3 things happening in NC: ‘Raleigh Stampede’ rodeo comes to state fairgrounds

Every week, Cardinal & Pine picks three things happening in NC. This week, the rodeo comes to Raleigh, a classical music lover’s paradise, and last days of the Dambo trolls in NC.

As I’m writing this week’s column, I’m watching pregame coverage of Super Bowl 60 (LX if you’re into Roman numerals). Despite my loyalty to the Panthers and bitter memories of 2004, I’ll be pulling for the Patriots tonight.

That choice comes not only from the fact that I was born in New England (I moved to Charlotte in 1995 and jumped on with the Panthers as the franchise launched), but because the team’s starting quarterback is from Huntersville. 

Good News Friday: Charlotte Symphony director wins Grammy for Civil War spy opera

Drake Maye attended Hough High School in Cornelius — a school that wasn’t even built yet when I attended North Mecklenburg High nearby — before transferring to Myers Park High School in Charlotte.   

Sam Darnold, starting quarterback for the Seahawks in Sunday’s Super Bowl, has connections to Charlotte as well, having met his fiance here while playing for the Panthers from 2021-22. I’ll go for hometown hero Maye, however, as he attempts to become the youngest starting quarterback to ever win the Big One.  

[POSTGAME UPDATE: Things did not go well for Drake, but Myers Park did get a shout out in his player intro.]

Whatever happens, by the time you’re reading this the Super Bowl will be over and you’ll be wondering what to do with your week. I’ve compiled three events happening throughout the state that are worth checking out.  

‘Echoes’ in Greenville

Friday, Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m.; $44

A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall, East Carolina University

 

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Pianist Robert McDonald sits in with The Cooperstown Quartet for a concert that promises to feel something like deja vu. The two songs featured in “Echoes” include pieces of music that either harken back to a previous work by the artist, as with Franz Schubert’s “String Quartet No. 13 in A Minor,” or play on themes of repetition, as with César Franck’s “Piano Quintet in F Minor.” 

“The beloved quintet, a startlingly passionate and intense work, is unified across its three movements by a theme, a then-novel innovation of which Franck was fond,” reads the event website.

If you can’t make it to the show at ECU, the performers will make a stop in Raleigh on Sunday, Feb. 15, for a show at the Hayes Barton United Methodist Church. Both concerts are part of the 26th season of the Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival.  

Raleigh Stampede

Feb. 13-14, $20-$25

JB Hunt Complex, NC State Fairgrounds

I have half a mind to attend this event just so I can walk around saying, “Actually, this is my first rodeo.”

Dad jokes aside, the organizers of the Raleigh Stampede welcome newcomers to the rodeo scene, challenging all who are interested to “rodeo around and find out not all rodeos are the same!” 

Over two days, the top cowboys and cowgirls of the Southern Rodeo Association will take part in seven events including bronc riding, roping, barrel racing, and bull riding. Bring the kids for some family-friendly fun and let them watch you get on a bull yourself (albeit a mechanical one).  

 

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Trolls: A Field Study in Asheville

Now through Feb. 17

The North Carolina Arboretum

You can spot the world-famous Dambo trolls at the NC Arboretum in Asheville through Feb. 17. (Photo via NC Arboretum)

I usually only highlight new events coming to North Carolina in this column, but this week I’m making an exception for Thomas Dambo’s trolls, which are nearing the end of their run on display at the NC Arboretum in Asheville. 

These 12 interactive troll sculptures were created by environmental advocate and artist Thomas Dambo of Denmark. They’ve been on display along the gardens and trails of the Arboretum since November and as of January had already drawn more than 100,000 visitors. 

I’ve visited the giant troll that’s been hanging out in Charlotte and I’ll say just that single sculpture was a memorable experience. As we enter the last full week of the Arboretum installation, I’d highly recommend setting aside some time to go check out these “Baby Trolls,” which stand 7 to 9 feet tall.