Asheville Native Luke Combs Coming To Bank of America Stadium For Benefit Concert This Month

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On Saturday, October 26, a monumental benefit concert will take place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, featuring headliners Luke Combs, Eric Church, Billy Strings, and James Taylor. This event, “Concert for Carolina,” is organized by Explore Asheville and Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to raise funds for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.

North Carolina holds special significance for these artists. Luke Combs, a native of Asheville, is deeply tied to the state. Combs, now one of country music’s biggest stars, often returns to his roots for major career moments. The singer first performed while attending Appalachian State University, and since moving to Nashville in 2014, he’s returned to North Carolina to perform sold-out shows at iconic venues like Appalachian State’s Kidd Brewer Stadium and Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium. His meteoric rise in country music has seen him collect numerous awards, and his upcoming participation in this event highlights his continued dedication to his home state.

Combs’ portion of the proceeds will be donated to Samaritan’s Purse, Manna Food Bank, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, with an additional organization to be announced. Eric Church’s Chief Cares Foundation will also distribute funds to regional charities involved in the relief efforts.

Tickets for the show will go on sale on October 10 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Those unable to attend can still contribute by donating to the North Carolina Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund or other organizations listed at www.concertforcarolina.com.

New Retailers Announced at Concord Mills

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Today, Concord Mills is announcing the addition of several new retailers opening their doors over the course of the coming months. These offerings demonstrate how Concord Mills continues to be the number one destination for shopping, dining and entertainment.  

Now Open: 

    • Mean Mug – Locally roasted coffee in our own shop. Each cup of coffee represents our dedication to excellence and our passion for fostering connections within our community. 
  • Located in Suite 342 beside Rack Room Shoes 

Coming Soon: 

  • Cavender’s Boot City – Rooted in American values and inspired by the western spirit, Cavender’s has been the leader in western wear and fashion for over 50 years.
    • Opening soon at Entrance 5 
    • HEYDUDE – Known for creating the “go-to” shoe. Shoes that make you feel supported and happy. The cushiest, comfiest, airiest, and lightest shoes on Earth. 
  • Opening soon in Suite 274 next to Oakley  
    • Hi Level Fashion – Hi Level Fashion offers compelling clothing, shoes and accessories for men. Some of the popular brands carried by Hi Level fashion include G-Star, Lacoste, Psycho Bunny, Jordan Craig, Timberland, and more. 
  • Opening soon in Suite 611 next to DTLR
  • BoxLunch – A specialty retailer offering a curated collection of licensed and non-licensed merchandise. With every $10 spent on our pop culture-themed product offering of apparel, accessories, home goods, gift and novelty, and collectibles, BoxLunch will help provide a meal secured by Feeding America® on behalf of local member food banks
    • Opening soon in Suite 604 next to Kids FootLocker 
  • Kids Jungle Playground – Kids Jungle Playground is the Ultimate Kids’ Fun Center where your children can play, learn, exercise and have the best Birthday parties!
    • Opening soon in Suite 641 near Entrance 6  

Charlotte’s Beloved Wine & Hops Fest Is Returning To South End This Weekend

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The South End Wine and Hops Fest is back for its annual celebration of local wines and craft beverages in the heart of Charlotte’s vibrant South End neighborhood. The festival will take place on Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, at Lenny Boy Brewing, 3000 S Tryon St.

Guests will have the chance to sample a vast selection of premium wines and local craft beers from renowned producers, with 6 of Charlotte’s top mixologists, 16 different wineries and 9 craft breweries joining forces. The full list of participants is available on the festival’s website here.

Festival Highlights:

  • Unlimited Tastings: Sample cocktails, wines, craft beers from across the region.
  • Live Music: Groove to local bands and DJ performances.
  • Games and Activities: Engage in lawn games and entertainment throughout the event.

Ticket Information:

Tickets are available for purchase on the official festival website and range from $15 for a DD and $35 for general admission to $550 for an entire VIP table. VIP ticket holders can enter the event at 1:00 PM, one hour before the general public.

This event is for ages 21 and up. All attendees must present a valid ID at the entrance.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Parking is limited, so attendees are encouraged to use rideshare services or the Lynx Blue Line for easy access to the venue. For those driving, nearby parking options are listed on the festival’s FAQ page. Attendees should also note that the event is rain or shine, with all safety measures in place for an enjoyable experience.

For more information about the South End Wine and Hops Fest and to purchase tickets, please visit South End Wine and Hops Fest.

NC Voter Registration Searches America’s Fifth-Highest as Oct 11 Deadline Approaches

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A new finding reveals that North Carolina searched for voter registration the fifth-most after the vice-presidential debate on Tuesday.

Final Round AI analyzed Google Trends data to see how much impact Tuesday’s vice-presidential debate between Minnesota governor Tim Walz (D) and Ohio senator JD Vance (R) had on people searching for the topic of voter registration. The voter registration search topic groups many search terms related to voter registration into one, including searches for registering to vote and people checking if they are still registered to vote.

Map of relative search interest in voter registration by state, 1 October to 2 October 2024, Google Trends

A map of the united statesDescription automatically generated

North Carolina ranked fifth for voter registration searches nationally. Wilmington was the highest placed North Carolina metro in ninth, followed by Raleigh-Durham in tenth. Greensboro ranked joint thirteenth.

Voters searched for information about registering to vote, checking their voter registration status, and finding out when the voter registration deadline is. In North Carolina, the last day to register online or by mail is October 11.

Searches for voter registration were highest in Georgia after Tuesday’s debate. Georgia’s search interest was also 16 percentage points higher than second-placed Ohio.

Arizona was third for searches for voter registration, followed by the District of Columbia in fourth. Texas ranked sixth, and Arkansas seventh. Indiana, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania completed the top 10.

For metro areas, Atlanta, Georgia, came top, followed by Austin, Texas. Fairbanks, Alaska, was third, and Tucson, Arizona, was fourth. Columbus, Ohio; San Antonio and Waco, Texas; Lafayette, Indiana; and Wilmington and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, completed the top 10.

If you’re in North Carolina, you can register to vote here.

If you’re in South Carolina, you can register to vote here.

Charlotte FC Clinches Playoff Spot In Stunning Win Last Night Against Chicago Fire

Charlotte FC just clinched their spot in the 2024 MLS playoffs last night after beating the Chicago Fire 4-3.

Karol Świderski led the way with two goals, scoring in the 8th minute and again in first-half stoppage time. Júnior Urso added another goal, putting Charlotte ahead 2-1, with Liel Abada extending the lead in the second half. Despite a late-game push from Chicago, with goals from Kellyn Acosta and Tom Barlow, Charlotte held on to secure the victory and will host a playoff match.

This marks the second consecutive postseason appearance for Charlotte, making it the first major Charlotte sports team to accomplish this since the Panthers’ run in 2015.

Charlotte FC will now play Montréal CF this coming Saturday night at 7:30pm.

Charlotte FC currently sits in 7th place with 45 points, securing a spot in the playoffs. CF Montréal, with 40 points, could surpass Charlotte by winning their last two matches in Charlotte earns only one point or less in their final games.

Active-Duty Military Deployed to Western North Carolina

President Biden has approved Governor Roy Cooper’s request for active-duty military personnel to support rescue and recovery efforts in Western North Carolina, which has been severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. These soldiers, part of an Infantry Battalion Task Force from Fort Liberty, will provide essential services such as food and water delivery and support the ongoing search and rescue operations.

This reinforcement includes up to 1,000 active-duty military personnel in addition to the 1,000 North Carolina National Guard soldiers already deployed, who have completed over 1,400 rescues and delivered 700,000 pounds of supplies. The newly deployed task force, formed from the XVII Airborne Corps, will bring critical resources, including fuel and water, to stabilize the affected areas.

“We are bolstering our massive relief and rescue effort in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene and I am grateful for President Biden’s approval of our requests,” said Governor Roy Cooper in a press release. “The North Carolina National Guard is already on the ground working with federal, state, non-profit and local emergency responders around the clock to save lives, deliver critical supplies, and restore communications and utilities.”

Rescue teams, nonprofits, state agencies, and community-led efforts are now asking for everyone’s help to contribute manpower, money, and supplies. Here are ways you can;

#1 Volunteer your time:

– Samaritan’s Purse Volunteer Signup
– Appalachian Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer Signup
– North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster

#2 Donate your money:

– Red Cross
– Salvation Army of The Carolinas
– JAARS
– Samaritan’s Purse
– Baptists on Mission
– Americares Helene Relief Effort
– Community Housing Coalition (CHC) of Madison County
– BeLoved Asheville
– Hope Mill Inc’s Hurricane Relief

#3 Donate supplies:

– Operation Airdrop
– Foster Family Alliance of NC
– Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry
– NC Mountains Emergency Response Facebook Group

Please share additional resources and rescue efforts in the comments below.

Death Toll Rises To 161 As Rescue Crews Move Deeper Into The Mountains

Hurricane Helene, one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history, has devastated parts of the Southeast, leaving a tragic toll of 161 lives across six states, according to CBS News.

The Carolinas bore the brunt of the destruction, with more than 113 deaths reported, including first responders who lost their lives while trying to rescue others. Among the casualties was a police K-9 in eastern Tennessee, swept away by floodwaters.

Over 340,000 people in North Carolina are still without any power as of Wednesday morning (via PowerOutage.us).

In North Carolina, search and rescue teams, including more than 900 personnel, are actively working to recover victims. In Buncombe County alone, at least 57 people have died.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has joined Governor Roy Cooper on the ground, surveying the damage in the worst-hit areas. Federal and local teams continue to support ongoing rescue operations as the region begins its long road to recovery.

Rescue teams, nonprofits, state agencies, and community-led efforts are now asking for everyone’s help to contribute manpower, money, and supplies. Here are ways you can;

#1 Volunteer your time:

– Samaritan’s Purse Volunteer Signup
– Appalachian Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer Signup
– North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster

#2 Donate your money:

– Red Cross
– Salvation Army of The Carolinas
– JAARS
– Samaritan’s Purse
– Baptists on Mission
– Americares Helene Relief Effort
– Community Housing Coalition (CHC) of Madison County
– BeLoved Asheville
– Hope Mill Inc’s Hurricane Relief

#3 Donate supplies:

– Operation Airdrop
– Foster Family Alliance of NC
– Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry
– NC Mountains Emergency Response Facebook Group

Please share additional resources and rescue efforts in the comments below.

NC’s Spruce Pine Jail Evacuated In Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) just evacuated over 800 men from Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution in Spruce Pine due to prolonged outages of water and power from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

The evacuation was completed on Tuesday, with inmates being relocated to seven other facilities across the state.

The 841 male offenders were transferred to the following prisons:

  • Scotland Correctional Institution (Laurinburg)
  • Tabor Correctional Institution (Tabor City)
  • Nash Correctional Institution (Nashville)
  • Eastern Correctional Institution (Maury)
  • Southern Correctional Institution (Troy)
  • Maury Correctional Institution (Maury)
  • Harnett Correctional Institution (Lillington)

This follows the evacuation of over 400 female inmates on Monday from Western Correctional Center for Women and Black Mountain Substance Abuse Treatment Center. Those women were sent to:

  • Anson Correctional Institution (Polkton)
  • N.C. Correctional Institution for Women (Raleigh)
  • North Piedmont Confinement in Response to Violation Center (Lexington)

NCDAC assured that all offenders and staff are safe and urged families not to contact the prisons directly, as updates will be made available through the NCDAC Offender Locator within 24 hours. The duration of these relocations depends on how quickly water and power services are restored.

Charlotte Comedy Theater Returning To The Music Factory

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For over a decade prior to the pandemic, part of the magic of the Music Factory was the resident improv theater Charlotte Comedy Theater.  While in the old Wet Willies space, CCT went on to be recognized as one of the top comedy clubs in the Nation and win Charlotte’s Best of the Best for best theater and best improv team.  On weeknights you could find local aspiring comedians in packed classes, corporate organizations enjoying team building workshops, and every weekend 2-3 improv comedy shows that brought the house down.  Wet Willies did not return after the pandemic, but Charlotte Comedy Theater did and has been at the VAPA Center in Uptown.  Now in their 24th year of classes, shows and team building, CCT is making a comeback to the Music Factory at the Hamilton Event Space!

The HAMILTON EVENT SPACE, 820 Hamilton St, Charlotte, will be hosting CCT for 7 consecutive Fridays in October.  The first show will feature a special guest, Chicago improv comedy Legend Joe Bill doing a two person, fully improvised comedy show with local creatrix and founder of CCT, Keli Semelsberger.  The remaining 6 Fridays will feature a mix and match of CCT’s 9 improv teams that will provide a diverse fabric of local comedians including the iconic all female team “That’s What She Said” the second week. All shows are $15 in advance and at the door and a full bar will be open with validated, secure parking. 

Show dates, all from 7-8:30 pm:

October 4 – Joe Bill & Keli Semelsberger 

October 11 – That’s What She Said all female improv ensemble + Bowties & Bitterness 2 prov

October 18 – Interactive improv similar to “who’s line is it Anyway” in style

October 25 – Crescendo musical improv comedy

November 1- Friday Night Long Form & Jam

November 8 – Interactive improv similar to “who’s line is it Anyway” in style

November 15 – Interactive improv similar to “who’s line is it Anyway” in style

CCT will also be offering advanced improv workshops by Joe Bill on October 5th and 6th 1-4 pm. 

All shows are live, interactive improv comedy, $15, tickets at charlottecomedytheater.com

Finding the Right Assisted Living in Raleigh: What You Need to Know

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Finding the perfect assisted living for a loved one is one of the most important decisions families will make. It’s not just about finding a comfortable and safe place for your relatives to stay but about ensuring they’re part of a community where they can thrive, connect, and enjoy life. Raleigh is an exciting place with a strong sense of community, and it’s no surprise people are searching for the best options here. If you’re looking for assisted living centers, Raleigh has a lot to offer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of finding the perfect place for your loved ones in the heart of North Carolina.

Raleigh: A City That Feels Like Home

When it comes to assisted living, Raleigh truly stands out. Its blend of Southern charm and a thriving urban environment makes it an attractive destination for seniors. The city’s warmth and ease of access to healthcare, recreational activities, and cultural amenities provide a well-rounded lifestyle. One of the key factors families look for in assisted living is proximity to loved ones, and Raleigh’s central location makes it convenient for family visits from Charlotte, Durham, and even beyond.

In recent years, the demand for assisted living in Raleigh has grown, leading to a rise in high-quality communities. Whether you’re searching for a cozy, residential-style setting or a more active, resort-like experience, Raleigh’s options have something for every personality. A quick search for “assisted living near me” will reveal a mix of smaller, homey communities as well as larger, luxury options, all offering excellent care and services. What truly makes Raleigh special is the feeling of being welcomed. Your loved one won’t just find a place to live here—they’ll find a new home.

Why Raleigh Is a Top Spot for Seniors

Raleigh isn’t just another city; it’s one of those places that sticks with you. With its vibrant cultural scene, top-notch healthcare facilities, and commitment to green spaces, it offers a dynamic and fulfilling environment for people of all ages. For seniors, these perks make it easier to stay active and engaged in the community, which is essential to a high quality of life.

One interesting fact is that Raleigh consistently ranks in the top 10 most neighborly communities in America. This speaks volumes about the warmth and hospitality you’ll find here. Whether your loved one enjoys early morning strolls in Pullen Park or attending an art show downtown, Raleigh provides plenty of opportunities to remain socially active. Assisted living facilities in the area are well-connected to local events, ensuring residents can participate in everything from farmer’s markets to local theater performances.

In addition to its cultural richness, Raleigh’s healthcare infrastructure is top-tier. Access to renowned hospitals and specialists is a crucial consideration when selecting an assisted living community, and Raleigh delivers on that front. Whether your loved one has specialized medical needs or just wants the comfort of knowing help is always nearby, the healthcare options here are among the best in the region.

Navigating the Costs of Assisted Living in Raleigh

Let’s get real—cost is a huge factor in choosing assisted living. While everyone wants the best for their family, budgets are often a limiting factor. Fortunately, Raleigh offers a wide range of options when it comes to pricing, meaning you can find quality care without blowing your budget.

Pricing in Raleigh tends to vary based on the type of community you choose and the level of care required. Smaller, more intimate communities might come at a lower cost, while luxury living spaces that offer a resort-like experience may have higher price points. Many assisted living facilities offer tiered pricing based on the specific needs of each resident. Some places focus on independent living with minimal assistance, while others specialize in memory care or intensive medical support. Exploring these options and asking the right questions will ensure you find a community that fits your family’s financial and personal needs.

On top of that, Raleigh has various programs designed to help families manage the costs of assisted living, whether through state-funded assistance or veterans’ benefits. It’s crucial to explore these avenues early in the process to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.

Key Features to Look for in Assisted Living Communities

The amenities offered by assisted living communities can make or break your loved one’s experience. In Raleigh, the best communities offer more than just the basics—they go above and beyond to create a truly engaging lifestyle for seniors.

What makes a facility stand out? Think of features like fitness centers, swimming pools, daily social activities, transportation services, and gourmet meals. But it’s not just about the bells and whistles; it’s about fostering an environment that promotes wellness, mental stimulation, and connection. Many facilities offer tailored wellness programs, such as yoga, art therapy, or even cooking classes, which encourage residents to stay active and pursue their passions.

In Raleigh, several communities are designed with nature in mind. Outdoor spaces, gardens, and walking paths are a huge draw for those who love fresh air and sunlight. The blend of urban and natural environments makes Raleigh’s assisted living options particularly attractive, allowing residents to enjoy both the city’s energy and the tranquility of its green spaces.

When visiting potential communities, ask about staff-to-resident ratios, available medical support, and the social calendar. A vibrant, well-rounded program of activities can greatly improve your loved one’s experience, keeping them engaged and happy.

How to Know You’ve Found the Right Place

At the end of the day, finding the right assisted living option comes down to the personal needs and preferences of your loved one. Is the community welcoming? Does the staff seem attentive and caring? Does the place feel like it could be a second home?

Spend time visiting the communities you’re considering. Speak with the residents, take a tour, and ask detailed questions about daily life there. Make sure to involve your relative in the process, too. Their comfort and happiness are the most important factors.

Remember, while Raleigh has some fantastic options, it’s all about finding the right fit. Whether your loved one thrives in a more peaceful environment or prefers a bustling, active community, Raleigh has the right spot waiting.