Charlotte Symphony Orchestra among first to perform at newly restored Carolina Theatre
Carolina Theatre will reopen soon after a $90 million restoration.
Why it matters: The historic Uptown theater has been closed since the late 1970s. The project to restore it has taken more than a decade to complete.
Driving the news: Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) will be among the first to perform inside the Carolina Theatre at Belk Place.
Its spring gala, entitled "A Homecoming," will be Friday, March 28, at 7:30pm.
Grammy Award-winning soprano Renée Fleming and members of CSO will also perform
Tickets for the performance start at $83.85. Tickets for the gala start at $750.
The intrigue: This is among Carolina Theatre's first performances, but it's unclear if it will be the first. More information about Carolina Theatre's reopening will be available in the coming weeks, per a Carolina Theatre spokesperson.
Flashback: Carolina Theatre (230 N Tryon St.) opened in 1927 and closed in 1978.
Charlotte Symphony Orchestra's first performance took place at Carolina Theatre on March 20, 1932.
"As a community-first nonprofit theatre, it's no coincidence the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra will be among the first to take the stage at the Carolina Theatre," Carolina Theatre executive director Sean Seifert said in a statement.
Between the lines: The theater anchors Belk Place, which is named in honor of the Belk family, who are the lead donors for the project. The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County also contributed to the theater's restoration.
Go deeper: Inside Uptown's historic theater restoration
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
Diddy trial updates: Prosecutors to call final witnesses in Sean Combs' sex-crimes case
This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Attorneys for Sean "Diddy" Combs are gearing up to take the lead in his criminal trial as prosecutors wind down their initial round of arguments. The embattled hip-hop mogul returned to Manhattan court on June 23 for the latest installment in his sweeping federal sex-crimes case. U.S. attorneys hope to wrap testimony by end of day, while Combs' lawyers expect to rest by end of day June 24 or 25. Closing arguments are tentatively set to commence next Thursday, June 26. Jurors last heard from Combs' former assistant Brendan Paul, who took the stand June 20. The 26-year-old alleged "drug mule" testified about his 2024 arrest as well as his demanding job, which consisted of working long hours and procuring ketamine and ecstasy for Combs' "personal use." He also denied witnessing criminal activity at the mogul's "king nights," another name for Combs' "freak off" sex parties. Homeland Security agent Joseph Cerciello also testified, detailing flight logs, texts, financial records and hotel reports tied to Combs that painted the Grammy-winning rapper's lavish lifestyle. Combs, 55, was arrested in September and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges. What is Diddy charged with? Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling case that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry. He was arrested in September 2024 and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him. Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more What is a RICO? Racketeering meaning Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity. Using RICO law, which is typically aimed at targeting multi-person criminal organizations, prosecutors allege that Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in "freak offs" — sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have on video. How to stream the Diddy trial The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings. USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom. Sign up for our newsletter for more updates. Contributing: USA TODAY staff If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (4673) and and en Español If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.
USA Today
7 hours ago
- USA Today
Jay-Z makes surprise performance during Beyoncé's final Paris show
Beyoncé-Knowles-Carter launched her final show in Paris, closing out the international leg of her "Cowboy Carter" tour with a bang and surprising fans with yet another special guest. This time: her husband, Jay-Z. The Grammy-winning singer's third concert at Stade de France in Paris June 22 marked the last overseas show on her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour. During Sunday's show, Beyoncé shocked the entire crowd when she welcomed Jay-Z to the stage as she sang their 2003 song, "Crazy in Love." The hip-hop mogul entered the stage as he rapped his part of the song, and the fans all over the stadium went wild, according to videos shared on social media. He then continued to wow fans, performing his hit song, "N***as in Paris." Jay and Bey went to sing their 2013 hit, "Drunk In Love," for the first time on Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" tour. Watch Jay-Z join Beyoncé onstage: However, the surprises didn't end there. Beyoncé continued to sing other throwback songs, also adding a snippet of her 2013 hit "Partition." Beyoncé and Jay-Z perform 'Drunk In Love' in Paris: "Give it one more time for HOV," she told the crowd at the end of the segment. And it was clear fans were thrilled with Sunday night's surprise. Cardi B attends Beyoncé's Paris concert: Jay-Z wasn't the only famous guest inside the stadium. Beyoncé's shows have brought out some of the biggest names in the industry, and her Paris shows were no different. Rapper Cardi B was also spotted in the crowd, donning her cowboy getup. Beyoncé kicked off her first show in Paris on Juneteenth, shocking fans as she brought out Miley Cyrus. The two performed their beloved duet "II Most Wanted" donning all gold ensembles, and the Grammy-winning singers held hands as they sang onstage. She first debuted her "Cowboy Carter" tour at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on April 28 with 39 songs on the set list. Her shows have been filled with family, fashion, different music genres and most notably country music and cultural commentary. The nine-city tour will span the U.S. and Europe, with the grand finale taking place in Las Vegas on July 26. Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
Black America Web
9 hours ago
- Black America Web
Lecrae: Bridging Faith, Culture, and Hip-Hop
Source: Jason Armond / Getty Lecrae Moore, known mononymously as Lecrae, is a GRAMMY-winning rapper, producer, and entrepreneur whose career has reshaped the landscape of Christian hip-hop and beyond. Born in Houston and raised in a variety of cities, Lecrae's music carries the weight of his personal journey—one rooted in faith, redemption, and community uplift. Lecrae's 2013 GRAMMY win for Best Gospel Album with Gravity marked a historic moment—not just for himself, but for the Christian hip-hop genre as a whole. That project, a blend of introspective lyricism, trap-influenced beats, and socially conscious storytelling, showcased Lecrae's ability to tackle real-world issues while staying grounded in spiritual themes. His work has made space for messages of faith in mainstream hip-hop and proved that rap with purpose can still top charts. Lecrae's artistry is deeply informed by hip-hop legends like Tupac Shakur and Nas, whose vivid storytelling and social commentary laid the groundwork for his narrative style. He also credits Outkast and Lauryn Hill for teaching him that music can be both thought-provoking and sonically rich. However, it wasn't just rap that shaped him—gospel artists like Kirk Franklin and soul legends like Curtis Mayfield helped guide Lecrae's blend of spiritual depth and cultural resonance. These influences gave rise to a unique sound: vulnerable yet powerful, rooted in Scripture yet attuned to the streets. Through his label, Reach Records, Lecrae has created space for artists who share his vision—offering a platform for voices often excluded from both the church and the mainstream industry. Lecrae's influence reaches far beyond album sales and award wins. Artists such as Andy Mineo, NF, and even Chance the Rapper have acknowledged Lecrae's impact—whether directly or indirectly—through their own work that fuses spirituality and hip-hop. In fact, Lecrae has paved the way for mainstream artists to explore faith openly in their lyrics without sacrificing artistic integrity or popularity. His unapologetic stance on racial justice, mental health, and inner-city struggles has also inspired non-musical community work and social reform. Lecrae doesn't just make music—he makes movements. His influence continues to ripple through both Christian and secular music spaces, proving that rhythm rooted in purpose can truly change the culture. SEE ALSO Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
