DJ Whole Wheat, Bryan Proffitt, lectures Tuesday during Davidson College’s morning Common Hour. Details below.

The series begins Tuesday, Sept. 18, with DJ Whole Wheat, from Durham

Growing up in Connecticut and New York, Shanté Paradigm Smalls took lessons in classical singing. But her heart tugged her toward a different beat. She followed her passion through twists and turns until she settled firmly into the emerging music and culture of hip hop. She formed a hip hop performing group, published two albums and toured for several years. She also produced a large hip hop festival in New York City for four years. Read the full story

Be there: This Friday at 10:25 a.m., Davidson College College invites the entire campus community to gather at the flagpole next to Chambers Hall for a flash mob photo op. Organized by the College Relations office, the photo will be posted for national College Colors Day. College senior writer John Syme and his dog Dodger are promoting it at http://daybook.davidson.edu/

Paul Studtmann’s “Nail Art”

Summit Coffee has teamed with Davidson College professor Paul Studtmann for an art installation entitled “Nail Art.” They’ host an the opening of this gallery with an event Friday, Aug. 24, from 6-8pm at Summit. Also below, news about an art opening next week for Davidson College’s annual faculty exhibition, and other art news. Read the full story

College students begin returning to campus this weekend, starting with the nearly 500-strong freshman Class of 2016, so activities are picking up around the area. Off campus, the weekend brings the Davidson Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning, and nightly music at Summit Coffee on Main Street Davidson. That includes an art opening Friday night, followed by music with Justin Fedor and HL Ruth IV (of the New Familiars). Cornelius Parks, Arts, Recreation & Culture hosts an outdoor screening of “Soul Surfer” Saturday at Town Hall. The Lake Norman YMCA Triathlon is Saturday morning in Cornelius and Davidson, and Hough High School’s soccer team hosts a three-game invitational Saturday in a fundraiser for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.

Meanwhile, Our Town Cinemas in Davidson has gone digital in the projection booth. The theater made the switch this month to prepare for Hollywood’s ending of 35mm reels. On the schedule this week: “The Odd Life of Timothy Green” joins “The Bourne Legacy,” “The Campaign,” and “Hope Springs” on the schedule. See the movie showtimes at right. Read the full story

Pianist Jon Nakamatsu performs at Davidson College Sept. 8.

The North Mecklenburg Community Chorus will host an open house Monday to meet singers and learn more about their programs. Meanwhile, fans of organ can join a “moveable feast” Sept. 14 in Davidson that includes a three-course dinner and short recitals at three Davidson churches. And the Concert Series at Davidson College opens up its season Sept. 8 with a performance by Van Cliburn-award winning pianist Jon Nakamatsu. Read the full story

Davidson band “Sunday Union” plays Wednesday at Flatiron Kitchen in Davidson. From left, Elizabeth Mills, Stephanie Rollans, Brad Reddick, Dave Malushizky and Monica Galloway (Gennine Davis photo)

Back to school activities and high school and college sports join outdoor concerts, meetings and other events in the area this week. Cornelius Parks, Arts, Recreation & Culture hosts two outdoor movies in its cinema series – “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” Wednesday at Kenton Place and “Soul Surfer” Saturday at Town Hall. Davidson-based Sunday Union has a gig Wednesday night at Flatiron Kitchen, while Summit Coffee has a full lineup of local music, including Justin Fedor and HL Ruth IV (of the New Familiars) on Friday and Davidson Local Saturday.

Meanwhile, Our Town Cinemas in Davidson has gone digital in the projection booth. The theater made the switch this month to prepare for Hollywood’s ending of 35mm reels. On the schedule this week: “The Odd Life of Timothy Green” joins “The Bourne Legacy,” “The Campaign,” and “Hope Springs” on the schedule. See the movie showtimes at right. Read the full story