By Kay Whatley (Editor) and Shelly Gray (Nash Arts )
In recent years, the Nash Arts Center has been the site of A Christmas Carol, Nash County’s Got Talent, You Wouldn’t Expect, and many local musicians and artists. Plans in the works for 2017 include stage plays, band events, and fundraisers, all utilizing local talent.
The Nash Arts Center building’s story began over 100 years ago; it was built as a Baptist Church built in 1914. In the 1980s, a group of citizens saved the now-crumbling building from demolition, fixed it up and dusted it off, and began hosting a few arts programs. By the new millenium, plays and programs were offered year-round.
Today, operated by the nonprofit Nash County Arts Council, the building is the site of numerous performances, works of art, and a beacon for local talent. The Nash County Arts Council “showcases local, regional and national artists, professional and emerging, as well as self-taught artists and craftsmen. Our goal is to reach out to all members of our community.”
The Nash Arts Center is located at 100 E Washington Street, Nashville NC (Nash County). Walk by to see this unique structure, or pick up a ticket for one of the events to experience local arts from the inside.
The full NashArts calendar is online at www.nasharts.org/events.html. For more information on events, including those below, contact Director Shelly Gray at 252.459.4734.
Nick Schnebelen Band
Come enjoy the music at this Nashville Showcase Event, scheduled for Friday, February 10, 2017, starting at 7pm.
Tickets are $15 each in advance, or $20 at the door. Nash County Arts Council members may purchase tickets at reduced prices: $13 in advance or $18 at the door.
The Nick Schnebelen Band performance is sponsored by the Nash County Tourism Development Authority & DoubleTree by Hilton of Rocky Mount. Tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets.
Guitars & Friends
Guitars and Friends is a musical group comprised of eastern NC musicians. They will perform at the Nash Arts Center on Saturday, February 18, 2017, 7pm.
Tickets are $13 in advance or $15 at the door, Nash Arts member discounts are applied according to level of membership. Purchase tickets here.
Dancing with the Arts Fundraiser
On Friday, February 24, 2017, 7pm, this fundraising event returns for its fourth year. Come and enjoy the dancing and support local arts programs. Admission tickets are $16 (here). It is recommended that admission tickets be purchased in advance, as they may sell out.
Because this event is a fundraiser, bid tickets will be available for $1 each for those interested in casting a vote. Come and vote for your favorite couple in this dance competition. This year’s dancers include:
- Tom & Melanie Bashore: Nashville Police Department, Town of Nashville
- Mark & Lisa Carpenter: Anytime Towing & Recovery
- Trevor & Tiffany Delano: Rocky Mount Farm Bureau, Junior Guild of Rocky Mount
- Jason & Ashley Edwards: Nashville Fire Department
- Dick & Kelly Jenkins: Carolina Physical Therapy
- Casey & Brittany Pierce: Life Care Hospital of NC, Adam’s Welder Repair, Electrical Services & Solutions
The couple with the most bids at the end of the competition wins! Bidding is already open, and $1 bids will be accepted now through the competition day (February 24).
Social Paint Party Class
Come for the evening and bring friends; supplies are provided. Tickets are $35 per person, discounted to $30 for Nash Arts Members.
Instructed by Kim Valentine, this special event is Monday, February 27, 2017, 6-9pm. Be sure to register by the deadline, February 13, 2017. Call 252.459.4734 to register.
More about the instructor may be found at colorfulspirits.com.
BPW Nashville Opry
Scheduled for Friday, March 3, 2017, beginning at 6:30pm, tickets will only be available at the door. Admission tickets will be $10.
This fundraiser supports the Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) Club of Nashville NC. More details will be released by the Nash County Arts Council and BPW (www.bpw-nc.org) as the event date approaches.
Spring Play Auditions
Bring your local talent to Nash Arts Performances by auditioning for upcoming plays. Audition dates are Tuesday, March 7, 2017, and Thursday, March 9, 2017. Both dates, auditions begin at 7pm.
Watch for audition calls and updates on the Nash Arts Facebook page, or call the center at 252.459.4734.
Bryan Mayer
This performance is a Nashville Showcase Event, sponsored by Nash County Tourism Development Authority. Come and enjoy music by Bryan Mayer on Friday, March 10, 2017, 7pm.
Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Nash Arts Members may purchase discounted tickets for $13 in advance or $15 at the door. Tickets may be purchased on this Brown Paper Tickets link.
Denim & Diamonds Gala Fundraiser
Be entertained by the Triangle Blues Band at this catered event Friday, March 17, 2017, 6-9pm. Enjoy the food and music, plus guests may participate in live and silent auctions during the Gala.
Tickets are $30 for individual, or $55 per couple. Contact Nash Arts at 252.459.4734 for more details on the “Denim and Diamonds Gala” tickets.
Bill Lyerly Band
Close out the month with the Bill Lyerly Band on Thursday, March 30, 2017, 8pm.
Tickets are $13 in advance or $15 at the door. Nash Arts member discounts are applied according to level of membership. Purchase tickets here.
More about the band may be found at www.billlyerly.com.
