Nightlife for those under 21
What do those under 21 do for nightlife?
Quickie comic review: Daredevil No. 504
In this latest issue of Daredevil, Matt’s life is falling apart (as usual)
Today’s Top 5: Tuesday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
In Concert: Brandi Carlile (02/15/2010)
Go support a young vocalist with a voice that will blow the house down.
Sloan/Step By Sloan’s Dot Sale starts today
The stores are clearing out their fall/winter merchandise to move in spring stuff, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stock on up winter apparel. It’s still freaking cold outside! Today marks the beginning of Sloan/Step By Sloan’s dot sale. Everything is marked down, (clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories) priced at: $10 $20 $30 $40 $50…
“We are the World” remake disappoints
“All-star” cast makes forgettable remake for Haiti.
New Blue Cross CEO says reality isn’t real
As reported late last week, by Raleigh’s News & Observer, Blue Cross Blue Shield asked Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand to change the language (as a “technical correction”) of an already-passed law that would have lowered the enormous costs paid by the state for prison inmate medical care. The N&O offered documentation of BCBS’s underhanded…
Gifty Gifts’ last week in business
Sad face. This is Gifty Gifts’ last week in business. Check them out before they close for savings up to 75 percent off. 5806 Prosperity Church Road 704-875-7979 www.giftygifts.com
Historic preservation efforts need teeth
Anyone who can remember the Charlotte Hotel, the Coffee Cup, the Masonic Temple on Tryon, or the Independence Building on the Square can tell you how little respect this city has shown for its architectural history. Now, another historic landmark, the Dilworth Fire Station No. 2 on South Boulevard (next to Pepto Towers), might join…
Yes, you should force your family to break up with your ex
If your family loves you, they will quit that loser too. If they don’t, you need to have a talk with your family.
Why do we make our vets suffer?
What’s wrong with our country?
Tonight’s Top 5, 02/15/10
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, Feb. 15, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
Sale of the day: Cottage Chic
From Cottage Chic’s Twitter page: Spur-of-the-moment President’s Day Sale: Take 20% off your total purchase today!!!!!!! (Excludes select jewelry, artwork & special orders) 1232 East Boulevard 704-375-1888 www.cottagechicstore.com
Best bets in Charlotte comedy this week, Feb. 15-21
Here are a few of the best places to find comedy events in Charlotte.
Energy use down, income up. What?
Duke Energy’s got their eye on the prize.
Today’s Top 5: Monday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
Concert announcement: Three Days Grace, Chevelle, Adelita’s Way
Three Days Grace has announced its upcoming tour dates, with support by Chevelle and Adelita’s Way. The tour will stop at Bojangles Coliseum on April 11. Tickets are on sale on Feb. 20.
Happy Presidents’ Day?
Cheers to the prez.
Best I’ve Had All Week: Bánh Mì at Zen Market
In my family, this classic street-vendor Vietnamese-French sandwich is experiencing something close to an addiction.
In pictures: The Wooden Vine
The dimly-lit nook is decorated with scrolled iron and beautiful woodwork that includes wooden tables, bars, walls, and chairs.
The Wack List: Feb. 15 — Catholic bishops, global-warming doubters and more
It’s back! The five people, places and things we really ain’t digging today.
Today’s Top(less) 5: Monday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
Zac Fowler & The Essentials (02/13/2010)
Looking to celebrate Valentine’s a day early? Go see Zack Fowler & The Essentials playing at The Money.
What NOT to get your woman for V-Day
Blogs are always telling you what you SHOULD get your woman for Valentine’s Day. Hell, my own suggestion this year was handmade jewelry. But InventorSpot.com lists 11 items you definitely DO NOT want to give your lady love as a token of your affection. And believe me fellas … you do NOT want to pick…
Sex Q&A: Dr. I Major talks Little White Whys
Dr. I. Major has the keys to relationship woes and a degree to back it up.
Audiofloss — Vol. 4, No. 3: New music from Soulganic and more
This week on Audiofloss, we’ve got new and classic music from: • Anthony David • Tortured Soul • And Soulganic (pictured above) Enjoy! (To listen, click on the MP3 icon or link below.) Audiofloss — Vol. 4, No. 3
V-Day cards for lazy guys
It’s Valentine’s Day weekend and for those of us who don’t give it shit, and/or are chasing shattered ass on Sunday, these video cards from North Carolina based comedy troupe, Green Bench, should help you tell that girl, exactly what you want to do. Whether it’s something freaky or something with a friend… There’s even…
Rap banned at Carnival?
Carnival is swiftly approaching in Brazil and a local mayor in the country is apparently wildin’ before it even starts. Reuters reports that Mayor Jose Neto has banned rap and funk music that disrespects authority or incites violence from the festival that traditionally let’s anything go, in favor of more traditional Brazilian music like Samba.…
Weekend events (Feb. 12-14)
Ahh, Valentine’s Day. The holiday for lovers … and haters.
The Wolfman: Hairy plodder
Werewolf saga is a dull disappointment.
‘No Spanish’ incident is appalling bigotry
One of my college history professors once answered a student’s question about a current event by saying, “I am completely goddamned appalled.” His words became a favorite catchphrase, and so I’m reviving it as reaction to the uproar over the Devonshire Elementary principal who banned school employees from translating for Spanish-speaking parents. The fact that…
Free flapjacks on National Pancake Day
IHOP is celebrating National Pancake Day by giving everyone one free short stack (three) of their famous buttermilk pancakes from 7 am to 10 pm.
Rethink your Valentine’s sweets says UMI Professor
Pamela Rockwell, D.O., assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Michigan disputes the Corn Refiners Association current advertising campaign that claims high fructose corn syrup is natural. She says, “Sugar does not come from corn naturally.” Rockwell disagrees with the sweetener’s claim to be “natural.” The association uses the term…
Davidson restaurant slated to open in late spring
Chef Tim Groody and partners Chad Hollingsworth and Michael LaVecchia will open The Flatiron Kitchen & Tap House in late May or early June. The restaurant will be located in Stowe’s Corner in downtown Davidson, NC. Design work is being performed by Wagner Murray Architects. On their menu will be a “pairing the best local…
Goodie Mob hits Charlotte Feb.14
Here’s a classic video for the fans and for folks who’ve never heard of the group
Happening now: JL Wearhouse’s Semi-Annual Gamblers Sale
It’s time again for Junior League Wearhouse’s end of season sale. Feb. 8-13: Take an additional 60 percent. Feb. 15-18: Take an additional 75 percent. Feb. 19-20: Dollar days (closed at 2 p.m. on Feb. 20) Sales exclude consignment items, housewares, furniture, accessories, jewelry, cookbooks and vendors. Percentage off and Dollar Days applies to non-consignment…
Amelie’s, 2/11/10
The kickoff event for VDayCharlotte.org’s weekend of festivities, at Amelie’s French Bakery in NoDa, included entertainment and vendors Wednesday, Feb. 12. These V Day events are about the other v-word: Vagina. If you can’t get tickets for the events in Charlotte (we hear they’re sold out), try the V Day 2010 event at Winthrop University:…
Free Fresco Taco from Taco Bell
More free grub! Taco Bell is promoting their Drive-Thru Diet Menu with a coupon for a free Fresco Taco.
Today’s Top 5: Friday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Feb. 12, 2010 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Bye Bye Birdie at CPCC’s Halton Theater • Holy Ghost Tent Revival at The Evening Muse • Charlotte Lock and Key Party at Suite • The Valentine…
Come out of the Closet…
Breaking nightlife news — a new nightclub, Butter and Cuban Pete’s.
Tonight’s Top 5, 02/12/10
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, Feb. 12, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing. • Kiss My Ass Cupid party at Suite • Singles Get Screwed party at Town Tavern • First Fridays Charlotte All Black Affair at Cosmos Cafe • Give Your Heart to Haiti benefit at Tremont Music Hall…
Sale of the day: Wallerbears Surf Shop
This seemed appropriate since the weather’s calling for snow today. Wallerbears Surf Shop down in south Charlotte has all snowboard equipment, outerwear and accessories priced to move. Every snowboard in the shop at least $75 off. 8334-106 Pineville-Matthews Road 704 -341-3414
Comic books I hate: Round 2
Well, here I am — back to share another list of … shit, you get the idea.
In Concert: Andy the Doorbum & Holy Ghost Tent Revival (02/12/2010)
Take your pick between Andy the Doorbum and Holy Ghost Tent Revival for your Friday entertainment.
Today’s Top(less) 5: Friday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
Student detained 5 hours for having Arabic/English flash cards
We’re getting a headstart on the Stupid Thing of the Week, offering it a day earlier than usual. We couldn’t wait when we heard about Nick George, a California college student. George was boarding a plane to California in Pennsylvania last August when TSA agents noticed he had Arabic-English language learning cards in his luggage.…
Paula Deen comes to the Queen City
Food Network’s Queen of Butter, Paula Deen, rolls into Charlotte next Saturday, February 20.
‘Retard’ is so 1994
Crazy is as crazy does, Forest.
Upcoming: Snuggie Ball for Dining With Friends
No need to worry about renting a tux or shopping for a gown to attend this ball; just bring your blanket with sleeves. On Feb. 20, The Snuggie Ball for Dining With Friends event — benefiting the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network — will feature a charity Snuggie fashion show (pets with Snuggies are welcomed to…
Sale of the day: Handpicked
I just realized that I’ve posted quite a few jewelry-related blogs this week. I think I’m subconsciously trying to tell my boyfriend what to get me for Valentine’s Day. Haha. Anyway! Men, Handpicked’s offering a Men’s Night tonight to help you pick out the perfect gift for your woman. AND they’ll be offering refreshments. 1721…
Big realtors fight full disclosure
As reported in the Observer yesterday, North Carolina’s three largest Realtor associations — in Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh — are trying to nix part of a 2008 rule that forces buyers’ agents to disclose whether they are also set to receive compensation from the home’s sellers. The rule is the result of findings that many…
Weekender
Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend.
Concert announcement: Phoenix
Band will perform at Uptown Amphitheatre in June.
Last-minute Valentine’s Day events
Sunday is Valentine’s Day and if you’ve waited until the last minute to plan something for your beloved, you suck.
A helluva Big Pun tribute
Sunday was the beginning of a somber week for hip-hop. Not only was it the 10th anniversary of Big Pun’s death but it was also the birthday of legendary, but now deceased, hip-hop icon, J Dilla, who also passed away this week four years ago. Tons of people kicked out tributes of their own but…
Live review: Them Crooked Vultures
Dave Grohl, John Paul Jones and Josh Homme rock sold out crowd at The Fillmore on Feb. 10, 2010.
Quickie comic review: New Mutants No. 10
Fresh from the “Necrosha” crossover with X-Force, things with the New Mutants get back to normal … well as normal as they cane be.
What do you think about CharMeck.org?
Here’s your chance to voice your opinion.
Live setlist, photos: Furthur
Grateful Dead fans rejoice in setlist full of rarities.
‘People don’t dance no mo’ … ‘
Hip-hop elders Goodie Mob is stopping through Charlotte this weekend for their reunion tour.
Umm…where’s the music?
There’s nothing more jarring than silence. Now, imagine being in a public place where you’re used to hearing some mundane soundtrack to whatever you’re doing and it strangely be missing. You’d be surprised how noticeable it is. I’m sure many-a-smooth jazz or easy listening artist, doing watered down covers of Motown hits, has kept their…
Tonight’s Top 5, 01/11/10
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, Feb. 11, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
GOP’s misleading ‘Census’ mail
Have you received one?
Chiche
favorite obsession: “Non-fiction books and fantastic music.”
Today’s Top 5: Thursday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
Now Playing:Galactic (02/11/2010)
Galactic concert could be the evolution of music
Suite, 2/10/10
Mike “The Situation” from Jersey Shore made a stop in Charlotte to party at Suite Wednesday, Feb. 10.
On the Roxx Southend, 2/10/10
Charlotte Young Professionals hosted their monthly social at On the Roxx Southend Wednesday, Feb. 10.
Double dipping: Caramelized Onion Dip and Jalapeño Popper Dip
Recipes for two dips with a kick.
Today’s Top(less) 5: Thursday
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, Feb. 11, 2010 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Guaguanco at Halo • College Night at Bar Charlotte • Galactic at Visulite Theater • Champagne…
Opening Friday
What’s new in theaters this weekend.
The Winter Olympics are here! Where’s the snow?
Climate change in action.
CPCC Theatre presents Bye Bye Birdie
It’s all rock ‘n’ roll, fun and games until the army decides to draft you. In Bye Bye Birdie, the Tony Award-winning musical, – which Central Piedmont Community College will present performances of starting on Feb. 12 and continuing on select days though Feb. 21 in Halton Theater – that’s just the case with singing…
Night review: The Links 6th Annual Mardi Gras Gala
After being rescheduled due to the “winter storm” that the Charlotte area experienced the weekend before, the Crown Jewels Chapter of The Links Inc. held its 6th annual Mardi Gras Gala at The Blake hotel this past weekend.
Who is Charlotte’s most stylish?
There are only 25 slots on Charlotte Style Magazine’s annual list of the most stylish people in the city. Wait … Do I know 25 people in Charlotte who are hugely stylish? Hmmm … Just kidding. Cast your vote for who you think has the most style in the Queen City. Those folks will be…
Panel: Poorer schools shortchanged McGarry: So?
It’s funny how people get around saying what they really want to say. It’s especially entertaining to see how politicians and public officials do it. Case in point: Yesterday, the school board debated the results of a study by a volunteer panel. The volunteer group reported “serious equity concerns” about the wide disparity in the…
Bonnaroo lineup sounds good to me
From headliners to the smaller stage acts, Bonnaroo 2010 shaping up nicely.
Bush billboard contest!
You may have seen reports about the billboard in Minnesota that has Dubya waving and saying, “Miss Me Yet?”
Today: Laura James Jewelry Valentine’s Event
Boy, that wind is kicking out there. I’m glad I’m inside my warm office. If you MUST be out there in the cold, I recommend stopping by Laura James Jewelry boutique in Dilworth today. They’re having a one-day-only 15 percent off sale. And they’re offering hot chocolate and wine to warm your tootsies. What a…
Beadlush named a ‘Favorite Bead Store’ by Beadstyle
Yay! We love it when our locals get national attention. Beadlush in Plaza Midwood has been named one of the winners in Beadstyle’s “Favorite Bead Store” contest. They’ll be profiled in the May issue. Beadstyle is the country’s leading magazine for bead enthusiasts. Congratulations! (Incidentally, we thought Beadlush was pretty cool way back — here’s…
Sale of the day: Black & Blue
What are you doing today between the hours of 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.? If you’re smart, you’ll be at Black & Blue for their two-hour-long, 50 percent off everything in the store sale. Brands include Kasil, RaMona LaRue, Diesel, Habitual, Modern Amusement, Aaron Ashe, Plenty by Tracy Reese, 213 Industry and many, many more. 720 Governor…
Knew this was coming: Lap Dances for Haiti
Last Saturday a strip club in Ohio came up with a way to help Haiti that I’m surprised more clubs haven’t done. Lap Dances for Haiti. You read that right. Lap dances to help people without water, food or homes. That’s a good damned idea. The club raised $1,000 because lap dances are actually illegal…
List of CIAA parties = madness
With the basketball tournament come parties — day parties, night parties, breakfast parties, parties hosted by national celebrities … it’s nuts!
Libretto’s Pizzeria to open in Ballantyne
Libretto’s Pizzeria is planning to open a second Charlotte location at Ballantyne Commons East this spring.
Tonight’s Top 5, 02/10/10
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, Feb. 10, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
The ‘green’ police
Where’s my badge?
Furthur, Them Crooked Vultures tonight (02/10/2010)
Take your pick of shows to go see this Wednesday!
The shape of thing to come: The real and virtual expansion plans of the North Carolina Museum of Art
The North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, the state’s premier and official museum, is getting ready to open its new 127,000 square foot building in April.
Let’s burn some wood
Biomass fuel plant looking for a little funding.
Today’s Top 5: Wednesday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
Today’s Top(less) 5: Wednesday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
Biloxi blog
A look into Thea
Pics from Cuba (or really Cuban Pete’s Café)
A trip to Cuban Pete’s in Plaza Midwood is like taking a vacation to the tropics.
Is romance dead?
I overheard two women talking today while I was standing in line for coffee. One woman was freaking out because once again, she was going to be without a man on Valentine’s Day. Her friend rolled her eyes — obviously this is a conversation she’d heard before. Woman #1: It’s the same thing every year.…
Want to be a model for local apparel line The Flock?
At last September’s Charlotte N.C. Fashion Week — think New York Fashion Week on a much, much smaller scale — local designer Cigi Guz did something a little unorthodox in the fashion industry when she debuted her apparel line The Flock: Instead of contracting folks from a modeling agency, she asked average people in the…
Be surrounded by sexiness at CL’s Lust List party
Wednesday night we’ll be celebrating the hard work we put into the Lust List by hosting a party at Uptown Cabaret.
Sale of the day: Revolve Upscale Men’s Consignment
Today through Feb. 13, take 20 percent to 50 percent off everything in the store — which includes designer jeans, suits and shoes. 339 Circle Ave. 704-817-7845 www.revolvecharlotte.com
The night I lost faith in Charlotte nightlife …
Where to eat after dark? … that was the question.
A picture that’s worth a thousand screams
WARNING: Disturbing content.
Choo! Choo! Here comes high speed rail
Trains rock.
Don’t Ask Don’t Tell makes GOP dial back anti-gay rhetoric
It’s been kind of fun seeing conservatives who, just a couple of years ago felt free to slam gays and lesbians for political gain, doing the “deer in the headlights” thing over Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. As Frank Rich pointed out in the New York Times Sunday, John McCain was pretty much the only senator…
Let the games begin: Charlotte gears up for CIAA 2010
CIAA commissioner says Charlotte is the best place the tournament has been.
Get Tapped into screening
Documentary will be presented at CPCC this week.
Brooklyn to Charlotte’s rescue
Let’s celebrate, Charlotte — it may not be a lot in the long run, but today we’re able to grab on to a bit of fame. No matter how lame
Business gears up to battle new Obama workplace safety rule
How important is workplace safety to your boss?
Arts Flash: Q&A with Aisha Tyler
Aisha Tyler speaks about her career choices, as well as what can be expected at her stand-up shows.
This week’s new releases (2/9/2010)
Here’s a quick listing of some of the new albums coming out today: ALO Man of the World Neil Diamond Hot August Night Fear Factory Mechanize Galactic Ya-Ka-May The Pretenders Live in London Sade Soldier of Love
Bonnaroo bands announced today
Who will play the June festival in Tennessee?
Rock on the Range lineup announced
The lineup for this year’s Rock on the Range festival has been announced. Held on May 22 and 23 in Columbus, Ohio, the lineup is: Godsmack, Rob Zombie, Limp Bizkit, Three Days Grace, Slash, Seether, Rise Against, Deftones, Papa Roach, Theory Of A Deadman, Mastodon, Killswitch Engage, Coheed & Cambria, Bullet for My Valentine, Puddle…
Whitewater center gets a break
And we’re glad it did.
Tonight’s Top 5, 02/09/10
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, Feb. 9, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
Evan Dando (02/09/2010)
Go see Evan Dando, Kachina, and The Activity live at Tremont Music Hall.
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.
Killingtons tries a better breed of bar food
The Winter Olympics make me think about my dad flooding the patio and letting the Berkshire weather transform it into a mini skating rink. Then he would tightly lace up my double-bladed skates and let me fly across the ice. Later on, the Winter Olympics would cause my high school friends in Jersey to pile…
Stephanie, beauty enthusiast
What is your biggest turnoff? Someone who lacks the ability to be humble. What have you given up for your looks during the recession? I’ve been struggling with the idea of living more simply, but in the beauty industry looks are important. So, I’d have to say nothing. What’s been your best cheap date?…
3 questions with Jon Dressler, restaurateur
When Jon Dressler moved to Charlotte in 1996, he saw the city’s potential expansion as an opportunity. Dressler, owner of Dressler’s Restaurant and Max’s Ally (named after his two children), is opening a second Dressler’s Restaurant this week. Dressler’s Restaurant serves a rich mixture of steak, seafood and pasta; all of Dressler’s entrées can be…
Kristen, marketing representative
What’s your biggest turnoff? Arrogant men … disrespectful and closed-minded men. What have you given up for your looks during the recession? I shop less due to the recession, and I had to get creative with my outfit choices — you know, mixing and matching stuff to create outfits. I can’t buy something new…
COMEDY: Charlotte Squawks: Six Degrees of Desecration
Funny shenanigans are in store as Charlotte Squawks: Six Degrees of Desecration invades McGlohon Theatre for performances from Feb. 11-Feb. 20. Comprised of Mike Collins (WFAE Charlotte Talks — not Squawks — radio host) and Brian Kahn, along with bountiful singers, dancers and actors from Charlotte and the surrounding area, this troupe is known for…
Never forget self-confidence
When primping and packing for a night out, there is a list of necessities we must stuff our pockets and purses (or bras) with — ID, cash, camera, phone, gum, maybe a compact. But there’s one thing that should always be left at home: insecurities. And you definitely don’t want to wear those on your…
Jillian, student
What is your biggest turnoff? I hate when guys go out to a bar or a club or something and stand around with a beer, and they have to act like they’re Mr. Joe Cool and they can’t dance or have a good time. They just stand there and pretend they’re too good to…
THEATER: The Vagina Monologues
As Valentine’s Day — a time when we’re supposed to get ultra lovey-dovey with those we’re hot for, or if we’re flying solo, super sulky with a box of chocolates — approaches, so does V-Day via The Vagina Monologues by playwright/writer Eve Ensler. The production, happening here in the Q.C. at Carolina Actor’s Studio Theatre,…
Goodie Mob reconnects, gets back to the music
It’s hard to love Southern hip-hop and not love Goodie Mob. It seems like the mere mention of the group that gave us “They Don’t Dance No Mo,” “Cell Therapy” and coined the phrase “Dirty South” makes fans get all nostalgic. They helped put the Atlanta sound and scene on the hip-hop radar in the…
Meigan, advertising Vice president
What’s your biggest turnoff? Ignorance and rudeness. What have you given up for your looks during the recession? I’m much more thrifty on the clothes that I buy at this point. I have to really want it if I’m going to spend the money on it. Whereas before, if I liked it, I would…
NIGHTLIFE: Decadence Project: “Valentines Burning”
Tonight, Amos’ Southend transforms into a fetish-absorbed gothland during Single Cell Productions’ Decadence Project: “Valentines Burning” party. The dance floor will transcend in movements, as folks strut their stuff, wave their glow sticks, and strap on their goggles for a mix of industrial, electronic, darkwave beats being spun “right round like a record baby” by…
The Plaza Family Band’s new CD is for the kids
A group of local Charlotte musicians, designers and educators has merged their talents to become The Plaza Family Band. The studio band composed a children’s CD, Playground Hootenanny, to help raise money for the Presbyterian Weekday School. Musicians involved in the recording of the CD include Mike Strauss, Jon Schigoda and Beth Brown-Alrawi from the…
Ikia, civil engineer in training
What’s your biggest turn-off? With the initial contact, if he comes off as if he knows me. You can tell a lot about a person by the way he introduces himself. So, I either like you from the beginning or I don’t. What’s been your best cheap date? I would say, a picnic in…
NIGHTLIFE: The Ninth Annual Charlotte Bartender’s Ball
It should be a given that at the The Ninth Annual Charlotte Bartender’s Ball, exorbitant amounts of alcohol will be consumed. After all, it’s an open bar comprised of top-shelf liquor and a full line of beers, as well as talented bartenders ready for some liquid-mixing action. But the annual shindig, happening on Valentine’s Day…
CL previews upcoming concerts (Feb. 10-15)
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10 Furthur w/ Bob Weir, Phil Lesh It dawned on me recently that maybe The Grateful Dead experience (and/or that of any of their various offshoots) is akin to watching a sport like soccer or hockey. You can appreciate them in perfectly-portioned, as-product form on your television, but for maximum enjoyment (and understanding),…
Alessia, freelance journalist
What is your biggest turn-off? My biggest turn off is when you meet a guy and he would rather you get to know his wallet than his personality. It’s really lame when a guy can’t speak for himself so he tries to get his pocket to do it for him. What’s been your best…
COMEDY: Aisha Tyler
Aisha Tyler is probably best known for her time as the pipin’ hot host of Talk Soup, and for her lengthy list of TV appearances on popular shows like Friends, Ghost Whisper, CSI, 24, and Nip/Tuck, among others. In her most recent TV endevour, she lends her voice for the character of super spy Lane…
CD Review: Mondo Drag’s New Rituals
The Deal: Iowa psych-rock quintet releases its debut CD. The Good: Mondo Drag’s 11-track sonic adventure needs multiple listens to take it all in. The band hits you with an approach that lands somewhere between The Doors and Jane’s Addiction – hints of Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd in there too – with songs that are…
Capsule reviews of films playing the week of Feb. 10
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…
THEATER: Woody Sez
Get a closer look into the life of American folk legend Woody Guthrie via Woody Sez, a theatrical concert combo with stories and sounds. The show, featuring performances of more than 25 of Guthrie’s songs played by four actors/musicians, is a spirited journey to Guthrie land, with lots of head-bobbing along the way. $19.50 and…
CD Review: Bouncing Souls’ Ghosts on the Boardwalk
The Deal: Twenty years down the road, New Jersey rockers still proudly bare their punky roots. The Good: Calling the Bouncing Souls music pop punk misses the mark. The Souls are rockers with a punk attitude. Maybe the pop moniker was slapped on because vocalist Greg Attonito can actually sing as opposed to the hoarse…
Theater Review: The History Boys
I can still recall the vast expanse of empty seats at the South Pointe High School auditorium when I saw my first Edge Theatre production, Geography Club, last January. When I looked in on the group again down in Rock Hill this past fall, they had brilliantly solved the wide open spaces problem by bringing…
SPECIAL EVENT: Get to Know the Show: Get the Led Out
North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center’s latest in its Get to Know the Show series is a rampage of rock ‘n’ roll. In anticipation of Belk Theater’s upcoming performance on Feb. 21 by the Philadelphia-based Led Zeppelin cover band, Get the Led Out, the workshop covers the lengthy history of rock mongers Led Zeppelin and…
Old age brings changes to cultural tastes
I’ve resisted the call from fellow baby boomers to write a column about “the changes” people go through as they, um, approach geezerhood. Others have done it ad infinitum, I’d tell them. Besides, I’d think to myself, who wants to read another article about high blood pressure, achy joints, and the joy of naps? But…
Theater review: Grey Gardens
Peeping in while a toxic, co-dependent relationship between a mother and her daughter spins itself into a whirlwind, wrecking both of their lives and the estate they live on, could be an absorbing evening of intimate drama. But a big Broadway musical? Grey Gardens took a stab at it in 2006 with an oddly-shaped, exquisitely…
Comic review: Siege No. 2
Siege No. 2 Published by Marvel Comics. Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Pencils by Olivier Coipel. Inks by Mark Morales. The Deal: Marvel unveils the second issue of its latest blockbuster limited series, featuring a whole bunch of Avengers, Asgardians, and big-time super villains. The Good: I don’t care what anybody says … hate on…
Crimes drive a wedge between CMPD and Hispanics
Former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Marcus Jackson violated more than the women he’s accused of sexually assaulting during traffic stops. His alleged actions with Hispanic women have ripped the trust of the Latino community in Charlotte when it comes to dealing with law enforcement. Jackson allegedly sexually assaulted eight women while he was on duty. He…
Haiti, forgive us
The tragedy of the Haitian earthquake continues to unfold, with slow delivery of aid, the horrific number of amputations performed out of desperate medical necessity, more than a million homeless, perhaps 200,000 dead, hunger, dehydration, the emergence of infections and waterborne diseases, and the approach of the rainy season, which will be followed by the…
Theater reviews: Woody Sez, Spring Awakening
Named after the 28th American president before he was elected later in 1912, Woodrow Wilson Guthrie was the Okie son of two blue-dog Democrats, coming to maturity at a time when Dustbowl Oklahoma was becoming the spiritual Jerusalem of the nation’s dispossessed. The term Okie widened to embrace all the migrant workers who streamed westward…
Black History Month still matters
February is Black History Month. In 1926, Carter G. Woodson started Negro History Week, which then grew into Black History Month in order to highlight the achievements of African-Americans. Some have pondered whether we still need Black History Month with the election of the nation’s first black president, Barack Obama. I find it amusing that…
Bizarre crimes from Charlotte police files
Conspicuous: Police responded to a disturbance and found the person who had made the call. The witness said that one of his neighbors, whom he had never met before, had been acting suspiciously and then began banging on his door. The officers then approached the suspect’s residence and he came to the door. Right in…
Maternity absurdities: Dispatches from the couch
You spend a lot of time on the couch with the baby during maternity leave, and you have to entertain yourself somehow. Here’s a quick collection of the most absurd news items I took in while I was out: • That Sen. Harry Reid, a Democrat and majority leader of the Senate, referred to Barack…
Weekly horoscope for Feb. 10-16, 2010
Aquarius The Waterbearer (Jan. 19-Feb. 18): Mercury travels rapidly through your sign between Feb. 10 and the 28th. During this period there likely will be greater emphasis on communications, errands, and other short distance travels. You are called upon to ground your ideals in reality this week. For All Signs: There is an old expression…
Could you be frozen solid, then broken into a million pieces?
Dude gets splashed with liquid helium, or blasted with cryogas, or breathed on by a white dragon, and he freezes solid into an immobile, frosty, astonished-looking block of man. Then he teeters over and crash! Smashes into a million pieces on the ground. We’ve seen it in the movies a million times. But has it…
Couples Retreat, A Serious Man among new DVD reviews
COUPLES RETREAT (2009). For all its visual splendor, Couples Retreat never feels as liberating as its locale. Working from a script by Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau and Dana Fox, director Peter Billingsley (A Christmas Story’s Ralphie, all grown up) oversees the project more like a foreman making sure the product gets turned out rather…
Lust List 2010: The Ladies-Only Edition
Roses, chocolate and champagne — those are things you give the object of your desire on Valentine’s Day. But hot looks, hoots and hollers are what you’re going to give Charlotte’s lusty residents this year. And that’s because, once again, it’s time for the Lust List, Creative Loafing’s annual ode to the city’s sexiest citizens.…
A look at the expanded Oscar field
Let the guessing game begin. It’s been over 65 years since the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences allowed more than five films to be nominated in the category of Best Picture. However, in a shameless effort to boost flagging interest in the awards by making more room for crowd-pleasing blockbusters (call it “The…
Jennifer, makeup artist
What is your biggest turnoff? Biggest turnoff would probably be — I have a lot of them so I’m trying to think of the best ones — probably when a guy slurps. Eww. That’s so gross. That’s happened on two dates I’ve been on and I’m like, that’s a no-no. Check please. What have you…
The comfort of congee
Although the cuisines vary from country to country and even within regions, the one dish Asians have in common is a comforting bowl of rice porridge. In China, this is known as congee, or jook, which has many flavor profiles and is served with a host of condiments and toppings. Sometimes the rice is boiled…
Kimberly, Chief operating officer
What is your biggest turnoff? Fakeness. Men who can’t be true to themselves. What have you given up for your looks during the recession? My relaxer. I have embraced my natural state of my hair. What’s been your best cheap date? When I went to Villa Francesca. The food was affordable, great prices, and we…
