Benefit Performance

The 20th Annual Arts Sensation returns to the Thalian Hall Main Stage to showcase lively and entertaining local talent for a music and dance spectacular! This year's beneficiary is Plastic Ocean Project, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based out of Wilmington, NC, whose mission is to attain science-based solutions to the plastic pollution crisis that inspire all to make informed choices to improve human and environmental health. With a vision of a world free of plastic pollution, POP works with storytellers, artists, writers, and film-makers to communicate issues to a wider audience, conducts scientific research to learn about plastic pollution, find solutions, and educate others to implement science-based solutions through collaborations with fellow scientists, stakeholders, businesses, and political leaders. Musical entertainment is by singer and songwriter Ava Johnson from Wilmington, NC. She performs throughout eastern North Carolina and recently was in France at several clubs on Jazz Row (Rue des Lombards) in Paris and in the Bordeaux region. Ava grew up training in voice and piano and began releasing her own music in 2018. Her influences include Nina Simone, Norah Jones, Adele, Alicia Keys, Amy Winehouse, Rufus Wainwright and Rhiannon Giddens. Arts Sensation also brings a deluge of dance creations from many genres. Dancers from the ...