Ten Out of Tenn. tour visits Charlotte
If you don’t have plans for tomorrow night, then make your way to The Evening Muse for the The Ten Out of Tenn. (TOT) tour. It will feature performances by Tenn. musicians Erin McCarley, Matthew Perryman Jones, Tyler James, Butterfly Boucher, Griffin House, K.S. Rhoads, Trent Dabbs, Jeremy Lister, Andy Davis and last but, not…
Pint Night @ Flying Saucer, 7/21/08
Everyone knows Monday night is Pint Night at Flying Saucer in University. With so many beers to choose from, no wonder the place was packed last night. Photos by Charlotte Vibe Photography
Open Mic nights
I was up at the Evening Muse last night for the “Find Your Muse” open mic night and feature performance by Gretel. I had a brief conversation with organizer Eric-Scott Guthrie and noted, “You know, a lot of people probably assume you get talentless hacks you bring their guitar up and do what equates to…
R.I.P. Sophia Petrillo
It’s a sad day for Golden Girls fans. Estelle Getty, who played wisecracking Sophia, has died at age 84. Golden Girls was groundbreaking ensemble comedy — four strong, older female leads for whom sex, fun and cheesecake weren’t distant memories. Here are a few great lines from the show: Blanche: I treat my body like…
We don’t need no education …
Oh, Fox News. Dear, little Fox News. Dear, stupid Fox News. I’m afraid the price of our “eductaion” has already been paid. Not a Photoshop job, I assure you. Here’s the clip: \\\\\\\\\\
Big Pharma’s big bribes
Caution: side effects of reading this may include vomiting and depression. High blood pressure sufferers, do not read the rest of this blog entry, especially if you’re also paying for blood pressure medicine. If you think big pharmaceutical companies are in cahoots with Congressional crooks, a new report shows that you’re absolutely right. The report…
Chickens?
I’m confused. Kay Ryan was just named poet laureate, and all of her poems that I have found online are strangely disappointing. Perhaps I’m not looking in the right places. Or perhaps she’s saving the good stuff for her books and not putting it all out for free online. Poet laureates are our literary Olympians.…
CL Movie Ratings
Here are Creative Loafing’s star ratings for all movies playing in the Charlotte area through Thursday. See this week’s issue for select reviews and our Web site’s archives for all reviews. Baby Mama – *** The Dark Knight – **** Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who! – ** Get Smart – *** Hancock – **1/2…
Neverland
Americans must really be sick of G.W. Bush. The nonsense that I am hearing about Barack Obama and John McCain bears little resemblance to their stances on anything. Are we that fed up that we do not care who gets in the White House? Are we in Neverland? Too many myths and not enough reality.…
News roundup 7/22/08
Batman star arrested on assault allegations: Batman star Christian Bale was arrested Tuesday over allegations of assault. Bale’s mother and sister say he assaulted them at a west London hotel Sunday, a day before the European premiere of his latest film, The Dark Knight. Police did not question Bale on Monday because of the premiere.…
Burning away my gas dollars
Yesterday I was sitting in the drive-thru of a fast-food establishment, impatiently waiting, waiting and waiting (I think the girl was new or something). With my gas tank almost on E, it occurred to me that perhaps I should have parked the car and just gone inside instead of idling and burning my precious gas…
CMPD warns you not to buy stolen appliances
A robber made a big haul, so those cheap kitchen appliances that someone is selling out of his or her trunk could be hot. Here’s what CMPD says: On July 14th 2008, Metro Division officers responded to a larceny from vehicle at 401 Enterprise Dr. The reporting person advised that sometime between July 11th, 2008…
Today’s Menu (7/22/2008)
Suffocation That rat-a-tat you hear isn’t some drive-by shooting, but N.Y. death metal band Suffocation booming on the hi-fi. Growly-assed vocals, bumping bass and gnarly guitars tangle with each other to unleash the heaviness. Label hassles, numerous releases, break-ups and reunions haven’t aged these cats’ angst, who released their debut way back in 1991. Crank…
Smashing Pumpkins Tour Dates
In case you didn’t know, Smashing Pumpkins posted the last add to their Aug. tour dates on their website (www.smashingpumpkins.com) today. It looks like N.C. is getting a double dose of the Smashing Pumpkins, as scheduled shows include stops to Charlotte and Raleigh. Here’s more info on the N.C. shows: Aug. 15: Charlotte, N.C. -…
Meet Eric Roberson
Eric Roberson is a talented soul singer and songwriter based in New Jersey who’s been in the game for about a decade (or more). He’ll be in Charlotte this Wednesday performing at Tempo with two other vocalists — Bilal and Yazarah — as part of the Underground Soul Tour. Check out the following video to…
The Darkest Knight
Think Batman is tough in the new film The Dark Knight? Christian Bale’s got nothing on the version featured in this animated cartoon. Check it out at www.qccltv.com.
The Darkest Knight
Think Batman is tough in the new film The Dark Knight? Christian Bale’s got nothing on the version featured in this animated cartoon: \\\\\\\\\\
Who shot ya’?
Have you been snapped by Creative Loafing photographers while you were partying at night? Well, click on over to our nightlife photo blog, www.qcafterdark.com, and see if you’ve been spotted at play.
Heck no, monks won’t go
Some Laotian Buddhist monks were protesting downtown around the sheriff’s office, police department and courthouse today from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. They’re protesting about an ongoing court case. More information to follow. Photo by Jasiatic
News roundup 7/21/08
McCann’s wait to be cleared: Portugal’s attorney general has told police to stop their probe into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. There has been no evidence of a crime committed by the three people named as suspects: Madeleine’s parents Kate and Gerry, and local man Robert Murat. The case will remain on hold until new…
Live Review: Brad Paisley, Jewel
Brad Paisley w/ Jewel, Chuck Wicks, Julianne Hough Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre July 18, 2008 (Photos by Jeff Hahne) The Deal: A Paisley Party and a girls gone country tour at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater with Brad Paisley, Jewel, Dancing with the Stars winner Julianne Hough, oh, and Chad Wicks. The Good: One word: Jewel. Jewel’s first…
Gas cost more when you pay with a credit card
It’s bad enough that the price of gas keeps climbing. But for gas stations to charge you more because you’re using a credit card, that should be illegal. We’re getting nickeled and dimed to death because we can’t stop driving. Gas is the one thing that we will continue to buy no matter the cost.…
Flying Saucer, 7/18/08
Click here for more info on the Hymns, the band performing that night. Photos by Chey Scott
Quote this
“Once again, like opium, foul-tasting drugs were often mixed with honey in order to make them a bit more palatable. Wormwood wine must have been quite harsh on the palate, but this never stopped the ancient world from drinking it.” — The Chemical Muse: Drug Use and the Roots of Western Civilization by D.C.A. Hillman,…
Live Photos/Setlist: Rush
Rush Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre July 20, 2008 Video Intro Limelight Digital Man Ghost of a Chance Mission Freewill The Main Monkey Business The Larger Bowl (with McKenzie Brothers intro) Red Barchetta The Trees Between The Wheels Dreamline Intermission Video Intro Far Cry Workin’ Them Angels Armor And Sword Spindrift The Way The Wind Blows Subdivisions…
Live Review: Green Jelly
Green Jellÿ Tremont Music Hall July 17, 2008 By Taylor Greer Mensrea opened up for Green Jellÿ last Thursday night and growled their way into my heart. I didn’t know a single lyric, but the guitar work and the passion of each member was inspiring. It certainly didn’t hurt that they walked right off the…
Today’s Menu (7/20/2008)
Bear Colony Bear Colony sound as if they traversed the pond, but this Brit-rock comes from Arkansas, not Manchester. It’s an uneven mix where moody pop, electronica and funky rock are tossed into the stack; where emotive vocals and melodic twists tell the tale; where the songs work their catchy caress. The blokes’ most recent…
OK, The Dark Knight was great, but . . .
I saw the highly anticipated movie, The Dark Knight. The movie was great, awesome. I had no idea Chicago could look like that. (No offense, Mr. West) I made the mistake of going to an early movie and I guess the parents in the crowd couldn’t find anyone to watch their kids. For at least…
Live Music Review: Gaelic Storm
Gaelic Storm with Oakhurst Neighborhood Theatre July 17, 2008 The Deal: Gaelic Storm The Good: Oakhurst started off the show with pure bluegrass rockin,’ heavy Appalachian influenced songs, causing the crowd to swing and sway. After their set, Gaelic Storm took the stage with their diverse set of instruments. The show featured guitar, accordion, harmonica,…
Bad kissers, oh my!
Ahhhhh, the bad kisser. Who hasn’t kissed one? CNN ran this article “Dating don’ts — how NOT to kiss” (written by How Not to Date author Judy McGiure) and I had a good time laughing at the descriptions. My personal Venus Flytrap kisser had braces and left my lips raw for hours. Not the best…
Cross Your T and Dot Her Yoni
Every once in awhile a position comes out whose soul purpose is just to see if you can do it. While not a traditional position, this one does promise some good tales around the bar stool. This position begins with the man in a handstand with his hands on the floor and torso leaning up…
Fisher: Obama’s past drug use should disqualify him
Dr. Ada Fisher, a Republican who perennially runs for the U.S. House District 12 seat (and perennially loses) wasn’t speaking so highly of Sen. Barack Obama at the same NAACP meeting where Sen. John McCain took pains to compliment his opponent. In an interview with WMNF radio, Fisher said Obama’s admitted drug use decades ago…
Live Review – Anthony David
Anthony David Evening Muse July 15, 2008 By Mike McCray The Deal: Charlotte’s urban elite threw on their most soulful attire in support of singer/songwriter/guitarist Anthony David. The natural hair expo…I mean, concert welcomed new fans into his musical fold as well refreshing the day one fans. The Good: He showed amazing personality and stage…
Poke the tummy and he giggles
Step aside, McCain and Obama, for a real celebrity: The Pillsbury Doughboy is coming to North Carolina. According to a press release we got yesterday, the ticklish baking icon will be campaigning in Asheville on July 25-27, encouraging people to nominate Cake, Brownies, Frosting or Quick Bread as America’s Favorite Dessert. For more information, you…
Braaiiins! Braaiiins!
As a vegetarian, I’ve always wondered: If in the unlikely event I ever became a zombie, would I hunger for brains or for tofu? Either way, this lawn sculpture beats a gnome or cowboy silhouette any day. The most disturbing thing about the Zombie of Montclaire Moors Sculpture by artist Alan Dickinson is the description…
Out of tune
ABBA adaptation is summer’s biggest disappointment By Matt Brunson MAMMA MIA! ** DIRECTED BY Phyllida Lloyd STARS Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan Meryl Streep fans and ABBA fans can at least count on those two components firing on all cylinders in this adaptation of the Broadway smash. Everyone else, though, may be forced to rummage through…
French twist
Lelouch returns with masterful mystery By Matt Brunson ROMAN DE GARE ***1/2 DIRECTED BY Claude Lelouch STARS Dominique Pinon, Fanny Ardant Ever since winning a Best Original Screenplay Oscar for the 1966 international smash Un homme et une femme (A Man and a Woman), writer-director Claude Lelouch has steadily turned into persona non grata in…
Super, man
Brooding Batman saga is seriously excellent By Matt Brunson THE DARK KNIGHT **** DIRECTED BY Christopher Nolan STARS Christian Bale, Heath Ledger Given the fact that 2005’s Batman Begins, writer-director Christopher Nolan’s successful attempt to reinvent the flagging Bat-franchise (all but dead and buried after George Clooney and Arnold Schwarzenegger got through with it), ranks…
What you missed
Have you had a chance to check out the recently launched Epicentre After 5 event Uptown yet? If not, click on over to our nightlife photo blog QC After Dark and see what you’ve been missing.
Live Review: Gaelic Storm
Gaelic Storm w/ Oakhurst Neighborhood Theatre July 17, 2008 The Deal: Gaelic Storm performs Irish music o’ plenty. The Good: Oakhurst started off the show with pure bluegrass rockin,’ heavy Appalachian influenced songs, causing the crowd to swing and sway. After their set, Gaelic Storm took the stage with their diverse set of instruments. The…
Epicentre at 5, 7/17/08
Photos by Renaul Hill
Is your favorite Starbucks closing?
Charlotte is lucky. We’re only losing five Starbucks stores! According to Starbucks.com: The stores closing in the QC are: 9335 Center Lake Drive. 2921 Providence Road. 4620 Piedmont Row Road. 3220 Wilkinson Boulevard. 1520 Overland Park Road It’s interesting to note that the Wilkinson Boulevard location was the city’s lone Magic Johnson Starbucks. I guess…
Today’s Menu (7/18/2008)
Corey Smith RIYL (recommended if you like) – Busch light, shootin’ fireworks on the beach, owning a Jeep, the color khaki, Chili’s, yelling “you the man!” at golf tournaments (tee), “doin’ some fuckin’ Jager,” the New York Jets, bank clerks with lower back tats, manicured beards, yelling “get in the hole!” at golf tournaments (green),…
Nancy Grace
Watching Nancy Grace’s show on Headline News makes you really think that she’s crazy. Sure she’s passionate about the stories she reports about, but does every caller have to kiss her ass before they can make a comment?
Anthony David Live Part 2
We’ve got more from that Tuesday night performance by Anthony David at The Evening Muse. Check it out: here.
Mark Kano and Mike Garrigan to play The Evening Muse
The weekend is on its way and if you don’t have plans for Saturday, July 19. , then here’s a concert idea: Mark Kano and Mike Garrigan, their names should ring a bell, but in case not I’ll fill you in. Kano fronted the Greensboro-based band Athenaeum, whose 2004 break up left him doing more…
Anthony David Live Part 2
Here’s more from that Tuesday night performance by Anthony David at The Evening Muse: \\\\\\\\\\
Members Only!
Have you ever been denied entrance into a club because you don’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 (well, the one at Howl at the Moon is)… the Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) is to blame for…
News roundup 7/17/08
Obama campaign raised $52 million in June: Obama’s campaign says it raised $52 million in June, twice as much as Republican rival John McCain. The Obama campaign and the Democratic National Committee ended with a combined $92.3 million in the bank. McCain has outspent Obama on television ads for general election, while Obama has opted…
The Dark Knight made my testicles drop
Metaphorically speaking, of course. Never mind that I am a young woman in my 20s – last night at a screening of The Dark Knight I turned into an adolescent 12-year-old boy experiencing waves of hero-worship, drooling envy and armored lust that could only be brought on by a surge of testosterone. If I still…
The Mackey fallout continues
If you’re interested in how Nick Mackey’s sheriff campaign and the issues it raised have affected Democratic politics, check out this article in The Wilmington Journal by Cash Michaels.
Live Review: Marshall Ruffin Trio
Marshall Ruffin Trio w/ Matt Gilmore, Wasted Wine Evening Muse July 16, 2008 The Deal: Trio of Southeastern acts, all finalists in the Crowntown Showdown, hit the small stage for night of great music. The Good: South Carolina’s Wasted Wine opened the night with a 40-minute set of their unique brand of aged music. Charlotte’s…
The Weekender
Friday, July 18 Film A Dark Humor: The new Batman installment The Dark Knight is getting a lot of press for being the last movie role of the late Heath Ledger, but there is one thing that the media coverage fails to convey: This movie is worth the hype. Heath Ledger takes on the Joker…
Missing the real war
A story on CNN about soldiers in Iraq feeling like they’re missing “the real war” — the one in Afghanistan — really piqued my interest. Young soldiers serving in Iraq looking to prove themselves feel like they’re missing all the action, as it seems violence in the country is at its lowest in four years.…
Pop Life @ Loft 1523, 7/16/08
Photos by Ben Koski
Bike Night @ Quaker Steak, 7/16/08
Photos by Kat Bidwell
Today’s Menu (7/17/2008)
Tropic Culture CD Release This multi-hued Charlotte band (octet, or more on a good night) has been making waves around these parts for a few years. They celebrate their new recording Live to Love and Love to Live this summer’s eve. It’s fitting the album is being released at the height of summer since the…
LKN Comedy Zone: Live Review
The Deal: Comedians Cee Jay (headliner), Dan Ellison and Carlos Valencia spread laughter at LKN Comedy Zone (in Galway Hooker) on July 15th. The Good: After a long day, it was nice to kick back and have a good laugh. The evening began with Carlos Valencia, who made a point to tackle exactly why some…
Anthony David Live Part 1
Soul vocalist Anthony David performed last night at The Evening Muse and we (thanks to music intern Mike McCray) got it on video. Check it out by visiting our video site: www.qccltv.com.
Anthony David Live Part 1
Soul vocalist Anthony David performed last night at The Evening Muse and we (thanks to music intern Mike McCray) got it on video. Check it out: \\\\\\\\\\
Worst. Song lyrics. Ever.
Via Holy Moly, the one list Kanye doesn’t want to beat 50 on — the list of the Top Ten Worst Song Lyrics. The poets below, I’m sure, would beg to differ: 1. I’m serious as cancer, when I say rhythm is a dancer – Rhythm Is A Dancer, SNAP! 2. I don’t want to…
Patients score a win
Despite vehement opposition from doctors, the N.C. medical board has agreed to post malpractice decisions on its Web site. The catch? Only payouts more than $25,000 will be made public. The policy still has to go to the N.C. Rules Commission, but it’s an improvement over the current doctor profiles, which only showed board disciplinary…
Celebrate Release
It is fantastic to see Ingrid Betancourt free. She was the Green Party candidate running for president of Colombia against Alvaro Uribe in 2002 when she was kidnapped by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) just days after appealing to the FARC to stop its campaign of kidnapping. She was held hostage for more…
Taking Steps
Considered by many to be Alfred Hitchcock’s best British film before he took off for Hollywood, 1935’s The 39 Steps tells the story of an innocent man (Robert Donat) getting involved with a spy ring in Scotland. The Light Factory will present a free screening of the movie at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 17, in…
Today’s Menu (7/16/2008)
MARSHALL RUFFIN TRIO The Columbus, Ga., singer had the audience in awe during the inaugural night of the Crowntown Showdown a few months back. Needless to say, he walked away as the winner. That time he was solo – singing songs that sounded like a ’30s movie soundtrack with bluesy, growly, almost-Waits-ian vocals and plenty…
Just watch the video
Taken from You Tube, this makes me wonder why you have to have a license to drive, but anyone can have a child.
Who shaves Obama and McCain?
Whenever you see politicians on TV, they’re so clean-cut and spiffy. How do they manage to look so fresh all the time? They can’t possibly be getting their fair share of beauty rest every night. Do the men carry around a can of shaving cream and a razor for a quick fix right before they…
Tune-up Tuesdays @ Whisky River, 7/15/08
Photos by Renaul Hill
Stargazer
Cancer the Crab: (June 21 — July 21) This is an extraordinarily busy period for you. You likely will be talking to multiple people. There will be no quiet time inside the protective shell for the Crabs this week. Contracts and negotiations may play a role. For All Signs: The Full Moon in Capricorn on…
Local civic events
Domestic Violence Advisory Board Wednesday, 6 p.m., Hal Marshall Services Center, 700 N. Tryon St., second floor, Environmental Protection Boardroom, www.charmeck.org. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission Mecklenburg Union Metropolitan Planning Organization Wednesday, 7 p.m., Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E. Fourth St., conference room 267, second floor, www.charmeck.org. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities Advisory Committee Thursday 3:30 p.m., 5100 Brookshire Blvd.,…
CD Review: Disturbed
The Deal: Hard-rockers, having sold more than 10 million albums, release fourth album. The Good: If you like Disturbed, chances are you’ll be happy with the band’s latest effort. The quartet takes the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach sticking with the same sound they’ve had since their debut, The Sickness. You can…
Film Clips
New Releases KIT KITTREDGE: AN AMERICAN GIRL For its first two-thirds, this motion picture, based on the both the popular doll line and the equally successful book series, emerges as one of the season’s most unexpected delights, precisely because what could have been a rehash of last summer’s painful Nancy Drew adaptation instead registers as…
Oh brother, where art thou?
“First the Fat Boys break up, now this? Aw, man.” Chris Rock as Bony-T in Boomerang (1992) This is what I immediately thought when I heard about the Rev. Jesse Jackson sticking his foot in his mouth, yet again. Attacking the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee for “talking down to black folks,” to such an extent…
Celebrate release
It is fantastic to see Ingrid Betancourt free. She was the Green Party candidate running for president of Colombia against Alvaro Uribe in 2002 when she was kidnapped by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) just days after appealing to the FARC to stop its campaign of kidnapping. She was held hostage for more…
View from the Couch
THE BANK JOB (2008). The Bank Job bills itself as being based on a true story, but given cinema’s propensity for fudging details every which way, that’s not a declaration that I’d be willing to take to the bank myself. But veracity be damned: Even if every detail of this heist flick was drenched in…
Nocturnal submissions
Heartbreak kid Tom Petty rocks the crowd at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre on July 11. Mya, oh my R&B vocalist Mya was in the house at Stir during last Friday’s Candy Land party (held in honor of Power 98 radio personality Consuella). Lake effect show July 12, the popular local band SuperGlide worked up a sweat…
Not so hot
Summer doldrums arrive early
Ganged up
You go, Rodney Monroe. In the last week, the new Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police chief has rattled his saber more than former chief Darrel Stephens did during his entire tenure. Brothers Terry Long, 18, and Joshua Davis, 17, wouldn’t be dead if their killer, Montrez Williams, 17, hadn’t gotten a mere 75 days for the armed robbery…
Recession wines
It sucks to be American right now. My foreign friends are enjoying half-priced vacations, spending their cash in our half-priced cities and buying our (much) cheaper gas. I’m frickin’ jealous — and it’s painful to watch the good life trickle into my gas tank and not down my gullet. Reports say we’re eating and drinking…
Mad about Maddi’s
Or just call it delicious
EMF Lite
Rolling into the weekends up in Greensboro, the Eastern Music Festival fires off their big guns. This Saturday night, the illustrious Gerard Schwarz conducts the EMF Orchestra in Mahler’s Titan Symphony — after André Watts handles the thunderbolts of the Grieg Piano Concerto. Violinist Elmar Oliveira joins Schwarz & Co. next Saturday, and cellist Xavier…
Weddings during football season
For me, Aug. 30 is a big day. Virginia Tech and East Carolina University are meeting in Charlotte to play at Bank of America Stadium. For a Hokie girl who goes back to VT for every home game, I’m anticipating this local game like a child does Christmas. Too bad I can’t actually go to…
Music: Sham-rock
With seven albums under their kilts, Gaelic Storms blend of Celtic rock is stirred by a heap of instruments including guitar, accordion, harmonica, mandolin, pipes, whistles fiddles, trombones, tribal drums and of course, the bagpipes. Have I mentioned their music will have you dancing like a wee pig in chocolate pudding? Because, it will. Gaelic…
Chasing the beat
It’s all about the beat. Primal, horn-heavy, with a percussive punch that blends old school funk with tribal rhythms, the pulsating African rhythms of Afrobeat have crossed cultures and continents to carve out a groove that has touched the backbone of generations of funk lovers. Made popular through the music of Fela Kuti, the sounds…
Music: Soulful vibes at Divas Live
During Charlotte N.C. Black Gay Pride’s fourth year celebration Legends, Statements & Superstars, they’ll offer you soulful vibes at DIVAS Live. Soul songstress, Yahzarah aka Purple St. James will be there performing, along with local vocalist Monica Simpson and the Charlotte band, The Company. $15 for admission and $25 for V.I.P. tables. Doors open at…
Gone country
Jewel finds new home, label with sound switch
Sports: Shootin’ hoops
sports
CD Review: The Avett Brothers
The Deal: The brothers Avett, who recently signed to American/Columbia Records, release next disc in Gleam series, The Second Gleam, out on Ramseur Records on July 22, 2008. The Good: Like The Gleam before it, the CD features six songs done simply by Scott and Seth Avett. It’s a toned-down sound from the familiar Avett…
Theater: Crazy for Dancing
theater
Charlotte Bestsellers List
1. 365 Nights: A Memoir of Intimacy by Charla Muller with Betsy Thorpe 2. The Shack by William P. Young 3. Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace … One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin 4. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski 5. When…
Cl previews upcoming shows
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16 MARSHALL RUFFIN TRIO The Columbus, Ga., singer had the audience in awe during the inaugural night of the Crowntown Showdown a few months back. Needless to say, he walked away as the winner. That time he was solo – singing songs that sounded like a ’30s movie soundtrack with bluesy, growly, almost-Waits-ian…
Music: Not just a Broadway Girl
After Broadway appearances in two award-winning musicals, Wicked and Rent, Idina Menzel’s voice has given her national recognition (she even won a Tony for Wicked). Menzel will make her way to Charlotte’s McGlohon Theatre to play songs from her debut album I Stand. Full of tracks written about life challenges and love, this album shows…
A few good books
I read a ton of comic books every week. But due to space restrictions in the paper, I’m only able to denounce or recommend one or two comics in each column. So, every now and then, it makes sense to provide you (dear reader) with a more comprehensive list of what I’m checking out these…
Ask the Editor
Q: Looks like you guys changed up the Fallout section of the paper. What’s up with that? A: Before I answer this week’s fake question, I’d like to say thanks to everyone who e-mailed me the names of their favorite restaurant (in response to a question I asked a few weeks back). You guys alerted…
Theater: Puppets gone wild?
theater
Just the facts
• New York Times bestselling author E. Lynn Harris will sign and discuss his latest book, Just Too Good To Be True (Doubleday, $16.47), at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, at Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 4345 Barclay Downs Dr. This novel has all the makings for a hot summer read: a celibate college football player headed for…
Jesse the gracious bigot
“Jesse Helms was one of the kindest men I’ve ever met.” “Jesse was a gracious, polite Southern man from the old school.” “Mr. Helms, I know this might not be politically correct to say this thing, but I just think you should get a Nobel Prize for everything you’ve done to help keep down the…
DREAM Act deferred
Plus, firm convictions with Shakespeare Carolina’s Richard III
A time to heal
Can new Police Chief Rodney Monroe repair the rift between Charlotte’s police and its citizens?
Check the pita technique
JULY 16 — Israeli Cooking. Want to cook Israeli cuisine? If so, then this cooking class is the place to be, as Israeli Chef Tany Hashmonay from The Art Institute of Charlotte’s Culinary School shares his secrets on this culinary delight. He’ll teach you how to cook up falafel, pita bread and more. $50-$60. 6:30…
Bizarre crimes from Charlotte police files
HOLD THE SALSA: A 20-year-old woman and her male friend stopped by a Mexican restaurant on North Tryon Street to grab a bite. Their casual outing took a turn for the worst when the two started fighting. The man became so angry that he couldn’t even eat his food. Instead he picked up his taco…
Stun gun silence
(Update: The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department announced Wednesday that its Chain of Command Review Board found that Officer Jerry Dawson Jr’.s initial use of the Taser followed procedures but that prolonged use of the Taser did not. Turner was Tasered for 37 seconds until he fell to the ground. When Turner did not then put his…
CD Review: Walter Trout
The Deal: Walter Trout delivers a heaping helping of blues styles. The Good: On his latest, Walter Trout is all over the place. “Next Big Thing” sounds like it came off today’s country charts. “All My Life” sounds like a cut from a Bon Jovi release. Trout follows that with “The Love Song of J.…
Back on the board
Within minutes I was writhing around in one of my doctor’s examination rooms, resenting him for laughing at me. I did not even know it was possible to break your actual ass, but that is what I did. In fact, weeks later I am still limping around like an extra in Dawn of the Dead,…
Scooting along
Gas prices are reaching heavenly proportions — if they get any higher we’re all going to need Jesus and a collection plate to fill up. Local gas prices average about $4.10 per gallon, so it makes sense that Charlotteans would find cheap way to get around. For those not wanting to take light rail or…
CD Review: G-Unit
The Deal: G-Unit dumps Young Buck and kicks out another album that reminds me why I don’t bump New York rap these days. The Good: They were smart enough to leave Young Buck on a few songs, keeping a couple tracks from being complete wastes of time. Every now and then, Yayo’s topical lyrics warranted…
