I heART Hickory
Art. Music. Theatre. Film. Dance. Culture. When it comes to the arts, there’s a lot to love in Hickory. Join us this September as we celebrate our Hickory brand partners and the arts with a great lineup of events and performances throughout the month that will have you agreeing...I heART Hickory.
A CHORUS LINE
This iconic concept musical dives into the tension and heart of a Broadway audition, revealing the hopes and struggles of professional performers through nonstop powerhouse numbers. A Chorus Line—winner of the Pulitzer Prize—redefined Broadway with its blend of song, dance, and raw, authentic storytelling. Catch performances at the Hickory Community Theatre on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Thursday (Sept. 10) at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., Aug. 28 through Sept. 12. Visit www.HickoryTheatre.org for more information.
HICKORY MUSEUM OF ART PREVIEW PARTY & GRAND REOPENING
Hickory Museum of Art celebrates its year-long transformation with a special Preview Party on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 7 p.m. Designer Charles Harbison and Executive Director Clarissa Starnes will share the story behind Harbison’s collaboration to “dress the museum,” followed by an exclusive first look at the newly renovated galleries. The museum officially reopens to the public on Sunday, Sept. 6, from 1–4 p.m., unveiling refreshed galleries, expanded learning spaces, and a reimagined visitor experience. Details and tickets are available at www.hickoryart.org.
SAILS ORIGINAL MUSIC SERIES
The Sails Original Music Series returns this fall with free concerts of live original music every weekend in September. Concerts on Friday, Sept. 4, 11, & 18, start at 7 p.m. on Union Square. The Festival on the Field (4 p.m.) and Sails Music concert (5 p.m.) will take place on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Samuel William Davis Sr. Multipurpose Field in Taft Broome Park. For the band lineup and additional event details, please visit www.HickoryNC.gov/SailsMusic.
VISITING WRITERS SERIES
Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Visiting Writers Series will return on Thursday, Sept. 10, with Andrew McCarthy. Actor, director, and bestselling memoirist Andrew McCarthy will open the series with a discussion of his new book “Who Needs Friends: An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America.” Blending memoir, travel and cultural reflection, McCarthy explores the complexities of male friendship and what it means to form meaningful connections throughout life. The evening event will take place at 6:30 p.m. in P.E. Monroe Auditorium at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Visit www.LR.edu/VWS for more event details.
FOOTHILLS POPS: SYMPHONY OF THE SHIRE
Experience the unforgettable music of fantasy films and games, featuring favorites from The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, and more. Join the Western Piedmont Symphony on Saturday, Sept. 12, at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center at 7:30 p.m. for Foothills Pops: Symphony of the Shire. Visit www.WPSymphony.org for more information.
KRISTY WOODSON HARVEY LITERARY LUNCH
Join My Chapter House and Hickory Public Library on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Lake Hickory Country Club for a Literary Lunch at 11:30 a.m. with New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey as she celebrates the release of her newest novel, Falling for Peachtree Bluff. Guests will enjoy a delicious luncheon and hear Harvey share stories about her writing journey, the inspiration behind her latest book, and the beloved characters that have made her one of North Carolina's most celebrated contemporary authors. Sponsored by the Hickory Literary Festival, tickets include lunch and a copy of the book. Visit www.mychapterhouse.com for more information and tickets.
DOWNTOWN ART CRAWL & SIDE/SHOW
The Downtown Hickory Art Crawl and Western Piedmont Symphony’s popular Side/Show event will cover downtown with sights and sounds on Thursday, Sept. 17. Presented by the Hickory Downtown Development Association, the Art Crawl begins at 5 p.m., with the musical performances of Side/Show taking place from 5-8 p.m. at various locations throughout downtown. Visit www.WPSymphony.org and www.DowntownHickory.com for more information.
FOOTCANDLE FILM FESTIVAL
The Footcandle Film Festival returns to Hickory Sept. 18-27 with both in-person and online screenings of over 40 films during the festival. Visit www.FootcandleFilmFestival.com for all the details.
OPEN MIC
Hickory Music Factory will host a free open mic night on Friday, Sept. 25, from 6-10 p.m. at the Hickory Premier. Join for live music ranging from pop, jazz, rock, and original songs by local artists.