Can you hear the music in the air? Confluence, the Carolinas' can't-miss music conference, returns to the Queen City Wednesday, Oct. 9-Friday, Oct. 11. The multi-day conference boasts live performances by local and regional artists, panel discussions, and workshops.

"Confluence is where the music community of Charlotte and the Carolinas gather,” said Rick Thurmond of Charlotte Center City Partners and Music Everywhere CLT, the producers of Confluence.

Do you need to be in the music industry to enjoy the conference? Not at all. "I think most of us listen to music in some form or fashion," added Thurmond. "A lot of us go see live music, so we're naturally curious as to how the industry works."

Confluence features many live performances across several venues in the Queen City. | Photo via Carben Events

The setlist

The conference begins Wednesday, Oct. 9 with panel discussions and workshops across several spaces inside the AvidXchange Music Factory.

Music and all-access passes are still available to attend the conference workshops and events. Click here for the conference schedule.

At night, artists from across the Carolinas will perform across seven music venues in Uptown, NoDa, and Plaza-Midwood, on Thursday, Oct. 10 and Friday, Oct. 11.

Editor's note: If only interested in attending the live performances, guests can purchase a music pass for $45.

What's new this year? A free block party is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 11 at the lot between The Hamilton and VBGB. Guests can expect networking, vendors, games, and live music. The party kicks off at 3:30 p.m. Registration is encouraged.

"I think Charlotte is a music city," added Thurmond. "If you work in music in North America and you want to know what's happening in the incredible music scene of North and South Carolina, you come to Confluence. You'll see the hot talent up and coming in those states."