Feb 24 – Mar 3, 2009

Feb 24 - Mar 3, 2009 / Vol. 22 / No. 52

Carlton Hargro

As Editor-in-Chief of the alternative newspaper Creative Loafing, Carlton Hargro directs the strategic editorial direction of Charlotte’s largest weekly publication. But his involvement with the newspaper extends far beyond managerial duties: Carlton also makes time to write Creative Loafing’s weekly comic book review column “Comic Proportions,” host the Internet-based music show Audiofloss.com, and host cultural/nightlife…

Web Editor

See Carrie Bradshaw’s wedding dress!

A fashion show to benefit Dress for Success Charlotte. Featuring the Vivienne Westwood Gown donned by Carrie Bradshaws as seen in Sex & The City the Movie. The event takes place Thursday, March 6 at Suite at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $30-$40. Click here to order!

Kimberly Lawson

Daily consumer dish: March 2

Headlines from the world of retail, fashion and shopping. • Fashion’s invisible woman: Los Angeles Times • Five things worth paying for in a recession: Consumerist.com • Snuggie on the street: Watch your back: NYTimes.com • Keep up with highlights from Milan Fashion Week: WWD.com

Kimberly Lawson

Sale of the Day: Monday

Stop by Park Road Books and pick up a few best sellers! The bookstore is currently offering gently used library books by some of today’s top selling authors. Snag the latest Grisham or the most recent Harry Potter for only $4.98 each, or grab 3 titles for $12. 4139 Park Road 704-525-9239

Jill Jacobs

Music Menu (2/28/09)

Andy Friedman’s “citybilly” makes listeners smile, our correspondent will sacrifice what’s left of his hearing for Pontiak, Charlie Louvin comes around the bend– again– and The Godfather of Funk is back.

Rhiannon Fionn-Bowman

Contributors

Anita Overcash Lew Herman Grant Britt Timothy C. Davis Carlton Hargo Jeff Hahne Lynn Farris Brittney Cason Pete Stuart Ray Anderson Eric Mullis El Diablo John Schacht Samir Shukla Beth Gilstrap-Barnes Jason Younger Mike McCray The Stellas

Web Editor

Lynn Farris

Lynn Farris, self-proclaimed concert junkie, started at CL in 1997 as an editorial intern once she realized how much cooler it’d be getting credit for doing the Police Blotter and Soundboard for the alternative weekly than sitting in a classroom writing papers on who knows what. After graduating the following year, this Charlotte native officially…

Web Editor

CIAA basketball: Friday

The Lady Golden Bulls made the second semifinal game of the day interesting with a last minute shot before halftime that tied the game with the St. Augustine’s Lady Falcons. The crowd for this women’s game was much better than the start of the tournament. Score one for Mother Nature and the rain. I’m sure…

Cheris Hodges

Photos from T.I. concert

You have to admit, T.I. is doing his thing before he gets locked up. Check out these photos from his concert last night at the Bojangles’ Coliseum. Pastor Troy, Young Jeezy and Young Buck also performed. Photos by Jeaumane McIntosh

Kimberly Lawson

CIAA 2009: Mert’s Heart and Soul, 2/27/09

The Low Country Jazz Fish Fry went down today, Feb. 27. Presented by Mert’s Heart and Soul and First United Presbyterian Church. Featuring food (including southern favorites like fried fish and chicken, baked beans, slaw, and desserts) and live performances from local jazz artists. Photos by Ciara Lilly

Kimberly Lawson

CIAA 2009: Pink Groove 4 at The Forum, 2/26/09

“Pink Groove 4.” Presented by The Ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Rho Psi Omega Chapter at The Forum, Thursday night. Music by DJ Stacey Blackman. A Portion of the proceeds benefit the Rho Psi Omega Scholarship Fund. Photos by Renaul Hill, Charlotte Vibe Photography

Kimberly Lawson

Observer still up Ken Lewis’ butt

If you read the Charlotte Observer’s version of Bank of America CEO Ken Lewis’ encounter yesterday with the New York Attorney General’s Office, you’d think everything at the meeting was hunky-dory.

John Grooms

CIAA, take 2

I pulled up to the Bojangles’ Coliseum for the T.I. and Young Jeezy concert as the symphony concert at the neighboring Ovens Auditorium was letting out. On the way in, we passed families in black-tie attire and a little child prodigy pianist in a bow tie… and we were going to see T.I. There were…

Brittney Cason

Grant Britt

Grant Britt has been writing about music since shortly after the earth cooled and little beasties crawled out of the primordial muck and grew hands to hold pencils with. He wrote nationally for Zoo World before moving to Key West for nine years to wait out the seventies and bake his brain. Since moving back…

Web Editor

Lew Herman

An archival kind of guy, Lew Herman created the Charlotte Music Archive in Charlotte’s Main Public Library. As musician and producer he runs FireAntMusic.com, an eclectic record label featured on EMusic and ITunes. He likes writing about music and travel. He’s currently working on starting a radio station/webcast at Queens University of Charlotte. Lew’s Complete…

Web Editor

Anita Overcash

Anita earned her Bachelor’s degree in 2006 from UNC-Charlotte, where she graduated with majors in English and religious studies and a minor in journalism. During her time in college she worked as both a Staff Writer and Assistant Arts and Entertainment Editor for The University Times. She interned with Creative Loafing during her senior year…

Web Editor

Daily consumer dish: Feb. 27

Headlines from the world of retail, fashion and shopping. • Sears closing Eastland store: CharlotteObserver.com • How consumers shop differently today: Time.com • Terence Conran says recession boosts design: TimesOnline.com • Must-sees in Milan: Style.com

Kimberly Lawson

Photo tour of Adam & Eve

Have you never been through the Adam & Eve on Independence Boulevard? Never fear, a photo tour is here. Also, just FYI, they’re having a CIAA blowout sale now through Feb. 28: Regular priced lingerie is 25 percent off. • Novelties is 15 percent off. • DVDs are buy two, get one free Click here…

Kimberly Lawson

CIAA basketball: Thursday

The men of Johnson C. Smith took the court at 7 p.m., playing the Shaw Bears like their female counterparts did yesterday. And much like the women, the arena was half full. Maybe the recession has kept fans away from the CIAA tournament this year. Then again, it was Thursday night and there were several…

Cheris Hodges

A drink a day might bring the doctor to play

To all you female lushes out there, you may want to check out this story from the LA Times. Apparently, even one drink a day can do you harm. Darn it. As little as one drink a day increases a woman’s risk of several types of cancer by 13%, according to a British study of…

Kimberly Lawson

Concert announcement

Def Leppard will stop by the Queen City on Aug. 8 with Poison and Cheap Trick. While the venue has not been announced, I’d say it’s a safe bet it’s going to be Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. Tickets will go on sale on March 6.

Jeff Hahne

Toxins in your cosmetics, toys?

Be an conscientious consumer. Check out this article from columnist Amy Goodman on the toxins that are in everyday stuff like cosmetics and toys — yes, your children’s toys! Here’s an excerpt: Schapiro told me, “Whether it is your nail polish, eye shadow, shampoo, essentially personal-care products, is not regulated by the (Food and Drug…

Kimberly Lawson

Diva Night at Fifi’s Fine Resale

Sorry for the late notice, but e-mails certainly get buried in my inbox. Tonight is Fifi’s Fine Resale’s Diva Night. From 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., you can preview spring fashions, sip on Champagne and gorge yourselves on chocolate. Plus there will be special discounts! RSVP required. E-mail FiFislakenorman@yahoo.com. Fifi’s is located across from The…

Kimberly Lawson

The Wack List: Feb. 26

Five people, places and things we really ain’t digging today. • Sue Myrick • Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal • More cuts at CMS • New anti-gay resolutions • The fact that G.M. may need more money

Carlton Hargro

CIAA — It’s time to party!

CIAA technically stands for Center Intercollegiate Athletic Association, but it can also mean Charlotte Is having A lot of After Parties! And I do mean A LOT of parties… This year’s multitude of CIAA parties popped off at Pop Life at Apostrophe Lounge … and The Bee Man Candles Co. Apparently, in these hard economic…

Web Editor

Daily consumer dish: Feb. 26

Headlines from the world of retail, fashion and shopping. • Bartering booms during economic tough times: USAToday.com • Survey: Small business owners resilient: CharlotteBusinessJournal.com • K-Fed to make line of children’s clothing: Style.com • How did NY Fashion Week’s 116 shows treat models of color?: Jezebel.com

Kimberly Lawson

Sale of the Day: Thursday

J.T. Posh, a women’s consignment boutique, is currently featuring a $10 rack (can’t beat that). They are also having a winter sale, with 75 percent off select items. J.T. Posh The Courtyard Shopping Center 2400 Park Road, Suite 2-A 704-375-1334 www.jtposh.com

Jaclyn Letizia

Today’s Top(less) 5: Thursday

Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Feb. 26, 2009— as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Shake your bon-bon at Cosmos. • Are oysters really an aphrodisiac? • Live music at Wild Wing…

Mustang Sally, Mayor of Bang Town

Hometown team wins quarterfinal game

The Lady Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith beat the defending CIAA women’s champions today. The two squads met in the finals last year, but this time, the outcome was different. One thing was obvious about this game, Shaw wasn’t the same team they were last year. The hard playing, girls are gone as the Golden Bulls…

Cheris Hodges

A hint of Tinted Windows

Curious about that new “supergroup” called Tinted Windows? The band consists of former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, Cheap Trick drummer Bun E Carlos, Taylor Hanson of Hanson and bassist Adam Schlesinger of Fountains Of Wayne. The band’s debut album is due in April, and I’d say the music leans a little more toward the…

Jeff Hahne

Ken Lewis spins the news

And, now, Beck’s song, “Where It’s At” will be stuck in my head all day… I got two turn tables and a microphone… First up, Ken Lewis via another internal memo nabbed by Bloomberg all but telling the feds to shoot Citi, not Bank of America. C’mon, who else but C is Lewis talking about…

Rhiannon Fionn-Bowman

Concert announcement

The recently reunited No Doubt has announced its summer tour dates, which includes a June 6 show at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Charlotte. The opening act is Paramore with The Sounds, Janelle Monáe and Bedouin Soundclash on select dates. Tour Club presales begin at 4 p.m. on Feb. 26. Tickets go on sale to the…

Jeff Hahne

Grand opening party Thursday

Scout & Molly’s of Charlotte is having a grand opening party, Thursday, Feb. 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. They will serve wine, hor d’oeuvres and have a DJ to entertain while you shop. Most importantly, the entire store will be 30 percent off during the event. Scout and Molly’s of Charlotte Morrison Shopping…

Kimberly Lawson

Sex news roundup: Wednesday

Here’s a roundup of some of the day’s sex headlines floating around the Internet. Church (surprise) supports gay marriage ban. Fired school official used e-mail to pander for sex. Duh! Indians happiest with their sex life. (Karma Sutra anyone?) Six reasons she sticks with loser boy.

Mustang Sally, Mayor of Bang Town

Do you like to go commando?

Commando Jeans (a local company) is giving you the opportunity to “hang loose” with a free giveaway every month this year. What are Commando Jeans, you ask? Well, it’s pretty much what the name says it is. “Going commando” (um, you know, to be without underwear?) in a pair of jeans is pretty uncomfortable (eww),…

Kimberly Lawson

Bobby Jindal’s storytime

Say “bye-bye” to your 2012 presidential dreams, Gov. Jindal. Louisiana’s Republican governor — the one refusing to accept stimulus help for his cash-starved state — was the super-star chosen by Republicans to follow up Obama’s well-received speech with the party’s official response. I think it’s safe to say the Republicans think we’re a bunch of…

Rhiannon Fionn-Bowman

CIAA fashion party tonight

As you may know, CIAA is more than just a basketball tournament. The Queen City becomes party central, and with that, of course, will be folks dressed to the nines. Tonight, Kiss Lounge will be the spot to hit up if you’re interested in fashion, looking good and having a good time. Kiss Lounge 204…

Kimberly Lawson

A small shopping pulse is throbbing

Interested in knowing more about the current spending habits of Charlotte while in a recession? Are people shopping or aren’t they? Check out a story from reporter Cheris Hodges: “A mixed bag of spending.”

Kimberly Lawson

Sale of the Day: Wednesday

Attention all snow bunnies! Today’s the last day for Ski Country Sports Annual Gamblers Sale where all winter apparel (which is pretty much the entire store) is 40 percent off. But, if you take your chances and wait till Feb. 26, you’ll receive an additional 10 percent off. 4151 Park Rd, Suite A 704-523-2553

Jill Jacobs

Britney Spears controversy over new song

OK, this is ridiculous. There’s a controversy over the new Britney Spears single, “If You Seek Amy.” Some fans are saying that it’s a big bunch of nothing, but…seriously? It’s obvious that the message is clear. Let me also point out that the nasally-voiced Spears sounds horrific in the song. The controversy around the sound…

Jeff Hahne

A sale at Denim Affair

Denim Affair is having a sale of 30 percent to 50 percent off select merchandise. Owner Paige McManus has also added new lines: Miss Me, Red Engine, and David Kahn. Sale runs through March 7. My favorite item in Denim Affair is this mannequin adorned with a variety of belts. How pretty! 9848 Rea Rd…

Kimberly Lawson

‘What kind of idiots are running that bank?’

As the nation reels from one bad bit of economic news to another, the city has been shaken by the collapse of Wachovia and the near-implosion of Bank of America. BofA honcho Ken Lewis is in hot water for rushing into a purchase of Merrill Lynch, which turned out to be the straw — or…

John Grooms

Daily consumer dish: Feb. 24

Headlines from the world of retail, fashion and shopping. • Ritz Camera files Chapter 11: Twice.com • Style Network’s Running in Heels aims for documentary look at fashion: WSJ.com • Woman accused of selling baby for $130: CNN.com • AmEx offers $300 to credit card holders to close accounts: MSNBC.com

Kimberly Lawson

The Wack List: Feb. 24

Five people, places and things we really ain’t digging today. • Layoffs at the Billy Graham Association (the layoffs, not Billy himself) • Charles Barkley • John McCain • “John school” • Meningitis

Carlton Hargro

Bizarre crimes from Charlotte police files

Painting The Town: A 29-year-old woman called 911 after being the victim of a drive-by shooting. The woman was walking down the street when a car rolled up beside her, and the four men inside began firing. One of them had a paintball gun, while the others all were firing air guns. If your paintball…

Ryan Pitkin

New York Post cartoon is nothing but racism personified

Just when I try to find something to like about the New York Post, a cartoon comparing the “stimulus author” to a dead primate appears in this rag. Really? Likening President Barack Obama to an enraged primate that mauled a woman in Connecticut and was stabbed and shot is not funny, interesting or subversive. It…

Nsenga Burton

The anti-gay Taliban

By special reader request, we’re presenting another edition of Fine-Tuned Gut Feelings (FTGF). It’s been a few months since we ran this feature, so here’s a quick reminder of what it’s about: Since columnists are human (except Charles Krauthammer, a well-known cyborg from Planet Neo-Con), we have gut reactions to news stories like everyone else.…

Horoscope for Feb. 25-March 3, 2009

Pisces The Fish: (Feb. 18-March 19) Many of you are receiving intuitive insight, having unusual dreams, and/or feeling the need to express your feelings in an art form. This is the time to record any or all of these experiences in a place of safekeeping because down the road you won’t truly believe it happened.…

Vivian Carol

The Rust Belt comes to Charlotte

It was one of the most jarring articles I’ve ever read in my 27 years in Charlotte. “Think you’d rather ride out the recession in Charlotte than in Rust Belt cities such as Buffalo or Pittsburgh?” the Charlotte Business Journal’s Adam O’Daniel wrote in an article published Feb. 13. “Think again.” Of the 49 metro…

CL previews concerts (Feb. 26-March 3)

THURSDAY, FEB. 26 The Smokers S.C. rockers have been turning heads with a mishmash of dirty blues, ’60s garage rock and sloppy punk since their arrival on the scene last year. Cranked to the max, this is drinking music that also, um, smokes. On a good night, it’s all about rocking out with battered guitars…

THEATER: CAST’s Killer Joe

It’s strongly arguable that Carolina Actors Studio Theatre’s latest production Killer Joe belongs on Lifetime television. I mean really, how many movies on the channel share a similar story line as this? There’s a family, in this case, the Smith family consisting of a mother, father, son and daughter. The son owes his drug dealer…

Ciara Lilly

CD Review: Echo Code’s One More Played Out Tragedy

The Deal: Now a trio, Charlotte’s Echo Code independently releases new disc, One More Played Out Tragedy. The disc was produced by Patrick Boyd, who has worked with Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes and All-American Rejects. The Good: Let’s face it: There’s nothing fancy going on here. It’s straight-ahead rock with vocals reminiscent of…

Jeff Hahne

More than eye candy: works from Duy Huynh and Diana Fayt

In celebration of Lark & Key Gallery and Boutique’s first anniversary, co-owner Duy Huynh and owner Sandy Snead will feature a new exhibit, appropriately titled Lark & Key Gallery One-Year Celebration Exhibit — New Works by Duy Huynh and featured potter Diana Fayt. Vietnamese-born artist Duy Huynh is known throughout Charlotte and the surrounding area…

Anita Overcash

Capsule reviews of films playing the week of Feb. 25

CORALINE Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas was actually Henry Selick’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, given that it was the latter who actually directed the film. Here, he displays his mastery again, helming an eye-popping animated extravaganza he adapted from Neil Gaiman’s best-selling book. Dakota Fanning provides the voice of Coraline, a lonely little girl…

Matt Brunson

A splendid memoir by Judith Nies

Often, after the new year’s literary awards are announced, a book that was passed over for honors starts to get the attention it has deserved all along. Hopefully, this year that book will be The Girl I Left Behind, a splendid memoir by Judith Nies that combines personal and period history (largely the 1960s and…

THEATER: Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte’s Blue

I’d imagine that running a funeral home is difficult. The dead are always the main event, and the rooms are lined with coffins and filled with mourning family members and friends. With its latest production Blue, Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte sets out to take you on a journey into the lives of an African-American family…

Anita Overcash

Can playing the bongos make you piss blood?

I’ve heard and read stories about musicians, specifically hand drummers, pissing blood after playing a particularly tough or long set. The great Armando Peraza, Santana’s longtime bongo and conga player, told an interviewer: “Playing percussion for Carlos you had to be able to play hard, non-stop for sometimes up to three straight hours, and play…

Cecil Adams

COMEDY: Robin Williams at Ovens Auditorium

Actor, comedian Robin Williams is one funny man. In films, he brings life to characters on the big screen. His role in Mrs. Doubtfire (where he played a man, who led his family on a charade pretending to be the female nanny) always springs to mind, but of course that’s just one of the many…

Anita Overcash

A trip to Chicago teaches some ways for improv’ing your life

When I left for Chicago back in the beginning of January, all everyone told me was to bring lots of layers and then proceeded to ask me if I was on crack for flying to the Midwest in the winter. Chicago’s thermostat may be set on about 39 degrees below comfortable, but in my operation…

Grace in adversity

Actor’s Theatre had to fill two key roles in their current production of Charles Randolph-Wright’s Blue — including the vocalist who plays the title role and sings all the music — early last week as the show was just days from opening. Yet aside from the occasional stammer, hardly distinguishable from the usual Critics’ Night…

Perry Tannenbaum

MUSIC: Ben Folds

Hailing from the triad area of North Carolina, Ben Folds has made a name for himself both with the “five” and without. Following the band’s (Ben Folds Five) demise in 2000, Folds treaded a slightly different course via his solo career move. He went on to release three discs, including 2001’s Rockin’ The Suburbs, ’05’s…

Anita Overcash

FILM: Knowledge is the Beginning

The 5th Annual Charlotte Jewish Film Festival, which kicked off on Feb. 28, continues with screenings of Jewish films from around the world. The purpose of the festival is to educate, as well as to entertain, and give those attending the chance to see foreign movies that might not always be readily available at local…

Anita Overcash

CIAA 2009: The Ultimate Guide

As a result of the economic meltdown currently plaguing the country (and the world), it seems like everyone is feeling a little blue these days. Charlotteans, however, should take comfort in the fact that the annual CIAA (aka the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) basketball tournament is hitting the city once again this week — and…

CL Staff

Toxins ‘r’ us

Is your lipstick laden with lead? Is your baby’s bottle toxic? The American Chemistry Council assures us that “we make the products that help keep you safe and healthy.” But U.S. consumers are actually exposed to a vast array of harmful chemicals and additives embedded in toys, cosmetics, plastic water bottles and countless other products.…

Amy Goodman

DANCE: Riverdance

St. Patrick’s Day might be right around the corner, but lets face it: It isn’t here yet. Luckily, for all ye Irish lovin’ lads and lassies, Riverdance is headed to Charlotte to hold you over. This show (along with seven others to be performed at Ovens Auditorium) is part of the international group’s “Farewell” tour.…

Anita Overcash

Top Parties to attend for this year’s CIAA

Yes, the annual CIAA basketball tournament is primarily a sports event, but what it’s really known for is its legion of world-class parties. Dozens and dozens of parties are scheduled to pop off in and around Uptown Charlotte from Wednesday through Sunday. Here are our picks for the week’s most scintillating soirees: Feb. 25 Pop…

MUSIC: David Sanborn at McGlohon Theatre

Musician David Sanborn is coming to woo Charlotte with his eclectic tunes. The American alto saxophonist is one of the most successful saxophonists in the world, having played with such legends as Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Bryan Ferry and Roger Daltney. Be sure to check him out, if you want an earful of smooth jazz.…

Ciara Lilly

Live music to check out during CIAA

Beyond the parties and the basketball games, this year’s edition of the CIAA is also going to serve up some tasty helpings of live music. Here’s a look at a few of the more notable concerts going down this week: Feb. 25 Louisiana comes to North Cack when New Orleans music legends The Neville Brothers…

CIAA officials hope to get more people into the games this year

It’s a well-known fact that the week of the CIAA tournament means popping bottles of Champagne, people dressed to impress, celebrities in Charlotte and, oh yeah, a few basketball games. The defending CIAA men’s champions are Charlotte’s own Johnson C. Smith University Golden Bulls. And while the team may be gearing up for a repeat,…

Cheris Hodges

A grape by any other name: Tempranillo

Supply and demand is a beautiful thing. Guarding the secret of a juicy wine discovery allows you to skip to the store and snatch it up for practically nothing. It worked this way pre-Sideways, when you could practically steal domestic pinot noir, but then people, mesmerized by the wine movie’s romance, flocked to the wine…

Taylor Eason

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