Music Lover
Sure, some of the big bands pass us by. And yeah, we wish we had a little more of a local music scene. But there may just be a few places you haven't tried yet, and if that's the case, well then, there's no time like the present to change that.
Upcoming ShowsWhen you're making your plans this fall, there are a few shows coming to town that should definitely make it on your calendar.September 5 Taylor Swift Time Warner Cable Arena September 13 The Derek Trucks Band Belk Theater September 19 Medeski, Martin, and Wood Neighborhood Theatre September 23 Tyrone Wells Double Door Inn September 29 Rob Thomas with OneRepublic and Carolina Liar Uptown Amphitheater October 3-4 Widespread Panic and The Allman Brothers Verizon Wireless Amphitheater October 6 B.B. King Fillmore Charlotte October 9 Will Hoge Visulite October 9-10 Charlotte Symphony: Rodrigo Guitar Concerto Belk Theater October 15 Blues Traveler Fillmore Charlotte October 17 Casting Crowns Bojangles Coliseum |
Neighborhood Theatre
Amid restaurants, galleries, and unique shops, this NoDa venue boasts an eclectic calendar of reggae, rock, hip-hop, Latin, and the folk/Americana that best suits its acoustics. The addition of elevated VIP boxes, an upgraded sound system, and removable seats help the room transform from quiet theater for Doc Watson to a rowdy dance floor perfect for moving to the English Beat's '80s ska or Tricky's electronica. 511 E. 36th St., 704-358-9298Fillmore Charlotte
The Live Nation-run venue has deep pockets, and it shows, with shiny hardwoods, delicate chandeliers, state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment, and the ability to book bands that often bypass Charlotte. It and its neighboring Uptown Amphitheatre are booking nostalgia acts like Motorhead and the B-52s that Charlotte hasn't seen in years, as well as trendy young bands like The Fray. And while the ticket prices are high, the traffic waiting to get in and leaving isn't quite as bad as anticipated. 820 Hamilton St., 704-549-5555Double Door Inn
An intimate neighborhood bar where blues and booze flow freely, the Double Door has welcomed blues greats—Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, and Charlotte's dearly departed Nappy Brown—for thirty-six years while giving locals like Robin Rogers a shot and, on occasion, a regular slot. It's often the first to book up-and-coming regional talents that are gaining steam nationally, such as Hickory-raised soul man Damien Horne, reggae-pop songwriter and Hilton Head native Trevor Hall, and Asheville steel drummer Jonathan Scales. 1218 Charlottetown Ave., 704-376-1446Visulite
The ornate gold woodwork that frames the stage along with the warm red draperies create a cozy ambience that works with a somber Michael Penn acoustic solo set or a rollicking full-band indie rock show from The Fiery Furnaces or Drive-by Truckers. The pit, bar, and stage levels help even large crowds actually see the band and make it easy to maneuver. 1615 Elizabeth Ave., 704-358-9200Amos' Southend
Since it doubled in size, the house of tribute bands has gone from club to contender, hosting adventurous hip-hop (Wu-Tang Clan), soul (India Arie), and rock (The Flaming Lips, TV on the Radio) that rarely hits this market. When the Beastie Boys were searching for a Carolina venue for its Get Out and Vote tour, they came here. Sound quality can be iffy, especially toward the back, so look for a spot close to the stage. 1423 S. Tryon St., 704-377-6874@charlottemagazine.com
Writer Courtney Devores shares one of her favorite recent trips to see the Sammies play at the Visulite.
