The Dreamville Music Festival will return to Raleigh on April 1-2 at Dorothea Dix Park. Hosted by rapper J. Cole, the headliners for the festival are announced to be Usher, Drake and Bruna Boy. More artists performing at the festival will include Summer Walker, Sean Paul, City Girls, etc. While tickets are sold out, festival-goers can get o…

As the weather warms up, spring is the perfect time for a picnic. Here are a few tips on how to enjoy one with friends.

Cleaning can be a daunting task, but it pays off to have an organized and clutter-free living space. Luckily, there are steps you can take to make spring cleaning less intimidating.

With spring around the corner, many different activities exist in and around Charlotte. Big Oh! Balloons is a great option for anyone celebrating a birthday, anniversary and graduation. 

April Fools' Day is quickly approaching. Here are a few ideas for fun and harmless pranks to pull on your friends.

With springtime approaching, allergies may start to become irritating. There are many different ways to alleviate spring allergies, such as limiting the amount of time spent outside due to pollen, using home remedies or taking allergy medicine

Sydney Carmer is a third-year digital media major standing amongst the guests of a reception for a gallery that she has curated. She never expected to be here. A digital artist by education and trade, Carmer always saw themself heading toward commercial art and marketing. "That's always been my expectation, especially because I'm usually le…

This spring will see an array of exciting new releases from various musical artists. Here are a few upcoming albums to look forward to from mainstream or lesser-known artists. 

UNC Charlotte's Department of Theatre hosted the production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Sweat" from March 16-19 at the Anne R. Belk Theater. The play tells the story of a group of family friends in Reading, Pa., whose experiences are greatly and irreversibly impacted by a bar fight following tensions brought upon by economic hardship. 

Spring is rolling in as the weather gets warmer and the sunlight shines brighter. No longer is it the season for drawn blinds, cozy blankets and heat running. Open the windows to let in the sunshine and a fresh breeze.

As warmer weather and springtime approach, many enjoyable activities in Charlotte are great for everyone. Here are a couple of recommendations for places to visit.

As the season beings to change to spring, the release of new video games is also in order. Since many games were delayed, 2023 is looking to be a year with many game releases, including: "Resident Evil 4," "The Last of Us Part 1" and "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom."

"Cocaine Bear" takes an absurd premise and attempts to spin it into a unique thriller comedy. Unfortunately, the film fails to live up to its potential.

The Mint Museum hosts the traveling exhibition "Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds" from Feb. 11-May 21, showcasing a rare collection of 40 paintings and sculptures from 14 collections. The exhibition celebrates Picasso's art and the evolution of his landscapes from different periods.

"Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey" twists the beloved character Winnie the Pooh into a slasher antagonist. While the concept is unique, the film's execution results in a shallow and dull viewing experience.

The TEDx lecture series will return to UNC Charlotte on March 18 in McKnight Hall. This event will feature student and faculty speakers on various meaningful topics.

Charlotte has many well-known places to either eat or showcase entertainment. However, there are also several hidden gems, such as The Milestone Club, Dino's Family Restaurant, Rockin' Rolls Sushi and more. 

With graduation around the corner, capturing this accomplishment can be stressful yet exciting. There are many places in Charlotte to go and take graduation photos, all but not limited to UNC Charlotte's Botanical Gardens and Belk Plaza, Romare Bearden Park, The Green and the Picture Project CLT Selfie Museum. 

Michael B. Jordan puts on his director's cap for "Creed III," marking the actor's directorial debut with serious talent. Stylistically ravishing and emotionally engaging, this film shows that this franchise might be the most consistent.In the continuation of the "Rocky" franchise, after retiring from boxing, Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan)…

March is Women's History Month, a time to recognize influential women in our history and community. Here are a few ways to celebrate in Charlotte.

Ava Lockhart is a third-year graphic design student at UNC Charlotte. After moving from the Philippines to the United States, she became a full-time mother and a model and is also planning her wedding. Lockhart met with Niner Times and explained how she manages her hectic schedule. 

Season three of "Outer Banks" was released on Netflix. The main character, John B (Chase Stokes) and the Pogues continue their search for the lost city of El Dorado, while they embark on different character growths and maturities themselves. Unfortunately, this season will not be their last treasure hunt.

Nova Literary-Arts Magazine will be releasing their newest edition on March 16 and will hold a public reception in the Popp Martin Student Union gallery. Several pieces of artwork will be highlighted in this edition of the magazine, along with posters and featured poetry by Nova's international contributors. 

Many people can rediscover the joy of reading at college. Students are exposed to new types of writing and start to understand what they are looking for in a book or what kind of story they want to read. Here are some recommendations for different genres.

The University Chorale performed at First Presbyterian Church of Concord, where Dr. Jason Dungee, the director of choral activities at UNC Charlotte, led the group. They performed a total of 12 choral arrangements, four solos and an organ prelude. 

Rowe Recital Hall presented  "Faculty and Friends: The Charlotte Strings Collective," where the performances celebrated black excellence through music and consisted of 14 pieces of different composers affiliated with the Charlotte Strings Collective. The concert also featured YUNG Citizen as a special guest artist, performing original works.

Tennessee band Colony House visited The Underground on their "Cannonballers" tour, where they gave an energetic performance and played some of their earlier songs and their new album, "Cannonballers." Alternative pop band Little Image opened the show with songs such as "WORTH IT." 

The "Desensitized" Gallery will take place on Feb. 24 through March 24. The gallery is curated by third-year student Sydney Carmer, where the themes of her work showcase campus and police violence and increased access to the news of the world. 

Dave's Hot Chicken opened its new location on Feb. 10 off-campus at J M Keynes Dr. Although the sides were considerably serviceable and the restaurant was a bit pricy, the food and service were still above and beyond.

ArtPop Street Gallery is a non-profit organization helping local Charlotte artists achieve sustainable success by displaying their work throughout the area.

Samia's sophomore album, "Honey," is a bitter, vulnerable and heart-wrenching indie-pop album. The album expresses an incredibly dark beauty with Samia's rich, dynamic vocals and subtle but perfectly-paired instrumentation.

Deciding where to eat in Charlotte can typically be challenging. Deciding between casual or classy dining can also be a bit difficult. Luckily, the city offers many dining options to satisfy any craving. 

The film "Fear" traps its characters in a situation where they must each face their worst fears. While it had potential, the film's poor execution yielded a disappointing outcome.

Paramore releases a new album titled, "This is Why" after a six-year hiatus. The band through their music shows growth, as well as some inference on Williams experience with heartbreak, her marriage and divorce. 

There are many ways to celebrate Valentine's Day: baking a pizza or a pastry, finding a place on campus and enjoying a picnic with a book or celebrating with your closest friends. 

UNC Charlotte Opera Workshop performed a shortened version of "Carmen" on Feb. 10 and 12. Even when the student in the leading role became ill and was unable to perform, the show went on.

The Green, a tranquil park that honors great works of literature, is a hidden gem of Charlotte. It features art installations and a well-kept landscape, making it the perfect place for a book-lover to relax.

Charlotte's Rail Trail Lights is back with new interactive art pieces and installations. Some of these pieces include, "High Beams," “The Kaleidoscope”  and “Cheeks Laboratory.” A notable piece is "Gold Rush," pays homage to the rich history of Charlotte. 

Finding the right way to get around Charlotte can be intimidating. Luckily, there are plenty of transportation options to choose from.

Exploring the city of Charlotte can be an adventure for anyone from North Carolina or visiting. Charlotte has a variety of activities, such as going out to eat, seeing a concert, watching musicals or even rooting for your favorite sports team. 

The city of Charlotte has plenty to explore, but safety should always be a priority. These are a few tips on how to stay safe while navigating Charlotte.

The city of Charlotte features many places to explore, not only live music and restaurants, but also a wide variety of gardens and parks that are open to nature lovers and to the public. Some of these options include UNC Charlotte's Botanical Gardens, Freedom Park, Toby Creek Greenway and McGill Rose Garden.  

Dave's Hot Chicken will open their second location in Charlotte, in University City, on Feb.10. The new location is within walking distance from UNC Charlotte's campus. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays to Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. 

The Anne R. Belk Theater hosted the annual Spotlight Concert presented by The Department of Music on Feb. 3. The show included a wide roster of over 15 performances showcasing everything that the UNC Charlotte Department of Music has to offer.

The film "Infinity Pool" tells a surreal and horrifying story infused with social critiques. It is underdeveloped at times, but it demonstrates real talent from director Brandon Cronenberg.

The Annual Juried Student Exhibition is currently on display in Rowe Galleries until March 31. The exhibition features a careful selection of art pieces by UNC Charlotte students, and the reception on Feb. 24 will include an award ceremony for standout pieces.

Sonja Langford, an undergraduate student and the artist behind the exhibition "The Woman Who Was Not Drowning," talked with Niner Times about her honest approach to her experiences through her photography. 

On Jan. 30, the Digital Arts Center of the College of Arts + Architecture at UNC Charlotte hosted "dys/connect" at the Charlotte Art League. The multimedia art event showcased the talents of 60 artists and displayed various mediums such as animations, sculptures, paintings and even mushroom-based designs. 

Dr. Reginald Silver, who became UNC Charlotte's first African American Dean in 2021, shared with Niner Times the details of his early life, his inspiring journey and its challenges and how he continues to set an example for his family and his students.

UNC Charlotte Opera Workshop will perform "Carmen" on Feb. 10 and Feb. 12. Frida Sophia Chacon Marmolejos, who will play the titular role of Carmen, and Christian Souza, who will play the role of Carmen's love interest, Don José, both expresses their experience of preparing for the show.

Writer and director M. Night Shyamalan makes a decent return to form in this apocalyptic tale. The movie does not do enough to be better than its barebones aspirations, but it shows that the director and crew are still effective at telling a story.

As the semester starts to pick up and the school workload begins to pile up, many of our valued hobbies start to slip away from our routine altogether. Here are some tips on maintaining a hobby and incorporating it into our daily lives. 

On Feb. 3, UNC Charlotte will host an installation by the Homage Exhibit, a traveling exhibit sharing African-American history and culture.

From Feb.3-19, Rail Trail Lights will be showcased by Charlotte's South End through interactive installations and various public art displays. The event will also include light installations created by six local artists, such as UNC Charlotte's Associate Professor of Architecture, Rachel Dickey, founder of Studio Dickey. 

On Jan. 27-28, the Department of Dance's faculty showcased six stories, which celebrated the department's artistic direction and the forms of media that were incorporated into the performances.

The Oscar nominations are some of the most exciting times for movie fans. It is a time when we can look back at the best films of the year and admire those who are the best at their craft. This article will cover most major categories where I give my predictions of who will win alongside who I would like to win. 

The ''Men of Change'' exhibition will feature many pioneering men who shaped the world we know today. The exhibit is hosted by The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture and the Levine Museum of the New South and will be open until March 12. 

UNC Charlotte's College of Arts + Architecture faculty will be hosting a showcase titled "dys/connect" on Jan. 30 at Charlotte Art League. The event will exhibit performances ranging from visual art, animation, dance and more. Admission is free for all students with valid student IDs, and tickets for non-students cost $8.

The Mint Museum opened an exhibit based on the history of fashion: "Fashion Reimagined: Themes and Variations 1760 - Now." The exhibit is split into three sections, showing the evolution of how fashion was used, designed and altered. The exhibition will be on display until July 2.

Charlotte may be home to many UNC Charlotte students but it is also home to many specialty coffee shops. By taking the LYNX Blue Line Station, it can take you to some of the top specialty coffee shops in Queen City. 

The Golden Owl Tavern is one of the 87 restaurants participating in Queen's Feast. Aijah Dawson, the sous chef of the restaurant, sat down with the Niner Times as she expresses her excitement for Charlotte Restaurant Week, as well as the the Golden Owl Tavern's Queen's Feast menu and dishes.

HBO's "The Last of Us" is an adaptation based on the 2013 game with the same name. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey both star in the show as Joel and Ellie. Because of many zombie apocalypse narratives, the show could be at risk in losing its originality. However, "The Last of Us" is doing an excellent job so far with its performance and engagement. 

As a commuter student at UNC Charlotte, it can be frustrating to get stuck in traffic, find parking or make it to class on time. Here are some tips on how to make being a commuter student easier. 

"M3GAN" is about Gemma, a roboticist designs a robotic doll named M3GAN. Through developing a close bond with Cady, the robot becomes dangerously overprotective over her and will harm anyone that stands in their way. While some scenes are fun, the film overall is very forgettable.

From Jan. 20-29, Queen's Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week returns to Charlotte. Many restaurants around the Charlotte area participate in the weeklong promotional event. The restaurants offer prix fixe meals, multiple courses at a set price, which cost $30-$45.

The film "The Pale Blue Eye" is a dark murder mystery set in the 1800s. While the premise is intriguing, the execution is disappointing.

2023 has some new films by all-time great filmmakers and up-and-coming filmmakers. These movies include "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," "Barbie" and "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning - Part One."

UNC Charlotte student Joshua Molai releases his first single, "Fears," which expresses the theme of not letting fear hold anyone back on what they are passionate about. "Fears" is available on platforms. 

The film "A Man Called Otto" follows an old man considering ending his life. It attempts to balance heart and humor, but its emotional appeal often falls flat.

The film "Babylon" presents a collage of 1920s Hollywood, showing all the chaos and drama of the film industry. It is far from perfect but is still a fun experience.

2022 was a year filled with a variety of widely-released films. The movies in this list include films released in certain countries or were released and debuted in film festivals. Here are the top 10 films of this remarkable year.

The film "White Noise" follows a family dealing with fears and insecurities, all while discovering a mysterious medication, an airborne toxic event and continuous secret-keeping. It is a different type of project for writer and director Noah Baumbach.

All throughout 2022, we have experienced many different trends that were either cool while they lasted or cool to take with us into the new year. This list shares the trends that should either stay in 2022 or come with us into the new year.

In the film, "The Whale," Charlie, an obese English professor, attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter, Ellie. While Brendan Fraser's performance is outstanding, the story feels familiar and shallow. 

The Museum of Illusions hosts many different exhibitions and 60 different illusions for museum go-ers. The most notable exhibitions are "Head on a Platter," “Jastrow Illusion,” “Moving Picture,” and "The Infinity Portal." The visit to the museum will literally give visitors of mind-boggling experience. 

While this year has experienced many historical shifts, these 10 albums with unique sounds and styles were released in 2022 during these times of unrest. 

The entertaining and visually beautiful sequel, "Avatar: The Way of Water," is set 10 years after the first movie, as Jake Sulley (Sam Worthington) must move his family to a new Na'vi Clan to protect them from a familiar threat. 

The sixth season of the science-fiction series "Rick and Morty" lacked progression, humorous material and amusing science-fiction ideas and storylines.

Gift wrapping can be a hassle, especially during the holiday, when trying to properly wrap a difficult present or simply tame the wrapping paper. Here are some innovative wrapping tricks and tips to make the experience less stressful.

Guillermo del Toro takes on a beautiful movie adaptation of the iconic story of "Pinocchio," where Geppetto (David Bradley) brings a wooden puppet to life. del Toro's adaptation is geared toward the original story of "Pinocchio," yet darker than the Disney classic. 

"Bones and All" is a twist on a love story that stars Timothée Chalamet and Taylor Russell. This film takes place in the early 1980s Midwest that follows Maren (Russell) and Lee (Chalamet) as they embark on a road trip and adjust to their way of living with their cannibalistic tendencies.

The 1975's fifth album, "Being Funny in a Foreign Language," explores what it means to fall in love, find yourself in a world that feels like it is getting worse and find that authentic love.

One may want to sit back, relax and enjoy watching the humorous holiday episodes of the beloved 1990s sitcom, "Friends" where the six main characters of the show: Ross, Rachel, Phoebe, Monica, Joey and Chandler get into all sorts of hilarious situations, especially during the holiday season. 

From Nov. 28-30, the Department of Music at UNC Charlotte held four days of concerts for its many bands. The performing ensembles consisted of the percussion ensemble, jazz ensemble and combo, orchestra, symphonic band and wind ensemble.

We have all heard that time flies, but somehow that never seems more accurate than the end of the semester. Before we know it, exams are upon us, and the semester ends. And here we are: exams will have come and gone soon, and we will all have a nice, long break. For many of us, winter break sounds terrific, but it often goes by way too fast…

Meet the student who did not find his true passion for art until college. Houston Shue has now been painting for five years. He is always looking for different subjects to paint and focuses heavily on colors and architecture. Check out his impressionistic paintings in the Student Union Art Gallery. 

After being expelled from her high school, Wednesday Addams is shipped off to a boarding school for supernatural beings and other outcasts, Nevermore Academy. Upon her arrival, she starts to have premonitions of multiple murders and with the help of her new friends, it is up to her to find out who and what is behind them. 

Growing up, my family and I had a lot of experiences with terminal illness. As I navigated this as a young adult, I often attempted to escape through novels, poetry, or movies. Usually, I avoided any story involving terminal illness. I never found them to be accurate or compelling or connect with me at a level that felt they were considerin…

UNC Charlotte's theatre department began its run of "These Shining Lives," a play that tells the true story of the Radium Girls in the 1920s exposed to radium-based paint, causing them to suffer radiation poisoning and the injustice these women faced throughout their careers. 

Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is invited to a private island in Greece to solve his next murder mystery. Rian Johnson’s sequel to his hit murder mystery film, “Knives Out,” is finally here after much anticipation. While I was entertained for its entirety, I was never fully invested in the characters or story, which is essential for …

The first season of "Andor" provides Star Wars fans with in-depth storytelling through phenomenal scenes and the progression of the Rebellion as it slowly builds up against the Empire.

Baking is a hobby, skill and science. But for some, baking is something else. Baking is a pain. The precision and narrow margin for error can make it a frustrating endeavor, but some recipes are worth it. As the holiday season begins, so does the seasonal tradition of making Christmas cookies. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to get…

After more than 15 years, find out what Giselle, Prince Edward, Queen Narissa, Morgan and Nancy are up to in their new lives. Do fairy tales always end happily ever after? 

A chef at an expensive and exclusive restaurant prepares a once-in-a-lifetime experience with sinister intentions. I was not exactly sure what to expect going into “The Menu.” I thought the story seemed interesting and original, and food films are always something to look forward to. Unfortunately, those are the only good things the film ha…

The Neggy Gemmy Tour took place on Oct. 22 at the Snug Harbor. Vaporwave artists Neggy Gemmy (formally known as Negative Gemini), Esprit (George Clanton) and Death's Dynamic Shroud performed.

As the semester is starting to come to a close, it can be a very tedious time for students to study the materials that they have learned all semester long. By finding quiet study rooms, reaching out to classmates to form study groups and  creating stong study methods, you succeed in finishing the semester strong.

Becoming independent in college can mean moving away from your comfort zone but can also become an opportunity to learn more about yourself by learning new skills such as, learning to cook, building your self-esteem and learning emotional resilience. 

A sequel to the 2018 game, "God of War," "God of War Ragnarök" continues to follow the compelling story of Kratos, the former Greek god of war, and his son Atreus as they prepare themselves for Ragnarök, the end of the Norse world. Through beautiful scenery, incredible storytelling and intriguing dialogue, this game hits the mark.

Walking through South Village on a nice day, there may be bluegrass music being played by a solo musician. Walk toward Holshouser, and a student will be playing the banjo and singing. That is Andrew Bowman, a fairly common sight on campus.

A detective investigating a murder investigates something that is not as it may seem and comes away with a different partner in the process. Stunning and precisely executed, "Decision to Leave" is one of the year's best.