Happy Friday!

I hope you’ve been enjoying these cooler days of fall and the lead-up to the holiday season.

The month of November has given me plenty of local events and cultural happenings to write about for my weekly blog series, FanFare.

One event I hope you’ll check out is the live recording of the family folktales podcast Circle Round at CPCC’s Dale F. Halton Theater on Saturday, 11/22 at 1 PM. With 1.5 million monthly downloads in more than 150 countries, Circle Round is one of the world’s top children’s podcasts, and they’ve invited me and WDAV’s Frank Dominguez to be two of the voice actors. We’re both excited to be part of the cast.

There’s a lot more going on across our region (and here at WDAV), so before you’re completely bogged down with holiday shopping and cooking, get out and find some fun!

— Phil Vavra, Host of Classical Music with Phil Vavra, FanFare, and Piedmont Arts

In The Companion This Week:

Our hosts star in a live taping of the Circle Round podcast.
Musical magic makes its way to the Independent Picture House.
Makayla Binter leads us on a tour of Charlotte's murals.
WDAV serves up Thanksgiving specials.

Say Hello to The Companion

WDAV’s weekly email newsletter just got a new look… and a new name! We’re proud to introduce The Companion, a freshly reimagined arts and culture roundup. We'll pack the latest from our local creative scene, personal touches from WDAV hosts, weekend fun, and much more into an enjoyable read that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee.

In Our Community

WDAV Hosts to Be Featured in WBUR's Circle Round Live Taping →

Got weekend plans with the kids? Circle Round is headed to Charlotte for a live taping this Saturday, 11/22... featuring WDAV's own Phil Vavra and Frank Dominguez! This outstanding podcast from WBUR in Boston adapts global folktales into music-rich radio plays for children of all ages.

Experience the Musical Magic of Disney's Fantasia (1940) →

Fantasia brings classical music to life through a series of stunning visual sequences, each a unique interpretation of a different masterwork by composers like Bach, Tchaikovsky, and Stravinsky. Don't miss a screening of the animated classic on 12/10 at the Independent Picture House, the latest in WDAV's Reel Music Film Series.

Charlotte Murals: Community & Inspiration in Vibrant Spaces →

Do you stop to admire Charlotte's many murals when you're out and about? Across the city, hundreds of these colorful masterpieces transform the urban landscape into an open air gallery anyone can enjoy for free. Charlotte is Creative’s Makayla Binter takes us to see some of the highlights on Piedmont Arts this week.

On the Air

Spend Thanksgiving with WDAV →

Celebrate a day of thanks with the music you love! Thanksgiving is next week, and we've got just the thing to pair with your turkey. Savor holiday specials on Thursday, 11/27 and Saturday, 11/29 at 89.9 FM, WDAV.org, and the WDAV mobile app.

In the Arts World

Meditation Meets Jubilation at Charlotte Symphony’s Duruflé-Respighi Concert →

"The Decca label used to advertise records that offered an FFRR experience: full frequency range recording, able to reproduce anything from a ripple on the musical water to the roaring of a glacier calving tons of ice. I thought of that Saturday in the Belk Theater." Lawrence Toppman reviews last weekend's CSO program at our blog.

Win Tickets: Charlotte Civic Orchestra Christmas Extravaganza →

A memorable evening with family and friends awaits at the 14th annual Charlotte Civic Orchestra Christmas Extravaganza next Sunday, 11/30 at the Halton Theater! This beloved tradition features dazzling costumes, a full orchestra and 100 voice choir, dancing from ballroom to ballet, and much more.