On the road with The Light Factory
In correspondence with its The Romance of the Road exhibition, which highlights the profound influence that roads an highways can have on someone seeking deeper meaning into their lives, The Light Factory will present a film screening of Two Lane Blacktop on Sat., March 6. The 1971 film, directed by Monte Hellman, follows a driver…
Bill Kennedy’s race against Virginia Foxx picks up steam
It looks like Billy Kennedy, the Democratic candidate for the US House seat currently occupied by Virginia Foxx of “Health care reform = terrorism” fame, is the real thing. Since he announced his candidacy, Kennedy has put together a solid organization and his campaign coffers have swollen. Now he has been formally endorsed by Blue…
‘… beauty where others see despair’
Area photographer makes a difference to people of Africa.
‘The O.J. Moment of the Twenty-First Century’
Looking for holes in climate change science.
Judge A Book By Its Cover: ‘The Boy With the Cuckoo-Clock Heart’
OK, I have a confession to make: I’m a book nerd. I don’t have time to read many, but I love reading the synopses of all the new books Creative Loafing gets to potentially review. Everyone here knows any packages with books must come to my desk first before they go on the bookshelf. And…
New way to recycle in the Q.C.
City’s recycling program gets a boost.
Best I’ve Had All Week: Mollydooker: The Boxer Shiraz 2007
I had been enchanted by Aussie styled Shiraz long before I spent a month there tasting wines a few years ago.
Sale of the day: Cottage Chic
From the fab folks at Cottage Chic: We need to make way for the new spring styles that will be arriving soon, so we’re having an unprecedented 40 percent off sale on BedHead Pajamas!!!!! This includes all in-stock styles that are in the front cabinet- hipster, flannels, niteshirts, maternity and more…Oh my! Get them while…
Tonight’s Top 5, 03/01/10
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, March 1, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
First look: Mortimer’s Cafe and Pub
A new pub-club is opening in the EpiCentre
CIAA 2010: Party With the Pros, DJ Jazzy Jeff
CIAA in review: Party With The Pros at Grand Central Events and DJ Jazzy Jeff at Halo.
Tea and scones at Crepe Cellar
Crepe Cellar hosted a tea tasting with Felicitea on Sunday, Feb. 28.
Stupid Thing of Week: Banned puppet cleavage
And you thought the “Are Bert and Ernie of Sesame Street gay?” controversy a few years ago was stupid? Now, people in that center of religious-right angst, Colorado Springs, are going nuts over puppet cleavage. A promotional bus-stop poster for Avenue Q, a Tony-winning musical about puppets and human neighbors trying to make it in…
Today’s Top 5: Monday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, March 1, 2010 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger at Joseph-Beth Booksellers • Grand Imperial Poetry Night at SK Netcafe • The Charles White Sketchbook exhibition at Jerald Melberg Gallery • The…
Concert announcement — The Bamboozle Roadshow
The Bamboozle Roadshow is heading to Charlotte, hitting the Uptown Amphitheatre on May 22. Bands are — Good Charlotte, Hanson, A Cursive Memory, Cady Groves, Cartel, Forever the Sickest Kids, Great Big Planes, Hellogoodbye, Mercy Mercedes, Shwayze, Simple Plan, Stereo Skyline, Downtown Fiction, The Ready Set, Vedera, Vita Chambers. No word on when tickets are…
CIAA 2010: Halo, 02/27/10
DJ Jazzy Jeff rocked it CIAA style at Halo on Saturday, Feb. 27.
CIAA 2010: Aggie/Eagle Blowout Day Party
CIAA in review: The day party at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille had the Aggies and Eagles do their thang.
CIAA 2010: Party With A Purpose
Wrapping up my CIAA party weekend at the Sunset Club.
SNL pokes fun at “We are the World”
All in good fun, Saturday Night Live takes a look at the recent remake.
CIAA 2010: True School – CI Edition II w /9th Wonder at Mez
I couldn’t have been the only one wondering how the hell a CIAA party was gonna go down in a movie theater. Well, The Sol Kitchen managed to make it work … kind of. While the atmosphere was cool to begin with at Mez on Friday night, it didn’t take long for things to get…
CIAA 2010: Tempo, 2/27/10
Tempo presents Sophisticated Saturdays, the C.I. Edition, hosted by My92.7.
Live review: Stereofidelics, Amelia’s Mechanics, Jim Avett
Trio of performances leaves crowd satisfied.
CIAA 2010: Zink, 02/26/10
The 4th Annual “Stogies & Stillettos” at Zink. Presented by Digital Divas & The Grays on Friday, Feb. 26.
VIDEO: Diddy at CIAA 2010
In case you’re wondering, Diddy actually did make it to town this past weekend.
CIAA 2010: A tale of two parties
CIAA in review: Star Power 2010 at The Blake Hotel and Nelly’s performance at Suite.
CIAA 2010: Blue Restaurant, 2/26/10
The 3rd annual Deja Vu Day Party at Blue Restaurant was presented by Digital Divas on Friday, Feb. 26.
CIAA 2010: Founders Hall, 2/26/10
Founders Hall Frenzy, presented by MAZ Entertainment, “A Suspended State of Excitement,” played hip-hop, R&B and old school tunes in Bank of America’s Founders Hall on Friday, Feb. 26.
Crix discuss Oscars on WFAE
Local reviewers offer their picks on Mike Collins show.
CIAA 2010: Suite, 2/25/10
Suite Dreams 2 at Suite, sponsored by The A List and The Sol Kitchen, with music by DJ BRORABB went down Thursday, Feb. 25.
CIAA 2010: The Liberty, 2/25/10
Digital Divas’ Kick Off Party was held at The Liberty Thursday, Feb. 25.
CIAA 2010: BAR Charlotte, 2/26/10
The CIAA party crowd packed into BAR Charlotte on Friday, Feb. 26.
CIAA 2010: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2/26/10
CIAA Friday Night Live with Ginuwine at Crowne Plaza Hotel on Feb. 26, featured a fashion show, after party and music by NYC’s Hot 97’s DJ Magic.
CIAA 2010: Cosmos Cafe, 2/26/10
The Warm Up — CI Friday Day Party Jumpoff, presented by Blue Goose Entertainment Group, was held at Cosmos Cafe Feb. 26.
Today’s Top(less) 5: Monday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
George Clinton, Small Ponds, The Jackets, Starmount come to party (02/27/10)
Get funky and flavorful this Saturday with Raleigh Invasion and George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic.
Apple Strawberry Crunch
A warm layer of apples and strawberries is topped with a crunchy oat topping. Served up with a big scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, this Apple Strawberry Crunch makes for a delicious ending to any meal. This recipe is really easy peasy. When rhubarb is back in season in the summer, substitute the apples…
Ri Ra Irish Pub reopens
After being closed for 9 months due to damage from a fire, Ri Ra Irish Pub, located between 5th and 6th Streets on Tryon Street, is finally re-opening their doors.
Free Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin shoes … yes please!
This is like the ultimate ladies weekend. Free designer shoes? Why thank you, you’re too kind! Friday night at Kazba is the kick-off event for Kazba’s weekly ladies night. Cover is free for ladies and look forward to $1 glasses of Champagne and 1/2 price martinis. (Not sure what the details are for Mez, but…
A fanboy’s Oscar picks
Guest contributor weighs in on this year’s Academy Award race.
Ina Garten’s Beef Bourguignon
After slaving away in the kitchen for more than two and a half hours, I came out with a dish that garnered of rave reviews from dinner guests.
CIAA 2010: The good, the bad, and the pretty at Tip-Off Thursday
Pinkies Up Productions, Bestfriendz and Dynasty 5 collaborated last night to kick off the CIAA party weekend, and what a kick-off it was.
When worlds collide: Sue & the Muslims
News reports of yesterday’s “town hall meeting” with Rep. Sue Myrick and local Muslims refer to the longtime area politician “hoping to repair her relations with [the] Muslim community,” to “build bridges.” I guess you have to report things that way; after all, that *is what Myrick said. What’s left unsaid in such stenography journalism,…
The Crazies: Then and now
By Matt Brunson THE CRAZIES (1973) **1/2 DIRECTED BY George Romero STARS Lane Carroll, Lloyd Hollar THE CRAZIES (2010) ** DIRECTED BY Breck Eisner STARS Timothy Olyphant, Radha Mitchell With the new version of The Crazies in wide release, should viewers head to the theater to check it out or mosey toward the DVD store…
CIAA 2010: Dharma Lounge, 2/25/10
Diverse Thursdays C.I. Edition was held at Dharma Lounge Thursday, Feb. 25.
10-in-10 CD reviews
Each Friday, we review 10 recently-released CDs in 10 words each.
Sale of the day: The Boulevard
The weather’s supposed to be beautiful all weekend. I recommend a stroll through NoDa: yummy food, cool people, and most importantly, The Boulevard has IT jeans on sale at 30 percent off and winter fashions at 70 percent off. Woohoo. 453 E. 36th St. 704-332-0142 www.blvdnoda.com
The pickle vs. Nickelback
It’s kind of funny… Many people on Facebook will notice, and become fans of, a page called, “Can this pickle get more fans than Nickleback?” The question is simple enough. But when it first started, Nickelback had a lot of fans. However… the answer is now, “yes.” There are currently more than 1.5 million fans…
CIAA 2010 Night 2: Suite Dreams
I can honestly say that Suite Dreams saved my night last night.
Tonight’s Top 5, 02/26/10
Tonight’s going to be crazy.
Today’s Top 5: Friday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
CIAA 2010: Crave Dessert Bar, 2/25/10
The Celebrity NBA Day Party with a complimentary $1,000 open bar was held at Crave Dessert Bar Thursday, Feb. 25. The party was hosted by Greg Oden of the Portland Trailblazers and Power 98’s Ms. Ivory. Photos by Tricia Gillis.
Get energized with options tonight (02/26/10)
Elephant Man, The Pietasters and Dave Alvin & a Few Guilty Women are strolling into town.
Today’s Top(less) 5: Friday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
Night time at the CIAA
An evening look inside the CIAA Basketball tournament.
Weekender
Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend.
If you still think we don’t need health care reform …
Unless you’re a right-wing zealot, or simply don’t give a rip about anyone else (often the same thing), you have to conclude that the hard slog of passing real, fundamental health care reform has to keep going forward.
Live review: Chrisette Michele
Singer performs at The Fillmore Charlotte on Feb. 24, 2010.
Upcoming: ‘Beautiful You’ at Jordanos
Winter’s (possibly) almost over, so it’s time to freshen up your skin and makeup. Go ahead and RSVP to this great event. We hear makeup artist Samantha Smith is pretty awesome. (At the very least, her tweets can be pretty entertaining!). And in case you haven’t gotten the memo (what, have you been out of…
Free prom dresses From Ace and TJ!
Prom dresses are just way too expensive to be worn only once or twice. I have two in my closet back at my parents’ house: one I wore to my high school prom in my junior year, and another I wore during my senior year and to a military ball. That’s well over $350 spent…
Sale of the day: Paul Simon
Men, take up to 70 percent off on seasonal sportswear, suits and sports coats, outerwear, ties, dress shirts and slacks. Everything you need to be GQ. 1027 Providence road 704-372-6842 4300 Sharon Road 704-366-4523 www.paulsimonco.com
Tonight’s Top 5, 02/25/10
In addition to the CIAA party madness going on in the Q.C., here are five events you might want to check out tonight, Feb. 25.
Buy 2, get 1 free at Blynk Organic
Blynk Organic wants to thank their loyal customers for eating organic at Blynk by giving away free lunches. When you purchase two meals between March 1 and March 7, you’ll get a third meal (of equal or lesser value) for free. Just show your two eligible receipts when you visit the third time.
CIAA 2010 Night 1: Chrisette Michele, Iota Phi Theta Frat party, Pop Life, Dharma Lounge
On the first real party night of CIAA, we hit up Chrisette Michele’s concert, the Iota Phi Theta party at Alive, Pop Life at Luna Lounge and Dharma Lounge.
The game ain’t changed
Games are for kids … allow Shameika to explain.
Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, Pt.2
I need to follow up on yesterday’s post about Democrats stalling on repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. Some reactions to the DADT issue are – let’s be generous here — flawed, especially the argument that Obama needs to be sure he has the military honchos on his side before repealing DADT. That’s pure nonsense. In…
Our suffocating oceans
That’s too bad, ‘cuz water is the key to all life — our life.
6 more cases of coal-ash contaminated water in N.C.
Ummmm. Coal ash water. Yummy.
Queen City welcomes Slick Rick (02/25/10)
Slick Rick will be playing at Amos’ Southend
Sex Q&A: Charlotte Boudoir Photography
Here’s a classy way to be sexy. Take some bedroom pictures.
Concert announcement: Tom Petty with Joe Cocker
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers have announced their 2010 tour and it’s hitting Charlotte on May 7, the second day of the tour, which launches in Raleigh. They will be performing at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. Joe Cocker is the supporting act on this date. Tickets start to go on sale on March 8.
Blue Cross Blue Shield = Big(ger) Bill
Another case for health care reform.
CIAA 2010: Situations Lounge, 2/24/10
Charlotte Ruff Ryders presented the CIAA Jumpoff at Situation Lounge Wednesday, Feb. 24.
CIAA 2010: Luna Lounge, 2/24/10
The weekly Wednesday party that is Pop Life took place at Luna Lounge Feb. 24.
Today’s Top 5: Thursday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
Today’s Top(less) 5: Thursday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
Opening Friday
What’s new in theaters this weekend.
Coming soon to Story Slam: Aphasia
Readings of the screenplay, which is based on a true story, will go down on March 5 & 6 at Story Slam.
Don’t Ask Don’t Tell repeal stalls — thanks again, Dems
If you have any doubts that Democrats in Congress are either clueless or gutless, consider this: an overwhelming majority of Americans say they support repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell — even Dick Cheney is for it, for God’s sake — and yet the Dems are stalling. Obama, in his State of the Union speech, declared…
North Carolina rappers injured in Vermont accident
You may have seen people sending prayers out for North Carolina hip-hop duo Little Brother and others involved in the car crash on a snowy Vermont highway earlier today. Good news is everyone is ok (good enough to tweet at least), and seemingly in good spirits. Rapper Joe Scudda (who’s new mixtape we’ll be reviewing…
Tea and scones at Crêpe Cellar
Join Felicitea! at the Crêpe Cellar Kitchen & Pub for their “Afternoon Tea & Scones” event this Sunday, Feb. 28 from 4 to 5:30 pm.
Tonight: Jodi Arnold Trunk Show at Fresh
Today from 3 p.m.-8 p.m., head to Fresh for a fabulous trunk show opening party for the clothing line Jodi Arnold, dubbed a more sophisticated version of the line MINT. They’ll also be serving up their SnapDragon “Beautinis,” a healthy beverage with a buzz. Bonus! Everything in the store is 20 percent off.
‘How green are those Cheerios?’
Ever thought about where your food comes from? You should.
Yahoo and Twitter, sitting in a tree
Get your Tweet on, Yahooooo.
More on our ‘impaired’ water source
Mountain Island Lake makes the list, and that’s not good.
Tonight’s Top 5, 02/24/10
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, Feb. 24, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
Sale of the day: Heels.com
Now through March 3, take 15 percent off all Guess shoes at Heels.com. Use coupon code Guess15 at checkout.
Today’s Top 5: Wednesday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
The Wack List: Feb. 24 — Rape, ‘impaired water’ and more
Five people, places and things we really ain’t digging today
Today’s Top(less) 5: Wednesday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
Yamil Guzman
alias: “El Creador De Belleza…(The Creator of Beauty).” inspiration: “La Naturaleza…(nature).” passion: “Las Artes…(the arts).” favorite color: Black current city: Lares, Puerto Rico plug: www.yamilguzman.com To see more photos by Jasiatic, visit www.createtressphotography.blogspot.com and to see some of these portraits on the wall visit Crave Dessert Bar
‘High Cotton’ project set for Ballantyne
Good news — all is not lost in the quest to build low- and medium-income housing in the Ballantyne area. Yesterday, the Charlotte Housing Authority announced it was pulling out of a public housing project for the city’s No. 1 nouveau riche area. Publicly, the reason was CHA’s concern about the cost of the project.…
An ass-load of super-duper quickie comic reviews: Green Lantern, Green Lantern Corps and more
OK folks, Wednesday — aka “New Comics Day” — is almost here, so it’s time for me to dispense with a bunch of reviews from last week’s pile.
Concert announcement: Lupe Fiasco & B.o.B
Lupe Fiasco released his first set of tour dates about 20 minutes ago via Twitter and he’ll be performing at UNC Charlotte with B.o.B (didn’t we just see him last week?) on Friday, April 23. No word yet on ticket details, but we’ll keep you updated.
Live review: Surfer Blood
Band performs at packed Snug Harbor on Feb. 22, 2010.
911! Another reason you shouldn’t drive home from the bar …
If you are a female in Charlotte and go out at night, then you need to read this for your safety …
Tonight’s Top 5, 02/23/10
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, Feb. 23, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing. • Drinking With Lincoln at Tilt • Tournament Tuesday Jump-Off Party featuring DJ Pete Rock at Club Alive • The Sunset Club and Tinderbox Cigars Present: Cain and Nub Tasting • Give Hope Charity Event with Gregg…
DVD Pick: Georges Méliès: Encore
Volume contains more short films made by an early cinematic genius.
Best bets in Charlotte comedy this week
Here are a few of the best places to find comedy events in Charlotte.
EPA hosting an online town hall meeting today
And you’re invited.
Newsweek massaging climate data?
National mag’s story full of bad info.
It pays to peddle T & A
Recession proof booty.
Free pancakes
A friendly reminder: Don’t forget to get your free short stack from IHOP today.
Best I’ve Had All Week: Line Caught Wild Alaskan Salmon
The paramount preparation of this fine seafood is to leave it alone.
The Wack List: Feb 23 — featuring Fantasia, public housing villains and more
Five people, places and things we really ain’t digging today
Today’s Top 5: Tuesday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Feb. 23, 2010 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Author Kim Harrison at Joseph-Beth Booksellers • Lucero at Visulite Theatre • Recall: Joyce Scott exhibition at McColl Center for Visual Art • Taboo Tuesday at SK…
Today’s Top(less) 5: Tuesday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
Weekly horoscope
Feb. 24-March 2, 2010
CL previews upcoming concerts (Feb. 24-March 2)
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24 Braveyoung Deconstructing rock into down-tempo soundscapes with post-hard-core growly vocals when needed, Braveyoung stroll into intriguing musical alleys. Formed as Giant in 2005, the combo changed its moniker a couple of years ago and now layer sound backdrops and guitar manipulation into something that could be soothing and unnerving. Also on the…
When in Rome … hit the town!
On the road again … Over the past few weeks, I’ve traveled to Daytona, Fla., Tulsa, Okla., and Wilmington, N.C., for work. But, being the nightlife connoisseur that I am, I always manage to incorporate some play in my day. First stop: Wilmywood. My Wilmington hangout was “Shaboom Shabooms” … you know, from the HBO…
Big investment bankers have no shame
A few years ago, author/professor Max Childers and I were talking and bemoaning the state of the world, when he said, “There’s just no sense of shame in this country anymore.” What did he mean exactly, I asked. “Well, just taking responsibility, and when you do something bad and realize it, you feel bad about…
Found: Filipino fare at Tropical Escape Cafe
The beginnings had all the components of a Broadway musical: a sultry saloon singer from a Pacific island, an American GI, wartime in Vietnam. Of course, they fall in love, move to the United States and then, unlike a Broadway show, get jobs. Tessie Montano Baldwin worked in a Chinese restaurant while Roger Baldwin went…
The ‘Surreal Housewives’: Get a job
I am addicted to Bravo’s Real Housewives franchise. Yes, I watch all of The Real Housewives (Atlanta, New York, Orange County, New Jersey) — and when I say watch, I mean DVR them, which is big for me. I call it the “Surreal Housewives” franchise because their definition of what passes for high society and…
Shutter Island overcomes obvious ending
Just how obvious is the big “twist” that concludes Shutter Island, Martin Scorsese’s adaptation of Dennis Lehane’s novel? So obvious that some folks who haven’t read the book are figuring it out simply by watching the trailer. But just how accomplished is the picture anyway? Enough that viewers will happily be led down the rabbit…
An addendum to the week’s news
Different year, same drama: As usual, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Peter Gorman is doing the oh-so-broke shuffle in hopes of protecting his bureaucratic fiefdom and his sprawling budget. To hell with the fact that the region has shed 62,000 jobs, people are desperate to hold on to their homes and can’t pay their mortgage much less…
3 questions with Klime Kovaceski, restaurateur
Cuisine, creativity and meeting rocker legends like Iggy Pop is all part of Restaurateur Klime Kovaceski’s life menu. Kovaceski started out as an Executive European Chef in Macedonia and has since been a restaurant consultant for a variety of ethic and upscale dining establishments. Despite his many titles, Kovaceski defines himself as a restaurateur. “The…
CD Review: Johnny Cash’s American VI: Ain’t No Grave
The Deal: Man in Black’s final studio album is final in series produced by Rick Rubin. The Good: It’s almost like there are two versions of Johnny Cash – the rough and rugged Man in Black who wrote so many classic songs in his unique style and the older, frail Cash who had a weathered…
Seminar: FlirtAcademy
Single ladies alert! FlirtAcademy may be your salvation to finding a man. Presented by The Better Class and Shelli Stutz, a Los Angeles relationship specialist and founder of “ManFixer,” this event, held at The Liberty, is for women only and teaches “seven actions that guarantee reactions” in the art of body language toward the opposite…
Where to find New York deli food in Charlotte
When Lee Katz opened Katz New York Deli & Restaurant in the summer of 2001, I took my kids with me to order a little bit of Jersey. Since then I have frequently written about Katz, given them CL Best of awards, and been thankful they are here. So I was somewhat surprised when the…
CD Review: Quasi’s American Gong
The Deal: Portland veterans deliver a welcome middle finger. The Good: My astute Shuffle colleague Bryan Reed notes that what passes for indie rock these days is just too gosh-darn polite, sonically and aesthetically. Not so this titanic slab of outsider angst and guitar-pop noise that stands tall beside Crooked Rain Crooked Rain and You’re…
THEATER: Miles & Coltrane: Blue(.)
You can expect to hear intimate stories and all that jazz, as special performances of On Q Productions’ and Concrete Generation’s Miles & Coltrane: Blue(.) kick off tonight. The play, which debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland last summer, tells the story of popular jazz musicians Miles Davis and John Coltrane. $20. Feb.…
CIAA 2010: The Ultimate Guide
Charlotte’s a funny place. Sometimes it’s damned near impossible to find fun things to do in the Queen City. And then other times Charlotteans are deluged with so many extracurricular activities, it’s impossible to make a decision. Well, one of those other times has descended on our fair city once again — in the form…
Capsule reviews of films playing the week of Feb. 24
AVATAR The only film capable of surpassing Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen as the Fanboy Fave of 2009, James Cameron’s massively hyped Avatar at least differs from Michael Bay’s boondoggle in that it’s, you know, entertaining. On the other hand, the notion that it represents the next revolution in cinema is nothing more than studio-driven…
MUSIC: George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic
Just as funk master George Clinton hasn’t tired of dreads and rainbows of color, he also hasn’t lost his zest for groovin’ onstage with his partners in crime, the Parliament Funkadelic. At it for more than 40 years, Clinton’s shows are legendary and well talked about for bringing down the house with a full night…
Top parties to attend during CIAA 2010
Wednesday, Feb. 24 Pop Life at Luna Lounge. The Sol Kitchen and Creative Loafing kick off the week’s festivities with our always-eclectic weekly event, with DJ Skillz and special guest 9th Wonder. Free. 6 p.m. Luna Lounge, 521 N. College St. For more info, visit www.thesolkitchen.com. Thursday, Feb. 25 “Good Times” — (Purple Passion) The…
The Best of All-Star Family Feud among new DVD reviews
THE BEST OF ALL-STAR FAMILY FEUD (various years). How’s this for an irresistible blast of nostalgia? Mill Creek Entertainment has recently released five DVD compilations showcasing some of the most popular game shows to ever air on the boob tube. Match Game and The Price Is Right are among the featured shows in the other…
COMEDY: Steve Hofstetter
Comedian, author and columnist Steve Hofstetter is one busy dude. From writing humorous columns for publications like New York Times, SportsIllustrated.com, and NHL.com to a sports book, wittingly titled, National Lampoon’s Balls!, among other endeavors, he’s also an avid comedian, whose funny takes on topics like politics and religion have earned him appearances on The…
Best live music picks for CIAA 2010
Wednesday, Feb. 24 2010 Ford Fan Experience at Charlotte Convention Center. Catch a performance by R&B vocalist Joe — that and a high school drumline exhibition, TouchOne Productions’ “Slam Poetry” and more. Free. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. www.ciaatournament.org. Soul Stage featuring Yahzarah aka Ms. Purple St. James…
Recalling Around the World in 80 Days
Two of my favorite French-speaking literary characters, Hercule Poirot and Phileas Fogg, have similar personalities, cool and precise to a fault, yet surprisingly quick-witted and quick-acting in a crisis. We can have our fill of Poirot, who appears in no less than 33 Agatha Christie novels, but Fogg (an Englishman who only “spoke” French in…
ART: Harold Shapinsky and The Charles White Sketchbook exhibitions
Two new exhibitions, Harold Shapinsky and The Charles White Sketchbook, recently opened at Jerald Melberg Gallery. Both artists, whose works have been featured in renowned galleries around the world, use different forms to illustrate the message inspired by the muses. In Shapinsky’s work, you can find primarily abstract paintings that radiate with the energy of…
JCSU wants to win it all again at the CIAA
While most students and the entire city of Charlotte are gearing up for parties during the CIAA, Johnson C. Smith senior Brian Mobley is focused on one thing. Well, two, really: his school work and winning again. Mobley is one of the stars of the Golden Bulls basketball team — the defending CIAA champions. Winning…
Cracking down on fracking
Mike Markham of Colorado has an explosive problem: His tap water catches fire. Markham demonstrates this in a new documentary, “Gasland,” which just won the Sundance Film Festival Special Jury Prize. Director Josh Fox films Markham as he runs his kitchen faucet, holding a cigarette lighter up to the running water. After a few seconds,…
MUSIC: Alice In Chains
The story here, more or less, is newish lead singer William DuVall, who is filling some considerable shoes: namely, those of legendary (for various reasons) voxman and wastr Layne Staley. The thing that seems to shock most people (besides the fact that DuVall’s a black dude) is that the Alice Sound is more or less…
Other CIAA 2010 events
Thursday, Feb. 25 The Mint Museum of Art and On Q Productions present For Colored Girls by Ntozake Shange. Check out the legendary stage production and, while you’re there, see the Mint’s exhibit Lois Mailou Jones: A Life in Vibrant Color. 7 p.m.-9 p.m. The Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road. Free parking. For…
ART: All Arts Market
NoDaRioty’s All Arts Market returns for two days to Neighborhood Theatre this week. If you’ve never been, here’s the deal: Featuring more than 60 artists, this event displays all kinds of hand-crafted goods, including paintings, photography, sculptures, jewelry, clothing, and more. It’s a great place to buy gifts for folks and for yourself. For more…
Power 98’s Ms. Jessica plans to make the rounds at CIAA 2010
If you’ve enjoyed her on the air (Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m.-2 a.m.), now you’ll get a few chances to see the JCSU graduate in the flesh, trekking through the streets of Charlotte. Her week starts Thursday with her serving as an MC for all the CIAA basketball games at Time Warner Cable Arena.…
The gunplay’s the thing in Reservoir Dogs
You wouldn’t want to see a stage production of Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs that left out the gunplay from the movie. So before you walk in to the current Citizens of the Universe production, you’ll find a jarful of complimentary earplugs to bring in with you. As COTU’s lead guerilla, director James Cartee, tells us,…
As You Like It is one fine pudding
Our epic wanderings over the past 23 years have included a couple of Shakespearean promenades, one outdoors at the Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh and another indoors at Duke Family Performance Hall during the final Royal Shakespeare Company residency up in Davidson. Compared with those, the current promenade production of As You Like It by Children’s…
Last of the Red Hot Lovers possesses unmistakable elegance
We’ve taken a little too long to check out The Warehouse up in Cornelius, missing two power titles, An Empty Plate in the Café du Grand Boeuf and ‘night, Mother, before their current crowd-pleaser, Neil Simon’s Last of the Red Hot Lovers. Directed by Jim Esposito, the comedy is driven by a masterful performance by…
Participating in Blood Done Sign My Name
Now that the screen version of Tim Tyson’s Blood Done Sign My Name has come out in national release, the one-man theatrical version by actor/playwright Mike Wiley should be far more comprehensible. Last week at ImaginOn, before the film came out and without any familiarity with Tyson’s memoir, I was pretty lost amid the multitude…
Bizarre crimes from Charlotte police files
In Good Hands: Two employees of Woodlawn Child Development Center called police after being threatened by a known associate. They told officers a woman who used to work with them and was recently fired called and threatened to do bodily harm to the victims. Yeah, why don’t you come back tomorrow and continue to work…
T-Model Ford isn’t nearly ready to retire
If you ask blues man T-Model Ford how old he is, he’ll tell you he’s turning 90 in June of this year. He knows it’s the 24th of June, but he never learned how to count. His passport says it’s June 24, 1921. His driver’s license says it’s June 27, 1924. Regardless if he’s 90,…
Is paying attention to the air quality index crazy? How bad is smoking for the environment?
My brother refuses to go running on days the air quality index tells him not to because he doesn’t want to die sooner. My idea: how do we go about proving him insane? — littleWaki We’re always hearing about how much damage smoking does to our bodies. My question is, how much damage does smoking…
CD review: Jim Avett’s Tribes
The Deal: Father of The Avett Brothers’ Scott and Sean releases seven-song album, Tribes, on Ramseur Records on Feb. 26. The Good: Jim Avett’s voice is at the forefront of his music – aged vocals that fit nicely over the soothing acoustic tunes. His daughter, Bonnie, helps with vocals on “This Will Take Time.” While…
Hannah
passion: “Thread, improve, movement, balance.”
