Fall Festival Season The season is almost here, as Janelle Monáe and Tierra Whack will bring their diverse blend of pop and R&B as headliners for the Carolinadaze Music & Arts Festival Series, a one-off election year.
The nonprofit organization Common Cause North Carolina is hosting Carolinadaze, which will dazzle downtown Raleigh audiences at the Red Hat Amphitheater on September 14. In addition to Monáe and Whack, the lineup includes Moses Sumney, Lute and Helado Negro.
Common Cause is a nonpartisan voting rights organization. In a statement, the nonprofit explained how “the organizers of Carolinadaze hope the concerts can make a difference—by connecting with what motivates young people at this pivotal moment in our democracy.”
By focusing on movement building and engaging youth in democracy, CarolinaDays sets itself apart from other music festivals in the region such as MerleFest and Bonnaroo. The festival will also host community leaders and other special guests to join the musicians on stage.
Meanwhile, local nonprofits and vendors will be present outside the venue. Carolinadaze will also donate a portion of proceeds to the following grassroots organizations: Carolina Abortion Fund, Campaign for Southern Equality, Carolina Migrant Network, Center for Racial Equity in Education, 7 Directions of Service, and HBCU Student Action Alliance.
In keeping with its mission to connect with younger audiences, Common Cause North Carolina is offering younger attendees discounted tickets starting at $25. “We want audiences to leave these festivals inspired to take action and know that when we fight, we can win for a brighter future,” said Lizette Rodriguez, producer of Carolinadaze and organizer of Common Cause NC’s Sandhills Festival.
While Carolinadaze kicks off in Raleigh, the Election Year Concert Series will continue on October 13 in Asheville, North Carolina. That lineup doesn’t include Monáe and Whack, but will include Cavetown, Indigo De Souza, Adia Victoria, and Pink Beds.
“When it comes to this year’s election, I know young people like me feel there is no line between what they believe in and what is being delivered,” said Gino Nozzolillo, campaign director for Common Cause North Carolina and founder of Carolinadaze, in a statement. “Our hope is that Carolinadaze will serve as a love letter to North Carolina that resonates in our communities and showcases the stories and people who are creating a future worth fighting for.”
