This Week’s DVD Releases
What’s new on DVD this week.
Concert announcement
I’ll keep this simple – I think the lineup for this year’s Food Lion Speed Street is disappointing. One can only hope that more bands will be added. As of now, here’s what’s been announced: Miller Lite Stage Jason Aldean – Thursday, May 21 at 9:30 p.m. Lifehouse – Friday, May 22 at 9:15 p.m.…
Give A-Rod a Rest
I am tired of hearing about steroids and baseball. There is yet another tell-all book about A-Rod’s use of steroids out. This time it claims that he used as a teenager. Are you surprised? It is the actual demand for perfection from athletes that drives them to do stupid things like take steroids. Baseball is…
The end of vodka?
Is vodka the “tofu of the bar”?
Ray Anderson
Ray Anderson Jr. (a/k/a dj rsenal) dj’d his first party when he was in the 8th grade. His interest in all types of music continued to grow from there, and once he accepted a job at The Record Exchange in 1992, he knew he was a full blown music addict. He got into djing seriously…
Pete Stuart
Pete Stuart first lent his voice to music media as an infant, when his baby screams were once inadvertently broadcast over the airwaves at WMZQ 98.7 FM in Washington, D.C. His mother, a prominent local DJ who emceed shows for Frank Zappa, Willie Nelson and Electric Light Orchestra, would often wheel the stroller in-studio during…
Ben Stiller, Nigerian royalty & e-mail scams
Ben Stiller to direct film about notorious e-mail scam.
How can “Christian” groups oppose bullying ban?
Isn’t treating someone with respect a “traditional family value”?
So Earth day is over, but you can still fuck for forest (.com)
You can use your sexuality to save the forest. Don’t believe me? Log on to Fuckforforest.com. According to the web site: Fuckforforest is a non-profit eco porn organization. FFF is created by people who want to have a exciting experience and a good feeling for protecting nature, having real fun with sex and nudity, not…
Cinco de Mayo fiestas
Celebrate Mexico’s victory over France in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 with some Mexican food and drink specials. Here is a roundup of local bars and restaurants that will be throwing fiestas in honor of this Mexican holiday. La Paz 1910 South Blvd. www.lapazcharlotte.com Giveaways, Rock ‘n’ Roof Top Party, live bands…
Swine flu hits N.C.
The swine flu has finally hit our fair state. Here’s what over-excited media outlets are saying and writing: N.C. has 1st case of swine flu CDC confirms first case of swine flu in NC Confirmed Case of H1N1 Flu in NC is in Onslow County DHHS: Swine flu confirmed in NC Test results confirm H1N1…
Walk 935 miles to the beach
Explore the Mountain to Sea trail.
Live review: Gavin Degraw with honeyhoney
Live review of Gavin Degraw’s performance at Neighborhood Theatre.
CL’s Star Ratings
Star ratings for all reviewed films in Charlotte.
Dodgeball at Tremont tonight
Like playing dodgeball? Visit Tremont Music Hall tonight.
Sneak peek at City Island
Award winner City Island still needs a distributor.
Benefit for Time Out Youth
Head to Theatre Charlotte tomorrow night for the Third Annual Benefit for Time Out Youth, which will feature entertainment by The Chuckleheads, The Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte, The Charlotte Community Drummers and more.
Brooke Edge
A few years ago, Brooke Edge was a contributing writer to Creative Loafing and a Charlotte-based freelance writer. Then, after reading The Unbearable Lightness of Being one too many times, she and her husband relocated to Prague. Brooke wrote for The Prague Post, as dance critic and feature writer, for a year and a half,…
Reflections on the Kent State massacre
Today marks the 39th anniversary of the Kent State massacre and John Grooms looks back
Top 10 rules of anal sex
If you’ve never done it, but you’re curious, here are some rules.
Fool’s Brigade: A review in photos
A look at the 2009 Fool’s Brigade Benefit’s tribute to the Rolling Stones.
Why care about the Supreme Court?
Glenn Burkins offers his predictions.
Today is a great day for Iowa
Iowa started issuing marriage licenses for same sex couples last week and by all accounts from the Associated Press and other news outlets, gays who want to get married are heading to the state. But who would’ve thought that the state of Iowa and not California would’ve approved same sex marriage? This should be a…
Eating Vietnamese at Ben Thanh
Fresh and flavorful, Ben Thahn is a jewel of a restaurant on Central Ave.
Dancing with Britney…
So, apparently, some 20-year-old dumbass jumped on stage over the weekend in an effort to dance with Britney Spears during her concert. Yeah, because security will never care if you do that, right? Anyway, you can see it here at 3:10 or so – watch the right side of the video. The funniest part of…
Mexico is on sale
Looking for a cheap summer vacay?
Sale of the day: Monday
Coplon’s presents a 25 percent off designer sale. 6800 Phillips Place Ct # F 704-643-1113
Concert announcement
Edwin McCain, with special guest The Freddy Jones Band, will perform at the Fillmore Charlotte on Saturday, Aug. 29. Tickets go on sale on Friday, May 8 through LiveNation.com. This is the third show announced for the new Fillmore after Corey Smith and Gov’t Mule. Two shows have now been announced for the Uptown Amphitheatre…
The Quail Hollow Tee Party
The first Piedmont Town Center at Five was a golfing gala.
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 5/1/09
We stopped in the Old Mecklenburg Brewery on Friday night to see what was shakin’.
Alive After Five @ Piedmont Town Center, 5/1/09
Alive After Five at Piedmont Town Center kicked off their summer-long weekly parties this past Friday.
Today’s Top 5: Monday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
Music Menu (5/4/09)
Big Business drops heavy stoner rock on Charlotte.
Today’s Top(less) 5: Monday
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, May, 4, 2009–as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. •Beer specials at Tilt. •Texas Hold Em at Caveman’s. • Monster Karaoke night at Dixie’s. • SIN night at…
Music Menu (5/2/09)
Jimmy Herring plays for a second night in the Q.C.
Study: Conservatives think Colbert is one of them
Right-wing morons think Colbert’s on their side.
Kenny Chesney is in our office!!
Check out this picwe took of him. (We got a few new pets at the CL office. Our four new goldfish are all living in their own tanks and apparently have names tags too.)
Congressman lists sexual fetishes
Rep. Alcee Hastings reads a list of sexual fetishes on the floor of the House.
New exhibit at Pura Vida
Pura Vida Worldly Art’s newest exhibit titled Our Stories, Our Dreams: Collected Stories of Latino Immigrants opens on Sat., May 2 and runs through the end of May.
Concert announcement
Pollstar.com has listed Corey Smith as playing at the new Charlotte Fillmore on June 19.
Tweet of the Day
Amos Lee gives a comment on the touring life.
Sex News roundup
Here are a sampling of the sex news making headlines around the Internet today. Ex Sheriff facing sex charges dies Representative lists fetishes on the senate floor. Couple strips and fucks on Queen of England’s lawn. Seattle pimp sentenced in rape of 12-year-old
Walk It Out …
A kind of nightlife that saves lives
10-in-10 CD reviews
Each Friday, we bring you reviews of 10 recently released CDs done in 10 words each.
Forget hell! Secession creeping closer?
Secession fever is apparently sweeping through Conservative World, and it’s getting closer to the Carolinas. Boy, talk about your swine flu! First, a poll a couple of weeks ago, taken after Texas Gov. Rick Perry broached the subject at a Tea Party, revealed that the GOP in Texas is evenly divided over whether the Lone…
X-Men Origins: Wolverine: Not X-actly X-cellent
Franchise entry is decent, but can’t match other recent superhero flicks.
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past: Star saved by support team
Matthew McConaughey rom-com is more tolerable than most.
Battle for Terra not worth fighting to see
Animated feature is lackluster except for 3-D effects.
Taxes: Make sure you know what’s up
Avoid surprised by being prepared.
Alive After 5, 4/30/09
The EpiCentre featured 2 levels of e
Answer to swine flu scare? Guns
It’s really easy if you think about it.
Golfing and the homeless: What’s the connection?
We have two events in Charlotte today that would have provided a field day for the late comedian George Carlin. Carlin loved to point out studies showing that the U.S. has more golf courses than any sane nation could ever need, and more homeless people per capita than any advanced nation. His answer to the…
Dog food or pâté?
Can you t
Winners of Tribeca Film Festival
Winners of the Tribeca Film Festival announced.
30 Seconds to Mars back with Virgin
After a long battle with its record label, 30 Seconds to Mars prepares to release its third album, titled This Is War.
Does it matter who says ‘I love you’ first?
Last night was a total bitch session with three of my girlfriends and I realized that women are crazy. Men, I understand up and your frustration a bit better now. Last night’s topic was who should say I love you first. Maybe the person who feels it first? Not according to my friends, one who…
Politicians go wild
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Duke tower: Topless in Uptown
But not for long.
A sample sale site turned bloodbath
This is pretty intense.
Live review: Kings of Leon
A live review, photos and setlist from the Kings of Leon concert at Bojangles Coliseum on April 30, 2009.
Baby coats recalled
Shame on you babyGap. Take note moms – three styles of babyGap children’s coats, of which about 19,200 units were sold at the retailer and online in the US between October 2008 to April 2009, have been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission! The CPSC announced today that these coats have toggle fasteners that…
Décor 1202, 4/30/09
Last night was RSVP Thursday at Décor 1202.
Triple coupon week at Harris Teeter
Let the savings begin.
Free Comic Book Day must-haves
On May 2, the annual Free Comic Book Day is set to again take over comic book shops across the nation.
The Wack List: May 1
Five people, places and things we really ain’t digging today. The fact that hundreds of Charlotte’s homeless citizens now have no place to go — but the street CEOs who still expect perks CIA torture specialists Nas! I love the rapper. He’s one of the greatest MCs ever. But, I think this is finally my…
State of Play is crackling entertainment
Watch the movie trailer for State of Play.
Sale of the day: Friday
The Junior League Wearhouse has moved. Check ’em out at their new location (1117 Pecan Ave.) today and Saturday for a 20 percent discount and other deals. 704-377-1854
Today’s Top 5: Friday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
Music Menu (5/1/09)
Jimmy Herring makes his bandleader debut. Eymarel is more than colorized 80s synth-pop.
Today’s Top(less) 5: Friday
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, May, 1, 2009–as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Charlotte’s happiest happy hour. • See it all come off for half off. • Free Ribeye Friday at…
Weekender
Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. Fri., May 1 Art: You don’t have to go to Elm Street for a nightmare. Instead, visit Green Rice Gallery for the opening reception of Persistent Nightmares. The exhibition features black and white…
Broadway revival of Waiting for Godot
Anthony Page, the director of the Broadway revival of Waiting for Godot, discusses the production and the late Samuel Beckett in The New York Times article below. Playing Six Degrees of Samuel Beckett with Anthony Page, the director of the Broadway revival of “Waiting for Godot,” doesn’t take very long. As the artistic director at…
Digital aging to be used in Harry Potter flick
Popular actors of the Harry Potter film series will be aged digitally for the final scene of the upcoming movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Are Republicans a national party anymore?
There’s big, big trouble in the Republican party. That’s no secret, and Sen. Arlen Specter’s defection to the Democrats was merely one symptom of the GOP’s unraveling. How bad has it gotten for the elephant party? Sen. John Cornyn, a mega-conservative from Texas, who is also chairman of the Republican Senatorial Committee, declared that he’s…
LA East opens its newest spot
L.A. East will open Charlottes first true “L.A. style” denim bar this weekend in the Blakeney Shopping Center on Rea Road — complete with beer on tap, a pool table, and TV with Wii game system. They’ll have some very special opening weekend sales and specials. Go check it out.
Do this tonight: Multicultural Night at Apostrophe Lounge
Tonight, check out this cool event (info on flyer below) and help out a good cause while having fun:
Do this tonight: Multicultural Night at Apostrophe Lounge
Have fun for a good cause
Ooops. Sorry for that little deportation snafu
N.C. citizen deported, now home.
Swine flu hits South Carolina
But, still, lets not panic.
Biden: Blahblahblahblahblah
Stop freaking out.
Shocker: I 485 stalled (again)
Is anyone surprised?
Uptown’s empty Design Center a hot commodity
WalMart, Kohls, Sam’s Club … who will move in next?
Video Recipe: Bacon Explosion Pork Bomb Barbecue
For all the poor piggies being slaughtered in Egypt as we speak.
Banks’ strategy: Screw other people who need federal help
Ken Lewis may be half-down for the count — most CEOs whose board chairmanships are taken from them rarely last long afterward — but that doesn’t mean the banking industry isn’t working just as hard as ever to screw regular Americans. Here’s the latest: a bankruptcy reform bill that zoomed through the House weeks ago…
Seen on the scene
Rocking thrills in Rock Hill and celebs in Charlotte.
One for one: Toms Shoes
140,000 pairs of shoes. That’s 140,000 sets of feet that previously were bare, 140,000 pairs of feet that weren’t protected against the elements, and 140,000 pairs of feet that were susceptible to diseases like podoconiosis (a deforming foot disease caused by walking barefoot in silica-rich soil in Ethiopia). 140,000 is the number of pairs of…
DVD pick: The Hidden Fortress
Rent the Japanese movie that helped inspire Star Wars.
Hey Miley, relax…
An interview with Miley Cyrus recently appeared on the British show Friday Night with Jonathan Ross and the teen star gets progressively distracted and, well, loopy as it goes on. It’s not like a drug-addled mystery as much as she’s probably just ADD. My favorite part is around three minutes in where the host tells…
North Korea’s Lil’ Kim
Will someone please have a conversation with Kim Jong-Il before he blows himself up and then us.
Who to blame for swine flu breakout
Evidence of
Charity sale at Belk
Belk’s having a storewide charity sale this Saturday from 6 a.m.-10 a.m. Savings will go to benefit local schools and charities.
The Wack List: April 30
Rep. Virginia Foxx becomes the wackest person of the week (so far)
Tone-deaf: The Soloist
Watch the trailer for The Soloist.
Sale of the day: Thursday
Elder Art Gallery’s got an art stimulus program going on. Today’s the last day to take advantage of the 20 percent off discount. 1427 South Boulevard • Suite 101 704-370-6337
Today’s Top 5: Thursday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
Apostrophe Lounge, 4/29/09
Former Destiny Child singer LaToya Luckett came to the weekly Pop Life party at Apostrophe Lounge Wednesday night.
Music Menu (4/30/09)
South Memphis String Band is a down-home, front porch kinda band. Arizona’s quirky and you know Kings of Leon already …
Today’s Top(less) 5: Thursday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
Friday Film Openings
What’s debuting this week at local movie theaters.
Lewis loses chairman post
Well, apparently Ken Lewis is no longer Bank of America’s chairman, and the Interwebs is abuzz with action. Here are some headlines so far: Lewis out as BofA Chairman Testimony Sheds More Light on Lewis’s Perspective Bank of America reelects chief Kenneth Lewis to board BofA Chairman/CEO posts to be split
Ernie Barnes dies
One of the most prolific and pioneering artists of the 20th century has died. Ernie Barnes was truly a renaissance man, having played professional football and becoming a world-renowned artist post-retirement. Most people remember him for his iconic painting that was part of the television series Good Times’ closing credits. “Sugar Shack” is one of…
Hot time in the Queen City
Around 3 a.m. a chorus of “oh fuck me harder, harder,” woke me up.
Former Destiny’s Child member Letoya Luckett at Pop Life tonight
Come meet the singer who’s in town promoting her new album and more
CPCC is greening academia
And we love them for it.
Top-earning country music stars
Forbes.com has released a list of the top earning country music stars: 1. Kenny Chesney – $65 million 2. Rascall Flats – $60 million 3. Toby Keith – $52 million 4. Taylor Swift – $18 million 5. Brooks & Dunn $16 million 5. Tim McGraw 7. Brad Paisley $15 million 8. Sugarland $14 million 8.…
Florida plates show Jesus with blonde mullet
… and draw the ire of many religious and secular groups
Former Destiny’s Child member Letoya Luckett at Pop Life tonight
Former Destiny’s Child member Letoya Luckett is hosting a meet-and-greet at Pop Life — the nightlife event sponsored by Creative Loafing and The Sol Kitchen — tonight. Luckett is in town promoting her second album Lady Love, which hit stores June 23. Along with the appearance by Luckett, there’s also a ton of other stuff…
Aww, it’s just a little waterboarding
Do it, Hannity.
Bringing the Sahara to Charlotte
NC resident featured in documentary screening Thursday night at Ballantyne Village Theatre.
‘Charlotte’s Got A Lot’ of shopping
I found this video on YouTube, courtesy of VisitCharlotte, all about the shopping in Charlotte. I’m disappointed that the makers opened the clip highlighting SouthPark mall, but they do mention all of the locally owned spots.
BofA protest: A view from the street
CL talks to the protesters at today’s dramatic shareholder meeting
BofA doesn’t pass stress test
Today’s the big day for The Ken.
31 cent scoop night
Stop by Baskin-Robbins from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. today for a 31 cent scoop of ice cream.
UNCC presents film festival
Free film festival at UNCC.
Specter defection jerks the monkeys’ chains
Payback is beeeootchhh!
Ben Folds releases new album
More on Ben Folds’ new album.
The fashions of 1972
Jezebel.com has an interesting post on the Best Sears Women’s Fashions for Spring and Summer .. of 1972. The trends of yesteryear hold true for today: bright colors, bold patterns and any and all kinds of neckwear.
Noel Gallagher in the shower
Ever wanted to see Noel Gallagher of the band Oasis, in the shower? Well, now you can. He’s not in the nude, but he is singing. And it’s all for a good cause. Read more in the Entertainment Weekly article below. If you’ve ever wanted to watch Oasis’ Noel Gallagher singing in the shower –…
Box Office Top 10
The week’s top earners at the box office.
March to the beat of someone else’s drum
DrumSTRONG, all night long
Idol thoughts
So, I haven’t said much about American Idol this season… probably because I haven’t been impressed by any of the contestants on “America’s Biggest Karaoke Contest.” It seems like they basically picked a winner in week one anyway as fans everywhere are fawning over the theatrical Adam Lambert. Lambert has figured out the formula to…
People aren’t paying $200 for jeans as much
Premium jeans sales are down. Are you surprised? On Tuesday, VF Corp, maker of 7 For All Mankind jeans, said that brand’s total business was down about 10 percent in the quarter, thanks to the weak U.S. wholesale environment. Read the full story on Reuters.
For the love of bacon
If the taste of that oh-so-greasy breakfast meat makes you go ga-ga, you should check out J & D’s – Everything Should Taste Like Bacon. They offer all you need to enhance anything and everything with the flavors of your favorite pork product. Their anchor product, Bacon Salt, comes in the flavors of Original, Hickory…
Sale of the day: Wednesday
Check out today’s sale of the day: Sri Shoe Warehouse.
Less than zero: The Informers
Watch the trailer for The Informers.
Meet beer master John Marrino
John Marrino fell in love with two things when he lived in Germany in the 1990s: his wife and locally produced beer.
Today’s Top 5: Wednesday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, April 29, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Dinosaur Jr. at Neighborhood Theatre • Enter the Haggis at Visulite Theatre • Southern Rapture at Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte • The Heights of Fashion: Platform Shoes…
Today’s Top(less) 5: Wednesday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
This week’s DVD releases
What’s new on DVD this week.
Fear pandemic takes hold in NC
According to meat processors in North Carolina, if you’re against puppy mills and keeping dogs chained up 24/7, then you’re a vegan fanatic who’s trying to ban the eating of meat. And you thought people were freaked out about swine flu. Well, yes, they are, but they’re not the only ones. In fact, it seems…
Adam Frazier
Freelance writer Adam Frazier is a self-confessed Star Wars geek and lover of all things nerdy. In his spare time, Adam enjoys cinematic adventures, graphic novels, Phat Burrito, planning zombie security scenarios, Japanese pro wrestling, monster movies, and trying to figure out what in the hell is happening on Lost.
Food News: April 28
Arpa becomes Harper’s Grill, plus other food news.
Upcoming: Accessories For Alzheimer’s
Tomorrow evening when you get off work, swing by The Wine Loft (2201 South Blvd.). There will be a jewelry sale to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. The Wine Loft will have a “by the glass” red wine special while you shop for a good cause. The event starts at 6 p.m. Call 704-532-7373…
A cool and creamy dessert – Poogan’s Peanut Butter Pie
When the temperature outside rises above 80, warm desserts just don’t cut it. Try this pie that tastes like “thick peanut butter ice cream.”
Save the animals
Sign this petition and help protect the animals.
American Black Film Festival buzz party this week
It all goes down at Pop Life this week …
Sinful viewing
Eurotrash cult item now on DVD.
When winning the lottery sucks
Sneaky.
Specter is a switch
It’s a happy day for Dems in Washington.
Partying with the Panthers on Draft Day
While coaches were debating who to draft, players were playing kickball and riding roller coasters….
Dry as dirt: Battle for Terra
Watch the movie trailer for Battle for Terra.
Whitewater Center: Plug into the sun
And you can, too.
Who pays? Go dutch, run out or make him pay?
Dating isn’t hard, we make it difficult because we over think everything.
Have you bought your swine flu kit yet?
There’s nothing like an impending crisis to make people go shopping. Heck, even here in Charlotte, a forecast for snow brings the masses out to the grocery store for milk and bread, doesn’t it? Some major marketers are seeing an uptick in sales of items such as masks, latex gloves, anti-bacterial soaps and hand sanitizers.…
The clash: will The Ken stay or go?
Stay tuned, and turn it up.
Make old shoes pretty again
I don’t know why I didn’t think of this myself. In the Life & Style section of today’s UK’s Guardian, a writer gives her readers tips on how to redo an old pair of shoes into exactly what they’ve been looking for. Not only does it make sense economically, but it also is a great…
Prosecco and Paris Hilton
I am no wine connoisseur by the least, but this subhed of an article about the Italian-made Prosecco caught my eye: “Italy’s sparkling wine, always a favorite, is better than ever these days — just avoid Paris Hilton.” Prosecco is so popular, in fact, that it has inspired imitators. … A company based in Austria…
Book review: Brian Evenson’s Last Days
Book review of Brian Evenson’s Last Days.
Cuisine Malaya: A mix of exotic Asian flavors
At Cuisine Malaya, you can eat a variety of dishes with flavors from China, Singapore, Japan and Malaysia.
Swine Flu: Let’s just freak completely the hell out
Holy Jumpin’ Jesus, fellow Americans, could we maybe act a little more like chickens with our heads cut off?
Stewart: ‘The last 100 days’
With 0.00001333 percent of the U.S. population affected, Swine Flu is a serious crisis.
Susan Boyle, a style queen?
The LA Times’ fashion critic Booth Moore muses on Susan Boyle and the era of ordinary chic. Here’s an excerpt: Maybe the collective embrace of Boyle is a sign that we are at last tiring of faux-reality and unattainable perfection, of the “happy couple” Heidi and Spencer, the airbrushed Kim Kardashian and the rest of Hollywood’s incredibly…
Shoppers cling to frugality
I wouldn’t want to be a shop owner right now.
Crossing Over: Immigration drama heads south
Crossing Over doesn’t even make it to the finish line.
Pop Life @ Apostrophe Lounge, 4/22/09
Yeah, yeah, these photos are a tad late. But hey, think of it as a preview to all the fun you’ll have at this week’s Pop Life: Make-up Soiree Part Deux hosted by Letoya Luckett at Apostrophe Lounge tomorrow night. Photos by Rhiannon Bowman
They say a movie date is not a good first date
You can make a
This week’s new releases (4/28/2009)
A quick list of some of the new albums being released on Tuesday.
Amanda Peet to star in film with Jack Black
Both Peet and Black will star in the upcoming Gulliver’s Trave
Aerosmith must perform show in Hawaii
Aerosmith is forced to perform a concert in Hawaii due to a class-action lawsuit.
The Wack List: April 28
Five people, places and things we really ain’t digging today. • People, pundits and media outlets that actually attempt to measure the success of Obama’s first 100 days. I hope we all accept the fact that, with all the problems plaguing the country, we need to be looking at long-term successes and failures. The whole…
Today’s Top 5: Tuesday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
Alloy-Purgatory Wrapup, 4/26/09
Folks crowded into Jeff’s Bucket Shop on Sunday for the Alloy-Purgatory Wrapup Party.
Upcoming: ‘Dressing to the Nines’
Neiman Marcus and The Mint Museum cordially invite you to join them for an evening of sips and snacks while you enjoy a FREE fashion presentation.
Upcoming: Chocolate & Tea Tasting
On May 7, Lark & Key Gallery and Boutique presents an evening to stimulate your taste buds.
Sale of the day: Tuesday
Check out this week’
Today’s Top(less) 5: Tuesday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
MUSIC: India.Arie and Laura Izibor
The sounds of soul music take over Amos’ Southend tonight when vocalist/musician India.Arie pays a visit to the Queen City. Arie, joined by opening act Laura Izibor, will be performing classic tunes from her Grammy-winning discography as well as fresh cuts from her latest album, Testimony Vol. 2: Love & Politics. $35. 7:30 p.m. Amos’…
Dry as dirt: Battle for Terra
An unexceptional animated fare
Free Comic Book Day must-haves
On May 2, the annual Free Comic Book Day is set to again take over comic book shops across the nation. This year, dozens of publishers will hand out more than 20 different titles — but, while all the comics are free, some are more worth grabbing than others. So to help with your shopping,…
Two Italian wines named Montepulciano
I have adorable twin nieces. As they’ve gotten older, I can tell them apart by personality (and each helpfully favors either purple or pink), but when they were tiny tots, it wasn’t as easy. One birthmark differentiated them and served as my twin detector for many years. If only Italian wines were as easy. They…
Return of the pink: Legally Blonde: The Musical
Part of the joy of seeing Legally Blonde: The Musical in its original Broadway incarnation was the sheer touristy, Times Square spectacle of it all. Surely this was the crossroads of America as giggly girls and families from Brooklyn to Dubuque filled the tastelessly ornate Palace Theatre and demonstrated their Reese Witherspoon erudition by dressing…
Common House serves forth uncommon fun
Neighborhood restaurant turns the tide
The sacred (and the profane) side of Carolina Voices
Carolina Voices, nee the Charlotte Choral Society, would have us know that they’ve outgrown that Singing Christmas Tree — though it’s doubtful they’ll ever give it up. Two of their offshoots were on display last week spreading the word. On Monday evening, the Festival Singers were at Temple Beth El commemorating Yom Hashoah with Bondage…
Fool’s Brigade benefit takes on the Stones
The Rolling Stones have been around so long they’ve served as punch lines and punching bags for multiple generations of young rock ‘n’ rollers sworn to overthrow the Old Guard. The gag reflex can even extend to life-long devotees when watching a 65-year-old multi-gazillionaire rooster strut and sing about an alleged lack of satisfaction. Seriously,…
Hallucinogenic Alice (in Concert)
You don’t need to look far beyond the title of Alice in Concert to see a quagmire of potential problems. Elizabeth Swados took Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland for her inspiration, not your paragon of cogency or coherence to begin with. By turning it into a loosely linked chain of songs, she further fragmented…
More on the Fool’s Brigade
So, if you wanted to know more about the Fool’s Brigade benefit, here’s the scoop: This year, the proceeds go to Jacob’s Ladder Job Center whose mission is to help unemployed and underemployed people find and keep living wage jobs. Volunteers assist them through the process and may also mentor them during the search and…
Opera Carolina concludes season with Turandot
We had good news and bad news as Opera Carolina concluded their 2008-09 season with Turandot and littered the lobbies outside Belk Theater with announcements of the 2009-10 season to come. The good news began with the fabulous debut of Roy Cornelius Smith, from the first moment he strode confidently onto the stage as Calaf…
CL previews upcoming concerts (April 29-May 5)
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29 Dinosaur Jr./Mike Watt J Mascis is the man who shoved the guitar solo – the beefy, feedback-soaked Crazy Horse kind – back in indie rock. Mascis, Murph and Lou Barlow took a step beyond the average nostalgia reunion tour with 2007’s Beyond, a molten slice of vintage Mesozoic Era (mid-’90s) Dinosaurism, jam-packed…
The usual suspects in updated Shear Madness
No, it wasn’t that long ago that Shear Madness opened at Booth Playhouse, bringing a new kind of club theater experience to the Q.C. America’s longest-running play ran true to form here, extending its run four times before making its graceful exit at the end of 2006. With little fanfare — and only two cast…
CD Review: Neko Case’s Middle Cyclone
The Deal: Neko Case’s swirling odes to windswept love scenes. The Good: “What if a tornado fell in love with you,” Neko Case asks in a video promo for her newest release, Middle Cyclone. “What would a tornado’s love look like?” Probably as dangerous as Case sounds on her collection of no-nonsense love songs that…
Southern Rapture has special meaning for Charlotte
Reading the third draft of Eric Coble’s Southern Rapture, I could tell that the world premiere at Actor’s Theatre would likely be an exhilarating, crowd-pleasing success. Aside from a couple of bumps at the beginning and end of the script, Coble had smoothly transported Charlotte’s Angels in America controversy to an alternate universe where the…
CD Review: Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ It’s Blitz!
The Deal: N.Y.C. alt-rockers release third full-length album. The Good: While the music has changed a bit from the sound the YYYs had in the past, Karen O’s personality and vocals remain intact. The band has taken on more of a pop-’80s sound for the new album, but without losing it’s alt-rock appeal. The album…
Bizarre crimes from Charlotte police files
Look Out: A 46-year-old male was taken to the hospital with minor injuries after he struck a light pole with a golf cart. You have to be either really drunk or trying hard to hurt yourself to pull a stunt like this (Shades of Jimmie Johnson). Help You Help Me: A 37-year-old woman was arrested…
A rejuvenating memoir of sorts
I was going to write about one political issue or other this week, but the weather kept interfering. This time of year, with the days awakened by warmth and new greenery shooting up wherever you look, my thoughts have been shifting back to Charlie. It happens nearly every spring. Charlie Grooms, my father’s father, “Grampa”…
Are pit bulls really all that dangerous?
I keep hearing pit bull owners claim their dogs are no more dangerous than any other medium-size to large dog. It’s just bad press, they say. Are there any statistics that prove that they (the dogs, not the owners) are more dangerous or aggressive than other dogs? Maybe they are generally docile but so powerful…
After Earth Day
Two of Charlotte’s biggest companies get low marks
MUSIC: Kings of Leon at Bojangles’ Coliseum
Kings of Leon may have sold out Madison Square Garden, but the buzz is still making its way to other parts of the country, unfortunately. They’re in a smaller venue here — the BoRound, aka Bojangles’ Coliseum — but that doesn’t mean they won’t rock the hell outta that place. They’ve released four albums now…
Horoscope for April 29-May 5, 2009
Taurus The Bull (April 20-May 19): During the next 15 years you will be changing your life through education, the law or possibly international work (Internet included). Your associations with formal bodies, i.e. religious or college institutions, will alter your perspective and your outlook. Many have decided to refresh their formal education or even begin…
Miss California can suck it
As comedian Kathy Griffin might say, “Miss California can suck it.” Yes, the absolutely gorgeous and talented Carrie Prejean was first runner-up for the 2009 Miss USA title. Who won? Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton, who is absolutely gorgeous (The two look strikingly similar — like twins in fact.) and talented. Miss California has been…
ART: Persistent Nightmares opening reception
You don’t have to go to Elm Street for nightmares; instead try heading to 451 E. 36th St., where you’ll find Green Rice Gallery. Its newest exhibition, which opens tonight, is titled Persistent Nightmares. It features black and white abstract drawings inspired by artist Andrea Worley’s bad dreams. The pieces — which are accompanied by…
Capsule reviews of films playing the week of April 29
ADVENTURELAND Our multiplexes need another period coming-of-age flick about as much as the nation needs another banking industry bailout, yet Adventureland proves to be a modest 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 define this sub-genre…
Just as predicted: Score one for the ‘cavepersons’
They harassed the poor and threatened the elderly. They held this county’s taxpayers hostage. But it wasn’t enough. Now they are back for more. Who am I talking about? For once, it’s not some group of thugs out on probation after their third armed robbery because the local criminal justice system is underfunded. No, I’m…
THEATER: CPCC presents Love Letters
Central Piedmont Community College’s theater group presents a production of A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters. Though it doesn’t sound like much action will go down — for most of the performance, the show’s cast will sit behind desks reading letters — it does sound like it might stand up to par as a touching take to…
The She-Beast and The Sinful Dwarf among DVD reviews
THE SHE-BEAST (1966). Also known under the titles Revenge of the Blood Beast and Sister of Satan, The She-Beast is a horror cheapie that’s aided immeasurably by the presence of Michael Reeves behind the camera – the young British filmmaker can’t quite pull the picture into the “win” column, but it’s an admirable try nonetheless.…
MUSIC: Gavin Degraw at Neighborhood Theatre
Gavin Degraw’s 2003 Chariot album was full of hits (Think: “I Don’t Want To Be,” “Chariot,” “Follow Through”) with catchy chorus lines and hooking rock melodies. On his newest album Free, DeGraw seems less interested in hit-making and more focused on a musical display of raw emotions. This isn’t a bad thing though as the…
Less than zero: The Informers
Latest Ellis adaptation is simply awful
Heed the churches on torture
President Barack Obama promised “more transparent … more creative” government. His release of the torture memos, and the Pentagon’s expected release of more photos of detainee abuse, is a step in the right direction. Yet he assured the CIA that he will not prosecute those who followed the instructions to torture from the Bush administration.…
MUSIC: Big Business at Milestone
Sludge rockers Big Business drop heavy, say again, heavy, stoner and psych rock that’s akin to a kick in the nads. With steel toed boots. The Seattle blokes’ stints in Melvins, Karp and Murder City Devils have only honed the classic metal guitar bombast. The trio will release its third album, Mind the Drift, next…
Tone-deaf: The Soloist
Film frequently hits the wrong notes
MUSIC: Amos Lee at Neighborhood Theatre
Amos Lee was here last year, but the singer/songwriter is back again in continued support of his latest, Last Days At The Lodge. He combines elements of folk, soul and jazz forming a style of his own. And, what do you know, he’s also on Twitter if you feel like following at twitter.com/amoslee. $25-$40. Doors…
State of Play is crackling entertainment
Adaptation of BBC-TV miniseries operates effectively on two levels
