The fall of Reader’s Digest?
Not exactly sure what this says about me, but I am quite distressed that Reader’s Digest is filing for Chapter 11.
Live review (with video): Mos Def, Jay Electronica at Amos’
A look back in words and pictures at last week’s big show
Beck’s ex-advertisers are piling up
Brace yourself if you’re a fan of a particular news show host with obvious emotional problems who can’t tell truth from fiction, nor remember what he said one minute ago (as in, “Obama has a deep-seated hatred of white people,” followed 75 seconds later by “I’m not saying he doesn’t like white people”). That’s right,…
Robert
alias: Cipher Kenni passion: “My children” inspiration: God favorite meal: “Anything potatoes” current city: Atlanta plug: “Excuse me, do you listen to hip-hop?” (which is how he got my attention walking down the street, in little five points ATL) To see more photos by Jasiatic, visit www.createtressphotography.blogspot.com.
Execs get high pay, students told paper’s too expensive
Screw you, students.
Cans not closings
Contrary to a post that went up on this blog earlier, the Uptown restaurant Cans is not closing — and that’s according to representatives of the company in Chicago. Check this space for more information soon.
Part 3: iTunes and the Pen
Find out how music influences a list of writers.
Best bets in Charlotte comedy this week, Aug. 17-23
Here are a few of the best places to find comedy events in Charlotte this week.
Duke’s hoping for nuclear power plant in Gaffney, S.C.
What’s your take on nuclear power?
Charlotte Irish Summer Festival, 8/15/09
Folks enjoyed live Irish music, dancing, and games at the Charlotte Irish Summer Festival on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 3rd Street and Tryon Street.
Some things can only happen in South Carolina
As I read the State newspaper’s web site today, I found a story that made me shiver with disgust and embarrassment. Disgust because: Officers responded to two unrelated fights at Broadway at the Beach on Saturday night, including one in which a man tried to cut off another man’s testicles with a metal pocket knife.…
Hip new conservative cuss word: ‘brown shirt’
That’s actually not new, hip, cool nor acceptable.
Death of S.C. crime writer shaping up to be a mystery
Finding out that a crime writer was found floating in the Pee Dee River makes you wonder what he was working on that may have caused his death.
Top 5 new names for United Way
The United Way of Central Carolinas soon may be looking for a new name, according to Board Chair Carlos Evans. Some board members think a name change for the agency could be a good way to regain public trust after the CEO Gloria Pace King salary/board-members-asleep-at-the-wheel scandal. According to reliable sources, the agency conducted a…
Upcoming: Lourdes Chavez 2009 fall/winter collection trunk show
6800 Phillips Place Ct # F 704-643-1113 www.coplons.com
Go to Wal-Mart for your next KISS
If you’re a KISS fan, you’re going to have to venture into the dreaded Wally World to get their next album. Sorry. “Sonic Boom” is due to be released only at Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club on Oct. 6. It will include a CD of the band’s first new music in 11 years, re-recorded versions of…
More consignment sales coming soon
WCNC.com has a neat story on the big children’s consignment sale that was held at Cabarrus Arena and Events Center this weekend. But more importantly, you’ll want to check out the story because it lists more consignment sales to be held in coming weeks. Your wallet will thank you.
Sale of the day: Hong Kong Vintage
1514 Central Ave. 704-334-0538
Connolly’s, 8/14/09
Irish Festival kicked off with a party at Connolly’s Friday night.
Street Style: Flowy and casual
Name: Maclay Bowers Occupation: Sales associate Spotted: Scout & Molly’s Rockin: flowy Ella Moss top, tailored shorts from Revolution, Reef flip flops, and vintage jewelry Style Philosophy: “Don’t dress in the dark.”
Nuthing Summer Collaborative, 8/15/09
The N.C. Music Factory was home to the Nuthing Summer Collaborative this past Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16. The Collaborative featured artists, bands, poets, clothing, and more. Photos by Rhiannon Bowman.
Snug Harbor, 8/13/09
The Poontanglers, Colossus, and Machete performed at Snug Harbor last Thursday, August 13.
Today’s Top 5: Monday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
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, August 17, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. •Panther Preseason game at The Men’s Club. •Learn to Salsa. • Addicted to Dodgeball Tourney at Tremont…
Live review (with video): Mos Def, Jay Electronica at Amos’
A look back in words and pictures at this week’s big show
Feds rule against Belmont Abbey
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ruled Monday that Belmont Abbey College discriminated against women, and then retaliated against faculty members who filed a charge of employment discrimination — all over the issue of contraception. The brouhaha started when the college ended its longtime policy of including contraceptive coverage in its employee health insurance plan. Afterward,…
District 9: A site worth seeing
Sci-fi thrills mesh nicely with weighty theme.
The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard: No sale
Lame comedy offers very few laughs.
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra: Suicide screening
Ineffectual action film is more like C.G.I. Joe.
Yes, Michael Vick has a job, let’s move on
Michael Vick is back in the NFL — after spending 18 months in prison — it is time to stop punishing him for dog fighting. Yes, it was wrong. But he didn’t kill a person and people need let it go. I knew the Carolina Panthers weren’t going to sign Vick because Charlotte is a…
Stupid Thing of the Week
For sheer stupidity, it would be hard to top the so far unidentified, 51-year-old guy who showed up at a health care town hall on Wednesday, displaying a handmade “Death To Obama” sign. The sign also said, “Death to Michelle and her two stupid kids.” The dope in question was outside a meeting in Hagerstown,…
What is too much information for Facebook?
I’m down for a good sex story anytime, but with all of the eyes reading Facebook and other social networking sites, is it smart to post about your one-night stand? Unless you’re a sex worker, I’m willing to bet no. Sure your love may have put it on you in ways that made you scream…
See you again in 2015
Actor/director/mentor Kevin Campbell didn’t encounter too much difficulty getting a dozen or so teens to open up and jot down their visions of Charlotte in 2015. The trick in The Crossroads Teen Theater Project was getting all those restless, roaming, talented teens together in the same room to rehearse and perform their fascinating collaboration. I…
Mix your night up at The Art House
The Art House will host its Historic West End Market Mixer tonight.
Watch out for The Birds
Free film screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds on Saturday at and most notable Hitchcock flicks of all time, The Birds.
Carlotan Rock Fest returns to the Q.C.
Carlotan Rock Fest will go down at Scandalo’s tonight.
Charlotte Irish Summer Festival details
Charlotte Irish Summer Festival happens this weekend in Uptown Charlotte. Get t
10-in-10 CD reviews
Each Friday, we review 10 recently released CDs in 10 words each.
Today’s Top 5: Friday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Aug. 14, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Comedians Doug Stanhope and Sean Keenan at Tremont Music Hall • Charlotte Irish Summer Festival Uptown at 3rd Street and Tryon Street • Salsa dancing lessons and…
Sale of the day: Donald Haack Diamonds & Fine Gems
It’s a sidewalk sale, y’all. Donald Haack Diamonds & Fine Gems will hold its Third Annual Super Sidewalk Sale on Friday, Aug. 14 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 15 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 4611 Sharon Road (across from Southpark Mall) 704-365-4400
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, August 14, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Sexy bikini foam party at HALO. • Dressed to Thrill at The Estate. • Have a…
A Lefty’s day in the sun
It’s here, finally. International Left-Handers Day. Roughly 93 percent of you may not give a shit, but then again it’s not your time to shine, now is it? Maybe I’m really excited because I’m really, really left-handed. Watch me do anything with my right hand and you’d assume that my applesauce had been laced with…
The Weekender
Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend.
Mosaics coming soon to Ciel Gallery
Ciel Gallery’s upcoming mosaic exhibition opens on Sept. 4.
The legendary Les Paul dies at age 94
Les Paul, one of the great pioneers of modern music, died today at age 94. Paul was an extraordinary, innovative guitarist who developed the solid-body electric guitar, thus making the sound of rock & roll possible. He was equally renowned as a studio genius who brought music recording into the modern age with his innovations…
The ocean’s on acid
We are killing our planet with the choices we make.
Kia
favorite taste: Thai food
Religious protest planned in response to ‘Kiss-in’
Earth to intolerant Christians: Jesus loves gays, too.
Huge children’s consignment sale this weekend
Back-to-school time means usually means less dough in the bank account. Well, here’s a way to avoid that. From Aug. 14-16, check out Tot Trade Charlotte, going down at Cabarrus Arena and Events Center in Concord. Tot Trade is a seasonal children’s consignment sale featuring clothing for infants to juniors, accessories, maternity, toys and much…
Hey Rep. McHenry: Stop lying!
Stop pandering to the uninformed and tell the truth.
Katie Stein, a goldsmith, an artist, a designer
In such a time of economic unrest, with adverts claiming that they’ll buy your old gold jewelry, it’s amazing that someone could even thrive in the art of goldsmithing. Katie Stein would like to prove all of the skeptics wrong. She has chosen the life of a goldsmith, an artist, a designer … certainly three…
An American in Paris & national health care
Yesterday we noted an embarrassing mistake by the Investor’s Business Daily. They criticized the British health care system by opining that scientist Stephen Hawking “wouldn’t have a chance in the UK, where the National Health Service would say the life of this brilliant man, because of his physical handicaps, is essentially worthless.” — the kicker…
Opens Friday
What’s new in theaters this weekend.
Sale of the day: Poole Shop
Check out this Phillips Place boutique and take 20 percent off one fall item. 6815-C Phillips Place Court 704-553-8868 www.pooleshop.com
Food tidbits: Aug. 13
• Tom Sasser, President and Owner of the Harper’s Restaurant Group (which includes M5, Upstream, Zink, and Mimosa Grill) said of his former Corporate Executive Chef Tom Condron leaving to opening his own eatery, “We encourage our people to pursue their dreams.” He laughed and continued, “We do, however, hope it’s with us . .…
LaTorre’s restaurant to close, club to move
General Manager Adam Corkhill has confirmed that LaTorre’s Latin Inspired Cuisine, 118 West 5th Street, will close after service on Saturday night. He said the company focus will be on their upscale LaTorre’s Latin dance club which will reopen (and continue giving free salsa dance lessons) on the third floor of the former HOM next…
Strike City’s throwing a party … and it’s going to be big!
Big Lebowski big that is. As Brittney said in her last blog post, Friday, Aug. 21, is a big night in the Q.C. While Luna Lounge and Town Tavern are having their grand opening parties, Strike City will turn into the Dude’s world … but don’t worry, it’s safe to step on the rugs. Since…
Audiofloss — Vol. 3, No. 3: DJ Spinna, Slick & Rose and more
Yet another brand-new episode of Audiofloss — Creative Loafing’s urban music and culture podcast
Mos Def @ Amos’, 8/12/09
Mos Def performed cuts from his new album along with classic joints at Amos’ Southend Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Today’s Top 5: Thursday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Aug. 13, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Shear Madness at Stage Door Theater • Ray Bonneville at The Evening Muse • Author Therese Bartholomew at Park Road Books • Steelers Pre-Season Game and Wing…
Today’s Top(less) 5: Thursday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
Live review, setlist, photos: Incubus
From the Aug. 12, 2009 concert at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre.
New Yahzarah video: ‘The Tickler’
N.C.’s own soul songstress drops a fresh cut
Box Office Top 10
The week’s top moneymakers.
Friday, Aug. 21 is a big night in the Q.C. …
Two new bars are getting ready to open.
Hawking their lies
Showing how crazy the entire health care reform debate has become, the past few days have seen embarrassments pile up at the usually respected newspaper Investor’s Business Daily. About a week ago, the paper decried Obama’s health care reform plan, apparently confusing it with the British health care system. They bemoaned English patients’ “rationed care,”…
Duke to work with Chinese on clean energy
This is good news.
Street Style: Earth tones with a twist
Name: Alex Ledford Occupation: Bookstore Clerk Spotted: Hong Kong Vintage in Plaza Midwood Rockin: tie-dye top from Hypnotica in Greensboro, geometric printed Ann Taylor skirt, tall sequined boots from Myrtle Beach, vintage vinyl bag from Japan, hand-me-down white feather boa, and jewelry from Sisters in Greensboro and Filene’s Basement in Manhattan Style Philosophy: “Anything goes.”
EPA gives OK to mountaintop removal mine
From mountain to moon scape, taking the mountain off of the coal.
New exhibition coming soon to Mint Museum of Art
The exhibition, Faces & Flowers: Painting on Lenox China, opens at the Mint Museum of Art on Aug. 22.
Live review: Ours
Live review of Ours’ performance at Visulite Theatre.
Starry night date
What can you do that shows thought, creativity and romance — without having to shell out tons of cash?
Great. More beach driving at Hatteras.
This morning’s news that U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan has signed on to Sen. Richard Burr’s bill to lift beach closures at Cape Hatteras National Seashore comes as a rude surprise to North Carolinians who value Hatteras’ special status as a beautiful, natural place. Some beaches there are closed to off-road vehicles by the National Park…
N.C.’s health care townhall disrupted in Rocky Mount
We knew this was coming.
Live review: The B-52s
New wave rockers perform at The Fillmore on Aug. 11, 2009.
It’s what’s underneath that counts
Ladies, you spend a lot of time making sure your clothes, hair, nails, feet, everything looks good. That’s wonderful. Some men should follow suit. However, when it comes to the undies, you start slacking. This is just a crying shame. It’s like giving up on the race, AT the finish line. Now I have heard…
Mr. K’s Soft Serve Ice Cream hasn’t changed much since 1967
Over 40 years later, the South Boulevard restaurant is still a family business run.
Guilty as charged — I do like that song
What’s that one song that you just can’t turn the dial from?
North Carolina is stupid
Wake up North Carolina, Obama is the president and if you don’t like it, the borders are open for you to leave.
A $10 52-inch TV: An error or a gift from the Best Buy gods?
On BestBuy.com, there’s a listing for a Samsung 52-inch TV for $9.99. It’s probably a typo … but what if it’s not? What if the shopping gods of Best Buy are smiling down on us poor, recession-torn folks … What should I do? Here’s the link if you don’t believe me: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8749287&type=product&id=1202649424157 UPDATE: It was…
Sale of the day: Lotus & Civilian
Lotus & Civilian are having a back-to-school sale — 25 percent off all denim— all month long at all their locations. 1247 East Blvd. 704-332-2047 6908-C Phillips Place Ct. 704-554-1908
Upcoming: Wine dinner at Firenze Ristorante
Want to attend a wine dinner with Marco Branchini owner and distributor of the Branchini wines
Craig
alias: Phantom inspiration: “When Nikki Giovanni told me at age 19 that I was one of the best of the best poets in the world” passion: Helping other people favorite time of the day: “Anytime” current city: Atlanta plug: Kosmicmojoelixir.blogspot.com To see more photos by Jasiatic, visit www.createtressphotography.blogspot.com.
Today’s Top 5: Wednesday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Aug. 12, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Incubus at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre • Shear Madness at Stage Door Theater • Woodcut Prints by Dan Allegrucci with featured potter Ronan Peterson at Lark & Key…
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 12, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. •Dance the night away and get lessons too. •Guys night out at Uptown Cabaret. •Wet Wednesday at…
GEICO dumps Glenn Beck
The Gecko has dumped its caveman. No, not one of those GEICO spokesmen, we mean Glenn Beck. GEICO has become the fifth company in two weeks to drop its advertising from the Glenn Beck show on FoxNews. Beck, the, ahem, free-wheeling, teary, and, in this writer’s view, obviously psychologically troubled news entertainer (even conservative comedian…
Best bets in Charlotte comedy this week: August 11-16
Here are a few of the best places to find comedy events in Charlotte this week.
Inhabit: A clothing line more than just owls
“Odetta is wise and feminine, a flower-child of the 60s. She will get you through transitional times – both spring and fall. Because she is well-balanced, her fabrics ready you for the cold, while the brightness of her colors keeps you feeling warm and cheerful. Odetta’s hobbies include nostalgic handicrafts: crocheting, knitting, macramé, and crystal-collecting.”…
Mutzie at Lake Norman Comedy Zone tonight
Comedian Mutzie (see a video clip of him in action below), from New Orleans, is a big guy with a big Southern drawl. And he’s here to have fun, y’all! From cops to drive-thrus, Mutzie comes prepared to take them on, drink in hand. He’ll have you laughing in no time. Tickets are $20. The…
This Week’s DVD Releases
What’s new on disc this week.
TODAY: Free tacos from Jack in the Box
Apparently, you can have a two-course meal for free today. Just print out this coupon and go to your nearest Jack in the Box restaurant to get two free tacos. (Offer ends today. No purchase necessary.) Then stop by Steak ‘n Shake to get your free milkshake. Here’s how.
Free shake from Steak ‘n Shake
Get a free Mint Cookies ‘n Cream milkshake from Steak ‘n Shake with this coupon.
Nationwide Kiss In comes to Charlotte
No matter how you feel about public displays of affection, this weekend, kissing in the park is for a good cause.
Street Style: Bright Floral
Name: Kendrick Allen Occupation: Retail Store Manager Spotted: Civilian at Phillips Place Rockin: Bold floral Lotus dress, Miss Me gladiator sandals, Michael Kors watch, and David Yurman jewelry Style Philosphy: “Always look your best.”
Meghan McCain, the future of the GOP?
Hopefully.
My horror complex
One writer’s love-hate relationship with scary movies.
Anita’s Animal Adventures: Chapter 1 – “Going Batty”
Listings Editor Anita Overcash blogs about her encounters with the wild kingdom
We heart Jersey Boys
Upcoming events at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.
This week’s new releases (8/11/2009)
A quick rundown of some of the albums hitting store shelves today…
Introducing: The Point8 Blog
Welcome to the Point8 Blog — a joint venture of Creative Loafing and Point8 Forum. It will be a weekly open forum for artists to discuss everything related to the arts. And we use the term “artist” in its broadest sense — as anyone who is involved in, or care about, any kind of creative…
Gastropub Liberty opens soon
Chef Tom Condron and Matthew Pera, both formerly of the Harper’s Restaurant Group, will open The Liberty in October.
No wind turbines for them thar hills
No, in N.C. we prefer our addiction to coal and crude.
Mos Def in Charlotte this Wednesday
The near-legendary rapper/actor hits the Amos’ Southend stage Aug. 12
I want the ‘Barefoot Alternative’
During the cooler months, I can often be found running around the office without shoes on. My editor sometimes fusses at me, too: “Kim! Oh god, where are your shoes? You know you can get diseases from walking around here barefoot!” Well, it seems there’s a product out there made just for me: Vibram Five…
Sex news roundup: Tuesday
Here’s a look at the sex related headlines floating around the Internet today. What kids look for online, sex, games and rock and roll. Saudi man arrested for bragging about sex on T.V. 50 million women face HIV risk because of their husbands and boyfriends. Woman suing Pittsburgh QB bragged about having sex with him.…
Did it really take this long to discover he broke the law?
Hey, hey, ho, ho, it is time for Mark Sanford to go!
Sanford guilty, impeachment doubtful
The South Carolina Senate’s Budget Committee reports that Gov. Mark “Latin Lover” Sanford broke state law when he charged taxpayers for pricy flights. S.C. laws require the governor to fly on the cheapest flights possible. Next up for investigation, says budget committee chairman Sen. David Thomas (who, needless to say, is running for Congress or…
Sale of the day: Sloan and Step By Sloan
Don’t you love colorful dot sales? So do we, and the one at Sloan and Step By Sloan has begun. Save up to 75% off all spring/summer merchandise including clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories. Just match the dot color to the price chart and that’s what you pay. Click here for more details. 1419 East…
Block ‘Em Sock ‘Em Rollers win again
Another intra-league
Free actor training workshops
Machine Theatre announced it will be offering free actor training workshops on voice, body and ensemble creation on Mon., Aug. 17 and Tues., Aug. 18, from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. at Story Slam, which is held at 1401 Central Ave., Ste. 103. Read more about the workshops in the press release below. Machine Theatre is offering…
Sen. Burr (R) votes ‘No, no, no’
The Republican party’s yes man strikes again.
New on the menu at Bonterra and 300 East
• New items on the menu at Bonterra Dining & Wine Room, 1829 Cleveland Avenue, include Cheeses and Charcuterie; Escargot de Bourgogne; Chilled Shrimp Cocktail; Beef Carpaccio; and a New Town Farm Heirloom Tomato Salad. Sibling restaurant Las Ramblas, 2400 Park Road, has added more salads, pastas, a new paella, and the Las Ramblas Panini…
Frankie
passion: “Right now it’s fighting mountaintop removal”
Today’s Top 5: Tuesday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
Today’s Top(less) 5: Tuesday
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 11, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Shake it to “The Love Shack” at The Fillmore with the B-52s. • Tenderloin Tuesday at…
Kavkaz: Foods of Armenia & Georgia (the other one) land in Stallings
The snow-capped mountains on the large sign for Kavkaz Family Restaurant are Mount Ararat, the legendary resting stop for Noah’s ark and the national symbol for Armenians. That sign stands in front of a free-standing building on Stallings Road — a surprising place to find an outcropping of southwestern Asian cuisine, but Kavkaz has become…
CL previews upcoming shows (Aug.12-18)
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 12 Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson Aussie chanteuse Chambers has toured with Lucinda and Emmylou, which gives you a general audio gauge to her music. Down under, though, Chambers’ accolades and profile surpass those American legends’ popularity here, and a better comparison sales-wise might be fellow countrywoman Kylie Minogue; Chambers’ 2002 high-point, Barricades…
TheDirty.com is, well, dirty
The Dirty.com is a Web site that allows locals to post pictures (usually nightlife ones taken from online sites) of regular, everyday people, making some sort of hateful remark only a hater would make. Then some Nik Ritchie character who runs the national site will bash them as though they are in the public eye…
Rudo Y Cursi: Just for kicks
Two sets of siblings — competitive brothers and supportive sisters — can be found at the center of two foreign films reaching our city after limited engagements elsewhere. Alfonso Cuaron’s Y Tu Mama Tambien made international stars out of Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna, and in Rudo Y Cursi, the pair are reunited for…
A righteous show of Altar Boyz
I’ve seen thousands of theater productions over the past 22 years — enough to have forgotten hundreds — but the memory of how much I abhorred the off-Broadway production of Altar Boyz is still fresh after three-and-a-half years. So with considerable pleasure, I can report that the current Queen City Theatre Company production at Duke…
Capsule reviews of films playing the week of Aug. 12
Current Releases ANGELS & DEMONS Angels & Demons, the follow-up to the international smash The Da Vinci Code, feels like nothing more than a cross between a Frommer’s travel guide and a scavenger hunt, as Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon hits all of Rome’s holy hot spots gathering up clues as if they were empty Dr.…
THEATER: Altar Boyz at Duke Energy Theatre
The thought of seeing a boy band may be disgruntling to you, if you’re not a teenager in heat that is. Luckily, in Queen City Theatre Company’s newest production of Altar Boyz, you can see what appears to be a boy band, but isn’t really … you know, in real life. On stage these “Altar…
Gender bending in Collaborative Arts Theatre’s Julius Caeser
There’s an interesting topical overlay to Collaborative Arts Theatre’s update of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. The newly “elected” head-of-state is black, and the mastermind of his assassination, Cassius, is a woman. Bulletins of Caesar’s election and overthrow are presented CNN-style, projected on an imposing upstage screen at McGlohon Theatre with a slick crawl line sweeping across…
FESTIVAL: Charlotte Irish Summer Festival
Just because it isn’t St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t mean the Irish don’t have cause to celebrate. It’s summer, and what better time for festivities than that! Lads and lassies, make your way to the third annual Charlotte Irish Summer Festival, which will celebrate all things Irish (including beer!) with a huge two-day outdoor festival in…
The Class, I Love You, Man among recent DVD reviews
THE CLASS (2009). Don’t be embarrassed if you start watching The Class and can’t figure out if it’s a documentary or a fictional piece; that’s doubtless the effect that director Laurent Cantent was hoping to achieve. Winner of the top prize at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival as well as an Oscar nominee for Best…
FESTIVAL: Woodstock 40th Anniversary Tribute
Woodstock is, was, and always will be not only a concert, but a changing event in the history of music festivals. That’s where paying tribute to the festival comes in. In honor of Woodstock’s 40th anniversary, Michael Lang (original creator of Woodstock) himself, is putting on a series of Woodstock tributes nationwide. The tour stops…
Julie & Julia: A tasty treat
No question about it: Nora Ephron gets a bum rap from both critics and moviegoers, who often disparage her as if she were Hollywood’s female equivalent of Michael Bay (and Bay at least has the sizable fanboy demographic in his corner). Certainly, she deserves a lot of heat for foisting such turkeys as Mixed Nuts,…
FESTIVAL: 2009 Nuthing Summer Collaborative
This weekend you can pay homage to art and music at the Nuthing Summer Collaborative. For two days the N.C. Music Factory will be packed with 20 musicians (Eyes of the Elders, Incognito Mosquito, The Lights, Fluorescent, State of Art, to name a few) and other folks, from artists (like God City) to comedy troupes…
School of Rock schedules concert tribute to Woodstock
It’s hard to believe that it has been 40 years since the original Woodstock, but even in all our disbelief, we must celebrate! The Paul Green School of Rock Music Charlotte invites you out to Symphony Park from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 15 for a day of peace, love and rock ‘n’…
MUSIC: Find Your Muse Open Mic at The Evening Muse
It’s Find Your Muse Open Mic night at The Evening Muse this and every Monday. Musicians, grab up your music gear and head over to perform one of your own musical creations in front of a crowd. No one can guarantee they’ll be liked, but constructive criticism is always helpful! Get there early to snag…
A Perfect Getaway: Fun summer escape
A Perfect Getaway might be far from perfect, but it’s good enough to be considered one of this summer’s biggest out-of-left-field surprises. A twisty thriller that will keep most audience members alternately on their toes and on the edge of their seats, this feels like a classic case of a B movie showing its more…
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…
White wine with steak keeps you cool
I walk in the door with sweat still dewing my face, having just transitioned from goosebumpy temps at the office, walking through roasting heat, then into a baking sauna doubling as my dark-blue vehicle. In 95 degrees, the A/C has little hope of keeping up and it groans under the stress. I refocus on positive…
MUSIC: King’s X at Amos’ Southend
King’s X has been rockin’ the music scene with its multi-layered elements — of hard rock, grunge and other funky soulful sounds — since the ’80s. The band’s — comprised of Doug Pinnick, Ty Tabor and Jerry Gaskill — latest album, titled XV, was released in May of 2008. You can see them perform at…
White Rabbits follow their dream to N.Y.C.
When the first notes of the opening track of White Rabbits’ sophomore disc ring out, it’s not guitar notes or a bass riff that resonate with the listener, but a funky rat-a-tat-tat of a drum beat. “Percussion Gun” leads off It’s Frightening and lets you know that rhythm is at the forefront of the band’s…
Quickie comic reviews: Chew, Destroyer and more
I read a ton of comics every week; however, I don’t have a ton of time to review a lot of books in-depth. That said, here are a few quickie-style takes on comics I picked up last week: • Chew No. 3 — Chew is still a tasty-ass comic. Buy it. Buy it. Buy it.…
Health care hooligans
The far right’s ongoing nervous breakdown reached a fever pitch across the country last week, as organized groups of disruptive protesters shouted down attempts at real debate during Congress members’ health care town hall meetings. The low point (at least at the time we’re writing this) came last Thursday in Tampa, where hundreds of anti-health…
Dodgeball Army: Introducing the RTA — and Charlotte’s wildest new pastime
I have vivid dodgeball memories. None of them are good. At my middle school, everyone wore the same mustard gold short-shorts and maroon tank tops to gym class. The coach — a hefty middle-aged woman with a graying brown ponytail, no makeup and a battered clipboard — would strut into the changing room to count…
After a political hiatus, is Pat Cannon still relevant?
In 2005, former Charlotte City Councilman Patrick Cannon was, by all accounts, a shoo-in to be the next mayor of the Queen City. But he stepped away from his bid to beat Pat McCrory in order to focus more on his business and family life. Now, Cannon is seeking is old job back, as he…
If Europe gets its power from bus-size nuclear reactors, why can’t we?
Are there really bus-size nuclear reactors all over Europe (especially in France), that can safely power small towns? If so, why don’t we have them? — Keith Runfola If by “bus-size” you mean “not bus-size,” and by “all over Europe” you mean “not all over Europe,” then sure. Otherwise, no. You’ll appreciate that in my…
CD Review: Levon Helm’s Electric Dirt
The Deal: Dirt Farmer follow-up shows Levon Helm in fine form. The Good: Sounding like the ruler of hillbilly heaven, Levon Helm’s latest recalls The Band in its heyday. Bristling with energy and twang, Electric Dirt is a tall-boy can of whup ass. You’ll be wanting to take your Grateful Dead records and throw ’em…
Weekly horoscope Aug. 12-18, 2009
Leo The Lion (July 22-Aug. 22): You may be dealing with those whom you feel are naive and possibly over-optimistic this week. Resist the urge to pressure them to listen to your truth. Make certain that any opinion you express is noted as just that: your opinion. Otherwise you encounter blank stares from those who…
Is Charlotte attracting organized crime?
Tara is taking a break from her column this week. She’ll be back with a new piece next issue. So, this week we’re serving up a “classic” edition of Citizen Servatius. The higher-ups at the Laredo Police Department didn’t want the locals to be alarmed. Last year, the Texas city saw a large surge in…
Bizarre crimes from Charlotte police files
Recession-Proof: A professional limousine driver called police after being ripped off by a group of six people. He told officers that he had been hired by the group to bring them to Morton’s Steakhouse and wait outside until they finished. After a few hours of waiting outside, he went in to find out when they…
Drugs kill — while families live in denial
Drugs seem to be, for decades now and as of late, squeezing the life out of people — especially celebrities — at every level. It’s common knowledge now that music legend Michael Jackson died at the age of 50 of an alleged heart attack, and über TV pitchman Billy Mays died shortly thereafter of what…
Incubus continues to grow, 12 years after major label debut
I remember being in college and getting a phone call from a publicist at Immortal Records asking me to check out an EP by a new band the label signed called Incubus. I didn’t need to review it — “just give it a listen and let me know what you think.” A few days later,…
CD Review: Bomba EstÉreo’s Blow Up
The Deal: Doesn’t matter at all if you know Spanish or not. This sly, explosive hybrid of electronica, hip-hop, reggaeton and Colombian rhythms will thrill you. Between electrifying Colombiana lead singer Li Saumet and electronic ringleader Simon Mejia, the recording gallops at a frantic, ever-changing pace that enthralls and surprises. Emphasis on this recording is…
