Top Concerts Coming to Charlotte This Winter
It may be getting colder, and the days are shorter, but that doesn’t mean the live music scene in Charlotte has slowed down.
by Andy Goh Dec 27, 2024
How do you know Charlotte’s live music scene is as strong as ever? When you see big names like Mary J. Blige and Deftones coming to town during the winter, along with a rock-solid lineup of local favorites playing the city’s most beloved venues.
The Avett Brothers
When: Tuesday, Dec. 31
Where: Bojangles Coliseum
Charlotte’s favorite home-grown folk rock band returns for another edition of their classic and beloved New Year’s Eve show at Bojangles’ Coliseum. There’s no better way to spend your night than to catch this celebratory show that promises to be full of heartfelt energy to carry you into the new year.
Modern Alibi
When: Tuesday, Dec. 31
Where: Neighborhood Theatre
One of the buzziest new bands founded right here in the Queen City, Modern Alibi will take the stage at Neighborhood Theatre to help you ring in the new year. Modern Alibi’s sound combines a booming contemporary rhythm with luscious guitar and vocal melodies.
Jazz is Led
When: Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025
Where: Neighborhood Theatre
More than 50 years after British hard rock legends Led Zeppelin rewrote the rules to rock music, a quartet of Charlotte’s most talented musicians is recreating their sound with a jazzy twist. Troy Conn, Ron Brendle, Curtis Wingfield and Emanuel Wynter combine to form Jazz is Led, whose distinctive covers of Zeppelin bring a fresh feel to timeless classics.
R&B Nights starring Dru Hill, Jon B, Case, and Changing Faces
When: Friday, Jan. 24, 2025
Where: Ovens Auditorium
Will our infatuation with ‘90s-era R&B ever wane? Hopefully not! This era of over-the-top crooning, shirtless singers in the rain, and silky smooth production has yet to be matched. Icons of the genre Dru Hill (“Never Make a Promise”) and Jon B (“Pretty Girl”) are joined by Case and Changing Faces for this unforgettable evening of grooves.
Donna the Buffalo
When: Friday, Jan. 24, 2025
Where: Neighborhood Theatre
Folk rock veterans Donna the Buffalo welcome the herd to Charlotte at NoDa’s Neighborhood Theatre to kick off 2025. The New York-based quintet has produced 11 albums since their 1989 debut, and their current tour highlights much of their extensive catalog.
Niko Moon: These are the Nights Tour
When: Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025
Where: The Fillmore Charlotte
When an artist who’s written eight No. 1 singles for other musicians goes out and releases music under their own name, the expectations are high. Country music crossover star Niko Moon has thus far delivered with his own brand of feel good trap country.
SUSTO Solo Show
When: Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025
Where: The Evening Muse
SUSTO has had an impressive run since debuting with a self-titled album in 2014. After the pandemic and some internal strife, SUSTO frontman Justin Osborne has created music more closely tied to his own personal creativity and experience, culminating in their latest LP, “My Entire Life,” which will feature heavily in this solo show.
Mary J. Blige: The For My Fans Tour with Ne-Yo and Mario
When: Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025
Where: Spectrum Center
For more than 30 years, Mary J. Blige has been the reigning Queen of R&B. In 2025, Blige is enlisting the help of contemporary R&B stars Ne-Yo and Mario to deliver an arena tour that gives her fans a glimpse of one of the most celebrated singers of her era.
Aespa: Live Tour - SYNK: Parallel Line
When: Saturday, Feb. 8
Where: Spectrum Center
Korean pop music (K-pop) wasn’t just limited to the viral hit "Gangnam Style” from several years ago. Today, K-pop is everywhere. Catch the wave for yourself when mega-star girl group Aespa (pronounced “ess-PA”) hit center stage at Uptown’s Spectrum Center.
Dollar Signs
When: Friday, Feb. 14, 2025
Where: The Milestone Club
If you’re lucky enough to find a date who suggests checking out local power-punk quintet Dollar Signs at the historic Milestone Club, you’ve got yourself a keeper. Dollar Signs’ high-energy pop-punk will fit right in with The Milestone’s well-loved patina.
The 7th Annual Queen City Blues Festival: The Blues Is Alright Tour
When: Friday, Feb. 14
Where: Bojangles Coliseum
Keith Richards once said that the blues is the greatest art form that America ever gave to the world. If you nodded your head to that statement, check out The 7th Annual Queen City Blues Festival. Experience some of the most electrifying and stirring contemporary blues performers this side of the Mississippi Delta, including singers Tucka, West Love, King George and many more.
TAUK
When: Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025
Where: Visulite Theatre
A genre-blending tour de force of mostly instrumental bangers, TAUK (short for Montauk, N.Y., the band’s hometown) comes to the Queen City. While not technically a jam band, the quartet’s lyric-less compositions often evoke the strongest qualities of the best improvisational bands around, but with a focused and driving backbone.
Kelsea Ballerini: Live On Tour
When: Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025
Where: Spectrum Center
Kelsea Ballerini started her career like she was shot out of a cannon. With seven No. 1 singles, four Grammy nominations, a membership to the Grand Ole Opry and a spot coaching on Season 27 of “The Voice,” Kelsea Ballerini has become a household name.
Cordae: The Crossroads Tour
When: Saturday, March 1, 2025
Where: The Underground
Who says the latest generation of rappers isn’t lyrical? Raleigh-born Cordae smashes that stereotype by delivering sharp, thoughtful and introspective lyrics with a dash of the confidence and bravado that is inherent to the genre. Don’t miss this show at The Underground just outside of Uptown.
Deftones: North American Tour 2025
When: Monday, March 24, 2025
Where: Spectrum Center
Formed in 1988, Deftones have contributed so much to the collective zeitgeist that you simply must pay them respect. A pioneer in the alt metal scene, Deftones have carved out a special place in the hearts of their fans by boldly experimenting with their sound through the decades, giving them an aura that resonates far beyond their genre.
Tyler, The Creator: CHROMOKOPIA: THE WORLD TOUR
When: Wednesday, March 26
Where: Spectrum Center
Hip hop has no shortage of big names, but perhaps the one star with the broadest appeal is Tyler, The Creator. The former leader of alt-rap collective Odd Future, Tyler has seen a stratospheric rise to fame, paired with a creative evolution that rivals that of The Beatles. His latest album, “CHROMOKOPIA,” is setting the stages Tyler graces on this tour on fire.
View all of the events in Charlotte here.
