Live Review: Jimmy Brown & The Badly-Loved
Jimmy Brown & The Badly-Loved Charlotte Irish Summer Festival Aug. 9, 2008 The Deal: Belfast fellow Jimmy Brown (former guitarist of the Hickory-based band Airspace) performed new songs with his back up band, The Badly-Loved, at the Charlotte Irish Summer Festival. The Good: From folk melodies to rock, with some bluesy undertones, Jimmy Brown &…
Jealous
Once upon a time, in the magical land called New York City, an internet blogger found the sugar incarnation of pixie kisses and chocolate sunshine. If only we in the Q.C. were so lucky. Prepare to drool all over your keyboard. May we present: ConeCakes. The holy joining of cupcakes and ice cream cones, after…
Try this new energy drink!
It’s late afternoon, not quite time to get off yet. Your eyes are drooping but you’ve got a stack of paperwork to fill out before you leave. How do you pep up your step? Try the new energy drink, Booty Sweat. To find out where to purchase Booty Sweat, watch Ben Stiller’s new movie Tropic…
Grab your Dick & Jane and doubleclick?
Having just extolled the virtues of Slut in print – after diligently documenting the parental potholes to be found along Avenue Q – I claim a special credibility as I turn with alarm toward the wretched efforts of local arts organizations to publicize events that offer clean wholesome entertainment to parents who still care. You…
Say wha?
File under: Copy editor humor. Because God knows we can all use a little smirk now and then. And please note: None of these are from your favorite newspaper of all time, Creative Loafing. Actual Excerpts From Newspaper Classifieds: Our experienced Mom will care for your child. Fenced yard, meals, and smacks included. Dog for…
Shooting spurs calls for neighborhood name change
The Eastside Political Action Committee has issued a release asking the city council to change the name of a neighborhood getting a bad reputation following another violent event. According to the group’s press release, the violence isn’t happening in Cedars East. “The Cedars East neighborhood is immediately to the west of that complex, and because…
How about McCain’s adultery?
So John Edwards had sex with his videographer. He was an asshole, and the whole thing stinks for his family. But in the end, it’s none of my, nor your, business. I know, I know, a lot of Americans care about this kind of stuff — and apparently care pretty deeply, seeing as how we’re…
Movie trailers for this week’s film reviews
Tropic Thunder \\\\\\\\\\ American Teen \\\\\\\\\\ My Winnipeg \\\\\\\\\\ Bottle Shock \\\\\\\\\\
That’s the ticket!
I’ve got the golden ticket… For you. Below is a ticket to RockHouse Event’s Auction of Luvvv. A half way to Valentine’s Day celebration and charity for Brandon’s Smile this Thursday at Dixie’s Tavern. Jacinda from 96.1 The Beat and DJ Jazzy Jimmy will be the auctioneers for bachelors and bachelorettes. But don’t fret boys,…
Old tunes on YouTube
I used to think YouTube was just a site where I could find stupid videos, but recently I discovered that it’s actually a great place to find old, often-obscure songs. Honestly. Just visit the site and type in the name of a song — chances are someone posted a video or still image along with…
Old tunes on YouTube
I used to think YouTube was just a site where I could find stupid videos, but recently I discovered that it’s actually a great place to find old, often-obscure songs. Honestly. Just visit the site and type in the name of a song — chances are someone posted a video or still image along with…
The music of Iceland
It might be cold in Iceland, but it’s clear nothing is freezing up the talent that springs from this country, whose culture is deeply rooted Norse traditions. Known not only for their sagas and prose epics of classic literature, Iceland has also influenced musicians and led to them being internationally recognized. The Light Factory will…
What’s Machinima?
Machinima is a relatively new art form sweeping through the subcultures of America. But what the hell is it exactly? According to the pop culture site Newsarama.com, Machnima is: movies, short and long form, created using an existing 3d environment; most often with video games used as the base. The most famous Machinima (pronounced muh-sheen-eh-mah)…
What’s Machinima?
Machinima is a relatively new art form sweeping through the subcultures of America. But what the hell is it exactly? According to the pop culture site Newsarama.com, Machnima is: movies, short and long form, created using an existing 3d environment; most often with video games used as the base. The most famous Machinima (pronounced muh-sheen-eh-mah)…
BlackFinn is open!
The EpiCentre has a country bar and an upscale lounge – and now, it has a sports bar-rant. It’s like a Fox and the Hound that serves seafood. In the 10 minutes I was in there on Friday night’s soft opening, I heard 50 Cent, George Straight and AC/DC, which was more random than a…
Rolling Stone undergoes change
I got a trial issue in the mail not too long ago, and hoped it was just to get ideas and feedback… Oh well, I was wrong. Rolling Stone magazine is going to change its size to be more in line with just about every other magazine out there. It’s sad… Rolling Stone has always…
More push to end outlaw gas chambers for stray animals
Animal welfare advocates are citing last month’s explosion at an Iredell County animal shelter as one more reason why gas shouldn’t be used to euthanize animals. The small explosion happened in the gas chamber at the end of a euthanasia cycle. Ten animals were inside. Animal lovers have lobbied extensively for the state to ban…
Issac Hayes
Imagine what the movie Shaft would’ve been without its trademark theme. The loss of soul man Issac Hayes shows you the difference one person can make in history. While the mainstream media will talk about his role on South Park and the iconic Shaft theme, let me introduce you to Truck Turner: \\\\\\\\\\ Rest In…
Charlotte Irish Festival, 8/9/08
Uptown was home to an Irish celebration this past Saturday with the 2nd annual Charlotte Irish Festival. And no, there weren’t any leprechauns running around. Photos by Tricia Gillis
BAR Charlotte, 8/8/08
BAR Charlotte is known for being a little edgy. Friday night was no different. Check out photos from a themed night of theirs: Pimps and Hoes night. Photos by Jeaumane McIntosh
Kick-off party for Irish Festival, 8/8/08
In preparation for the festivities of the Charlotte Irish Festival, Connolly’s Irish Pub hosted a kick-off party in its parking lot Friday evening. The Guinesses were a plenty and men busted out their traditional Irish wear. Photos by Christina Sakaoglu
Kiss Lounge’s grand opening, 8/8/08
Last Friday night, 8/8/08, at 8 p.m., Kiss Lounge (201 W. Woodlawn Rd.) opened its doors for its official grand opening. If you’re curious about the new spot, check out their Web site. Photos by Renaul Hill, Charlotte Vibe Photography staff
Shocked, awed and dismayed
Shock, awed and dismayed. But why? Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards is the latest politician to have an affair. While the public is shocked and dismayed, I’m sitting here wondering why. Men cheat all the time and it seems that at least once a month that man is a politician. Edwards isn’t the first…
Concert announcements!
Just when you thought the summer season was coming to a close, three new shows have been announced for Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre! • Mary J. Blige w/ Robin Thicke – Sept. 27. Tickets on sale on Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. This is a pavilion-only show. • The Allman Brothers Band w/ Phil Lesh &…
The perfect drug
Single Cell Productions will present Purgatory XXXIX, themed “Your Prescription for Pain” this Saturday, Aug. 9 at Amos’ Southend. Expect erotic performances from fetish pros, rope suspension and a concoction of operations in Dr. Spankenstein’s medical lab. DJs will also spin Industrial, electronic, synth-pop vibes. If you’ve never been to a purgatory show then it’s…
And the winner is…
She was a big star at Banana Joe’s Bar where she sang karaoke every night… And Jamie Leigh was a big star at Whisky River where she performed the other night. 96.9 The Kat had a battle of the bands where the victors garnered the opportunity (or once in a lifetime opportunity rather) to open…
Fierce
Last chance for those of us born in 1981! Next Hollywood casting call in Charlotte: “America’s Next Top Model” Women who would like to try out for the 12th cycle of the show, starring Tyra Banks, will get a shot August 9 at the Renaissance Charlotte hotel in SouthPark. Tryouts will be 11 am to…
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2: A fine fit
Sequel almost matches its predecessor By Matt Brunson THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS 2 *** DIRECTED BY Sanaa Hamri STARS America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel The 2005 screen version of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants was based on the first novel in Ann Brashares’ best-selling series, but the word is that The Sisterhood of…
Canadian bakin’
Maddin cooks up some tasty visuals in quirky film By Matt Brunson MY WINNIPEG *** DIRECTED BY Guy Maddin STARS Ann Savage, Darcy Fehr There won’t be a more abstract and experimental movie released in Charlotte this summer — perhaps this year — than Guy Maddin’s My Winnipeg, yet for all its whimsical flourishes and…
Georgy does the Olympics
OK, today’s the first day of the Olympic Games in Beijing (insert obligatory whooping and cheering here), and here’s hoping the athletes do well and have a good time. But, hey, did anyone else think it was ludicrous, not to say hurl-worthy, that Dubya gave the Chinese grief about their human rights record just before…
What you do in your house is fine–flush at mine!
Here’s another reason for New Yorkers to think North Carolina is just hicksville and in need of special ed! From www.NYTIMES.com: Our area is suffering from a drought. To save water, our family has adopted an “if it’s yellow, let it mellow” philosophy toward flushing the toilet. We’ve proudly watched our consumption fall. But is…
Reality bites
As if reality television could not get any worse, Bravo unveiled The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Can we say scary? If this is what passes as a show about wealthy socialites, then I cannot wait to see a new season of I Love New York and Flavor of Love, because it looks pretty much the…
Tristan Prettyman to perform at The Visulite Theatre
Watch Tristan Prettyman’s video for “Madly” from her newest album Hello…x below: \\\\\\\\\\ Tristan Prettyman will perform at The Visulite Theatre on Aug. 19. $15. Doors open at 7 p.m.; Show starts at 8 p.m. 1615 Elizabeth Ave. 704-358-9200. www.visulite.com
Closed on Sundays. Why not close forever?
Eastland Mall has shortened its hours and will be closed on Sundays. Let’s just put this lame duck out of its misery. There isn’t much in Eastland Mall worth buying — unless you’re into urban clothing and sneakers. Belk is gone, Sears looks as if it’s going to close any minute because those items in…
K.I.S.S. this…
The owners of Sunset Club aren’t just remodeling their exclusive club on South Boulevard; they’ve done an Extreme Club Makeover to Situations off Woodlawn, putting an upscale lounge in a not so upscale location. “This is like NYC’s Meat Packing District,” says co-owner Rick Gurr of the area. Translated: there’s a pearl of a place…
The Weekender
Friday, August 8 Film Pineapple Express: Seth Rogen and James Franco are blazing through their troubles in this new stoner movie sure to grace the TV screens of college freshman dorm rooms throughout the country 24/7 as soon as it hits DVD. Catch it before the funniest lines are ruined by 17-year-old boys repeating them…
Jamie Carroll at Whisky River
Last night, 96.9 The Kat hosted its Next Big Star contest at Whisky River, where four finalists competed to open for Kenny Chesney when he comes in concert later this month. Check out this video of Jamie Carroll of the finalists, singing “I Don’t Wanna Know.” Out of all the performers, he was my favorite.…
News Roundup 8/7/08
Jobless claims levels hit highest in 6 years: Claims for unemployment insurance is at its highest point since March of 2002, leaving layoff filings worse than expected. The Labor Department reported Thursday that new applications filed for unemployment insurance rose by a seasonally adjusted 7,000 to 455,000 for the week ending in August 2nd. A…
Defendant gets KFC to go along with his life sentence …
Via The Chicago Tribune, comes this story: Tremayne Durham of New York City admitted last month that he fatally shot Adam Calbreath of Gresham in 2006. Durham wanted to sell ice cream and ordered an $18,000 truck from an Oregon company. He later changed his mind, but the company would not give him a refund.…
All over a cheesburger?
Via KMOV.com, comes this disturbing story: Carl Sharp, 26, a recent college graduate, as well as husband and father, returned home Sunday after purchasing three cheeseburgers at Rally’s. One purchase was for the 16-year-old suspect that was arrested Sunday. The 16-year-old became angry because he had requested two cheeseburgers from Sharp, instead of three, and…
Next Big Star contest @ Whisky River, 8/6/08
Last night, 96.9 The Kat hosted its Next Big Star contest. Four finalists performed in hopes of being picked to open for Kenny Chesney when he comes in concert to Verizon Wireless later this month. Congratulations to Jamie Leigh and her band of boys (pictured in the first image of the gallery, Whiskey01). Also, check…
Not that Carlton
Yo, my name is Carlton, but I don’t dance like this. Ever. \\\\\\\\\\
Live Review: Lend Me a Tenor
Live Review: Lend Me a Tenor July 31, 2008. Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College. The Deal: Davidson Community Players tackle the speedy slamming of doors comedy Lend Me a Tenor, written by Ken Ludwig. Directed by Jim Yost, the productions cast features DCP favorites Matt Merrell (seen in other DCP productions Rounding Third, Don’t…
Paris Hilton responds to John McCain ad
So apparently, John McCain’s people released an ad, comparing Barack Obama’s celebrity to that of Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. Paris Hilton, with her famous-for-no-real-reason self, decided to respond. \\\\\\\\\\
Eggs for sale
How many times have you flipped through a Creative Loafing or scanned the listings on Craigslist and noticed the ad: Donate eggs for money! Until recently, it never crossed my mind to seriously consider the idea, but according to an article on CNN, more women are inquiring about egg donation. If it wasn’t such an…
Don’t try this at home
This week’s cover story “Charlotte Ink” touches on the subject of body modification and the great lengths people go to express their individuality and rebel against the confines of their bodies. But this? This is some serious dedication to Lord of the Rings. If it didn’t involve stitches through the ears (piercings hurt enough, no…
Weirdest e-mail subject lines
I get a ton of junk e-mail every day. (I’m sure you do, too.) And every day I laugh my ass off at the bizarre subject lines attached to some of the messages. So, in the interest in sharing, I thought I’d post some of the weirder ones I just received today. Check ’em out:…
So, you want to make a movie?
From: www.scriptbuddy.com: New INDIE screenplay competition offers an exciting PRODUCTION DEAL to the grand prize winner…. The winning writer of The Movie Deal! Screenplay Contest will receive an honest-to-gosh PRODUCTION DEAL, plus airfare and accommodations to the set of their own film. Independent filmmakers Craig James Pietrowiak & Scott Prestin, currently in pre-production on the…
My dirty little secret
The greasy joy of fried pickles
Happy as a clam
The 4th Annual Clam Jam at Tavern On The Tracks goes down Aug. 6
Sladjana Novakovic, bakery owner
Artisan breads are few and far between in Charlotte; however, Nova’s Bakery – located in Plaza Midwood and owned by Vlado and Sladjana Novakovic – devotes time to producing artisan and specialty European breads, pastries and desserts fresh each day. Creative Loafing: Where does your inspiration for artisan baking originate? Sladjana Novakovic: My husband’s family…
CD Review: Black Kids
The Deal: Debut album from Jacksonville, Fla., band – yet another “Artist to Watch”/”Buzz Band.” The Good: The band’s music sounds like a marriage of disco rhythms and ’80s goth vocals with pop sensibility. Picture The Cure’s Robert Smith singing over the Bee Gees music and you’re headed in the right direction for the band’s…
The story behind memberships
Have you ever been denied entrance into a bar because you didn’t have the right identification … as in your membership card? No, the bars aren’t trying to be exclusive, and no, the bouncers aren’t being douche bags. The Alcohol Law Enforcement is to blame for this nightlife nuisance. They are stricter than a high…
CD Review: Feufollet
The Deal: Latest rebirth of Cajun. It’s the real deal. Caution: Contains accordion solos that can change the world. The Good: So many superlatives here – new arrangements, rhythmical grooves, spooky ballads, strikingly new sounds, yet still respectful of Francophone culture. From the glorious opening din of “Prends Courage” through raucous Cajun two-steps, the ghost…
Family affairs
There’s such a thing as an artist whose reach outruns his grasp, who makes a great try, but doesn’t quite get where he’s aiming. Often, that kind of artist produces a work that’s nonetheless as interesting as a more tightly crafted effort. That’s the situation readers will find in Martin Clark’s latest novel, The Legal…
What’s in a name?
Just take one look at the guys from Metro Station and you’ll think you’ve got the emo-electro rockers with tight pants, chopped-up hair and piercings, figured out. A bunch of babies making music, you say? Well, that’s partially right since other than 31-year-old Anthony Improgo and 26-year-old Blake Healy, the band is comprised of 19-year-olds…
CD Review: Windmill
The Deal: Orchestral weirdness from squeaky-voiced, piano-mashing Brit. The Good: Matthew Thomas Dillon plays under the name Windmill, as in “tilting at,” and that’s as good a place as any to start with the fanciful Puddle City Racing Lights. Built around the Englishman’s crashing piano chords, string swells, gi-normous drums and high-on-helium-vocals guaranteed to initially…
Charlotte Bestsellers List
1. 365 Nights: A Memoir of Intimacy by Charla Muller with Betsy Thorpe 2. The Legal Limit by Martin Clark 3. Bad Intentions by Jack Grubbs 4. Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together by Ron Hall and Denver Moore 5.…
No Phishing
Mike Gordon enjoying the solo life
‘It’s a global election’
TALLINN, Estonia — When I arrived in Estonia last week — a former Soviet republic that lies just south of Finland — everyone had an opinion on Barack Obama’s speech in Berlin. The headline of the British Daily Telegraph we picked up in Finland blared “New walls must not divide us,” with half-page photos of…
War Heroes No. 1, Conan: The Cimmerian No. 1, Justice Society of America Annual No. 1
For the last few issues, I’ve devoted my weekly Comic Proportions column to a list of comics I’m currently reading and, for the time being, enjoying. Consider this week’s installment, however, the conclusion of my “recommended reading” list. Next week, I’ll get back to bashing stuff. War Heroes No. 1 (Image): Writer Mark Millar is…
Get out and support the locals!
I’ve said it plenty of times in the past, and I’ll continue to say it for a long time to come: Get out and support local, original, live music! Big things are happening around Charlotte and if you don’t stop to check it out, you may miss out on another case of “I knew them…
Charlotte ink
Remember when tattoos only adorned the bodies of bad-ass bikers? You’d be driving down the highway and hear the roar of Harley Davidson pipes, and as you turned to your left, there was some bald, yet bearded man revving his hog with an arm full of tats. (And of course he was sporting a red…
CL previews upcoming shows
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 6 The Lee Boys Fans of Robert Randolph would love a Lee Boys show. The Miami-based sacred steel band is sure to get your feet moving within seconds of playing. They played right before Randolph at this year’s Bonnaroo and had the crowd moving and swaying in no time to their funk rhythms…
More than Gossip
Subject: Nina De Gramont. Originally from Anglewood, N.J., Nina de Gramont moved to Wilmington, N.C. when her husband was offered a job at UNC-Wilmington. De Gramont recently released her debut novel, Gossip of the Starlings (Algonquin Books, 22.95), about an intense friendship between two girls at an East Coast all-girls school. On Her Status As…
Make or break time?
Given the quality of their self-titled 2006 debut, it seems counter-intuitive to even suggest it, but in today’s “here today, gone tomorrow” music landscape The Sammies see album No. 2 as their “make or break” release. Sandwich gets its official release Sept. 23, but the Wadesboro-born quartet is celebrating locally with a CD release party…
Write on
Creative Loafing copy editor Natalie Howard was named one of the Top 25 finalists in the recent Short Story Award for New Writers competition presented by Glimmer Train, a prestigious and nationally recognized literary journal. Out of over 1,000 submissions for this contest, Howard’s story, “Rain on 14th Street,” was among the select few chosen…
Ask the editor
Q: A few weeks ago, you used this column to plug a ton of your paper’s upcoming events and products. Got anything else to plug? A: Do I have anything else to plug? Hell yes! First up, stay tuned for two extra-sized issues of Creative Loafing coming up in the coming weeks: Fall Guide 2008…
Rita gets relit
When we seek out a teacher to help us make a radical change in ourselves, a powerful paradox is set in motion when the teacher takes an instant liking to the student. For in succeeding to help the student reach his or her goal, the teacher risks transforming what is appealing into something that isn’t.…
High time to decriminalize pot
A couple of months ago, a friend told a story that made me shake my head in sadness and disbelief. He was talking about a business acquaintance’s son, a 24-year-old we’ll call Tom, an honors graduate from a fine college who is now in prison. When he was 19, Tom was pulled over in South…
Bizarre crimes from Charlotte police files
JEALOUS RAGE: A 22-year-old woman said her ex-boyfriend came to her apartment unannounced and grew irate when he found another man there. He yelled, made threats and eventually chased the woman’s friend out of the apartment. He then turned his rage on the woman and ran her out of her own apartment when he threw…
The end of Eastland?
Shooting adds to mall’s decline
A seriously fine fire
I find it incredible that Lisa keeps insisting she doesn’t need help even though her whole damn house just burned down. If it were my house that burned down, I’d be wallowing in the drama like a dinner-theater actress, waist-deep in debris, calling for TV film crews to document my suffering. Long after the inferno…
Foreclosures and the schools
You can add another casualty to the mess created by subprime mortgage lending. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are projecting the system could see more than 3,000 homeless children when schools open this month — a 17 percent increase since June. Laurie Schwartz, development director with A Child’s Place, a nonprofit that works closely with CMS, said officials…
Stargazer
Leo The Lion: (July 22-Aug. 22) It may be necessary to sacrifice your own needs for the sake of another during this week. Sometimes maintaining the harmony within a relationship is a higher value than being in control. Romantic experiences have depth and intimacy. For All Signs: We are in the one week valley of…
A farewell to arms
Violence against women in the military is becoming an epidemic. Rep. Jane Harman, D-California, recently told a House panel investigating how the military handles reports of sexual assault that doctors at a Los Angeles veterans hospital told her that 41 percent of the female veterans seen there say they were victims of sexual assault while…
Film clips
Current Releases BRIDESHEAD REVISITED Think of this new film version as instant coffee: If you don’t have time to savor the 300-plus pages of Evelyn Waugh’s 1945 novel or all 11 hours of the 1981 British miniseries, then a quick gulp of this 135-minute adaptation might suffice. Roughly set between the two world wars, the…
Fun with polls
What would it take to get you to go to a Bobcats game? Apparently, free tickets might not be enough. The results of a poll by Raleigh-based Public Policy Polling showed just how tough a challenge the team could be facing. The poll, conducted July 14, asked 500 likely North Carolina voters which of six…
Rolling in the aisles
Pothead comedy is dope, but Mummy goes up in smoke
Civic events in Charlotte
Mecklenburg County Justice and Public Safety Task Force, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Government Center, 600 East Fourth St., conference room 267. www.charmeck.org. Drinking Liberally Wednesday, Aug. 6, 7 p.m., Dolce Vita, 3205 North Davidson St. Citizens’ Parole Accountability Committee, Thursday, Aug. 7, 6 p.m., Police Headquarters, 601 East Trade St. www.charmeck.org.…
Avoiding the auction
“Such is American business, I guess, where the desire for obscene profit mutes any discussion of conscience.” — Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes Wine auctions make me nauseous. Something about obscenely rich people trading winemaker passion like chattel rubs me the wrong way. Somehow, I don’t feel the same way about art, although wine is…
Going Def
Def jammin’ The legendary rapper known as Nas spits lyrics from new and classic tunes during his performance at Amos’ Southend on July 29. Paint ball Artist Stefan Domagalski displays some of his work in the retail shop Black Sheep last Friday at the South End gallery crawl. Dance, dance revolution A…
