This Weekend in Charlotte (Sept. 20-22)
What's going on in the Queen City?
After slaving over a hot keyboard to bring you these weekend picks, I can confirm that step teams, live music and plenty of chances to witness Charlotte-born talent are offered. But you don’t have to choose just one event for each day. As some are slated for multiple days, your itinerary can span the city’s wards and represented mediums. So get outside of the house this weekend, because the events are numerous and (mostly) cheap. Speaking of Charlotte-born talent, take a minute to watch the latest video from the Junior Astronomers, who used the city as the backdrop.
Friday
Chickspeare, an all-female Shakespeare company based in Charlotte, returns for another season with Shakespeare in the Park(ing lot). The event invites folks to bring their lawn chairs for a weekend of performances in the NoDa Brewing parking lot. Attendees can enjoy some beer during the show and grab some food from the Tin Kitchen vendors. The performances take place on Friday at 6:30 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m., and Sunday at 4 p.m. Admission runs $10 online before the show, or $15 at the door (or lot, rather).
The Bechtler’s Modernism + Film series screens Urbanized on Friday night. The documentary examines urban planning and design from multiple angles. A discussion will precede the screening, with Tracy Dodson of Cushman & Wakefield, Thalhimer, Mary Newsom of UNC Charlotte Urban Institute, and Charlotte magazine’s own, editor Michael Graff. Prices run $10 for non-members, $8 for members, and $5 for students. Things get started at 6 p.m.
Kishi Bashi, a singer and multi-instrumentalist, is slated to play the Visulite Theatre. A touring member of Regina Spektor’s band and of Montreal, Bashi’s own material ranges from indie pop to psychedelic offerings. Tickets are $12 before the show and $14 at the door. Bashi plays at 9 p.m.
Saturday
Festival in the Park, an event that runs from Friday to Sunday, features music and art at Freedom Park in a fair-like setting. Taking place at Freedom Park, the festival typically pulls in 100,000 visitors. This year, the celebration continues to tout regional artists, musicians and residents. Attendance is free. Check out the calendar listing for times.
Carolina StepFest sees step teams from the region and beyond, with all proceeds going toward scholarships and community service. Even the audience can get involved with the day’s activities. NC Music Factory hosts the event, and it costs $20 for general admission and $10 for kids (3-12). Doors open at 5 p.m.
The Lonely Biscuits provide a fascinating mix of indie rock and hip-hop, and the Nashville-born group comes to the Neighborhood Theatre this Saturday. Though the group has only been around for a couple years, they’ve already received awards and recognition, garnering an MTVu Woodie Award for College Artist of the Year in 2013. Tickets run $8-$10, and the show starts at 8.
Sunday
Son Volt, an alt-country institution since its 1994 inception, returns to Charlotte with a performance at the Visulite Theatre. Led by Jay Farrar, the group released its last record in March. Tickets run $23, and the band starts at 9 p.m.
The Mint Museum’s Inventing the Modern World Opening Day Celebration invites Charlotteans to help mark the start of a new exhibition. With crafts, galleries, demonstrations and a working ferris wheel. Free for kids and members; $5 for non-members. The celebration runs 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
O’Brother, hailing from Atlanta, comes to Tremont Music Hall with a slew of supporting acts. The band’s not only joined by indie group Daylight and Native, but also Charlotte’s Junior Astronomers. Kicking off at 7:30 p.m., the lineup offers four bands for just $10. Check out a live video of O’Brother below.
