Drew Allison and Grey Seal Puppets perform in the first Lollipops Concert Nov. 10.

The Charlotte Symphony will perform three concerts in its Lollipops Family Series this season in a new location, the Knight Theater on Tryon Street in Charlotte.

The series opens Saturday, Nov. 10, at 11am with a program called Carnivals and Clowns, featuring Drew Allison and Grey Seal Puppets. They’ll guide young audience through the Russian tale of Petrushka, accompanied by Igor Stravinsky’s musical score.

The Lollipops series provides a fun and engaging introduction to classical music and the live orchestra experience through imaginative storytelling and inspiring reinterpretations of classical repertoire.

The series continues Jan. 12 with PROJECT Trio, for a Dancin’ Rockin’ and Hip Hoppin’ program featuring works by Beethoven, Rossini, and Brahms, reinterpreted through the group’s eclectic musical tastes and high-energy performance style.

For the third and final concert of the season, the Charlotte Symphony will collaborate with the North Carolina Dance Theatre School of Dance to present classic fairytales through music and movement. “Once Upon a Time” on  May 4 will feature performances of “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Anderson, “The Frog Prince” by the Brother’s Grimm, Russian folktale “The Firebird,” and other stories.

The hour-long concerts are preceded by the popular pre-concert festival, which invites children to explore music through hands-on activities such as a lively drum circle, music-related arts and crafts, and The Symphony Guild of Charlotte’s “Musical Petting Zoo,” which allows children to play many of the instruments found in the orchestra.

FAMILY DAYS AT BECHTLER

Also new this season, concertgoers are encouraged to stay after the concert to attend Family Day at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. Children will learn about the art and artists of the Bechtler collection and engage imaginations through special museum tours and hands-on art activities. Family Day takes place from noon – 4:30 p.m. after each Lollipops concert. Admission is free for children and $4 for adults. Attendees are encouraged to drop in anytime.

Lollipops series subscriptions start at $36, single tickets start at $15.50 and both are available by calling (704) 972-2000 or visiting the website at www.charlottesymphony.org.

2012-2013 LOLLIPOPS FAMILY CONCERTS

Concerts take place at 11 a.m. at the Knight Theater; pre-concert festivals begin at 10 a.m. in the Knight Theater Lobby. Family Day at the Bechtler Museum takes place from noon – 4:30 p.m. after each Lollipops concert.

“CARNIVALS AND CLOWNS,” Saturday Nov. 10, Jacomo Rafael Bairos, conducting
with Drew Allison and the Grey Seal Puppets

“DANCIN’, ROCKIN’, AND HIP HOPPIN’,” Saturday, Jan. 12, Jacomo Rafael Bairos, conducting with PROJECT Trio

“ONCE UPON A TIME,” Saturday, May 4, Jacomo Rafael Bairos, conducting
with North Carolina Dance Theatre School of Dance

Concert-goers may pack a picnic and bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy the show, and, boaters may anchor in the EnergyExplorium’s cove at the southern tip of Lake Norman.

East Lincoln High School‘s Band Booster Club will be selling snacks and drinks at the event.

The concert begins at 8:15 p.m. Before the concert, the Carolina Raptor Center will release into the wild a juvenile bald eagle.

Bring a blanket, pack a picnic and come early to get a good spot on the lawn. Boaters may anchor in the EnergyExplorium’s cove at the southern tip of Lake Norman. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase through the East Lincoln High School’s Band Booster Club.

“Our symphony concert has become a signature event for the Lake Norman area and is our biggest community event of the year,” Valerie Patterson, communications manager for McGuire, said in a press release. “Last year, we had our largest crowd ever with more than 9,000 attendees and 150 boats anchored in the cove. This concert really has become a favorite where families, friends and Lake Norman neighbors come together to enjoy the lake and hear great music.”

For additional information, call the EnergyExplorium at 1-800-777-0003 or visit www.duke-energy.com/energyexplorium.

Christopher Warren-Green

Christopher Warren-Green, music director of the Charlotte Symphony, has a big gig coming up. Symphony officials were crowing Tuesday about the news that Mr. Warren-Green has been appointed to conduct the London Chamber Orchestra at the April 29 wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Here’s an announcement from the Charlotte Symphony:

Charlotte Symphony Music Director Christopher Warren-Green to Conduct at Royal Wedding

St. James’s Palace announced today that Charlotte Symphony Music Director Christopher Warren-Green will conduct the London Chamber Orchestra at the Royal Wedding of HRH Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton on April 29, 2011.

The wedding ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. at Westminster Abbey. The Dean of Westminster Abbey, the Very Reverend Dr. John Hall, will conduct the service, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr. Rowan Williams, will marry Prince William and Miss Middleton.

Kate Middleton and Prince William

The London Chamber Orchestra is the UK’s oldest professional chamber orchestra. Christopher Warren-Green was appointed as Music Director and Principal Conductor of the London Chamber Orchestra in 1988 and continues to hold that position. In September 2010, he became Music Director of the Charlotte Symphony. He and his wife Rosemary reside in Charlotte with their son, Jamie.

“The choice of Christopher Warren-Green to conduct at the Royal Wedding confirms his stature abroad as a musician of the highest caliber,” said Jonathan Martin, Charlotte Symphony Executive Director. “As Music Director of the Charlotte Symphony, Christopher brings international attention to Charlotte as he participates in the Royal Wedding activities. We are very proud and honored that Charlotte will be represented at this important and memorable occasion by our esteemed Music Director.”

“Dottie and I are excited and pleased that our friend Christopher Warren-Green has been chosen for such a distinguished role and responsibility,” said Charlotte Symphony Board Chair and former N.C. Governor James G. Martin. “At the same time, this goes to show how fortunate Charlotte is to have recruited such a globally established and highly regarded musician to lead our Charlotte Symphony.”

Maestro Warren-Green has conducted numerous concerts at Buckingham Palace, Highgrove House and St James’s Palace. To mark the occasion of Her Majesty The Queen’s 80th birthday at Kew Palace, he conducted a private concert for the entire Royal family. In 2005, he directed the Philharmonia Orchestra for the celebration of the marriage of HRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall and in 2008 he conducted at the 60th birthday celebration concert for HRH The Prince of Wales.

In addition to the London Chamber Orchestra, other ensembles performing at the Royal Wedding include The Choir of Westminster Abbey, The Chapel Royal Choir, and The Fanfare Team from the Central Band of the Royal Air Force. Further information on the music will be made available nearer the time of the wedding.

The symphony, conducted by Albert George Schram, will perform its “Music for Lovers” program of orchestral favorites including the Wedding March from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and the “Romeo and Juliet Overture.”

Admission and parking are free. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic and come early to get a good spot on the lawn. Boaters may anchor in the EnergyExplorium’s cove at the southern tip of Lake Norman. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase through the East Lincoln High School’s Band Booster Club.

“Our symphony concert has become a signature event for the Lake Norman area and is our biggest community event of the year,” said Valerie Patterson, communications manager for McGuire Nuclear Station. “Last year, we had our largest crowd ever with more than 7,640 attendees and 140 boats anchored in the cove. This concert really has become a favorite where families, friends and Lake Norman neighbors come together to enjoy the lake and hear great music.”

For additional information, call the EnergyExplorium at 1-800-777-0003.

New paintings by Joyce Wynes are on display at Mooresville's Artworks on Main. Exhibit opening Fri., 6-9 pm.

School’s out – let’s all get outdoors! This weekend’s schedule in and around Davidson might best be summed up as a series of titles for outdoor events: Thursday night it will be “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” downtown. Friday night, watch “Alice in Wonderland” outdoors at Mooresville’s Charles Mack Citizens Center. Saturday at the YMCA, there’s a morning 5K run and then the 2nd “Live at the Lake” festival. Davidson Farmers Market is back on Saturday morning next to Town Hall, with a cooking demo and a Samaritan’s Feet shoe drive. Saturday night at Bailey Road Park, listen to the Charlotte Symphony in a free pops concert. And on Sunday, bring a blanket and a cooler to the Village Green for an all-day special concert called “Pickin’ for Nashville.” It’s a benefit for Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, which is aiding victims of last month’s major flooding in Nashville.

Rather stay indoors? Our Town Cinemas in Sadler Square opens “The A-Team” on Friday. The theater also continues the runs of “Shrek: Forever After,” “Prince of Persia,” “Get Him to the Greek” and “Sex and the City 2.” Showtimes are available in our movie calendar on the right side of this page.

Details about those events and more below. And don’t forget you can check what’s going daily on our clickable day-by-day calendar at right.

COMING NEXT WEEK

Here’s a quick reminder: Next week brings the opening of Davidson Community Players‘ first summer production, “Oklahoma!” at Duke Family Performance Hall at Davidson College. Shows Details in our June 3 theater news column.

THURSDAY

Free Ask the Attorney session, 6 p.m., Lake Norman Family YMCA, Cornelius – McIntosh Law Firm offers the next in a series of free “Ask the Attorney” legal advice sessions. “Help, I Was Just in an Accident! What do I do?” Featuring Jim Fuller and Sandy Carnegie. Additional dates and info: www.ymcacharlotte.org/lakenorman, or contact Jason Lampton at 704-716-4419 or jason.lampton@ymcacharlotte.org.

Live music at Summit, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St. – Live music: Rusty Knox Acoustic Project. Info: 704-895-9090.

Movie on the Wall, 8 p.m., on the wall of Summit Coffee next to Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Main Street in Davidson – Ben & Jerry’s and Main Street books present the first free summer “Moovie” of the year, a screening of “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.” Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. Movie trivia begins 30 minutes before the show. Free.

FRIDAY

Exhibit opening for Joyce Wynes, 6-9 p.m., Artworks on Main, 165 N. Main St., Mooresville – Meet painter Joyce Wynes at an opening reception for her exhibit that runs June 9-July 7. Her colorful, semi-abstract paintings are expressions of abstract, organic shapes. 704-664-2414. www.artworksonmain.com See more images and info on Joyce Wynes’ blog, http://blog.joycewynes.com/

Mooresville Movies on Main, 7:30 p.m., Charles Mack Citizens Center, 215 N. Main St., Mooresville – the Town of Mooresville presents “Movies on Main,” with an outdoor showing of Disney’s 2010 “Alice in Wonderland.” (PG) Concessions available. Bring a chair or blanket. Rain location: Indoors at Charles Mack Citizens Center.

Party on the Porch at Campania Cafe, 6:30 p.m., Campania Cafe, 416 S. Main St. – Live music Party on the Porch with Clyde Derberry. Campania has full outdoor table service and its Trattoria dinner menu.

Live music at Summit, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St. – Live music: Mike Strauss Trio. Info: 704-895-9090.

SATURDAY

YMCA 5K run, 9 a.m., Lake Norman YMCA – A Family 5K Fun Run and Walk will precede the Y’s annual Live at the Lake festival. Proceeds from the 5K support the YMCA Annual Campaign. To register for the run visit Member Services at the Lake Norman YMCA, call (704) 716-4400 or email Erin Karp at Erin.Karp@ymcacharlotte.org.

Davidson Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon, off Main Street next to Town Hall – Weekly Davidson Farmers Market, with local farmers and vendors selling meats, produce, dairy products, baked goods, and other items. This week, chef Kris Reid offers cooking demonstrations at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., making Korean-style BBQ with beef from Big Oak Farm. Open every Saturday. For more information: www.davidsonfarmersmarket.org. DavidsonNews.net is pleased to be a sponsor of the Davidson Farmers Market.

Shoe donation drive, 8 a.m. to noon, at Davidson Farmers Market, next to Town Hall, Main Street – Shoes of Hope Back to School Program will continue the mission of Samaritan’s Feet to bring a life-changing message of compassion and hope to impoverished youth in North Carolina and around the world by individually washing their feet and giving them a new pair of athletic shoes and socks. Samaritan’s Feet will be partnering with Ada Jenkins Center in July to serve children in our community. But they need to collect they shoes now! Bring a pair of new children’s sized athletic shoes, or make a cash donation at the market, this Saturday or June 19. This profound act of servant leadership will enable the child to participate in sports and other physical activities. Samaritan’s Feet has seen the transformational power of its foot washing and shoe distributions. Each child that participates in this project will receive a recurring lesson of the power of hope and giving. Samaritan’s Feet believes that message can last for a lifetime, and in so doing, change the world one pair of shoes at a time. (More info, www.samaritansfeet.org)

YMCA Live at the Lake festival, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lake Norman YMCA, Davidson Street, Cornelius – More than 1,000 people are expected at the Y’s annual free “Live at the Lake” festival. Music includes folk and bluegrass with Davidson musician Rusty Knox, the Church of the Good Shepherd band and 8-year-old prodigy Wallace Foutch. Also, food, water slide and trampoline, boat rides, games, face painting and inflatables. The event also shows off the Y’s programs. Sponsors needed: call Natia Walker 704-716-6761 or natia.walker@ymcacharlotte.org. There’s also a 5K run/walk at 9 a.m. To register, visit member services at the Y or call 704-716-4400.

Charlotte Symphony plays a pops concert Sat. night at Bailey Road Park.

Symphony in the Park, 7 p.m., Bailey Road Park, Bailey Road and NC 115, Cornelius – Charlotte Symphony Orchestra led by conductor Albert George Schram plays a free outdoor summer pops concert. Singer Kyle Cummings kicks off the evening singing the music of Neil Diamond. Symphony plays at 8:15. Gates open at 6 p.m. with children’s activities and ice cream. Emcee for the night is Mike McKay of WDAV-FM. or more information, please contact us at 704.892.6031 x 166, or visit our website www.corneliuspr.org

Live music at Summit, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St. – Live music: Billy Jones  & the Pocket. Info: 704-895-9090.

SUNDAY

Pickin’ for Nashville benefit concert on the Green, 1-7 p.m., Davidson Village Green, Main Street and Concord Road – Davidson musicians play a benefit concert for the Community Foundation of Middle Tenn., which is raising money for victims of last month’s flooding in the Nashville area. Rusty Knox Band, Angelo Melendez, Davidson Express, Billy Jones and The Pocket, Mike Strauss Band. Bring a blanket, a cooler and the kids! Contribute at the event or online at cfmt.org See our preview, “Local bands play the Green Sun. for Nashville flood aid.”

Summer Safety Fair, 2 to 4 p.m., 8834 Westmoreland Lake Drive, Cornelius – Summer safety fair, with representatives of Cornelius fire and police departments with safety tips and demonstrations. Other non-profits and service providers will be there too. Cornelius Animal Shelter will have animals and tips on pet safety. Sponsored by David Weekley Homes, which will be serving free ice cream in the model home.

Middle East panel discussion at DCPC, 6-7:30 p.m., Davidson College Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, Concord Road – DCPC invites the public to a panel discussion on issues related to Israel/Palestine within the complex context of the Middle East, as they are addressed in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) report from its Middle East Study Committee. Panelists include Rabbi Murray Ezring of Charlotte’s Temple Israel, Davidson College professor Dr. Jonathan Berkey who teaches Middle Eastern history since the rise of Islam and the Rev. James Aydelotte, retired stated clerk of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina. The panel will be moderated by the Rev. Lib McGregor Simmons. For more information, call 704.892.5641 or www.dcpc.org.