Pulse Xperience: Two Days That Moved Charlotte

On one electrifying weekend, Pulse Xperience turned the BlackBox Theater into the heartbeat of Charlotte — a vibrant, immersive celebration of BIPOC creativity in music, art, dance, film, fashion, and cuisine. Over two unforgettable days, thousands of attendees gathered to witness and support the city’s rich cultural talent, proving that Charlotte’s creative energy is both powerful and unifying.

Supported in part by the Arts & Science Council Cultural Vision Grant, Pulse Xperience brought together over 80 BIPOC artists across multiple mediums, transforming the venue into a multi-sensory festival space where every corner offered discovery and connection.

A Lineup That Defined the Moment

From the stage to the gallery walls, Pulse Xperience was a showcase of excellence:

• Music Highlights

  • Nick Grant – The acclaimed lyricist and headliner of Day 2 brought razor-sharp wordplay, magnetic stage presence, and storytelling that connected deeply with the audience.

  • Deniro Farrar – A legendary Charlotte artist whose raw energy, powerful voice, and hometown pride lit up the crowd.

  • Myrts Son – Conscious hip hop at its finest, blending introspective lyrics with a mission-driven message that resonated across generations.

  • ReeCee Raps – Two-time winner of Charlotte’s top female hip hop artist, delivering dynamic rhymes and crowd-commanding charisma.

  • Mary Mack – Known for infectious hooks and crowd favorites, bringing pure energy to the stage.

  • Shame Gang – A lyricist with grit and authenticity, bridging classic hip hop influences with modern flows.

    
    

• Visual Art & FashionImmersive gallery spaces featured works from Gordon Holliday, GoldyLox, Bunny Gregory, and Gbaby, alongside striking fashion displays that challenged and redefined style narratives.

  
  

• Dance, Film, & CuisineDancers from multiple genres lit up the stage, indie filmmakers engaged audiences through screenings and Q&A sessions, and food vendors like Romeo’s Vegan Burger and Mun-Cheez Gourmet Soul Food delivered flavors that kept the crowd coming back for more.

  
  

Impact in Numbers

• 2 Days of back-to-back programming

• 80+ BIPOC artists represented

• Thousands of attendees at BlackBox Theater

• Dozens of local vendors & small businesses supported

• Multiple creative mediums represented in one space

Why It Mattered

For two days, Pulse Xperience collapsed boundaries between disciplines, cultures, and communities. Attendees not only enjoyed performances but connected directly with the creators — forming relationships that will fuel Charlotte’s cultural growth for years to come.

The ASC Cultural Vision Grant helped make it possible to:

• Pay artists competitive rates for their contributions

• Deliver high-quality production in lighting, sound, and staging

• Keep portions of the experience free and accessible to the public

• Capture professional photo and video content to extend the festival’s reach

  
  

A Moment in Charlotte’s Cultural History

Pulse Xperience at BlackBox Theater was more than a weekend festival — it was a powerful statement that Charlotte’s BIPOC creative community is thriving, diverse, and deserving of the city’s spotlight. Over two days, the event proved that when the right platform exists, artists and audiences will show up, connect, and leave inspired.

This impact didn’t go unnoticed. Pulse Xperience was honored with QC Nerve’s “Best in the Nest” award, a testament to its cultural significance and the role it played in shaping Charlotte’s arts scene in 2024. The recognition solidified what attendees already knew — that Pulse wasn’t just an event, it was a milestone for the city’s creative future.

Special Thanks: To the Arts & Science Council Cultural Vision Grant, our partners, sponsors, artists, vendors, volunteers, and every attendee — you brought the pulse to life.