A Radio Rehab promotional poster, featuring DJ Skillz (left) and DJ DR.

Just when you thought it was safe to dismiss the Queen City as a town fixated with mainstream culture and repulsed by more under-the-radar artistic expressions, along comes an event like Radio Rehab Charlotte.

Debuting this Thursday, Jan. 19, Radio Rehab was created by a talented local foursome — including notables DJ Skillz and DJ DR, along with photographer/videographer Damany “Smiley” Mayfield (DR’s brother) and promoter Jalonda “Lonni B.” Blakeney.

The group's intent was to host a monthly multimedia celebration of classic hip-hop -- something that was part party, part art show, part concert and more, all rolled into one … something that rarely happens in our fair city.

“We are so accustomed to [thinking] that if it’s not on the radio it must not be good music,” said Mayfield, a Charlotte native who just moved back from Ohio in September. “I as a music connoisseur — and DR and Skillz as DJs — Lonni B. and a whole lot of other people really simply don’t listen to the radio. There’s so much good music out there, so many genres of music that you will never hear on the radio.

“The birth of Radio Rehab came out of like-minded individuals saying that Charlotte is an up-and-coming city,” he continued, “and it needs to have a place where we go in on that.”

One of Radio Rehab's organizers, Damany "Smiley" Mayfield.

As for what Radio Rehab attendees can specifically expect to see for this inaugural edition, Mayfield explained that the event will turn the spotlight on the “five elements of hip-hop”: DJing, MCing, graffiti, B-boying (aka breakdancing) and knowledge.

So, keep your eyes and ears peeled for dance, art and educational presentations happening throughout the night, along with turntable magic by DR and Skillz (who will reportedly be spinning tunes from hip-hop’s “Golden Era” of 1988-1992, among other favorites.)

Then, the evening will be capped off with a live performance by rap impresario Big Pooh, who most music fans know as one half of the acclaimed group Little Brother.

On top of all that, Mayfield said, Radio Rehab will serve as a catalyst for community building.

“We want people to know that if you have something going on — you are an artist, you are a clothing designer, anything — we really want community to be a part of this. We’re soliciting to those people,” he said. “Bring us your product, bring us whatever you’re trying to do. Charlotte’s got to come together in that aspect, and that’s what we’re hoping will happen.”

Radio Rehab Charlotte (taking place every third Thursday of the month) starts Jan. 19. Tickets: $10 (advance); $15 (at the door). Time: 9 p.m-2 a.m. Location: Neighborhood Theatre, 511 N. Davidson St. For more information and to purchase tickets: www.radiorehabcharlotte.com.

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