The Arts of the Pamlico has a wide array of music events on an ongoing basis. Over the next two months be sure to stop by the historic Turnage Theatre to hear sounds ranging from big band to rock to blues. Below is a short list of some of the music performances coming to your community theater in November and December!

On Friday, Smokehouse takes the stage with a variety of good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll tunes and an amazing light display led by JP Parker.  This concert is the last of the free summer series concerts supported by Beaufort County government, Moss Landing Harbor Homes and WCTI.  Due to the rain predicted, this concert is being moved from Festival Park to the Turnage Theatre stage.

On Saturday, after the Beaufort County Traditional Music Association’s morning jam, come back and enjoy the sounds of the Emerald City Big Band. Tickets are $12 or $10 cash discount. The concert starts at 7 p.m. on the big stage. The concert is being partially supported by NC Arts Council Grassroots funding.

Nov. 16 brings bands, technicians and restaurants in Washington donating their time and resources for a benefit concert for Ocracoke artists at the Turnage. Artists in Ocracoke Island rely heavily on tourists, so come out and help us raise funds to keep these artists creating! BCTMA opens the night at 6 p.m. with music in the gallery, followed by a stellar lineup of local bands onstage and a finale by Ocracoke Island bands, Coyote and Molasses Creek. Tickets are $20. Sample appetizers from Grub Brothers, Ribeyes and Carryout by Chrislyn will be offered. Beverages and treats will be offered for sale at concessions.

BCTMA hosts its quarterly, free Variety Show on Nov. 21 in the Turnage Gallery, starting at 7 p.m. Concessions will be for sale. Donations are appreciated.

Opera music will fill the palace theatre Nov. 22 – 24 when East Carolina University School of Music Opera Theatre performs “Hansel & Gretel” onstage. Four shows include evening and matinee performances throughout the weekend. Tickets are $5 for students, $15 for seniors 55 years and older/faculty and $20 general admission.

On Nov. 23, Wayne Stoeckert shares his soulful eclectic mix of Americana, blues, rock and original tunes as part of the music series hosted by AOP and Coffee Arts in Bath. A series of monthly, ticketed concerts ($7/$5 cash discount) will be offered at Coffee Arts at 103 S. Main St. in Bath from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Beverages and concessions will be available for sale. There will be no concert at Coffee Arts in December but stop in Bath to sample and visit with the resident artists, buy art, olive oil, wine and more at Coffee Arts. Shop and sample, then stay and eat in town before the Bath Holiday Flotilla in the Bath Harbor, which launches from the state dock at dusk.

Ring in the holidays at the Turnage with the River City Ringers on Nov. 26 before the free stage performance of “A Christmas Carol.” Come downtown early for the 5:30 p.m. kick off of “Light Up the City,” in which downtown Washington is officially lighted for the holidays.

Looking for more music? On Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings, with the exception of Nov. 7, the BCTMA jams are held at the Turnage. Mark your calendars for free holiday concerts by the Beaufort County Choral Society on Dec. 6 and the Beaufort County Community Orchestra on Dec. 15, then get ready for a spectacular, annual Christmas performance by The Embers on Dec. 20. There are a limited number of sponsor tables available featuring tickets with pre-seating and pizza for eight with the band. Contact Lexie at l.buckaop@gmail.com.

While you’re at the theater, be sure to take in the entire 55th-annual Fine Art Show on display in all galleries. The 140-plus pieces of work were created by nearly 50 artists from more than 10 counties in North Carolina. It’s a stunning exhibit with works available to purchase to grace your home or give as gifts, bringing artful beauty to you and yours for years to come! Be sure to stop by our sweet shoppe for tasty treats from homemade chocolates and toffee to gourmet popcorn and salty sweet kettle corn.

Not a member yet? Get great perks all year long and support the arts! To join, purchase tickets to shows or find more information, visit www.artsofthepamlico.org or call 252-946-2504. AOP is located in its historic Turnage Theatre at 150 W. Main St. in Washington.

Art Beat shares information about programs and efforts of your regional arts council, Arts of the Pamlico and arts events at the Turnage Theatre and across the county. AOP presents and supports the provision of arts programming for the community and region. AOP also partners with area organizations and groups to leverage the arts to share information and learn about opportunities.

Debra Torrence is the executive director of Arts of the Pamlico.