The Mint Museum launches new free Wednesday night event series that showcases Charlotte’s vibrant cultural scene.
Charlotte, NC (October 14, 2019):
After years of being free to the public on Wednesday nights, The Mint Museum is launching a new free event series at its uptown location called Live at the Mint, which will celebrate and highlight Charlotte’s dynamic arts community. Live at the Mint, presented by Fifth Third Bank, launches this Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 6 PM to 9 PM.
The Live at the Mint lineup will feature everything from performance art to conversations with leading artists, provocative films to gallery tours with community leaders. And with a variety of hands-on activities—and a cash bar that opens at 5:30 PM—it’s the perfect way to wind down after a long day.
Live at the Mint, presented by Fifth Third Bank, will launch with an initial eight-week run at Mint Museum Uptown, with plans to continue the series in 2020. The programming runs the gamut: The Oct. 16 night features a jazz band and conversation with celebrated SC artist Dr. Leo Twiggs and Rabbi Judy Schindler about how art can offer a safe space to discuss uncomfortable issues. The following week, Oct. 23, is all about swing dancing, with no-experience-necessary lessons from Gottaswing Charlotte.
Many of the Live at the Mint nights feature local groups and artists who are helping shape the cultural fabric of Charlotte, from renowned jazz vocalist MercuryCarter (Dec. 4) to latin fusion band Chócala, who will perform on the heels of their new album release (Dec. 11).
And it’s all happening on Wednesday nights, which are free and open to the public thanks to the ongoing support of generous sponsors Bank of America, the Mint Museum Auxiliary, and Publix Supermarket Charities.
“Live at the Mint is a project that the museum has initiated in order to create layered and diverse cultural programs for our visitors in collaboration with arts partners throughout the city,” says The Mint Museum President and CEO Todd A. Herman, PhD. “It was important to us that these happen on Wednesday nights, when the Mint is free to the public, so that we can become a positive cultural destination for anyone and everyone.”
It’s the perfect time to come to Mint Museum Uptown, as two new special exhibitions have opened in the last month. Immersed in Light: Studio Drift at the Mint features breathtaking sculptures that show the intersection of art, technology and nature (think: massive glass wings that imitate the movement of a bird). And Coined in the South, which opened Oct. 10, features 64 works from some of the most innovative and emerging artists in the Southeast. Organized in partnership with the Young Affiliates of the Mint, Coined in the South features everything from the traditional (oil on canvas and collage) to the decidedly untraditional (one sculpture is made from steel saw dust, alpaca fur, and alligator skin).
“Fifth Third is proud to be the presenting partner for this exciting new series,” says Lee Fite, Fifth Third Bank regional president of the Mid Atlantic. “Live at the Mint represents the same values we do – collaboration, inclusivity, and community.”
Interested in interviewing the artists, musicians, or anyone from the museum? Reach out to the Mint’s Director of Marketing & Communications, Caroline Portillo, at caroline.portillo@mintmuseum.org or call 704-337-2009.
Here’s a look at the Live at the Mint lineup:
October 16
Enjoy a conversation with SC artist Dr. Leo Twiggs and Rabbi Judy Schindler, as they discuss how art can offer a safe space to discuss uncomfortable yet urgent current issues. Jazz ensemble Conversation Piece will play before and after the discussion. Twiggs made headlines for his work in the aftermath of the tragic 2015 murders at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston.
October 23
Ever wished you knew how to swing dance? Join Gottaswing Charlotte for free instructions, followed by an evening of dancing.
October 30
The 90-piece Youth Orchestra of Charlotte will perform a selection of spooky symphonic masterpieces, followed by a screening of the 1982 horror film Poltergeist.
November 6
Couldn’t score tickets to Sir Elton’s farewell tour at Spectrum Center? Catch the next best thing on the same night, as Elton John impersonator Carl Rosen of Yellow Brick Road tribute band performs the Rocketman’s classics. Rose-colored glasses included.
November 13
Enjoy Buster Keaton’s classic silent film The Freshman, as the brilliant and award-winning Ethan Uslan accompanies on piano. In partnership with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
November 20
The lauded Charlotte Storytellers will perform four original works created in response to pieces on view in Immersed in Light: Studio Drift at the Mint and Coined in the South. This one-of-a-kind experience will help you bring fresh eyes to the stunning exhibitions.
November 27
No programming – Happy Thanksgiving!
December 4
Relax and unwind with internationally renowned jazz vocalist MercuryCarter. It will be an evening of old standards and new songs destined to become classics.
December 11
Enjoy the inventive sound of Latin fusion band Chócala, as they ride the tide of their new record release this fall.
About The Mint Museum
Established in 1936 as North Carolina’s rst art museum, The Mint Museum is a leading, innovative cultural institution and museum of international art and design. With two locations—Mint Museum Randolph in the heart of Eastover and Mint Museum Uptown on South Tryon Street—the Mint boasts one of the largest collections in the Southeast and is committed to engaging and inspiring members of the global community.
About Fifth Third
Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio and the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank, an Ohio-chartered bank. As of June 30, 2019, Fifth Third had $169 billion in assets and operated 1,207 full-service Banking Centers and 2,551 ATMs with Fifth Third branding in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida,
Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina. In total, Fifth Third provides its customers with access to approximately 53,000 fee-free ATMs across the United States. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending and Wealth & Asset Management. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of June 30, 2019, had $399 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $46 billion for individuals, corporations and not-for- pro t organizations through its Trust and Registered Investment Advisory businesses. Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Fifth Third’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Fifth Third Bank was established in 1858. Deposit and Credit products are offered by Fifth Third Bank. Member FDIC.