Kenny Chesney, Artisphere and more highlight Greenville's entertainment scene April to June

Country music star Kenny Chesney, rock legend "John Cougar" Mellencamp, poetry competitions, night markets and fine art exhibits headline events coming to Greenville this spring.

There is, even more planned, such as adaptations of box office films and street festivals to keep people busy through the month of June.

Greenville's downtown has hosted Broadway classics like "Hamilton" and "CATS," plus held the NCAA Regional Tournament games for both men and women in the past two years.

Music fans can now expect to see Chesney at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on April 27, and Mellencamp will perform at the Peace Center on May 19.

To make sure you don't miss out, here are some more of our top choices for events and concerts to see in the coming months.

The Space Between Love and Mystery, The Anchorage exhibit

Continuing through July 15, the self-taught contemporary artist, Hannah Yanetsko, brings an ocean-inspired exhibit to The Anchorage at 586 Perry Ave., as culinary and fine arts mesh in an exhibit for the Davidson, North Carolina native.

"We are all wading in some sense, wading through grief, disappointment, and uncertainty," said Yanetsko. "Perspective helps us navigate those 'other' oceans – viewpoint doesn't change what exists, but our position, the posture of how we engage with it."

Yanetsko will host a questions and answers session from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on May 11 at the Art & Light Gallery at 16 Aiken St., featuring signature cocktails and appetizers for participants.

'Once On This Island,' South Carolina Children's Theatre

A Caribbean adaptation of the literary fairytale "The Little Mermaid" comes to the Children's Theatre in play format from May 5 – 21. This original and theatrical version is written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Tony Award Winners for Seussical & Ragtime) and lasts 90 minutes.

Ages 8 and older are recommended to see the story of a young girl who attempts to find romance in a world of prejudice. There are 11 performances scheduled.

∎ Tickets: $25

Greenville Through a Lens, Prisma Health Welcome Center at Unity Park

Unity Park will play host to an exhibit and cultural event hosted by art curator Timmothy Cunningham, in hopes to highlight Greenville's notable history of black artistry and to support future artists in the Upstate.

Greenville Through a Lens is a suit-and-tie affair, accompanied by hors d'oeuvres, beer & wine plus a live DJ that showcases artwork and an evening of fellowship. Tickets are $50 each and a percentage of the donations will go towards the Urban League of the Upstate, and a $10,000 scholarship giveaway with a one-year mentorship to a high school arts student in the Upstate.

∎ Tickets: $50

Artisphere 2023, Main Street downtown Greenville

Prepare for the signature weekend of spring in Greenville as food, performances and art appreciation enter Main Street for Artisphere 2023 — a premier downtown festival where fine arts and crafts will display 143 artists from 31 different states over a three-day showcase May 12 - 14.

This event with exhibit sculptures, paintings and more to purchase as the free event will host 40 new visual artists to Artisphere, with 16 of the total artists participating as natives of the Upstate.

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To Kill a Mockingbird, Peace Center

Originally published in 1960 by Harper Lee, Aaron Sorkin's rendition of To Kill a Mockingbird should be a hit at the Peace Center as one of the most successful Broadway shows of all time comes to downtown Greenville from April 18 - 24.

Richard Thomas, most notably known for his role as John-Boy in The Waltons, a CBS drama series, will star as Atticus Finch.

∎ Tickets: $39 - $124

Anthony Hamilton, Peace Center

Grammy Award-winning R&B and soul artist Anthony Hamilton comes to the Peace Center on June 8 as the "Charlene" singer and brings The Ton3s to a single-night show at 7:30 p.m.

Hamilton's solo music career started back in 1996 with his debut album XTC. His collaborations with Al Green and Nappy Roots are where the majority of his notoriety comes from, but Hamilton's eight studio albums provide more than enough hits to showcase his songwriting brilliance.

∎ Tickets: $75 - $135

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Queen of the South 2023 Poetry Slam, Radio Room

The Wits End Poetry Invitational will host ten women from four different states during the Queen of the South 2023 Poetry Slam on April 23 at Radio Room, hosted by Kimberly Simms.

Prior to the showcase, the poetry slam will host an open mic session for the audience to perform one poem. This event will be held at 110 Poinsett Hwy in Greenville, beginning at 7 p.m.

A $500 cash prize will be awarded to the winner.

∎ Tickets: $15

Herbie Hancock, Peace Center

Jazz composer Herbie Hancock and his post-bop melodies will be on full showcase at the Peace Center on June 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Hancock served in the Miles Davis Quartet, and boats 14 Grammy Awards for jazz, R&B, and funk over a 41-album career that begin back in the early 1960s.

∎ Tickets: $65 - $95

Gratitude, Faith & Courage | Artists Up Close, The Fine Arts Center

May 5 through 7 will showcase another realm of Greenville's artistry as three concerts by The Greenville Symphony Orchestra under the themes of Gratitude, Faith and Courage will feature artists from the former Spotlight Music Chambers group. The three-day, the three-concert event will take place at the Fine Arts Center located at 102 Pine Knoll Drive.

In the symphony's 75th season of music, Artists Up Close will feature contemporary and local composers, Greenville-based themes and special guest performances.

∎ Tickets: $25

– A.J. Jackson covers the food & dining scene, along with arts, entertainment and more for The Greenville News and Anderson Independent Mail. Contact him by email at ajackson@gannett.com, and follow him on Twitter @ajhappened.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Kenny Chesney, Artisphere and more headline Greenville events.