A Sign Of The Times

08/18/2026

🎷 AUGUST STRAIGHT AHEAD JAZZ — NOTE THE NEW TIME!

4th Sunday Jazz returns this Sunday, August 23, and this month we're starting a little later.

🕔 NEW TIME: 5:00 PM

If you already had 4 PM on your calendar, this is your reminder to update it.

The later start is a little friendlier to your Sunday — church, lunch, a slow afternoon, and then the music.

For 25 years, A Sign of The Times has brought accomplished musicians and the rich tradition of jazz together in front of Charlotte audiences. Straight Ahead Jazz is that tradition in its purest form: a room, a band, and the music.

And with the season running only through October, there aren't many Sundays left to experience it in 2026.

🎷 Sunday, August 23
🕔 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 The Arts Factory | 1545 W. Trade Street, Charlotte
🎟 $15 online | $20 at the door
👧🏾 Ages 17 & under: FREE

Purchase your tickets in advance and save $5.

Ticket link in the comments. 👇🏾

08/11/2026

🎶 What happened to the intro?

For Toni and Tyrone, the opening bars of a song used to tell you something was coming — the mood, the groove, even the emotional direction of the music.

But has that changed?

In this Music Monday clip, Asya, Toni, and Tyrone talk about how song intros have evolved and whether today’s music still gives listeners that same musical roadmap.

🎥 Watch the clip, then head to our YouTube channel for the full conversation about how music, listening habits, and expectations have changed across generations.

👇 Full episode — link in bio.

Do you miss a strong intro, or do today’s songs get to the point faster?

08/11/2026

🎧 "Do y'all consider this R&B?"

One question. Three generations. Completely different perspectives.

In this clip from **Music Monday**, Asya asks Toni and Tyrone a simple question that opens the door to a much bigger conversation:

What makes a song R&B?

Is it the vocals? The lyrics? The groove? Or has the genre evolved into something entirely new?

Watch their first reactions here, then head to our YouTube channel to see the full conversation as Toni, Tyrone, and Asia discuss today's music, Black music culture, and how every generation defines great music.

👇 Watch the full episode—link in our bio.

What do YOU think? Does this song belong in the R&B category? Let us know in the comments.

08/07/2026

🎹 Can you make great music without playing an instrument?

That question sparked one of the most fascinating conversations from our latest Music Monday episode.

Asya introduces a new perspective on how today's artists create music, while Toni and Tyrone reflect on what musicianship has traditionally meant.

Has technology expanded creativity... or changed our expectations of what it means to be a musician?

🎥 Watch this clip, then head over to YouTube for the full conversation as three generations explore how music continues to evolve.

👇 Watch the full episode — link in our bio.

What do you think? **Does someone need to play an instrument to be considered a musician?**

07/25/2026

🎷 Live Jazz. Local Vendors. Community.

Straight Ahead Jazz is more than a concert—it's an opportunity to experience the best of Charlotte's music, culture, and local entrepreneurs.

This Sunday, be sure to stop by and support our featured vendors:

🍋 AttyLu's Specialty Lemonades – Refreshing handcrafted lemonades made with bold flavors and fresh ingredients.

✨ KUL CHA – Africentric accessories and jewelry celebrating culture, heritage, and timeless style.

Then settle in for an unforgettable afternoon of live jazz performed by A Sign of The Times.

📅 Sunday, July 26
🕓 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 The Arts Factory
1545 West Trade Street, Charlotte, NC

🎟 Tickets are available now!
Ticket link in the comments.

Bring your family, invite a friend, support local businesses, and enjoy an afternoon where music, culture, and community come together.

05/21/2026

🎷 Straight Ahead Jazz returns THIS SUNDAY.

Join A Sign of The Times for an afternoon of live jazz, community, and culture at The Arts Factory.

📅 Sunday, May 24
🕓 4–6 PM
📍 1545 West Trade Street, Charlotte

Admission

Ages 17 & under — FREE

Adults (18+)
🎟 $15 Online Advance Purchase
🎟 $20 At the Door

Purchase online early and save.

🎶 Tickets are also available now for the full 2026 Straight Ahead Jazz season.

Ticket link in comments.

03/26/2026

Can you believe it’s been 25 years? 🎉

Join us this Sunday for our 25th Annual Black History Concert and relive the stories!

Tag someone who needs to hear about our journey. ❤️

We’ve lost some incredible musicians along the way, but we’ll celebrate their legacy through music. From Johnny Holloway to Terry Joel, their stories are part of our history.

This concert is more than just music; it's a tribute to the struggles and triumphs of our community. It’s about passing the baton to younger artists, like Faith Buquena and Jamila Greene, who are stepping into the spotlight.

Let’s come together, share our stories, and enjoy the rich tapestry of our culture. The African market opens at 3 PM, and the concert starts at 4 PM. Don’t miss out on this celebration!

👉 Link in comments for tickets!


Tyrone Jefferson

A special message from Toni and Tyrone

03/25/2026

🎶 Behind the music… before the moment.

The sound you hear on stage starts right here — in the room, in the work, in the spirit.

Our band is getting ready for something special as we prepare for the 25th Anniversary Black History Concert: “How I Got Over.”

Every note carries history. Every rehearsal brings us closer.

📅 This Sunday, March 29
🕓 4 PM | Doors open early for the African Market Place at 3 PM
📍 Parr Center Theater | Charlotte, NC

🎟 Don’t miss this milestone celebration.

03/15/2026

🎶 25 Years of Music, History, and Community

Join A Sign of The Times as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary Black History Concert under the powerful theme:

“How I Got Over”

For twenty-five years, this concert has honored the resilience, culture, and legacy of Black history through music that uplifts, educates, and inspires. This year’s celebration reflects on the challenges overcome and the strength that continues to move our community forward.

📅 Sunday, March 29, 2026
🕓 4:00 PM
📍 Parr Center Theater
Central Piedmont Community College – Central Campus
Charlotte, NC

🛍 African Market Place opens at 3 PM

Come early, support local vendors, and experience an afternoon of powerful music and cultural celebration.

🎟 Tickets available now:
https://tix.cpcc.edu/form/8437c3a9-0976-4d78-af00-6620c06d0052

Let’s celebrate 25 years of overcoming through music and history.

A Sign of The Times of the Carolinas is committed to promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the African Diaspora. Through our impactful performances and educational initiatives, we strive to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the history and traditions of the African d...