Charlotte Music, Sports, Food, Arts, and Cultural events happening this week

By CLTure

April 28, 2025

Monday, April 28 

Gang of Four with opener It’s Snakes at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $42.10 plus

English post-punk band Gang of Four is celebrating the 45th anniversary of their landmark album Entertainment!, which helped define the sound of an era by blending punk energy with funk grooves and avant-garde stylings. Marking their farewell as a band, the show will feature two sets: a full performance of Entertainment! followed by a selection of career-spanning hits, with original members Jon King (vocals) and Hugo Burnham (drums) joined by Ted Leo (guitar) and Gail Greenwood (bass). Opening the show will be Charlotte indie rockers It’s Snakes, led by North Carolina Music Hall of Famers Hope Nicholls and Aaron Pitkin of Fetchin’ Bones.

The Bill Hanna Legacy Jazz Session at Petra’s (7 p.m.)

Tickets: $9.98

Celebrate the spirit of jazz at The Bill Hanna Legacy Jazz Session, every Monday night at Petra’s. A tribute to the late, great Bill Hanna, who was widely known as the godfather of Charlotte jazz. The weekly event brings together some of the city’s best musicians for a night of improvisational performances.

See Bird Go Presents All My Friends Are Fly with King Iven at Snug Harbor (8 p.m.) 

Tickets: $10 plus (Free before 9 p.m.)

All My Friends Are Fly is a recurring event series curated by DJ See Bird Go, featuring R&B, Amapiano, house, and hip-hop. The weekly dance party includes special guest performances and DJ sets each week.

Tuesday, April 29 

George Clanton with opener Neggy Gemmy at The Underground (8:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $35.25 plus

Charlotte Knights vs. Norfolk Tides at Truist Field (6:35 p.m.)

Tickets: $20 plus

R.A.P. Ferreira and Blax with Suspencefulmusicplaying and 6 Cardinal at Snug Harbor (9:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $17 plus

Wisconsin indie rapper R.A.P. Ferreira returns to Charlotte following the April release of his new album, Outstanding Understanding. Renowned for his introspective lyricism over lo-fi beats, Ferreira first gained attention under the name Milo, collaborating with Busdriver, Open Mike Eagle, and the Hellfyre Club collective. He later launched his own label, Ruby Yacht, and introduced the R.A.P. Ferreira moniker with Purple Moonlight Pages. A standout voice in underground hip-hop, he continues to push the genre’s boundaries with inventive production and sharp wordplay. Now based in Nashville, Ferreira runs Ruby Yacht and his record shop, Soulfolks Records and Tapes. Joining him are Milwaukee rapper Blax and Charlotte artists Suspencefulmusicplaying and 6 Cardinal.

The High Kings at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.) 

Tickets: $52.44 plus

Paul Giallorenzo Trio, Ghost Trees, and Curiosidades de Bombrille at Petra’s (8:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $13.42

Curiosidades de Bombrille, the experimental/world music project of multi-instrumentalist Davey Blackburn; Chicago composer, producer, and sound designer Paul Giallorenzo and his trio; and the Charlotte avant-garde jazz duo consisting of Brent Bagwell (saxophone) and Seth Nanaa (drums) will perform at Petra’s Tuesday night.

Wednesday, April 30 

While She Sleeps and Bury Tomorrow at The Underground (7:00 p.m.) 

Tickets: $35.25 plus

Alice Wallace with openers Wyatt Easterling and Rod Abernethy at The Evening Muse (7:30 p.m.)

Tickets: $20.38

Sawyer Hill with opener The Criticals at Amos’ Southend (7:30 p.m.)

Tickets: $25.82 plus

Sawyer Hill, an alternative rock artist from Fayetteville, Arkansas, known for his commanding baritone vocals and genre-blending style, will bring his 2025 tour to Charlotte this week. He is touring in support of his debut EP, Heartbreak Hysteria, released on April 18. Nashville indie rockers The Criticals will open the show.

Slothrust with opener Weakened Friends at Snug Harbor (9:00 p.m.)

Tickets: Sold Out

Charlotte Knights vs. Norfolk Tides (Bark in the Ballpark) at Truist Field (6:35 p.m.)

Tickets: $20 plus 

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $36.94 plus

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, the Nigerian Afrobeat band led by saxophonist Seun Kuti, performs at Neighborhood Theatre this week. The youngest son of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, Seun first joined Egypt 80 in the late ’90s and became the lead singer after his father’s passing in 1997. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 have released multiple albums as a group, including Many Things (2008), From Africa with Fury: Rise (2011), Black Times (2018), and the Lenny Kravitz-produced Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) in 2024. Seun also made notable contributions to Janelle Monae’s 2023 album The Age of Pleasure, on the tracks “Float” and “Know Better.”

Tummyache, Saint Logic, Slow Funeral, The Abstratica, and Creatures of the Sun at The Milestone

Tickets: $12 plus

Thursday, May 1 

Melvins, Napalm Death, Weedeater, and Dark Sky Burial at The Underground (7:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $45 plus

Two iconic punk/metal bands, Napalm Death and the Melvins, reunite for the Savage Imperial Death March tour, a sequel to their 2016 run. The Melvins return with their rare double-drummer lineup, featuring Dale Crover (back after a medical hiatus) and Coady Willis. Their set will mix classics like “A History of Bad Men” and “Honey Bucket” along with new material. Napalm Death, grindcore pioneers from Birmingham, England, continue to deliver blistering, politically charged performances nearly four decades into their career. Led by frontman Barney Greenway’s ferocious vocals, they’ll tear through a career-spanning setlist.

LadyCouch at Whitewater Center (7:00 p.m.) 

Tickets: Free (Parking: $12)

Charlotte Knights vs. Norfolk Tides (Thirsty Thursday) at Truist Field (6:05 p.m.)

Tickets: $20 plus 

Future Islands with opener Open Mike Eagle at The Fillmore (8:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $46 plus

Synth-pop band Future Islands, fronted by the charismatic Samuel T. Herring and formed at East Carolina University, returns to The Fillmore in support of their 2024 album People Who Aren’t There Anymore. Known for their infectious blend of shimmering synths, melodic basslines, and Herring’s poetic vocals, the band’s signature new wave sound is sure to make you move. Joining them is genre-defying rapper Open Mike Eagle, known for his acclaimed albums Dark Comedy (2014), Brick Body Kids Still Daydream (2017), and Anime, Trauma and Divorce (2020). Open Mike Eagle’s latest EP, Evergreen Plaza, dropped in March via Durham’s Merge Records.

Ax and the Hatchetmen, Junior Astronomers and Natalie Carr at Victoria Yards (6:00 p.m.)

Tickets: Free

Zack Feinberg (of The Revivalists) with The Saint Cecilia at Resident Culture South End (7:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $20 plus

Fireside Collective and Time Sawyer at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $22.73 plus

Asheville’s progressive bluegrass band Fireside Collective, winners of the 2016 MerleFest Band Contest and IBMA Momentum Band of the Year nominees, will perform with country-folk rockers Time Sawyer. Led by singer-songwriter Sam Tayloe and musician Houston Norris, Time Sawyer blends roots and folk rock, while Fireside Collective is celebrated for its innovative fusion of bluegrass and folk, featuring exceptional musicianship and charming harmonies.

Becky Robinson (Comedian) at The Comedy Zone (7:00 p.m.) 

Tickets: $42.89 plus

Alright, Boy Named Sue, and Ghost Brain at Petra’s (8:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $9.98

Jackopierce at The Evening Muse (7:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $48.80

Friday, May 2 

Gwen Stefani, Flipturn, Third Eye Blind, The Revivalists, and Benson Boone at Lovin’ Life Music Fest 

Tickets: $129 plus 

Superfine: Exploring Black Dandyism at Harvey B. Gantt Center (7:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $30.59 plus

Superfine at the Gantt celebrates Black fashion’s influence, inspired by the 2025 Met Gala theme Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. The event features an interactive exhibit, runway shows, and VIP experiences. Guests are encouraged to dress in Black Dandyism-themed attire, blending elements of elegance, sophistication, and individuality rooted in the Black American experience. Other event highlights include a photoshoot by Sancho Smalls, the Dissecting Dandyism exhibition curated by Professor P, Carla Aaron-Lopez, Davita Galloway, and Shekinah Williams, a rotating runway panel, and a rooftop party DJ’d by Dammit Wesley, with catering provided by The Thicc Co. and Big Worm Empanadas.

Charlotte Knights vs. Norfolk Tides (Fireworks) at Truist Field (7:04 p.m.)

Tickets: $20 plus 

Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, and Walker Montgomery at PNC Music Pavilion (7:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $148 plus (Gametime)

Becky Robinson (Comedian) at The Comedy Zone (7:00 p.m. + 9:45 p.m.)

Tickets: $42.89 plus

Portland native and LA-based comedian and voice-over artist Becky Robinson, known for her viral character “Entitled Housewife” — an outspoken golf club member — will perform multiple shows at The Comedy Zone this week. Her viral videos have garnered millions of views, building a nationwide fanbase. In 2024, Robinson kicked off her She Gone Tour and was named a JFL Montreal New Face of Comedy, leading to a sketch show deal and voice-over roles with DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, and Netflix. She currently voices “Parker J. Cloud” on Middlemost Post and has appeared on Wild ‘N Out, Netflix’s The G Word, and Hulu’s Coming to the Stage.

Billy Keane and The Waking Dream at Whitewater Center (7:00 p.m.)

Tickets: Free (Parking: $12)

Asian Night Market at Urban District Market (5 p.m. – 11 p.m.) 

Tickets: Free

Sofia Isella with opener Mercury Carter at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $25.57 plus

Indie experimental goth pop artist Sofia Isella, a classically trained violinist, headlines Neighborhood Theatre this week ahead of her new EP, I’m Camera., set for release on May 23. Releasing her debut project I’m Not Yours in 2020, she followed with I Can Be Your Mother in 2024. After gaining a large following on TikTok, Isella opened for Melanie Martinez and Taylor Swift during the Eras Tour. Charlotte jazz/soul/experimental pop singer-songwriter Mercury Carter will open the show.

Drake White with opener Justin Jeansonne at Coyote Joe’s (7:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $24.77 plus

Late Night Radio and Tripp St. with opener GurtyBeats at The Music Yard (6:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $21.54

Petrov (Album Release) with Shrine and Mudlotus at Snug Harbor (10 p.m.)

Tickets: $12

Charlotte indie rock band Petrov will celebrate the release of their self-titled album Friday night at Snug Harbor, joined by Raleigh pop-punk/emo rockers Moving Boxes and upstart nu-metal band Mudlotus.

Kloud at Blackbox Theater (10 p.m.)

Tickets: $20.50 plus

Saturday, May 3 

Kendrick Lamar and SZA at Bank of America Stadium (7:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $178.50 plus (Gametime: $100 plus)

Kendrick Lamar and SZA bring their highly anticipated 2025 Grand National Tour to Charlotte this week, following a landmark year that included the release of Lamar’s studio album GNX and a Super Bowl halftime performance. SZA is also coming off the release of Lana, the reissue of her critically acclaimed, Grammy Award-winning 2022 album SOS. The Grand National Tour will feature more than 50 songs between the artists, divided into multiple acts, with Kendrick and SZA alternating solo sets and joining forces for collaborative performances.

Weezer, Ludacris, Lola Young, Pit Bull, and Petey Pablo at Lovin’ Life Music Fest 

Tickets: $129 plus 

Free Comic Book Day at Rebel Base Comics (11:00 a.m.)

Tickets: Free

Free Comic Book Day is an annual event celebrated on the first Saturday in May, dedicated to promoting comic books. Participating shops give away specially printed comic books. This year, Charlotte’s Rebel Base Comics will join the celebration with a storewide sale, featuring discounts on comics, graphic novels, collectibles, and merchandise. In addition to the free comic book giveaways, the event will feature locals artists, live drawings, and cosplay.

15th Annual Kings Drive Art Walk at Little Sugar Creek Greenway (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Tickets: Free

The 15th Annual Kings Drive Art Walk, a spring offshoot of Charlotte’s Festival in the Park, returns this weekend along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. The free, family-friendly event will feature more than 70 regional artists showcasing paintings, jewelry, woodwork, clay, glass, photography, and more.

Charlotte Knights vs. Norfolk Tides (Bluey Day) at Truist Field (1:05 p.m.)

Tickets: $23 plus 

33rd Annual Derby Days at Mint Museum Randolph (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.)

Tickets: $45 plus

Join Charlotte’s young professionals in your finest attire while enjoying Mint Juleps, lawn games, and the Kentucky Derby. The event supports the Student Art Gallery (STAR), with all proceeds benefiting school tours for local students. In addition to the thrilling races, you’ll enjoy live music, delicious food, and the opportunity to win exciting prizes.

Teddy and the Rough Riders at Whitewater Center (7:00 p.m.)

Tickets: Free (Parking: $12) 

Alex Warren with opener Michael Sanzone at The Underground (8:00 p.m.) 

Tickets: $177 plus (Gametime)

Alex Warren, the former social media influencer who co-founded the Hype House in 2019, transitioned to music by releasing his debut single “One More I Love You” in 2021, signing with Atlantic Records in 2022. He dropped his debut album, You’ll Be Alright, Kid (Chapter 1), in 2024, which reached No. 17 on the Billboard 200.

Becky Robinson (Comedian) at The Comedy Zone (7:00 p.m. + 9:45 p.m.)

Tickets: $42.89 plus

Bumpin Uglies, Sons of Paradise, and Rockstead at The Music Yard (6:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $27.62

Naruto: The Symphonic Experience at Belk Theater (8:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $45.78 plus

Naruto: The Symphonic Experience brings the anime to life with a live orchestra, featuring scenes from over 220 episodes set to Toshio Masuda’s score. Fans will relive Naruto’s journey to Hokage, enjoying both Masuda’s soundtrack and popular openings/endings with opportunities to sing along. Offering a unique film and musical montage that blends rock, pop, and classical arrangements, it’s a one-of-a-kind celebration of Naruto’s music and story.

Anané, Steve Howerton, and Shaanti at Blackbox Theater (10 p.m.)

Tickets: $19.10 plus

Hippie Sabotage with opener Carpetman at The Fillmore (8:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $40.75 plus

Mallrat with opener Anna Shoemaker at Neighborhood Theatre (8:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $25.57 plus

Australian indie pop artist Grace Shaw, better known by her stage name Mallrat, gained popularity with her 2018 EP In the Sky, featuring the hit “Groceries.” She released her debut album Butterfly Blue in 2022, followed by her 2025 album Light Hit My Face Like a Straight Right. Her 2023 collaboration with New Zealand artist BENEE, “Do It Again,” was the official song for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Horse Jumper of Love with opener Boo Boo Spoiler at Snug Harbor (9:30 p.m.)

Tickets: $18 plus

Sunday, May 4 

15th Annual Kings Drive Art Walk at Little Sugar Creek Greenway (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Tickets: Free

Charlotte Knights vs. Norfolk Tides at Truist Field (1:05 p.m.)

Tickets: $18 plus 

Star Wars (Screening) at Carolina Theatre (2:00 p.m.) 

Tickets: $16.05 plus

The Carolina Theatre will celebrate Star Wars Day with a special screening of Star Wars: A New Hope. The film begins at 2:00 p.m., with the lobby opening at 1:00 p.m. for photo ops with members of the 501st Legion. Fans are encouraged to come in costume for a contest while enjoying the 1977 classic that follows Luke Skywalker’s journey as he joins the Rebel Alliance against the Galactic Empire.

Beauty Bash 2025 at NC Nails Esthetics Academy (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Tickets: Free 

NC Nails Esthetics Academy hosts its second annual Beauty Bash featuring creative nail and makeup competitions with up to $2,000 in cash prizes. The event celebrates the beauty industry with local talent, beauty supply vendors, and Asian food trucks. Founded in 2024, the Beauty Bash is part of the academy’s mission to create a supportive community for their students.

Dave Matthews Band, Teddy Swims, BigXthaPlug, and The 502’s at Lovin’ Life Music Fest  

Tickets: $129 plus 

Bôa with opener Dream, Ivory at The Underground (8:00 p.m.) 

Tickets: $100 plus (Gametime)

Releasing their first new album (Whiplash) in 2024 — their first new music in 19 years — British alternative rock band Bôa performs in Charlotte at The Underground. Best known for their 1998 hit “Duvet,” which became famous as the opening theme to the anime Serial Experiments Lain — a cult classic that introduced Bôa to a global audience — the band’s new album blends their dreamy alt-rock stylings with layers of introspection, oscillating between moody, ethereal moments and harder-hitting rock.

Rudy Rush (Comedian) at The Comedy Zone (6:00 p.m.) 

Tickets: $20 plus

Josh Lovelace (of NEEDTOBREATHE) at The Evening Muse (7:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $26.44

Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo at Ovens Auditorium (8:00 p.m.)

Tickets: $68.80 plus 

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