South Charlotte, NC April 2024

Investment in so many different aspects of our lives

Investment by definition is the act of devoting time, effort, energy or finances to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. We can invest in a lot of things such as our community, our relationships, our finances, and our health with the hope that the effort will have a positive impact. We can invest in our community by supporting our local businesses, schools and local organizations. We can serve the community through volunteerism and investment in future generations. On a larger scale, we can participate in public surveys and stay educated and involved with future city planning. Investing in our finances helps create wealth, meets long term financial goals and secures our retirement.  On a personal level, we can invest in our families and enrich relationships by giving time and effort to the people in our lives that mean the most to us. This type of investment has the most meaningful impact to not only ourselves but to the people closest to us.

When I made the decision to invest into the ownership of this Publication, I had no idea what an impact it would have in so many areas of my life.  I have become so emotionally richer in the relationships I have formed with other small business owners in the community while at the same time feeling such a sense of fulfillment in helping other business owners but also becoming emersed into the community that I serve.  I had no idea how robust the business ownership community was in Charlotte and am amazed by the diversity in personalities and industries that I have been blessed to be able to meet and build long lasting relationships.

While investing in ourselves, relationships, community and finances can look very different from person to person, the effort we put into these areas of our lives are done with the common goal of having a positive impact that yields results. In this issue, we wanted to share about some of the ways that we can invest in our community, our finances and with those that we love.

Teri

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Beautiful bathroom remodel by ReVision Design! 2: Incredible mural created by Selina Medina, owner of Girly Tattoos! 3: Tom Bowley of Earning Beats and Patrick Kelly of Zoom at Parks Brothers Event 4: WYTV Fundraiser for their upcoming Financially Lit & Fit Expo this month! 5: WYTV Fundraiser for their upcoming Financially Lit & Fit Expo this month! 6: Our publisher, Teri Lenhard, dining at Firebird's with her family 7: AMV Mobile Sharpening with a customer, proudly showing off their work!

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business monthly

Girly Tattoos by Selina Medina

Since 2001, I've dedicated myself to creating beautiful, long-lasting tattoos that tell a unique story for each client. My passion lies in crafting a welcoming, comfortable environment where individuals can collaborate with me to bring their creative tattoo visions to life. Whether it's a delicate symbol or an elaborate artwork that is a full sleeve, or a rework on an existing tattoo, I ensure every piece is meticulously crafted using the latest safe practices and techniques!

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Fundraiser hosted by WTYV7

WYTV7 is proud to announce a successful charity event that raised needed funds ($1,000.00) to support vital financial literacy training programs (FLTP) for our 2024-2025 school year. The event, which welcomed 60+ attendees of local businesses, fostered valuable collaborations with other nonprofits dedicated to youth empowerment.

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Isabelle Visuals by Isabelle Olson

Since I was young, I've had a passion for capturing life's most beautiful moments. From breathtaking sunsets, to the simple joys of love itself, this passion has always been in me. Moving from the deserts of Arizona to the diverse landscapes of North Carolina only fueled my love for photography. My ultimate goal is to use my lens to capture the beauty of this world that many wouldn’t be able to see.

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TOP 6

The food is outstanding and the atmosphere is elegant, but not so much that you feel uncomfortable in casual attire. This has always been a special go-to date night restaurant for us. It is very popular and always packed, so thankfully they take reservations.

It is my favorite salad bar place! I go so often that the manager recognizes me and knows my order! The food is always fresh, it is self-serve, and even during the lunch rush, I can get in and out quickly. My daughter loves it too!

The coffee is just as good as more famous chain coffee shops, but it is smaller, more intimate, and the atmosphere is much calmer. It is quiet and a great place to meet a friend or business associate. You’ll often see people working there throughout the day.

This is my absolute favorite place for something sweet and cold! I get a custom ice cream creation made with whatever I want in it, and it is made fresh and right in front of me. It is a quick and easy way to fulfill a sweet tooth craving.

This place is phenomenal! It is jam packed with unique treasures waiting to be discovered. She calls it an antique store, but it is so much more. Full of personality and vintage pieces, it is the perfect place to find a unique gift. I could stay there for hours!

Tom and I are big golfers and Tega Cay is our favorite golf course. The course is never the same; every time we play, there are always nuances to it that are different. So, it is challenging and entertaining at the same time.

Find Quiet Beauty at the Alvord Desert LEAVE NO TRACE

The Alvord Desert is simultaneously simple and complex, stormy and calm, untouchable and embracing. It is a dry lakebed 12 miles long by seven miles wide located 260 miles southeast of Bend in the eastern shadow of the Steens Mountains. The desert never called out to me as it does for some. Friends told me that I was “missing out” when I didn’t join them at the Alvord for Burning Man-like weekends in the heat of the summer. It just didn’t seem like a place for me. It took the request of a quiet, introspective, gentle one to accompany him on an adventure to arguably his favorite place on Earth to get me to go. Through those eyes, I fell in love.

At the Alvord playa, I found a dome of stars the likes of which I’d never seen. The Milky Way shone full length and breadth with incredible clarity. I found freedom – complete freedom –to walk and dance and sing knowing no one would scare me or judge me or bother me. I found silence. I found that the playa was never the same, yet always what I was looking forward to

at the end of a long drive. I learned to listen for the sound of the lakebed drying – to notice the wide variety of patterns each cycle of damp and parch would create. I learned to pick a reference point on the Steens or Tule Springs Rim when I went for mileslong headphones-on mind-cleansing walks lest I become completely disoriented in the wide open.

My guide instilled in me a deep respect for the potential danger inherent in driving miles out into the middle of what is sometimes a shallow lake and most of the time a series of sun baked tiles. You can get impossibly stuck in the fine mud with no hope of a tow for hours and it’s often difficult to tell where solid ends and mud begins.

For me these days, the Alvord Desert is a regular several-times-yearly pilgrimage. Sometimes I arrive and the playa is inaccessible due to its current wish to become a lake again. Sometimes I hope for the most glorious night under the stars and there is cloud cover. Sometimes I’m reminded that, even though I can, I ought not drive

CONTINUED >

Lenticular clouds provide a dramatic show over the desert.

The playa can quickly turn from dry plain to a shallow lake. Plan for extreme changes in weather conditions. If it rains, head for the edges. During wind events, head for sealed cover.

at top speed because of the fragile lives –human and animal – that I may disrupt. I’m always glad I made the trip.

If you go, plan your trip around a stop at The Fields Station for gas, groceries, a burger and shake. Visit the Alvord Hot Springs, a spot for a wonderful soak with a killer view. Bring the kids to offer them a lesson in the power of nothingness. Let their senses acclimate to the pace and subtleties. The Steens are nearby for a completely different experience on a day trip. Bring along your common sense, your respect for nature and fellow humans, extra water, extra gas, your plan B, and, most importantly, your sense of wonder.

Tips for Visiting the Alvord Desert

WHERE TO STAY:

The Alvord Hot Springs, bunkhouse/MASH (Mobile Alvord Sleeping Hut) or camping spots. AlvordHotSprings.com .

The Fields Station, hotel rooms or RV spaces. TheFieldsStation.com .

Free camping on the playa.

LEAVE NO TRACE:

No fires can touch the playa. Pack your trash. Respect private lands. Emergency services are two hours away.

The Perfect Steak

Nothing describes summer better than a good cookout! And what is a cookout without a good, quality steak and the perfect grilling recipe?

1. Thaw and acclimate the steak. For searing to occur, the proteins in steak need to be heated to at least 310°F. Tossing cold meat onto a hot grill lowers the temperature and can prevent a crust from forming, so it’s important that any frozen steaks are thawed completely before cooking.

2. Salt your steak 30-45 minutes before grilling. This causes the salt to draw moisture from within the steak up to the surface, where it dissolves the salt and creates a brine that gets reabsorbed into the steak where it breaks down tough connective tissues.

3. Oil the grate on the grill, not the steak. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to lube your grates.

4. Manage your heat well. Remember that your grill needs to be hot for your steak to get a good sear. But if it’s hot enough to cause your oil to smoke, it’s too hot.

5. Use the 60/40 rule. The best-tasting steaks are seared on both sides and cooked evenly in the middle. The simplest way to do that is to only flip your steak once. The 60/40 rule suggests that 60% of your cook time should be spent on one side, and 40% on the other.

6. Keep the lid closed. It may be tempting to peek, but trust the experts and keep it shut! Opening the lid makes your grill lose heat, which makes steaks cook unevenly.

7. Check for doneness. A meat thermometer will give you the most accurate temperature reading:

• Rare: 120°F

• Medium Rare: 130°F

• Medium: 140°F

• Medium Well: 150°F

• Well: 160°F

8. Let your steak rest. Pull your steaks from the grill once they’re cooked to 5-10 degrees below your target temperature and rest for 10-15 minutes.

WITH INFRARED TECHNOLOGY AND 24-HOUR WORKOUT ACCESSIBILITY, HOTWORX MAKES IT EASY TO MAINTAIN A LIFESTYLE OF WELLNESS

INVEST IN HEALTH

As lifelong athletes, Tim and Holley Skelly make it a priority to invest in their health through good nutrition and physical exercise. “Investing in your health through physical fitness is so important because, as we say, if you listen to your body when it whispers, you'll

convenient to maintain. That combination is essential for people to maximize both short-term and long-term health benefits.

In 2022, Tim and Holley opened HOTWORX in Indian Trail, bringing this revolutionary system closer to their home community. HOTWORX is a

“THE SOONER YOU START YOUR HEALTH JOURNEY, THE BETTER YOU WILL BE.”

never have to hear it scream,” shared Holley. “And the sooner you start your health journey, the better you will be.”

A few years ago, however, Holley injured her back and struggled to find a workout that would accommodate her back pain while giving her the level of challenge and exertion her body needed to maintain a high level of fitness. Thankfully, she came across information about HOTWORX, a unique fitness system that integrates low impact workouts with infrared technology in a more intimate, semi-private environment.

“I knew the benefits of infrared as far as inflammation goes and I just had to check it out,” said Holley. “I went and although I was nauseous the first day because it was detoxing my body, I loved it and signed up. Within three months, I was completely pain free. It changed my life.”

For both Tim and Holley, the lower impact workouts provide the benefits they need in a format that is easy and

24-hour, 7 days a week, infrared fitness studio. Members work out with virtual instructors in a seven by nine foot semiprivate sauna. Workouts include high intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts that are fifteen minutes each and nine isometric workouts that range from Pilates, yoga, and bands that are approximately 35 minutes each and run on a 45-minute cycle. Because workout times and spaces are reserved through a phone app, scheduling time for a workout is easy and convenient.

The use of infrared technology is one of the things that sets HOTWORX apart from other fitness studios. “The infrared penetrates your body about an inch and a half, so you get warmed up faster and that helps with inflammation,” explained Holley. "It is more workout in less time that has increased calorie burn, detoxes the body, and lowers blood pressure. The results and benefits include muscle recovery, stress reduction, weight loss, reduced cellulite, and improved circulation.”

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“We also hear from our members that they experience improved sleep, flexibility, mental health, and confidence because they are doing something that is challenging and seeing improvement,” added Tim. “When I started going myself, I was immediately won over by the way it made me feel physically and mentally. Getting to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and having a place to go and do something for yourself is so beneficial. It is a community of like-minded people in a safe, judgment free, and semi-private environment. So it helps in other aspects of life in addition to physical health.”

Members also enjoy the FX Zone, a designated space where members can work out without the heat using equipment such as light weights and battle ropes. “You can work out in a lot of different ways, choosing what works for you. It is a fitness model that works for all ages and fitness levels,” said Tim. “The flexibility and variability of HOTWORX, along with the heat and infrared benefits, and the welcoming, community setting, makes us unique.”

Tim and Holley agree that with members who range from those who have never worked out before to elite athletes, HOTWORX is a great space for people to start and continue investing in their fitness journey. The semi-private atmosphere also creates a

“THIS MODEL WORKS FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS”

low-pressure environment for members to try a variety of workouts without the stress of an audience, providing the opportunity to find the right balance of what works best for them.

HOTWORX offers two membership options: the Sweat Here membership provides unlimited access to workouts at the Indian Trail location. The Sweat Everywhere membership allows unlimited access to any HOTWORX location in addition to unlocking bonus features on the company’s app.

To schedule a tour and free workout, visit www.hotworx.net/studio/indiantrail-sunvalleycommons or call 704-220-1024. Also follow @HOTWORXIndianTrailSunValleyCommons on Facebook and Instagram for updates and special announcements. HOTWORX is located in Sun Valley Commons at 6467 Old Monroe Road.

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL

OLSON

education INVESTMENT

BECOMING STOCK MARKET SAVVY WITH EARNINGSBEATS CHIEF MARKET

STRATEGIST,

Even during his days as a Certified Public Accountant, Tom Bowley had a passion for studying the history of the stock market to understand what makes it tick. In 2003, he transitioned from studying the market as a hobby to educating people about it full-time, utilizing his historical research to guide market strategy as the Chief Market Strategist at EarningsBeats (EB).

“We empower our subscribers to improve their financial future through education and guidance based on years of independent, historical research on the stock market. We’re passionate about sharing what we’ve learned through our extensive research and experience with others.”

What are the three pillars of EarningsBeats?

Market Guidance, Market Education, and Market Research.

We empower our subscribers to improve their financial future through education and guidance based on years of independent, historical research on the stock market. We’re passionate about sharing what we’ve learned through our extensive research and experience with others.

Why is it important to educate people about the stock market?

Our slogan is “Better Timing, Better Trades”. Everything we do focuses on that goal. Whether it's our three pillars or the strategies we use, we strive for accuracy in terms of timing to increase the odds of successful investing based on historical research.

What tools do you employ for education?

We utilize the StockCharts charting platform to organize our market guidance, education, and research. Many of our EB members are also StockCharts members, but it’s certainly not necessary to benefit from our service.

Our free services include our newsletter, the EarningsBeats Digest, which comes out three times a week and can be subscribed to at  EarningsBeats.com ; our free show, Trading Places Live, on our EarningsBeats YouTube channel that airs each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9-9:30 AM ET; and our publicly accessible articles on StockCharts.com

Our paid member services include, but are not limited to: special events; stock portfolios; access to our ChartLists on StockCharts, including our flagship Strong Earnings ChartList; and scanning strategies so that members can quickly identify trading candidates that meet their custom criteria and risk tolerance level.

For more information and to become a free EB Digest subscriber, visit  EarningsBeats.com . Also follow EarningsBeats on YouTube, Facebook, and X.

AMV Mobile Sharpening

INVESTING IN THE TOOLS OF YOUR CRAFT WITH EXPERT CARE

Whether you’re a professional stylist, personal chef, or someone who simply likes to keep your kitchen knives in the best shape possible, taking good care of your tools is an investment in your business and quality of life. When it comes to knives and shears specifically, the sharpness of the blades makes all the difference not only with the end product, but with the ease in which the job is done. At AMV Mobile Sharpening, their motto is “work sharp, not hard”.

As a family-run business, each member of the AMV Sharpening team has a specialty. Vince Feliciano first took an interest in sharpening knives while recovering from surgery. He began by finding videos and articles online, anything to help him learn the best techniques. His wife, Maria, loves working with her hands and has a background in mechanics, so she enjoys working with the different components and intricate nature of shears. Their daughter, Angelina, specializes in the administrative side of the business.

A few years ago, the Feliciano family connected with a gentleman who trained them using a specialized Japanese Water Stone technique, which is a delicate process of sharpening knives and shears. Using this technique takes a bit longer than the often-used grinding and sanding methods. However, the process gently restores the edge without causing damage, extending the life of the blade, and provides a sharp edge for longer, meaning more time between sharpening. “One man gave me a knife that was a mess with a big chunk in the blade,” Vince remembered. “He did not expect that I would be able to do much with it, but when I was done, there was no nick anymore and the knife looked brand new.”

Many companies use high speed grinders to sharpen everything from lawnmower blades to parring knives, but according to Vince, this method not only provides a short-lived sharpening, but can cause damage to the blade or shears. “Sometimes stylists have no idea how damaged the shears are, all they know is that they stay sharp for about a week before they start having problems,” he said. “We can see the damage that has been done when we open them up and take them apart. Our job then is to repair the damage in addition to sharpening the shears.”

Because it is a mobile service, shears are sharpened onsite, giving customers the opportunity to see the process in real time and be assured that their tools are being well cared for and that they are not being switched out for another product. For knives, Vince sharpens onsite up to a certain quantity and then, because of the length of time it takes to do each knife, he will pick up and deliver the knives but do the actual sharpening in his shop.

Another aspect of their business is educating professionals, such as stylists, to take good care of their tools. “With shears, we encourage stylists to invest in a good, quality shear that will last a long time. Then, we tell people specifically how to maintain their shears by using the S.O.A.P. method,” shared Maria. “Shears need to be sharpened, oiled, adjusted correctly, and protected. When I say protected, I mean storing them correctly. They shouldn’t get thrown in a drawer because they will get nicked and stylists’ hands are so sensitive, they can tell if the shear has a nick. We encourage them to store each shear in its own case and not to cut anything other than hair with the shear.”

“Sometimes stylists have no idea how damaged their shears are.  Our job is to repair the damage in addition to sharpening the shears.”

“One man gave me a knife that was really a mess with a big chunk in the blade. When I was done with it, there was no nick anymore and the knife looked brand new.”

Maria teaches that by investing in a quality product and following appropriate and effective upkeep techniques, knives and shears can last many years. “A high-end shear can cost up to $2,000 and typically, if well taken care of, it could last between 20 and 25 years,” she said. “However, a few minutes with a belt sander can easily take 10 years off the life of the shear.”

Additionally, Vince and Maria stress that the quality of the sharpening shows through in the final product customers experience. “I remind clients that their reputation is everything,” said Vince. “If they are cutting someone's hair and it is pulling or tearing their hair, or it is pinching them or even causing small cuts, the customer might not say anything while they are there, but they will afterwards in their review online. So, I encourage them to invest in quality shears and have us sharpen them so that they know they are getting the right care.”

For more information, visit amv-mobile-sharpening.business.site or call (704) 326-6276. Also, follow @amv_sharpening on Instagram.

RETIREMENT INCOME PLANNING: MAXIMIZING WEALTH AND LEGACY R

YOU ONLY GET ONE RETIREMENT

Retirement marks the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance and sound financial choices. It's often envisioned as a period of relaxation, exploration and deep connection with family and friends. However, this dream doesn't just manifest. It necessitates forward-thinking and detailed planning, regardless of one's financial status. Amid global economic changes, evolving life expectancies and intricate tax systems, an all-encompassing and strategic retirement plan is more crucial than ever.

A key element of effective retirement planning is diversifying your income sources. While staples like 401(k)s or IRAs are foundational, it's equally important to branch out. Dividend-bearing stocks can provide regular dividends, bonds offer both periodic interest and principal return and real estate, whether directly or indirectly owned, has potential for both rental income and value growth. Private investments can also yield passive income and impressive returns.

Tax considerations significantly influence retirement strategies. Each financial action, from asset sales to account withdrawals, can carry tax consequences. Knowing these details can greatly influence one's overall retirement income. Tactics such as Roth IRA conversions can help distribute tax liabilities over time, allowing for taxfree withdrawals later on. Using strategies like tax-loss harvesting can balance out capital gains, ensuring proactive steps to reduce tax impact.

SOURCES OF INCOME DURING RETIREMENT

Annuities have long been recognized as a popular retirement income source. An annuity is essentially a financial contract that can offer a steady and predictable income, with options that might even extend to lifetime payouts. Available in varieties like fixed, variable and indexed, they often come with tax advantages. However, retirees should also be aware of certain drawbacks. These might include fees and expenses, issues around liquidity, and potential concerns related to inflation.

Delving into the world of Alternative Investments, retirees can consider assets such as hedge funds, private equity and real assets, among others. These investments may promise higher returns and provide diversification away from traditional stocks and bonds. However, the complexities of these investments mean they often come with challenges like illiquidity, higher fees and the need for a thorough understanding of the investment itself.

Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs), while not familiar to everyone, can be a potential retirement income source. Historically rooted, DSTs offer a form of passive real estate investment, which can lead to regular distributions. They also open doors to 1031 exchange possibilities, offering tax deferral benefits. But, just like any other investment, DSTs have their limitations, notably the lack of liquidity and the heavy reliance on trust management.

Introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs) were designed to spur economic development. Investing in these zones can lead to deferral, reduction and even the potential elimination of certain capital gains taxes. However, they often require a long-term investment horizon, and retirees must be well-versed with the specifics of the chosen opportunity zone.

Rental income remains a favorite for many looking for consistent returns. Whether through direct property ownership or Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), real estate can offer passive income, tax benefits and appreciation. Yet, the

responsibilities tied to property management, the uncertainties of market fluctuations and other associated costs must not be ignored.

The backbone of many retirement plans, Social Security Income, provides a safety net for millions. Established with the intent of financial assistance, the amount one receives depends on various factors. There are also strategies retirees can employ to maximize these benefits, such as deciding on the optimal time to claim or considering the implications of working while receiving benefits.

ESTATE PLANNING AND PHILANTHROPY

Beyond the immediate realm of retirement, estate planning emerges. This encompasses not just post-retirement arrangements but also asset distribution for future generations or charitable endeavors. Regularly reviewing wills, trusts and beneficiary designations ensures alignment with changing circumstances.

Philanthropy seamlessly integrates with retirement plans. Beyond fulfilling a personal mission to give back, it also carries financial benefits. Using instruments like donor-advised funds or charitable trusts lets individuals make impactful societal contributions while enjoying tax advantages.

You only get one retirement. In the ever-evolving world of finance, staying updated and flexible is essential to ensure the continued relevance and efficiency of one's retirement strategy.

Disclosures

Securities offered only by duly registered individuals of Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals of Csenge Advisory Group, LLC. MAS, Csenge Advisory Group, LLC and Impact Wealth, LLC are not affiliated entities.   Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. This is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Our firm is not permitted to offer and no statement made during this presentation shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency.

Every retirement journey is distinct, and each vision merits expert guidance. Impact Wealth is based in Boulder Colorado. You can contact them at Impact@ImpactWealth.com.

APRIL 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 6TH

Charlotte Brewfest

South End Station, 201 E Bland St, Charlotte, NC | 1:00 PM

Enjoy unlimited sampling of beers and ciders, all from local and regional breweries! Grab your tickets in advance for an early bird discount!

APRIL 12TH

Weekend Friend and Sunhouse Band at Evening Muse

The Evening Muse | 10:00 PM

Spend an evening listening to music from local bands and having a drink at Evening Muse, located in the heart of Noda!

APRIL 14TH

Charlotte StrEATs Festival

900 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC | 12:00 PM

Celebrate Charlotte's culinary scene (for free) at this festival and enjoy celebrity chef appearances and the annual Neighborhood Cookoff!

APRIL 17TH

WYTV7's Youth Entrepreneurial Pitch Competition

10505 Clear Creek Commerce, Mint Hill, NC | 10:00 AM

Come out and watch various students pitch their business ideas and potentially launch their enterprises!

APRIL 27TH

Kenny Chesney at Bank of America Stadium

Bank of America Stadium 800 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC | 5:00 PM

Come out to Bank of America Stadium and enjoy some classic, country music under the Carolina sun!

APRIL 27TH

'Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival

19725 Oak Street, Cornelius, NC 28031 | 2:00 PM

Experience Lake Norman's most exceptional artists and musicians with 2 live bands, over 100 local artist displays and much more!

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