If you grew up with MTV on cable and cassette tapes in your car, you already know what a full room sounds like when the opening synth line of “Take On Me” drops. Kids In America brings that exact energy to Hickory Tavern in Ballantyne on Friday, November 20th, delivering two full sets of live 80s covers with the kind of precision that only comes from a band that’s spent over a decade perfecting the decade.
This is the show where you get power ballads next to hip hop breaks, hair metal guitar solos next to new wave synth lines, all played live with no backing tracks. The setlist moves fast, the crowd sings loud, and the band knows how to read a room.
Show Details
Kids In America takes the stage at Hickory Tavern on Friday, November 20th, 2026, at 8:00 PM. The venue is located at 12210 Copper Way in Charlotte’s Ballantyne area, near the intersection of Johnston Road and I-485. Doors and any ticket requirements should be confirmed directly with the venue closer to showtime.
About Kids In America
Kids In America is a six-piece 80s cover band built on years of live experience and a shared commitment to recreating the decade exactly as it sounded. Shannon Remley and Ray Hartsfield handle female and male lead vocals. Shannon’s powerhouse vocals and energy along with Ray’s charisma and showmanship make for the ultimate male-female lead vocal combo upfront. Roey Haviv plays bass guitar and bass synth, GK Via covers lead guitar and lead and background vocals, Rob Bowser on keyboards and synths, and Mike Graci handles drums and electronic percussion. This 6 piece very talented band plays everything live with no tracks, covering pop, hair metal, new wave, hip hop and dance with the kind of precision and accuracy that comes from over a thousand shows for just over a decade.
What You Will Hear
Expect the kind of night where you might hear “Livin’ on a Prayer” into “Push It,” “Sweet Child o’ Mine” next to “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” or “Jump” followed by “Like a Prayer.” The setlist pulls from Bon Jovi, Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Def Leppard, and dozens more, spanning arena rock anthems, dance floor staples, and sing-along pop hits. If it made you rewind the tape in 1987, it’s probably on the list.
About the Venue
Hickory Tavern in Ballantyne offers a neighborhood sports-bar atmosphere with a full menu, multiple screens, and a layout that works well for live music. The venue is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM and Friday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to midnight. It sits in the Streets at Toringdon retail area, making it easy to park and grab dinner before the band starts.
Plan Your Night
Show up early if you want a spot close to the stage, and bring your friends who still remember every word to “Don’t Stop Believin’.” For the latest details on doors, cover, and any reservations, check the venue’s official event listing or call Hickory Tavern at (704) 295-9009. This is the kind of Friday night that starts with one drink and ends with you singing backup vocals to an entire room.