CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Today, the Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee announced the entertainment schedule for CarolinaFest 2012.

CarolinaFest is a free family-friendly Labor Day celebration that will occur in Uptown Charlotte on Monday, September 3, 2012 and will feature interactive expositions, family oriented-activities, live music, speakers, and history in the making. The event will be held on Tryon Street in the heart of convention facilities and serve as the kick-off to the 2012 Democratic National Convention. CarolinaFest will feature two stages with live performances and speakers. The Main Stage will be located at the intersection of Trade and Tryon Streets and the “Carolina Stage” will be located at the intersection of Levine Avenue of the Arts and Tryon Street, both in Uptown Charlotte.

The following is the entertainment schedule for CarolinaFest:

MAIN STAGE SCHEDULE

• 12:00 PM: Opening Ceremonies Parade featuring Johnson C. Smith Marching Band
• 12:05 PM: National Anthem: Anthony Hamilton
• 12:20 PM – 1:00 PM: Janelle Monáe
• 2:05 PM – 2:40 PM: Simplified
• 3:40 PM – 4:25 PM: Jeff Bridges
• 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM: James Taylor

CAROLINA STAGE SCHEDULE

• 1:05 PM – 1:50 PM: Blue Dogs
• 2:45 PM – 3:00 PM: Radio Disney
• 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: West End Mambo
• 4:30 PM – 5:05 PM: Chairman of the Board

As a recording and touring artist, James Taylor has set a precedent to which countless young musicians have aspired. His warm baritone and style of guitar playing are among the most distinctive in popular music. Although he was born in Massachusetts, having grown up in Chapel Hill, he is a favorite son of North Carolina. Taylor has sold more than 50 million albums since his career began in 1968 when he was signed to The Beatles’ Apple Records. He has earned 40 gold, platinum, and multi-platinum awards and five Grammy Awards. In March 2011, Mr. Taylor was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama in a ceremony at the White House.

One of Hollywood’s most successful actors and a six-time Academy Award® nominee, Jeff Bridges’ performance in “Crazy Heart”—as Bad Blake, the down-on-his-luck, alcoholic country music singer at the center of the drama—deservedly garnered the iconic performer his first Oscar® for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role. The performance also earned him the Golden Globe, SAG Award and the IFP/Spirit Award for Lead Actor. He is currently the national spokesman for Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign to end childhood hunger in America. Through his company, AsIs Productions, he produced “Hidden in America,” which starred his brother Beau. That television movie, produced for Showtime, received a Golden Globe nomination in 1996 for Best TV/Cable Film and garnered a Screen Actors Guild nod for Best Actor for Beau Bridges. The film was also nominated for two Emmy Awards.

Vogue Magazine has called Janelle Monáe “a different kind of diva” and Sean “Diddy” Combs says that she is “a true visionary” and “one of the most important signings of his career.” For the singer/songwriter, however, the impetus remains the same as it’s been since before her Grammy-nominated debut EP Metropolis: Suite I: The Chase captured the imaginations of fans and artists. Her first full-length LP, The ArchAndroid, remains focused on stirring your soul, moving your feet and simply, creating good music. The ArchAndroid received acclaim from critics and a Grammy Nomination for Best Contemporary R&B Album. Her single "Tightrope" was also nominated for "Best Urban/Alternative Performance." Featured guests of her work include the legendary Big Boi of OutKast, renowned poet Saul Williams, the psychedelic dance-punk troupe Of Montreal, and punk prophets Deep Cotton. She has joined No Doubt, Paramore and Erykah Badu in international cities, including Istanbul, Berlin, Moscow and New York.