CHARLOTTE – A new portrait of former Bank of America leader Hugh McColl, taken by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz, is on public view at Mint Museum Randolph.
Leibovitz took the photo on McColl’s Texas ranch. It was commissioned by close friends to honor his 90th birthday in June.
In a departure from his business attire, McColl is shown in jeans with a
belt and his favorite belt buckle, a casual black button-up shirt, a jacket he purchased in Scotland in the 1960s, and a black cowboy hat. He stands tall against a windswept landscape beneath drifting clouds.
e portrait was unveiled April 26 at the Mint's Coveted Couture Gala.
“ is is the rare case of an icon photographing an icon,” said Todd Herman, president and CEO of e Mint Museum. “Annie has captured both the
CHARLOTTE – The City of Charlotte celebrated the launch of a new electric vehicle car share program with a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 23 at Peppertree Apartments.
e initiative brings a ordable, reliable and environmentally sustainable transportation directly to residents in one of the city’s Corridors of Opportunity. Peppertree Apartments, located in the Albemarle Road/Central Avenue Corridor of Opportunity, recently underwent $8 million in renovations to preserve a ordability. e complex now features a eet of shared EVs and charging infrastructure. Residents can reserve and use vehicles for daily errands, medical appointments and commutes without the high cost of car ownership.
“ is project is a perfect example of what it looks like when we align our values with action,” Mayor Vi Lyles said. “By investing in electric vehicle access in our Corridors of Opportunity, we’re giving families the tools they need to reach better jobs, education and services, while building a more sustainable future for Charlotte.”
PINEVILLE – Academy Sports
+ Outdoors celebrated the grand opening of its first store in Pineville from April 25 to 27. Throughout the weekend, customers could nd deals and giveaways as well as an assortment of sports and outdoor merchandise, inside the 56,000-square-foot store at 9557 South Blvd.
Customers can also expect to nd an assortment of athletic and casual shoes, sports and outdoors equipment, and clothing from top brands, such as Nike, Adidas, Marucci, Stanley, Carhartt, Titleist, Shimano, YETI, Brooks and Blackstone.
Academy also has exclusive, private label brands that cover outdoor apparel and equipment,
and
town later this summer.
Charlotte is one of 13 cities nationwide to receive grant funding through the national community carshare pilot, the A ordable Mobility Platform, also known as AMP. e program is designed to increase transportation access for residents in a ordable housing while reducing carbon emissions in underserved communities.
“ is car share program is a blueprint for climate-smart solutions,” said Heather Bolick, Charlotte’s chief sustainability and resiliency o cer. “We’re proud to bring electric mobility to where it’s needed most and to show that clean transportation can be both practical and transformative.”
O cials said the project aligns with Charlotte’s Strategic Energy Action Plan, which charts a course to become a low carbon city by 2050.
AMP is a program developed and managed by Forth, with support from a coalition of national and local partners including the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition, Ascent Housing, Envision Charlotte and DreamKey Partners. e program will maintain, charge and manage vehicles to ensure longterm usability and a ordability.
Hugh McColl portrait by Annie Leibovitz on display
strength and humanity of one of Charlotte’s favorite sons.”
e portrait was commissioned speci cally for e Mint Museum in celebration of McColl’s milestone birthday and in conjunction with the exhibition “ANNIE LEIBOVITZ / WORK,” on view at Mint Museum Uptown through Aug. 31. e portrait is currently displayed at Mint Museum Randolph and will be moved to Mint Museum
Charlotte launches car share program at apartment complex
“ is is more than a transportation solution, it’s a housing stability solution,” said Rebecca Hefner, director of the Housing & Neighborhood Services Department. “When families have access to dependable, a ordable mobility, they’re better positioned to succeed, and our communities grow stronger.” is is the rst of four activations for Carolina Carshare. Program expansion will continue through 2025.
Academy Sports + Outdoors opens store in Pineville
CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education approved the 2025-26 budget for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools at the April 22 meeting by a 5-3 vote.
The vote came after a Jan. 18 joint meeting with county commissioners, a Feb. 18 budget work session, numerous stakeholder feedback sessions and an April 8 public hearing, where constituents shared their thoughts.
The budget requests $667,579,849 in operating funds from Mecklenburg County and includes:
• A 3% salary increase assumption for all sta , including teachers and classi ed sta , based on recent state trends.
• An average 5% increase in teacher supplements to remain competitive.
• Ongoing investments in teacher growth and professional development.
• $8.3 million to support the second phase of the Classi ed Compensation Study, which addresses long-standing pay disparities for classi ed sta .
• $2 million for student devices to ensure they all have access to digital learning tools.
The budget aligns with board-created goals, the strategic plan and CMS’s pillars of excellence.
As CMS enters the 2025-26 budget year, the district faces the challenge of operating with less funding for critical resources due to the loss of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund.
“We must make strategic decisions to balance priorities and sustain essential services. I believe this budget does that,” Chair Stephanie Sneed said. “ e budget is focused on maintaining services while investing in sta , students and technology which are essential to achieving the board's goals in the areas of reading and math, and ensuring students are on track to being enrolled in higher education, gainfully employed with a livable wage, or enlisted in the armed services.”
School board members Melissa Easley, Lisa Cline and Summer Nunn voted against the budget. Each spoke about the need to ask for increased teacher pay.
“Teachers should not be priced out of living in the communities that they serve,” Easley said.
e approved budget will be shared with county commissioners on May 7.
Up-
Mayor Vi Lyles (second from left) and Charlotte City Council Member Marjorie Molina (third from left) took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate a new car share program. Photo courtesy of City of Charlotte
Mayor Vi Lyles speaks in front of an electric vehicle that is part of the program.
Photographer Annie Leibovitz captured a side of business leader Hugh McColl that a lot of people don’t get to see. McColl views the portrait at Mint Museum Randolph. Photo courtesy of The Mint Museum.
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MAYOR SAYS BILLS WOULD TAKE AWAY LOCAL CONTROL
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
MATTHEWS – Mayor John Higdon sent a letter to state lawmakers expressing “strong opposition” to two bills he says take away local control from cities and towns.
Higdon described House Bill 661 (Building Industry E ciency Act of 2025) and House Bill 765 (Local Government Development Regulations Omnibus) as “horri c” and “really terrible” during the April 28 town board meeting.
“ ey would signi cantly weaken local authority and restrict our ability to make thoughtful, community-driven land-use infrastructure decisions,” Higdon read from
the letter. e letter points to these drawbacks for each bill:
• House Bill 765 – Eliminate the ability to negotiate voluntary zoning conditions, mandate ve units per acre zoning in all residential districts, upend the Envision Matthews Comprehensive Plan and impose legal penalties on local o cials for routine land-use and planning decisions.
• House Bill 661 – Prohibit cities and towns from adopting street design and construction standards that exceed those required by the N.C. Department of Transportation.
“We’ve all on this dais had our di erences on some of the zoning applications that have come before us but we’ve always had the ability to do conditional zoning and to
try to get the best possible products for our citizens,” Higdon told colleagues. “If these bills pass, that’ll be taken away from us and it will just be mandated.”
Union County Rep. Mark Brody and Mecklenburg County Rep. Carla Cunningham are among primary sponsors for both bills. Mecklenburg County Rep. Tricia Cotham is a sponsor of House Bill 661.
Higdon to introduce transportation proposal
Matthews Mayor John Higdon plans to introduce a funding model that would allow Mecklenburg County to allocate more money from a proposed 1-cent sales tax toward transit projects.
Higdon is trying to keep the
LYNX Silver Line as a light rail project through Matthews.
New legislation from N.C. Rep. Tricia Cotham has opened the door for that but Higdon is trying to get support from his colleagues on the Metropolitan Transit Commission. Higdon’s proposal would call for 45% of the sales tax revenue to go toward rail projects, 40% toward roads and 15% toward buses. He also wants to run numbers through a software program to see how many more miles of rail can be built toward or within Matthews.
Higdon planned to introduce his proposal during the April 30 Metropolitan Transit Commission meeting, which is after e Weekly’s print deadline.
School library content proposal awaits Senate vote
By Alan Wooten Contributor
(The Center Square) – Following lower chamber lawmakers tossing labels of pornography and book bans about in discussion, the North Carolina Senate is next to get a crack at legislation involving content available to minors in schools. Passage in the House of Representatives (63-46) included two crossing the aisle, a Democrat and Republican each. Promoting Wholesome Content
for Students, known also as House Bill 636, drew criticism from most Democrats. Words like “censorship” and “book banning” were in their discussion. Eliminating the “vulgar” and “pornography” were in the advocacy for the bill by most Republicans. Scotland County Democratic Rep. Garland Pierce voted aye,
and Iredell County Republican Rep. Todd Carver voted no. Moore County Republican Rep. Neal Jackson authored the proposal. All ages and grade levels would be kept from “descriptions or visual depictions of sexual activity,” if the proposal becomes law. All the state’s school districts (115) would be required to have a panel of ve parents or guardians and ve educators that review school library material for violations. Book fairs would also be subject to the law. Policies, the proposal says, should
yield age-appropriate o erings with literary value. ere would be compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act. e bill is speci c to allow litigation against the districts or schools if parents, guardians or residents if they feel there is a violation. e State Board of Education would maintain a database of material denied inclusion.
Union County Reps. David Willis and Dean Arp have sponsored House Bill 636. Willis is a primary sponsor of the bill.
CATA, Weddington earn Blumey nominations
CHARLOTTE – Central Academy of Technology and Arts as well as Myers Park and Weddington high schools, produced some of the finest theater this spring as evidenced by their Blumey Awards nominations.
Blumenthal Performing Arts recently announced nominations for its High School Musical eater Awards. CATA, Myers Park and Weddington were among schools with the most nominations.
e Blumey Awards Ceremony takes place May 18 at Belk eater at Blumenthal Arts Center.
Below are nalists for most of the awards from southern Mecklenburg and western Union counties. e top six nominees for Best Actor and Best Actress were scheduled to be announced the week of May 5.
Bank of America Best Musical
• Weddington High School – Chicago: Teen Edition
Best Choreography Execution
• Weddington High School – Chicago: Teen Edition
Best Direction
• Weddington High School – Chicago: Teen Edition
Best Ensemble
• Central Academy of Technology and Arts– Les Misérables School Edition
• Weddington High School – Chicago: Teen Edition
Best Featured Performer
• Central Academy of Technology and Arts
– Garrett Dwiggins as Bishop of Digne/Legles – Les Misérables School Edition
• Myers Park High School – Mary Claire Davidson as Mrs. Meyers/Officer – Freaky Friday
Best Supporting Actor
Chicago: Teen Edition
Below are nominees for the acting categories from southern Mecklenburg and western Union counties. e top six nalists for Best Featured Performer, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress are listed above while Best Actor and Best Actress will be named the week of May 5.
Best Actor
• Ardrey Kell High School - Brett Parrish as Professor Callahan - Legally Blonde
• Ballantyne Ridge High School - Evan Mueller as Mr. D - e Lightning ief
• Carmel Christian School - Dylan Wilson as Curly McLain - Oklahoma!
• Central Academy of Technology & ArtsAlex Board as Javert - Les Misérables School Edition
• Charlotte Catholic High School - Brenden Ortiz as Motel - Fiddler on the Roof
• Charlotte Country Day School - Charles Dekle as Major Josiah Dobbs – Bright Star
• Charlotte Latin School - Adam Stone as Robert Martin - e Drowsy Chaperone
• Cuthbertson High School - Owen Santolucito as Vlad Popov - Anastasia
• East Mecklenburg High School - Gabe Johnson as King Charles - Pippin
• Marvin Ridge High School - Solomon Barnard as Bert - Mary Poppins
• Myers Park High School - Thomas Gordon as Adam - Freaky Friday
• Porter Ridge High School - Isaac Estrada as Sky - Mamma Mia
• Providence Day School - Wyatt Olliff as Hook/Mr. Darling - Peter Pan
• Providence High School - Jackson Powell as Chad - All Shook Up
• South Mecklenburg High School - Callum Gri th as Callahan - Legally Blonde
• Weddington High School - Jackson
Jedelsky as Billy Flynn - Chicago: Teen Edition
Best Actress
MacLeod as Catherine - Pippin
• Marvin Ridge High School - Isabel Henggeler as Winifred Banks - Mary Poppins
• Myers Park High School - Maggie Holcomb as Katherine - Freaky Friday
• Parkwood High School - Emma Goins as Sally Brown - You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised)
• Porter Ridge High School - Ava Klein as Sophie - Mamma Mia
• Providence Day School - Liza Grimes as Peter Pan - Peter Pan
• Providence High School - Amelia McCarty as Natalie/Ed - All Shook Up
• South Mecklenburg High School - Shantal Tavares as Vivienne Kensington - Legally Blonde
• Weddington High School - Isabella Stetson as Roxie Hart - Chicago: Teen Edition
Finalists for Best Featured Performer
• Ardrey Kell High School - Asher Schreibman as Kyle - Legally Blonde
• Ballantyne Ridge High School - Graeme Mitchell as Mr. Brunner - e Lightning ief
• Carmel Christian School - Abby Castles as Gertie Cummings - Oklahoma!
• Central Academy of Technology & Arts
- Garrett Dwiggins as The Bishop of Digne/ Legles - Les Misérables School Edition
• Charlotte Catholic High School - Connor Nichols as Rabbi - Fiddler on the Roof
• Charlotte Country Day School - Brady Heintschel as Daryl Ames – Bright
• Charlotte Latin School - Michaela Maldfeld as Trix - e Drowsy Chaperone
• Cuthbertson High School - Kaitlyn Achu as Count Ipolitov - Anastasia
• East Mecklenburg High School - Greta Herring as Player/Lead Dancer - Pippin
• Marvin Ridge High School - Ethan Odze as Robertson Ay - Mary Poppins
• Myers Park High School - Mary Claire
Davidson as Mrs. Meyers/Officer - Freaky Friday
Shkavritko as Ali Hakim - Oklahoma!
• Central Academy of Technology & ArtsAiden Conway as Thenardier - Les Misérables School Edition
• Charlotte Catholic High School - Jon Pacheco as Perchik - Fiddler on the Roof
• Charlotte Country Day School - Reid Cook as Billy Cane – Bright Star
• Charlotte Latin School - Max Colaco as Adolpho - e Drowsy Chaperone
• East Mecklenburg High School - Levi Sutorus as Lewis - Pippin
• Marvin Ridge High School - Tobey Joyce as Michael Banks - Mary Poppins
• Myers Park High School - Addison Elder as Savannah - Freaky Friday
• Porter Ridge High School - Aidan Funderburk as Harry - Mamma Mia
• Providence Day School - Eli Coblenz as John - Peter Pan
• Providence High School - Graham Harding as Dennis - All Shook Up
• South Mecklenburg High School - Henry Schmidt as Emmet Forrest - Legally Blonde
• Weddington High School - Callum Bridgers as Amos Hart - Chicago: Teen Edition
Best Supporting Actress
• Ardrey Kell High School - Kayla Caro as Paulette Buonafonte - Legally Blonde
• Ballantyne Ridge High School - Rudrani Ghoshal as Sally Jackson - e Lightning ief
• Carmel Christian School - Payton Young as Ado Annie Carnes - Oklahoma!
• Central Academy of Technology & Arts
- Sophia Davison as Fantine - Les Misérables School Edition
• Charlotte Catholic High School - Anna Wall as Tzeitel - Fiddler on the Roof
• Charlotte Country Day School - Addi Bianchi as Margo Crawford – Bright
• Charlotte Latin School - Lucy House as Kitty - The Drowsy Chaperone
• Cuthbertson High School - Lucy Hubatka as Countess Lily - Anastasia
• Central Academy of Technology and Arts
– Aidan Conway as Thénardier – Les Misérables School Edition
• Myers Park High School – Addison Elder as Savannah – Freaky Friday
Best Supporting Actress
• Central Academy of Technology and Arts
– Sophia Davison as Fantine – Les Misérables School Edition
• Myers Park High School – Rachel Stitt as Torrey – Freaky Friday
Best Student Orchestra
• Central Academy of Technology and Arts– Les Misérables School Edition
• Myers Park High School – Freaky Friday
• Providence High School – All Shook Up
• Weddington High School –
• Ardrey Kell High School - Anabella Regueira as Elle Woods - Legally Blonde
• Ballantyne Ridge High School - Lucia
Delgado Rojas as Percy Jackson - e Lightning ief
• Carmel Christian School - Anna Jernigan as Laurey Williams - Oklahoma!
• Central Academy of Technology & Arts -
Haley Ciaramella as Eponine - Les Misérables School Edition
• Charlotte Catholic High School - Maye
Glessner as Hodel - Fiddler on the Roof
• Charlotte Country Day School - Sabrina
McGovern as Alice Murphy – Bright Star
• Charlotte Latin School - Kate Griesser as Janet Van de Gra - e Drowsy Chaperone
• Cuthbertson High School - Sophia Dion as Anya/Princess Anastasia - Anastasia
• East Mecklenburg High School - Cassidy
• Parkwood High School - Nahla Nowkhah as Rabbit - You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised)
• Porter Ridge High School - Anastasia Charley as Dance Captain/Ensemble - Mamma Mia
• Providence Day School - Mia Ostrowski as Liza - Peter Pan
• Providence High School - Hudson Blair as Sheri Earl - All Shook Up
• South Mecklenburg High SchoolGretchen Balay as Enid Hoopes - Legally Blonde
• Weddington High School - Carter Kavana as Fred Casley - Chicago: Teen Edition
Best Supporting Actor
• Ardrey Kell High School - JJ Monteleone as Warner Huntington III - Legally Blonde
• Carmel Christian School - Luke
• Marvin Ridge High School - Adithi Belur as Jane Banks - Mary Poppins
• Myers Park High School - Rachel Stitt as Torrey - Freaky Friday
• Parkwood High School - Emilie Heffel as Snoopy - You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised)
• Porter Ridge High School - Kayla Thomas as Rosie - Mamma Mia
• Providence Day School - Rowan Barwick as Storm - Peter Pan
• Providence High School - Hanna Kim as Sandra - All Shook Up
• South Mecklenburg High School - Abigial Guy as Paulette Buonufonte - Legally Blonde
• Weddington High School - Maka Magombadze as Matron Mama Morton - Chicago: Teen Edition
David Willis
CMS’s Cline shares disappointment in teacher pay
By Lisa Cline Contributor
Editor’s note: Lisa Cline, who represents District 5 on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education, gave the following remarks April 22 about why she did not support Superintendent Crystal Hill’s recommended 2025-26 budget. e board approved the budget by a vote of 5-3.
I’ve asked from the beginning of this budget process for more money to be allotted for the teacher supplement and for local salaries.
A 5% ask for our county commission is not enough for our teachers. And on Feb. 1, we approved our legislative agenda, where we asked for an 8% increase for teachers from the state. But our district is only planning for a 3% increase.
So why would we not consider planning for 8% with the 5% supplement plan? Are you asking me to say, ‘Oops, we’ve made a mistake with our legislative ask?’ is in itself is going to make it difcult for us to go to the legislative assembly and ask for more money.
Today, our beginning teachers earn less than $50,000 a year and top out with less than $70,000 a year with 30 years of experience. CMS can not keep teachers in the classroom on this salary. Many of them look for positions within the district outside so that they can make more money.
Parents send us their most valuable treasure – their children.
We can not ask the county for more money? I’m disappointed in that.
We need to be more competitive with our neighbors to the south of us and with Wake County. It is no wonder teachers are leaving the profession, speci cally in our county. Our teachers are not paid enough.
Prior to spring break, I had the opportunity to listen to four teachers share their concerns about teacher pay.
I was moved by what they had to say and what they do daily. I shared this with Dr. Hill. One of the teachers is in her second year and is considering leaving the profession and the state because of the lack of pay. We can’t a ord to do this. Our teachers deserve our support for higher supplements and higher ask.
At the last board meeting, we saw teachers ask for more money. But if we, the board, don’t ask, how are we going to increase those chances for the teachers?
Moneys have been asked for in this budget without clear de nitive answers to where they’re going. I asked tonight and I asked last time about the million dollars for high dosage tutoring. I’m still not clear on that.
Finally, the budget is based on estimated county and state forecasts. I’ve repeatedly asked for a contingency plan and I appreciate tonight being told that we are holding back 65% of the Title I moneys. But I’m truly concerned about the Title 2 and 3 moneys. I believe that we will see substantial cuts from the federal government. It’s a fact.
I always have a plan A and a plan B. I would have liked to have seen some type of an outline for a plan B, not a whole thing but something.
In 2023, we asked our citizens to approve a $2.5 billion bond initiative. Now granted, 65% of the 15.47% who voted and that’s 9% approved it. Regardless of the number, if we have these new buildings for our students, will we have teachers in those buildings if we do not invest in that?
A parent today told me she would be OK with an older school as long as her child had a quali ed teacher to teach. I’m concerned about having those quali ed teachers. So as a former educator and a CMS employee, I can not support this budget that does not support our teachers. I appreciate all the work that has been done but I have to support the teachers.
CMS’s Nunn puts out call to action for education
By Summer Nunn Contributor
Editor’s note: Summer Nunn, who represents District 6 on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education, gave the following remarks April 22 about why she did not support Superintendent Crystal Hill’s recommended 2025-26 budget. e board approved the budget by a vote of 5-3.
I’m deeply disappointed –not in this budget but for a few reasons.
I’m deeply disappointed in the state. We’ve got a legislative agenda. We are asking them to invest further.
We represent this county, which is only 10% of the state. However, when I look at our ask to our county commission and locally, we are 100% of their constituents. We’re 100% of those taxpayers.
I think the reality is our teachers don’t earn a living wage in this county.
While we can point ngers and blame, regardless, that still exists and either we have to do something about it or we just continue to be in the same cycle.
Why I’m disappointed the most is that the people who can do stu , the people that do take 100% of our local tax funds, could invest more.
I know it’s a responsibility really at the state level and it’s governed by our constitution but the reality is these are our kids. ese are my kids. ese are your kids. ey are everybody’s grandkids. ey’re your neighbors. ey’re whatever.
e teachers that are in those classrooms are shaping our next generation. Most of them can’t afford to live in this county, or they have a second job or
something else.
I’m disappointed because I think we should ask for more, even if we can’t get more.
e number one thing I have heard from people in this county and it was on the county surveys, the number one thing is investing in education. And yes we are investing in schools and to be quite frank, I am worried that we’re going to have all these nice schools but not enough teachers to actually teach our children.
I get North Carolina’s decreasing their tax base. I get that we don't want to potentially raise taxes but we have to do something locally. I’m asking for a call to action for the residents of this county to talk not only to the state but also to the county to gure out how do we do better for our children in Mecklenburg County.
Ballantyne gives reasons to get outside
CHARLOTTE – Ballantyne will be blooming with activities in May to celebrate spring across its campus. Here are some family-friendly community events to circle on your calendar:
• Saturday, May 3 – See The Bowl at Ballantyne transform into a oral oasis for e Bowl
In Bloom from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Build a ower bouquet with Bentley’s Buds Flower Truck (the rst 100 people get a free bouquet) as well as create wild ower seed bombs and botanical crowns.
e Bowl Street Pop-Up Market, curated by Shop Local QC, will feature more than 15 local vendors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 7 – Find fresh, locally sourced foods and artisanal goods at Ballantyne Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Brixham Park.
• Friday, May 9 – Celebrate Eric Clapton’s 80th birthday with Journeyman: A Tribute to Eric Clapton as they kick off the first Live at The Amp monthly concert series of the season. Tickets cost $15. Kids 5 and younger get in free. Doors
open at 5 p.m. Music starts at 5:30 p.m.
• Friday, May 21 – Enjoy Ballantyne’s green and get into shape with monthly Fitness at Brixham Park classes from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. is month is an all-level slow- ow yoga class to ease you into the weekend. Classes cost $5 for community members and free for Ballantyne o ce customers through the goBallantyne app.
The Bowl In Bloom and Ballantyne Farmers Market are two events that’ll get the community out to the Ballantyne campus. Photo courtesy of Northwood Office
REGIONAL
Carolina Renaissance Festival to hold auditions
HUNTERSVILLE – The Carolina Renaissance Festival is holding open auditions for colorful personalities of all types to bring to life the make-believe Village of Fairhaven.
Amateur and professional opportunities are available for actors, street performers, cosplayers, historical reenactors, musicians, singers, dancers, variety acts and stagehands.
Auditions will be held from 9 a.m. to noon May 31 and June 7 at the Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy, 16115 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville.
Auditionees should be ages 13 or
older. Register in advance at Carolina. RenFestInfo.com.
Performers at the festival engage in the art of all day play through interactive, immersive theater. Cast members are to participate in a series of free summer workshops and rehearsals that will prepare them on how to adapt their skills to the outdoor, renaissance theme.
Sessions include costuming, period language, accent, character development and improv.
New this year, the festival is seeking solo performers and/or established ensembles to perform traditional folk
dancing in styles of Irish Step, Morris, Scottish Highland or early English Clog.
e Carolina Renaissance Festival is a combination of outdoor theater, circus, arts and crafts fair, jousting tournament and feast, all rolled into a daylong, outdoor family adventure.
The Carolina Renaissance Festival returns for its 32nd annual season Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 4 to Nov. 23 on a 250-acre farm at the junction of N.C. 73 and Poplar Tent Road. Tickets will be available for purchase starting July 1 at Carolina.RenFestInfo.com.
Levine Museum of the New South deepens its reach
CHARLOTTE – As the Levine Museum of the New South prepares to leave its interim space at 401 S. Tryon St., it remains steadfast in its mission to explore the past, illuminate the present and shape a more just future.
At the recent CataLysT fundraiser, attendees supported the museum’s work and direction. Raising more than $155,000, the event united civic leaders, cultural change-makers, and supporters to celebrate the museum’s vision.
As part of the evening’s program, guests enjoyed a short documentary capturing Charlotte leaders and change-makers on their journey visiting Alabama’s Civil Rights landmarks. Inspired by the impact of this experience, the museum plans to host more of these immersive Legacy Tours.
“This year’s CataLysT wasn’t just a fundraiser, it was a reflection of how deeply people believe in what we’re building,” said Richard Cooper, CEO and president of Levine Museum of the New South. “We’re honoring the stories that shape us while reimagining what a 21st-century museum can be and look like.”
The museum announced its new CataLysT Fellowship Program, a year-long leadership experience for college students. e museum will partner with area colleges and universities to welcome 10 student fellows who will
engage in historical study, travel to sites of memory, participate in workshops and dialogues, and design community-focused projects.
“ is fellowship is about planting seeds of change,” Cooper said. “We’re building a space for students to dive deep into the connections of the past and present, and for them to re ect, connect and lead future generations – with history as both a mirror and a map.” at same spirit of connection continues through the museum’s programming, including its next Community Conversations: Housing Justice on May 6 at the University City Regional Library. e evening will explore the past and present of housing injustice, featuring a conversation between author and activist Greg Jarrell and Val Brown, the museum’s chief education and strategist partnership ofcer. rough stories and dialogue, attendees will examine the inequalities that have shaped Charlotte housing and the work ahead to create more equitable systems.
e museum has also joined a national campaign connected to America250, which is celebrating a year-long 250th anniversary of the United States, which culminates on July 4, 2026. rough this initiative, Levine Museum invites people across the region to share their re ections and “birthday wishes” for the country on this Digital Wishwall, an opportunity to center Southern voices in a national conversation. Community members can contribute online via the Levine Museum website now and throughout the coming year, leading up to the celebration. The museum encourages the community to engage further in regional history through the “Our New South” podcast, which delves into conversations and topics a ecting the region today, as well as the Brooklyn Walking Tour via the KnowCLT app, a self-guided experience that brings the history of Charlotte’s once-thriving Black neighborhood to life. On the web: museumofthenewsouth.org
DINING SCORES
Health departments in Mecklenburg and Union counties inspected these restaurants from April 17 to 23:
Charlotte (28209)
• Harris Teeter (deli), 5030 Park Road – 98.5
• Luisa’s Brick Oven Pizzeria, 1730 Abbey Place – 97
• Taco Bell, 1800 E. Woodlawn Road – 97.5
• Wendy’s, 4335 Park
LIVE MUSIC
DON KBRN World Tour in Charlotte on Aug. 27 with a performance at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre. is tour follows the recent success of “DON KBRN,” Eladio's sixth studio album, which debuted last month. e album was the #1 release on Spotify's USA and Global Top Albums Debut Charts. e album's singles, “Vetements,” “H.I.M.,” “Romeo y Julieta” and “El Reggaetón del Disco,” have charted around the world. Eladio has also shared the video for "BRANZINO," a collaboration with Big Sean. is marks Eladio’s most expansive tour yet, following his return to the trap roots that shaped his rise.
Eladio Carrión’s 31-date tour opens in Charlotte CHARLOTTE – Latin GRAMMY-winning artist Eladio Carrión will open his
After establishing his reputation as one of the most powerful live performers in Latin trap with the Sol María Tour of 2023, Eladio now returns to the stage with a
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Leaving the nest? Consider purchasing renters’ insurance
By Mike Causey Contributor
Caps and gowns have been ordered. Graduation announcements are being sent out. Before long, young men and women will be walking across a stage at high school and college campuses across North Carolina to accept their hard-earned diplomas.
Not long afterward, a number of young adults will be moving out of their parents’ homes, some temporarily, others permanently. Some will be moving into dormitory rooms or apartments while at college. Others leaving the family nest may be moving into some other form of rental housing.
One of the items to check into when moving into your own space is renters’ insurance.
Carrión is curating a live experience that fully immerses fans in the “DON KBRN” universe, celebrating his artistic evolution while staying true to the genre that made him a standout in Latin music.
May 2
• Evening Muse: Bearly Dead; The Alex Lopez Xpress & Memphis Lightning
• Mary O’Neill’s Irish Pub: Matthew Ablan
• Neighborhood Theatre: Sofia Isella
• OMB Ballantyne: Time Machine
• OMB LoSo: Crystal Fountains
• PNC Music Pavilion: Cody Johnson
• Shep’s Bar & Grill: Amicola
• Stooges Pub & Grub: Next O’ Kin
• The Courthouse Self-Pour Beer & Wine: Jack Fontana
• The Trail House: Steel County Express
May 3
• Americana Beer Co.: Adam Daniels
• Great Wagon Road Distillery: Traxx Trio
• Moochies Tavern: Underground Owls
• Neighborhood Theatre: Mallrat w/ Anna Shoemaker
• OMB Ballantyne: The Dialtones
• OMB LoSo: Something Like That
• Peddlers Paradise Bartique: White Sage
• Stooges Pub & Grub: Mike’d Up
• The Fillmore: Hippie Sabotage
• The Trail House: Radio Source
Renters’ insurance is affordable and can be an invaluable tool for peace of mind. You’ll know that if your belongings are stolen, damaged or destroyed by fire, storms, smoke, vandalism or other covered causes, they will be replaced promptly.
Many renters have a misconception regarding what is covered inside their rental home. Your personal items, such as your clothing, laptop, cell phone television and furniture are not covered by your landlord’s policy. Landlord policies only cover the landlord’s property.
If you’re renting, you may want to check the homeowners’ policy that your parents have. Some homeowners’ insurance policies include coverage for their children renting while away at college.
I encourage you to reach out to your insurance agent to discuss renters’ insurance. Or you may want to get quotes online. This coverage ensures you’re prepared for unexpected
• The Underground: Alex Warren
• The Union Exchange: Matt & John
May 4
• Evening Muse: Josh Lovelace
• Ovens Auditorium: Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo
• The Fillmore: Duki World Tour
• The Underground: BOA
May 5
• Evening Muse: Open mic
• Neighborhood Theatre: Rachel Platten
May 6
• Evening Muse: Open mic
• Neighborhood Theatre: Grateful Shred
May 7
• Local Logic: DJ SweeTee
• Peddlers Paradise Bartique: Open mic
• The Fillmore: Elderbrook
May 8
• Amos’ Southend: Almost Monday
• Neighborhood Theatre: Hackensaw Boys
• Ovens Auditorium: The Temptations & The Four Tops
• The Underground: Knox
May 9
• Amos’ Southend: Honestav
• Evening Muse: The Brothers Gillespie; Elijah Cruise
• Great Wagon Road Distillery: Carrie Ann
emergencies.
A renters’ insurance policy protects your personal property against damage or loss and covers you in case someone gets injured while on your rented property. Also extends protection to your home’s contents and the personal belongings of those who share your space. Coverage is subject to a designated limit, which is agreed upon by you and the insurance company and specified in the insurance policy.
Typically, renters’ insurance protects against several perils, including fire, lightning, vandalism, theft, ice, snow and sleet.
Water or steam damage from plumbing issues is generally covered while ood damage from nearby streams is not covered and requires a separate ood insurance policy.
If your rental home becomes temporarily unhabitable because of a covered incident, renters’ insurance kicks in to cover additional living expenses, such as housing, meals and storage.
• OMB Ballantyne: Rich and Single
• OMB LoSo: Knights of Flannel
• The Amp Ballantyne: Journeyman
• The Courthouse Self-Pour Beer & Wine:
Chance Howland
• The Trail House: Don’t Blink
• The Underground: Grentperez
• Visulite Theatre: Runaway Gin
Live Music Venues
Charlotte
• Amos’ Southend: 1423 S. Tryon St.
• Evening Muse: 3227 N. Davidson St.
• Neighborhood Theatre: 511 E. 36th St.
• OMB Ballantyne: 15025 Bowl St.
• OMB LoSo: 4150 Yancey Road
• Ovens Auditorium: 2700 E. Independence Blvd.
• PNC Music Pavilion: 707 Pavilion Blvd.
• Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre: 1000
NC Music Factory Blvd.
• The Amp Ballantyne: 11115 Upper Ave.
• The Fillmore: 820 Hamilton St.
• The Underground: 820 Hamilton St.
• Visulite Theatre: 1615 Elizabeth Ave.
Indian Trail
• Grapes Bistro and Wine Bar: 6461 Old Monroe Road
• The Trail House: 6751 Old Monroe Road
Matthews
• Independence Harley-Davidson: 9205 E. Independence Blvd.
Remember to keep your receipts.
Renters’ insurance shields you if you’re held liable for injury to others or damage to the rental property. It can cover medical expenses for individuals accidentally injured on your premises. Some insurance companies offer discounts if you have burglar and smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems or deadbolt lock on your exterior doors. Ask your agent if you’re eligible to receive any discounts. Remember to read through your policy to make sure you understand it before you sign it.
If you have questions, ask your agent.
If you need help with your insurance, please call our toll-free number at 855-408-1212 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays to speak to a consumer expert. You may also visit our web page at www.ncdoi.gov.
Mike Causey serves as insurance commissioner for North Carolina.
CLASSIFIEDS
Physician, Vascular Surgeon, Carolinas Physicians Network, Inc. d/b/a Atrium Health Medical Group, Shelby & Charlotte, NC. Wrk at Vascular Outpatient Clin. Supv 1. Reqs MD frm accred sch of Med / equiv. Reqs unrest lic to pract med in NC & DEA lic. Mst have comp Gen Surg Res & Clin Vasc Surg Fllwshp. Mst be Brd Cert in Vasc Surg / elig for cert at time of hire & maint dur full trm of empl. Reqs nom US trv. Hires sbmt to drg & b/g chck. M-F, 7a-5:30p (hrs vary) & rotat wknd on-call sched. Apply: res to: carolyn.j.miller@atriumhealth.org & ref #116175.
Dir, Data Intelligence. Compass Group USA, Inc. Charlotte, NC. May telco M & F w/i commute dist of Charlotte, NC. Wrk in off Tues.- Thurs. Resp for dir of data intel proj, w/ leadrshp over data strtgy & alignmnt w/ org obj re: food tech sys. Wrk M-F 8a -5p EST regardless of loc. Supv up to 10. Reqs Bach in Fin / FE / Stats / rel / equiv. Reqs 7 yrs exp use food tech sys incl 7 yrs PM exp incl mng & priortze multi proj in fast-pcd environ; Power BI; VBA; 3 yrs: P2P; eProcurement; Sitecore; SQL; 1 yr: Dynamics 365. Reqs 15% US trv. Apply: res to: shared.talentacquisitionoperations@ compass-usa.com & ref #116659.
