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Charlotte SHOUT! is here. See the entire list of events & happenings here.
Charlotte SHOUT!, the Queen City’s premier arts festival, returns for a third year, bolder and brighter. This is the only place where you can experience performances, exhibits and more from talents from across the Carolinas and around the world celebrating what makes Charlotte an art mecca of the South.
Debuting in 2019, the multi-week festival is meant to spotlight the creativity, innovation, diversity, and resilience of Charlotte’s music and arts scene.
Over 200 installations, performances, events, and activations will be featured. Nearly all the events are outdoors, free, and open to the public without tickets.
“We are thrilled for the opportunity to once again bring Charlotte SHOUT! to Uptown,” Robert Krumbine, Chief Creative Officer for Charlotte Center City Partners, said. “SHOUT! has quickly become a beloved tradition in the Charlotte region. It is an amazing opportunity to explore Uptown, celebrate our community’s creativity and diversity, and experience the extraordinary talents of artists from around the corner and around the world.”
Among the talents featured in this year’s Charlotte SHOUT! festival are Black creatives, exhibitors as well diverse events that are taking the art scene by storm. Here are just a few of them:
Multiple artists @ Pianodrome, now through April 16
The latest and greatest exhibit you’ll see at Charlotte SHOUT! is the incomparable Pianodrome. Situated at Grace A.M.E. Zion Church, Pianodrome is the world’s first amphitheater made entirely from upcycled pianos. You’ll have a chance to hear Black creatives from around the country make history playing in the groundbreaking venue. A few acts include MJ Baker, Terrance Shepherd and the Charlotte Strings Collective, a group that performs historic and contemporary music by Black composers. See a full list of performers here.
The Brooklyn Collective Art Gallery, now through April 15
Experience Charlotte’s history as you explore the Brooklyn Collective Art Gallery. The exhibit commemorates Brooklyn, a once-thriving Black neighborhood in the heart of Uptown that provided opportunities and sanctuary in a segregated South from the late 1800s to the early 1960s. See the incredible work of a multigenerational group of artists in Renaissance of Brooklyn as they portray their lived experiences and perspectives as African-Americans living in Charlotte and the region. Find more information here.
Free concerts at Ally Main Stage at the Plaza
April 6 at 5:30 pm – At Funk Night, concert-goers can enjoy some high energy funk and fusion music ending with a jam session, hosted by Quentin Talley.
April 7 at 5:30 pm – R&B Night! Get in a soulful mood as you hear smooth melodies and watch captivating performances from four different R&B artists and groups.
April 8 at 1:00 pm – Let GospelFest take over your Saturday as you celebrate Charlotte’s gospel roots through music and worship.
An evening with Grammy nominated artist: Maysa Leak, April 7 & 8
The talented Maysa Leak will take the stage at Middle C Jazz for a performance you don’t want to miss. Leak is well known for her remake of “Quiet Fire” (take a listen), and working with some of the greats like Stevie Wonder and Will Downing. Find more information and buy tickets here.
Lavagem!, April 13
Photo via the Charlotte SHOUT! website
Take a drum class and a dance class that teaches and celebrates the arts & culture of Indigenous and African Brazilian people. All ages are welcome and no dancing experience is required. Lavagem is free and happening at the Mint Museum Uptown at 6pm.
Charlotte StrEATs Festival, April 15 – 16
It wouldn’t be CharlotteSHOUT! Without the return of the Charlotte StrEATs Festival. During this two-day festival, you’ll have the chance to indulge in foods prepared by the chefs and neighborhoods that make up Charlotte’s culinary scene. It includes a street festival, cooking exhibits, wine tastings and more from your favorite Black culinary creatives. Don’t miss it from April 15-16. See a full list of events and purchase tickets here.