The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, Dec. 9, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
• R&B Live at Jet Ultra Lounge
• Tipsy Trivia to benefit the CF Foundation at Mortimer's
• Latin Xstasy Thursdays at Halo
• Shiprocked presents another weird themed night: "Plastic Bitch" at Snug Harbor
• Simplified performs at Whisky River
I came to a conclusion while watching this clip from an old Soul Train episode: The 1970s was undoubtedly a more homophobic age, but if guys today danced they way the do in the video below, folks would label them as "gay" for sure.
That's not to say that all of the Soul Train dancers were straight. But, ultimately, the times didn't demand that people be so damned butch on the dance floor.
So, next time you see someone getting down at Suite or Dharma Lounge or Halo, don't assume and don't judge. Just have fun.
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, Dec. 8, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
• Rock the Runway charity event at Sunset Club
• Lashes and MustASHES Charlotte launch at Pop Life at Luna Lounge
• White party/open bar at Divino Nights at Marigny
• Recess Fest at Le Bang Wednesdays at Dharma Lounge
• Karaoke Christmas at Loft 1523
With its disappearance from North Carolina shelves imminent over the next few weeks, and everyone up in a tizzy about what it does to young folks (who happen to love it), some friends of mine decided to bid farewell to our good friend, Four Loko, one Tuesday night.
Its “ban” (which isn’t entirely accurate) made it surprisingly hard to find. After hitting a few gas stations on the way to the party that had either sold out or removed them from their shelves, I initially showed up to the house party Four Loko-less. Party foul. So when someone else arrived with three, I hit the “Murder Mart” on Plaza and Parkwood and got my hands on my favorite flavor, Cranberry Lemonade.
The night’s conversation was weirdly somber. Like discussing the qualities we’d miss most about a friend who’d moved or passed away, we debated our favorite flavors to the general consensus that Orange and Grape are terrible, Cranberry Lemonade and Watermelon are the jam.
Briefly interrupting the reminiscing was a guy in a minivan who pulled up to the house, trying to sell ribs out of his cooler. While most people ignored him, one friend went in for a closer look. To watch his drunk ass investigate the product, then try and negotiate a price for this loose and random meat, before realizing he didn’t get paid for a few more days, was priceless.
Almost like going through the stages of grief, about a half a can (a can and a half for others) later, the “good times” clicked in everyone’s head, and we started celebrating the life of the “Black Out in a Can.”
Shenanigans, which to that point had been minimal, were soon replaced by outright dumb shit. The music got louder. Some people started wrestling. Some people sang and danced along to YouTube videos (what you know about “Movin’ Like Berney”? Look it up if you’re unfamiliar). Others just sort of stumbled and sat quietly, clearly in their own zone.
Unlike the college days of Quattro Crazy, people here could actually handle their alcohol. Blackouts were all but nonexistent, but the familiar, good times were soundly intact.
Godspeed, old friend. We’ll miss you — or just suck it up and cross the border, because all the cool and dangerous stuff, like fireworks and Four Loko, are legal in South Carolina.
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, Dec. 7, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
• Anything But Clothes Contest Hosted by Project Runway's April Johnson at Whisky River
• 22nd Annual Second String Santa Holiday Party at Founders Hall
• Sexy Santa/Tacky Sweater party at Tilt On Trade
• Tuesday night Trivia at Petra's Piano Bar
• Tone-X and Friends Comedy Show at Skandalos
The annual Jingle Bell Ball is a semi-formal event with music, a silent auction and hors d’oeuvres catered by Blue Restaurant and will be held Friday, Dec. 10.
It’s also a way to do some good, since the funds raised from ticket sales benefit United Family Services’ domestic violence programs and The Shelter for Battered Women.
$65 in advance; $75 at the door. 8 p.m.-midnight. Grand Central, 1000 Central Ave. For more information, visit www.jinglebellball.com.
— Anita Overcash
The Deal: “Breastival,” kicked off its third year of saving the “boobies” at Snug Harbor this Saturday. It was only fitting that the event was hosted by the Pink Anarchists.
The Good: Music by Cement Stars, Fat Camp and Small Talk Industries and a special performance by punk-drag extraordinaires: Lilith DeVille and Bethann Phetamine kept the night alive and … well, interesting! Like always, every type of character attended and could be found dancing by the stage or fueling up at the bar. The best part about the night, all proceeds went to “The Keep A Breast Foundation.”
The Bad: Nothing could be bad about mixing boobies with bars! But really, the event was a hit. Let’s not forgot about the scrumptious bake sale, offering cute cupcakes for only $1.
The Verdict: Bottom line, if all cause-worthy events were this fun, I’d want to help out a different charity every night!
’Tis the season to be jolly, and you most certainly can during the 22nd Annual Second String Santa Holiday Party on Tuesday, Dec. 7. This event — which collects toys for needy children — features complimentary drinks (beer, wine and soft drinks) and appetizers, as well as a cash bar with cocktails. Bring an unwrapped gift and get in for $20 (or, if you don’t feel like doing any shopping, just pay $40). $20-$40 for general admission; $100 for VIP. 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Founders Hall, 100 N. Tryon St. For more information, visit www.secondstringsanta.org.
— Anita Overcash
If you must venture out in the cold this weekend, the key to staying warm is alcohol. Get lots of it at these events Friday and Saturday.
Friday, Dec. 3
• Is it time for the ladies to pull out their skanky Santa suits? The Sexy Santa Party, brought to you by Mez and SocialFlockers, will help benefit Charlotte Club Red.
• EDM/Dance Music Fans will want to check out Fantasy Friday featuring DJs Andy Z, Kaotika, & Koji at Halo
• Local grassroots production company Famous Nobody hosts its 'Keep It Movin' - Music Video Premiere at Butter
• Sugar Society brings you Morgan Page with Kevin Focus for your musical pleasure at Marigny
• The Original First Fridays Charlotte Holiday Edition at the new Jet Ultra Lounge (formerly Closet Nightclub at 1202 Charlottetowne Ave.)
• Girls Gone Wild at Bar Charlotte. Nuff said.
Saturday, Dec. 6
• Big Mammas House of Burlesque 5th Annual Merry Stripmas Show at Visulite Theatre
• Winter Wonderland On Montford at Andrew Blair's, benefiting Right Moves for Youth.
• 3rd Annual Breastival at Snug Harbor, benefiting the Keep a Breast Foundation and featuring the musical stylings of Cement Stars, Fat Camp and Small Talk Industries, along with performances by punk-drag sensations Lilith DeVille and Bethann Phetamine with DJ Scott Weaver providing tunes throughout the evening.
• The EpiCentre will be the place to watch the big ACC game tonight. Strike City hosts a Florida State Watch Party and VA Tech fans can go to Black Finn (and alumni can check out the pre-game party)
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, Dec. 2, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
• Rickmond Media & The Sol Kitchen's Customer Appreciation Event & Toy Drive at Pewter Rose
• WGIV's R&B Live at Jet Ultra Lounge (formerly Closet Nightclub)
• Giving With the Guild at Bar at 316
• Bridgette Tatum live in concernt/ACC Football Kickoff Party at Whisky River
• Heels and Ties Party at Alley Cat
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