GOP bill gets private Charlotte hearing
Tomorrow, Sen. Richard Burr is hosting a big meeting on health care in Charlotte, and you’re not invited.
The remake mistake
They’re classics for a reason. Leave them alone.
Disney buys Marvel. Wow.
In possibly the biggest comic book news in the last 30 years — in case you haven’t heard it yet — today it was announced that Disney has purchased Marvel Entertainment. Wow, right? Honestly, I don’t know how to even express my sheer flabbergasted-ness over this whole thing. Trust me folks, this is earth-shattering. And,…
DVD Pick: Brother John
Sidney Poitier ably plays the title character in this buried gem.
Festival of India coming this weekend
Festival of India will be held Uptown at Belk Theater this Saturday and Sunday.
Best bets in Charlotte comedy this week, Aug. 31-Sept. 6
Here are a few of the best places to find comedy events in Charlotte this week.
Small retailers struggle more
Shop local. Please? Our people are hurting … Although the recession has been a struggle for all U.S. retailers, there is evidence that it has been especially difficult for the nation’s smaller, independent retailers. With Americans cutting back drastically on their spending, some stores have lost business as shoppers have turned to cheaper discount chains,…
Insurance companies ration care
Should we feel sorry for insurance companies?
New to Uptown — Luna Lounge
Another new hot spot hits Uptown.
Mecklenburg County, time to go shopping in South Carolina
Maybe it’s time skip the N.C. sales tax racket and head to South Carolina to buy groceries, clothes and other items that are just too much here and see how well this increased sales tax works for the state then.
Fig and Prosciutto Flatbread Pizza
I will call this pizza “The Metropolitan” because all the ingredients can be found at the Metropolitan.
Rockin’ the neighborhood (whether you like it or not)
Reaction to the new outdoor venue varies among those that live closest.
TV torture talk
The Sunday talking-heads news shows became venues for wrangling over torture yesterday. First, former VP Dick Cheney spoke with FoxNews’ Chris “I Love You Man” Wallace, in a fawning interview that Atlantic magazine blogger Andrew Sullivan says was “like a teenage girl interviewing the Jonas Brothers.” During the interview, Cheney let the world know that…
Adam
favorite cartoon character: Yosemite Sam
Concert announcement: O.A.R.
O.A.R. will perform at the Uptown Amphitheatre on Oct. 14 with Elmwood. Tickets go on sale on Sept. 2.
Is pot the cure for cancer?
Roll it up.
Where are our off-shore wind turbines?
Get with the program, Obama administration. Tick frickin’ tock.
Sale of the day: Sloan and STEP by Sloan
Starting today, take 50 percent off the dot sale price. Read more details here. To keep up on details of this sale and future sales at Sloan and STEP By Sloan, follow Dan Mauney (www.twitter.com/dantheshoeman). 1419 East Blvd. 704-376-1275
Apostrophe Lounge, 8/29/09
Apostrophe Lounge celebrated their one-year anniversary with a party on Saturday, August 29.
Today’s Top 5: Monday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
Why aren’t there peep shows in Charlotte?
Gotham City, The Blue Store and several others in Manhattan have peep shows in the back. These are XXX stores in New York that I enjoyed checking out on a recent trip there. But when I returned to the Queen City, I wondered why don’t any of the shops in Charlotte have a peep show?…
Today’s Top(less) 5: Monday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
Sale of the day: Denim Affair
Prices marked down 30 percent to 50 percent off. Jeans are going as low as $60 and shorts as low as $25. 9848 Rea Rd 704-341-4791 www.denimaffaironline.com
Asian invasion at the EpiCentre
Sake to you – Enso in the EpiCentre opens tonight.
Pop Life anniversary party Saturday
It’s hard to believe that The Sol Kitchen/Creative Loafing-sponsored nightlife event known as Pop Life has been around for two years — but, hey, it’s true.
Bet no one caught Channel 9’s gaffe
What’s the difference between infamous and famous? I bet the average 3rd grader knows, but TV anchors, not so much.
Fraid Knots vs. Cockpit Candies
Another one of Charlotte Roller Girls’ intra-league championship bouts is set to take place at Bojangles’ Coliseum on Sunday, Aug. 30. This go-round, the Fraid Knots will take on the Cockpit Candies. But, wheel there be action? Of course, it’s roller derby. And don’t miss the Charlotte Roller Girls Bout After Party at Dilworth Neighborhood…
Stupid Thing of the Week
Do you remember the 30 Rock episode where Tracy Jordan invented “The Meat Machine”? It was a gizmo that heat-pressed three pieces of meat together into a breadless sandwich. Well, here we go again, except this time it’s happening in real life. Kentucky Fried Chicken is test-marketing its new Double Down Chicken Sandwich, consisting of…
Kung Fu Panda screening
SouthPark’s “Movies Under The Stars” series at Symphony Park continues, with a film screening tonight. So, pack a blanket and/or lawn chair and make your way out for the one and only Kung Fu Panda. With a 42-foot screen projecting the film, you might even feel like you’re at a real movie theater. The event…
10-in-10 CD reviews
Each Friday, we bring you reviews of 10 recently-released CDs done in 10 words each.
Bank of America dumps Glenn Beck
Read ’em and weep some more, Glenn Beck. Ten more companies have pulled their advertising from Beck’s show on FoxNews, bringing the current total of Beck-deserting companies to 46. Bank of America is among the new list of 10 businesses, and went so far as to tell the media yesterday that a BofA commercial on…
Sex news roundup: Friday
Here’s a look at the sex headlines floating around the Internet today.
Live review, photos: Chickenfoot
Chickenfoot w/ Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam Uptown Amphitheatre Aug. 27, 2009 The Deal: Supergroup Chickenfoot shreds Uptown Amphitheatre with the help of Davy Knowles and a special guest. The Good: I told a handful of people to make sure they were there to check out Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam — the…
BofA has $1 of every $10 in U.S. deposits
Some banks are bigger than ever.
Denimpulse Purchases: Finding the perfect fit
I invite you to dive into one of the most complex enigmas of fashion: denim that fits well. For some, finding the perfect pair of jeans can be a never-ending search. Meet your local denim experts: Cheryl Little (owner of Black & Blue), Paige McManus (owner of Denim Affair), and Christy Ward (manager of Black…
The Wack List: Aug. 28
Five people, places and things that suck major ass today.
Sale at Boris & Natasha
Head out to the Plaza Midwood boutique to check out their $19.95 men’s & women’s sale. Includes French Connection, Modern Amusement, B.B. Dakota, & Blank Jeans. Boris & Natasha 1214 Thomas Ave 704-375-0079
Quickie comic review: The Flash: Rebirth No. 4
OK, this is the issue where Flash: Rebirth finally gets going.
Trunk show: A Beadin’ Path
If you’re a bead or jewelry whore, head out to Beadlush to check out their latest trunk show, this one with A Beadin’ Path. Think vintage lucite beads. Show starts today and runs through Labor Day weekend. Beadlush 1217 The Plaza 704-376-3331
Hog Jog 5K
Charlotte’s 2nd Annual Hog Jog 5K is coming up on Saturday, September 12.
Today’s Top(less) 5: Friday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
Audiofloss — Vol. 3, No. 5: Sy Smith, Jiva and more
Here we go again with yet another brand-spanking-new episode of Audiofloss
Last night at the town hall meeting
The audience was mostly white and “north of middle age.”
Danielle
favorite dessert: Rice pudding.
Savannah Craft Brew Fest 2009
Mosey on down to Savannah next weekend for Labor Day to take part in the Savannah Craft Brew Fest 2009.
Sale of the day: The Boulevard
The Cool Mom Boutique at The Boulevard is running a 60 percent off sale on their summer tops and dresses. Hurry in! 453 E. 36th St. 704-332-0142 www.blvdnoda.com
Today’s Top 5: Friday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
In the Loop: Savage satire
Sharp comedy examines the imbeciles who lead us into war.
Taking Woodstock: Bad vibes
Ang Lee posts a rare miss with look back at historic event.
Play the Game strikes out
In the face of insulting material, Andy Griffith strives to maintain dignity.
It’s good to give head…
The science of combining food and beer.
A great songwriter is gone
A great songwriter died yesterday, a woman who helped give rock ‘n’ roll a boost in the early ’60s when schlockmeisters were trying to eviscerate the young art form. Ellie Greenwich, who died Wednesday at age 68, wrote classic girl group songs like “Be My Baby,” “River Deep Mountain High,” “And Then He Kissed Me,”…
Pitbull date change
The Pitbull concert at The Fillmore scheduled for Oct. 22 has been moved to Oct. 13. Tickets purchased for the original date will be good for the new date.
Opening Friday
What’s new in theaters this weekend.
Facebook gone wild
Do you know what sex position fits you best? There are a few ways you can find out. You can try them or log on to Facebook and take a quiz. Yes. Facebook can tell you everything. The Cowgirl fits my style best, according to Facebook and I be damned if that isn’t the truth.
The Weekender
Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend.
Charles Herron
passion: (And these are in order ) Music, money , females, bud and my AR-15 and the Discovery Channel. ( I love science and math.)
Revanche explores heavy themes
Best Foreign Language Film Oscar nominee is engrossingly acted and photographed.
‘Cash for appliances’ coming soon
Stimulus project aims at energy efficiency and $$ savings.
Street Style: Basics with destroyed accessories
Name: Andrew Black Occupation: Sales associate & server Spotted: Boris & Natasha Rockin: basic white Puritan T, stone washed skinny Social Collision jeans, destroyed Volcom hat, and destroyed “knock-off Converse” sneakers Style Philosophy: “I’m just me.”
Ted Kennedy: The lion takes a rest
Ted Kennedy died yesterday and I must say that I am sad. No, he was not perfect, but he was consistent. Luckily for many he did not become president but was allowed to work in the Senate, paving the way for the Voting Rights Act, Immigration Act of 1965 and the Anti-Apartheid Act, which called…
Upcoming: Yiasou Greek Festival
Everyone is Greek at the 32nd annual Yiasou Greek Festival, open from Thursday, Sept. 10 through Sunday, Sept. 13. The best time to buy pastries, though, is the first two days. Some pastries and items in the market run out quickly. Other foods available are entrees of roasted lamb, Grecian baked chicken, Athenian baked fish;…
Can’t conservatives wait till Kennedy’s buried?
This will seem incredible to readers under the age of, say, 35, but there actually was a time when two of the most attractive things about conservatives were their sense of propriety and their belief in civil discourse. No need to tell you, but those days are gone, and now we’re used to conservative windbags…
Me, myself and I
Love yourself first.
New coal industry front group already ‘astroturfing’
Instead of real members, they buy images from iStockphotos.com.
The Men’s Club is the best in the nation
Charlotte can boast having the best gentleman’s club country.
Half-price gift cards at Ruth’s Chris
Right now you can get a $88 gift card for $44.
Satisfied with your job? Eh.
Who really is?
Enso opens in the EpiCentre
Enso Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar serves up chic sushi and ambiance.
Are plus-size markets getting skinnier or plumper?
As a big girl myself, I’m quite familiar with the treasure hunt for fashionable clothing that actually fits more voluptuous figures. It doesn’t help my search when upon entering a fashion-forward store or boutique, I’m welcomed with stares, whispers, and even the occasional, brave, greeting of “What is she doing in here?” It’s like I’m…
Bottom of the Ninth at Symphony
With less than a week remaining before their final deadline for submitting a revised financial restructuring plan that will satisfy the Char-Meck Arts & Science Council, executive director Jonathan Martin and former guv James G. Martin are taking it to the streets today with a 12 p.m. rally for the embattled Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. The…
Early voting for Charlotte residents starts today
If you didn’t get registered to vote by August 21 and you had plans to vote in the September 15 primary, then you have to vote early.
Part 4: iTunes and the Pen
Authors Kevin Canty, Monica Drake, and Paul Eckert explain how they feel about listening to music while writing.
Microsoft goes hard: Racism in advertising
Microsoft swapped out a black man’s head for a white man’s head because they felt the people of Poland would not be able to relate to a black person in a business meeting. I know that there aren’t a lot of Blacks in Poland, but that isn’t giving Polish people a lot of credit. They…
Sale of the day: Velocity
All sneakers at Velocity shoe boutique are 15 percent to 50 percent off, with over 130 styles to choose from, and New Era hats are $25 — through Saturday, Aug. 29. 8925 JM Keynes Dr, Suite 3 704-549-8854 www.velocitystyle.com
Today’s Top 5: Thursday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
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, August 27, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. •Raymond Vineyards food and wine tasting at Blue. • $5 Table Dances at The Carousel. • Kick…
Box Office Top 10
The week’s top moneymakers.
Paper phone books are outdated
When was the last time you used a phone book?
People are just too damned sensitive
You know the old saying, the only thing sure in life is death and taxes? Well, in South Carolina it seems the people want to bury their heads in the sand about death. Their heads are buried so damned deep that a man was kicked out of a flea market for selling hand made caskets.…
Right’s knee-jerk reaction to knee-jerk liberals
One of the conservative bloviators’ favorite new topics is how “Obama’s idea” to celebrate volunteerism with a National Day of Service on 9/11 is an attempt to shove “socialism” down the country’s throats.
Street Style: Dressing up denim
Name: Aimee Schlussel Occupation: Banking Services Spotted: Petra’s Piano Bar Rockin: medium wash skinny Hydraulic jeans, basic Hollister tank top, flowy Charlotte Russe overshirt, canvas Rocket Dog flats, and patent leather Kathy Van Zeeland purse. Style Philosophy: “Functional but cute and comfortable.”
Upcoming: Festival of India
The 15th Festival of India will be held on Saturday, Sept. 5, and Sunday, Sept. 6 at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center’s Belk Theater. Food is sold outside on the sidewalk via tokens: $20 for 19, $10 for nine, and $5 for four. Food vendors include Bombay Chat, Bombay Cuisine, Bombay Cuisine Buffet and Snack…
Ted Kennedy’s health care legacy
Sen. Ted Kennedy died last night of brain cancer, just as health care reform, the issue he called “the cause of my life,” is wending its way through Congress. Kennedy championed many progressive causes during his long tenure, with an admirable tenacity that earned him political power equal to at least five “regular” senators —…
A chat with Calvin Richardson
A chat with the singer about his new album.
Live Nation continues Wednesday deals
Live Nation’s Wednesday Blow-Out Sales are continuing today until midnight with $10 all-in lawn tickets and $15 all-in reserved tickets for a number of shows. They’re also doing $10 all-in tickets for clubs, such as The Fillmore. Here’s what’s available: • Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre — $10 lawn and $15 reserved for Crue Fest 2 and…
At Tilt, Skyy is the limit
As in Skyy Vodka’s release of their new flavor — pineapple. And new cocktail concoctions: Skyy pineapple, Midori, sour and pineapple juice with shaved ice. It’s like a diet tropical frozen cocktail. A drink made for the boat… and a bikini. An alcoholic sno-cone if you will. It may not be in the EpiCentre, but…
Upcoming: Green With Envy’s Gullah Gourmet tasting
A complimentary gourmet food tasting? That’s how I like to start my Saturday off … Come down to Green with Envy Saturday morning (Aug. 29) between 10 and 12 for an incredible tasting of Gullah Gourmet. We just received our new Gourmet Food line Gullah Gourmet from our good friends in Charleston SC. The line…
Upcoming: Complimentary Gullah Gourmet tasting
Maybe this is food-related, but the event is hosted by Green With Envy (this Saturday, Aug. 29), for goodness’ sakes! Come down to Green with Envy Saturday morning between 10 and 12 for an incredible tasting of Gullah Gourmet. We just received our new Gourmet Food line Gullah Gourmet from our good friends in Charleston…
Normal-looking woman makes it into Glamour
*Applause* For once, a fashion magazine, whose target audience is the everyday, average-looking woman with actual thighs, has featured a model who looks like its audience. Slender, leggy supermodels such as Bar Refaeli and Gisele Bundchen are taking a backseat these days to an unlikely supermodel contender in the form of Lizzi Miller — all…
What’s an album anyway?
Which are your favorites to listen to from start to finish?
Arts Flash: Comedian John Heffron
Comedian John Heffron is one funny guy. He can twist everyday occurrences – like bar encounters, marriage and getting older – into humorous stories and rants that you just can’t help laughing at. That’s probably why he won the second season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing in 2004. Originally from Detroit, Heffron’s latest DVD, titled…
Talk dirty to me, baby
A little hair pulling and nibbling in the right place is just what a lot of women need to get going in the bed. But if you want to push her over the edge, say something nasty. A well placed pussy, fuck me and some other choice words will do nothing but make the sex…
Expect to pay more for beer
Breweries say the increase is your fault. You should be drinking more.
Caskets not available at the flea market
Apparently, you can’t find anything and everything at the flea market nowadays. Especially when you’re booted out from your booth because your product makes people think about death. An employee of Trader Marc’s, a six-week old flea market, had approved Eggleston’s request to rent space last Saturday. But when the market’s owner, J.R. Pettus, noticed…
Sale of the day: Luna
Head out to this Phillips Place spot for markdowns on summer dresses. It’s getting to be that time! 6809 Phillips Place Ct # B 704-554-6000
T.G.I.W.: Thank God It’s Wednesday
For geeks like me, Wednesday is a truly glorious day.
Cheap date alert: Trivia and pizza
Sure it’s the middle of the week, hump day if you will. And yes, you have to go to work in the morning, but does that mean you shouldn’t go out on a date tonight? Hell no. Take your mate to Trivia Night at Revolution Pizza & Ale in NoDa tonight. From 7:30 p.m. to…
Brittney Cason on Holidate tonight
Brittney Cason will be featured on the TV show Holidate tonight.
Like-thinkers at last night’s town hall meeting
If you missed last night’s town hall meeting in Weddington, don’t despair. There is another meeting tonight and a third on Thursday which means you have two more opportunities to share your thoughts with Rep. Sue Myrick while she’s on her town hall tour. Tonight: Cornelius’ J.V. Washam Elementary School at 7 p.m. Here’s a…
Jennifer
favorite flower: Lily
Today’s Top 5: Wednesday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
Petra’s, 8/25/09
It was Wednesday Trivia Night last night at Petra’s Piano Bar.
Today’s Top(less) 5: Wednesday
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, August 26, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Wine Thirty. •Ladies Night Line Dancing at Coyote Joes. • Wednesday night salsa social. • Guys…
It’s Squirm Time for foes of same-sex marriage
You know how sweet it is when you’ve got solid statistical evidence to back up your arguments? Well, here we go, fellow progressives. There is now concrete evidence that shows how wrong opponents of same-sex marriage have been. One of the main arguments from those who oppose allowing same-sex marriage is that it would “destroy…
Mecktoberfest release party
Revolution Pizza and Ale House in NoDa will be hosting the release party for Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s seasonal beer Mecktoberfest this Thursday, August 27. The free event begins at 8 pm and will feature live music. Revolution Pizza and Ale House 3228 N. Davidson Charlotte, NC 28205 (704) 333-4440
This Week’s DVD Releases
What’s new on disc.
The African Children’s Choir to perform in the Q.C.
The African Children’s Choir will perform a benefit show tomorrow at Blair Road United Methodist Church.
Holidate … celebrate …
Brittney After Dark makes national television.
Would Jesus really do this?
This doesn’t seem very Christ-like.
Ready to be scared?
Swine flu is coming! Swine flu is coming!
Kosher soup for the soul
Known to many as the “Kosher Guy” or “Kosher Police,” Menachem Vorst spends his life surrounded by all aspects of the food business. His work at the Charlotte Jewish Day School as the food service manager, kosher supervisor, and cafeteria chef led to him becoming Charlotte’s only kosher gourmet soup salesman and kosher caterer for…
And the winner in the Creative Loafing bankruptcy auction is …
Atalaya Capital Management. Outgoing CEO Ben Eason lost control of the company his parents founded in 1972 to the New York hedge fund from whom he borrowed $30 million to buy the Chicago Reader and Washington City Paper. Atalaya won the auction with a $5 million cash bid. Eason’s highest offer was a $2.3 million…
Global warming on trial
It’s all about the Benjamins, baby. (As always.)
Joke of the Day
Bill Maher was on the Tonight Show last night and brought his politics with him. Talking about the “birthers,” those people who’ve been spending way too much time worrying about Pres. Obama’s birth certificate, Maher summed up our current moment in history: “I will show you Obama’s birth certificate if you show me Sarah Palin’s…
Concert announcement — Silversun Pickups
Silversun Pickups are coming to The Fillmore Charlotte on Oct. 10. An Horse and a yet-to-be-announced act will open the show. Tickets go on sale on Friday, Aug. 28. Note — Cage the Elephant are opening other gigs for the band, but not in Charlotte… I’m not happy about that.
Kiss and Tail: The Hollywood Jump-Off
Former video vixen, Karrine Steffans made a name for herself with two tell all hip-hop books. She named names, told how things went down and now some of the men named in the books have gotten a chance to tell their side of the story on the DVD Kiss and Tail: The Hollywood Jump-Off. The…
Torturous arguments
When you’re talking about the law, you have to be very specific. That’s what Attorney General Eric Holder is doing by specifically targeting certain reports of torture by CIA interrogators for further review. Specifics, though, don’t seem to be on the agenda, at least not yet, for those who oppose Holder’s decision. Former Bush spokesperson…
Example of Christians out of touch with their faith
Jesus probably wouldn’t approve of this nonsense.
Point8 Blog: We don’t need another genius
When history becomes a series of stories of individual glory, it inevitably leads to the over-valuation of the work of the acclaimed few, while most others — and often the medium itself — struggles for survival.
Are you a ‘big dog’?
Greetings everyone, today I’m going to define a term I get asked about quite often; a term that can be different things to different people. I’m talking about a “big dog.” Ask 50 people what a “big dog” is and you may get 50 different answers. This is my definition of a big dog, and…
CD Review: Slaughterhouse’s Slaughterhouse
The Deal: Four notoriously lyrical rappers, Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, Crooked I and Royce Da 5’9, join forces to create hip-hop’s latest “super group.” The Good: This album delivered more than its fair share of “oooh” lines. On “Killaz,” Royce Da 5’9 spits “you fuckin with a killa/take your body, rape your body, dump it…
Going shopping for a burial crypt?
Why not get the one directly above film star Marilyn Monroe? An American widow sold her husband’s burial crypt directly on top of film legend Marilyn Monroe’s final resting place for $4.6 million on Monday, through online auctioneer eBay Inc. Read the full story here.
This week’s new releases (8/25/2009)
A quick list of some of the albums being released today.
Sale of the day: Scout & Molly’s
Print off the coupon to advantage of your savings. 3920 Sharon Road, Suite B150 704-817-7009 www.scoutandmollysofcharlotte.com
Today’s Top 5: Tuesday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Aug. 25, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • The Color Purple at Belk Theater • Comedian John Heffron at Lake Norman Comedy Zone in Galway Hooker Irish Pub • Taboo Tuesday at SK Netcafe •…
Today’s Top(less) 5: Tuesday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
COMEDY: Ralphie May at McGlohon Theatre
Ralphie May is huge, and I don’t just mean in the comedy world. Ever since May starred as contestant and finalist of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, things have really blowing up in his life. He was featured on the TV show Celebrity Fit, and he’s also kept touring a constant, as well as releasing new,…
Go get your groove on at Salvador Deli this weekend
Don’t show up at Salvador Deli on Aug. 29 expecting to lounge around, even if it is The Lounge Fest. With nine bands on the bill, there will be plenty more dancing than relaxing going on. The night is in celebration of The LRC’s debut album release, Lurk’n, and they’ve made sure that you’re going…
More Fall Arts preview
Comedy Alive. Comedians Jarrod Harris and Dave Stone. Aug. 28-29. 2909 N. Davidson St. 704-930-2200. www.matthewscomedyzone.com. Lake Norman Comedy Zone. Comedian. Matt Davis. $10. Sept. 1, 8 p.m.; Comedian Shaun Jones. Benefit show for Light the Night. $50. Sept. 22, 8 p.m. 17044 Kenton Dr. 704-895-1782. www.lkncomedyzone.com. Alive. Matt Davis and DT Owens. Sept. 4-5.;…
COMEDY: Cedric The Entertainer at Bojangles’ Coliseum
It’s showtime at Ovens Auditorium and Cedric The Entertainer is in the house. The actor/comedian, known for his big-time role on The Steve Harvey Show, as well as in the Barbershop movies and The Original Kings of Comedy, among other films, is prepared to take you higher. He’s a pro at making folks laugh about…
‘As seen on TV’: the Loud ‘N Clear
I was sleepless in Charlotte the other night, watching the infomercial for the Loud ‘N Clear, advertised as essentially a hearing aid for eavesdropping. In the faux-mercial, a guy was at a party listening to girls talk about how cute he was, and another woman listened as other women talked nicely behind her back. Hmmm…
Capsule reviews of films playing the week of Aug. 26
Current Releases BRUNO To paraphrase Lloyd Bentsen’s smackdown of Dan Quayle during the 1988 Vice Presidential Debate: “Bruno, I screened Borat; I knew Borat; Borat was a review of mine. Bruno, you’re no Borat.” Perhaps not, but there’s still plenty of laughs to be found in Bruno, which finds creator Sacha Baron Cohen employing the…
MUSIC: Mötley Crüe at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Crüe Fest, created by the hard rock act Mötley Crüe, is back. The tour, this go-round called Crüe Fest 2, makes its way to Charlotte on Aug. 30 with a stop at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. The fest features a different lineup than last year, with bands like Godsmack, Theory of a Deadman, Drowning Pool and…
Satellites and drones: How to get out of Afghanistan
Tell me again: What, exactly, is the point of the war in Afghanistan? I’m wondering because the guy I voted for in last year’s presidential election is ratcheting up the size of U.S. forces in that godforsaken country, more American soldiers are being killed there than ever before, and I’m not convinced that’s the right…
FILM: Screening of Kung Fu Panda at Symphony Park
SouthPark’s “Movies Under The Stars” series at Symphony Park is winding down, with its last film screening to happen on Friday, Aug. 28. So, pack a blanket and/or lawn chair and make your way out for the one and only Kung Fu Panda. With a 42-foot screen projecting the film, you might even feel like…
FILM: Screening of Psycho Beach Party
Another hum drum Monday? Well, that’s what Theatre650’s Cult Movie Mondays are here for. This Monday, head on over to Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte for a free (that’s how we like it!) film screening of Psycho Beach Party. The film is described as “a hilarious spoof of 1950’s psychodrama, the 1960’s beach party/Gidget movies, and…
The death of Jasmine Fiore
Jasmine Fiore is dead. The young “model” was allegedly murdered by her former husband, reality TV contestant Ryan Jenkins — who was also found dead this past Sunday in British Columbia. You may know him from one of the worst reality television shows ever: Megan Wants a Millionaire, a program where certified skank Megan Hauserman…
Who is Obama playing ball with?
It looked like it was business as usual for President Barack Obama on the first day of his Martha’s Vineyard vacation, as he spent five hours golfing with Robert Wolf, president of UBS Investment Bank and chairman and CEO of UBS Group Americas. Wolf, an early financial backer of Obama’s presidential campaign, raised $250,000 for…
COMEDY: Matt Davis at Lake Norman Comedy Zone
Tuesdays are almost as bad as Mondays. It’s still early in the week, and that … sucks. Oh well, you can laugh about it (or not) at Lake Norman Comedy Zone. Comedian Matt Davis will perform tonight and you can expect he’ll be double-dipping in off-the-wall topics and taboos, as well as funny material from…
CD Review: Those Darlins’ Those Darlins
The Deal: Tennessee’s enigmatic trio releases debut self-titled album. The Good: The three girls who make up Those Darlins, on first appearance, make you think they’re part of a punk band – unique style, a couple of tattoos and a hard edge that’s visible in their walk. When they start performing, the music is something…
THEATER: Shear Madness
If you goofed around and didn’t catch a performance of the comedic, murder mystery Shear Madness at Stage Door Theater the last go-round, you’d better get out for one of these added shows. The play, which features plain-out goofy characters played by a talented cast, revolves around the murder of an old lady who lives…
CD Review: Spindrift’s The Legend of God’s Gun
The Deal: The Legend of God’s Gun’s music was written as a soundtrack to a film not yet made. But now that the film’s in release it seems the music’s more essential than the film. The tracks are hallucinogenic, post-modern odes to spaghetti-Westerns meant to accompany a Dante-esque vision of the Old West. It’s the…
Comic book review: Grimjack: The Manx Cat No. 1
Grimjack: The Manx Cat No. 1 Published by IDW. Written by John Ostrander. Art by Timothy Truman. The Deal: Writer John Ostrander and artist Timothy Truman bring back the space-faring pirate they created in the 1980s — Grimjack — for a brand-new adventure at a brand-new publishing house. The Good: When reviving old characters, many…
N.C.’s No. 1 export: Gun-wielding maniacs
You gotta feel sorry for the folks of South Carolina. Lately it seems that every time another gun-wielding maniac who should be behind bars in North Carolina goes on a shooting or a kidnapping spree, he goes across state lines to do it. S.C. residents end up bleeding or worse and S.C. law enforcement is…
Do mosquitoes prefer certain blood types? Plus: Do tall men get more skin cancer?
Do mosquitoes favor certain blood types over others? I have noticed while out working that mosquitoes love me while my brother never gets bit. Why is my blood so tasty? — Brian Q., Huntsville, Alabama Sibling rivalry thing going on there, Brian? I’ve got good news for you. We still don’t know why mom preferred…
Dems enter U.S. Senate race with a Burr under their saddles
A lawyer, a former state legislator and the N.C. Secretary of State: With Chapel Hill Mayor Kevin Foy, they are the initial go-getters trying to unseat U.S. Sen. Richard Burr in 2010. And, according to a recent poll, any of them has a good chance to win next year’s Democratic primary. But whether they can…
Weekly horoscope for Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2009
Virgo The Virgin (Aug. 22-Sept. 22): Irritability and a tendency to short temper may be your companion this week. Beware the temptation to obsess over minor issues. Take especially good care of your body at this time. For All Signs: Mars, ancient god of war, is facing off against Pluto, god of the underworld. Given…
The Last Days of Disco, Adventureland among new DVD reviews
ADVENTURELAND (2009). Movie fans need another period coming-of-age flick about as much as the nation needs another Senate cop-out on health care, yet Adventureland proves to be a pleasant surprise. For that, thank the efforts of a talented ensemble and a screenplay that mostly steers clear of the usual gross-out gags that have come to…
Bizarre crimes from Charlotte police files
Pissed On: A 29-year-old woman called police after her car was broken into overnight. She told officers someone stole the CD/DVD player out of the dashboard. She doesn’t know how anybody entered the locked vehicle, but she reported seeing scratches on the passenger door. She also noticed that the suspect poured a foul smelling liquid…
Fall Guide 2009: The Cheap Thrills Edition
You’re broke. We know. Times are hard. And we feel your pain. Yes, we feel your pain so much that we’re embarking on another mission of mercy for the citizens of Charlotte. You see, we’ve looked at the calendar and noticed that summer is about done (boo hoo) and fall is on the way. And…
History and fantasy at war in Inglorious Basterds
Once upon a time, Hollywood used to believe less in the adage “War Is Hell” and more in its own bastardization, “War Is Swell.” For over five decades, war was treated as a boys’ adventure story, with the occasional sobering drama (e.g. All Quiet on the Western Front) the odd film out among countless movies…
Arts & Entertainment
1. Movies on the Green: The outdoor summer movie program will continue well into the fall on The Green, located at 435 S. Tryon St. Bring something comfortable to place under you (blanket, folding chair, etc.) and catch a flick under the stars. The series runs on the last Thursday of each month through October,…
The Time Traveler’s Wife, Adam among reviews in brief
PONYO (***) — Compared to past Hayao Miyazaki titles like Castle in the Sky and the Oscar-winning Spirited Away, the Japanese import Ponyo is minor-league stuff. But compared to the animated garbage that typically passes through stateside theaters, it’s practically a godsend. This tale about a goldfish (voiced by Noah Cyrus) who longs to be…
Music
21. 2009 Sunset Jazz Festival: On Sept. 19, the Charlotte-based Pride magazine is, once again, bringing cool, soothing and free sounds to Symphony Park at Southpark Mall via its 18th annual Sunset Jazz Festival. For 2009 — along with spotlighting great musicians (like headliner Marion Meadows) — the event’s organizers will be collecting donations for…
Peeking behind the curtains
When I was a kid, I compared myself to everyone. One teacher called me “other-directed” and it wasn’t until my twenties that I realized that wasn’t a glowing compliment. I carried a bit of this into adulthood, and perhaps it shows up in my voyeuristic sneak peeks at what wine drinkers are sipping. As a…
Shopping & Fashion
29. Upscale MySale: With times the way they are (financially sucky, that is), consignment is the way to go if you’re looking to add some fashionable fall pieces to your closet at a decent price. One consignment sale you should check out this fall is Upscale MySale, going down in late September just when the…
Davy Knowles continues with new Back Door Slam
When Jeff Beck went on tour recently, he asked 22-year-old blues guitarist Davy Knowles to open up for him. During one of those shows, Sammy Hagar and Joe Satriani — two members of the supergroup Chickenfoot, along with Chad Smith and Michael Anthony — were in the crowd and impressed by the talents of the…
Adult Entertainment
36. An adult night in: 321 News & Video in Gastonia continues with its ongoing customer appreciation sale with movies for $5.99. The shop is located at 1410 N. Chester St., and the sale continues while supplies last. 37. Couple’s Night at The Men’s Club: You and your sweetie can get into one of Charlotte’s…
CL previews upcoming concerts (Aug. 26-30)
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 26 Hot Tuna Electric Hot Tuna’s Jack Casady and Jorma Kaukonen, both of whom have been hunting white wabbits since the mid-’60s with Jefferson Airplane, don’t seem ready to rest their collective heads on the pop-star pillow – Surrealistic or otherwise – anytime soon. Kaukonen’s finger-picked blues, jazz and bluegrass-inflected fretboard runs still…
No-So-Cheap Thrills
Here’s a list of some other not-to-be-missed fall events that cost a tad bit more than $10: 1. CarnEvil: Some of the best people-watching always took place at Purgatory events (before they went the way of the dodo bird) … and on Halloween. CarnEvil combines the best of those two worlds when you get live…
Passions flare at Passion 8
When you get to Passion 8 Bistro — and you really should if you adore out-of-the-way, owner-obsessed places — this is what you do: Order the smoked duck and scallop carpaccio duet starter as soon as you get there. This one dish speaks to the kitchen and to the heart of the owners, Chef Luca…
Fall Guide 2009: The Cheap Thrills Edition
You’re broke. We know. Times are hard. And we feel your pain. Yes, we feel your pain so much that we’re embarking on another mission of mercy for the citizens of Charlotte. You see, we’ve looked at the calendar and noticed that summer is about done (boo hoo) and fall is on the way. And…
