If you like books and enjoy live music, then this year’s 5th Annual Charlotte Literary Festival may be the perfect two-day event.

Known in the past as a place where book fans could meet well-known authors up close and personal (Dick Gregory and Pam Grier were here recently,) festival organizers this year have added a new layer – the Queen City Neo Soul Festival.

Shannon Wright, founder of the Neo Soul festival, said the time is right for Charlotte.

“We’re excited about our inaugural year,” he told Qcitymetro.com. “We are praying and hoping that the turnout is good and that the community will support us.”

Darren Vincent, director of the Charlotte Literary Festival and owner of RealsEyes Bookstore, said his partnership with Knight was a win-win move.

“This collaboration shows that grass-roots organizations can work together effectively toward a common goal of shaping our community for the future,” he said.

On tap this year is Susan L. Taylor, author and former editor-in chief of Essence Magazine; the legendary poet and activist Sonia Sanchez; New York Times best-selling author Mary Monroe; and popular soul singer Dwele.

“We’ve tried to bring artist that we think people are going to want to hear,” Wright said. “We are hoping to build something here that will have support from people  all over the county.”

The festival will include family friendly events such as Kid’s Corner and Teen’s Zone, featuring a “Teen Idol” talent show.

Organizers are hoping that at least 5,000 people will attend the two-day event.

IF YOU WANT TO GO:
Date: Sept. 10-11
Place: The Park (former Charlotte Merchandise Mart) 2500 E. Independence Blvd.
Cost: $25 for a two-day pass/ Children under 12 free.

For more information visit www.realeyesbookstore.com or www.neosoulmusicfestival.com
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Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story misspelled the name Shannon Wright. That error has been corrected in the current version.
 

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