. Tata is an author of nine novels; a speaker; a national security expert; and a retired brigadier general of the U.S. Army, who commanded nearly 25,000 troops on his last combat tour in Afghanistan. You can meet Gen. Tata at The Country Bookshop on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 12 p.m. and hear him talk about his latest thriller, Direct Fire, in which Capt. Jake Mahegan is fighting the war on terror in America — right here in North Carolina. The Country Bookshop is located at 140 N.W. Broad St., Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 692-3211.

Chamber Music at Weymouth

On Sunday, Jan. 7, the popular, Durham-based Mallarmé Chamber Players are coming to Southern Pines as part of the Weymouth Chamber Music Series. These flexible and innovative professional musicians celebrate diversity and innovation in their programs, which often include new or rarely heard works. The evening’s ensemble will feature Elizabeth Phelps on violin, Suzanne Russo on viola, Nate Leyland on cello and Jeremy Thompson on piano — all of whom you will have the opportunity to meet at the reception following the concert. Tickets are $10 for Weymouth members and $20 for non-members and are available at the Weymouth Center office, in person or by phone, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Monday-Friday; or at the door on the day of the performance. The concert will take place from 3–5 p.m. at the Weymouth Center for the Arts, located at 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 692-6261 or visit www.weymouthcenter.org.

A Walk in the Winter Woods

The towering longleaf pines of the Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve rise up majestically over expanses of wiregrass, ferns and other native plants, providing a habitat for many rare and intriguing creatures. On Saturday, Jan. 6, join a park ranger at 8 a.m. for a 2-mile walk along easy trails to look for dark-eyed juncos, yellow-bellied sapsuckers, ruby-crowned kinglets and other birds visiting North Carolina over the winter. Or just enjoy the glimpse into the past — when longleaf pine forests like this one covered millions of acres in North Carolina and the southeastern U.S. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them, and dress warmly. The Preserve is located at 1024 Fort Bragg Road in Southern Pines. Call (910) 692-2167 for more information.

The Rooster’s Wife

Friday, Jan. 5: Farmer and Adele bring Texas swing, and a whole lot more. $10.

Sunday, Jan. 7: The Gibson Brothers, two-time International Bluegrass Music Association Entertainers of the Year, make their annual stand at the Spot in a matinee and evening performance. Doors open at 11:59 a.m. for a 12:45 p.m. brunch and show for $40, or $33 without brunch. The evening performance at 6:45 p.m. includes dinner for $42, or $33 without dinner.

Sunday, Jan. 14: Louise Mosrie and Cliff Eberhardt, with insight and lamentations, joy and sorrow, sing songs that get right to the heart of what matters. $15.

Friday, Jan. 19: Ben and Joe (Hunter and Seamons) perform acoustic blues, ragtime and folk music of the Northwest. $10.

Sunday, Jan. 21: The Contenders, with their infectious rhythms and sublime two-part harmonies, bring amazing songs to life. With special guest Randy Hughes opening. $15.

Friday, Jan. 26: Graymatter plays your favorites and some new songs that will be your favorites at this dance party. $10.

Sunday, Jan. 28: Chicago-bred banjo and fiddle player Rachel Baiman brings her new project to the Spot: songs with a message, and chops to match. $15.

Doors open at 6 p.m. (11:59 a.m. for Jan. 7 brunch performance) and music begins at 6:46 at the Poplar Knight Spot, 114 Knight St., Aberdeen. Prices given above are advance sale. For more information, call (910) 944-7502 or visit www.theroosterswife.org for tickets.

Stitches and Clay

The Arts Council of Moore County invite you to attend the opening of ACMC’s January exhibit, “Stitches & Clay,” at the Campbell House Galleries on Friday, Jan. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit showcases works by Judy Foushee of Freeman Pottery (miniatures), Rita Ragan (needlework miniatures) and the Sandhills Quilters Guild. Come meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments as well as quilting and sewing demonstrations. Hosts for opening night reception are Anne Jorgensen of Raven Pottery, the Sandhills Quilters Guild, Robin Smith and Dotty Starling. The reception is free and open to the public, and the exhibition will run through Jan. 26. The Campbell House Galleries are located at 482 E. Connecticut Ave. in Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 692-2787.

Musical Depictions and Cheerful Notes

On Thursday, Jan. 11, the North Carolina Symphony performs at Lee Auditorium. Rune Bergmann will conduct the evening’s program, which pairs Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” a poignant and thrilling tribute to the composer’s artist friend, with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4, a cheerful and sunny composition. Prior to the 8 p.m. performance, you are invited to meet the musicians in the Band Room, starting at 7 p.m. Tickets cost from $18 to $49 and are available at the door or in advance through the N.C. Symphony Box Office, The Country Bookshop, or the Arts Council of Moore County (Campbell House). Lee Auditorium is located at Pinecrest High School, 250 Voit Gilmore Lane, Southern Pines. For more information, call (877) 627-6724 or visit www.ncsymphony.org.

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The Lighting of the Trees

The Village of Pinehurst Christmas Tree Lighting celebration will take place on Friday, December 1, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The festivities will include hay rides through the Village center, musical entertainment and photo ops with Santa. The Christmas tree lighting is at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Please bring canned goods and non-perishable items for the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. The fun takes place at Tufts Memorial Park, 1 Village Green Road W., Pinehurst. Kirk Tours will provide free shuttle service from the Village Hall, 395 Magnolia Road. Info: (910) 295-1900.

If you miss Santa in Pinehurst on the 1st, be at the Depot in Historic Downtown Aberdeen Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 7, at 6 p.m. Santa is sure to make an appearance there, as well. For more information, call (910) 944-7275.

The Murphy Family Christmas Show

The Murphy Family will be back at the Sunrise Theater on Sunday, December 10, at 3 p.m. Expect to hear American popular standards, jazz, rock, and gospel-inspired Christmas arrangements as Paul Murphy and his family carry on a Pinehurst tradition that Paul and his father started decades ago. Cost: $18 general admission; $15 children 12 and under; and $22 VIP. Sunrise Theater, 250 NW Broad St., Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 692-3611 or visit sunrisetheater.com.

Spiderella on the Shelf

Written and illustrated by Southern Pines residents, Romey Petite and Laurel Holden, Spiderella is the first book in a three-part series about Eleanor, the girl who could sew faster than any seamstress in the kingdom — thanks to the secrets she learned from her friends, the spiders. Trapped in an attic and forced by her boss, Minerva, to work without pay, Eleanor has three days to make all the costumes for a birthday ball being thrown for the moody young prince.  With some help from the spiders and little bit of magic, Eleanor just might finish the costumes and manage her escape. Perfect for ages 7–10, Spiderella teaches young girls and boys to believe in their ideas and their own talents. Teased and misunderstood, Eleanor’s gifts take her soaring toward marvelous adventures. Spiderella is available at The Country Bookshop, 140 NW Broad Street, Southern Pines.

Homes for the Holidays

The Boyd House will be all dressed up for the Christmas Open House at Weymouth Center from Thursday, December 7, to Sunday, December 10. Take a walk through the 25 rooms and the stables decorated with live greenery artfully arranged by designers and community organizations. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and music in the Great Room. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are available at the Weymouth Center Office, Campbell House, Country Bookshop, Lady Bedford’s Tea Parlour, Given Memorial Library and Eloise Trading Co. The Weymouth Center is located at 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. For information and ticket prices, call (910) 692-6261 or visit www.weymouthcenter.org.

The Christmas Open House at the Shaw House will be Friday through Sunday, December 8, 9 and 10, from 1–4 p.m. Take a tour of the historic house, decorated as it would have been in the 1800s; and slip back in time with music, warm apple cider and homemade cookies. Peruse the Gift Shoppe for unique items and collectible treasures. Free admission. The Shaw House is located at 110 W. Morganton Road, Southern Pines. For information, call (910) 692-2051 or www.moorehistory.com.

The Episcopal Day School Candlelight Tour of Homes invites you into five historic houses on Sunday, December 10, from 1–5:30 p.m. Each dwelling will be decked out in holiday finery, unique in spirit and character. Tickets are $20 in advance in the Episcopal Day School office (340 E. Massachusetts Ave., Southern Pines) or at The Given Library, The Estate of Things, Country Bookshop, Lady Bedford’s Tea Parlour, Thyme & Place, and Eloise. Tickets will be $25 on the day of the event. For more information, call (910) 692-3492.

There Once Was a Girl from Aberdeen…

Fire up the Google rhyming tool. Against the advice of the wisest legal minds in Moore County, PineStraw magazine is soliciting your finest, original, unpublished Valentine’s Day–themed limericks. The best of breed, after being subjected to the grueling, gimlet-eyed scrutiny of a Blue Ribbon committee (think Pabst), will appear either in the pages of the February edition or in the dumpster behind Chef Warren’s. We’ll rely on the good taste and discretion of the citizenry at large to keep both the libidinous and libelous content to an absolute minimum. Deadline for all submissions is January 1, though we feel certain we’ll be able to recognize the ones written late on the evening of December 31st. Email your best efforts to:  pinestrawpitch@gmail.com.

11th Annual Reindeer Fun Run

A community event for everyone from serious runners to recreational walkers, families and pets. The 5k Reindeer Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, December 2 begins at 9:30 a.m. and curves through Aberdeen’s historic downtown neighborhoods with rolling hills and wide turns. The 12ks of Christmas Run beginning at 9 a.m. incorporates the 5k route along with a scenic tour of Bethesda and the Malcolm Blue Farm. Both courses finish on a sloping downhill toward downtown and the historic Union Station. For kids, the 1/2 Mile Egg Nog Jog & Kids Zone at 10:30 a.m. is a holiday must and fan favorite. All proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills. For more information, www.reindeerfunrun.com.

A Medieval Frolic

The lords and ladies of the Congregational Church of Pinehurst invite you to their 4th Annual Madrigal Dinner on Friday, December 8, or Saturday, December 9, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. You will be entertained by choristers, jokesters, dancers and raconteurs. The Peasant’s Repast will include homemade stew, vegetable soup, hearty breads and apple crisp. Costumes are welcome, but not required. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12 and are available at Given Outpost and The Country Bookshop, or from Nancy at (910) 695-6727. Advance purchase required. The festivities take place at the church, located at 895 Linden Road, Pinehurst. For more information, contact Anne at (910) 639-9096 or  www.youarewelcomehere.org.

The Holiday Parades

Saturday, December 2, from 11 a.m.–12 p.m.: The Annual Southern Pines Holiday Parade features local marching bands, festive activities and an appearance from Santa Claus! The parade begins at Vermont Ave. and proceeds down the west side of Broad St. in the historic district of Downtown Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 315-6508.

Saturday, December 9, from 11 a.m.–12 p.m.: The Aberdeen Christmas Parade will proceed through historic downtown Aberdeen. For more information, call (910) 944-7275.

Saturday, December 9, at 1 p.m.: Head over to Southern Pines for the delightful Christmas Carriage Parade. Members of the Moore County Driving Club decorate their horses and carriages for this annual ride through the historic district of downtown Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 639-2359.

The Rooster’s Wife

Rounding out the season’s delights
are these stellar performances:
Sunday, Dec. 3: Celebrate the season with a very special evening of bluegrass performed by Joe Newberry, prize-winning guitarist, fiddler, banjo-player and singer; and the captivating April Verch, a champion fiddler and step dancer. $20.

Friday, Dec. 8: Keeping themselves in the best of company, Anthony da Costa and Kimber Ludiker are usually found on stage with Sarah Jarosz and Della Mae, respectively. Huge guitar and fiddle chops underpin great songs on this rare duo show. $10.

Sunday, Dec. 10: Jonathan Byrd and Corin Raymond tell stories with their guitar, mandolin and fascinating words. The poetry in their songs will open your mind and your heart to amazing possibilities. $20.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and music begins at 6:46 at the Poplar Knight Spot, 114 Knight St., Aberdeen. Prices given above are advance sale. For more information, call (910) 944-7502 or visit www.theroosterswife.org for tickets.

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Pinehurst Live After 5

On Friday, Sept. 8, the band Punch is returning to the village of Pinehurst, with its high-energy sound that features a horn section and multiple lead vocalists. Bring a picnic basket, lawn chairs and blankets, and get comfortable under the pines for an evening of ’70s funk, Motown and today’s hits. Food, beer, wine, water and sodas will be available for purchase, but no outside alcoholic beverages are permitted. This event is free and open to the public and takes place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Tufts Memorial Park, 1 Village Green Road West, Pinehurst. Info: (910) 295-1900 or 295-2817.

The Rooster’s Wife 

Warm, witty and inviting, this month’s lineup of jazz, bluegrass, folk and pop will bring you home — whatever that means for you.

Friday, Sept. 8: Randall Bramblett, one of the South’s most lyrical and literate songwriters, brings his full band for this CD release party. $20.

Sunday, Sept. 10: Chaise Lounge, equal parts dry wit and dry martini, brings its sparkling arrangements of standards and original tunes, featuring the soft, luminous vocals of Marilyn Older. $20.

Sunday, Sept. 17: Dry Branch Fire Squad, the house band of the renowned Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, plays aggressively traditional bluegrass music. $15.

Sunday, Sept. 24: Stray Local (Hannah Lomas and Jamie Rowen). This band is a folk celebration, an invitation to dance, a reminder of why the South is known for music that makes you feel at home. Australian blues woman Anne McCue will open the show. $15.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and music begins at 6:46 at the Poplar Knight Spot, 114 Knight St., Aberdeen. Prices given above are advance sale. For more information, call (910) 944-7502 or visit www.theroosterswife.org for tickets.

The Carolina Philharmonic Opens Its Ninth Season

Maestro David Michael Wolff promises an exhilarating 2017/18 season, which opens on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in Owens Auditorium with a program featuring a repertoire of nature-inspired symphonic masterworks. The selections include Debussy’s “La Mer”, Beethoven’s “Pastorale Symphony” and Grofé’s “Grand Canyon Suite.” In the second half of the program, 16-year-old piano virtuoso George Harliono performs Rachmaninoff’s lushly romantic “Piano Concerto No. 2.”

This British prodigy made his concert debut at age 12 and has delighted audiences around the world, receiving rave reviews and winning numerous awards, including a full scholarship to The Royal College of Music. Tickets range from $11 to $30 and can be purchased at www.carolinaphil.org or one of the locations found on their website. Owens Auditorium is located at 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst.

Downtown Party Time

Come to downtown Southern Pines on Sunday, Oct. 1, for the inaugural Heritage Block Party, featuring the Embers with Craig Woolard, to
celebrate the grand opening of the Heritage Flag Company’s retail location at 230 S. Bennett St. From 1 to 6 p.m., the whole block on Bennett Street between Massachusetts and New York avenues will be shut down for a fun-filled afternoon perfect for the whole family.

The party starts with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1 p.m., followed by an open house in the Heritage Flag retail store from 1 to 3 p.m. A raffle to benefit the Military Missions
in Action will be held around 4:30 and will feature thousands of dollars worth of prizes. The Embers will play from 3 to 6 p.m. as you enjoy games for kids, food trucks and beer from Southern Pines Brewery. For more information, call (910) 725-1540.

Meet Author Jason Reynolds

On Wednesday, Sept. 6, Jason Reynolds will be at The Country Bookshop at 4 p.m. to introduce his new novel, Patina, the second in the Track series, about a middle-school track team with an eye on the Junior Olympics. The first in the series, Ghost, was a National Book Award Finalist for Young People’s Literature and introduced readers to a fast young runner who is slowed down by his past. Patina, an African-American girl and the newcomer to the team, is a good runner with a bad attitude — brought on by early tragedy and lingering fears. When the astute coach puts her on the relay team, she has to change her attitude to win. This young-adult novelist can tell stories that touch the heart of “any-agers.” The Country Bookshop is located at 140 NW Broad St., Southern Pines. Call (910) 692-3211 for more information.

Remembering Marshall

On Thursday, Sept. 21, the Given Memorial Library and Tufts Archives presents Part II of its 2017 Colloquium. The Carolina Hotel will host this special presentation, “Celebrating the Life of General George C. Marshall,” with a reception and dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Cardinal Ballroom. Two wonderful speakers will bring the former Pinehurst resident’s story to life. General Michael J. Meese (BG, U.S. Army, Retired) will focus on Marshall’s distinguished military career, and Rachel Yarnell Thompson will talk about the consummate public servant who answered his nation’s call to service, rebuilding Europe after World War II. Tickets are $70 per person and are available at www.giventufts.org or the Given Memorial Library. The Carolina Hotel is located at 80 Carolina Vista Drive, Pinehurst. Call (910) 295-6022 for more information.

American Impressionism in HD

The Sunrise Theater will present The Artist’s Garden: American Impressionism, on Thursday, Sept. 21. This film, directed by Phil Grabsky and narrated by Gillian Anderson, features the sell-out exhibition “The Artist’s Garden: American Impressionism and the Garden Movement, 1887–1920,” which began at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and ended at the Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme, Connecticut.

The film takes you to studios, gardens and iconic locations throughout the United States, United Kingdom and France as it tells the story of the American Impressionist movement, which took its lead from French artists like Renoir and Monet, but followed its own path, revealing as much about America as a nation as it does about its art. The story reflects America’s love of gardens and a desire to preserve nature in a rapidly urbanizing nation. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., the film begins at 10:30 am. Tickets are $15. The Sunrise Theater is located at 250 NW Broad St., Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 692-8501 or 692-3611 or visit sunrisetheater.com.

One Night Only

On Tuesday, Sept. 12, the Sunrise Theater will screen May It Last, a Portrait of the Avett Brothers, a music documentary. Directors Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio use the recording of the band’s ninth album, True Sadness, as a backdrop to provide an intimate look at the lifelong bond and creative partnership of band members Scott and Seth Avett, Bob Crawford and Joe Kwon. As well as chronicling the band’s rise to fame, the film follows the history of their personal lives and the challenges of navigating the music industry. It has been called “a meditation on family, love and the passage of time.” Show times are 5:15 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $16. The Sunrise Theater is located at 250 NW Broad St., Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 692-8501 or 692-3611 or visit sunrisetheater.com.

A Tribute to the Eagles

Take it easy and slip back into the ’70s as Vision 4 Moore presents the 7 Bridges Band: The Ultimate Eagles Experience. On Saturday, Sept.16, come hear all the Don Henley and Joe Walsh songs you love, performed with stunning accuracy in this tribute to one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time. Expect surprises. Tickets range from $15–$35, and profits will be shared equally with non-profit partners: Caring Hearts For Kids Of Moore, Meals on Wheels of the Sandhills and The MIRA Foundation, USA. The band performs from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Lee Auditorium, Pinecrest High School, located at 250 Voit Gilmore Lane in Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 365-9890 or visit www.vision4moore.com.

Hometown Boy Makes Good as Operatic Baritone

After graduating from Union Pines High School, Lucas Meachem went on to study music at Appalachian State University and Yale University. He became an Adler fellow with the San Francisco Opera and subsequently an international performer, sought after for his commanding presence, charisma and lyric baritone. He has performed across the United States and Europe in such operas as The Barber of Seville, La Bohème and Don Pasquale.

On Monday, Sept. 11, The Arts Council of Moore County welcomes Lucas home to give a concert as part of its Classical Concert Series at the Sunrise Theater. His performance is at 8 p.m. For non-series subscribers, the cost of this performance is $30. The Sunrise Theater is located at 250 NW Broad St., Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 692-8501 or 692-2787 or visit sunrisetheater.com.

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Carolina Peach Festival

The 21st Annual N.C. Peach Festival begins Friday, July 14, in Candor at 6:30 p.m. with the Peachy Feet 5K. On Saturday, July 15, at 8:30 a.m. there’s a peach-cooking contest at Town Hall before lining up for the parade at 10 a.m. on Main Street. Then take a helicopter ride for an overview of beautiful Montgomery County. With your feet back on the ground, move to the music of Jim Quick & Coastline, the Sand Band, Rockin’ Acoustix, and Big Bang Boom. Take part in fun activities for all ages — everything from camel rides to karaoke, bungee trampoline, miniature train rides, petting zoo and more. And don’t miss meeting the 2017 Peach Queen. Admission is free. Fitzgerald Park, Candor. Info: (910) 974-4221 or ncpeachfestival.com.

Fireworks, Festivals, and Fun for All on the 4th of July

The Village of Pinehurst offers a daylong celebration, starting with its annual Independence Day Parade at 10 a.m., followed by the patriotic pet contest, an antique car display and Sandhills Farmers Market in the Pinehurst Village Center and Tufts Memorial Park, 1 Village Green Road W. At 2 p.m., slip into the Grand Ballroom of the Carolina Hotel, 80 Carolina Vista Dr., for the Moore County Concert Band’s rousing and entertaining performance of Sousa marches and patriotic favorites. And, at 6 p.m., the fun continues at the Pinehurst Harness Track, 200 Beulah Hill Road S, with a free concert, children’s activities and fireworks celebration.

The Town of Aberdeen is also offering an evening of live entertainment, food vendors, and activities including a rock climbing wall, an inflatable slide and bounce houses. Something for all ages, starting at 5 p.m. at Aberdeen Lake Park, 301 Lake Park Crossing.

Fort Bragg celebrates with musical acts, parachute free-fall demonstrations, a flag ceremony, fireworks, food and beverages from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Main Post Parade Field 11, 25 Capron St., on the base.

For information on all of these events, visit www.explorepinehurst.com or consult your PineStraw Arts and Entertainment Calendar.

Tea with Trigiani

On Monday, July 17, The Country Bookshop invites you to Thyme and Place Café for tea, tiramisu and to visit with New York Times best-selling author Adriana Trigiani, whose previous books include The Shoemaker’s Wife. She will be discussing her new book, Kiss Carlo, the epic story of an Italian-American family in 1949 in South Philadelphia, whose peace and prosperity is threatened by a decades-long feud. At the story’s center is young Nicky Castone and his struggle to fulfill his dreams while holding on to the family he cherishes.

This ticketed event will be at the Thyme and Place Café, 155 Hall Ave., Southern Pines, from 3 to 4:15 p.m. The cost is $42, which includes an autographed copy of the book, tea, and treats. Tickets are available online and at The Country Bookshop. For more information, call (910) 692-3211.

Something Moore

On Friday, July 14 and Saturday July 15, The Arts Council of Moore County will be holding its popular Arts Council Treasure Chest Sale and Fundraiser. Come and find a treasure among the antiques, art, jewelry, pottery, china, silver, furniture and other collectibles featured this year. When you purchase your special item, you’ll be supporting Arts Council’s programs throughout Moore County.

You can donate items until July 13, so there’s still time to let one or more of your old treasures become someone else’s new treasure. The sale will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Campbell House Galleries, 482 E Connecticut Ave. in Southern Pines. For more information and pickups, call (910) 692-2787 or email katherine@mooreart.org.

First Friday

You just might feel like you’re in New Orleans when you come downtown on Friday, July 7, as First Friday welcomes The New Breed Brass Band. This 9-man, New Orleans band blends funk, rock, jazz, and hip-hop with the second-line, brass band tradition, a style that has been called the quintessential New Orleans art form. Enjoy good food, beverages and entertainment at this family-friendly event, beginning at 5 p.m. It is free and open to the public, but please don’t bring your dogs. The First Bank Stage at the Sunrise is located at 250 NW Broad St. in Southern Pines. For more information call (919) 692-8501.

Interpreting the Qur’an

On Thursday, July 13, at 3:30 p.m., retired U.S. Army Foreign Area Officer Jason Criss Howk will be at The Given Memorial Library, at 150 Cherokee Road in Pinehurst to talk about Islam, Islamism and the contents of the holy book of Islam. Howk is the author of the recently released book, The Qur’an: A Chronological Modern English Interpretation. Much of Howk’s career focused on South Asia and the Middle East, and he teaches courses and leads discussions about Islam across the country. This presentation will be repeated at 7 p.m. at the Outpost/Given Book Shop, 95 Cherokee Road, Pinehurst. Both are free and open to the public. For more information, call Lisa at (910) 295-7002.

The Rooster’s Wife

Sunday, July 2: Shawn Camp, preeminent Americana and country songwriter and lead singer of the Earls of Leicester, is bringing his full band. $20.

Sunday, July 9: The Sunday Exchange presents I Draw Slow, Ireland’s answer to Americana. This five-piece, Dublin roots string band finds new, folksy grooves in old-time Appalachian song. Admission is free to this event, next door to the Artists League of the Sandhills, 129 Exchange St., in Aberdeen.

Sunday, July 16: The Sam Frazier Band performs stellar guitar licks and funky bluesy songs for listening and dancing. Poet, songwriter, and journalist Molly McGinn opens the show in a big way. $10.

Sunday, July 23: The Brother Brothers and Che Apalache perform. The Brother Brothers really are brothers, and their familial connection comes through in the music. Rich harmonies and thoughtful songs accompanied by guitar, cello, violin and banjo. $15.

Friday, July 28: The Louisiana Soul Revival delivers the soul, blues and funk music of Louisiana with a 6-piece band fronted by National Blues Hall of Fame and Louisiana Music Hall of Fame inductee, Doug Duffey. This is a Friday Night Dance Party. $20.

Sunday, July 30: The Rooster’s Wife celebrates the end of the season with a special appearance in honor of a milestone. Patrick Fuller and his dad, Craig, of Pure Prairie League and Little Feat fame, open the show. They are followed by Wild Ponies, featuring the magnetic chemistry of husband-and-wife duo Doug and Telisha Williams. $20.

Ticket prices listed above are in advance. All shows are at 6:46 p.m. and, except for the Sunday Exchange, take place at The Poplar Knight Spot, 114 Knight St. in Aberdeen. For more information call (910) 944-7502.

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Sunrise Classic Series

On Thursday, June 8, at 7 p.m., the Sunrise Theater kicks off its Summer Classic Series with its first film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, about King Arthur and his knights on a low budget, obstacle-ridden search for the Grail. On Thursday, June 15, at 7:30 p.m., Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971), about a boy who encounters strange adventures at a candy factory; on Thursday, June 22, at 7:30 p.m., High Noon (1952), when a marshall faces a deadly enemy with no help from his town. And on Thursday, June 29, at 7:30 p.m., Weird Science (1985) a sci-fi comedy about two high school nerds who attempt to create the perfect woman. Cost: $6. Doors open at 6:30. The Sunrise Theater is located at 250 NW Broad St., Southern Pines. (910) 692-8501 or sunrisetheater.com.

Carousel in Concert

On Thursday and Friday, June 29 and 30, at 7:30 p.m., the Sandhills Broadway Series and Touching Humanity, Inc., presents Carousel in Concert, a semi-staged theatrical event. With minimal sets, a cast headed by Broadway actors Tony Capone, Jennifer Swiderski, Zachary Prince and Elysia Jordan will enact the story of carousel barker Billy Bigelow and the naive millworker he loves. Things go awry, and he gets one heavenly chance to make things right. Together with an 18-piece orchestra, a Sandhills-based chorus and local youth talent, they will perform the entire inspirational score, including “If I Loved You” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” The show is presented at Lee Auditorium, 250 Voit Gilmore Lane, Southern Pines. Proceeds from this performance will help promote arts in the schools of Moore County. Info and tickets: www.touchinghumanityinc.org or (910) 692-6554.

Blues-n-Brews Festival

The 15th annual Blues-n-Brews Festival takes place on Saturday, June 3, at Festival Park in downtown Fayetteville. Mark McKinney & Co., an acoustic trio from Pembroke, plays the blues from 5 to 6:30 p.m.; soulful blues singer Tullie Brae on the main stage from 6:45–8:15 p.m.; and Elliott and the Untouchables will be jamming from 8:30–10 p.m. Over 30 breweries from all across the U.S. will be represented. Gates open at 4 p.m. for VIP and 5 p.m. for General Admission. All proceeds support Cape Fear Regional Theatre. Buy tickets online or at CFRT Box Office. (910) 323-4233. Festival Park is located at 335 Ray Avenue, Fayetteville.

Lunch with a Little History

The Country Bookshop is hosting Dr. Jennifer Ritterhouse at a speaking luncheon in the Cardinal Ballroom at The Country Club of North Carolina on Saturday, June 10 at 12 p.m. to discuss her new book Discovering the South: One Man’s Travels through a Changing America in the 1930s. The book explores the politics and culture of a crucial period in U.S. history by following North Carolina newspaper editor Jonathan Daniels on a sweeping tour of the South in 1937. Discovering the South examines a variety of interrelated topics including the impact of the New Deal; the literary and intellectual history of the Southern Renaissance; the race, class and gender dynamics of the Scottsboro case; and the planters’ and industrialists’ violent responses to labor organizing. Dr. Ritterhouse is a graduate of Harvard University with advanced degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is the author of Growing Up Jim Crow: How Black and White Southern Children Learned Race. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at www.thecountrybookshop.biz or at The Country Bookshop.

Wildlings: Bug Hunt

Insects are some of the most numerous and diverse creatures in the world. Come out to Weymouth Woods on Saturday, June 24, and join a park ranger on a hunt to discover some of the insects that live there. The ranger will show you safe ways to catch, observe and release them. Wildlings is a new Exploration Series for Kids ages 6 through 10. Meet at the Welcome Center at 10 a.m. for the hike. Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve, 1024 Fort Bragg Road, Southern Pines. Info: (910) 692-2167.

Shakespeare in the Pines

How do you make two people who detest each other fall in love? Tell each that the other is in love with them! And if you want to see how much fun that can be, come see Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare’s witty comedy about the manipulations of matchmaking.

Pinehurst Parks & Recreation is sponsoring the inaugural production of the Shakespeare in the Pines Festival, presented in the outdoor intimacy of Tufts Memorial Park by locally owned Uprising Theatre Company. Owner Jonathan Drahos, associate professor and director of Theatre at UNC Pembroke, invites you to enjoy the performance for free, or purchase a VIP table for four near the stage at $300 that includes gourmet cheeses, crackers, prosciutto, a bottle of wine and a special meet and greet with the cast, including Natalie Graham and Caleb Kneip (whose credits include appearances with the Rubicon Theater Company in Ventura, California), the finest local talent and Dr. Drahos himself. Friday through Sunday, June 2–4 — VIP tables June 2 only. Opening at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 at 150 Cherokee Road, Pinehurst. (541) 631-8241 or www.uprisingtheatrecompany.com.

The Sunday Exchange

The Town of Aberdeen and the Rooster’s Wife are joining forces to build community through the exchange of ideas, art and entertainment. The Sunday Exchanges feature free concerts, food trucks and community groups gathering on the green space adjacent to the Artists League of the Sandhills. The first Sunday Exchange takes place on Sunday, June 11, and features the band Ranky Tanky. This Charleston quintet has updated the Gullah tradition of the Georgia/Carolina coastal islands with gospel vocals, jazz trumpet solos and an R&B rhythm section. Doors open at 6 p.m. Bring your own cup to minimize single use containers for Southern Pines Brewing products, coffee from Swank and fresh water supplied on-site. One Nine Drive, the Goodie Jar and the Market Place will be on hand serving dinner. The Artists League is located at 129 Exchange St., Aberdeen. For more information, call (910) 944-7502 of visit theroosterswife.org.

Who’s a Good Dog?

Is there something about your dog that is unique, clever, or just plain cute? Give it a chance to show off at the Walthour-Moss Foundation Fun Dog Show on Saturday, June 10. You can enter your dog(s) in one or many of the classes, which include Best Trick, Best Coiffed, Best Rescue, and Best in Show. There will be prizes and ribbons for each class. Come out for the fun of it and enjoy this beautiful nature preserve, which your $5 entry fee (per class) will help maintain. Registration at 8 a.m. or online during week prior. Show starts at 9 a.m. at Lyell’s Meadow, 225 Mile Away Lane, Southern Pines. For a list of classes and more information, call (910) 695-7811 or visit www.walthour-moss.org.

The Rooster’s Wife

More than a little bit of country and a lot of jazz and rhythm and blues, a rollicking good time awaits you at the Rooster’s Wife this month.

Sunday, June 4: Less is More JAZZ band members turn their versatile and virtuoso musical gaze on everything from Irving Berlin to The Cars, with bold arrangements that pierce the heart and pique the intellect. $15.

Friday, June 9: Side Car Social Club, a stylish and versatile five-piece jazz ensemble from Raleigh, performs speakeasy jazz, vintage R&B, real country and modern pop. $10.

Sunday, June 18: Instrumental group Sons of Pitches performs cowboy jazz. $15.

Sunday, June 25: The Jack Grace Band performs experimental country art rock with cowboy grit. $15.

Friday, June 30. Singer/songwriters Bill West and Abigail Dowd pair up on the stage to play some acoustic guitar and sing some bluesy songs. $10.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and music begins at 6:46 at the Poplar Knight Spot, 114 Knight St., Aberdeen. For more information, call (910) 944-7502 or visit www.theroosterswife.org for tickets. Prices above are advance sale.

Remembering Our Past

This month’s Gathering at Given treats you to a spirited re-enactment of the Revolutionary War. Historical re-enactor Colonel Trent Carter, dressed in historical attire, will take you back in time as he describes major characters and events of the period. Trent, a retired U.S. Army colonel, is a frequent participant in re-enactments at the House in the Horseshoe and a volunteer at the Given Book Shop. See his performance at 3:30 p.m. at Given Memorial Library, 150 Cherokee Road, or at 7 p.m. at Given Outpost, 95 Cherokee Road, Pinehurst. Free and open to the public. (910) 585-4820 or 295-6022.

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The Rooster’s Wife

The Rooster’s Wife May lineup bursts into spring with high energy and vitality.

Sunday, May 7: Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, blending contemporary bluegrass with classic ’60s and ’70s country music, are the real deal. $20.

Friday, May 12: Laney Jones and the Spirits. Jones is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose music reflects modern folk rock as well a style that’s all her own. $10.

Sunday, May 14: Haas Kowert Tice. With fiddle, guitar and upright bass, these exciting instrumentalists create unique melodies in the tradition of American roots music. $15.

Sunday, May 21: Two favorite songbirds, N.C.’s own Laurelyn Dossett of Triad Stage fame, and Red Molly’s namesake, Molly Venter, bring their newest work to the Poplar Knight Spot. $15.

Friday, May 26: Dark Water Rising is a Native American group with an indie rock/blues sound. $10.

Sunday, May 28: Front Country, a progressive roots/pop acoustic band from San Francisco, features mandolin, guitar, bass, violin, and amazing vocals. $15.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and music begins at 6:46 at the Poplar Knight Spot, 114 Knight St., Aberdeen. For more information, call (910) 944-7502 or visit www.theroosterswife.org for tickets. Prices above are advance sale.

For Your Summer Reading Pleasure

On Thursday, May 25, at 5 p.m., The Country Bookshop welcomes Phaedra Patrick, author of The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper. Patrick will discuss her new novel, Rise & Shine, Benedict Stone, in which the title character is a middle-aged English man stuck in a rut and out of touch, similar to the protagonist of her first novel. Redemption comes through the charms of a hidden bracelet in her first novel. In the new one, it is a bag of gems. Both books are treasures. This event is free and open to the public. The Country Bookshop is located at 140 NW Broad St., Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 692-3211.

Life’s Layers

The Arts Council of Moore County is showcasing works this month by Deborah Kline and Tommy B. McDonell, who are hosting the Opening Night Reception from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, May 5, at the Campbell House Galleries. The exhibition runs from May 5 to 26. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, the gallery is located at 482 E Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 692-2787 or visit mooreart.org.

Polocrosse in the Pines

The Carolina Polocrosse Club invites you to an action-packed tournament weekend featuring equine and human athletes. Polocrosse, which dates back hundreds of years to Persia and its sister sport of polo, resembles the American Indian game of lacrosse on horseback. Players catch, carry, and throw a ball with their racquets. The CPC is one of the largest in the country, with top-notch players and coaches who compete internationally and participate in international exchanges. The Carolina Classic Tournement will be played at The Pinehurst Harness Track, 200 Beulah Hill Road S, on May 21 and 22, from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (910) 235-8456 or visit www.carolinapolocrosse.com.

Come Dance with Me

On Saturday, May 13, enjoy an evening under the stars at the historic Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities in the elegant tradition of the estate’s original owners and frequent hosts, James and Katherine Boyd. The Weymouth Heritage Affair Gala will include dining and dancing; Vegas-style entertainment, reminiscent of the Rat Pack; a silent auction of specially packaged Weymouth Experience items; and dance demonstrations by Carolina DanceWorks. The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $115 for members and active duty military, $125 for non-members. This evening is sponsored by The Pilot and PineStraw. The Weymouth Center is located at 555 E Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 692-6261 or weymouthcenter.org.

First Friday on a New Stage

Markus King Band – photo credit: Jacob Blickenstaff

On Friday, May 5, The Marcus King Band will kick off the First Friday 2017 Season and inaugurate the First Bank Stage, the Sunrise Theater’s new outdoor stage in the Sunrise Greenspace. Combining funky R&B, Southern soul and Americana played on brass, guitar and organ, Marcus King and his masterful musicians are quickly becoming one of the country’s most popular live acts. Starting at 5:30 p.m., enjoy food and beverages along with the entertainment at this family-friendly event, but no dogs, please! Admission is free. The Sunrise Greenspace is located at 250 NW Broad St., Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 692-8501 or visit firstfridaysouthernpines.com.

 A Comic Evening

Vision 4 Moore presents this show for the entire family on Friday, May 12. The evening will begin with young, local stand-up comic Caleb Elliott, who has performed his brand of good-natured, but edgy, comedy at stages across North Carolina, including Charley Goodnights in Raleigh. Caleb is followed by Steve Brogan, a stand-up comic ventriloquist who has performed with his “dummy” friends nationwide. Steve’s comedy is clean, crisp and suitable for any audience. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of. Profits to be equally shared with our non-profit partners: Caring Hearts For Kids Of Moore, Meals on Wheels of the Sandhills and The MIRA Foundation, USA. The show is from 7:30–9:30 p.m. onstage at The O’Neal School – Hannah Center, 3300 Airport Road, Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 365-9890 or visit explorepinehurst.com.

Cameron Antiques Fair —Rain or Shine!

Whether you are a serious antique shopper or a casual browser, you are sure to find something that strikes your fancy at the Cameron Antiques Fair. On Saturday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., more than 300 dealers will be displaying their antiques and collectibles in village shops and along the streets in the Historic District of Cameron, which is itself worth a visit. Built by railroad men, farmers, merchants and entrepreneurs in the late 19th Century, Cameron retains its turn-of-the-century character and village atmosphere. 485 Carthage St. (NC 24/NC 27). For more information, call (910) 245-3055 or (910) 245-3020, or antiquesofcameron.com.

Movie in the Pines

On Friday, May 12, The Town of Southern Pines presents Moana, a 2016 Disney computer-animated film, in which the daughter of a Polynesian chief must save her people from a blight; and on Friday, May 26, the film will be The Secret Life of Pets. The films run from 7:30 to 9 p.m., but bring a blanket or a chair and come early for good seating and to play some games before the screenings start. Concessions will be available on site. The movies are free to the public at Downtown Park, 145 SE Broad St., Southern Pines. For more information call (910) 692-7376 or visit
www.southernpines.net.

Live after 5

On Friday, May 12, The Village of Pinehurst presents The Embers at a special Live after 5 free concert in The Village Arboretum. The Embers will be performing beach music, a genre they have practically defined and one that bandleader Bobby Tomlinson refers to as “music with a memory.” Food trucks will be on-site with a great selection of sandwiches and desserts. Beer, wine, water and soft drinks will also be available for purchase. Picnic baskets are allowed, but outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Come out and enjoy the music and the memories — and maybe make a few. The Village Arboretum is located at 395 Magnolia Road in Pinehurst. For more information call (910) 295-1900 or visit pinehurstrec.org.

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100 Years of Jugtown

For 100 years, the Owens family has owned and operated Jugtown Pottery, a working pottery and American craft shop. The story of its founding and evolution have been told by Stephen C. Compton in his new book, Jugtown Pottery: 1917 — 2017 A Century of Art and Craft in Clay, released by John F. Blair, publisher. On Saturday, April 22, the Owens family will host a day-long celebration of Jugtown’s history and the book that tells it.

The shop opens at 8:30 a.m. with new pottery pieces from the wood and gas kilns, as well as fine crafts from many artisans. Activities are planned for the whole day and will include demonstrations, a book reading and signing, a Q & A session with author Stephen Compton and the Owens family, live music by local performer Momma Molasses, and food vendors. Buggytown Coffee will be on site with a wonderful variety of coffees, teas and goodies. Jugtown Pottery is located at 330 Jugtown Road, Seagrove. For more information, call (910) 464-3266 or visit jugtown@mindspring.com.

Earthly Delights

For your gardening pleasure, local plant sales are offering an abundance of horticultural treasures, rain or shine:

Saturday, April 8, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

The Weymouth Center Spring Plant Sale offers perennials, shrubs, trees, groundcovers, vines and herbs, from the Weymouth Estate and members’ gardens. The Garden White Elephant Sale will feature containers, books, baskets, tools and treasures of all sorts. Proceeds go to the Weymouth Center Gardens, 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. For information call (910) 692-6261 or visit weymouthcenter.org.

Saturday, April 8, from 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

The Sandhills Horticultural Society Plant Sale includes perennials, woody plants and bulbs and will take place at the Steed Hall (new horticultural building) area of Sandhills Community College, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. For information or to pre-order call (910) 695-3882.

Friday, April 21, 1–5 p.m. and Saturday, April 22, from 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

The Sandhills Community College Annual Bedding Plant Sale is selling annuals, herbs, tomatoes and pepper plants to benefit the student’s educational field trip. Order forms are available at the Ball Visitors Center or you can order by phone, (910) 695-3883/3882. Mail SCC-Landscape Gardening Dept., 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374. Email johnsond@sandhills.edu or fax (910) 695-3894. Pre-order to get the best selection. The sale will take place at the Steed Hall (new horticultural building) area of Sandhills Community College, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst.

Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

The Pinehurst Garden Club Plant Sale features local favorites. Profits provide a scholarship for a Sandhills Community College horticulture student and contribute to area beautification projects. To place an order, please visit www.pinehurstgardenclub.com or contact Janis McCullough at (910) 420-2208. Pick up your plants or shop at the sale at Pinehurst Fire Dept. Station 91, 405 Magnolia Road, Pinehurst. Info: (910) 420-1777.

Marshmallow Madness

The ninth annual Peeps Diorama Contest is on, and the Southern Pines Public Library invites you to let your imagination and sweet tooth run wild in creating a diorama that stars the Peeps marshmallow chicks and rabbits in a scene from your favorite book. Or for the digitally inclined, create a “Peep Show” video.   

The contest, sponsored by the Friends of the Library, is open to all ages, and prizes will be awarded by age group for best in show. Entries are limited to one per contestant for both the diorama and video contests and must be received by 5 p.m., Sunday, April 30. Find rules and entry forms online at www.sppl.net or at the library, 170 W. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines, open Monday — Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 2 to 5 p.m. Call (910) 692-8235 for more information or visit the website.

A Walk Through History

From the ancient cave paintings of Lascaux to the street murals of today, people around the world throughout time have used murals to express themselves. Denise Drum Baker, an artist and recently retired professor of visual arts at Sandhills Community College, will talk about murals as a means of freedom of expression, social activism and propaganda. Baker’s lecture, “If These Walls Could Talk,” is part of the Fine Arts Lecture Series presented by the Arts Council of Moore County and Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities. The lecture will take place on Thursday, April 6, at 5:30 p.m. A wine-and-cheese reception with Baker will follow. Both events are at 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. Cost to members is $11, $16 to nonmembers. Info: (910) 692-6261 or weymouthcenter.org.

The Joy of Broadway

On Saturday, April 8, The Carolina Philharmonic presents a Broadway cabaret, in which Maestro David Michael Wolff will introduce you to two of Broadway’s exciting entertainers in an intimate musical event replete with all the character, color and drama of the legendary Great White Way. There will be an afternoon performance at 3 p.m. and an evening performance at 7:30. Both performances will be at Sandhills Community College’s Owens Auditorium, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Tickets range from $11 to $60 and are available at www.carolinaphil.org. For more information, call (910) 687-0287.

Spring Scavenger Hunt

The Southern Pines Public Library and the Arts Council of Moore County invite children between the ages 3 and 12 to take part in a fitness-themed scavenger hunt on Monday, April 17, at the Campbell House playground. The scavenger hunt clues will lead the youngsters through some fun obstacles that will get participants of all ages up and moving as they hula-hoop, skip rope and crab walk to find eggs, prizes and fun. Top off the afternoon with a make-your-own-ice cream sundae. It all starts at 3 p.m., rain or shine, and is free and open to the public. The Campbell House is located at 482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 692-2787 or (910) 910-692-2463.

Meet the Beatles … Again

On Saturday, April 22, Vision 4 Moore presents the amazing Beatles tribute band “The Return,” performing songs that cover two eras of Beatles music. The first set will highlight the Ed Sullivan era, with “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” “A Hard Day’s Night,” and other early hits. For the second set, the band will dress in uniforms from the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album to perform songs like “Hello, Goodbye,” “Revolution,” and “Hey Jude.” Tickets are $15–$35, and profits from this event will benefit MIRA Foundation USA, Caring Hearts for Kids of Moore, and Meals on Wheels of the Sandhills. The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. at Lee Auditorium, Pinecrest High School, 250 Voit Gilmore Lane, Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 365-9890.

Live after 5

On Friday, April 14, The Legacy Motown Revue will take you back to the days of The Drifters, The Coasters, The Jackson 5, Earth Wind & Fire, The Temptations, and many more legendary icons. The concert is free for the entire family, and you can bring your own picnic basket, but no outside alcoholic beverages are permitted. Food trucks will be on-site with sandwiches, pizzas and desserts. Wine, beer, water and soft drinks will be available for purchase with the proceeds supporting local nonprofits. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs, blankets and dancing shoes! The music starts at 5:30 p.m. at Tufts Memorial Park, 1 Village Green Road W., Pinehurst. For more information, call (910) 295-2817 or visit vopnc.org.

A Russian Virtuoso in Concert

Classical guitarist Irina Kulikova was born in Chelyabinsk, Russia, where under the guidance of her mother, cellist Vinera Kulikova, she started developing her musicianship at an early age. At the age of 12, Kulikova began performing throughout Russia and abroad and graduated with distinction from the Mozarteum University in Salzburg (Austria), the Gnessins Academy in Moscow and the Conservatoire of Maastricht (The Netherlands). Treat yourself to this free concert on Tuesday, April 11, at 7 p.m. at Owens Auditorium, Sandhills Community College, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. For more information, call Ryan Book at (910) 695-3828.