What’s The Future of Live Performance in Charlotte?
COVID-19 can do many terrifying things, but it can’t stop the music … or stageplays … or even laughter.
Stages across Charlotte and the world were silent in 2020, but the performances went on. As we’ve covered in The Biscuit throughout this month, creative ingenuity has prevailed at every turn.
But, that doesn’t mean audiences aren’t aching for something that feels more familiar. We’re all ready to sit in a theater and tap our feet, sing, cry together and, ultimately burst into thunderous applause at what we’ve all just experienced.
Unfortunately, as we wait for warmer weather and vaccinations, the beginning of 2021 feels a lot like 2020. It’s as if we’ve seen this movie before.
What Are Creative Charlotteans’ Plans for Live Performance?
To help us look ahead, we turned to a diverse collection of performers and organizations for their perspective. We asked them to tell us what they have planned in the immediate future and what they see ahead for live performance in the first half of the year.
Middle C Jazz
Middle C Jazz is a 200-seat music venue in Uptown Charlotte. The facility opened in 2019, offering live performances from local and national musicians. It is one of the few music venues offering live, socially distanced performances during Phase 2 coronavirus restrictions.
Here’s what Adam Farber, founder of Middle C Jazz, had to say.
What do you have planned for early 2021?
“[We’re offering] a great lineup of performances in an intimate setting – whether online or in person. We are always compliant with the current N.C. state mandates and have adjusted our showtimes to reflect current COVID curfews. We recently received a perfect inspection from a COVID ambassador on New Year’s Eve and are confident in our procedures.”
“We are beginning our new series, Thursday Night Jazz Jams & Martinis, and we are bringing back Gospel Sundays.”
What do you think live performance will look like in the first half of 2021?
“The live music industry has taken a hit in the past year, but musicians and music lovers alike are determined to keep the music going! For the beginning of 2021, we are expecting a spike in socially distanced and virtual concerts.”
“Livestreaming continues to increase in popularity as people can enjoy music from the comfort of their own home. Music venues are an essential part of any city’s art and culture and preserving them is a priority.”
More About Middle C Jazz
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Joni Deutsch of WFAE
Photo Credit: Daniel Coston
Joni Deutsch is the on-demand content and audience engagement manager at WFAE, Charlotte’s National Public Radio (NPR) station.
Prior to moving to Charlotte, Deutsch championed West Virginian live music as the assistant producer of Mountain Stage, a 120-minute radio program showcasing live music created by West Virginia Public Broadcasting. In Charlotte, she hosts Amplifier and Songversations, podcasts dedicated to the Charlotte music scene.
Here’s what Deutsch had to say:
What do you have planned for early 2021?
“In 2021, we’ll continue those conversations with venue owners, live event organizers, independent musicians and beyond. My hope is that our public radio platform will amplify these conversations within our creative ecosystem and encourage innovative solutions, encouraging our community of music fans and music makers to find potential paths forward. I hope we work together toward a post-pandemic future for the arts.”
“As I recently shared with Harvard University’s Nieman Lab, ‘At its best, journalism informs. But at its brightest, journalism inspires. That’s thanks to arts and music. It improves our quality of life and strengthens our sense of place. We needed that in the doom scroll year of 2020, and we more than deserve that in 2021. Media platforms can (and should) make great strides to provide it in the new year.’”
What do you think live performance will look like in the first half of 2021?
“Until the pandemic wave subsides, expect more virtual events, al fresco music plus digital alternatives to tours.”
More About Joni Deutch and the Amplifier Podcast
Blumenthal Performing Arts “Nerdy Night Out”
Joe Hunsaker develops comedy shows and manages shows and stage use for Blumenthal Performing Arts. He is also the co-host with his wife, Amy, of American Timelines, a podcast about pop culture and events through history.
Here’s what Hunsaker had to say:
What do you have planned for early 2021?
“At Blumenthal Performing Arts, we have been trying to think outside the box or outside the stage … new ways to offer live performances and keep our stages busy.”
“We’ve offered an outdoor “whodunit” show called Art Heist. Last fall, we produced the outdoor We Are Hip Hop festival. We’ve also organized backstage ghost tours and private movie screenings in the Booth Playhouse. For New Years’ Eve, we partnered with the Avett Brothers for a streaming concert.”
“This year, we’re going to hold a bigger outdoor hip hop festival, as well as continuing the tours and movie in Booth Playhouse. And, we’re producing four more Nerdy Night Out virtual shows. We have other plans in the works, but we can’t talk about them yet.”
What do you think live performance will look like in the first half of 2021?
“It’ll be a mix of virtual, outdoor or small gatherings until we can get rapid testing in place.”
More About Blumenthal Performing Arts
Jason Hausman
Jason Hausman is an Emmy Award-winning composer and sound designer and the owner of Hot Sakē, a creative sound studio that specializes in scoring, Foley and sound design for film, TV and new media.
Here’s what Hausman had to say:
What do you have planned for early 2021?
“I will be working on several projects of my own as well as some projects as a music producer for other artists.
“I’m finishing up mixes for six new songs that I have been producing with Sunshone Still — one of which is a cover of Van Halen’s song I’ll Wait. We just shot a quick performance video for it that aired on Jan. 15 as a part of the Love Thy Neighbor series to benefit ROOF ABOVE. We also plan to release it on digital streaming in February.
“I am very excited to be working with my dear friend and phenomenal singer/songwriter Emily Sage on some new songs for 2021. I love working with her. She is simply brilliant. You can check her out on Spotify and all other streaming platforms.
“Other projects include my Alt-HipHop group with Yung Citizen, Troy Conn, Marcus Jones, Mike Kirkpatrick and Charles Sledge. I’m working with some new artists as well. One is my son, Wolfgang Hausman. We’ll be releasing two singles of his during the second quarter. I’m also working on a new, more pop-oriented project called Tundra Bird.”
What do you think live performance will look like in the first half of 2021?
“I think we will continue to see a lot of online live performances as well as a steady trend toward intimate live venue shows.”
More About Jason Hausman
JazzArts Charlotte
Established in 2019, JazzArts Charlotte is a local nonprofit dedicated to preserving jazz culture through education and performance and supporting musicians. They strive to be “a catalyst of cultural enrichment and music education.”
COVID has kept the group from hosting its popular live monthly jazz concerts, but they’re hosting online concerts and, last fall, JazzArts Charlotte staged a performance of “We Insist,” a groundbreaking jazz album by North Carolinian Max Roach, at the Black Lives Matter mural.
Here’s what Rebecka Nelli, Jazz Arts’ marketing director, said:
What do you have planned for early 2021?
JazzArts Charlotte is continuing to offer exceptional online performances and educational programs, while we are hopeful and ready to be in person again soon.
Our monthly Live from Crown performances open with “Shrimp & Grits” on Thursday, Jan. 28. We continue to bring regionally and nationally renowned names to the monthly Conversations with Curtis. We’ll share a special performance in February to kick off Black History Month. We’re also in the planning stages for our popular JazzArts Summer Music Camp.
What do you think live performance will look like in the first half of 2021?
While 2020 was a struggle for musicians and the arts community, we also see a leap in technology and innovation that will take music to the next level even when our live programming resumes.
Learn more about JazzArts Charlotte:
Three Bone Theatre
Three Bone Theatre believes that performing arts that are socially engaged, professionally managed and creatively inspired, can be a catalyst for community conversation and change. Their philosophy (and name) come from a Reba McEntire quote: “To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a back bone and a funny bone.”
Here’s what Becky Schultz, executive director of Three Bone Theatre said:
What do you have planned for early 2021?
Our top priority is the safety of our artists and patrons. So it is unlikely that we will be gathering in person for indoor theatre the first half of the year. But, that’s not going to stop us from telling great stories!
While we aren’t ready to announce specific plans, we are hopeful that we will be able to offer live virtual theatre (that’s theatre being performed live and streaming to your home) and on-demand streaming theatre in the first half of the year.
We are also more committed than ever to our goal of being an anti-racist organization and are taking a deep dive into developing an anti-racist strategic plan for the organization, guided by the “We See You White American Theatre” demands that came out this summer.
What do you think live performance will look like in the first half of 2021?
Virtual live streaming! The technical experience isn’t ideal but there is nothing better than the magic of live theatre.
Learn more about Three Bone Theatre:
XOXO
Founded in 2009, XOXO is a collective of artists/creators with a desire to develop original performances — defined as “romantic and dynamic, musical and strange” by the group — in the Charlotte area.
XOXO is committed to radically altering the reputation, perspective and vision of contemporary theater throughout the Southeast with ensemble training and by offering “magical engagements both playful and rigorous.”
Here’s what Matt Cosper, founding artistic director of XOXO, had to say:
What do you have planned for early 2021?
XOXO will continue the work we’ve been doing for the last couple of years, developing intimate outdoor performance experiences for very small audiences.
Specifically, we’ll present Impermanence: Guided Tour of You, an audio experience that audiences can enjoy as a meditative, by-appointment outdoor performance in a variety of Charlotte neighborhoods throughout 2021.
What do you think live performance will look like in the first half of 2021?
I imagine one-on-one performances in front yards or spectacles seen from across great distances with semaphore flags and bullhorns!
Learn more about XOXO:
Lauren Ansley Comedy Productions + Beerly Funny
PHOTO CREDIT: Bobby Kerns
Pre-COVID, Beerly Funny staged comedy shows featuring local and regional comedians in unlikely local venues. One event at a time, they transformed breweries, bottle shops, bars and other unique performance spaces into pop-up comedy clubs. Now, they offer public and private comedy shows virtually, as well as corporate training experiences.
Here’s what Lauren Ansley, founder, said:
What do you have planned for early 2021?
Can we first just congratulate each other because PHEW! WE MADE IT! During the quarantine, I began producing virtual corporate events and entertainment featuring comedy and adding in magic and “mind control,” music, mixology and more. All of it features a variety of local and regional performers in a virtual setting.
I’m definitely continuing these offerings into 2021 while also carefully planning to add back in live high-quality, responsible, stand-up comedy events. Something new for 2021 — most of my live events will also include a fundraising element for local nonprofits to help support the local community.
What do you think live performance will look like in the first half of 2021?
I think it’ll still be slow in the winter months and pick back up when it gets warmer and more have taken the vaccine.
Learn more about Lauren Ansley Comedy Productions + Beerly Funny:
Caroline Calouche & Co./Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center
Caroline Calouche & Co. is an aerial and contemporary dance company and school with a commitment to community engagement. The company creates original productions and offers instruction in aerial silks, contemporary dance, trapeze, acrobatics, hip-hop, juggling and more for all ages and skill levels.
Here’s what Caroline Calouche, founder, said:
What do you have planned for early 2021?
We are thinking about creating an on-demand, Patreon-style portion of our website so audiences can watch three repertory works a month. We’re also considering offering exclusive short work-out sessions they can do at home.
We are also going to spotlight past and present BIPOC dance and circus artists on our social media channels. We are taking this time to prepare programs and initiatives for when the pandemic is under control.
What do you think live performance will look like in the first half of 2021?
Live stream and outdoor performances for us and possibly most other artists.
Learn more about Caroline Calouche & Co:
Inspire the Fire
Inspire the Fire (ITF) is a nonprofit organization that coaches students from age 10 through 19 in their artistic development, life skills and community engagement. ITF students select a “major,” an artistic pursuit that forms the focus of their work — dance, acting, singing, rapping/poetry or the visual arts. ITF strives to be a creative outlet and a path to empower young adults to achieve more in life.
Here’s what Dennis Reed, ITF founder, said:
What do you have planned for early 2021?
This summer we’re celebrating our 20th anniversary! We hope to host an outdoor concert where students and audience members will have the chance to purchase their own “bubble.”
We need volunteers to help with outdoor events. We also need folks who are industry professionals in financial literacy, mental therapists, job training, etc. interested in educating students and families in our new life skills course.
What do you think live performance will look like in the first half of 2021?
The first six months will be virtual. We expect to see quarterly pop-up events throughout the city.
Learn more about Inspire the Fire, Inc:
Virtual Vocals
Virtual Vocals is a virtual performance program established in 2020 by seven local teenagers with a desire to continue performing with others during the pandemic. The group organizes streaming performances for emerging creatives every Saturday on YouTube, Facebook Live and Twitch. Performances are free.
Allie Joseph, co-founder of Virtual Vocals, had this to say:
What do you have planned for early 2021?
In the upcoming quarter, we will move into our third season where we’re hoping to continue our live weekly episodes. These episodes include performances by student performers, interactive games and even special guests from Broadway.
We also raise funds each week for struggling arts organizations in Charlotte. The pandemic has hit many of them very hard.
Our mission is to give back to the theaters that have given us so much over the years and helped us grow as performers and members of the community. Please tune in every Saturday night and consider making a donation of any amount to any of the organizations we are helping.
What do you think live performance will look like in the first half of 2021?
The spirit of live performance will shine, no matter how they’re presented — streamed online or done safely in person.
Learn more about Virtual Vocals:
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YUNG Citizen
PHOTO CREDIT: Joshaun Anderson
YUNG Citizen is a self-producing hip-hop artist and creative based in Charlotte. Here’s what he had to say:
What do you have planned for early 2021?
COVID-19 has taken a toll on Charlotte creatives, and I’ve not been immune. I finished 2020 with a live virtual performance at The Neighborhood Theatre and have been invited back in 2021 once we get beyond COVID-19. Until then, virtual performances may be the norm.
I have been busy releasing five sets of two-track mini EPs titled “FORMULA.” Formula I (“Brownes Ferry” and “Conversations With”) was released last September and Formula II (“Beautiful Thing” and “Brown Butta”) in October.
“Brown Butta,” is my latest video raising awareness of police brutality, racial discrimination, income inequality and disadvantaged youth.
Formula III (“Wake Up” and “32”) will be out this quarter. Formula IV and Formula V will be released before a final LP toward the end of 2021. Tap In!
What do you think live performance will look like in the first half of 2021?
Virtual performances will probably be the norm for the first six months. Artists and venues will need to stay creative.
Learn more about YUNG Citizen:
Music Everywhere
PHOTO CREDIT: Resident Culture
Music Everywhere is an initiative founded by Charlotte Center City Partners in 2018. It is dedicated to the support promotion and long-term economic development of Queen City musicians. Through productions, meetings and funds, Music Everywhere wants residents and businesses to recognize that the city’s live music scene has the power to build community, drive tourism, create jobs and redefine “the rhythm of Charlotte.”
Here’s what Rick Thurmond, senior vice president of community and economic development for Charlotte Center City Partners, had to say
What do you have planned for early 2021?
Over three months at the end of 2020, CiC provided 137 paid gigs for local musicians in the form of free, outdoor, pop-up concerts uptown and in South End and at Camp North End. (Props to El Lambert, Tim Scott, Eddie Harris and Stefan Kallander for running it.) We’ll be looking to expand the program in 2021.
We’re developing new ways people can support the program. But, for starters, when you see a pop-up concert in Charlotte, please stop and listen. Smile, nod and applaud.
If you like what you hear (and you will!), leave a tip, give a follow and buy the music. Appreciation means the world to these artists, and cash pays the bills.
What do you think live performance will look like in the first half of 2021?
In the music space, lots of creatively produced outdoor concerts and ticketed live streams with high production values.
Learn more about Music Everywhere: