This Saturday, the Lost at the Lake summer concert series kicks off at Lost Worlds Brewing with an epic tribute to Led Zeppelin. But behind the scenes, a whole lot of passion, planning, and purpose went into creating this one-of-a-kind live music experience for Lake Norman.

At the heart of it is Joe Hunsaker, Program Manager at the Cain Center for the Arts. After 12 years at Blumenthal in Charlotte—working his way from front-of-house to programming and eventually launching events like the Queen City Comedy Experience—Joe found his passion in blending performance and community. The pandemic shifted his focus outdoors, where he fell in love with curating festivals and concerts under the sky. He joined the Cain Center in February and jumped straight into building Lost at the Lake alongside Lost Worlds Brewing.

We caught up with Joe to hear more about what it takes to launch a concert series, how the lineup came together, and why this experience is something special for our community.

BUY TIckets

How did the idea for Lost at the Lake come about?

When I joined the Cain Center, Dave from Lost Worlds and Justin at Cain Center were already in talks to create a live music series at the brewery. Dave wanted to bring something special to brewery for his guests and book bigger-name bands using the backlot behind the taproom, and Justin was looking for a larger outdoor space than Cain could provide. It just clicked—it was a natural partnership that combined great beer with a bigger outdoor stage for music.

What’s your starting point when curating a lineup like this?

For Lost at the Lake, it was all about the Lake Norman crowd – but this is also turning out to be a big attraction for the Charlotte area. We wanted to speak to what this community enjoys—especially people who love craft beer and a good time. Tribute bands like Good Times Bad Times are a perfect fit.

How do you choose the bands?

Availability and popularity play a big role, but you can’t ignore the local appeal. Tribute bands are huge here, and Led Zeppelin has such timeless energy. That vibe fits perfectly with Lost Worlds’ adventurous brand and crowd. This is our kick-off, and it only gets better from here. The Cleverys and Sister Hazel have both played to sold out crowds at the Cain Center and we expect the same this summer. Verve Pipe will bring it all home in August and I can’t wait to hear them perform.

What kind of atmosphere are you hoping to create at these shows?

Fun, high-energy, and memorable. The first show is over Memorial Day weekend, so we want it to feel like the party highlight of the long weekend. Led Zeppelin’s music just brings the energy. The Verve Pipe and Sister Hazel later this summer will do the same in their own way. Combine that with awesome craft beer, wine, cocktails and food trucks for a great overall experience. People can bring their own chairs and sit near the stage soak it all in.

What do most people not see when it comes to planning a concert like this?

The logistics are wild—stage inspections, county permits, vendor coordination, security. But the biggest hurdle? Convincing big-name bands to take a chance on a first-time series at a new venue. Once they get here, though, they get it. Every band on the line-up are excited to come to Lost Worlds.

Walk us through your show day.

It starts early. Stage crew arrives in the morning, staff is setting up tents and barricades by noon. Food trucks roll in mid-afternoon, volunteers and ticket scanning staff arrive by 3. Sound check. Doors open. Then the gates open at 4 PM and the opening act starts around 4:15. That’s when the energy shifts—it’s amazing!

What makes Lost at the Lake stand out from other local music events?

The bands. Having acts like The Verve Pipe and Sister Hazel in a venue this intimate is rare. You’re getting big-name energy without driving uptown or dealing with parking decks. That’s the magic.

What moment are you most proud of so far?

Booking Sister Hazel was a big one. Tons of scheduling conflicts, but we made it work. Personally, I can’t wait to see the crowd react to The Verve Pipe—they’re an incredible live band. I think the entire team should be proud of getting this series launched and being here for the first show will feel special.

Why do you think live music matters—especially in a space like Lost Worlds?

Live music brings people together like nothing else. I saw a stat that said going to concerts regularly can add nine years to your life. That makes sense to me—this is about joy, connection, and shared experience. And when you don’t have to drive far to get it? That’s powerful.

Final question—what’s your favorite Lost Worlds beer?

Right now, I’m all about Zorita. I’m a big fan of hazy IPAs, and I’ve got my eye on trying Gold Krush next (which I understand is on tap in one of the two beer tents out in the concert venue!)

Don’t Miss the First Show:
Good Times Bad Times – Led Zeppelin Experience
📍 Lost Worlds Brewing, 19700 One Norman Blvd.

🗓 Saturday, May 25 | ⏰ Doors Open at 4 PM
🎟 Buy Your Tickets Now — Great beer, great music, and the start of something big

Behind the Music: Meet the Man Curating the Sounds of Lost at the Lake