Appreciate the arts in Macon: Dance recitals, ‘Rent,’ Coro Vocati, Bike Walk, artist market, ‘Yeah Man Jam’

The next few days are a good time to enjoy the variety in getting out and about with an assortment of things to do, ranging from dance to choral to theater to rocking out to remember an old friend.

And more.

Here’s a sampling, jumping first to some of what’s going on Sunday.

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It’s the time of year when most dance studios schedule student recitals which provide great entertainment, especially when one of your kids is involved. If you don’t have kiddos, you can still check out most studios, they often love seeing visitors at such shows.

One such school, The Jean Evans Weaver Center for Dance, is offering its end-of-year event at the Piedmont Grand Opera House on Sunday, with two different programs on tap. The first is at 3 p.m. and features younger students, ages 3 to 7, in a program developed years ago by the late Jean Weaver herself. It’s based on the story and music from “Peter Pan.”

The second is at 4 p.m. and is a multi-part student showcase featuring students up to age 18.

“Our primary students will be dancing to music and dressed in costumes as characters from ‘Peter Pan,’ though it won’t be a telling of the whole Peter Pan story,” said Alice Sheridan, artistic director at the Weaver Center. “There are about 70 of our youngest students involved who are always so sweet to watch as they show what they’ve learned throughout the year.

“The student showcase gives us a chance to show off our older and our more advanced students in several ballet pieces. It’s a really good time to come enjoy ballet. Often, recitals might be put together at the end of the year without a whole lot of time to practice, but we do something a little different with our most advanced group by having a repertoire class that allows them to work on dance that can be used as part of the program, so they’ve put a lot of work in it.”

The two Weaver Center programs are free. For more on the Weaver Center, visit theweavercenter.org.

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In celebration of its 15th anniversary, the Atlanta-based professional chamber choir Coro Vocati will perform “Two Rivers: A Journey Through Life’s Contrasts” at 4 p.m. in Mercer University’s Fickling Hall.

Why is an Atlanta-based group performing an anniversary concert here?

Because the concert will be guest-conducted by Stanley Roberts, director of choral studies at Mercer. Plus, the ensemble traces its beginnings to Macon since the choir’s founding artistic director, John Dickson, was teaching at Mercer when he partnered with Atlanta singers and Mercer alumni and faculty to form the group.

Those ties remain today.

Coro Vocati claims its mission is to create music at the highest level of choral artistry. In pursuing its goal, it has become one of the southeast’s premier professional choral ensembles, featuring some of the region’s most talented vocalists.

In various musical styles and ways, the first half of “Two Rivers” delves into the complex layers of emotions people find themselves feeling.

“Many times, we find ourselves living in the moment, very publicly, but simultaneously juggling a different world inside our minds and hearts,” Roberts said. “These (pieces) give insight into the profound depths of human love and longing experienced in life.” 

In the second half, hymns, American Shaker, Sacred Harp and African American Spiritual music are featured with texts that celebrate the journey within and journey beyond this life.

Tickets range from about $10 to $20. For ticketing and more information on Coro Vocati, visit corovocati.org.

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On a somber yet celebratory note, the “Yeah Man Jam” is Sunday at 1 p.m. at Society Garden on Ingleside Avenue in memory and celebration of the life of David Jarrell, who died May 7. Well-known in Macon’s music circles and as part of GABBA (the Georgia Allman Brothers Band Association), Jarrell will be remembered as Lizella Reign, Tier Blue and a variety of many other musicians gather to jam and honor him. 

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In Middle Georgia’s live theater scene, it’s the last weekend to catch Macon Little Theatre’s production of “RENT.” On Saturday, it’s Theatre Macon’s annual gala with a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres hour at 7 p.m. and performances by a variety of the theater’s most talented performers at 8 p.m. Warner Robins Little Theatre is also in its last weekend of staging “Ghost: The Musical.”

For more on each, visit maconlittletheatre.org, theatremacon.com and wrlittletheatre.com respectively.

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May is Bike Walk Macon Month, so there’s still time to get out and take part in some of the many activities Bike Walk Macon is sponsoring. Still ahead are events like a walk and talk architecture stroll, car-free day meetups, and free fare day with the Macon Transit Authority. Find out more at bikewalkmacon.com.

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Finally, as previously reported, Macon Arts Alliance celebrates its 40th anniversary Friday and Saturday at the Mill Hill Community Arts Center. At 6 p.m. on Friday, it’s a night filled with music, art exhibits, complimentary drinks and delicious food and the chance to meet and mingle with local artists and art enthusiasts. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door.

On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., drop by Mill Hill for an Artist Market. Tickets for the Artist Market are $5 and will be sold only at the door. Tickets to the Friday celebration include entry into the Artist Market. Find more on the events and the Alliance at maconartsalliance.org.

Contact writer Michael W. Pannell at mwpannell@gmail.com. Find him on Instagram @michael_w_pannell.