Sitting at the very heart of the North Carolina Museum of Art’s campus—nestled amid gardens, meadows, woodlands, art installations, and sculpture—is the Joseph M. Bryan, Jr., Theater in the Museum Park. Here, for over a quarter of a century, we have welcomed some of America’s finest singers-songwriters, and acclaimed musical ensembles, including Gladys Knight, Neko Case, Rhiannon Giddens, the Avett Brothers, and Lake Street Dive. This year we invite you to join us again for our annual outdoor concert and film series, sponsored by First Citizen’s Bank.
We’re excited to share another incredible lineup of artists and filmmakers who reflect a diverse range of traditions, genres, and artistries. Whether you’re drawn to an evening of Opera in the Park, the improvisational brilliance of Jazz at the NCMA, the stellar singer-songwriter storytelling of Watchhouse, American Aquarium, Wilco, or Andrew Bird, or a night at the movies with friends and family, there’s a little something for everyone this season.
Jazz at the NCMA
This live concert series showcases the art form of jazz, honoring and celebrating the transcendent power of one of the US’s greatest exports to the world. Our third year of Jazz at the NCMA includes Gregory Porter with special guest The Baylor Project (May 23), An Evening with Brian Culbertson (May 30), Samara Joy and SuperBlue: Kurt Elling & Charlie Hunter (June 6), An Evening with Babyface (June 7), Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (June 27), Boney James with special guests Maysa and Kenny Lattimore (July 11), and El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and Luciana Souza with Chico Pinheiro (July 18).
NCMA and Cat’s Cradle Present
In partnership with Cat’s Cradle, we are excited to welcome Wilco (June 18), The Connells with special guests Dillon Fence and Love Tractor (July 18), Watchhouse (August 8), Andrew Bird and Amadou & Mariam (August 20), American Aquarium (August 29), and Guster (September 28) to our stage this summer.
Juneteenth Joy
Come to the NCMA for Juneteenth Joy: A Celebration of Freedom and Gospel Music (June 14), featuring Kirk Franklin with special guest Maurette Brown Clark. Enjoy a night of great music as Franklin performs songs from his new album, and Clark shares her latest project.
Outdoor Films
Expanding our capacity to experience joy through film, this year’s outdoor selections feature fun and excitement, action and adventure, musicals and concert films, and journeys to self-discovery. Don’t miss:
- A Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles double feature with Kono pizza truck and skateboard giveaways by vendor Bear Walker (September 14)
- An outdoor showing of the 35th anniversary of Warner Bros. Pictures’ 1989 DC superhero film Batman, accompanied by a live symphony orchestra playing Danny Elfman’s iconic score (October 4)
- A music/movie combo celebrating all things 1980s with the Joy of ’80s Pop from the Amphitheater stage and 40th-anniversity screening of Purple Rain
Through the power of music and movies, our hope is to bring people together through the arts. From the films we show to the concerts we host, we seek to inspire dialogue, cultivate joy, and promote a sense of belonging. So, take a seat this summer and celebrate joy with us on your terms—enjoy JOY, make space for JOY, be mindful of JOY, and reconnect with JOY.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Museum and share this experience with you.
Kindly,
Moses T. Alexander Green
Director, Performing Arts and Film, North Carolina Museum of Art