NC Museum of Art Summer Concert & Movie Series: Entertainment under the stars

Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina at the Theater in the Museum Park.  It’s that time of year when the North Carolina Museum of Art presents their annual Summer Concert and Movie Series at their outdoor amphitheater under the open sky.  Showcasing legendary musical talent and critically acclaimed cinema, this season’s line up seems bent on giving you a reason to stay in town on the weekends. 

Tonight, the season opens most appropriately with The Swell Season, the Academy Award winning famed duo, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, touring on behalf of their new album, Strict Joy.  For the next three months, you can choose to share a night in the park with other renowned acts like Americana songstress Patty Griffin with Buddy Miller (Wed. 6/2), local gal gone big, Tift Merritt (Sat. 6/5), and the iconic, Grammy Award winning Joan Baez (Sun. 8/1) just to name a few. 

If it’s film that floats your boat, then mark several of these noteworthy flicks on your calendar:  (500) Days of Summer (Fri. 6/11), Up in the Air (Sat. 6/26), Julie & Julia (Fri. 7/23), Fantastic Mr. Fox (Sat. 8/14), The Big Lebowski (Fri. 8/20).

All events during the Summer Concert and Movie Series are family-friendly, but there are certainly highlights especially geared for the kids.  Back by popular demand is Dan Zanes and Friends (Sun. 8/15), bringing to life his merry interpretations of Broadway tunes in a kid-friendly contemporary style off his latest CD, 76 Trombones.  The season wraps with North Carolina’s celebrated Paperhand Puppet Intervention, combining myth, pageantry and original live music in two animated performances (Fri. 9/10, Sat. 9/11).  

In addition to the entertainment on the stage and giant movie screen, the Museum Park itself, set on 164 acres, is an attraction on its own.  Find fields, woodlands, and creeks dotted with permanent and temporary works of three dimensional sculptures to capture the curious eye prior to enjoying the show.  Also, on Friday nights, the Museum is open until 9pm, so if you haven’t yet had a chance to see the spectacular new West Building, then there is another reason to head to the Museum grounds early as a prelude to your Theater in the Museum Park plans.

The intimate amphitheater holds approximately 2,700 people with reserved seating capped at 450 seats.  All lawn tickets are general admission, so bring a blanket or chairs and stake your claim – gates open two hours prior to showtime.   Food and beverages (beer, wine, and non-alcoholic) are available for purchase, but visitors are welcomed to bring their own picnic and sealed non-alcoholic beverages along as well.  Prices vary depending on the concert, while all films are $4 general admission for adults and free for NCMA members and children 6 and under.  Here, value and relaxed fun under the stars paints a pretty summer picture.

HelloRaleigh Tip:  Be sure to check www.ncartmuseum.org for updated concert and film schedules, prices and showtimes.  If you like what you see, consider purchasing a yearly membership – it may save you money in the long run, and now would be the time to take full advantage of all the discounts.

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