CL Movie Ratings
Star ratings for movies playing in Charlotte.
Harry Taylor is not a man you can ignore
North Carolinians should be meeting the continual refusal by incumbent Rep. Sue Myrick to debate Congressional candidate Harry Taylor with total disgust.
Prevue, 10/24/08
The last Synthesis party from Single Cell Productions, the folks who put on Purgatory, was held at Prevue in NoDa on Friday night. Photos by Jeaumane McIntosh.
$50 giveaway!
We are giving away one $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE to Pewter Rose! To enter the giveaway, just answer the following question in the Comments section of this post: What are you dressing up as for Halloween? We will run this contest through Friday, Oct. 31. There is no limit on how many entries allowed per person,…
NASCAR legend Johnson supports Obama
Barack Obama is continuing to get support from some surprising folks.
Usher, Hill Harper in Charlotte
Singer, actor hit town for rally
Tenacious D, Beastie Boys to visit CPCC?
It’s not confirmed, but Tenacious D, the Beastie Boys and others might visit CPCC today.
See Jared on YouTube
Ex-CL employee Jared Neumark’s comedy production company has a video spoof of Sarah Palin’s $150,000 clothing tab.
The Boys are back in town
Beastie Boys set to hit Amos’ Southend tonight.
Madison’s, 10/24/08
It isn’t quite Halloween yet, but these folks decided to get their costumes on anyway for a “Roaring 20s” themed 30th birthday party at Madison’s. It was quite Great Gatsby-esque!
HOM, 10/24/08
Uptown magazine hosted their “Charlotte’s Sexiest” party at HOM on Friday night. The 7 sexiest people, chosen by the magazine, auctioned off their gift packages to benefit the Make a Wish foundation at the party. One package went for $7,000!
Today’s Top 5
The five best events going down in Charlotte today, Oct. 27.
Live Review: Mediaeval Baebes
Live review of Mediaeval Baebes performance at Tremont Music Hall.
No Glory in standard cop tale
Pride and Glory: Saga about police corruption offers nothing new.
Quote this
Palin considers herself an intellectual.
Live…from New York
I am in a New York state of mind…Perhaps because I am sitting on a Jet Blue flight relishing in the fact I didn’t have to pay to check my luggage and enjoying my free soda and snacks. I was up in NYC for an interview on MAXIM Radio on Sirius Satellite for the Stretch…
Dwayne Collins sides with George Dunlap
Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg chairman Dwayne Collins, who sought appointment to the late Valerie Woodard’s District 3 Mecklenburg County Commission seat, is now urging commissioners to seat the man who beat him out for the appointment.
That B was lying
The McCain worker who said she was attacked and maimed in the name of politics was lying like when Sarah Palin took her kids on official trips for the state of Alaska.
Free ice cream for voting
Ben & Jerry’s will give you ice cream if you vote.
An afternoon snack for you
Bacon-sprinkled donuts. Here you go. You’re welcome! Photograph by Matthew Amster-Burton
Show it off for some $$$
Here’s where to party and flaunt your costume for some cash.
Parties to check out tonight
It’s Friday: Time to party!
The Wine Shop at RiverGate
Tonight is the grand opening of the Wine Shop at RiverGate. The opening will feature free food and music, and of course, wine.
Dunlap’s ire will trump GOP’s snarkiness
As Dunlap once told the Observer, “Sometimes I like a good fight.” Trouble is, George, sometimes others do, too.
10-in-10
10 CD reviews done in 10 words.
It came from Craigslist … again
Lookee here … another bizarre ad from the Charlotte edition of Craigslist. And if you’re an older dude, you definitely want to check this out: Looking for hard, fast, casual encounter – w4m – 19 Reply to: pers-887561240@craigslist.org Date: 2008-10-21, 11:15PM EDT I’ve got a sweet little body, 5’3 109, white. I just honestly want…
The granddaddy of all BBQs
It was good old-fashioned politicking yesterday at the Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church Barbeque. As soon as I walked into the crowd, John Totten, who is running for District Judge, handed me a flyer and shook my hand. But the cars that backed up Mallard Creek Road were not filled with people trying to meet politicians.…
Something is fishy
By now you’ve heard the news of the 20 year old McCain worker who was robbed at an ATM, beaten and had a “B” carved into her face.
It came from Craigslist
More bizarre ads from that wacky site
The Garden & Gun Club, 10/23/08
Sexual Chocolate Thursdays at The Garden & Gun club are filled with silky and smooth soulful house music with DJ Johnnie Davis. Photos by Tricia Gills.
Today’s Top 5
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Oct. 24, 2008 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Country singer Junior Brown at Neighborhood Theatre • Night of the Living Dead on stage at Carolina Actors Studio Theatre • Sotac Magazine’s soiree L’art e Vita…
Mediaeval Baebes in Charlotte
Mediaeval Baebes are set to play Tremont Music Hall tonight.
More shame for N.C.
New reports of hecklers protesting democracy in the name of McCain and Palin.
Crown City Rockers in the Q.C.
Check out this video, then check out the live show tonight
New Jazzanova CD
Take a look and listen to sounds (and sights) from Of All the Things, the new album by the six-member, Berlin-based, nu-jazz/soul collective known as Jazzanova:
A Trader Joe’s favorite
Can’t go wrong with the delicious chicken gyoza potstickers from TJ’s.
Local GOP attack ads
Mailer claims Kay Hagan will “advance a radical homosexual agenda, remove ‘Under God’ from the Pledge of Allegiance, and force the Boy Scouts to accept gay and atheist troop leaders.”
Listen to first single from “Chinese Democracy”
Guns N Roses has released the first single from its upcoming, long-awaited CD, Chinese Democracy. In related news, Dr. Pepper has said they will give a free can of soda to everyone in America if the album comes out this year. Details are here. You can hear the first single here. It’s a little heavier…
Choosing a candidate
Here are some interest groups and other folks whose endorsements might give a little guidance.
Why not George?
Why are Republicans on the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners opposed George Dunlap?
Apostrophe Lounge, 10/22/08
Our weekly Pop Life party was alive and kicking at Apostrophe Lounge last night despite the chilly weather. Miss this week’s party? There is always next Wednesday! Same place, same time. See you there! Photos by Renaul Hill, Charlotte Vibe Photography.
Opie and Andy endorse Barack
Watch Ron Howard and N.C. native Andy Griffith reprise their old characters to endorse Obama. Henry Winkler shows up too.
Crown City Rockers invade Queen City
Crown City Rockers perform tonight at Visulite Theatre.
Free taco
Run to your nearest Taco Bell restaurant this coming Tuesday, Oct. 28 for a free taco.
Posh uses poop on her face
Bird droppings keeps her glowing.
Today’s Top 5
The five best events going down in Charlotte, Oct. 23.
Meaty art
In Russia, great pieces of art are getting recreated with using a new medium — sausage.
Scholarships for victims of domestic violence
The Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (www.wispinc.org ) in Wilmington, NC has received a $30 million dollar gift from Maryland philanthropist Doris Buffet for scholarships that help women go back to school after leaving abusive partners.
Early voting update
Help finding a good place to vote early
Al-Qaida hopes for McCain win
New web message states that terrorists hope for a Republican president to continue Bush’s failed wars.
$150,000 just to dress Sarah Palin
GOP goes shopping at Neiman Marcus for Palin.
Paul Newman’s Peaks
Paul Newman’s finest performances.
If you had to rate the police. . .
Normally, I don’t take survey phone calls. But last night, I received an interesting one about the service of Charlotte Mecklenburg Police.
Whisky River, 10/21/08
It was a toga party last night at Whisky River and party people came out in their sexiest white-hot Greek goddess outfits. Photos by Renaul Hill, Charlotte Vibe Photography.
The ‘bam!’ man Emeril Lagasse in Charlotte
Chef Emeril Lagasse made an appearance at SouthPark Mall yesterday for a cooking demonstration and book signing.
Red-tailed hawk snacks on roadkill
Red-tailed hawk eats a snack he finds on Seaboard St.
Today’s Top 5
The five best events going down in Charlotte, Oct. 22.
$17 for…not much
What you get for the money.
RECIPE: Pumpkin muffins
Here’s another pumpkin recipe for all you fellow bakers out there.
Making TRACES at Spirit Square
Traces makes its way to McGlohon Theatre.
Live Review: Flagship Brigade
Live review of Flagship Brigade, Cannon Hill and Jimmy Brown who played Visulite Theatre on Oct. 19.
Commissioner George Dunlap
Dunlap’s election wouldn’t be complete without Bill James putting his two cents in it.
More right-wing vileness
More vileness from McCain-Palin supporters. (Caution: Offensive content.)
Mayor Butthead has the hots for Palin
It’s a rare to see local TV and a local politician at their worst at the same time, but here’s your chance.
Live Review: The Duhks
Live review of The Duhks, The Hackensaw Boys and Kellin Watson, who performed at Neighborhood Theatre on Oct. 18.
Free item at Bath & Body Works
Print this coupon to get a freebie from Bath & Body Works
Dunkin’ Donuts or Starbucks coffee?
Dunkin Donuts beats out Starbucks in taste test.
State pride?
Two depressing stories from N.C. will sadly ensure backward redneck jokes from the rest of the nation at our expense.
DVD: What’s In Stores Today
New DVDs in stores today.
Free Starbucks
Get a free cappuccino from your local Barnes & Noble Starbucks with this coupon. The offer good is until the end of October. Go cozy up with a book and coffee. Count this an early Christmas present from us to you. 😉
Today’s Top 5
The five best events going down in Charlotte, Oct. 21.
The Secret Life of Bees is buzz-worthy
Writer-director Gina Prince-Bythewood cut her teeth in television before making her theatrical debut with 2000’s award-winning Love & Basketball, an exquisite love story that should have opened the Hollywood floodgates for the enterprising auteur. Yet for whatever reason, Prince-Bythewood has spent the past eight years back in TV Land (gigs include directing an episode apiece…
Madonna erred in eschewing a pre-nup
Madonna and Guy Ritchie are getting divorced. Surprised? I don’t know why. Ray Charles could have seen this coming. Madonna is the queen of reinvention, so it’s unrealistic to think that a woman who constantly reinvents her style, expression and interests would not have a need to do so in a marriage. Yes, they took…
Max Payne: Ouch
Imagine The Constant Gardener after a frontal lobotomy, and that’s basically Max Payne in a nutshell. The latest bomb based on a popular video game (a lamentable tradition that has brought such works as Super Mario Bros. and Mortal Kombat to the big screen), the film stars Mark Wahlberg as the title character, a New…
Contemplating a Charlotte without Wachovia or Bank of America
As the economy teeters and many Charlotteans worry about whether they’ll be employed next week, the shiny shoes crowd is contemplating the mother of all spending binges. They’re keeping it largely on the down low for now, until the election is over. Then they plan to wallop taxpayers with a list of Uptown development projects…
Washington’s high-priced wine industry
Meeting the wine people of eastern Washington is like meeting that minor league pitcher with a 97 mph fastball. These grape growers have a refreshing love of the game without that superstar big-league wine country flash. When I visited in 2006, the number of wineries approached 400. Now, it’s almost 600, cranking out 7.5 million…
Review of Die Mommie Die
Beneath the veneer of Puritan piety and respectability, there’s a rich substratum of lust, greed, and prurience in our cultural life — and of course, a vein of violence that’s as American as cherry pie. That’s the message at the core of Charles Busch’s lovingly satiric ode to Hollywood hypocrisy, Die Mommie Die, now at…
A yen for Yen’s Chinese Restaurant
Favorite haunt sure to lift anyone’s spirits
SPECIAL EVENT:Traces
The quintet group of performers, who make up part of the Montreal-based company Les 7 Doights De Le Main aka The 7 Fingers really know how to bust the moves. In the group’s show Traces they twist, turn, flip, climb, bounce and land with balance, ease and lots of skill. But the show isn’t just…
Interview with Zebra chef Jim Alexander
In 1979, Jim Alexander had tried his hand at a few different careers, including metallurgy and carpentry, and not been able to find his niche with any of them. It was then that he came across an article for The Culinary Institute of America, and the rest is history. He now owns and is the…
SPECIAL EVENT: A Novello Evening With Sara Paretsky
Author Sara Paretsky has got an itch for writing crafty detective novels that evoke mystery through crime. Her series of V.I. Warshawski detective novels were a hit and she keeps on writing, most recently releasing her 14th novel titled Bleeding Kansas. Hear words from the author as A Novello Evening With Sara Paretsky gives you…
Mark Oliver Everett writes inspirational story
E of the rock band Eels has one heck of a life
Junior Brown stirs up some country
He calls his sound free-range country, a hayride that takes you from Hendrix to Hawaii via Nashville. Junior Brown is old-school country, following the precepts idol and mentor Ernest Tubb instilled in him — it’s OK to experiment, but “keep it country, son.” Brown’s take on that advice includes some original country-fried novelty tunes showcasing…
CD Review: Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman’s The Fabled City
The Deal: Rage Against the Machine guitarist releases sophomore solo disc. The Good: Shedding his guitar-shredding image and picking up an acoustic guitar was no easy task, but Morello sounds a lot more comfortable on his second effort. Instead of binding himself to an only-acoustic rule, Morello adds some drums and effects to widen the…
Charlotte Bestsellers List
1. The Virgin’s Lover by Philippa Gregory 2. Wicked Weaves: A Renaissance Faire Mystery by Joyce and Jim Lavene 3. Without Precedent: The Life of Susie Marshall Sharp by Anna R. Hayes 4. The Girls by Lori Lansens 5. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski 6. Down River by John Hart 7. Against…
The Crystal Method gets political
Band uses part of Obama speech in remix of first single
CD Review: Jenny Lewis’ Acid Tongue
The Deal: Rilo Kiley frontwoman releases sophomore solo effort. The Good: It’s a steadfast follow-up to her 2006 release, Rabbit Fur Coat. She’s got plenty of guests in tow – Elvis Costello, The Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson, Zooey Deschanel, Paz Lenchantin and Charlotte’s own Benji Hughes. “The Next Messiah” is a long country rumbler –…
Traces: Acrobats with attitude
Looking for relief — or escape — from a material world that seems to be crumbling around us? Traces, the Canadian import onstage at Spirit Square through Nov. 16, isn’t offering jokey escapism or sugary solace. As best they can — through set design, live and pre-recorded video and massive dollops of what-the-fuck attitude —…
Lowry set to visit Charlotte
Hickory native and former Charlotte resident Heidi Sidelinker will be making a return to the Queen City with her band, Lowry. Sidelinker often played as a part of the indie rock quintet during the last few years while she was a local resident, but decided not too long ago to pack her things and head…
CD Review: The Broken West’s Now or Heaven
The Deal: Improved second effort from SoCal rockers. The Good: While The Broken West’s 2007 debut had its moments, the debt it owed to the Kinks and other ’60s icons seemed to overwhelm it at times. But its follow-up sounds like the work of a young band settling into its sound, and if there are…
The ultimate damnation of Faust
If you heard the live WDAV-FM broadcast of the Opera Carolina season opener, Charles Gounod’s Faust, and were suitably impressed last Saturday night, an in-person look as the production returns this week to Belk Theater is worth the extra investment. Chester Patton’s debut as Mephostophiles is simply a triumph of the highest magnitude. You’ll hear…
CL previews upcoming shows
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 22 J. Roddy Walston and The Business J. Roddy and his Business men are truly best appreciated live, something that’s often said of bands, but rarely the case. From Baltimore by way of Tennessee, the band comes off as something like Dr. Dog grafted with Th’ Fantastic Shack Shakers, as played by Trail…
MUSIC: Mediaeval Baebes
Just take one look at the English sextet the Mediaeval Baebes and you’ll see they’re hot — even a bit fiery. But beyond the looks is a music ensemble that evokes fantasy and medieval times with soothing harmonies about nature and the circle of life. The band takes lyrics from ancient texts and speaks in…
Will oil drilling cause a planet cave-in?
Never mind the current demand for the stuff — what becomes of the void oil drilling creates? If we pump out millions of barrels per day, we can’t very well leave giant empty caverns, can we? Is the planet on the verge of caving in or what? —- Dan, Long Island Caving in? Please, let’s…
Beastie Boys heading to Amos’ Southend
When Beastie Boys recently announced a Get Out and Vote Tour that was going to hit all of the “swing states” for the upcoming election, I immediately thought of North Carolina being one of those states. The next thought was, “It would be great if they played Charlotte, but they’ll probably pick Raleigh or someplace…
THEATER:Night of the Living Dead
Ahhh! Zombies! They’ll be invading Carolina Actors Studio Theatre on Oct. 24, along with George A. Romero and John A. Russo’s classic horror film Night of the Living Dead. AvantVanGuard presents its own on-stage version full of decayed walking zombies. You know, the ones we all like to see around this time of year. Along…
Bizarre crimes from Charlotte police files
Got the munchies: A man and woman reported a breaking and entering, during which $32.30 in “goods” were stolen, including Little Debbie cakes, chips and hamburger meat. No word on if the thieves brought their own beverages. Casper the common criminal: A woman reported a possible breaking and entering at her residence. She said that…
Fake questions. Real answers.
Q: I notice you have a new section this week in the print version titled “A&E.” What’s up with that? A: Yes, this issue we’re debuting a new section that we’re calling A&E, which stands for — surprise, surprise — arts and entertainment. We created the new section by combining our old Flicks section with…
SPECIAL EVENT: Gravedigger’s Ball 2008 with Katy Perry
This year, Kiss 95.1’s Gravedigger’s Ball 2008 features newbie pop sensation Katy Perry (Think: “I Kissed a Girl” or “Hot ‘N’ Cold”). If you’ve been humming the song or you’re just a hardcore fan with all the Katy Perry gear — down to the doll — this is a must-do. Dress up for a chance…
Horoscope for Oct. 22-28, 2008
Scorpio The Phoenix: (Oct. 23-Nov. 20) The sun returns “home” to your sign this week. You will find it to be energizing. Now is the time to focus on new plans for this next year of your life. Take a fresh look at where you want to direct your energy. Give special attention to the…
‘Latte liberals’ give other progressives a bad name
My blood pressure rises when I hear conservatives like vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin slam liberals for being “elitists.” Not just because of what they’re saying, but also because a lot of my fellow progressives give the right wing ammunition to make the “elitist” charge sound all too true. First things first: It is ridiculous…
THEATER: A Thousand Cranes
You may be teary-eyed after watching A Thousand Cranes, performed by the Tarradiddle Players. The play tells the true story of Sadako Sasaki, who developed leukemia at the age of 12 after an atomic bomb destroyed the village of Hiroshima, where she lived. Survival and a strong aspiration to live gave her the ambition to…
Review of Legion of 3 Worlds No. 3
Legion of 3 Worlds No. 3 Published by DC Comics. Written by Geoff Johns. Pencils by George Perez. Inks by Scott Koblish. The Deal: It’s part three of DC’s futuristic Final Crisis tie-in that brings together three alternate versions of the Legion of Super Heroes and pits them against Superboy Prime and his Legion of…
Help getting around Uptown
If you thought not being able to get gas was bad — imagine having your tire fly off your car while driving on the interstate. Well, let me tell you … it sucks. I took my car to the shop to have my brakes replaced and when the mechanics put my wheels back on, they…
DANCE: Savion Glover
Tap master Savion Glover brings his magical feet to the Q.C. for a night of furious footwork. Rampant taps, slides and stomps make Glover’s feet like an instrument, often providing the extra rhythmic scores to R&B, hip-hop, jazz and Caribbean beats. That’s why he’s a Tony Award-winner with stage credits like Bring In ‘Da Noise,…
Capsule reviews of films playing the week of Oct. 22
Current Releases BODY OF LIES Despite Russell Crowe’s shared marquee billing, this is really Leonardo DiCaprio’s film, as the young thespian handles the part of Roger Ferris, a compassionate CIA point man working in the Middle East under the jaded eye of his ruthless superior (Crowe) back in the U.S. Hoping to track down a…
Helping Empower Local People looks ahead
Local community action organization turns 15
A plethora of changes in Charlotte dining
• The very personification of the classic American roadside diner (which served the Southern classic brains and eggs), the 60-year-old Copal Grill, 5923 Wilkinson Blvd., has closed. Since the early 1980s, the restaurant had been on notice that proposed airport expansion would affect the property. Owner Kleomenis Balatsias sold the spot to the NCDOT in…
The Visitor, The Incredible Hulk among new DVD reviews
THE EARRINGS OF MADAME DE… (1953). Max Ophuls’ adaptation of the book by Louise de Vilmorin has long been championed as one of the screen’s great “women’s pictures,” though such a limiting tag seems a disservice to a film as thematically far-reaching as this one. Danielle Darrieux stars as Countess Louise de… (her last name…
Why are gas prices so high in Charlotte?
Gas is flowing from Charlotte pumps, but prices are among the highest in the nation. As of Friday, the national average for a gallon of regular unleaded was $3.04, a 82-cent drop from a month ago. North Carolina easily topped that with $3.26 per gallon, and Charlotte was even more: $3.30 per gallon. Meanwhile, our…
Voter registration overwhelmed by people eager to vote
The 2008 presidential election may see the highest participation in U.S. history. Voter-registration organizations and local election boards have been overwhelmed by enthusiastic people eager to vote. But not everyone is happy about this blossoming of democracy. ACORN, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, has become a lightning rod for the right wing.…
W. for Wimpy
Timid biopic is strictly Bush-league
Civic events in Charlotte
Mallard Creek Barbecue Thursday, Oct. 23, 10 a.m., Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church Community House, 11400 Mallard Creek Road, www.mallardcreekbbp.com. Boyce Road Sidewalks Meeting Thursday, Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m., St. Stephen United Methodist Church, 6800 Sardis Road, www.charmeck.org. Top of the Week Rotary Auction and Halloween Ball Benefitting Charlotte Community Health Clinic and others Friday, Oct.…
