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2026 Summer Schedule

Welcome to the 2026 season of FORUM! Two performances of each show will occur on Monday evenings at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. throughout the season in the Hayes Auditorium. The doors will open 30 minutes before each performance and will run approximately 60+ minutes with no intermission.

SHOW INFORMATION, CLICK HERE

For questions or to purchase season tickets contact: Forum Coordinator Elizabeth Roberts at 828-898-8748

Monday night shows for 2026:

June 15
Aria Nouveau
A breathtaking fusion of classical crossover, Broadway, and timeless popular music. Aria Nouveau brings spectacular new energy to the classical crossover genre, led by soprano Laura Auer (Top-10 Billboard-charting albums, VH1/Lifestyle Network features, symphony appearances) and tenor John Riesen (America’s Got Talent finalist, Lincoln Center soloist, 4+ million Spotify streams). Their concert blends crossover favorites (“The Prayer,” “Amigos Para Siempre”), Broadway hits (“Music of the Night,” “Bring Him Home”), operatic classics (“Nessun Dorma,” “Quando me’n vo’”), and popular standards made famous by icons like Nat King Cole, Celine Dion, and Tony Bennett. Beautifully arranged and emotionally rich, Aria Nouveau offers a sweeping musical experience full of elegance, artistry, and unforgettable vocals — a perfect evening for music lovers of every generation.

June 22
Decades in Duets
A joyful journey through the greatest duets in modern music. Award-winning vocalists and multi-instrumentalists Annalyse McCoy and Ryan Dunn bring more than 50 years of combined stage experience to this lively tribute to iconic duet hits. From Nashville to New York City — including Lincoln Center and Opry City Stage — their careers and chemistry shine in every note. Featuring favorites from the ’60s to today (“I Got You Babe,” “Islands in the Stream,” “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” “Shallow,” “Need You Now,” and more), the show blends pop, country, and rock with rich harmonies, engaging stories, and irresistible energy. Heartfelt and uplifting, Decades in Duet celebrates love, partnership, and the timeless songs that define generations.

June 25
The Stranger: A Tribure to Billy Joel
The sound, spirit, and energy of Billy Joel brought to life. Led by pianist and vocalist Mike Santoro, The Stranger delivers one of the most authentic Billy Joel tribute experiences in the country. With outstanding musicianship, spot-on vocals, and decades of combined performance experience, this Charlotte-based band captures the sound and style of Joel in his prime. Audiences can expect favorite hits like “Piano Man,” “Uptown Girl,” “New York State of Mind,” and more — along with the energy, storytelling, and showmanship that define every Billy Joel performance. Dynamic, engaging, and crowd-pleasing from the first note to the last, The Stranger offers a powerful night of classic songwriting and unforgettable live entertainment.

July 6
Western Piedmont Symphony
A celebrated North Carolina orchestra returns to FORUM. For nearly 60 years, the Western Piedmont Symphony has enriched the region with dynamic, high-quality symphonic music. Under the direction of Maestro Matthew Troy, the orchestra is known for engaging performances, innovative programming, and a mission to make classical music accessible and relevant to today’s audiences. A FORUM favorite for more than a decade, WPS now returns with a powerful evening of orchestral artistry showcasing the depth and versatility of this beloved ensemble.

July 13
Stevie Mac
The sound, stories, and spirit of Fleetwood Mac. StevieMac delivers a stunning tribute to the legends of Fleetwood Mac, recreating the band’s most iconic performances and unforgettable hits — along with the solo careers of Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie, and Lindsey Buckingham. Complete with authentic harmonies, storytelling, period styling, and multimedia elements, this immersive production transports audiences through the decades of Fleetwood Mac’s musical legacy. A nostalgic, high-energy celebration of one of the greatest bands of all time.

July 20
Southern Cross
Timeless harmonies. Classic songwriting. Pure nostalgia. For more than a decade, Southern Cross has toured the country performing the music of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young with remarkable precision — from the tight vocal blends to the intricate musicianship that defined the Laurel Canyon sound. Audiences can expect favorites such as “Love the One You’re With,” “Woodstock,” and “Southern Cross,” along with select solo hits including Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold” and Stephen Stills’ “Treetop Flyer.” Authentic, heartfelt, and musically outstanding, Southern Cross celebrates the spirit and legacy of one of America’s most influential supergroups.

July 27
Electric Light Orchestra
Featuring Evil Woman — The American ELO. This multimedia concert brings the unforgettable music of Electric Light Orchestra to life with stunning detail and electrifying musicianship. Featuring Evil Woman — The American ELO, the performance blends lush strings, rock rhythms, and signature harmonies that capture the sound and spirit of the original recordings. Audiences will hear favorites like “Mr. Blue Sky,” “Telephone Line,” “Don’t Bring Me Down,” and “Evil Woman,” performed by a remarkable 12-piece ensemble known for its precision, energy, and artistry. A vibrant, immersive celebration of one of rock’s most innovative and enduring bands.

August 3
Margaritas in Paradise
Tropical vibes. Timeless hits. Pure escapism. Margaritas in Paradise brings the island spirit of Jimmy Buffett to life with an upbeat, high-energy concert experience filled with sunshine, storytelling, and singalong favorites. From “Margaritaville” to “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” the show celebrates the music, humor, and laid-back lifestyle that made Buffett a legend. With colorful staging, lively musicianship, and a welcoming party atmosphere, Margaritas in Paradise delivers a feel-good evening that invites audiences to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.