Writer: Jerrica DuBois
2 min read August 2022 — With the end of summer closing in and the hustle of back to school in full effect, finding time to unwind can prove difficult. Charlotte’s entertainment scene offers a bevy of choices to spend with that limited availability, whether that be music, cultural events or theater. Invest: explores a few of the upcoming big-ticket happenings within the Queen City.
26th Festival of India
The Festival of India draws thousands of visitors from the greater Charlotte region every year. Organized by the India Association of Charlotte, this annual festival showcases the diversity of Indian culture. Dance, food, art, music and more are all integral pieces in displaying the history and diversity of Indian culture and traditions. Attendees can enjoy the vast food court, get a henna tattoo or dance to live music. Activities for children include Kids Art Corner and Kids Art competition. The event takes place on Aug. 27 at the Belk Theater. Learn more here
Ain’t She Funny Mini-Fest
Charlotte’s favorite female stand-up comedians and improv performers join forces for one night only. The event line-up includes That’s What She Said, Bianchi & Byland, LA Redd, Roxanne McDonald, Gayle Murray and Lauren Ansley. This event is part of the 2022 Queen City Comedy Experience and will take place on Aug. 27 at the Stage Door Theater at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Learn more here
Pedrito Martinez: The Sound of Cuba
Pedrito Martinez, a superstar Jazz percussionist born in Havana, is ready to take over the stage at the Jazz Room. Located in the Stage Door Theater at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, patrons will enjoy the Afro-Cuban sounds of Martinez and his ensemble, from traditional to up-tempo dance tunes. Martinez’ extensive resume includes working with Wynton Marsalis, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Angelique Kidjo, Chucho Valdés and James Taylor. The show has multiple offerings running from Sept. 2 through Sept. 3. Learn more here
Mean Girls
The smash Broadway hit is headed to Charlotte. Follow suburbia implant Cady Heron as she navigates a new home, new school and a trio of enemies. The musical’s star creative team includes Tina Fey, composer Jeff Richmond, lyricist Nell Benjamin and director Casey Nicholaw. The show will run from Sept. 6 through the 11th in the Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Learn more here
Kevin Hart: Reality Check
Emmy and Grammy nominated comedian Kevin Hart is back on the comedy circuit with his Reality Check tour. From movies, reality television, radio to hosting, Hart has brought the funny to audiences across all mediums. The ‘Reality Check’ tour follows successful runs of Hart’s previous tours, ‘What Now?’ in 2015 and ‘Irresponsible’ in 2017, which were also released as original Netflix stand up specials. The show will be Sept 11 at the Spectrum Center. Learn more here
BLACKSTAR SYMPHONY: The Music of David Bowie
Artistic director Donny McCaslin has joined forces with The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra for BLACKSTAR SYMPHONY, a concert interpretation of the final album of rock legend David Bowie. The album Blackstar was released two days before his death in 2016.
World renowned orchestrators Jules Buckley, Tim Davies, Vince Mendoza, Maria Schneider, Jamshied Sharifi, Tony Visconti, Michael Dudley Jr. and Vellu Halkosalmi have all contributed musical arrangements for BLACKSTAR SYMPHONY. A 65-piece orchestra, jazz quartet and vocalists drive the production. Act I showcases the live performance of the entire Blackstar album, and Act II celebrates Bowie’s extensive musical catalog showcasing Bowie compositions including “Heroes,” “Life on Mars,” “Suffragette City,” and “Space Oddity.”
The event will take place on Friday Sept. 16 and Saturday Sept. 17 in the Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Learn more here
