The pieces of a music scene go together like computer components — different parts and mechanisms of various sizes that function together to make an entire unit work. Just as there are venues large and small and performers of broad notoriety, there are also promoters who work tirelessly to showcase each niche in the larger picture.
While the economic downturn in recent years has affected the music industry across the board, most would agree things appear to be turning around and improving in Charlotte. People are going out to more venues for a broader range of shows.
Among those who are working hard to promote Charlotte’s scene is Mindelixir, whose Bass Church events at various venues around town — currently at the Fillmore — boost the electronic side of the city’s soundscape. Bo White, a local musician who also runs the indie record label Kinnikinnik, has been instrumental in showcasing more avant-rock artists and musicians through the label and exclusive house concerts.
Tony Arreaza infuses more Latin music into the mainstream, thanks to his work with the Latin American Coalition and his production company Carlotan Rock. Sa-Idah Harley started the Sai Musiq Jazz Series in an effort to spotlight local artists as well as bring more authentic jazz to town.
Under the MaxxMusic name, Gregg McCraw works with venues of all sizes to bring performers — both new (Dawes) and familiar (Neko Case) — to town and help them build a local fan base. As The Sol Kitchen, Mike Kitchen brings acts that haven’t been to Charlotte in years, and those on the verge of making it big.
This article appears in Oct 4-10, 2011.
Mind Elixir is the only promoter I’ve seen to truly PROMOTE his genre. Acts like Bassnectar and Skrillex have put Charlotte on the Bass map. But what’s the problem with Indie Rock??? In the last 6-9 months bands such as Sleigh Bells, Deathcab for Cutie, Blind Bilot, Chad Stokes, Mutemath, Lykke Li, etc, have all come through North Carolina, and not a single one has made a stop in Charlotte. Mumford didn’t come to NC at all when they were on tour last year.
Why is this? Are the bands snubbing Charlotte for some reason? We have a heavy population of music thirsty imports, and beautiful venues of all types and size. What gives? Or are the promoters so overly focused on the local scene and big name tickets (Kid Rock? Britney Spears??? Give me a BREAK) that we aren’t working on bringing in the fresh, new, out of state talent? If that’s the case, shame on us. Our local bands will never make the connections, get the inspiration or truly thrive if we keep them in a Charlotte bubble. I am tired of driving to Raleigh or Asheville to get my live music fix!!! Promoters, PLEASE make me proud of Charlotte’s music scene!!! Okay, rant over. 🙂
Gregg McCraw/MaxxMusic works extremely hard to bring in the best acts possible, as do the others. There are a lot of great bands out there that DO come through Charlotte, who sometimes are selling out venues all over the country, but unfortunately, not always filling the rooms in Charlotte. There are not enough music fans it seems in Charlotte who are either willing to come out to hear lesser known or unknown bands/musicians, or have the interest to see live music at all. Look through http://maxxmusic.com/. You may not know some or many of the acts, but rest assured they are some of the best “unknowns” touring the country right now, in various genres. And Gregg is right on top of getting them here. Charlotte’s track record (or radio promotion) has not been the greatest, unfortunately, so a lot of those larger, indie bands turn us down. It’s not for lack of trying. Promoters are trying all the time.
Check out Buckshots in Salisbury. Find them on Facebook. They has bands from Arizona this weekend and alot of local live music. NOT Brittany! LOL Awesome music at a good price in a smaller crowd of 100-200. They advertise on 106.5 sunday nights trying to focus on the local musicians with the great original music. From Salisbury? Its about time a venue happened there!
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Hello concerned music lovers,
We have a anti bullying music & gaming festival called JNFE Fest 2013 coming to the Rockingham Speedway on July 25th, 26th & 27th. The festival will showcase 300 indie music artists from around the world and especially North Carolina & South Carolina. We encourage ALL Charlotte, Greensboro, Asheville, Raleigh, Fayettsville, Columbia & Myrtle Beach bands to send us their Reverbnation or YouTube links (Our indie music Partner) to http://www.fb.com/jnfefest for a chance to get on one of our 7 major stages.
This anti bullying festival (JNFE Fest) bridges gaming tournaments with live indie music performances, festival games, counseling tents, food & beverage vendors, EDM tents & Social Media lounges to help bring bullied victims together to open up a dialogue about how to stop this bullying epidemic.
Check out the festival site here: http://www.jnfefest.com
*Lineup to be announced (and believe us, they’re some great talent!)
Team JNFE