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7. Get your pulse racing at United House of Prayer's Gospel Shout concert.

Every spring, the United House of Prayer showcases an event that gets even the most debauched heathens in the pews: They bring out the trombone choir for the annual Gospel Shout concert. Though they turn it out for the concert, they also play throughout the year. The band sounds like jazz, blues and gospel on steroids, and is funky beyond compare. Steeped in history, culture and soul, if you aren't on your feet, check your pulse — you just might be dead. 2321 Beatties Ford Road. 704-394-3884.

8. Don your best gold (and blue) at Johnson C. Smith University's homecoming.

Charlotte's only historically black university is doing big things: winning multi-million-dollar grants, opening the Mosaic Village retail center and expanding community outreach. If you haven't yet explored campus for a public lecture or cultural day, the best reason to go is the homecoming parade in the fall. Royal courts, intricate floats, booming bands, step shows, majorettes, tailgating and trash talk. Oh, and a little ol' football game, if you're interested, between some of the longest-standing rivals in the state. Go Bulls! 100 Beatties Ford Road. 704-378-1000. www.jcsu.edu.

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