How to explore Charlotte’s Caribbean culture through art, music and festivals

As the Caribbean population grows in Mecklenburg County, it brings more restaurants , businesses and other ways to catch that island vibe.

Carolyn Barber, owner of Reggae Central specialty shop at 4456 The Plaza, said she’s served generations of customers since opening 27 years ago. The store sells everything from island wear, jewelry and flags to natural herbs and lotions.

The Charlotte area also has many Caribbean restaurants and even a Caribbean-themed pub in Mint Hill. Here are six more ways to find the Caribbean feeling in Charlotte:

A new art exhibit

“Tropical Punch” exhibit by Joanna Henry opens 6-9 p.m. July 25 at JUSTUS Fine Art Gallery, 725 Providence Road , Charlotte.

The exhibit is described as an “intimate showing of the beauty and depth of Jamaican culture.”

This is Joanna Henry’s first solo show exploring the traditions, colors and stories that have shaped her identity.

RSVP with free tickets at Eventbrite .

A carnival-style workout

Charlotte’s SocaFit USA hosts Soca Stamina, a 90-minute Soca workout with a DJ, starting at 10 a.m. Aug. 10 at Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery , 700 N. Tryon St.

SocaFit USA , founded by Keisha Bridgeman in Charlotte, is a Caribbean carnival-style full-body workout, according to the company’s website.

Tickets start at $15 for early registration, or $20. Walk-ins will be welcome.

SocaFit USA also offers weekly Tuesday classes at 7 p.m.

Celebrating jerk chicken with music and family fun

The 7th Annual Charlotte International Jerk Festival 2024 is noon to 8 p.m. Sept. 21 at 626 Char-Meck Lane Charlotte .

The event is hosted by Mama’s Caribbean Grill owner and founder of the nonprofit Hope Youth International Vinroy Reid and NUFF CED. There will be live bands and DJs.

The festival draws up to 4,000 people from all cultural backgrounds and is family-friendly, Reid said. Tickets cost $15 in advance, $25 at the door.

Learn to Salsa dance

There are many ways to learn the Salsa dance in Charlotte studios , like Rumbao Latin Dance , and free introductory classes at local restaurants and pubs like Panzu Brewery in Mint Hill.

Salsa originated in the Caribbean islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico.

There area plenty of other Latin dances to learn to like Mambo, Cha Cha Cha and Pachanga .

Wanda Johnson offers the Jamaican music genre Dancehall classes on the first and third Friday of the month at XLNC Dance Studio , too, at 3716 W W.T. Harris Blvd.

Shop the island locally

Feeling inspired by Paramount Pictures’ “Bob Marley: One Love ” released in theater’s early this year? Then check out Reggae Central at 4456 The Plaza in Charlotte.

Reggae Central opened in 1997 on Central Avenue and moved to The Plaza two years ago.

The movie, now available on streaming apps, is a bio-drama musical based on the life of reggae icon Bob Marley, played by Kingsley Ben-Adir.

Dance at the club

The Reggae Lounge opens at 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 2630 Statesville Ave . in Charlotte.

Dance to Reggae, Dancehall, Soca and Afrobeats. Look for concerts and DJ events on the lounge’s social media sites.

For good measure, Caribbean food trucks are on site.

Uniquely Charlotte: Uniquely Charlotte is an Observer subscriber collection of moments, landmarks and personalities that define the uniqueness (and pride) of why we live in the Charlotte region.