Former "American Idol" contestant opening Charlotte wine bar to support other artists
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Inside Songbirds in University City. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios
Songbirds Wine Bar will cater to independent artists and music lovers when it opens in University City on Saturday, Aug. 29.
Why it matters: Owner Ashley Hunt plans to use the wine bar as a platform to showcase local talent and supply artists with resources.
Context: Hunt, a former contestant on "American Idol" Season 20, says the challenges she faced as an independent artist inspired her to create a business that supports others on their musical journey.
- "As an independent artist, it's hard, you know, you're your own, you're your own investor, you're your own cameraman, your own content creator, just everything. And so I realized that a lot of people are not given the opportunity to even have some of those resources, to get to the next level," said Hunt.
Zoom in: In addition to offering a weekly performance space, Songbirds will provide artists with access to discounted or free professional photos and videos of their sets to showcase their skills.
- Songbirds will have DJs three times a week and live music at least once weekly.
- Artists interested in performing should contact Hunt through the Instagram page or email, and her team will review and potentially schedule them for future performances.
What to expect: Songbirds' menu will focus on wine and feature a selection of Black-owned wines. It'll also have beer, a few rotating cocktails, light bites and sweet treats.
- During the day, mobile shop The Daily Pour Coffee will serve coffee and pastries from 7am-3pm and 8am-2pm on the weekends.
The vibe: The 3,500-square-foot bar will have lounge and bar seating for about 107 people. They plan to host events like karaoke and open mic nights.
- "I want people to know that when they come in this space. It's not just to support me, it's to support local artists," Hunt said.
Stop by: Find Songbirds at 230 East W.T. Harris Boulevard, Suite 10, in the former Axe House space in McCullough Commons.
- It'll be open 11am-11pm Monday-Thursday, 11am-1am Friday, 12pm-1am Saturday and 12pm-11pm Sunday.
