The 04-25-2025 Edition of Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly
MINT HILL – Novant
Health Mint Hill Medical Center received national recognition for patient care and outcomes.
It is one of 17 hospitals in the country to receive the 2025 Everest Award for achieving the most signi cant long-term growth over ve years, according to an independent quality analysis provided by Premier.
Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center was also named to the 100 Top Hospitals list in the small community hospital category.
Premier researchers analyzed nearly 2,600 hospitals in the United States, evaluating each on several measures, including inpatient and extended care quality, operational e ciency, nancial health and customer experience.
“At Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center, the well-being of our patients and their families is at the center of everything we do. We have
long been dedicated to consistently delivering high-quality and safe healthcare so they can focus on living healthier lives,” said Joy Greear, president of Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center. “Being recognized as one of the 100 Top Hospitals in the country and among the few to be awarded the prestigious Everest Award is a testament to the commitment and compassion of our hardworking teams.”
The Premier’s 100 Top Hospitals program is designed to inspire hospital and health system leaders to pursue higher performance and deliver added value to patients and communities. e Everest Award recognizes those who drive the highest rates of improvement.
Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center was previously recognized by Vizient in the 2024 Bernard A. Birnbaum, MD, Quality Leadership Study as the top community hospital.
MATTHEWS – The Matthews Athletic and Recreation Association has hired Brenton Blaskie as its new executive director.
Brenton will oversee daily operations, work closely with MARA’s board and volunteers, and lead strategic initiatives focused on program development, community engagement and facility improvements.
O cials said Brenton brings a background in sports leadership, coaching and program development that aligns with MARA’s mission to serve young athletes and the Matthews community.
“His experience, vision, and leadership will be a tremendous asset to our organization as we continue to grow our programs and enhance the MARA park for future generations,” said Justin Vandergrift, MARA board president.
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
MATTHEWS – Epic Hospitality received the approvals from the Town of Matthews necessary to build a 104-room hotel on Council Place.
Town commissioners voted April 14 to approve the project, contingent on a post construction ordinance, which representatives of Epic Hospitality said was waiting for approval.
“ e applicant has been working diligently to address concerns that were raised during the Dec. 9 public hearing,” Senior Planner Rob Will told town commissioners April 14.
e company agreed to several changes to its plan, including reducing the hotel’s room count from 120 to 104, increasing the tree save from 0% to 12%, increasing stormwater standards and paying $20,000 toward tra c mitigation.
Epic Hospitality also agreed to a zoning note that occupants can’t stay more than 30 days,
With over 49 seasons of coaching experience across multiple sports, Brenton has spent his career designing and leading camps, clinics and development programs. Most recently, he served as the lead development coach for the
a common criticism of extended stay hotels.
Both sta and the planning board recommended approval. Planning Board Chairman Howie Labiner provided commissioners with his group’s rationale.
“ e requested zoning action was found to be consistent with the land use plan because services are listed as potential uses in the retail designation and the site is directly adjacent to the I-485 exit ramp,” Labiner said. “ e application was reasonable because it allowed for expansion of hotel options within the town.”
Commissioner Ken McCool was the lone vote against the project.
Other actions
During their April 14 meeting, commissioners closed public hearings on the following zoning-related actions:
• Zoning Application 2023-781/ BrookeChase: 4420 Margaret Wallace Road; Tax Parcel 193-051-20; R-15 to C-MF.
• Motion 2025-1/text: Text Amendment to
Mint Hill hospital makes top 100 list, wins Everest Award
MARA welcomes new executive director
Columbus Blue Jackets Hockey League, where he spent three years mentoring young athletes and fellow coaches.
Brenton’s background also includes past roles with nationally respected organizations such as Little League Baseball International and IMG Academy.
Brenton is a Certified Coach Developer through the United States Center for Coaching Excellence, a Certified DISC in Sport Consultant and a graduate of Major League Baseball Scout School.
“I believe our greatest successes are driven by people, and the spirit of teamwork and dedication in the MARA community truly stands out,” Brenton said. “It's an honor to help carry forward MARA’s proud legacy and continue using sports as a platform to teach meaningful life lessons well into the future.”
Matthews extends welcome to hotel project
UDO Section 155.608.2; Signage for Police and Fire.
• Motion 2025-2/text: Text Amendment to UDO Section 155.806; Revision of PCO Ordinance to Remove BMP Acceptance.
• Zoning Application 2025-809/Buckley Terrace: 409 & 421 East John Street; Tax Parcels 215-014-07 and -27; R-12 to C-MF.
Commissioners continued these agenda items to May 12:
• A public hearing on Zoning Application 2025-810/Four Lakes Veranda: 1201 Four Lakes Drive; Tax Parcel 193-282-16; B-1(CD) to SRN.
• A public hearing on Zoning Application 2025-811/Four Oaks Builders: 409 West John Street; Tax Parcel 227-026-11; R-20 to O(CD).
• A decision on Zoning Application 2024801/John Street Townhomes: 1700, 1720, 1724 E John Street; Tax Parcel 227-501-63, 64, and a portion of 227-501-62; R-12 to R-VS.
Union County-area transportation projects awarded funding
CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization approved $35,332,319 in federal discretionary grant funding for 20 projects on March 19.
The CRTPO oversees long-range transportation planning and ensures Federal Highway Administration transportation funds are allocated and spent appropriately. In collaboration with the N.C. Department of Transportation, CRTPO administers federal discretionary funds to help jurisdictions implement transportation projects, programs and studies that might otherwise lack funding.
Projects approved in the Union County area and their price tags are as follows:
• Indian Trail: Indian Trail-Fairview Road/Younts Road/Stinson Hartis Road intersection improvements, $5,231,384.
• Indian Trail: Indian Trail Road improvements (Liberty Lane to Gribble Road), $1,321,600.
• Marshville: U.S. 74 right turn lanes at Marshville Lake Park, $1,613,180.
• Matthews: Moore Road sidewalk (Chambers Drive to Royal Commons Lane), $374,819.
• Matthews: Sam Newell Road multi-use path (Crown Point Elementary School to Williams Road), $397,672.
• Mineral Springs: N.C. 75 and Potter Road sidewalk and pedestrian improvements, $804,439
• Union County: Union County Critical Intersection Study, $160,000.
• Wesley Chapel: N.C. 84 & Potter Road/Wesley Chapel Road intersection improvements, $3,101,533. On the web: crtpo.org
Photo courtesy of Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center
Brenton Blaskie
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Charlotte FC tops the Eastern Conference table
With a 3-0 win over an impressive San Diego side, Charlotte FC secures eight straight regular season home win.
By Yara Al Bayyari, Jorge Torres and Jake Sokol Contributor
(SOCCER SHEET) – A dominant three-goal performance has Charlotte FC atop the Eastern Conference table again – and within one point of Supporters’ Shield leaders Vancouver Whitecaps.
Charlotte FC delivered one of their most cohesive performances of the season, with ve di erent players contributing directly to the team’s goals.
“I’m proud of the team’s resilience and the way we controlled the game,” said Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith at a post-match press conference. “Every player gave their all tonight, and it was a complete performance.”
Liel Abada opened the scoring in the 11th minute, capitalizing on the Crown’s early dominance and a brilliant pass through tra c by Pep Biel, who now has nine goal contributions on the season and leads MLS with six assists.
In the 39th minute, Charlotte earned a penalty, thanks to Patrick Agyemang who converted the opportunity his rst penalty goal in MLS league play.
BUSINESS BRIEFS
South Piedmont sponsors job fair
MONROE – South Piedmont Community College is sponsoring the Union County Job Fair. e event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 29 at Union County Agricultural & Conference Center, 3230-D Presson Road.
Attendees will get to meet with dozens of employers as well as distribute their resumes, explore career opportunities and network with fellow job-seekers. Attendees will also be able to learn about South Piedmont’s opportunities.
Dozens of employers will be on site to meet with attendees, including ATI Specialty Materials, Atrium Health EVS, Autumn Care of Marshville, Berry Global, Edwards Wood Products, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Greiner Bio One, Harris Teeter Distribution Center, ICON Aerospace, McGee Corporation, Pruitt Health, StaffMark and State
Employees’ Credit Union. e job fair is presented in partnership with Centralina Workforce Development Board, NC Works, Union County Chamber of Commerce and Union County Public Schools.
Email Kristie Phifer at kphifer@spcc.edu for details.
Hopebridge reflects on 20 years of autism care INDIANAPOLIS – In addition to celebrating 20 years of service in 2025, Hopebridge Autism erapy Centers is observing World Autism Month in April.
Hopebridge provides educational opportunities, hosting and sponsoring inclusive community events and empowering others to become advocates.
Autism, a developmental condition that a ects communication, behavior and social interaction, represents a lifelong journey that presents unique opportunities and challenges for individuals, families and communities.
“Caregivers can look for
Agyemang’s impact extended beyond the scoresheet. He drew two important yellow cards from Andrés Reyes, forcing San Diego FC to play with 10 men and unraveling their defense. Reyes’ dismissal disrupted San Diego’s rhythm and gave Charlotte more room to dictate tempo. In the 57th minute, Charlotte put the game away with a clinical set-piece. Ashley Westwood delivered a perfect ball into the box o a free kick, and Andrew Privett rose to meet it with a header, scoring Charlotte’s third. e goal was a textbook execution of a designed play and a reward for consistent pressure.
While Privett’s goal was the icing on the cake of a 3-0 win, it had special meaning as the center back’s rst-ever MLS goal.
“[It was a] long time coming for sure, so it’s good to nally get one,” Privett told reporters after the match. “We got the foul and [Charlotte FC captain Ashley Westwood] went over and told me he's just going to rip it across the front of the goal and to run across and just I just went on that near post and just put my face to the wall and get a head on it, so all it needed was a touch.”
Privett’s last goal was in 2022 -
early signs like lack of eye contact, delayed or regressed speech, or stimming such as hand flapping or repetitive rocking,” said Ruth Bernstein, Hopebridge licensed clinical psychologist. “If you notice these habits, you should talk to your pediatrician and seek an autism screening as early as 18 months old.”
On the web: https://hopel. ink/WAMevents
Advocate Health names division president CHARLOTTE – Advocate Health has named Steve Smoot as North Carolina and Georgia division president, e ective June 2.
Smoot replaces Ken Haynes who was recently named executive vice president and chief enterprise services o cer for Advocate Health.
Smoot has more than 25 years of health care leadership experience, having most recently served as chief operating o cer for SSM Health, which operates 23 hospitals
for Penn State. It was the same year where he had a goal contribution against Patrick Agyemang’s Rhode Island side, and back when the MLS defender was still playing as a collegiate mid elder.
Soccer Sheet Staff’s Man of the Match Picks
Rebekah: Ashley Westwood
Ashley gets my vote for Man of the Match for his goal contribution and successful execution of a set piece - something Charlotte FC has struggled with for almost four years now. Andrew Privett told the press that the Captain explained the play in detail, which made it easier for Privett to get this rst-ever MLS goal.
Sam: Patrick Agyemang
He drew two yellow cards that added up to a red, and converted his rst penalty for the club. If he did that every match he’d be the MVP.
Yara: Pep Biel
While Charlotte’s goals came from Abada, Agyemang, and Privett, it was Pep Biel who orchestrated the match from the mid eld with exceptional composure, vision, and technical skill. Biel was instrumental
and more than 300 physician o ces. Prior to joining SSM Health, he was associate chief operating o cer at Intermountain Healthcare, where he oversaw 23 hospitals.
“Beyond his resume, Steve shares our values and will help us deliver on our purpose: to redefine care for all,” Advocate Health CEO Eugene Woods said.
Spavia Day Spa expands in Carolinas
CHARLOTTE – Spavia Day Spa announced a threeunit franchise agreement with Eric and Cindy Kendall.
Longtime Spavia guests, the Kendalls were inspired by their own experiences and are now embarking on business ownership to bring the brand’s resort-inspired amenities closer to home in Fort Mill.
Spavia Day Spa o ers innovative, personalized wellness options, including facials, tension-relief massages and detoxifying body wraps, waxing and lash extensions. In addition to treatments, each location includes a spa boutique, which provides a wide range of retail o erings.
Charlotte Area Chamber events
CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce will host a public policy meeting and a Connect After 5 event.
• Bryan Holladay, of CLT Public Relations, and Tariq Bokhari, of Charlotte City Council, talk about public safety during the chamber’s public policy committee from 5 to 6:30 p.m. April 29 at Envision Charlotte, 932 Seigle Ave., Charlotte. Register in advance.
• Members network during the Connect After 5 event from 5 to 7 p.m. May 1 at Mercedes-Benz of South Charlotte, 950 N. Polk St., Pineville. Register in advance. Members get in free. Others pay $25. Visit charlotteareachamber.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Latin American Chamber events
CHARLOTTE – The Latin American Chamber of Commerce will hold its
in linking defense to attack, completing 87% of his passes, maintaining tempo, and constantly drawing defenders out of position.
Whether it was switching play, advancing the ball in transition, or pressing San Diego’s backline, Biel showcased why he’s become such a vital piece of Charlotte’s mid eld engine this season. A performance full of intelligence and maturity Biel was everywhere tonight.
(Biel was also the club’s choice for Man of the Match)
Coming up next …
Charlotte FC will take to its home pitch once again when they face the New England Revolution on April 26, hoping to extend their winning streak and solidify their dominance atop the Eastern Conference.
Hora Feliz networking event.
• Members connect during Hora Feliz Networking After Hours from 6 to 8 p.m. April 29 at PiNS Mechanical, 307 W. Tremont Ave., Charlotte. Register in advance. Members get in free. Others pay $15. Visit lacccharlotte.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Matthews Area Chamber events
MATTHEWS – The Matthews Area Chamber of Commerce will host Matthews Area Momentum and Business After Hours.
• The chamber holds a Business After Hours during the second annual Fine Art Show from 5 to 7 p.m. April 25 at the Historic Reid House, 134 W. John St., Matthews. Register in advance.
• The chamber brings together community leaders to talk about growth and innovation during Matthews Area Momentum from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. April 28 at Matthews Sportsplex, 1505 Tank Town Road, Matthews. Register in advance. Visit matthewschamber. org to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Mint Hill Chamber events
MINT HILL – The Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce will o er a Co ee Connections and New Member Orientation.
• Members meet up during Co ee Connections from 8 to 9 a.m. May 2 at Chick- l-A Mint Hill, 7404 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill. Register in advance.
• New members learn about the perks of membership during New Member Orientation from 9 to 11 a.m. May 8 at the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce, 7900 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Building 2, Suite B, Mint Hill. Visit minthillchamberofcommerce.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Pineville NC Chamber events
PINEVILLE – The Pineville NC Chamber of
Commerce members have an opportunity to engage in an Executive Leadership Academy.
• Leadership coach Jeff Miller is offering a 90day Executive Leadership Academy to chamber members, beginning with an in-person session from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. May 7 at Hilton Garden Inn, 425 Towne Centre Blvd., Pineville. Register in advance.
Visit pinevillencchamber. com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Union County Chamber events
MONROE – e Union County Chamber of Commerce holds a job fair and ribbon cuttings in the coming days.
• The chamber partners with other organizations to present the Union County Job Fair from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 29 at Union County Agricultural & Conference Center, 3230-D Presson Road, Monroe.
• Members celebrate the relocation of Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry with a ribbon cutting from 1 to 1:30 p.m. April 29 at 216 N. Hayne St., Monroe. Register in advance.
• Members celebrate the grand opening of A Place to Grow – Three Rivers, Wingate with a ribbon cutting from 11:30 a.m. to noon May 1 at 3620 U.S. 74, Wingate. Register in advance. Visit unioncountycoc. com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Waxhaw Business Association events
WAXHAW – e Waxhaw Business Association will host an update on the town.
• Waxhaw Mayor Robert Murray gives an update on the town from 7:30 to 9 a.m. May 21. Register in advance. Visit waxhawbusinessassociation.org to learn more about the association and its events.
Quick Hits • The Center for Community Transitions is searching for its next executive director. e nonpro t helps people with criminal records rebuild their lives.
NEWS BRIEFS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
evidence.
Special Olympians honored in Raleigh
Man faces sexual exploitation charges
MATTHEWS – Detectives with the Matthews Police Department Criminal Investigations Division received a tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force reporting suspicious online activity in the area.
Detectives opened an investigation which led to Anthony Acosta, 37, of Matthews, being identi ed as the suspect.
Police secured arrest and search warrants from the Mecklenburg County Magistrate’s Office. Police seized electronic devices from his residence. O cers arrested Acosta on April 14 on charges of 30 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.
This continues to be an active and ongoing investigation. The Matthews Police Department thanked the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Computer
RALEIGH – Gov. Josh Stein honored Special Olympics gure skater Ashley Tanner on April 15 during a luncheon hosted by the Sir Walter Cabinet at the Executive Mansion in Raleigh.
Four Special Olympics athletes who represented North Carolina at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in March in Italy each received a Laurel Wreath Award.
The award is granted by the governor to individuals in North Carolina who have made outstanding contributions to sports. Each of the Special Olympics athletes received medals in their sports.
CMS names Teacher of the Year finalists
CHARLOTTE – Two teachers in the MatthewsMint Hill area are among 11 finalists for CharlotteMecklenburg Schools Teacher of the Year.
Finalists include:
• Steven Rusk teaches social
studies and yearbook at Butler High School.
• Kalilah Smith teaches eighth-grade language arts at Mint Hill Middle School.
Beginning teachers making waves
CHARLOTTE - Employees from Rocky River High School and Bain Elementary School are in the running for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year.
Among the 11 nalists are:
• Lillie Brock teaches first-graders at Bain Elementary School.
• Sean Mondichak teaches career and technical education at Rocky River High School.
Adams recognizes Black Maternal Health Week
WASHINGTON, D.C.
– U.S. Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC-12) and others introduced the bicameral resolution recognizing April 11 to 17 as Black Maternal Health Week. This resolution serves to bring national attention to the maternal health crisis in the United States and the need to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity rates among Black mothers.
In the United States, Black women face a maternal mortality rate two to three times that of white women, yet studies show that 80% of all maternal deaths are preventable. e resolution calls on Congress to support and pro-
mote policies addressing Black maternal health in order to address the ongoing Black maternal mortality crisis.
Quick Hits
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Schools named Sarah Plante (Crown Point Elementary School) and Melissa Carpenter (Mint Hill Elementary School) as finalists for Outstanding Media Coordinator of the Year. Rochelle Stanley (Clear
Creek Elementary) is a nalist for New Media Coordinator of the Year.
• Consumer Affairs ranked Matthews No. 7 on its Best Places to Move to in North Carolina.
Living with a Bleeding Disorder
Many people don’t think much about whether their blood is clotting properly. However, when you have a bleeding disorder, a condition that affects the way your body controls clots, it’s no small matter.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health, abnormal clotting can lead to a host of problems, including excessive bleeding after an injury or during surgery.
About 3 million people in the U.S. have bleeding disorders. Some types, such as hemophilia, are inherited, meaning a person who has it is born with it. Inherited bleeding disorders are caused by certain genes passed down from parents to children. These genes contain instructions for how to make proteins in the blood called clotting factors, which help blood clot. If there is a problem with one of these genes, such as a mutation – a change in the gene’s instructions – the body may make a clotting factor incorrectly or not make it at all. You can also have what’s called an acquired bleeding disorder, meaning you develop it during your lifetime. Acquired bleeding disorders can be caused by medical conditions, medicines or something unknown. Your risk of developing a bleeding disorder depends on your age, family history, genes, sex or other medical conditions. If bleeding disorders run in your family, you may have a higher risk of developing or inheriting one. Symptoms of a bleeding disorder may appear soon after birth or develop later in life and can include:
n Excessive bleeding or bruising, such as frequent or long nose bleeds (longer than 15 minutes) or frequent or long menstrual periods
n Petechiae, which are tiny purple, red or brown spots caused by bleeding under the skin
n Redness, swelling, stiffness or pain from bleeding into muscles or joints
n Blood in urine or stool
n Excessive umbilical stump bleeding
n Excessive bleeding during surgery or after trauma
If you believe you, or someone you care for, may have a bleeding disorder, talk to a health care provider. Your provider may make a diagnosis based on symptoms, risk factors, family history, a physical exam and diagnostic tests. Health care providers typically screen for bleeding disorders only if you have known risk factors or before certain surgeries.
How your bleeding disorder is treated depends on its type. If your disorder causes few or no symptoms, you may not need treatment. If you have symptoms, you may need daily treatment to prevent bleeding episodes or you may need it only on certain occasions, such as when you have an accident or before a planned surgery. If you have been diagnosed with a bleeding disorder, it’s important to be proactive about your health and follow your treatment plan. To lower your risk of complications:
n Receive follow-up care
n Monitor your condition
n Adopt healthy lifestyle changes
Crimes Unit for collecting and analyzing
Special Olympics athlete Ashley Tanner (second from left) stands next to Gov. Josh Stein. Photo courtesy of Special Olympics North Carolina
The Matthews Police Department recently released photos of suspects seen in the pictured Jeep Grand Cherokee in several recent car break-ins at hotels in our area. Suspects are described as four black males and one of them has braids. Contact Detective Vancil with any information at jvancil@ matthewsnc.gov or 704841-6755. Photo courtesy of Matthews Police Department
Fresh Fish Hot Off the Grates
FAMILY FEATURES
Whether you’re a seasoned grilling expert or new to backyard barbecuing, expanding your menu with seafood offers a fun, flavorful way to bring life to outdoor entertaining.
Grilling fish is different than traditional fare like burgers and steaks, however. One method capturing the attention of chefs and amateur barbecue enthusiasts alike is electric grilling. With technology innovations that enable higher heat and more precise control, along with easy-to-use, guided cooking delivered via smartphone apps, grilling seafood can be simpler than ever. Master the art of grilled seafood with these tips from Trimell Hawkins, executive chef and culinary adviser to Current Backyard.
Not all fish are the same. There’s a common misconception that all fish can be grilled, but not all fish is created equally. Avoid flaky fish (like trout) and instead turn to a firm fish when grilling, such as branzini in this Grilled Whole Branzini with Fresh Herb Sauce recipe from celebrity chef Alton Brown. Moisture is not your friend. While you’re likely aiming for a fresh, moist flavor when eating fish, that doesn’t mean it should be wet when it goes on the grill. For beautiful, crisp skin and grill marks, pat fish dry to absorb the moisture before grilling. Temperature is key. There’s a sweet spot for grilling fish, whether it’s 400 F for thinner fish or slightly above 400 F for thicker cuts, which is why electric grilling is gaining steam. An option like the Current Backyard Electric Grill precisely monitors and controls temperature at the grate level, ensuring accurate cooking where it truly matters, unlike gas grills measuring chamber heat or charcoal grills requiring guesswork.
Ready to cook in 10 minutes, it’s a convenient solution that plugs into a standard 110-volt outlet, meaning there’s no heavy propane tanks or messy charcoal standing between you and delicious grilled seafood. Plus, electric grilling reduces fire risks, harmful fumes and cleanup time.
There’s a “right” way to cook fish. If you’re cooking fish with skin, cook the skin side down first as it’s more forgiving and durable than the inside. This gives the finished dish more stability and structure, lessening the chances of the fish falling apart. Be careful with sugar. Sugary marinades require keeping a close watch on the grill since sugar can burn. If cooked properly, sugars help create a crispy Maillard reaction while acting as a tenderizer, too.
Find more recipes and electric grilling advice at CurrentBackyard.com.
16625 Lancaster Hwy. – 99 • Pizza Hut, 15105 John J Delaney Drive – 93 • Providence Deli, 10636 Providence Road – 96.5 • Red Sake, 8410 Rea Road – 94 • Smoothie King, 9405 Bryant Farms Road – 98 • Super G Mart, 7323 E. Independence Blvd. – 97 • Via Roma, 7416 Waverly Walk Ave. – 96 • Vicious Biscuit, 8200 Providence Road – 95.5
Indian Trail • Country Kitchen Cafeteria, 6001 W. U.S. 74 – 93.5 Matthews • Beach And Borough, 2800 Campus Ridge Road – 99.5 • Chef Henry Catering, 1050 Devore Lane– 97.5 • El Valle Mexican Restaurant, 305 W. John St. – 96 • Great Harvest Bread Co, 110 Matthews Station St. – 96 • Harris Teeter (meat/seafood), 3100 Weddington Road – 98 • Jersey Mikes, 1909 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 94 • Jonathans, 10630 Independence Pointe Pkwy. – 97
Fest brings global stars like Dave Matthews Band, Gwen Stefani, Pitbull, Third Eye Blind, Weezer, Benson Boone, Ludacris, and Teddy Swims to the Queen City, the event is also shining a spotlight on emerging talent from across the Southeast with the Carolina Ascent Stage, presented by Carolina Ascent Football Club.
Set to take place May 2 to 4 in Uptown Charlotte, the fest’s regional stage o ers fans a chance to discover the next wave of musical voices.
Seventeen-year-old Bailey Marie, a rising star from Gaston County, made national headlines after being expelled from her private school for singing at venues that serve alcohol. Rather than backing down, Bailey leaned into her artistry, booking performances nationwide. Her story has inspired thousands, and now she’s taking the stage in her hometown to share her music with the city that shaped her.
e lineup also features a mix of artists carving their own paths – from Chandler Carpenter & e Reckless Souls and their gritty, heartfelt Southern rock, to Stranger Company and Jaylen Dunham, both of whom made waves with standout appearances on “ e Voice.”
Jaylen, a Charlotte native, was handpicked by Gwen Stefani and brings smooth R&B vocals and raw emotion to the stage.
Garrett Huffman, the 2023 Carolina Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year, joins fellow North Carolinian Austin McNeill, who made his Grand Ole Opry debut in 2023 and has shared the stage with country greats like Lainey Wilson and Dustin Lynch.
Charlotte favorites Modern Moxie and Camisole deliver everything from shimmering indie-pop to bold, Paramore-inspired rock, while genre-bending acts like Leone & e Ascension, Weekend Friend and SOPHIA showcase the city’s experimental soul.
Wilmington-based Fudge brings a guitar-heavy coastal edge, Meredith Parks delivers fresh pop stylings and Adolescent Dreams oats between dream-pop and altrock.
Also taking the stage are Charlotte’s favorite dads, Da704, and Raleigh natives Harvey Street. e fan-picked winners of the o cial Lovin’ Life Battle of the Bands – Too Hot for Leather, High June and e Secret Formula Band – will also join the lineup, adding even more homegrown avor to an already stacked weekend.
“Every artist on the Carolina Ascent Stage has a story worth hearing,” said Bob Durkin, co-founder of Southern Entertainment. “ is isn’t just about giving them a slot on the lineup. It’s about elevating the voices of artists who represent the soul of our region. Whether they’re fresh o national tours or playing their rst major fest, they bring the same energy, drive, and passion that de nes Lovin’ Life.”
With over 15 acts, the Carolina Ascent Stage will echo the sounds of the Southeast all weekend, giving fans the chance to discover their next favorite artist before the rest of the world catches on.
Want to go? Visit www.llmfclt.com for more information about Lovin’ Life Music Fest, including ticket sales and lineup updates.
The Courtyards at Quail Park is Accepting Reservations
RESERVE YOUR PLACE IN A THRIVING 55+ COMMUNITY
The Courtyards at Quail Park is now accepting reservations for a limited number of luxury ranch homes designed for active adults. This boutique 55+ community offers thoughtful design, low-maintenance living and an ideal Mint Hill location.
DESIGNED FOR COMFORT AND CONNECTION
Settle into a thoughtfully designed ranch home featuring abundant natural light, first-floor owner’s suites and your own private, garden courtyard—perfect for quiet mornings or gatherings with friends.
MORE TIME FOR WHAT MATTERS MOST
Leave the yard work and exterior upkeep behind. With lawn maintenance taken care of, you’ll have more time to do the things you love—whether that’s relaxing on your patio, traveling, staying active or simply enjoying life at your own pace.
A PEACEFUL SETTING CLOSE TO IT ALL
Ideally located in Mint Hill, The Courtyards at Quail Park puts you minutes from Fairview Park, local events at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park and nearby golf courses— so you can stay connected while enjoying a quiet retreat.
Landscape Maintenance Included. Private, Garden Courtyards. Lock & Leave Lifestyle. No Steps.* No Mower.
