In a little over a month, North Charlotte’s University City will have its first major test in how it can handle large-scale events when BOOM Charlotte officially brings its festivities to the plaza.
While there have been other conventions in the area previously, like Con Carolinas and Queen City Anime Con, these barely went beyond the Hilton Hotel. BOOM Charlotte aims to utilize so much more, from the local businesses to set up shows in, to giving attendees reasons to trek across the area in performance setups put up by the festival.
Moreover, BOOM has a great opportunity to recenter a spotlight on what had previously been a large area of commerce in the late ’90s and 2000s. As QNotes previously covered in a story regarding BOOM’s move, within the last few years, demolition and reconstruction had cleaved plots that once housed department stores like Office Depot and Michaels, along with a few eateries and night dives. In an effort to update the buildings that once filled the area with life, University City gained a fresh look and opportunities for new generations to explore the lakeside walks.
“Partnering with BOOM Charlotte was the easiest yes for our team, as supporting local arts and culture is a major pillar in UCP’s vision plan,” University City Partner and CEO Keith Stanley said in an interview with QC Metro about the upcoming festival. “It’s incredible to see leaders like [BOOM Charlotte founder Manoj] Kesavan recognize the value that University City brings, and we’re truly honored that BOOM Charlotte has chosen to trust us to host their event in our corner of the Queen City.”
From April 25-27, BOOM Charlotte will welcome locals of the region to a three-day array of performances, local artist installations and a whole host of other experiences for all-ages to check out. Attendees will be able to take part in two distinct versions of the festival’s components, BOOM Fringe and BOOM Intersection.
Boom Intersection offers family-friendly performances in outdoors spaces, whether on the festival presentation stage or throughout the plaza. BOOM Fringe will take place entirely indoors, with various types of content covered requiring tickets for entry.
Here are a few examples of what will be coming in 2025’s BOOM festival you should check out.
Event: Adrian Parrish’s “A Secret, Third Thing”
Type of Event: Multi-Disciplinary
Location: Fringe Arcade
Dates & Showtimes: Sat. 4/26 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.; Sun. 4/27 7:00– 8:00 p.m.
A Secret Third Thing is a one-person show that combines poetry, comedy and storytelling to break down binaries of all types. It challenges the binaries of what it means to be man/woman, religious/spiritual, married/divorced, family/friend. It follows the story of one person and their journey from being a cis, heterosexual, married, devout Christian to a nonbinary, queer, curious artist.
Event: Brooke McCarthy ‘s “How to Be an Ethical Slut”
Type of Event: Theatre
Location: Famous Toastery
Dates & Showtimes: Sat. 4/26 8 – 9 p.m.; Sun. 4/27, 8 – 9 p.m.
Experience the ride of your life as an unethical slut penetrates lies, STDs, triads, orgies, and love in her musical journey to becoming an “Ethical Slut.’ In this bold, sexy and vulnerable story, watch how one woman tackles topics that are often unseen onstage such as sexual health and unconventional relationship styles like polyamory and swinging. This is an award-winning original, one-woman musical comedy show by and starring Brooke McCarthy, and it features a variety of music genres including jazz, pop, musical theater parodies and original songs, so there is music for everyone.
Event: Frank Expression – “PowerPoint Poems: Necessary Evil Edition”
Type of Event: Poetry/Spoken Word
Location: Dance Studio Theater – Lake Side Entrance
Dates & Showtimes: Sat. 4/26 9:00 – 10:00 p.m.; Sun. 4/27 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
“PowerPoint Poems: Necessary Evil Edition” combines captivating poetry and visual storytelling through slide presentations to explore life’s “necessary evils”; loss, rejection, haters and self-sabotage. Frank Expression uses these mediums to craft a powerful narrative, helping audiences confront and embrace life’s toughest moments. The show inspires resilience, self-discovery and growth, proving that these challenges shape us into who we’re meant to be. Join us for a transformative experience that turns life’s struggles into art.
Event: JOYEMOVEMENT’s “Love Notes”
Type of Event: Dance
Location: BOOM Canvas Hall
Dates & Showtimes: Fri. 4/25 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.; Sat. 4/26 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.; Sun. 4/27 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
“Love Notes,” choreographed by Alexandra Joye Warren in collaboration with poet Lavinia Jackson, explores human connection through movement. This interactive dance piece invites the audience to impact the performance through its influence and to be seen from multiple perspectives.
Event: SHAE Movement African Arts’ “Rooted in Her: She Is the Rhythm”
Type of Event: Dance
Location: Dance Studio Theater – Lake side entrance
Dates & Showtimes: Fri. 4/25 9:00 – 10:00 p.m.; Sat. 4/26 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.; Sun. 4/27 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
“Rooted in Her: She Is the Rhythm” is a vibrant celebration of Black women as the heartbeat of their communities, told through the powerful mediums of African dance and drumming. This dynamic performance honors the strength, resilience and creativity of Black women, weaving together ancestral traditions and contemporary expressions of pride. Through electrifying rhythms and soul-stirring movements, the show illuminates the central role Black women play in shaping culture, fostering unity and carrying the legacy of their ancestors forward.
Very Informative!!!