Topic

Arts & Entertainment

Musicians, bands, festivals, and the books, TV and radio worth your time, from Ballantyne stages to Uptown Charlotte.

Violinist Irena Benak in Charlotte

Violinist Irena Benak met her future husband at a concert in Serbia, came to Charlotte to visit him and stayed. Now she is building her name here from the beginning. A paid Partner Spotlight.

Nell Thomas·Sep 25, 2026

Irena Benak playing violin on the front steps of a venue, with an inset of her as a young girl playing, beside the words Partner Spotlight, Irena Violin

business

Anthony Vasquez, Charlotte Bandleader

Anthony Vasquez, a Charlotte-born multi-instrumentalist and bandleader, blends Latin roots, blues, and pop into live music built to bring people together, from neighborhood festivals to a dream night…

Nell Thomas·Jul 21, 2026

Anthony Vasquez holding his black Fender electric guitar with the Charlotte skyline glowing behind him at night

community

Charlotte SHOUT! Is Back and Worth the Drive from Ballantyne

Charlotte SHOUT! runs April 3–19 with 200+ free events in Uptown. Here's what's worth the drive from Ballantyne, from all-day jazz and whole-hog barbecue to 20-plus art installations and six nights…

Nell Thomas·Apr 3, 2026

Strolling Ballantyne graphic. The words Around the neighborhood. in large white type on a dark navy background, above the line: The people who show up, and what they are showing up for.

business

Darin Jones & The Last Men Standing Bring Country Firepower

If you want a band that can read a room, fill a dance floor, then keep your aunt and your CEO equally happy, meet Darin Jones & The Last Men Standing.

Nell Thomas·Oct 26, 2025

Strolling Ballantyne graphic. The words Local business. in large white type on a dark navy background, above the line: Who opened, who moved and who is behind the counter.

government

Top Chef Season 23 Sets Its Table in Charlotte, Greenville

Bravo's Top Chef parks its knives in Charlotte for Season 23, spotlighting the Queen City's booming food scene, and giving local chefs a shot at culinary immortality.

Jack Beckett·Jul 23, 2025

Strolling Ballantyne graphic. The words Ballantyne government. in large white type on a dark navy background, above the line: Council votes, rezonings and what they mean for the neighborhood.

features

Barry Diller's 'Who Knew' Is Sharp but Short on Heart

Barry Diller's Who Knew is a rocket ride through media history: riveting boardroom lore, airtight lessons, and emotional Wi-Fi that never quite connects.

Nell Thomas·Jun 15, 2025

Strolling Ballantyne graphic. The words Ballantyne stories. in large white type on a dark navy background, above the line: The people behind the neighborhood, told with care.

lifestyle

TJ Ritchie Goes Solo: Charlotte's Radio Maverick Returns

Longtime Charlotte radio voice TJ Ritchie launches a new WBT solo show mixing politics, pop culture, and listener call-ins.

Nell Thomas·May 1, 2025

Strolling Ballantyne graphic. The words Ballantyne living. in large white type on a dark navy background, above the line: Homes, style and how the neighborhood spends its weekends.

features

'The Pitt' Crams Grit and Drama Into One Shift

Noah Wyle tackles a 15-episode marathon set in one shift. Critics debate the show's real-time format, writing choices, and handheld style. High stakes bring both grit and heart.

Jack Beckett·Feb 13, 2025