The Forum closes, celebrates anyway
The skinny of Forum’s closing, and the future re-opening.
Farewell, Forum
When I moved to Charlotte four years ago, the first nightclub I hit up was The Forum. Coming from dinky Augusta, Ga., where we had all of two places to go dancing, I was in awe of the three-level club (although I tried my best not to show it). I was 22 years old, in…
Redlair Farm and Forest, 6/5/10
Redlair Farm and Forest in Gastonia, a 730-acre private nature preserve where the Catawba Lands Conservancy, held its annual meeting and 3rd annual NatureFest Saturday, June 5. Photos by Rhiannon Bowman
Coolio’s new tattoo… whoops!
Coolio, who has been out on tour with Insane Clown Possee, decided it would be, well, coolio to get a new tattoo in tribute to the group and its rabid fans. So, he went out and got inked — by someone who couldn’t spell. It’s best to pay tribute to juggalos by spelling their name…
Today’s Top 5: Monday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today
A win for Charlotte’s air quality
A win for our health and the planet.
What are you doing to decrease your reliance on oil?
Be the change.
Father’s Day at Andrew Blair’s
Andrew Blair’s is offering a special Father’s Day menu on Sunday, June 20.
Tonight’s Top 5, 06/07/10
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, June 7, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
NEW MUSIC: Big Boi’s “General Patton”
The latest from one half of OutKast.
‘There’s nothing Jewish about what Israel is doing.’
Why are we financing Israel’s conflict?
Tips for Bonnaroo
A few tips for those headed to Manchester, Tenn., this week.
Deebs and Dabbs this evening (June 7)
Eclectic roots musicians bring their version of Southeastern American music to Philosopher’s Stone Tavern.
House of Jazz, 6/4/10
It was “Old School” First Friday at House of Jazz on June 4.
AZUCAR!, 6/4/10
AZUCAR!: A Caribbean Celebration was held at Neighborhood Theatre Friday night, June 5.
Today’s Top(less) 5: Monday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
This drummer is at the wrong gig…
Rick K. and the Allnighters… you have to see it.
Jucifer rocks out tonight (June 6)
Athens, Georgia sludge metal duo brings loud reverberations to Milestone.
The Forum is closing
Charlotte’s The Forum will be closing on June 19. The nightclub was known for bringing in world-renowned DJs and performers.
Overmountain Men, Charlotte Parrott tonight (June 5)
Folksy, roots music abound as North Carolina natives play The Evening Muse and Snug Harbor respectively
Sex Q&A: Pretty Feet Videos
A glance in to the foot fetish community in Charlotte.
Mixtape review: The Cool Kids’ Tacklebox
Mikey Rocks & Chuck Inglish drop a new mixtape on Memorial Day amid beef with their current label.
Big K.R.I.T. signs with Def Jam
Big K.R.I.T., whose mixtape, K.R.I.T. Wuz Here, had the internet going nuts since it’s release has signed with Def Jam.
Harry Jones and Bud Selig: Separated at birth?
It’s an odd juxtaposition, but if you look close enough, you’ll find there’s a lesson to be learned from the perfect game brouhaha and Mecklenburg’s budget mess. There’s a strange similarity in how two different kinds of commissioners — Baseball Commissioner Bud “Lite” Selig and our own county commission — deal with issues. What I’m…
Concert announcement: Paul McCartney
Legendary musician heading to Charlotte.
Get Him to the Greek: Brand name
British actor adds spark to hit-and-miss comedy.
City of Your Final Destination: Cancel trip
Art-house effort is a turgid affair.
Oh it’s Ladies’ Night … but what about the guys?
If bars and clubs were to create a guys’ night … what would that be like?
‘Raghead’ slur wins Stupid Thing of the Week
As a Palmetto State native, whether I like it or not, it’s my pleasure to once again bestow the Stupid Thing of the Week award to a fellow South Ca’linian. The charming snakepit ambience of that state’s politics has been on display lately in the attempts to torpedo state representative Nikki Haley’s gubernatorial campaign with…
Duke accused of holding alternative energy back
Put your stockholders where your mouth is, Jim Rogers.
Jinwright requests bond
Says he won’t ask for money on church property.
Art exhibit opening: Board to Lose
BAKU Gallery hosts the opening reception for a skateboard art exhibit.
Tonight’s Top 5, 06/04/10
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, June 4, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
Family dynamics redeem a dramatic muddle in Tribe
When a drama revolves around an ambitious, volatile young African-American man who depends on money from his mom to jumpstart his scheme for success, comparisons must inevitably be drawn with the Earth Mother of such dramas, Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun. Although Nichole Gause’s new play, Tribe, doesn’t insistently lean on Raisin for…
A magazine, live and in person
“When was the last time a magazine leapt off your coffee table and started walking around your living room?”
Celebrate National Donut Day today
Dunkin’ Donuts is giving away a free donut with any beverage purchase today.
10-in-10 CD reviews
Each Friday, we review 10 recently released CDs in 10 words each.
Mississippi GOPer tries to out-stupid Virginia Foxx
One of the low points of the health care reform debate (or a high point, if you enjoy the comedy of watching stupid people making speeches) was the statement by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) that the reform bill was a greater threat to America than any terrorist could ever be. Now it looks like Foxx…
Tift Merritt tonight (June 4)
Multi-faceted singer-songwriter Merritt brings folksy act to Visulite
Today’s Top 5: Friday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
Today’s Top(less) 5: Friday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
Mixtape review: T.I.’s Fuck A Mixtape
The Deal: Out of jail and in the studio, T.I. drops his first project since becoming a free man again sometime between chopping it up Larry King and others. The Good: At a few points in the mixtape, I thought I heard, I’m Serious, T.I. but it may have just been a little rust from not…
Is Symphony in favor of illegal immigration?!
I guess it doesn’t take much to push some folks’ ethnocentric buttons. We’ve heard some grumbles, and have seen some well-plucked eyebrows raised, over an issue that is so minor, so, so piddling, that it’s almost embarrassing to bring it up. A letter to the daily paper today, however, has brought this momentous controversy out…
Win tickets to Bonnaroo!
Need tickets to the Music and Arts Festival in Tennessee next week?
Charlotte does the cha-cha at Azúcar
Get ready to warm up those hips and keep a chilled cocktail in hand, because NoDa’s about to get caliente …
Things to do this weekend (June 3-5)
Here are some nightlife events to check out as you drink away the stress of cramming a five-day work work into four days.
Eating, drinking for charity
The Summer Kick-off Patio Party at M5 will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Tonight’s Top 5, 06/03/10
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, June 3, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
Big bucks awarded for HUD project
West Charlotte projects to be revamped.
Organizing for America opening an office in Charlotte
Grand opening is this Saturday.
Charlotte firm to install solar farm in Mount Airy
Farm will generate enough power to offset 200 homes.
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.
Concert announcement: Smashing Pumpkins
Smashing Pumpkins has announced it will tour intimate venues in the United States this summer, including a stop at The Fillmore Charlotte on July 16. No word yet on ticket sales.
Uptown Amphitheatre changes name
Venue will now be known as Road Runner Mobile Amphit
Celebrate 8 years with Flying Saucer
The Eight Anniversary Celebration will include the tapping of eight rare beers throughout the day, one per hour.
Punk rockers GBH, metalheads Nonpoint on tap this evening (June 2)
Charlotte’s own Grids, Philadelphia’s Free Energy on local bill as well.
America’s unhealthiest chain restaurant dish
“What’s the fattiest, most heart attack-inducing dish you can get at a restaurant chain in America?”
Whisky River, 06/01/10
Got to love Service Industry Night at Whisky River on Tuesdays.
Comedian Doug Stanhope coming to the Q.C.
Comedian Doug Stanhope will perform at The Milestone on Saturday, June 5.
Upcoming: Lore Emelio Summer Hat Trunk Show
On Thursday, head to Mack and Mack to check out local designer Lore Emelio’s summer hat trunk show.
Amuse yourself at Funny First Thursday
HBO’s Dave Martin and Tai Griffin will have you in stiches this Thursday at Twilight Caribbean Restaurant & Bar’s Funny First Thursday hosted by Kenny “FB Famous” Mack.
Need jeans?
Petal 1315 East Blvd., Suite 180 704-817-8871
Tonight’s Top 5, 06/02/10
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, June 2, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
And now, we have library haters
The hounds of deliberate idiocy have broken their leashes and now run amuck on our airwaves …
Walgreens wellness tour arrives in the Q.C.
Free screenings available at Taste of Charlotte.
Natural insect repellent
Non-toxic alternatives for you and your garden.
Easy button: In support of our soldiers
Press the button.
NASCAR, Class-Car
Green flag on NASCAR nightlife
Buy local at Neighborhood Theatre
The All Arts Market is back tonight and tomorrow night.
Save our libraries. Redux — the ‘Crying Wolf’ edition
This is still an issue that would have an immediate impact on the quality of our daily lives …
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.
Trunk show: Beads ‘n’ Bangles by Kim
Need some summer jewelry?
Upcoming: Cottage Chic’s Tent Sale
Cottage Chic will be hosting their 7th annual Tent Sale this weekend.
Photos: Sandwich Makers vs. Eaters Contest
Uptown Charlotte shook with the weighty presence of three Major League Eaters for the Jimmy John’s Freaky Fast Sandwich Eating Contest at Speed Street.
Amelie’s French Bakery now offers espresso
You can now get a shot of espresso with that chocolate eclair — even at 3 a.m. Starting today, Amelies’s French Bakery and Café will offer espresso drinks among their lineup of café items. The NoDa café, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offers award-winning pastries and desserts as well as a…
CPCC Summer Theatre presents My Fair Lady
Love is just a wager away for a pretentious professor and a flower girl in CPCC Summer Theater’s presentation of My Fair Lady.
Now open: The King’s Kitchen
Uptown Charlotte just got a little warmer with the opening of The King’s Kitchen.
Top 10 things that burn my butt
10. North Carolina’s “Employers Are Gods” law, otherwise known as Employment At Will, under which employees can be fired at any time for any reason whatsoever — or even for no reason. 9. The ongoing insanity of America’s “War on drugs,” which has become even more destructive and damaging than the failed U.S. experiment with…
Tonight’s Top 5, 06/01/10
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, June 1, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
Video: Common freestyles
Saturday night, hip-hop artist/actor Common performed at The Forum.
Live Nation drops service fees for June
Live Nation has announced that it will drop service fees on amphitheatre tickets for the entire month of June. Tickets for “No Service Fee June” are available only at LiveNation.com and will remain in effect until 11:59 pm EST, on Wednesday, June 30.
Flooding: A reminder to care for the land
Share your opinion Wednesday night.
What’s next for coal ash?
Learn more about two of Charlotte’s coal ash ponds June 10.
Live review: Neil Young
Plus setlist and photos from his May 30, 2010, concert in Spartanburg, S.C.
Redlair NatureFest this Saturday
See you there!
Willie Nelson’s new ‘do
The long ponytail is gone…
This week’s new releases (6/1/2010)
A quick rundown of what’s new this week in stores.
Live review: Common
Rapper turned actor proves he can still rock the mic at party for his new movie, Just Wright, at The Forum on Saturday night.
Mixtape Review: Rick Ross
The Deal: Ross sneaks out an EP in advance of his next album, Teflon Don, and manages to steal some of T.I.’s mixtape shine last week in the process. The Good: More than a handful of album and summer sun ready tracks. Who knew John Legend could produce? No one would’ve predicted a Kool G…
Speed Street, 05/29/10
And Speed Street photos continue.
Inkfest Live, 05/29/10
The Inkfest Live, a tattoo expo, took place this past weekend at Cabarrus Arena & Events.
Patty Griffin Tonight (6/1/2010)
Griffin brings her version of Gospel to the Knight Theatre at Blumenthal
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.
Weekly horoscope June 2-8, 2010
Gemini The Twins (May 20-June 21): You continue to remain in the background for the present. Remain quiet and reflective. Although you may have worries to the contrary, you will ultimately be OK. Be still and find ways to make contact with your inner self. For All Signs: We finally arrive at the week that…
Get Outta Town: The Travel Issue 2010
If you suffered through a “staycation” last summer because the economy was in the crapper, you deserve a break this year. Let’s face it, zipping down a Slip ‘n Slide in your own backyard doesn’t give you that rested-and-relaxed feeling that getting out of Charlotte does. Granted, we’re all still kind of broke, but you…
Food & Drink
BEST NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED IN LAST 12 MONTHS) Common House While other contenders for this award set out with high marks, they fell short due to bellowing interiors or food prices which didn’t meet the expectations of Charlotte’s new lean reality. Since September 2008, when Charlotte’s economy fell off the edge, dining has changed. High-end,…
Desert storm: Sex and the City 2
Parents, lock up your fanboys! Yes, the ladies of the Sex and the City franchise are back to once again strike terror in the heart of any male moviegoer who steadfastly believes that cinema was only created to serve those folks sporting a Y chromosome. Admittedly, annoying these computer trolls sounds like reason enough to…
Visit Cookie LaRue’s Asheville
Singer, club owner, legendary drag queen and huge personality Cookie LaRue knows Asheville is — believe it or not — more than just “Hippie Town USA.” Interested in traveling 130 miles to visit the picturesque, and often-misunderstood, mountain city? Well, you’ll never find a better tour guide than Ms. Cookie. Check out her picks for…
Food & Drink: Readers’ Picks
BEST NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED IN LAST 12 MONTHS) Soul Gastrolounge 1500-B Central Ave.704-348-1848 BEST SPLURGE RESTAURANT The Melting Pot 230 E. W.T. Harris Blvd., Suite C1704-548-2432 901 S. Kings Drive, Suite 140B704-334-4400 BEST CHEAP RESTAURANT Penguin Drive-In 1921 Commonwealth Ave.704-375-6959 BEST LATE-NIGHT EATERY Penguin Drive-In 1921 Commonwealth Ave.704-375-6959 BEST RESTAURANT WINE LIST Bonterra Dining &…
Prince of Persia: More like a pauper
To say that Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time isn’t as bad as other films adapted from video games is a bit like saying that day-old roadkill doesn’t smell as bad as week-old roadkill. It isn’t praise so much as it’s looking for the silver lining in an otherwise unfortunate situation. Certainly, Prince of…
Visit Chef Brett McKee’s Charleston, S.C.
Chef Brett McKee from the Oak Steakhouse in Charleston isn’t a shy guy (he said the coolest thing about Charleston is him) and he knows how to get around the port city without traveling down the old, beaten path. The award-winning chef is a rock star in the kitchen — earning tons of awards (like…
Casino Jack and the United States of Money: Politics as usual
Michael who? Certainly, Michael Moore is the most famous — and most controversial — documentarian out there, but his methods manage to turn off even many of those on the left side of the political divide. By comparison, only the most hardened of American fascists would find fault with the works of the relatively unknown…
Visit Fahamu Pecou’s Atlanta
Fahamu Pecou is an Atlanta-based visual artist whose work has been displayed in galleries from Cape Town, South Africa, to New York City. He gained notoriety in the “A” and beyond by creating massive paintings that feature his likeness on the cover of popular magazines — exploring issues of celebrity, manhood, race and more. That…
Where to find arepas
Arepas are one of those street foods of South America that have a universal appeal. Like any food, arepas vary from region to region, country to country. They are similar to the Salvadoran pupusas, but tastier. Venezuelan arepas are small, about 3 inches across, while the Colombian arepas are the size of a small tortilla.…
Visit Amanda Hess’ Washington, D.C.
Amanda Hess knows about sex, and she’s not afraid to write about it — and not in a corny, “Carrie Bradshaw” kind of way. She intelligently examines sexuality in Washington, D.C. for Creative Loafing’s sister newspaper, the Washington City Paper, and its blog The Sexist. Seriously, where else could you learn about groping on D.C.…
THEATER: Comedy of Errors
Collaborative Arts kicks off its Charlotte Shakespeare Festival with double the trouble. On June 3 performances of Comedy of Errors begin and continue through June 20 at The Green Uptown. This farce comedy revolves around two sets of identical twins, who are each separated at birth and remarkably end up in the same city (Ephesus)…
Carnivore’s dilemma: The Meat House
“I grew up on a farm. I won’t just buy my beef anywhere,” says the man standing beside me at the meat counter at the recently opened The Meat House: Premium Meats, Your Neighborhood Butcher in Ballantyne. The customer inspected the just cut 34-day dry-aged rib eye ($19.95 per pound) the butcher showed him. “Gotta…
Visit Jesse Gephart’s Raleigh
Jesse Gephart, an actor with the Raleigh Ensemble Players, recently starred in one of the best-reviewed stage shows in the Capital City, Columbinus, which told the tale of the tragic school shooting in Littleton, Colo. Now, the man who played Dylan Klebold (in a show that was called one of the best productions of the…
SPECIAL EVENT: AZUCAR! A Caribbean Celebration
Things are about to get heated here in the Q.C., as AZUCAR! A Caribbean Celebration, lets you dance the night away. Hosted by the Latin American Coalition at the Neighborhood Theatre, this showcase takes you on a tour of Spanish Caribbean nightlife. Featuring live salsa, as well as the latest sounds of the Dominican Republic…
3 questions with Amy Craparo, cake designer
Once upon a time — actually, about nine years ago — Amy Craparo sampled a fantastic-tasting cake from a local bakery in Florida and ultimately decided to buy the business. Without any formal schooling in cake design, Craparo dived right in, training with cake designers around the world. After moving to Charlotte recently, she relaunched…
Arts & Entertainment: Critics’ Picks
BEST ART GALLERY Jerald Melberg Gallery So many galleries, so few choices. This choice almost always boils down to a handful — Hodges Taylor, Joie Lassiter, Larry Elder, Melberg. Melberg’s stable of artists delivers an array of moderate-to-monumental fame, glamour and only the best which has served Charlotte well for decades. Motherwell, Bearden, Chihuly, Kohlmeyer…
COMEDY: Doug Stanhope
Doug Stanhope’s mouth has been known to get him in trouble. Take for instance the boos and thrown objects he received after making derogatory comments about the Royal Family during an encounter at Leeds Festival in the U.K. But, unlike most of us — who don’t want to risk getting bashed in the face with…
Taking Tucker Max to see NASCAR
In case you missed the alert issued by the Emergency Broadcast System, Tucker Max, author of I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell, was in Charlotte recently — but even worse, I was his Charlotte tour guide. After waiting for all the bouncers to take pictures with him, we got into Whisky River where we…
Arts & Entertainment: Readers’ Picks
BEST ART GALLERY Center of the Earth 3204 N. Davidson St. 704-375-5756 BEST ART EXHIBIT Andy Warhol Porfolios at The Mint Museum of Art BEST GALLERY CRAWL NoDa Gallery Crawl BEST LOCAL ARTIST Duy Huynh BEST THEATER COMPANY Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte 650 E. Stonewall St. 704-342-2251 BEST LOCAL ACTOR (MALE OR FEMALE) Marcus Minnard…
SPORTS: 4th Annual Murphy’s Dirty 30 Mud Volleyball Tournament
Wallowing in the mud is for pigs, right? Wrong. It’s also for teams (of people) during the 4th Annual Murphy’s Dirty 30 Mud Volleyball Tournament — first conceptualized as a birthday party for Habitat For Humanity Charlotte ReStore manager Tim Murphy … hence, the event name. To win matches, participants must get down and dirty,…
Bonnaroo’s diversity expands each year
Many people may associate the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival with jam bands and label it as being some kind of modern-day Woodstock, but those assumptions couldn’t be further from the truth. Sure, there are plenty of jams going on and the free and fun atmosphere may feel a bit like the ’60s, but what…
City Life: Critics’ Picks
LOCAL HERO Barney Offerman Barney Offerman is a beloved figure among Charlotte’s progressive community, admired as much for his integrity and wit as for his organizing abilities. We honor him for his life of dedication to social justice. After years of labor, racial justice and literacy work in New Orleans and Mississippi, and a stint…
MUSIC: Find Your Muse open mic at The Evening Muse
It’s Find Your Muse open mic night at The Evening Muse this and every Monday. Musicians, grab up your music gear and head over to perform one of your own creations in front of a crowd. No one can guarantee they’ll be liked, but constructive criticism is always helpful! Get there early to snag a…
CD review: Illicitizen
The Deal: Charlotte’s Illicitizen independently releases its debut, self-titled CD on June 4. The Good: It’s not easy to try and categorize the music of Illicitizen – hints of ’80s rock, dark mod, indie rock, blues, punk, folk – combined with the fact no two songs sound the same musically. “Detached” reminded me of the…
City Life: Readers’ Picks
LOCAL HERO Mayor Pat McCrory LOCAL ZERO (tie) Gloria Pace King & Mayor Pat McCrory BEST ACTIVIST (INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP) Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) BEST LOCAL CHARITY Habitat for Humanity 3815 Latrobe Drive704-376-2054 BEST NEW SLOGAN FOR CHARLOTTE “Don’t Bank On It” BEST MEMBER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT Mayor Pat McCrory WORST MEMBER OF LOCAL…
THEATER: Wicked at Ovens Auditorium
Is the Wicked Witch of the West a good witch or bad witch? You can decide for yourself when Wicked, a Grammy and three time Tony Award-winning Broadway production has a broom stop in the Q.C. The musical takes the story of The Wizard of Oz to another level, with a sweep through the past…
CL previews upcoming concerts (June 2-8)
WEDNESDAY, June 2 GBH Birmingham, UK punk legends GBH, catalysts of the early ’80s punk metal scene, remain in action after 30 years. Their influential 1982 album, City Babies Attacked by Rats, rests among top 50 punk albums of all time in this scribe’s book. The blokes are still at it, without losing much of…
Media: Critics’ Picks
BEST RADIO STATION WFAE If you crave the most up-to-date info and intelligent commentary on local and state issues, you likely have one of your radio buttons pre-set to 90.7FM — and if not, you should. In addition to hosting the ever-popular Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins, WFAE is also the place for NPR addicts…
ART: Chromatic exhibition at Lark & Key Gallery at Southend
Lark & Key Gallery at Southend’s latest exhibition, titled Chromatic, is dedicated to exploring color and the meanings it can have over stories and subject matter. This group show — featuring works by artists Ashley Lathe (See picture of her painting “City Stories”), Sandra Meyer and Mary Alayne Thomas — will display an assortment of…
CD Review: Janelle Monáe’s The ArchAndroid
The Deal: Hotly-hyped artist releases much-awaited debut disc. The Good: R&B/funk/soul/rock artist Janelle Monáe has gotten a lot of attention for her live performances, leading to hot anticipation for her debut, full-length CD. After an orchestral introduction, the CD kicks off with “Dance or Die,” a track – like many on the disc – that…
Media: Readers’ Picks
BEST RADIO STATION WFAE BEST RADIO PERSONALITY Brotha Fred, 96.1 The BEAT BEST RADIO SHOW Ace & TJ in the Morning, Kiss 95.1 BEST LOCAL TV NEWSCAST WSOC BEST LOCAL TV ANCHOR Morgan Fogarty, FOX News Edge BEST LOCAL TV METEOROLOGIST Larry Sprinkle, WCNC BEST LOCAL TV SPORTS ANCHOR Delano Little, WBTV BEST LOCAL TV…
Revenge of HeroesCon
Say what you want about Charlotte’s often lackluster cultural scene, but one thing’s for sure: When it comes to comic books, the Queen City is the place to be — especially this weekend. That’s because the annual comic-oriented convention HeroesCon (held at the Charlotte Convention Center from June 4-6) is back, and it’s bigger than…
CD Review: Jason and the Scorchers’ Halcyon Days
The Deal: Triumphant return of rockin’ cow punkery. The Good: “He’s a moonshine guy in a six-pack world,” Jason Ringenberg proclaims on “Moonshine Guy.” That lyric pretty much sums up the Scorchers. Way too wild and strong to be bottled up and labeled, the Scorchers torched their competition, but burned themselves out in the process.…
After Dark: Critics’ Picks
BEST CONCERT VENUE (LARGE) Neighborhood Theatre A repeat winner. Since going through a remodeling, the Neighborhood Theatre has quickly become a venue-of-all-sizes. They can put in seats for the mellow shows and clear house to make room for dancing. The VIP sections give great views while the balcony offers a completely different perspective. The staff…
Theater review: Wicked
There are at least three good reasons for staging Wicked at Ovens Auditorium rather than Uptown at the PAC. More tickets can be sold out at Ovens, where enough people are willing to brave the balcony even if visibility isn’t ideal from another zipcode. The elaborate installation, with its horrific flying-monkey machinery high above the…
Why fret about another’s sex life?
“Well, a small town don’t like it when somebody falls between sexes.” — “Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other” by Ned Sublette, sung by Willie Nelson. It’s funny, the tiny straws that finally break your camel’s back. For me, it happened recently during a visit to my favorite CD store. I was flipping…
After Dark: Readers’ Picks
BEST CONCERT VENUE (LARGE) Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 707 Pavilion Blvd.704-549-5555 BEST CONCERT VENUE (MEDIUM/SMALL) Neighborhood Theatre 511 E. 36th St.704-358-9298 BEST CONCERT OF PAST 12 MONTHS Nine Inch Nails / Jane’s Addiction at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre BEST CLUB FOR MUSIC Suite 210 E. Trade St.704-971-7878 BEST CLUB FOR DANCING Breakfast Club 225 N. Caldwell St.704-374-1982.…
Bizarre crimes from Charlotte police files
Tending Her Bushes: A 26-year-old man called police after being assaulted by his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend. He told officers that when he arrived at his girlfriend’s house, the suspect was already there doing some yard work. When he got out of the car, the suspect immediately approached him and punched him in the face with brass…
Soccer fever rises worldwide — but dips in Charlotte
World Cup fever is in full effect in South Africa. Everywhere you turn, someone is talking about it. Commercials, music videos, special songs on the radio, official jerseys and soccer balls all sport World Cup-related imagery. TV shows of all genres have written the countdown to the 2010 World Cup into their story lines. South…
Consumer Culture: Critics’ Picks
BEST NEW STORE (OPENED IN LAST 12 MONTHS) Revolution Housed in the trendiest spot that is the EpiCentre, this clothing store offers rock & roll duds for men, women and children alike. In addition to bad-ass clothing, they have a skate boutique, a piercing spa, and a music listening station. Rock on! 210 E. Trade…
Why does a blow to the testicles cause nausea? Why aren’t they better protected?
Why does a male feel nauseous, possibly to the point of vomiting, after being struck in the genitals? Is there some sort of gonadal-gastrointestinal connection that the common man doesn’t know about? — John and Sheri, Charlottesville Why do virtually all male terrestrial mammals keep their reproductive organs outside their body, instead of safely inside…
Lessons learned from our current financial woes
Put it all together and imagine how this looks to outsiders. This will soon be a community that closed more than half its libraries, slashed 1,000 jobs from its schools and mothballed some schools it couldn’t afford to run. All of this while the community invested tens of millions of dollars in the first phase…
Consumer Culture: Readers’ Picks
BEST NEW STORE (OPENED IN LAST 12 MONTHS) IKEA 8300 Ikea Blvd.704-549-4532 BEST CLOTHING STORE Lotus 6908-C Phillips Place Court704-554-1908 1247 East Blvd.704-332-2047 BEST SHOE STORE Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse Various locations BEST HAIR SALON Orange Olive Hair Gallery 2824 N. Davidson St.704-334-2229 BEST HEALTH CLUB (SPECIFY LOCATION) Dowd YMCA 400 E. Morehead St.704-716-6101 BEST…
