A New Grind
Depending on where you grew up, the quintessential meal on a bun is called a grinder, a hoagie, or a sub (submarine). In the Big Apple, these sandwiches are affectionately named heroes. On the Gulf Coast they are poor boys; however, note that in New Orleans a “po’ boy” is loaded with fried oysters. In…
Hey, Kidnappers, Leave Those Kids Alone
Just when you thought it was safe to watch the news. . . Normally, it’s not a good thing when news is slow because if there’s no actual news to report, then the media will be happy to make some up for us. That’s when we end up with news gems like “What is the…
David Versus Goliath
Everyday, we hear about small, local businesses dying beneath the dagger of behemoth chains. Called the “category killers,” these chains offer lower prices for similar merchandise found at the local stores. But does this dilemma pass over into the wine realm?Definitely yes. But wine differs from Wal-Mart items in that each bottle, each year is…
It’s Great to Be King
They don’t let just anyone cook at the North Carolina governor’s mansion. Stephen Moravick Jr. was the top chef at the opulent Ritz Carlton hotel in Merritt Island, Florida before he was recruited away to Raleigh to work as food director at the gubernatorial residence of Governor Mike Easley. Moravick, who makes $51,995 a year,…
Good Eats
All Around Town Anntony’s Caribbean, 400 S. Tryon St., 704-339-0303; 2001 E. 7th, 704-342-0749. All locations have different owners. A hint of the tropics; rotisserie chicken with Jamaican jerk sauce, ribs, Paradise Island fish special, curries, and Caribbean styled greens. $$ Brixx Wood-Fired Pizza, 801 Scott Avenue, 704-376-1000; 225 E. 6th Street, 704-347-2749; 16915 Birkdale…
Roll Over, Nessie
Loch Ness, shmoch ness. Who cares about some kilt-wearing sissy named Nessie when “Normie” may be out there. We’re talking about the Lake Norman Monster, of course, which just happens to coincide with the name of a new website keeping track of all the strange goings-on at North Carolina’s largest man-made lake. Mooresville resident Matt…
Red Hot CD Releases
Hall & Oates — Behind the Music: The Daryl Hall and John Oates Collection (BMG Heritage) A guilty pleasure. That’s the historic shakedown on Hall & Oates. I’m here to say I ain’t feeling guilty. The two Philly area buds concocted an often sublime meeting of folk, soul, pop and rock that was long on…
The Blotter
Let Us Pray, Dammit! A father and son got into an altercation recently over going to church. Apparently the son didn’t want to go, and he became so enraged he threatened his elderly father with bodily harm. The father, who suffers from a variety of health problems, told police that he had to arm himself…
Justincase Does TRL
Justincase is traveling the nation, and the world for that matter, as they prepare for the release of their self-titled major label debut on Maverick Records on October 1. The band has been jet-setting across the country to do appearances at various radio stations to promote the first single, “Don’t Cry For Us,” which can…
News of the Weird
Tie me up: Artist Brock Enright of Virginia Beach, Va., originally started staging rough, vivid kidnappings, using volunteers, so he could show them on video at New York City galleries, but found so many willing, thrill-seeking victims that he now charges $500 or more for the realistic experience (but they get to keep the videos).…
Music Menu
WEDNESDAY 8.21 Dishwalla — The melodic rockers have swayed back and forth in radioland since hitting on a minor hit back in the 90s with “Counting Blue Cars.” They’ve matured enough to keep constructing hummable pop tunes styled with Radiohead nuances and bits of Bono-inspired, soaring vocals. Granted, it may not be spectacularly original, but…
Soundboard
Wednesday, Aug. 21 Amos’ Southend Dishwalla Arnie’s Tavern, Huntersville Scott Johnson Big Al’s Pub, Mooresville Socialite CPCC North Campus Scott McCloud Rock Band (10:30am) CPCC South Campus Robin Rogers (11:20am; 5:20pm) Cajun Queen 7th Street Gator Band Cajun Queen, Pineville 7th Street Gator Band II Charleston Chops, Cornelius Kent Steel Comet Grill Tom Eure Connolly’s…
One DVD To Rule Them All
Between a mountain of critical raves, a $313 million box office haul, and 13 Oscar nominations (resulting in four wins), the colossal success of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (***1/2 out of four) caught even ardent admirers of J.R.R. Tolkien’s literary trilogy off guard. After having filmed all three parts…
Film Clips
NEW RELEASES BLUE CRUSH This surfing flick is one of those movies that could reasonably be advertised as having “something for everyone.” Teenage girls will enjoy seeing a film populated by heroines of a like age, while teenage boys will enjoy beauteous blonde lead Kate Bosworth decked out in skimpy bikinis. Women will enjoy the…
See & Do
AUGUST 21 – WEDNESDAYThe 107.9 Wednesday Happy Hour Free Concert Series continues today at Gateway Village with music provided by the band Rubyhorse. The evening begins at 5pm, and admission is free. Call 704-374-3500. The production of Shirley Valentine continues at Spirit Square’s Duke Power Theatre. The show will run through August 31 with showtimes…
Ok, so it’s not a real arts festival
Last week, when US Air was sending up its Chapter 11 flare, Charlotte-Douglas Airport wasn’t the only site of a media stampede. Over in Founders Hall, another herd of cameras and scribes was raising dust clouds, clustering together with representatives from most of the city’s major performing arts and cultural organizations.What could have sparked this…
Don’t Put Up With It
When I first began writing this column in May, I had very simple goals. I wanted to realize a dream of having my writing published, and I specifically wanted to write about my two favorite subjects: Sex and Charlotte.I didn’t realize at the time that some of the e-mail responses I would receive would expand…
Fall Arts Calendar
Music/Theater/LiterarySeptember THE AHN TRIO The “Korean Seoul Sisters” will perform a variety of traditional classical pieces in addition to exciting, edgy works by contemporary composers. This performance is part of Wingate University’s concert series on September 3, 7:30pm. Tickets are $20. For more information or reservations call 704-233-8300. AMERICAN SALUTE The Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring…
Karma Cleanser
Dear Karma Cleanser:I just found out that my boyfriend of two years has been cheating. To add insult to injury, my dad just died of brain cancer. My boyfriend wasn’t supportive, but he would tell me I needed to go home and visit more often — just so he could have the new girl over…
Back For The Next Dance
In the early 1980s, Dr. Daphne Timmons made a huge local impact in a program tailored for aggressive children and teens in Charlotte. She left the Queen City four years ago, shortly after winning a case in which she and another doctor had been accused of subliminally suggesting that a client had been sexually abused…
Stargazer
For All Signs We are in the midst of a several week period in which many of us will feel compelled to visit the past in some way. Old issues of resentment and anger may resurface for a better cleansing. A helpful ritual is to clean out closets, eliminate useless items, and organize clutter. There…
The Summer of Stolen Children
Deep into The Lovely Bones, the new bestseller by Alice Sebold, the novel’s narrator — a 14-year-old named Susie Salmon who has been raped and murdered by a serial killer — gazes down at her neighborhood from heaven. “Our house looked the same as every other one on the block,” she says, “but it was…
Bearden, Guerilla Girls & More
Women in masks demonstrating with placards on a picket line. A call to artists: “PUT DOWN THE MACHINE!” and appreciate “The Art of the Tattoo Artist.” A new book, Bitches, Bimbos and Ballbreakers: Illustrated History of Female Stereotypes by The Guerrilla Girls. A visit by revisionist historian and artist Faith Ringgold. Sad memories of September…
Forgotten Songs and Duct Tape Straps
I was feeling a bit under the weather, but I decided to hit The Evening Muse Thursday night for a rare duo appearance by Lou Ford’s Alan Edwards and his brother Chad. Soon, I was literally under the weather, as the skies opened up with such a fury I expected to see Noah picking up…
Heavyweight Champ
Elmore Leonard loves him. So does David Halberstam. Before they died, the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Red Smith and A.J. Liebling did, too. The object of their affection? W.C. Heinz, who, at 87, has become a literary sensation at a time when many of his peers are years-deep in their graves. Best known for terse,…
Step Up To The Plate
We know the Knights need to come back from the ‘burbs. If they’re going to attract enough fans to be successful, they have to return to the heart of Charlotte. But the team, currently in Fort Mill, can’t get city officials off dead center on a new AAA baseball facility until an arena deal is…
Arts Agenda
Classical Music American Guild of Organists Summer Recital Series featuring Monty Bennett. Sun., Aug. 25, 7:30 p.m. all recitals are free and open to the public; a free-will offering will be taken to cover the costs of the series. Plaza Presbyterian Church, 2304 The Plaza. 704-588-1290. Comedy *The Perch Theatre Perch Comedy. Cheerfully offending Charlotte…
Letters To The Editor
Out of the Box After reading “Charlotte’s Very Own Gay Soap Opera” (by Jennifer Saylor, August 7), I am reminded of what I miss most about living in the Queen City — the privilege of associating with the special minds of people like David Lari and Dan Kirsch who are not afraid to think out…
