By Ann Marie Byrd, Feature Writer
The first annual Arts in April event is a festival dedicating the entire month of April to celebrating the thriving arts community in New Bern!
Melissa Riggle, Executive Director of Visit New Bern says: “We are thrilled to see the momentum and excitement that has developed around Arts in April. The community participation and support has already exceeded our expectations. Our performing and visual art scene is thriving here in New Bern, and because of the collaboration with Swiss Bear, New Bern Civic Theatre, the Craven Arts Council & Bank of the Arts, Tryon Palace and Visit New Bern, we have organized this month-long series showcasing a dynamic arts offering for our local community, tourists and guests.”
New Bern Civic Theatre (NBCT) will be the “hub” or home base for many of the events during Arts in April. In order to allow performances and activities not only inside, but outside in front of the theatre, the 400 block of Pollock Street will be closed on April 1, 15, 22 and 29.
Michael Tahaney, Executive Director of the New Bern Civic Theatre says: “We are creating a festival zone filled with free live music, vendors, public art projects, and engaging activities. The Athens Theatre lobby will also be open April 1, 15, 22, and 29, serving as the zone’s designated beer / wine garden with drinks and a snack bar from noon into the evening hours. NBCT is also hosting the three-day Arts in April Music Festival April 14-16, featuring three ticketed headline events that link together a weekend of live music for music fans of all kinds.”
Musical and theatrical performances at New Bern Civic Theatre during April include Honk! Jr., Mr. Ho’s Orchestrotica Quintet, Nelson String Quartet, New Bern Follies, and Alan Reid Scottish Folk Music.
Danny Batten, Owner of Surf, Wind and Fire, has been instrumental in organizing the Music Festival to be held on April 14-16. He says: “Hopefully the Arts in April Music Festival will evolve into a large spring event that could someday be the Spring equivalent of the fall MumFest. This type of musical festival will be an event fostering social cohesion and equity, creating space for everyone participating in our community. It is an opportunity to spotlight our local talent, to bring folks downtown to support our businesses—and to simply enjoy being a part of the downtown community.”
Music and theatre performances are not the only focus of Arts in April, as New Bern’s visual arts are also flourishing, as demonstrated by the monthly ArtWalk held on the second Friday of each month as well as spring Plein Air activities. The festival will feature multiple hands-on art experiences on the 400 block of Pollock, including the creation of chalk art for kids and murals for both children and adults, amongst other activities.
Executive Director of the Carven Arts Council, Jonathan Burger, says: “Arts in April is an opportunity for us to highlight the artistic and cultural community of New Bern. You always hear from visitors and residents about how our vibrant arts scene made them want to visit or move here, so this is a chance for us to center and showcase that at the forefront. Craven Arts Council is excited to be a part of these events, which are a really a collaboration between many groups, artists, and community members.”
From family-friendly downtown events and fine arts showcases, to theatre and music performances, Arts in April has something for everyone. It’s bound to be a delightful celebration of the arts—that also has a positive economic impact on our downtown businesses.
“Promoting our art scene has a tourist draw and a potential to attract visitors from all over that we are just beginning to tap into,” says Melissa Riggle. “We are confident that this will be a collaboration that will be well-received and offer a significant economic impact to our hospitality and lodging partners all month long.”
2023 Schedule of Events
April 1-2
• ENC Home & Outdoor Expo Plus Artisan Market at The Riverfront Convention Center. Friday 10am-4pm | Sunday 10am-4pm
• Honk Jr. — Charming children’s musical at New Bern Civic Theatre. Presented by StageHANDS/Theatre for Young Audiences. Friday at 7:30pm and Saturday at 2pm.
• Plein Air painters — Tryon Palace
April 8-9
• Plein Air painters — Tryon Palace
April 14-16
• ArtWalk — This free self-guided tour is a monthly event featuring 30 stops throughout downtown New Bern, showcasing the best stores and art galleries New Bern has to offer!
• Arts in April Music Festival — Three-day event. On Saturday enjoy live musicians performing free concerts in front of downtown storefronts, parks, and residences all day. Three featured guest artist concerts will anchor the Arts in April Music Festival on NBCT’s Athens MainStage Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm.
• Fife and Drum Corps in downtown New Bern, April 15th, time TBD
• Tryon Palace Garden Lover’s Weekend and Plein Air painters
April 21-23
• New Bern Historical Society Centennial Event — Enjoy an all-day celebration in honor of the 100th anniversary of the historical society
• The New Bern Follies return for a one-night-only vaudeville-style variety show at the New Bern Civic Theater
• Earth Day Weekend activities
400 block of Pollock St.
• Plein Air painters — Tryon Palace
April 29-30
• Kids Zone — Family-friendly events, vendors, and entertainment at Tryon Palace and along the 400 block of Pollock St. Saturday 10am-6pm
• Marionette Puppet Show — time TBD in front of New Bern Civic Theatre
• Community Art open all day to the public at the Heart of the Art on the 400 block of Pollock Street
• Plein Air painters — Tryon Palace