When people describe Walter Boston as only a drummer, I already know they’ve never seen
him perform live. Because what Walter does is far more than keep rhythm—he commands
energy. He’s a DJ, producer, percussionist, and pure showman whose performances feel less
like a set and more like an experience.

During our conversation, Walter told me about a turning point in his journey: a spontaneous
performance on the beach during a family vacation. He had a creative nudge he couldn’t
shake—so he packed up his drum kit and set up on the sand as the sun began to dip. Then,
something unexpected happened: a college band staying at a nearby hotel heard his beats, felt
the energy, and showed up with their own instruments. While Walter extended the offer to
collaborate, that synergy never materialized. Whether it was competition or just timing, the
magic didn’t spark between them—but it didn’t need to. The next day, Walter’s video from that
beach performance started going viral, and everything changed.

Raised in the small town of Ahoskie, NC, Walter’s musical roots run deep. At just five years old,
he felt a spark watching a drummer at his father’s church. That moment lit a fire that’s never
gone out. He thought he’d follow that beat all the way to Greensboro and join Cold Steel—the
famed drumline at North Carolina A&T State University—but destiny had other plans, leading
him to Charlotte instead. Over time, Walter’s artistry evolved—shaped by gospel roots, refined
through choir and chamber ensembles, and sharpened by Charlotte’s unique music scene.
Along the way, he taught himself piano, began producing his own music, and started carving out
a lane that’s completely his own.

While his setlist for Got Soul is still in the works, one thing’s certain: expect the unexpected. “I
might make a playlist and not use any of it,” he laughs. “I just read the crowd and go.” Whether
it’s hip-hop, house, rock, or top 40, Walter is ready to shift the vibe and turn up the energy. His
high-impact performances are built on crowd connection and improvisation, creating a moment
that’s as unforgettable as it is unrepeatable.

Offstage, Walter is a creative force with a long-term vision. He draws inspiration from the raw
power of Travis Barker, the soulful depth of Questlove, the curatorial genius of DJ Drama, the
strategic independence of Ryan Leslie, and the catalog-building hustle of Russ. His ultimate
goal? To build a platform that inspires people to be themselves, stay consistent, and chase their
dreams with everything they’ve got.

Walter Boston hits the Got Soul stage at 4:00 PM sharp—and trust me, you’re going to
want to catch the whole set. “Come slap my hand. Come jump with me. Throw some water on
me—I don’t care,” he says. “Just be ready, because I’m ready.”

​I’ve interviewed a lot of people—authors, fashion icons, entrepreneurs, even a few music
legends—but let me tell you something. From the moment Charnel Allen, also known as
CHARNALIEN, opened her mouth, I felt it. Goosebumps. I was scrolling through her videos
preparing for our conversation and immediately said to myself, “Oh, homegirl can sing sing.” Not
the "I sing in the shower" kind (which I do), but the “I was born to do this and heaven gave me lungs to prove it” kind of singing.

When we connected, her energy was just as magnetic as her voice—bubbly, grounded, and full
of heart. By the end of our convo, she was doing riffs with my name just for fun. She’s that kind
of dope.
​
Charnel’s story begins in Chester, Pennsylvania, shaped deeply by the musical legacy of her
late mother, Lena Allen—a powerhouse herself who sang throughout the tri-state area and
became Charnel’s first vocal coach, mentor, and biggest inspiration. Her mother’s influence
shows up in every note Charnel sings. “She made sure I was exposed to everything,” Charnel
told me, explaining how she learned to harmonize with the hum of a vacuum cleaner and
compose melodies to the ticking of a clock.
​
Now based in Charlotte, NC, Charnel’s voice has taken her around the world. She had the
opportunity to sing background vocals during the Super Bowl XXIV and Super Bowl XXV
performances of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”—also known as the Black National Anthem. She’s
also sung background vocals for Fantasia at the TIME Magazine Awards, worked with K.
Michelle, Mindless Behavior, and lent her voice to campaigns for BET, AT&T, ESPN, and more.
But even with the accolades, she remains rooted.

On April 26, Charnel will hit the Got Soul stage backed by The Darrin Jackson Encounter, her
go-to band for creating magic. Expect festival anthems and yes—maybe even a line dance with
your boots and fans. “I want people to feel love, connection, freedom,” she told me. “I want it to
feel like the best parts of home.”

And trust me: it will.

Charnel Allen’s performance at Got Soul is sponsored by Michael Londyn Realty Group.

 CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 20, 2024) - The South Charlotte Chapter of Jack and Jill of
America, Inc. is thrilled to announce an electrifying update to its inaugural "Got Soul: Savor the Culture" event. Legendary performer DJ Kool, known for his hit "Let Me Clear My Throat," will be the featured entertainer, bringing his dynamic energy and sensational soul to The Amp Ballantyne this spring. The event will be hosted by the charismatic duo Fly Ty and Jacinda, renowned for their engaging presence and extensive experience in entertainment.

DJ Kool, the evening's headline act, is a celebrated figure in the music world, known for
electrifying audiences with his iconic party anthems and energetic DJ sets. His timeless track, "Let Me Clear My Throat," continues to be a staple in music playlists around the globe,
showcasing his ability to get people on their feet and dancing. With a career spanning over
three decades, DJ Kool's contributions to hip hop and dance music have left an indelible mark on the industry. His performance at "Got Soul: Savor the Culture" is poised to be a highlight of the event, offering attendees a chance to experience live the infectious energy and spirited beats that have defined his career.

Fly Ty and Jacinda, the beloved in-arena hosts for the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, have captivated audiences nationwide, including at the NBA All-star game and numerous national events. This dynamic husband and wife team has become the most sought-after co-host duo lead the "Flyty and Jacinda’s Sunday Morning Inspiration" show on V1019-FM. "
​
"Got Soul: Savor the Culture" promises an immersive experience that celebrates cultural
heritage and fosters community connections. Scheduled for April 27, 2024, the event will
support local nonprofits including Do Greater, Families Forward Charlotte, and Freedom Within Walls, alongside the Jack and Jill Foundation. This outdoor festival at The Amp Ballantyne will feature live music, art installations, local culinary delights, and unique VIP experiences.

Dr. Kimberly Odom, President of the South Charlotte Chapter, emphasizes, "Bringing DJ Kool, alongside Fly Ty and Jacinda, to our event underscores our commitment to delivering an
unforgettable experience. Their involvement enriches our celebration of culture and community, aligning perfectly with our mission to support local organizations and foster positive change in Charlotte."

For ticket information and updates, please sign up for email notifications at
www.cltgotsoul.com/subscribe.
​
For more details on "Got Soul: Savor the Culture" and the South Charlotte Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., visit the Chapter’s website www.JackandJillSouthCharlotte.org or the official event website, www.cltgotsoul.com.

# # #

(CHARLOTTE, N.C., January 11, 2024) - The South Charlotte Chapter of Jack and Jill of
America, Inc. proudly announces the launch of its inaugural event, "Got Soul: Savor the
Culture." This festival-style event, celebrating community and culture, is slated to take place this
spring at The Amp Ballantyne. Poised to become an annual signature occurrence, the 2024
event will support three local nonprofits--Do Greater, Families Forward Charlotte, and Freedom
Within Walls—as well as the Jack and Jill Foundation.
​
“Got Soul: Savor the Culture is an immersive experience that celebrates our rich cultural
heritage and fosters meaningful connections,” said Bonika Wilson, the South Charlotte
Chapter's Foundation Chair. “This festival-style event is a unique experience that embodies the
spirit of community and culture.”
​
Scheduled for April 27, 2024, at The Amp Ballantyne, this outdoor amphitheater is the ideal
venue for an array of experiences. Attendees can look forward to an afternoon packed with live
music, immersive art installations, culinary treats from local food trucks, and exclusive VIP
experiences, including cigar rolling and whiskey tasting sessions.

Dr. Kimberly Odom, President of the South Charlotte Chapter, expressed her vision for the
event, saying, "This inaugural Got Soul: Savor the Culture marks a significant milestone for us,
especially as our first major public event post-pandemic. We are proud to support phenomenal
local organizations while celebrating the rich tapestry of our culture. This event symbolizes our
commitment to fostering community ties and nurturing the seeds of positive change in
Charlotte."

A central aspect of Got Soul's mission is to raise awareness and support for selected local
community service organizations. Tiffani Jones, Foundation Co-Chair, shared her enthusiasm.

​​"By supporting Do Greater, Families Forward Charlotte, and Freedom Within Walls, as well as
our National Organization, The Jack and Jill Foundation, we're actively participating in shaping a
brighter future for our community. Each of these organizations embodies a spirit of hope and
change, and it's an honor to help amplify their incredible work through Got Soul: Savor the
Culture.”
​
Details on tickets and experiences will be announced soon. In the meantime, please sign up for
email updates to stay informed and get early access to ticketing information. Simply visit this link
to join our mailing list. The South Charlotte Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. anticipates
a crowd of up to 1,000 attendees at this exciting new event. For more information, please visit
www.JackandJillSouthCharlotte.org.