Programming: Live Music

Chócala is a sonic amalgamation of Latin rhythms, rock, and jazz with a touch of tropical psychedelia resulting in an experimental yet approachable sound with an infectious groove. Their varying backgrounds have inspired them to create music that honors their roots while putting a twist on traditional sounds.

Dane Page is a singer-songwriter living in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dane has toured throughout the southeast and mid-Atlantic with his independently produced EP City to City. Dane’s music pulls from the contemporary folk genre and weaves his listeners through stories of Greek mythology, 20th Century literature, and American history.

Born and raised in Smithfield, North Carolina, Cyanca’s artist presence encompasses a soulful voice matched with eccentric style, deep bass, and electric pianos with a splash of synth that commands attention. Her sound is influenced by acts like D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, and A Tribe Called Quest, perpetuating the crossover between Jazz and R&B. Cyanca has played in three music festivals and was recently awarded “Best Musician 2019” by Charlotte Magazine.  

Emily Sage is a Charlotte-based Independent artist with strong leanings in jazz and soul. Her romantic and lullaby-like songwriting style is largely influenced by her time spent growing up in Portugal. Emily is currently recording her debut full length album.

The XMen is a songwriting and production group turned band from Charlotte. Comprised of virtuoso musicians, singers and come from a line of pedigree artists, Evan Brice, CJ Mercer, Chris Kee, CJ Thompson and Ahji Love formed The XMen. Their original music fuses together R&B, Trap Music, Jazz and Fusion, and has led the collective to share the stage with Maimouna Youssef, Derrick Hodge, The HamilTones and Leela James. Individually, the members have toured with the likes of Anthony Hamilton, Usher, SWV, Tamia, JoJo and Deborah Cox.

North Carolina’s finest Salsa band, Orquesta Mayor. With a trio of vocalists, a killer horn section and director Helder Serralde, Orquesta Mayor has been performing straight up salsa since 2006, the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

Whether they are covering classic hits from the Fania All-Stars, the energy of El Gran Combo, or the contemporary style of Gilberto Santa Rosa, Orquesta Mayor gets the crowd dancing with its powerful, rich sound.

Thanks to the experience, ability and talent of its members, Orquesta Mayorhas had the opportunity to accompany several internationally recognized salsa artists such as: Jerry Rivera, Ismael Miranda, La India, Maelo Ruiz, Raulin Rosendo, N’Klabe, Paquito Guzman, NG2, Luis Enrique, among others.

The son of a minister of music and Baptist choir alto, Dexter Jordan has spent his entire life exploring and expressing through music. Earlier this year, Dexter released his debut album, “BLUE”, which delicately unravels layers of grief, growth, coping and resilience through masterful musicianship. Since releasing “BLUE”, Dexter has opened for Grammy Award-winning artist, Anthony Hamilton, been featured on Spotify’s “I Love My Neo-Soul” editorial playlist and was interviewed on Charlotte’s NPR station.

Confluence aims to highlight Charlotte’s music scene while developing and supporting the city’s music identity. With 19 local artists and bands, the lineup is a Charlotte medley of original musicians whose genres span Indie and neo-soul, blues, rock, blends of funk and jazz, Latin rhythms, and more.

Saturday’s lineup features Dexter Jordan, The XMEN, Orquesta Mayor, The Mike Strauss Band, Emily Sage, Cyanca, Dane Page, Sinners & Saints, Chócala, and DownTown Abby & The Echoes. Sunday’s lineup features Jim Avett & David Childers, Jason Scavone, The Hawthornes, Tony Eltora, Jason Jet, Junior Astronomers, AKITA, Lovell Bradford, and RevelWood Mission.