Top Concerts and Tours Coming This Summer
With plenty of warm temperatures and a schedule that includes up-and-comers like Melanie Martinez, veterans like Melissa Ethridge, and pop royalty like Beyoncé, Charlotte’s live music scene has something for everyone
by Andy Goh Jun 06, 2023
Summertime, and the living’s easy. Your favorite bands are tuning up to hit the road and deliver high-energy live performances to a venue near you. Here’s our list of some of the most anticipated summer shows coming to the Queen City.
Tank & the Bangas
When: Tuesday, June 13
Where: Visulite Theatre
Combining New Orleans jazz, funk, hip-hop and spoken word, Tank & the Bangas are a show unlike any other. Having gained fame nationally when they won NPR’s Tiny Desk contest in 2017, the band captured audiences’ attention with a high energy and fun-loving experience, one that will have any audience laughing, clapping and dancing along to the music. This is the kind of show that shines brightest when seen at a smaller local venue like the Visulite.
Ziggy Marley
When: Tuesday, June 20
Where: Knight Theater
Reggae icon Bob Marley may have left us in 1981, but his legacy has been carried on by several of his very talented offspring. Maybe the most well known of the Marley clan has been Ziggy Marley, who has released more than 20 albums and won eight Grammys. Ziggy and his band will make a stop at Uptown’s Knight Theater in June to continue spreading the word of love and positivity through music, riding his own unique blend of reggae, rock, blues and soul.
Melanie Martinez: PORTALS Tour
When: Saturday, June 24
Where: Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
It’s been more than 20 years since the first season of American Idol crowned Kelly Clarkson as the newest pop sensation, but the reality show format continues to produce new generations of stars. One of the latest music-reality-show stars is Melanie Martinez who rose to fame during a memorable run on Team Adam (Levine) on The Voice in 2012. Following her run, Martinez has struck a chord with electro dark-pop fans with a growing collection of EPs and studio albums. Her latest release, “Portals,” is being accompanied by a 29-date tour across North America, including a stop at Skyla Credit Union in Uptown’s AvidXchange Music Factory. See the continuing evolution of her alter-ego Cry Baby this June.
Shania Twain: Queen of Me Tour
When: June 28
Where: PNC Music Pavilion
Let's go girls! Shania Twain is making her way to the Queen City. The five-time Grammy Award winner will be performing songs from her new album, "Queen of Me," and her classic fan-favorites like "Man! I Feel Like a Woman," "Still the One" and "That Don't Impress Me Much." Shania Twain's return to the stage is not only a celebration of her incredible talent but also a testament to her resilience and strength. Overcoming personal challenges, she continues to inspire fans worldwide with her music and indomitable spirit. With her commanding stage presence, incredible vocal range and undeniable charisma, Shania has a unique ability to connect with her audience and create an electric atmosphere. From intimate ballads to foot-stomping anthems, each song will be brought to life in a way that only this country-pop diva can.
Alicia Keys
When: Sunday, July 2
Where: Spectrum Center
For more than 20 years, Alicia Keys has been riding on top of the pop and R&B world thanks to her powerful and soulful vocals, keen piano arrangements and chart-topping songwriting. Her 2002 debut single “Fallin’” established her as one of the top voices in the music industry, a place she has held ever since thanks to nine albums, 15 Grammy awards and more than 17 million albums sold world wide. Catch the Queen of R&B when she comes through town in July at the Spectrum Center.
LL Cool J’s The F.O.R.C.E (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy) Tour
When: Sunday, July 9
Where: Spectrum Center
It’s not just the ladies that love James Todd Smith. Hip-hop fans have held LL Cool J up as one of the genre’s most important figures ever since he was rocking Kangols and gold rope chains. This summer, LL is gathering some of the biggest names from hip-hop’s golden era to go on tour with him, and the crew is making a stop in Charlotte. Get your tickets now to see Mr. Smith rock the bells with The Roots, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Queen Latifah and many more.
Melissa Ethridge
When: Thursday, July 13
Where: Knight Theater
Through a career that spans five decades, Melissa Ethridge has been writing and performing music that transcends traditional pop culture paths. Unforgettable songs like “I’m the Only One” and “Come to My Window” propelled Ethridge to mainstream success in 1993, and the heartland rock queen has been a permanent fixture in pop music ever since. Not one to shy away from her own identity, Ethridge has also become a leader in gay and lesbian activism since coming out early in her career. A date at Uptown’s Knight Theater is one of the highlights of the signature Blumenthal Performing Arts’ touring music schedule this summer, one you won’t want to miss.
blink-182
When: Friday, July 14
Where: Spectrum Center
One of the most popular pop punk bands of all time is reuniting for a massive world tour, which has seen increased anticipation by fans ever since rave reviews of their Coachella set began making the rounds. The trio of Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and drummer Travis Barker have been through much adversity since achieving crossover success in the early 2000s. Despite a near death experience, a cancer diagnosis, multiple hiatuses and even a short-lived lineup change, blink-182 seems to have settled into one of their coziest grooves in years. Don’t miss out on seeing this whirlwind tour when it makes a stop in Uptown.
Luke Combs
When: Saturday, July 15
Where: Bank of America Stadium
One can only imagine how much pride would be felt by being born in a major American city and then to play a headlining show at the nearly 75,000-seat NFL stadium in that same city before your 35th birthday. That’s exactly what Charlotte-born country music singer-songwriter Luke Combs will do when he steps onto the biggest stage in the city at Bank of America Stadium in July. Combs (who is also an App State graduate) has quickly ascended the ladder of country music stardom since releasing his debut album “This One’s for You” in 2017. Combs released his fourth album “Gettin’ Old” in March and will surely make this stop in his hometown one to remember.
Erykah Badu & Yassin Bey: The Unfollow Me Tour
When: Saturday, July 16
Where: Spectrum Center
Peanut butter and jelly, Batman and Robin, hip-hop and R&B. All of these are excellent pairings, the last of which is the focus of this 24-city tour. Erykah Badu is a pioneer of neo-soul, a crown she’s worn since the release of her debut album “Baduizm” in 1997. Songs like “On & On” and “Didn’t Cha Know?” have become standards of the genre, as well as finding crossover success. Yassin Bey may be better known to some rap fans as Mos Def, a Brooklyn-born rapper with a velvety flow and clever wordplay. His 1998 collaboration with Talib Kweli, known as “Black Star,” remains one of the most influential albums in hip-hop history. Together, Badu and Bey promise to deliver smooth cuts full of soul, rhythm and rhyme at Uptown’s Spectrum Center.
FabFest
When: Friday, July 21
Where: Knight Theater
Ain’t no party like a Tosco Music Party because a Tosco Music Party combines some of the most talented and diverse musicians in the area to come together and make you, the audience member, an integral part of the show. Yes, there really is no show quite like this one, and if you haven’t attended a TMP event before, you should be circling this show on your calendar. FabFest of course celebrates the music of The Beatles, bringing a wide range of artists to the Knight Theatre stage. Be prepared to sing along with some of your favorite Beatles songs and discover your next new favorite local artist along the way.
Kurt Vile and the Violators
When: Thursday, July 27
Where: Neighborhood Theatre
A true working man’s musician, Kurt Vile’s music career didn’t get going until after he had paid his dues by working as a forklift driver in his hometown of Philadelphia while sharpening his music skills. Vile’s career began in earnest when he started writing music with songwriter Adam Granduciel, and the two would later form indie rock band The War on Drugs in 2005. Kurt would later focus on his solo career and released his debut album “Constant Hitmaker” in 2008. Since that time, Kurt has achieved fame under his own name, and his current tour includes a stop at NoDa’s Neighborhood Theatre, an ideal venue to host his brand of relaxed indie psychedelia.
Beyoncé: Renaissance World Tour
When: Wednesday, August 9
Where: Bank of America Stadium
Wherever Beyoncé goes, massive swarms of her fans known as the Bey Hive are sure to follow. Inarguably one of this generation’s biggest pop stars, Beyoncé Knowles has been on the forefront of music and culture for almost 30 years. Originally achieving stardom with Destiny’s Child in the late 90s, Beyoncé has etched her name into the highest levels of success in music, having sold more than 250 million albums worldwide, performing the Super Bowl halftime show, and winning 32 Grammy awards, making her the most awarded singer (male or female) in history. There’s not nearly enough room in this article to highlight all of her achievements, records or societal impact, so it’s best you go experience it for yourself when the Bey Hive swarms into the Hornet’s Nest in August.
Jason Aldean
When: Thursday, August 10
Where: PNC Music Pavilion
Country music star Jason Aldean makes his way to Charlotte in August in promotion of his latest studio album, the two-part project “Macon, Georgia.” Aldean is a veteran of the country music touring scene. The Grammy-nominated artist pulls into Charlotte’s PNC Music Pavilion in August.
Gov’t Mule
When: Friday, August 11
Where: PNC Music Pavilion
Originally pioneered by bands like The Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Molly Hatchet, southern rock & roll has become its own distinctive genre of music, often combining bluesy vocals, towering guitar solos and extended jams. Gov’t Mule carries the torch for this uniquely southern art form into the 21st century, thanks to guitarist Warren Haynes (a native of Asheville) and bassist Allen Woody. As second-generation members of the Allman Brothers, Gov’t Mule preserves the southern rock sound in pristine form. An outdoor experience on a hot summer night is the ideal way to experience this power trio, and you’ll get your chance to experience it in August at PNC Music Pavilion.
Pentatonix: The World Tour
When: Sunday, August 13
Where: PNC Music Pavilion
It’s not often an all-a cappella group makes this list, but Texas-based quintet Pentatonix breaks the mold, both musically and influentially. The massively popular vocal group has achieved worldwide fame and viral success thanks to their pitch perfect delivery and arrangements. It’s impossible to hear their covers of standards like “Hallelujah” and “The Sound of Silence” and not get goosebumps. Considering that’s the feeling you get just listening on your AirPods, imagine the rush of emotions you’ll feel hearing them live.
The Offspring, Sum 41 and Simple Plan: Let the Bad Times Roll Tour
When: August 18
Where: PNC Music Pavilion
Are you really an elder millennial if you never wore out a copy of The Offspring’s 1994 album “Smash” or 1998’s “Americana”? Even those who skipped the compact disc era will remember hits like “Come Out and Play” and “Pretty Fly for a White Guy.” One of the 90s’ most quotable and self-aware bands, The Offspring are back on the road to support their 10th studio album, “Let the Bad Times Roll” along with fellow pop punk mainstays Sum 41 and Simple Plan. Get your tickets to the August 18 date of the tour which brings them to Charlotte where you’ll be yelling “Give it to me, baby (Uh-huh, uh-huh)!”
More Can't Miss Concerts
Logic: The College Park Tour
Where: Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
When: June 10
Bastille
Where: The Fillmore
When: June 14
Dierks Bentley
Where: PNC Music Pavilion
When: June 17
Weezer
Where: PNC Music Pavilion
When: June 24
Larry June
Where: The Fillmore
When: June 30
Louis Tomlinson
Where: Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
When: July 19
Dirty Heads
Where: Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
When: August 3
Browse our events calendar to find more concerts happening in the Queen City.
