unveiled a new mobile outreach library vehicle, OLiVe, during an anniversary celebration April 12 at Southwest Regional Library.
The event marked one year since Southwest Regional Library opened its doors and highlighted a year of growth, innovation and expanded community access to resources.
OLiVe – short for Outreach Library Vehicle – was on display during the event, showcasing how Union County is bringing books, technology, programs and Wi-Fi access directly to neighborhoods.
e idea is to reach people who may not be able to visit a library branch.
“OLiVe represents the future of how we serve Union County – meeting people where they are,” Library Director Nina Cha n said. “Whether it’s bringing storytime to a park or o ering WiFi in a remote area, this vehicle helps us connect and engage in new ways.”
e celebration included the dedication of two new outdoor features at the library: a Story Walk and a Literacy at Play space. Both attractions were made possible by donations through the Union County Library Foundation.
WINGATE – Wingate University has been recognized as national champion by Special Olympics North America.
Wingate topped the eld of 30 schools that competed during the 2025 Uni ed College National Championship. e recognition was announced April 22 during a ceremony on Zoom and co-hosted by ESPN’s Victoria Arlen.
The competition graded colleges on how well they brought students and Special Olympics athletes together on the eld, presented displays of inclusion, and creatively used social media to spread the word about inclusion around campus.
Last fall, Wingate launched Julia’s Learning, in which ve young adults with
By Christy K. Chambers Contributor
MONROE – Next month, Union County Playmakers takes on “Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” a musical based on the novel by Mark Twain. With words and music by Roger Miller and book by William Hauptman, “Big River” uses jaunty tunes and a large dose of Twain’s acerbic wit to tackle some weighty subjects: slavery, racism, social injustice, to name a few. But at its core it’s a story of coming of age, friendship and self-discovery. Much like the river traveled in the play, there are many twists and turns that give the characters opportunities for growth and change if they choose to pursue them. Navigating the big river leads Huck to discover his identity and to the realization that all people are entitled to freedom (physical and spiritual) and the ability to govern themselves.
For Tommy Wooten, directing Union County Playmakers production of “Big River” feels like a homecoming. Wooten, born and raised in Monroe, attended Benton Heights Elementary School.
“I lived two streets over from Benton Heights Elementary growing up,” Wooten said. “ at was my neighborhood. And I can see my little self playing on the playground,
Union County Library launches mobile outreach vehicle
More than 300 attendees engaged in family-friendly activities, such as games, crafts and educational stations that highlighted the wide range of resources available at the Southwest Regional Library.
e 19,000-square-foot facility, which opened to the public on April 19, 2024, has become a hub for learning, exploration and connection in western Union County.
Learn more about the Union County Library and OLiVe’s outreach schedule at uclnc.org. Visit uclibraryfoundation.org for ways to support the Union County Library Foundation.
Special Olympics names Wingate national champion
intellectual and developmental disabilities live in dorms, take classes and participate in extracurricular activities on campus.
As part of the annual Day of Giving and Service, for the past three years Wingate has hosted a pair of baseball games featuring clients from Union Diversi ed Industries in Monroe, all of whom have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Wingate students serve as buddies and ll the stands during the games.
Wingate also graded highly because of several other activities throughout the past year, including a bowling exhibition featuring members of the school’s acrobatics and tumbling team, Julia’s Learning students and Union Diversi ed Industries clients; the Wingate softball’s team’s close work
with Union Diversi ed Industries to create the Union Bulldogs uni ed softball team; and other partnerships between Union Diversi ed Industries and Wingate’s nursing program, women’s basketball team, occupational therapy department, and Collaborative for the Common Good.
“ is recognition illustrates the commitment that Wingate University has to the well being of all people, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Michelle Lancaster-Sandlin, executive director for intellectual and developmental disabilities initiatives at Wingate. “ ese types of activities are just who we are as an organization.”
On the web: wingate.edu/admissions/ julias-learning
Union County native comes home to direct ‘Big River’
which is now the parking lot for the new theater. Climbing up those stairs of the old auditorium when nobody else was there, playing around as a kid.”
His parents graduated from Benton Heights High School, where his mother was Miss Benton Heights.
Wooten’s theater journey began in North Carolina.
“I saw my uncle in a Union County production of ‘Oliver’ when I was 5 or 6, in the mid-70s. And my uncle Bill was the nicest, sweetest man ever,“ he said. “But he played the villain. He played Bill and he was horrible! And I was completely shook and mesmerized. But watching him on stage, I just knew. at's what I was going to do for the rest of my life.”
Wooten’s dream took him to North Carolina School of the Arts, Wingate University, Liberty University, New York City and Florida, before returning to North Carolina. Leaving home at 19, he feels truly blessed to have been a working actor since age 22.
“I always had this dream of coming back and sharing with people what I learned, what I do,” he said. “To get the opportunity to come back and do that is both surreal and ful lling.”
In many ways, Wooten’s trek mirrored Huck’s. In the song “Crossing,” Roger Miller writes “We are pilgrims on a journey through the darkness of the night. We are bound for other places.”
Union County Playmakers is grateful for Wooten’s brief sojourn at the helm of their
raft and invites the audience to join the journey of self discovery. Wooten’s hope is that audiences will leave with the realization that we are more than what divides us.
“We have so much more in common,” he said. “When we boil people down, have one-on-one conversations, have a heart to heart, we truly ‘see’ each other.”
Traveling together we will no longer be strangers when we reach the other side.
Want to go?
Union County Playmakers presents “Big River” May 9 to 11 and May 16 to 18 at Benton Heights Elementary School Performing Arts Center, 1205 Cherry St., Monroe. Visit www.unioncountyplaymakers.org for tickets and additional information.
Christy K. Chambers serves as a board member for Union County Playmakers.
AI and nonprofit leaders to speak at Wingate graduations
WINGATE – Wingate University graduates will hear from an executive working on the leading edge of artificial intelligence and another who provides healthcare to those most in need.
Sathish Muthukrishnan, chief information, data and digital o cer at Ally Financial, will give the address May 17 during undergraduate commencement. Tchernavia Montgomery, CEO of Care Ring, will give the address May 16 to graduate students. Both ceremonies will start at 9 a.m. in the Academic Quad.
Muthukrishnan helped Ally build an inhouse generative AI platform that enables the bank to rewrite contracts 100% digitally, saving customers time and money.
In 2024, he was named Innovator of the Year by American Banker, inducted into the CIO Hall of Fame, and joined the Forbes CIO Next list for tech execs guiding organizations into a new era.
Muthukrishnan graduated from the University of Madras with a degree in engineering, specializing in computer science. He has more than 25 led patents related to manufacturing, payments and digital technology.
Montgomery leads Care Ring, a nonpro t providing healthcare for those who are uninsured and underserved. It removes barriers for 8,000 people in Mecklenburg County annually. Under her leadership, the organization has grown in size, footprint and visibility, becoming nationally recognized for its programs and services. Care Ring recently doubled its physical space by moving to a new home on Graham Street.
A double graduate of UNC Charlotte, Tchernavia is a master’s level clinical social worker with two decades of human services experience.
Wingate University not only is involved in Special Olympics but has multiple initiatives working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Photo courtesy of Wingate University
Sathish Muthukrishnan
Tchernavia Montgomery
Union County Library’s mobile outreach vehicle, OLiVe, carries books to neighborhoods. Photo courtesy of Union County
Tommy Wooten is directing the Union County Playmakers production of “Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."
Photo courtesy of Union County Playmakers
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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
The Courtyards at Quail Park is Accepting Reservations
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Landscape Maintenance Included. Private, Garden Courtyards. Lock & Leave Lifestyle. No Steps.* No Mower.
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
The Levine Museum of the New South shared its work and vision with supporters during its recent CataLysT fundraiser.
Photo courtesy of Levine Museum of the New South
You’ve been dressing up for the Carolina Renaissance Festival for many years, so why not audition to become a performer?
Photos courtesy of Carolina Renaissance Festival
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.
