Fall festival season is almost here. To kick off the season, Janelle Monáe and Tierra Whack will bring their eclectic blend of pop and R&B music as co-headliners for the one-time election year music festival, Carolinadaze Music & Arts Festival Series.
Hosted by nonprofit Common Cause North Carolina, Carolinadaze will dazzle downtown Raleigh at the Red Hat Amphitheater on September 14. In addition to Monáe and Whack, the lineup of musicians includes Moses Sumney, Lute, and Helado Negro.
Common Cause is a non partisan voting rights organization. In a statement, the nonprofit shared how “the organizers of Carolinadaze hope the concerts can strike a different chord — connecting to what’s motivating young people at this pivotal moment for our democracy.”
By focusing on movement-building and getting young people involved in democracy, Carolinadaze sets itself apart from other music festivals in the region like MerleFest and Bonnaroo. The fest will also host community leaders and other special guests to join the musicians on stage.
Meanwhile, local nonprofits and vendors will be present outside of the venue. Carolinadaze is also giving 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 the HBCU Student Action Alliance.
In line with their mission to connect with younger audiences, Common Cause North Carolina is providing 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 a brighter future,” said Lisette Rodriguez, Carolinadaze Producer and Common Cause NC’s Sandhills Organizer.
While Carolinadaze kicks off in Raleigh, the election year concert series will continue in October 13 in Asheville, North Carolina. That lineup does not include Monáe and Whack, but will feature Cavetown, Indigo De Souza, Adia Victoria, and Pink Beds.
“When it comes to this year’s elections, I know young people like me feel a disconnect between what they believe in and what’s being offered,” Gino Nuzzolillo, Common Cause North Carolina’s Campaigns Manager and founder of Carolinadaze, said in a statement. “Our hope is that Carolinadaze can be a love letter to North Carolina that resonates with our communities and showcases the stories and people who are creating a future worth fighting for.”
