In this episode, we sit down with Rick Thurmond, the driving force behind Charlotte's transformation into a thriving music city. Rick takes us through his fascinating journey from sports writer in Tallahassee to his two decades at Charlotte Magazine, and eventually to his current role at Charlotte Center City Partners where he founded Music Everywhere CLT. We dive deep into the challenges and opportunities of developing Charlotte's music ecosystem, from supporting independent venues to changing the city's late-ticket-buying culture.

Rick shares the inspiring story behind Confluence Music Conference, the Carolinas' premier music industry gathering that's becoming Charlotte's answer to South by Southwest. He talks about the moment he realized Charlotte needed a dedicated music conference, the unexpected growth they've experienced in just three years, and his vision for the future. We also explore what makes Charlotte unique as an emerging music city, the importance of buying tickets early to support local venues, and why industry professionals from across the country are taking notice of what's happening here.

Whether you're a music lover, an industry professional, or simply someone who cares about Charlotte's cultural development, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the intentional work being done to put Charlotte on the map as a creative capital. Rick's passion for building community through music is infectious, and his insights remind us that everyone has a role to play in supporting the local music scene.