By Cameron Lee
June 19, 2023
Multiple skateboarding events will take place in Charlotte this week to support the ongoing efforts for the Kilborne DIY Skatepark and to celebrate Go Skateboarding Day on June 21– a day that is now widely recognized as a national holiday.
Kilborne DIY Skatepark, which recently began construction earlier this month, is nearing its long-awaited opening after the Eastland DIY Skatepark closed in March of 2022. Charlotte Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation agreed to lease the property at Kilborne Park to the Charlotte Skate Foundation (the nonprofit that will manage the project) for one dollar a year, but funds are still needed to reach their goal. Liability insurance will cost $6,500 annually, according to the foundation’s GoFundMe page, and the cost for materials is ever-increasing.
Super Abari Game Bar will host a party on Go Skateboarding Day, featuring an assortment of raffle prizes, live music, and food, all benefiting the Kilborne DIY Skatepark. On Saturday, June 24, Lenny Boy Brewing Co. will host Skate Jams.
Skate Jams is an event organized by Byron McClendon, founder of Eagle Nest Management, and Drew Ryan, the owner of sound and stage production company, A.R. Entertainment. The event will not only showcase an impressive music lineup of regional bands (also benefiting the Kilborne DIY project), but will feature a pop-up skatepark with competitions throughout the day. Ryan, who is a Charlotte native, originally approached McClendon about the event to remember his fallen childhood friend, Alex “Squigs” Sgueglia, a local widely recognized in the Charlotte skateboarding community who passed away two years ago.
“I wanted to connect and do something in his [Sgueglia] honor for the skate community, for the space,” Ryan said.
The event combines Ryan’s stage production skills with McClendon’s event management expertise to properly pay tribute to Sgueglia, while also giving back to the skate community.
“The passion for skating comes more through what I feel like outlets and physical creative spaces can do to bring communities together. Skating and skate parks in particular, do that, similar to music venues,” said McClendon.
McClendon, who was the former lead ambassador for Sofar Sounds in Charlotte has organized several music events throughout the city, and he’s curated a stellar lineup for the event that Ryan describes as a “little Warped Tour.”
Headlining the festivities will be Charleston funk/soul collective The Psycodelics alongside high-energy Wilmington rock duo the Blue Footed Boobies; Concord alternative country rockers Fox N’ Vead; Charlotte blues rockers Red Dress Amy; the instrumental synth project of Phillip Gripper, Moon Man; and Queen City rock upstart, Kids and their Computers.
In addition to the live music, craft beer and food selection at Lenny Boy Brewing Co., the event will feature skate competitions in between sets, including a “highest ollie” contest and freestyle jam sessions to win prizes sponsored by Armada Skate Shop. Tickets for the event and contest are free for skaters, and you can pick them up at Armada Skate Shop (3046-A Eastway Dr.) or simply show up to the event with your skateboard.
Skate Jams takes place at Lenny Boy Brewing Co. on Saturday, June 24 from 5 p.m. to 11 pm. and you can purchase tickets for $10. All profits will benefit the Charlotte Skate Foundation and the Kilborne DIY Skatepark.
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