Photo via QC Nerve
Charlotte's live music community is coming together to honor the memory of Grammy-winning R&B innovator D'Angelo, who passed away in October 2025. According to Queen City Nerve, two of the Queen City's notable music venues—Sol Kitchen and Harvey Cummings—are collaborating on the SMOOTH concert tribute, bringing together musicians and fans to celebrate the artist's profound influence on soul and R&B music.
D'Angelo's impact on contemporary R&B and soul music extended far beyond his chart success, earning him recognition as one of the most significant voices in the genre. His innovative approach to production, songwriting, and vocal performance influenced a generation of artists and helped reshape the sound of modern soul music. The tribute concert aims to highlight his enduring artistic legacy through live performances.
For Charlotte's entertainment and hospitality sector, tributes like the SMOOTH concert underscore the Queen City's growing reputation as a destination for meaningful cultural events. Local venues continue to position themselves as essential gathering spaces for the community, hosting events that celebrate musical heritage and bring together diverse audiences around shared artistic appreciation.
The concert represents an opportunity for Charlotte music enthusiasts and industry professionals to engage with the legacy of a transformative artist while supporting the local venues and musicians who help keep live music culture vibrant in the region. Such events demonstrate the economic and cultural value that the entertainment sector contributes to Charlotte's broader business ecosystem.
