By Mitchell Franklin

June 20, 2019 (Updated)

One of the best ways to pass the time on a summer evening is relaxing on the lawn of one of Charlotte’s outdoor venues while enjoying some good music. With a wide variety of acts coming to Charlotte over the next few months, varying from arena headliners to small, up-and-coming indie acts, 2019 might be the biggest year yet for summer concerts in Charlotte.

Our summer concert picks:

Mandolin Orange (Housing Fest) – June 20 at Knight Theater

Mandolin Orange is headlining this year’s annual Housing Fest, which raises money for Urban Ministry Center’s efforts to end chronic homelessness in Charlotte. Proceeds from the show go toward providing housing for individuals in need. Last year’s concert, featuring Buddy Guy and Mavis Staples, was able to provide a year of affordable housing for six people in Charlotte. Mandolin Orange will be playing their intimate folk music for this great cause, providing a breathtaking experience to kick off this summer’s concert season.

Ari Lennox – June 21 at The Underground

Fresh off of the release of her debut album, Shea Butter Baby, Ari Lennox is bringing her first headlining tour to Charlotte. Signed to J Cole’s Dreamville Records, Lennox brings some much needed funk and soul to the hip-hop label. Personable and relatable, she creates music that gives a fresh look into millennial life.

Phish – June 21 at PNC Music Pavilion

Phish, much like The Grateful Dead, is more well known for being an act to experience live than to listen to their recorded work. Their concerts are comprised of long, extended jams, band antics, and Shakedown Street, an area of the parking lot where vendors can sell food, drink, clothing, and other goods. Known for their fanatic fan base, expect to see many people attending the show that have been following the band for several nights.

Hippo Campus – June 21 at The Fillmore

St. Paul indie-rockers Hippo Campus are coming to Charlotte this summer supporting last year’s album Bambi. Their sophomore album finds the band incorporating synths more heavily into their work, as they create upbeat pop songs that always have a good groove to dance to. The band shows maturity in their songwriting, delving into more heavy, introspective meditations on relationships.

Denzel Curry – June 22 at The Underground

Fresh off of last year’s excellent TA13OO, Denzel is stopping by the Queen City to perform cuts from that album and his brand new album ZUU. The young rapper is striking while the iron is hot, and ZUU is going to celebrate his Florida roots by only featuring artists from Miami. If there was any question as to whether Curry can put on an electrifying live performance, this Rage Against the Machine cover is a must watch.

Vampire Weekend – June 22 at Uptown Amphitheatre

Finally, Vampire Weekend has returned. The New York indie rock band found great amounts of success from their first three albums, but were relatively quiet since they released Modern Vampires of the City in 2013. With the release of the Danielle Haim and Steve Lacy album, Father of the Bride, and the loss of founding member Rostam, Vampire Weekend is ready to prove that they haven’t lost what made them special all those years ago.

Gregory Porter – June 23 at Knight Theater

A jazz vocalist with a strong, tender baritone, Gregory Porter is set to bring one of the summer’s most beautiful evenings of music to Charlotte. The Grammy award-winning singer was once attending San Diego State on a football scholarship, but due to an injury ended up spending more time with the jazz musicians at the school than on the field. Since then he has had an incredible career sharing the joy of music, including his most recent studio album of Nat King Cole covers.

Rich The Kid – June 26 at The Fillmore *Giveaway*

Atlanta rapper Rich The Kid knows how to surround himself with star power. The Migos affiliated artist has gotten some of the biggest names in hip-hop to contribute to his first two studio albums, including Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, Khalid, Rick Ross, Big Sean, Ty Dolla Sign, Miguel, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, and Lil Pump. He makes the same sort of pop-leaning trap music that helped Migos achieve their meteoric rise to fame.

Dead & Company – June 28 at PNC Music Pavilion

Dead & Company, which is essentially the surviving members of The Grateful Dead plus John Mayer, are touring once again to bring about nostalgic memories of The Dead’s heyday. The group is sure to blaze through a set of classic tunes, complete with plenty of impressive, emotive solos from Mayer & Co, as they pay tribute to the late Jerry Garcia. Looking to carry forward the legacy of the Grateful Dead, this concert is sure to transport the audience back to memories of the over 50-year-old band.

*repeat repeat – June 28 at Visulite Theatre

Just after releasing their second album, Glazed, produced by Patrick Carney of The Black Keys, *repeat repeat is bringing their fuzzy garage-rock to The Visulite Theatre. The Nashville husband and wife duo provide sugary sweet hooks, sleek performances, and bright harmonies to the traditional rock structures of their songs. A band on the rise, Rolling Stone labeled them as “Most Enthusiastic Rockers” after their performance at Bonnaroo 2018.

Gov’t Mule – July 5 at The Fillmore

Formed as a side project of members of The Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule is a Southern rock jam band that’s been playing together for 25 years now. They are known for a heavy sound and, on their most recent album the group takes aim at the current political climate in America and the divide in the country. As with any jam band, expect plenty of extended versions of songs and covers sprinkled throughout their set.

Tedeschi Trucks Band – July 7 at PNC Music Pavilion

Grammy award-winning Tedeschi Trucks Band is coming into town to support their long-awaited fourth album Signs. The blues rockers are sure to impress with their powerful vocals and soulful energy. The large band boasts several vocalists, a traditional blues-rock line-up, and a selection of brass players at their shows. Tedeschi should bring a high energy night of loud, exciting rock on a hot summer night.

Wiz Khalifa – July 10 at PNC Music Pavilion

Wiz Khalifa, known for his breakout hit “Black and Yellow,” has been steadily releasing a slew of mixtapes and studio albums since 2005. The weed and tattoo loving rapper has toed the line between the pop and rap worlds, collaborating with a variety of artists from Snoop Dogg, Ty Dolla $ign, and Gucci Mane to Charlie Puth, Bruno Mars and Imagine Dragons. The prolific rapper is sure to bring a captivating performance featuring all of his hits as he makes his stop in the Queen City.

The Wood Brothers – July 11 at Knight Theater

Chris and Oliver Wood, who perform with Jano Rix as The Wood Brothers, are folk musicians who maintain a timeless quality behind the music they create. Living in Nashville, the brothers are in the right area to perfect their brand of Americana. Last year they released their seventh album, One Drop of Truth, which they self-produced.

Young The Giant and Fitz and The Tantrums – July 13 at Uptown Amphitheatre

Two of the biggest names in the current indie-pop landscape, Young the Giant and Fitz and The Tantrums will be sharing the bill for the night at Uptown Amphitheatre. Both groups specialize in stadium-sized, catchy sing-a-longs, making them a perfect match for a light-hearted night on the town. Expect a high-energy night with plenty of positive vibes and young people dancing and singing along.

Dave Matthews – July 19 at PNC Music Pavilion

The Dave Matthews Band has a legendary reputation of being one of the most talented and engaging live acts of the last 20 years. After releasing their first studio album in six years, Come Tomorrow, the band is stopping by PNC Music Pavilion to show Charlotte how they’ve earned their reputation as a must-see live act. Like many other jam bands, expect many songs to sound quite different from their recorded versions and plenty of solos for the instrumentalists to show off their talents.

Greensky Bluegrass – July 20 at Uptown Amphitheatre

Greensky Bluegrass has never been a typical bluegrass band, despite the genre’s tendency to resist change and cling to the traditional. Greensky incorporates elements of rock-and-roll, including light shows, into their high energy take on classic music.

Ex Hex – July 23 at Neighborhood Theatre

In her nearly 30 year music career, Mary Timony has written and performed with many groups, including Autoclave, Helium, The Spells, and Wild Flag. Her most recent project, Ex Hex, finds Timony creating some of the most accessible and catchy music of her career, as she pivots away from the drones of her older projects into more direct garage-rock. Between Ex Hex and openers Spider Bags, things are going to get loud as these rockers being their guitar-heavy tunes to the Neighborhood Theatre.

Lil Wayne and Blink 182 – July 23 at PNC Music Pavilion

In one of 2019’s strangest musical turns, Lil Wayne and Blink 182 are going on a joint tour and releasing mash-ups of their songs. Whether this is a promotional stunt or a true collaboration, the pop-punk and rap legends will be sharing a stage for an evening of celebrating immaturity in music. Time will tell if this tour is indicating that Lil Wayne is planning to return to making rock music, a la his much maligned album, Rebirth.

Carly Rae Jepsen – July 24 at The Fillmore *Giveaway*

Carly Rae Jepsen has had an interesting career so far. Starting as a one-hit wonder with her bubble-gum pop breakout “Call Me Maybe,” the Canadian singer seemed destined to be a blip on the fast-paced pop music landscape. However, in 2015 the release of her third album, E•MO•TION, saw the singer making a move into more mature, ‘80s synth-driven pop that brought critical praise and a cult-like following. Four years later Jepsen has returned with her fourth album, Dedicated, that is continuing to build on the sounds of her last album.

Mary J. Blige & Nas – July 25 at PNC Music Pavilion

Mary J. Blige and Nas are co-headlining The Royalty Tour and are bringing it to Charlotte this summer. The R&B and hip-hop legends just released their joint single, “Thriving,” which is set to appear on Blige’s forthcoming 13th LP, My Life II… There’s Something About Me, My Self & MaryJane (Act 2). The latest release from Nas is last year’s album, produced by Kanye West as part of his Wyoming Sessions, Nasir. Known mostly for his legendary and lyrically dense masterpiece, Illmatic, Nas will perform tracks from across his 12 albums throughout the evening.

Town Mountain – July 25 at Visulite Theatre

Asheville quintet Town Mountain are keeping the spirit of bluegrass alive through honky-tonk songs with rock-and-roll emotions. The band has been together for over 14 years and is still as dedicated as ever to putting on the most engaging, energetic live shows as possible. After going viral with their cover of Springsteen’s classic “I’m on Fire” the band has seen some increased attention and is quickly rising in the acoustic music community.

American Aquarium – July 26 at Neighborhood Theatre

Named after a Wilco song, Raleigh band American Aquarium is making the exact type of music you might expect from a band of Wilco devotees. The country-tinged indie-rock group released their eighth studio album, Things Change, last year, which focused on the difficulties of the modern world and how everyone needs to work together to make a better future for the next generation, including frontman BJ Barham’s baby daughter.

TLC, Nelly and Flo Rida – July 26 at PNC Music Pavilion

If you’re looking for a night to transport yourself back to the ‘90 and 2000s, look no further than TLC, Nelly, and Flo Rida sharing a bill. Expect to hear plenty of mega hits, including “Waterfalls,” “No Scrubs,” “Hot In Herre,” “Low,” and “Right Round.”

Eric B. & Rakim – July 27 at The Fillmore

Back representing the golden age of hip-hop after all of these years, the classic duo of DJ Eric B. and MC Rakim are gracing Charlotte with a night of old school jams. Since reuniting in 2017 after their split in 1993, the duo has been touring the country playing their acclaimed material. The tour shows a true bond between the musicians, as Eric B stated “We’re family for real. You can have an internal argument but we’re still family. Nothing changes.”

The Growlers – August 8 at Neighborhood Theatre

Californian surf-rockers The Growlers are making their way to the Neighborhood Theatre in support of their recent B-sides and rarities album, Casual Acquaintances. Using previously unused tracks from the studio sessions for their album, City Club, the band is mastering their retro rock sound. With a fuzzy garage-rock vibe with sprinklings of new wave, this band has a unique and exciting sound.

John Mayer – August 9 at Spectrum Center

If seeing John Mayer perform Grateful Dead songs earlier in the summer isn’t really your thing, maybe you want to catch a more traditional performance from the guitar virtuoso. Performing his own material, including massive hits like “Your Body Is a Wonderland,” the pop/rock/blues musician will play songs from across his catalog, including his most recent album The Search For Everything.

The Raconteurs – August 2 at The Fillmore

One of Jack White’s several musical projects, The Raconteurs, is back after a long hiatus. Coinciding with their first album in 11 years, the garage rock band is hitting the road to play songs by one of White’s most beloved bands.

The Flaming Lips – August 5 at Uptown Amphitheatre

A band that’s known for their live shenanigans, The Flaming Lips have been enthralling audiences since 1983. An alternative rock band that shifted more towards the psychedelic over time, their shows are guaranteed to feel like going to a wild party. Frontman Wayne Coyne exudes energy throughout the evening, which is complete with things like confetti, costumes, inflatable robots, and Coyne running in a giant ball over the audience.

Joey Badass & Flatbush Zombies – August 7 at Uptown Amphitheatre

With a line-up that reads more like a small festival than a single concert, Beast Coast is coming to Charlotte as a part of their Escape From New York tour. The supergroup, which is made up of members from Pro Era, Flatbush Zombies, and The Underachievers, is touring behind their album of the same name. Members of the group appear to be performing individual sets, including Joey Bada$$, Flatbush Zombies, The Underachievers, Kirk Knight, Nyck Caution, Power Pleasant, and CJ Fly.

Ben Folds & Violent Femmes – August 8 at Uptown Amphitheatre

Ben Folds and Violent Femmes, two acts that have been making their way through the indie scene for decades, are co-headlining a short tour through the U.S. Both are promoting upcoming releases, with Folds releasing a memoir titled A Dream About Lightning Bugs: A Life of Music and Cheap Lessons and the Femmes releasing a new album Hotel Last Resort. The evening promises a variety of musical styles, with Fold bringing piano-pop and the Femmes with folk-punk, but the performers share a level of irony and snark to tie the genres together.

Kiss – August 10 at PNC Music Pavilion

Get ready to don your face paint and leather for one last night, as KISS is going out for one final time with the End of the Road tour. Billed as their final tour ever, the long-running hard rock band is sure to pull out all the stops to make every show unforgettable. The band will rock and roll all night as they take the audience through their years of excess.

Khalid – August 13 at Spectrum Center

Georgia singer-songwriter Khalid is heading to Charlotte to promote his 2019 album Free Spirit. He’s having a big year, with Free Spirit being his first number one album and, at one point, occupying the entire Top 5 of the Billboard R&B Songs charts. Having collaborated with artists such as Billie Eilish, Shawn Mendes, Lorde, SZA, and Kendrick Lamar, Khalid seems poised to become even bigger from here.

Santana – August 13 at PNC Music Pavilion

In their over 50 years of being a band, Santana has become legendary for their hybrid of Latin sounds with American rock and jazz music, as well as their exemplary guitar work. Newly reunited with their classic line-up from their original Woodstock ‘69 performance, Santana is playing shows in celebration of their long and storied career, as well as their new album Africa Speaks.

21 Savage and DaBaby – August 15 at Uptown Amphitheatre

Charlotte’s DaBaby is having a moment. Newly signed to Interscope Records and releasing his debut album Baby on Baby, the “Suge” rapper is getting more attention than ever. Touring with Atlanta’s 21 Savage, this stop at Uptown Amphitheatre is sure to be a sort of victory lap for the MC as he brings his tour back home.

Breaking Benjamin – August 17 at PNC Music Pavilion

Hard rock band Breaking Benjamin is making music again after a four-year hiatus. They just released their sixth album, Ember, last year, and are hitting the road to promote the effort. Fans can pay extra for a VIP experience where they sit on stage with the band throughout the show. The band is also reportedly working on an album of acoustic renditions of their past songs.

The Smashing Pumpkins & Noah Gallagher – August 20 at PNC Music Pavilion

Catch two of indie-rock’s strongest personalities will be on the same stage August 20: The Smashing Pumpkins and Noah Gallagher. The Pumpkins, most well known for their 1995 magnum opus Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, are teaming up with Gallagher, previously of Oasis, to tour stadiums across the U.S. AFI will be opening the show, making it a night of high-profile names in modern rock.

Gary Clark Jr. – August 20 at Uptown Amphitheatre

Gary Clark Jr. is one of the most versatile musicians out there right now. Blending rock, blues, soul, and hip-hop, the singer and guitarist has seamlessly collaborated with artists such as Alicia Keys, The-Dream, The Foo Fighters, and Childish Gambino. Clark will be coming to town in support of his third album, This Land.

Common ‘Let Love’ Tour – August 23 at Belk Theater *Giveaway*

“Few artists have been able to cross generational and cultural boundaries the way hip-hop activist Common has throughout his decades of excellence. Common has long been a champion of the underdog and, despite the Emmy, Grammy and Oscar awards now under his belt, he’s still able to tap into a level of consciousness that speaks universally to his listeners. His music lies somewhere in the thin divide between nostalgia-soaked glory and contemporary, forward-thinking excellence, seamlessly able to harken back to mid-’90s/early 2000 flows while weaving in and out of timeless beats from some of hip-hop’s finest producers. On August 23, Common will be bringing his Let Love Tour through Charlotte’s Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.” – Grant Golden, CLTure

Queen + Adam Lambert – August 23 at Spectrum Center

With the release of commercial blockbuster Bohemian Rhapsody last year, there is a renewed interest in classic rockers Queen. Despite eccentric frontman Freddie Mercury’s passing in 1991, the band has continued on with different frontmen attempting to fill the late musician’s shoes. Paul Rodgers of Bad Company initially filled the role, but now American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert is performing the massive hits alongside members of the original band.

Refresh Records 4th Birthday Party – September 23-24 at Snug Harbor

Refresh Records, the independent record label based in Charlotte celebrates their fourth anniversary with a two-night concert event featuring artists from their current roster including Young Mister, the Carolina band fronted by Steven Fiore, who released his stellar self-titled album in 2016 with Refresh Records. Charlotte post-punk favs Junior Astronomers will headline Friday night with Queen City math rock band Cuzco. Florida’s Just Neighbors, Virginia’s Downhaul, and South Carolina’s Catholics round out the lineup.

Beck, Cage The Elephant, Spoon and Sunflower Bean – August 25 at PNC Music Pavilion *Giveaway*

Album of the Year artist Beck is visiting the Queen City, coinciding with the release of his upcoming album, Hyperspace. The alternative rock/pop musician is bringing along Cage The Elephant, with whom he recently collaborated on the song “Night Running,” which appeared on Cage The Elephant’s recent album Social Cues.

Peter Frampton – August 30 at PNC Music Pavilion *Giveaway*

Talk box pioneer Peter Frampton is touring one last time, due to his diagnosis of the autoimmune disease Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM). The guitarist is most known for a live album, Frampton Comes Alive!, which is a testament to his mastery of live performances. He released a new album of covers, All Blues, this year.

Busta Rhymes – August 30 at The Fillmore

Chócala (Album Release Party) – September 1 at Neighborhood Theatre

A sonic amalgamation of latin rhythms, rock, and jazz with a touch of psychedelia, Charlotte’s Chócala release their highly-anticipated debut album on September 1 with friends at Neighborhood Theatre.

en[demo]niá by Chócala

Hootie & The Blowfish – September 5 at PNC Music Pavilion

It’s been a while since Hootie’s been on the road. The band went on a hiatus in 2008, as frontman Darius Rucker focused on his solo career. The roots rock band reformed in 2018, and is now playing shows with anticipation of new music coming out in the near future.

Elonzo Wesley (Album Release Party) – September 6 at Neighborhood Theatre

Singer-songwriter Jeremy Davis formed the indie folk rock band Elonzo Wesley in 2015, naming it after his late father. The band has self-released three full-length albums touring the Carolina’s and Southeast, and on September 6 will release their new album Songs To No One.

Songs to No One by Elonzo Wesley

Flying Lotus – September 6 at The Fillmore *Giveaway*

Producer, DJ, and musician Flying Lotus just released the superb Flamagra and is coming to the Queen City to showcase tunes from it. His signature genre-bending mix of jazz, funk, and hip-hop has shaped the tone of many artists’ works, including Earl Sweatshirt, Mac Miller, and Kendrick Lamar. FlyLo creates music that is all about texture and vibes, and will be sure to create a magical night for audiences to get lost in the music.

Daniel Caesar – September 12 at The Fillmore

Time Sawyer (Album Release Party) – September 13 at Neighborhood Theatre

Time Sawyer brings their high-energy, crowd-pleasing folk and alt-country rock stylings to the Neighborhood Theatre on September 13 for the release of their new album, Mountain Howdy.

Noises 10 – September 13 at Visulite Theatre

After being named one of the top unsigned bands in the country by Billboard in 2006, Charlotte’s Noises 10 quickly began their climb to national notoriety. Spending over two years mentoring under super producer Eric Valentine and signing two major label deals, to touring and recording with Grammy-winning artist Brandi Carlile, the band certainly helped put Charlotte music on the map. See them one last time Friday September 13 at the Visulite Theatre, with Sunset Cassette and The Sammies.

Banks – September 13 at The Fillmore

Lizzo – September 15 at Uptown Amphitheatre

Cuz I Love You, the third album by rapper, singer, and flutist Lizzo, has been a total game changer. Her first album to chart debuted at number six, and features hit singles “Juice” and “Tempo.” She has been celebrated as an advocate for body positivity and self-love, as she powers through a diverse array of songs that switch between pop, R&B, hip-hop, and neo soul.

The Weeks – September 18 at Visulite Theatre

Kacey Musgraves – September 19 at Uptown Amphitheatre

Country artist Kacey Musgraves found tremendous success and crossover appeal, including winning Album of the Year, with 2018’s Golden Hour. The album shows Musgraves perfectly blending her country roots with pop aesthetics, as she creates soundscapes as beautiful and lush as the titular hour. She is taking old, worn elements and packing them together in ways that make them feel new and fresh. The talented young musician is at the top of her game, and this is definitely the time to see her.

Stunna 4 Vegas and Blac Zacc – September 19 at The Underground

The DaBaby’s young protégé, Stunna 4 Vegas returns to Charlotte to headline his own show fresh off the release of his debut album, Big 4x. Accompanying Stunna will be fellow SDMG artist from South Carolina, Blac Zacc.

Sarah Shook & The Disarmers – September 20 at Neighborhood Theatre

Shook has a versatile voice that can sound both broken down and defiant, sometimes within the same song. That defiance and resilience comes from her determination to find light in the darkness and remain true to herself.

“It’s like, you tried your damndest and you did your worst, but I’m still me and I’m still here. I’m still kickin’.” – 2018 CLTure article by Sean Titone

Drive-By Truckers – September 21 at Neighborhood Theatre

Founded in 1996 by singer/songwriter/guitarists Mike Cooley and Patterson Hood, the Drive-By Truckers have always been outspoken, telling a distinctly American story via craft, character, and concept, all backed by sonic ambition and social conscience.

Rhiannon Giddens – September 23 at McGlohon Theater

Carolina Chocolate Drops founder and lead singer Rhiannon Giddens is bringing her solo show to the McGlohon Theater. Armed with her banjo and violin, Giddens creates old-timey songs that blend folk, blues, bluegrass, Americana, and more. A native of Greensboro, she recently collaborated with Italian jazz musician Francesco Turrisi on the album There Is No Other, which incorporates opera, bluegrass, and traditional Italian music. Turrisi will join her in this performance to play songs from this release.

Caamp – September 24 at Neighborhood Theatre

Caamp, an up-and-coming trio from Ohio, is a group of high school friends that have found a heartfelt sound together. The folk musicians are preparing to release their third album, By and By, later this year. Having toured frequently with Boone band Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Caamp has an exciting live show that you don’t want to miss.

Guns N’ Roses – September 25 at Spectrum Center

The iconic ’80s rock band finally comes to Charlotte on September 25. Their debut album, Appetite for Destruction in 1987, reached number one a year after its release with the hit singles “Paradise City,” “Welcome to the Jungle,” and “Sweet Child o’ Mine.” The album has sold over 30 million copies worldwide, making it the bestselling debut album and eleventh-bestselling album in US history.

Don’t forget to follow our CLTure Summer 2019 playlist on Spotify!

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