As the old saying goes, music is the universal language of humankind. A study released by The Harvard Gazette found that, across societies, music is associated with behaviors such as infant care, healing, dance and love (among many others, like mourning, warfare, processions, and ritual). Examining lullabies, healing songs, dance songs and love songs in particular, they discovered that songs that share behavioral functions tend to have similar musical features.
In short, we can all be moved by the sounds of music and the lyrics of a song. For most of us, there are some shared joys to be found that cross cultures, language and even genres of music.
We’ve gathered together a number of concerts set for North Carolina over the next few months as we move forward into spring. From LGBTQ+ artists to allies who care about our rights and community stability, there’s something here for just about everybody.
March 15
Ani DiFranco
The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville
Ani DiFranco came out as bisexual in her twenties, and has written songs about love and sex with women and men. She addressed the controversy about her sexuality in the song “In or Out” on the album Imperfectly (1992). She maintains a devoted queer following. Expect a stage show of classic DiFranco and material from her latest album, “Unprecedented Sh!t.”
March 15
Matteo Lane
430 South Tryon St., Charlotte
Matteo Lane is an openly gay comic and probably one of the hottest tickets in town right now, He is genuinely funny. Why is he listed in the music section? His appearances in North Carolina are rare and he is a trained opera singer. In fact, don’t be surprised if you hear him break out into an unexpected aria during his one-man comedy show.
March 17
Kraftwerk
Ovens Auditorium, 2700 East Independence Boulevard, Charlotte
Alternative electronica indie band from Germany formed in 1970 by original members Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider, Kraftwerk is considered to be an innovator of modern electronic music. Over the past 50 years they have released successful albums such as “Autobahn,” “The Man Machine,” “Computer World” and “Tour de France.” They captured the Grammy award for best dance/electronic album with “3D The Catalog” in 2018. With a devoted following both queer and punk, expect a history of music like no other.
March 20
Kim Dracula
The Ritz, 2820 Industrial Drive, Raleigh
Dracula identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. In performance they blend genres like metal, industrial, jazz and Latin music, and often incorporate extreme visuals to create a chaotic experimental sound.
March 28 – 29
One Voice Chorus
First United Methodist, 501 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte
Charlotte’s chorus comprised of LGBTQ+ and Allies will perform their latest presentation “Sing Me a Story” Fri., March 28 at 7:30 p.m. and March 29 at 2 p.m.
March 29The Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte
CPCC Dale F. Hilton Theater, 1206 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte will perform “Sing for the Cure,” the 25th anniversary performance of the powerful and unforgettable 60 minute, 11 song choral masterpiece. Features a full orchestra and a chorus of over 200 voices. Includes performances by renowned guest artists Ann Hampton, Callaway and Maria Howell.
May 4
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo
Ovens Auditorium, 2700 East Independence Blvd., Charlotte
Live performance from rock icon and LGBTQ+ ally Benatar, known for her powerful vocals and hits like “Heartbreaker” and “Love Is a Battlefield.” She’ll appear with her husband and musical partner, Giraldo, who is a guitarist, producer, songwriter and another friend to our community. Both have long andactively supported the LGBTQ+ community. In 2016, Benatar and Giraldo chose to donate the net proceeds from a performance in Mississippi to the LGBTQ+ community, rather than cancel the show in protest of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. They also joined the board of directors of the LGBTQ+ Family Connections Center, an organization serving at-risk LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit youths.
May 13
Shakira
Bank of America Stadium, 800 S. Mint St., Charlotte
Shakira’s “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” World Tour, supporting her 12th studio album of the same name, kicked off in Brazil on Feb. 11, 2025, and includes a North American leg beginning on May 13, 2025, in Charlotte. She has consistently remained supportive of the LGBTQ+ community and continues to speak out on issues like trans rights and collaborates with contemporary LGBTQIA+ artists. Shakira will also perform at the upcoming World Pride celebration in DC on May 31 in Nationals Park.
May 16
Joan Jett & the Blackhearts with Billy Idol
PNC Pavillion, 707 Pavillion Blvd., Charlotte
Known as the “Godmother of Punk” and the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Jett’s most widely known music successes include “I Love Rock and Roll,” “Crimson and Clover” and “I Hate Myself for Loving You. She identifies as bisexual and frequently speaks out in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
May 28
Halsey
PNC Pavillion, 707 Pavillion Blvd., Charlotte
The Jersey born American singer/songwriter has released five albums to date and is noted for her distinctive style of singing, with an accent different from her speaking voice. She is broadly categorized as a pop, electropop, synth-pop, art pop, alternative pop, alternative rock, R&B, indie pop and alternative R&B artist. Of her multiple single releases, “Without Me” is her only number one single in the United States. Others in the top 20 include “Eastside,” “Nightmare,” “Him & I,” “Bad at Love” and “Now or Never.” In a video released by GLAAD, Halsey said the following about her sexual orientation: “I’m a young, bisexual woman, and I’ve spent a large part of my life trying to validate myself – to my friends, to my family, to myself – trying to prove that who I love and how I feel is not a phase; it’s not part of some confusion that’s going to change or could be manipulated.”