LOCAL HAPPENINGS: Hot Glass Cold Beer at Starworks offers "Flameworks Edition" for the summer

STAR — Starworks’ popular Hot Glass Cold Beer series returns this summer with an exciting new twist. 

For a limited time, the longtime monthly community gathering will spotlight the art of flameworking (also known as lampworking), giving audiences an up-close look at the fascinating process of shaping molten glass with a torch.

Unlike the large-scale glassblowing demonstrations typically featured at Starworks, flameworking is a more intimate and intricate process of working with the material. Artists use concentrated flames to manipulate glass rods and tubes, creating detailed sculptures, beads, vessels and other delicate works.

Hot Glass Cold Beer: Flameworking Nights continues the tradition of live glass art demonstrations, local music, food trucks and refreshments in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The events are free and open to all ages with donations accepted to fund future educational programs.

The first event takes place on Thursday, June 18, at 5:30 p.m., and features New York based guest artist Ember Janal demonstrating flameworking techniques for approximately 90 minutes. Visitors can watch intricate glass sculptures and objects take shape while learning about this specialized form of glassmaking.

Following the demonstration, Rod Brady will host an Open Mic Night beginning at 7 p.m., welcoming local musicians, poets and performers. Food truck Saucy Cravings will be onsite from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Additional Hot Glass Cold Beer: Flameworking Nights are scheduled throughout the summer:

■ Thursday, July 9 – Featuring guest artists from Liberty Arts in Durham.

■ Thursday, Aug. 13 – Featuring Winston-Salem artist Nicholas Christensen.

“Hot Glass Cold Beer has always been about bringing people together around the excitement of live glassblowing,” said Joe Grant, Director of Starworks, “This summer’s flameworking series gives visitors a chance to experience a different side of the material while enjoying great food, music, and community.”

African Heritage Ball wraps busy Juneteenth weekend

ASHEBORO — On Saturday, June 20, the George Washington Carver Community Enrichment Center will host the African Heritage Ball to bring together community members from across the region for a formal celebration of African culture, history and achievement.

The event, the final part of three days of Juneteenth activities this weekend in Asheboro, will begin at 6 p.m. at the  GWCCEC, 950 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Asheboro. Guests are encouraged to wear their finest African attire. 

Tickets are $35. Purchase tickets online at gwccasheboro.com/ball.

The evening will feature a catered dinner, live cultural performances, story-telling, music, and tributes that celebrate African and African American heritage.

Featured guests and performers include:

■ African Drummer John Stepney — Experience the powerful rhythms and traditions of African drumming as John Stepney shares music that has connected communities and cultures for generations.

■ Storyteller Betty Foust — Through stories that educate, inspire and preserve history, Betty Foust will take guests on a journey through the experiences and traditions that have shaped our community.

■ Cecelia Gladden Chambers as Harriet Tubman — One of the highlights of the evening will be a moving tribute to Harriet Tubman, one of the most courageous and influential figures in American history.

■ Mime Group Visions of Virtue — Known for their powerful and inspirational performances, Visions of Virtue will present a captivating artistic expression that speaks to faith, perseverance and hope.

The African Heritage Ball is designed to be a memorable evening of fellowship, reflection and celebration. Whether you have deep roots in African culture or simply want to learn more about the history and traditions that have helped shape our nation, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with others while supporting a worthy cause.

The Ball concludes a full weekend of Juneteenth activities that include:

■ On Thursday, June 18, at 10 a.m., the unveiling of the Randolph County Slave Memorial at the Historic Randolph County Courthouse on Worth Street and the laying of wreaths. The occasion includes singing, a military salute and community speakers.

■ On Friday, June 19, Civil Rights Medal of Freedom Presentations at 6 p.m. will be held at the Historic Randolph County Courthouse.

■ On Saturday, Feb. 20, a March to the Memorial begins at 10 a.m. from Greater St. John’s Baptist Church, 819 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Asheboro. Also, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a Juneteenth Street Festival takes place in front of the Historic Courthouse, with that section of Worth Street closed to traffic for the event.

At the festival, enjoy vendors, activities, speakers, food and fun.

Then later that night, the African Heritage Ball will take place. That celebration raises money for the Carver Arts AfterSchool Academy. 

All events except the ball are free and the public is invited.

Randleman Market & Music series returns Friday

RANDLEMAN — The Market & Music Concert Series will fill up another Friday night with food, music and vendors in Commerce Square in downtown Randleman on June 19. Food trucks begin to arrive at 5 p.m. and vendors also open at 5 for visitors to the Timken Farmers Market. The music begins at 7 and runs until 10 p.m., with this week’s guest the Cornbread Cowboys. Admission is free. Bring your own chair.

Bluegrass band this Friday at Sunset is New Direction

ASHEBORO — New Direction Bluegrass is returning to the Sunset Theatre on Friday, June 19, beginning at 7 p.m., as the June host of Friday Night Bluegrass, held on the third Friday of every month. Admission is $10. Doors open at 6 p.m.

UPCOMING

Mount Shepherd stove tiles focus of June 23 library talk

ASHEBORO — Learn about the history of pottery stove tiles — and the symbolism behind the “Revolutionary Randolph” America 250 logo — with master potter Tara Logue in “The Story Behind a Logo: Tile Stoves and the Mount Shepherd Potter,” 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, at the Asheboro Public Library. 

Randolph County has used clay stove tile designs found at the 1780s Mount Shepherd pottery site of Moravian potter Jacob Meyer for both the 200th and 250th anniversary logos for the county. In 1976, the design was a soldier standing at attention. In 2026, a representation of a tile featuring a dragoon or cavalry soldier on horseback is incorporated in the Revolutionary Randolph logo.

 Coinciding with Logue’s talk is a display of Mount Shepherd pottery artifacts, documents and photographs in the upstairs Asheboro library display case. The library is located at 201 Worth Street. For more information, call 336-318-6815.

Foam Party next week at Randleman’s new Splash Pad

RANDLEMAN — Feeling like you need to get a little foamy? There’s a Foam Party scheduled next week for the Robin’s Nest Splash Pad at 400 South Stout Street in Randleman. Admission is $5 for kids and adults, with wristbands available onsite. Included: Bubbles, music, water fun and foam games. Call 336-495-7525 to learn more.

Rock’n the Park invades Asheboro again on June 23

ASHEBORO — The second of four Rock’n the Park concerts hits Bicentennial Park next Friday, and this one has a lot of Heart! The tribute band for next Friday is Heart Breaker: The Ultimate Heart Tribute Band. 

The event gets started at 6:30 p.m. with Kelsey Hurley playing until 7:30, then the main event takes the stage at 8. There will be food trucks onsite and lots of downtown restaurants and pubs in easy walking distance with the Zoo City Social District in effect. The music is free; just bring your own chair!