Arts & Entertainment Readers’ Picks 2019

Best in the Nest Readers’ Picks are voted on for four months prior to publication. These are the winners in the respective categories.


Best Visual Artist:
Holly Keogh

Best Muralist:
Nick Napoletano

Artwork by Nick Napoletano (Photo by Ryan Pitkin)

Best Graffiti Artist:
Abstract Dissent

Best Tattoo Artist:
Dallas Davis – Canvas

Best Museum:
The Mint Museum – Uptown

Best Art Gallery:
Goodyear Arts

Best Exhibit:
Peach Pie (Goodyear)

‘Peach Pie’ curators Grace Stott (left) and Melody Rood. (Photo by Gavin Boulware)

Best Display of Public Art:
Charlotte SHOUT!

Best Photographer:
Brian Twitty

Best Performing Artist:
Satarah

Best Theatre Company:
Three Bone Theatre/Charlotte Comedy Theatre (Tie)

Best Actor:
Scott Tynes-Miller

Best Actress:
Rebecca Worthington

Best Theatre Show (Local):
Charlotte Squawks

Best Theatre Show (National):
The Band’s Visit

The cast of ‘The Band’s Visit.’ (Photo by Matthew Murphy)

Best Movie Theater:
Manor Theatre

Best Place To Hear Spoken Word:
The Evening Muse

Best Improv Troupe:
Alphabet Soup

Best Sketch Comedy Routine:
Robot Johnson

Best Place To See Comedy:
Comedy Zone

Best Comedian:
Tara Brown/Shaine Laine (Tie)

Best Drag Performer:
Riley Malicious

Best New Band:
Old Moons

Best Solo Performer:
Leisure McCorkle

Leisure McCorkle

Best Singer/Songwriter:
Dane Page

Best Indie Rock Band:
Petrov

Best Country/Folk Band
The Loose Lugnuts/Sinners & Saints (Tie)

Best Producer:
Franky Dynamite, FLLS, Leo Solis (Tie)

Best DJ:
DJ SPK/DJ Spider (Tie)

Best Blues/Jazz/Soul Band:
The Bill Miller Band

Best Experimental Musician/Band:
Joules

Best Rapper:
Elevator Jay

Elevator Jay. (Photo by Jayme Johnson)

Best R&B Singer:
Dexter Jordan

Best Local Album:
Van Huskins (Self Titled)

Best Open Mic:
The Evening Muse

Best Concert Venue:
Visulite Theatre

Best Place To Hear Jazz:
Petra’s

Best Place To Hear Country Music:
Thirsty Beaver Saloon

Best Live Performers:
Trash Room

Best Local Show of The Past 12 Months:
The Flame Tides and Trash Room at The Rabbit Hole

Best National Show of The Past 12 Months:
Judas Priest w/ Deep Purple at PNC Music Pavilion

Best Music Festival (In-State):
Hopscotch Music Festival