Historic West End block party adds concert where hip-hop meets the Charlotte symphony
In about a week at Charlotte’s Historic West End near Beatties Ford Road, rhythmic strains of southern trap music, hip-hop and the symphony blend into one voice.
It’s happening Saturday, Sept. 21, during “A Vibe Called Fresh ‘24: WESTSIDE SYMPHONY.” It’s an old-school block party and concert at The West Complex bringing the talents of the Charlotte Symphony’s mobile orchestra and Charlotte’s own DJ Butterfingaz with a playlist that won’t quit until the “break of dawn,” or at least until 2 a.m.
Merging these distinctive musical styles during the event’s showstopper is among several activities during the afternoon event hosted by the Applesauce Group since 2017. The Charlotte Observer will have a booth and be among several vendors present.
The gathering celebrates Charlotte’s Historic West End and its community, says organizer Winston Robinson, a McCrorey Heights resident.
“We deserve a space to experience togetherness, joy, belonging, community,” Robinson told the Charlotte Observer. “Even in our greatest intentions, when we respond to the effects of systemic racism, we do it from a perspective of fixing the damages that are associated with policy and wealth and finances and how to get better and how to do all of these things.
“Often overlooked, when it comes to the damage of systemic racism, is how much you’re in your head. We deserve a space to frolic.”
This is the first year the block party will feature a live concert and this is a major change, Robinson says, adding he is excited to tap the resources from the mobile orchestra, which launched a year ago to bring classical music to underserved communities.
To tie things, Robinson asked if Butterfingaz could create an entire DJ set similar to one he would perform in a club and record it.
That recording file was sent to a local musician who transcribed it into an arrangement for the Charlotte Symphony to play, Robinson said.
A choir will back up the music flow to accentuate the vocal and the hooks from the raps, he said.
“I wanted to really create a sense of cultural immersion that pushes the envelope. I hate the way that diversity in America is seen as bringing non-white people into white spaces, as opposed to everybody going everywhere,” Robinson said. “I wanted the symphony to come to the west side of Charlotte and do some music that the west side of Charlotte will appreciate. I think (rappers) Gucci Mane and Young Jeezy have as much validity as Beethoven.”
But there’s plenty more happening before the concert:
▪ “Iconic Truth” go-go band performing
▪ A panel discussion on the benefits of home ownership, estate planning and building wealth in Black communities
▪ Opportunities to skate; face painting; artist portraits; dancing
▪ Several vendors selling food and dishes representing the African diaspora.
▪ Various community organizers will be there as well.
Want to go?
What: A VIBE CALLED FRESH ‘24: WESTSIDE SYMPHONY - Celebrating the Golden Era of Southern Rap Party Music
Where: The West Complex, 1600 W. Trade St.
When: Saturday, Sept. 21
Time: 2 - 9 p.m. Concert with DJ Butterfingaz and Charlotte Symphony Orchestra at 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Parking : Mosaic Village, across the street from the complex at 1601 W. Trade St.
This story was originally published September 13, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
