Folks will tell you that there's something of a cultural shift now happening in the rap game, much in the same way that the A Tribe Called Quests of the world helped smooth the transition from fist-in-your-face acts like N.W.A. and the Geto Boys (though both were quite prescient on occasion) to the whole Def Jukie/Anticon/backpack movements. There since the beginning have been Talib Kweli and his partner in rhyme, DJ Hi-Tek. For Kweli, poetry is written for the benefit of mankind – equality, not the ego (i.e., dropping the "I's" and "me's" in the verses and replacing them with "we's" and "us's"). Kweli knows there's plenty of room to get ill and cure some ills at the same time, and that's likely his lasting legacy. Chuck D once said hip-hop was the CNN of the streets. Too often these days, it's more like Fox News. Kweli and 'Tek will fair and balance your ass the way it should be done. $20-$25, Amos' SouthEnd, www.amossouthend.com.
— Timothy C. Davis
For the next month or so, I live in Southend (soon to be moving because of inflation and high rental costs, grrrrr). One of the great things about where I live is the different types of nightlife venues available to me via a short walk from my apartment. For example, there's Tavern on the Tracks, The Gin Mill, Apostrophe Lounge and Dharma Lounge all RIGHT there. I love it.
The newest player to the Southend nightlife game is On the Roxx. The first time I was there, my boyfriend and I sat in comfy chairs at the bar, chatted up the bartender and felt completely at ease. Don't you love places like that?
On Friday night, Paschal Promotions and On The Roxx presents: "Party Like a RoxxStar."
Visit www.roxxsouthend.com to RSVP for complimentary admission.
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, June 9, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
• Level Wednesdays Anniversary Party hosted by The Shannon Twins at Suite
• I Love College Summer School Edition at Club Ice
• Pure Wednesdays at Halo
• Pop Life with DJ BroRabb and Timbaland Tribute at Luna Lounge
• Comedy Night at Dixie’s Tavern
Well, it seems here's your chance.
On June 10, Mez will turn one of its theaters into a Playboy Club — excited?
Both Kazba and Mez will be transformed and illuminated with historic images and video footage from the famed clubs, and guests will be invited to party and dance the night away with a Playboy Playmate – Miss October 2005 Amanda Paige.
Tickets to this special event are available for $10 through www.bandtastic.com/playboyclub50; tickets will also available at the door.
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, June 8, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
• MTV'S Fresh Meat II at Whisky River
• The After Work Jazz Set featuring Intertwyned at Forte
• Styx, Foreigner, Kansas at Road Runner Mobile Amphitheatre
• $2 College Nights at The Pub
• Mix & Mingle w/ The McDevitt Agency and Vivace Charlotte
When I moved to Charlotte four years ago, the first nightclub I hit up was The Forum. Coming from dinky Augusta, Ga., where we had all of two places to go dancing, I was in awe of the three-level club (although I tried my best not to show it). I was 22 years old, in love with Charlotte's skyline and feeling on top of the world as I sipped some fruity cocktail on the rooftop, looking down at the street.
And then the EpiCentre opened up. No one could rival Suite's patio and view of the city.
But now that I've grown a little older and become a little less infatuated with Charlotte's skyline, I still find myself frequenting The Forum. Recently I checked out a DJ competition there, and hip-hop artist/actor Common did his thing a few weekends ago.
So I'm sad to report that The Forum is closing on June 19.
** moment of silence **
In a press release, managing partner Andy Kastanas states: “We wish to thank everyone for an incredible run. While the Forum’s closing is a bit bitter sweet, we are grateful to have surpassed our creative and financial goals with this project beyond our wildest dreams.” He goes on to say, “While this may be the last hooray for the Forum, we are very excited about our plans for the property located on the 300 block of College Street where the venue is currently housed. We have always prided ourselves on staying ahead of the curve and offering innovative entertainment options – our decision to close the Forum and forge ahead with a new concept is an extension of this philosophy.”
Your last chance to party at The Forum comes to you Saturday, June 19, with Miami’s three-time DMC champion DJ Craze, among other numerous special guests. Purchase tickets here.
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, June 7, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
• Witches Night Off - cabaret benefit featuring members of the cast of Wicked at McGlohon Theatre
• Laugh a Latte Mondays at Real Eyes Bookstore
• The Return Of Monday Night Mic Fights at Jeff's Bucket Shop
• Bob Schneider and Smile Smile at Visulite Theatre
• Carolina Unplugged Live at The Wine Up
Recently, I got into a conversation with a guy about the ever popular "Ladies' Night." He said that ladies' night was sexist because girls get in free, and at some places, even get their favorite drinks half price. But guys not only have to pay to get in, their drinks are full price, and if they are interested in a girl, he’ll pay for her, too. I’m not bashing the ladies' night traditions, or chivalry for that matter, but he does make a point. Other than when a guy wants to pick up a date, what’s out there to inspire him to go out on an evening especially marketed toward women?
While there are places that appeal more to guys than girls, like The Men’s Club or Uptown Cabaret, what about the guys who want to do more than look at naked women (they exist ladies, I swear). If bars and clubs were to create a guys' night ... what would that be like?
I instantly think poker or pool night. I know a lot of guys who have a love for both games, and it’s something where guys can sit back, drink a beer, and do something that most men love to do — compete. And as for the perks, well, why not go for half price or free games for one evening. Clubs could even hold a mini tournament, and let the top three competitors win a free game tab. If nothing else, why not remove the cover charge for everyone. After all, that’s what the guy I was talking with wanted.
However, I’m not a guy, so I did get a few perspectives from the owners of nightspots on why ladies' night has been more of a reoccurring trend, and what a guys' night would be like if they made one.
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, June 4, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
• Diamonds are a girl's best friend at Suite
• "Old School" First Fridays at House of Jazz
• Brooks & Dunn Last Rodeo Tailgate Party And After Party With City Limits
• Takeover Friday at Sidelines
• Tift Merritt at Visulite Theatre
Even though this was a short week for most of us, damn it feels like it took forever for the weekend to get here!
Here are some nightlife events to check out as you drink away the stress of cramming a five-day work week into four days. At least, that's my excuse for the vodka drinks I'll be slinging back.
Thursday, June 3
• Kick-off of Sofa King Thursdays at Dixie's Tavern
• Diverse Thursdays at Dharma Lounge (Ladies get complimentary martinis from 10 p.m.-11 p.m.)
• Liberation (an Open House Experience) at Tutto Mondo
Friday, June 4
• Charlotte's First Four Square Party at Town Tavern. (Note: Foursquare: a stalker's paradise.)
• AZUCAR! A Carribbean Celebraiton at Neighborhood Theatre
• 1st Friday Charlotte — Annual All White Party at The Forum
Saturday, June 5
• Beatles Tribute Night at Knight Theater
• The Velvet Nights.com Presents: "HEAT" Lingerie Party with Fire Dancers at Halo
• The Flying Saucer's 8th Anniversary Celebration
Mobile
