Explorations in the Arts

Black Box Dance Theatre: Patriot's Path

American Modern Dance
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Documentary Film and Discussion - 4:00 p.m. (free)
Performance at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $30 / Students $20

Join us for an unforgettable evening with Black Box Dance Theatre (BBDT) a Raleigh-based professional modern dance company known for its powerful storytelling, emotionally compelling performances, and commitment to making dance relevant, accessible, and transformative. Founded in 2014, BBDT uses movement as a catalyst for connection—building bridges across communities, disciplines, and lived experiences.

BBDT has been nationally recognized for their groundbreaking work with veterans and the military community. Since 2019, the company has partnered with the NC Arts Council, the USO, and veteran organizations to develop "Patriot"—an ongoing multimedia performance project honoring the service, sacrifice, and stories of veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families.

To start we invite you to a free screening of the documentary film "I Feel Myself to Be Part Of Something," directed by Lou Pepe. The film starts at 4:00 p.m. and follows three veterans as they journey through a week of collaborative dance-making with BBDT artists. It offers an intimate view into the transformative power of art, community, and shared storytelling. A discussion will follow the screening.

Then, join us for the main attraction at 7:30 p.m., an evening performance that will feature excerpts from "Patriot's Path," a compelling new chapter of the "Patriot" series. Participants will also enjoy additional selections from the company’s repertoire of original choreography.

Molasses Creek

Folk/Americana
Friday, March 13, 2026 - 7:30 p.m.
Orringer Auditorium
Tickets: Adults $30 / Students $20

For over 30 years, Molasses Creek’s high-energy performances and heartfelt songwriting have brought the love of their coastal home of Ocracoke Island to the stage. The band’s elegant harmonies and arrangements, stellar songwriting, blazing instrumentals, and quirky sense of humor have won loyal followers throughout the US, around the world, and most especially in Eastern NC.

Molasses Creek has recorded 15 albums, reaching the #4 and #5 spots on the National Folk Radio DJ Charts. Their latest releases, Catch the Wind, Waterbound, and People Get Ready, have received acclaim from audiences across the country.

As to defining their style, nobody puts Molasses Creek in a box. No matter how it’s described, their style has manifested in a 30-year run of unpredictable and delightful musical choices. Each member contributes ideas and original music. Performances move between whimsical and sincere in a way that makes you believe that balancing both might be the key to life. The four members of Molasses Creek are: Gary Mitchell - Guitar/Vocals, Fiddler Dave Tweedie - Fiddle/Vocals, Kim France - Bass/Guitar/Vocals, Gerald Hampton - Mandolin/Bass/Guitar.

Contact Information