Lovin’ Local Uptown: A special preview to Lovin’ Life Music Fest

Deeandra Michel,

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Music Everywhere CLT announced Lovin’ Local Uptown, a special music event on May 1, the eve of the Lovin’ Life Music Fest.

The free concert features headliner Ax and the Hatchetmen. Lead singer Axel Ellis also plays in The Runarounds, who will play Lovin’ Life on Saturday. Also playing are iconic Charlotte indie acts Junior Astronomers and Natalie Carr.

The event will be held at Victoria Yards, Charlotte’s most colorful outdoor venue, adjacent to the Lovin’ Life site.

Charlotte Center City Partners (CCCP), a nonprofit organization focused on the vibrancy of Uptown and South End, and Music Everywhere are also turning up the volume on Uptown once again, announcing its return as a proud sponsor of the 2025 Lovin’ Life Music Fest — a three-day celebration of music, culture, and community set to electrify the heart of Charlotte May 2–4. Headliners Gwen Stefani, Dave

Matthews Band, Teddy Swims, Ludacris, and Third Eye Blind will share the stage with a dynamic lineup of local talent, including Anella, Bailey Marie, The Garret Huffman Band, Harvey Street, SOPHIA, Austin McNeill, Modern Moxie, Sainted Trap Choir, Meredith Parks, and many more.

Music Everywhere CLT, launched by CCCP in 2019, is an initiative to develop the Charlotte music ecosystem as part of an ongoing commitment to making Charlotte a renowned music city.  Rick Thurmond, Chief Marketing Officer for Charlotte Center City Partners, also serves as Executive Sponsor for Music Everywhere CLT.

“By coming together for a music experience, we build community,” said Thurmond. “Lovin’ Life will supercharge Uptown’s vibrancy while celebrating creativity, driving economic growth, and moving us
forward in our mission to establish Charlotte as a dynamic music city.”

Lovin’ Life, organized by Charlotte-based Southern Entertainment, brought an estimated 80,000 people to Uptown Charlotte last year. In 2025, it will feature an impressive lineup of 50+ performers across three stages, creating an unmatched atmosphere in Uptown.