Explorations in the Arts

Four bluegrass musicians pose with acoustic instruments by the water, framed by colorful decorative flourishes.

The Explorations in the Arts series is a unique mix of performances created with a recipe of live performance, stirred together with a pinch of Q&A and a dash of audience participation. We strive to bring artists to Craven County from throughout North Carolina that represent the very best in performance.

Four musicians pose by the water with acoustic instruments, including guitar, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin.

Dear MariBella and the PigKickers

Explorations in the Arts – Bluegrass Concert
Saturday, November 21, 2026 – 7:30 p.m. 
Orringer Auditorium – New Bern Campus 
Tickets: Adults $15 / Students $10) 
Get Tickets for Dear MariBella and the PigKickers

Click Here for a Video Preview 

With music rooted deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains and their feet planted firmly in the Carolina sand, Dear MariBella and the Pigkickers offer more than just a distinctive Bluegrass sound—they invite audiences on a journey through tradition and heartfelt storytelling.

In 2022, the four siblings decided to form a Bluegrass band and together they have a growing list of accomplishments, including a second place in the Blue Highway Fest “Rising Stars” 2025 Band Competition. They have opened for Sam Bush, and have performed at regional festivals, including the Tony Rice Memorial Festival, Ocrafolk Festival, MerleFest, and the North Carolina Folk Festival. 

Join us for the New Bern debut of Dear MariBella and the Pigkickers and hear music from their latest album, Red Goes With Everything.

Four dancers form a dramatic interconnected pose onstage against a black background.

Patriot - Black Box Dance Theatre

Explorations in the Arts – Modern Dance
Saturday, March 20, 2027 – 7:30 p.m.
Grover C. Fields Performing Arts Center
Tickets: Adults $25 / Students $15
Get Tickets for PATRIOT - Black Box Dance Theatre

Click Here for a Video Preview 

Black Box Dance Theatre returns to New Bern for a weeklong residency, culminating in a performance of PATRIOT, a powerful series of choreographed works combining contemporary dance, storytelling, and community engagement to explore identity, military service, resilience, and shared human experiences.

Founded by choreographer and educator Michelle Pearson, Black Box Dance Theatre uses movement, writing, and storytelling to foster connection and healing. Last year, audiences were introduced to the Raleigh-based company through We Lift Each Other, a documentary film highlighting its work with veterans in recovery.  This year, we are pleased to welcome the full company for a week of engagement.

During the residency, the company will offer workshops for veterans, active-duty service members, their families, and area dance students. The company will also lead dance education programs at Grover C. Fields and Havelock Middle Schools through our partnership with Atlantic Dance Theatre.

Black Box creates engaging performances that invite audiences to connect, reflect, and experience stories in a new way. 

To express interest in participating in the workshops, please send an email to baerj@cravencc.edu.

Seven musicians pose outdoors with bluegrass instruments, including fiddles, an upright bass, and a mandolin.

Steep Canyon Rangers

Explorations in the Arts – Bluegrass/Americana Concert
Sunday, April 4, 2027 – 2:30 p.m.
Grover C. Fields Performing Arts Center
Tickets: VIP $75 / Adults $45 / Students $30
Get Tickets for Steep Canyon Rangers

Click Here for a Video Preview

The Steep Canyon Rangers are one of the most respected contemporary Bluegrass and Americana bands in the United States. Formed in 2000 by students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the band is rooted in North Carolina and is closely associated with Asheville and Brevard.

They are known for blending traditional Bluegrass with original songwriting, folk, country, and Americana influences. While they honor classic bluegrass traditions, they are equally recognized for pushing the genre forward with thoughtful lyrics, rich vocal harmonies, and inventive arrangements.

The Steep Canyon Rangers gained national attention through their long-running collaboration with Steve Martin. Beginning in 2009, they toured extensively together and recorded two acclaimed albums, introducing bluegrass to many new listeners. Their partnership continues with occasional tours alongside Steve Martin and Martin Short.

The band won the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album in 2013 for Nobody Knows You after receiving an earlier Grammy nomination for Rare Bird Alert, their collaboration with Steve Martin. They have also earned multiple honors from the International Bluegrass Music Association, including Emerging Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.

Their live performances are especially well regarded. Fans often praise the band’s exceptional musicianship, energetic stage presence, and ability to balance traditional bluegrass with modern songwriting.

Band members: Aaron Burdett – lead vocals and guitar; Graham Sharp – banjo, harmonica, and vocals; Mike Guggino – mandolin and vocals; Nicky Sanders – fiddle and vocals: Mike Ashworth – percussion and “box kit”; Barrett Smith – upright bass and vocals.

*Reserved VIP seating will be available in the first six rows at the Performing Arts Center with a $75 ticket purchase. The remainder of the seating will be designated as general admission. 

Contact Information

Lifetime Learning Center
Brock Administration Building
New Bern Campus
252-633-2618

Have questions?

We’re here to help.