Search results for

In 2018, Charlotte soul artist MercuryCarter was invited to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Beyond the opportunity to sing at the second-largest jazz festival in the world, Mercury's appearance was made even more notable by the simple fact of his being the third North Carolina vocalist to have performed at the festival (following Nina Simone and Roberta Flack). And to think: the rising Charlotte artist began his artistic career not as a neo-jazz singer, but as a sewing fashion prodigy.

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots,” said civil rights leader Marcus Mosiah Garvey, a thought that could just as easily apply to the history (or lack thereof) of music.Look at the iconization of Elvis Presley, which rarely mentions the influence of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, or chart-topping Bruno Mars who learned how to bust a move from soul forefathers like James Brown. For Tyrone Jefferson and Toni Tupponce, A Sign of the Times’ legacy is to share these oft-forgotten stories of black history through music, dance and spoken word.

Much of the central and eastern U.S. is sweltering under dangerously hot and humid conditions, with temperatures near 100 degrees. The heat index in Charlotte is as high as 108 during the first heat wave of the summer. We examine the impact of excessive heat on health, how to stay safe, and why Mecklenburg is one of North Carolina's hardest-hit counties.

The reports of jazz music's death have been greatly exaggerated, and world-traveling band leader Noel Freidline and acclaimed actress/vocalist Maria Howell are here to prove it.

As an artist raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, LeAnna Eden’s left a sizable impact on the Charlotte music scene. From working with music venue Petra’s on local artist spotlights to fronting the soulful garage blues-rock band LeAnna Eden & the Garden Of to creating the first black alternative music festival in the Queen City, Eden’s work shows that it’s not the music community you were born into, it’s the one you create.

From contributing music to the hit Cartoon Network show “The Boondocks” to performing with Marsalis jazz family royalty, it’s no wonder Charlotte native Harvey Cummings II has been called a “jazz legend in the making,” mixing the classic riffs of Coltrane with the hip-hop sensibilities of J. Cole.

Acceptance is a recurring theme for up-and-coming R&B crooner Dexter Jordan: accepting new friends and collaborators in the Charlotte music community, accepting new sounds and inspiration for his full-length release Blue, accepting grief and the many paths it takes through life and, more importantly, accepting one’s self (the good, the bad and the potential therein).

The Charlotte City Council votes to require permits for street vendors in NoDa; removes Tesla from a list of pre-approved electric vehicles. Former S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson kicks off his gubernatorial bid. The Charlotte Checkers fall in the AHL's Calder Cup Finals.

This week on SouthBound, host Tommy Tomlinson talks to author Georgann Eubanks, who traveled the wild South to visit everything from frogs to swans for her new book, “The Fabulous Ordinary.”

Gov. Josh Stein vetoes three Republican-backed bills, and urges N.C.'s congressional delegation to oppose the Senate's version of President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill." Charlotte Douglas Airport is expects a dip in travel for the holiday weekend. Pineville ends door-to-door solicitation.

Among the 15 bills signed by Gov. Josh Stein on Tuesday, one prohibits mobile phone use during school classes. Another enables Mecklenburg County voters to decide the fate of a transit tax. Former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper considers a run for U.S. Senate. G

N.C. will receive $150 million to address the opioid epidemic. Three federal judges will consider whether congressional and legislative maps are unfair to Black voters. The Charlotte skyline gets a facelift. Juneteenth celebrations are underway in Charlotte.

Tourism has long been seen as mutually beneficial — allowing travelers to experience new communities and cultures, while also boosting local economies. However, in recent years, the volume of global travel has sparked growing backlash in destinations big and small.

Charlotte City Council approves $3.6 billion budget; extends contract of interim city attorney Anthony Fox. Mecklenburg County reports a rise in homelessness. Invasive algae on the N.C. coast is increasing mercury levels in the food chain.

As both chambers of the General Assembly negotiate a budget to send to Gov. Josh Stein, we examine the major sticking points in the House and Senate versions. Last Friday, Stein signed six bills into law, but did not take action on a concealed carry bill or two immigration bills. Since taking office, he has yet to issue a veto.

Thousands gathered in uptown Saturday for the "No Kings" protest. Gov. Josh Stein signs a bill creating the North Carolina Investment Authority. Charlotte Pride organizers say corporations are pulling back sponsorship dollars this year. The Charlotte Checkers even their Calder Cup Finals series against Abbotsford.

The Cabarrus County Commission elevates its newest member to chairman. Construction begins on a new police facility in northwest Charlotte. The partnership between developer The Peebles Corporation and the City of Charlotte is on the verge of collapse. Theatre Charlotte's new production of Annie Jr. features some unexpected cast members.

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein signed eight bills last week, including one limiting the rights of transgender foster youth and adoptees. Area residents continue to wage war against mosquitos. Charlotte is one step closer to its first state trail. WFAE's First Friday Arts Panel highlights some summer events to enjoy.

Candidate filing for Charlotte City Council begins Monday. All 11 council seats, the Charlotte mayor’s seat, and six Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board seats will be on the ballot. The mayor has not yet announced whether she will seek reelection, and one council member is under federal indictment but says she plans to run. We look at what to expect during the short campaign filing window.

CMPD arrests 15, seizes 10 guns on July 4. Johnson C. Smith University placed on probation by its accrediting agency. Monroe Mayor Robert Burns faces a no-confidence vote. CATS begins transitioning to CATS Micro in North Mecklenburg County. The rise and fall of Tiawana Brown.