DEC 25 WEDNESDAY
It’s Christmas Day, the King Daddy of all western holidays. December 25 was chosen by early church leaders as the symbolic date representing the birth of Jesus. That date meshed with traditional winter solstice celebrations of renewal, which helped to mainstream Christianity into the predominant pagan culture of the time. Through the centuries, Christmas has been celebrated — and not celebrated, sometimes vehemently — in a huge variety of ways, all of which has somehow led to our current habits of buying and giving a mind-boggling glut of products. You’re right, we’re cynical about the economy-pumping function of Christmas, but not about the spirit of the day. We wish readers a great holiday. And we hope you get whatever geegaw or gadget or knickknack you’ve been pining for. (Grooms)
The Americanos: Latino Life in the United States exhibit at the Levine Museum of the New South continues, but only for a limited time. The show will close early next year (January 20) and if you miss it, you’ll have missed the opportunity to see an incredible show. The images, gathered by the Smithsonian, present an intimate portrait of the Latino community, a chance to see across cultural bounds and see the innate humanity in us all. The collection highlights the work of 30 prize-winning photographers. Museum hours are 10am-5pm Tuesday through Saturday and 12-5pm on Sunday. For more information, contact the museum at 704-333-1887 or visit online at www.museumofthe newsouth.org. (McKinney)
DEC 26 THURSDAY
The Charlotte Checkers have, at best, given us a lukewarm season this year, but what better way to celebrate the season than with big men smashing each other around a big frozen chunk of ice? The Checkers face off against the SC Stingrays tonight and the Greenville Grrrowl (nope, not a typo) on Tuesday. Both games are at 7:05pm. Tickets range from $6-$19. For more information, call 704-522-6500 or visit online at www.gocheckers.com. (McKinney)
The International Space Station: The Earth Tour exhibit is wrapping up at Discovery Place this evening. Children love space, it’s fascinating and unknown — heck, it’s the “final frontier.” This very hands-on exhibit is perfect for post-holiday entertainment. Hours are 9am-5pm. Tickets range from $4-$7.50. For more information, call 704-372-0471. (McKinney)
DEC 27 FRIDAY
The Charlotte 49ers enter the Pepsi Holiday Classic starting tonight in the campus’ Halton Arena. The tournament is nationally televised (ESPN-2) in case you can’t get in on the live action. Games are vs. Loyola-Chicago tonight at 4pm, tomorrow vs. Colorado at 2:30pm, and Sunday vs. Louisiana-Lafayette at 5pm. The “Niners” stand to make some waves in this three-game stint, so keep your eyes on the prize. For more information or ticket prices, call 704-687-6310 or visit online at www.charlotte49ers.com. (McKinney)
DEC 28 SATURDAY
The Inaugural Continental Tire Bowl — yup, Charlotte’s been blessed with a bowl game this year! The game features the ACC’s Virginia Cavaliers vs. the Big East’s West Virginia Mountaineers and will be played at Ericsson Stadium at 11am. This event is sold out, so if you want a ticket, listen to the radio for giveaways or find a scalper — I mean, ticket broker. If you can’t go to the game and still want to be part of the action, the Uptown Pep Rally on the Square will be held on Friday, December 27, featuring a performance by Laurel Kramer. Post-game parties will be held at ADT Doghouse (located south of Ericsson Stadium) and Dixie’s Tavern. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.continentaltirebowl.com. (Herman)
DEC 31 TUESDAY
Charlotte Rep brings new showmanship to their New Year’s Eve Gala. Cocktails kick off the evening at 7pm with a full sit-down dinner (choice of three entrees), catered by Bistro 100, at 7:30pm. The party moves upstairs to Booth Playhouse at 10pm for an hour-long Let the Good Times Roll cabaret starring Broadway’s Lynn Wintersteller. Back in Founders Hall, DJ Daryll Elkins plays the dance music from 11pm-2am — with traditional countdown. Various packages are available from $65-$400. Call 704-372-1000. (Tannenbaum)
There may not be many big name acts ringing in the New Year for Charlotte music fans, but there are several shows that ought to provide plenty of cheer…and make you glad you have Wednesday off. Fans of live music may want to check out local faves the Belmont Playboys at the Double Door Inn (704-376-1446) or Cleveland County’s Acoustic Syndicate at the Visulite Theatre (704-358-9200). The hard rockin’ Playboys are all about partying while the Syndicate tend to send the hippies into a twirling frenzy. And for those of you who dig the DJ scene, Tonic (704-347-2582) will host the Detroit Grand Pu Bahs and Mythos’ (704-375-8765) X-Treme Cirkus will feature the enchanting Myndy K. Covers will vary at each venue, so contact each club for more details. (Farris)
This article appears in Dec 25-31, 2002.
