Meet the local artists performing at Lovin' Life Music Fest
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The Avett Brothers, who hail from Concord, performed at Lovin' Life's inaugural fest. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios
Lovin' Life Music Fest has released the 19 local and regional acts who'll perform during the three-day festival in Uptown's First Ward Park, May 2-4.
Why it matters: These artists represent rising talent from across the Carolinas, with more than half hailing from the Charlotte area.
What to expect: They join a stacked lineup of more than 50 artists, which includes headliners Gwen Stefani, Pitbull, Dave Matthews Band and Third Eye Blind.
Here's a full list of the local and regional performers, plus what to know about each.
- Bailey Marie: This 17-year-old Gaston County native made international headlines last year after being expelled from her private school for performing at alcohol-friendly venues.
- Chandler Carpenter & The Reckless Souls: A Boone-based band whose music can be described as a blend of country and rock n' roll.
- Stranger Company: An alternative rock band out of Atlanta.
- Jaylen Dunham: This R&B artist and Charlotte teen was selected by headliner Gwen Stefani on last year's season of NBC's "The Voice."
- Garrett Huffman: This 21-year-old Charlotte artist won the 2023 Carolina Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year.
- Austin McNeill: Based out of Charlotte, McNeill has shared the stage with country artists including Lainey Wilson and Dustin Lynch, and made his Grand Ole Opry debut in 2023.
- Modern Moxie, Camisole, and Weekend Friend: Three indie rock bands that all hail from Charlotte.
- Leone & The Ascension: A mix of funk, soul, R&B and House, Leone has been compared to artists like Curtis Mayfield and Anderson .Paak.
- SOPHIA: An indie-alt rock group from Winston-Salem.
- Fudge: A Wilmington-based band known for shredding on guitar.
- Meredith Parks: A multi-genre singer-songwriter from Gastonia.
- Adolescent Dreams: The name of the solo project for singer-songwriter Mikey Gomez, whose music blends dream-pop and alt-rock.
- Da704: This local band is made up of full-time dads and a set list full of 90s rock.
- Harvey Street: An indie alt-rock band based out of Raleigh.
Yes, and: Lovin' Life recently hosted a three-part battle of the bands series where local bands competed for a chance to perform at the festival.
- The winners are Too Hot for Leather, High June, and The Secret Formula Band.
If you go: You can catch all these artists on the Carolina Ascent Stage, in the Culinary and Arts Village.
Go deeper: Your ultimate guide to Lovin' Life Music Fest 2025.