By Ann Marie Byrd, Feature Writer
The third annual Arts in April event is a festival dedicating the entire month of April to celebrating the thriving arts community in New Bern! The best way to see the most comprehensive calendar of free and ticketed events for each weekend is through the VisitNewBern.com Arts in April webpage.
Melissa Riggle, Executive Director of Visit New Bern says: “Our vision remains the same as we return for year three—to spotlight the incredible performing and visual arts scene that makes our city so special. We’re creating events and experiences that inspire our local community and draw in visitors from near and far, making New Bern a true arts destination. This year, we’re excited to welcome Craven Community College and the New Bern Rotary as new partners! Last year, we had guests travel from as far as Greensboro, and our local community showed up in full force. We’re also bringing back the Community Art Mural, and partnering with the Downtown Business Council to enhance the Art Walk experience on April 11th. New for this year: trolleys will shuttle guests between events and exhibits on April 26th, making it easier than ever to explore all the creativity Arts in April has to offer!”
THEATRE EVENTS:
Multiple organizations will participate this year in the Arts in April event, with many of the activities at the epicenter of downtown performances—the New Bern Civic Theatre (NBCT). New Bern Civic Theatre Executive Director, Michael Tahaney, is excited that the Arts in April festival is moving into its third year. “The concept of this annual spring event is to shine a light on the rich and ongoing arts scene in New Bern. The community’s arts are varied and include music, dance, fine arts, aerial arts, public art projects, and more. Music lovers, theatre buffs, art lovers, and families who enjoy creative activities are invited to come downtown and engage with what’s happening on one or more weekends in April.”
The events at NBCT begin with The Ben Rosenblum Trio. The tour brings them to The Athens April 11th as part of New Bern’s vibrant Arts in April celebrations. Rosenblum is a NYC based contemporary jazz pianist, accordionist and composer who has performed with world-class musicians including Grammy-winning Rickie Lee Jones. His cool jazz style is fresh, elegant and eclectic with international influences.
Next in the lineup is an original play by Craven County native Robert Brock, “The Diary of a Mother,” starring New Bern’s own exceptionally gifted Gospel performer and vocalist, Bonita Burney Simmons, plays Saturday, April 12th 2:00PM and 6:00PM at New Bern Civic Theatre. Proceeds benefit My Sister’s House, a transitional home in New Bern providing safe and supportive shelter to post-incarcerated women. This deeply inspiring musical stage show is particularly appropriate to recognize April’s designation as National Second Chance Month.
New Bern Civic Theatre invites anyone curious about performing and theatre arts to join the fun, April 19 at The Athens Theatre. This is a day for anyone wanting to learn more about community theatre involvement. A $10 Day Pass allows entry to 45-minute workshops on the hour throughout the day. Admission is FREE to most festival events offered continuously from 12:00PM to 9:00PM. Join us downtown and get your drama on!
And last, paying tribute to The Athens Theatre’s origins as a variety theatre for Vaudeville when built in 1911, NBCT presents New Bern Follies 2025. Come cheer your favorite act as talented aerialists, singers, dancers and more amaze! It’s our local ‘America’s Got Talent’ without those pesky judges. Who will show up on center stage? Find out April 26th!
For tickets and information about ticketed events at NBCT visit: newberncivictheatre.org
At the end of April, Rivertowne Players will also be presenting the hilarious “Something Rotten” directed by the brilliant Austin Arrington on April 25-27, May 2-4, 9-10. For tickets, please visit their website at Rivertowneplayers.org.
ART EVENTS:
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 hands-on art experiences with the mural project, as well as the creation of chalk art for kids and murals for both children and adults on S. Front Street, amongst other activities.
Executive Director of the Carven Arts Council (CAC), 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.”
This year, the Craven Arts Council will be hosting the Art Walk sip, shop and stroll on Friday, April 11, silk scarf painting on April 12 at the Bank of the Arts from 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm, and the much-loved community mural project on Saturday, April 19.
“The community mural project this year will be located at Mitchell Hardware, 215 Craven Street, on April 19 from 10 am – 4 pm. This year, we put all the lessons we have learned in the past to good use, and have created an even better event. Last year’s event demonstrated to us the significant contribution that the arts bring to the economy in our community. Annually, the arts in New Bern contribute almost 5 million in local spending. For example, every person attending Arts in April in previous years spent approximately $55.00, so events like this are a great boon to the local economy,” says Jon.
Craven Community College is hosting three events on their campus: The International Film Festival on April 4 at 2:30 and 7:30, the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra ticketed on April 5 at 2:30 in Orringer Auditorium, and Dr. Jim Congleton’s talk on the 27-piece Sculpture Collection on April 27 at 2:00. All events are free, with the exception of the Baroque Orchestra. Go to Cravencc.edu/llc for tickets.
Rosanne C. Wilson, President of the African American Heritage and Culture Center, announces a unique art event for Arts in April 2025. In partnership with St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church, 604 Johnson Street, the event will be open to the public on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm in historic St. Cyprian’s Church.
The art exhibit will feature African American artists from New Bern, whose original pieces will be displayed in the church’s center aisle, surrounded by light flooding in through the church’s historic stained-glass windows. Artists will be present to discuss their works with visitors. Pieces will include canvas, crochet, and floral art, photography, and pottery.
“Family History is Local History” will be the theme for the “Sip and Paint” art activity, that will be held in the undercroft of the church also from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The participants will have their own tabletop easel, paint, brushes, and canvas set up to paint their original work. This activity is open to children and adults who are children at heart. There is no charge for the Art Exhibit or “Sip and Paint” activity. Donations will be accepted for future programs and St. Cyprian’s renovation fund.
Mike Williams, Vice-President of the African American Heritage and Culture Center (AAHC) at St. Cyprian is dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage and culture of African Americans in eastern North Carolina. He says, “Arts in April is an opportunity for us to showcase some wonderful local African American painters, sculptors, and singers to the community. It is also an opportunity for people from the community to visit St. Cyprian Episcopal Church which has a very significant role in the history and culture of New Bern.”
Noon rotary will be joining forces with breakfast rotary for the third annual Art Auction at the Riverfront Convention Center on Thursday, April 24 at 6:00pm. Proceeds are donated to scholarship programs for high school athletes about to enter college. Bill Stafford says, “We are currently developing the art lineup and working with local art groups such as the twin rivers art club, as well as other local artists. There will be a variety of media available, including pottery, glass and two beautiful hand-made quilts.” Tickets are $25 purchased online or at nautical wheelers. The live auction starts at 7:30pm.
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.