Is the death of the mall coming soon?
It’s nice to know that independently owned shops aren’t the only ones taking a hit. The severity of the recession is turning some malls that were once viewed as viable into potential casualties. “Any mall that’s sitting on life support is probably going to get its plug pulled” as the economy stalls, says Michael Glimcher,…
Food News: Fundraising dinner for The King’s Kitchen
Support a faith-based, not-for-profit, public restaurant to be located in Center City.
Today’s Top 5: Monday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
Tonight’s gigs
Crank County Daredevils Sleaze rockers CCD are lost in the rock & roll jungle with nary a care to find their way out. The Asheville blokes merge punk, garage, and hard rock – the down and dirty Stooges and G N’ R type – that’s custom-made for drinking and debauchery. The guitar riffs are sloshed…
Video: The Nobody graphic novel trailer
A teaser trailer for the upcoming book from Vertigo Comics
When cutting’s not enough
I’m sure retailers have pretty much had it up to HERE with this recession. U.S. retailers, which have banked heavily on cost cuts to guard margins in the recession, may be running out of ways to trim expenses further — putting future profits in jeopardy, unless consumers open their wallets soon. Read the full story…
The Weekly Rewind: May 17-May 23
Speed Street, Clay Aiken vs. Adam Lambert, lots of anal sex and much, much more on the week’s best, worst and weirdest.
On tap for tonight…
Phil Harmonic and the Blue Notes Charlotte’s own Phil Harmonic and the Blue Notes isn’t exactly a household name, but the band sports an impressive musical resume. Since forming in 1998, the group has opened for and/or played alongside legendary acts like B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Susan Tedeschi, among other artists, and earned awards…
Live from UAE
The Ste
Dwele in Charlotte this Sunday
The smooth soul singer hits town to throw a party
Sidewalk sale at Manifest
For on
Mingling in the Queen City
We are grown..time to leave the security blanket called our clique once we enter a social event…hell you never know who you might meet!
Dwele in Charlotte this Sunday
The smooth soul vocalist Dwele is coming to Charlotte Sunday, May 24 to host a party sponsored by McDonald’s, Firm Events, Fred Massey and Thomas Washington. Check out the flyer: For more info, call 877.993.8499. And in case you never heard of the dude, check out this music video:
10-in-10 CD reviews
Each Friday, we bring you 10 CD reviews done in 10 words each.
Weekend weirdness: Southern Holiday
Three bizarre days of art
Ben Stiller’s Museum is closed
Why CL isn’t reviewing the latest Ben Stiller blockbuster wanna-be.
Limbaugh’s anal fixation
Ditto.
Observer ignores McClatchy story about Cheney’s B.S.
The dueling speeches yesterday by President Obama and former VP Dick Cheney over national security, Guantanamo, etc., have received tons of coverage that we don’t need to rehash here, but here is something new and after-the-fact to consider: the Charlotte Observer ran Associated Press reports and analyses of the speeches, when their own McClatchy chain…
$1 sale, one day only
OK, it’s not a locally owned spot. But $1 for flip-flops? Come on — it’s summertime. Time to stock up on all the colorful flip-flops you need to coordinate those summery outfits. Saturday, May 23 only. (Limit 5 per customer.)
Comedian James Gregory to visit McGlohon Theatre
Comedian James Gregory will visit Charlotte for a performance at McGlohon Theatre on June 17.
Photos: FLOW by Tara Davis
On Saturday, May 16, Tara Michelle Davis, designer and owner of FLOW by Tara Davis, held an exclusive trunk show showcasing her much anticipated Spring 2009 Collection at FUZE Salon. Her contemporary designs are a hot commodity for the spring and summer seasons. The collection consists of a vibrant spring palette and silhouettes perfect for…
Upcoming: Jewelry trunk show
In case you’ve forgotten, jeweler Mavis Beard, who specializes in recycled vintage jewerly, is having a trunk show at Boris & Natasha Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Click here to see some of her work. 1214 Thomas Ave 704-375-0079
Burr’s healthcare scam, er, plan
North Carolina’s senior U.S. senator, Richard Burr, presented the Republican proposal for healthcare reform Wednesday. The proposal immediately came down with a case of “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss,” as it is essentially the same one Sen. John McCain made during his presidential campaign. The GOP plan would end the tax…
Terminator Salvation: Rage against the machine
Bleak Terminator Salvation offers surface satisfactions.
Duke buys into wind
More, please.
There’s a special place for me in hell …
Sometimes being a DJ isn’t what you’d expect, or want it to be.
Pop Fest 2009 bands announced
The first round of bands that will be performing at the second annual Charlotte Pop Fest event being held Sept. 24-27 at the Epicentre are: The Posies The Spongetones Myracle Brah The Singles The Jellybricks Starbelly Cliff Hillis Dennis Schocket Barry Holdship stratocruiser Ed James Michael Slawter & The Saving Graces Crisis Cool King Chris…
Basil and I have had a falling out…
I left the restaurant feeling ripped off and, as they say, it “left a bad taste in my mouth.”
More thoughts on Idol
Clay Aiken weighs in on why Adam Lambert didn’t win American Idol.
Why you should read some erotica this weekend
On the off chance that you’re not a NASCAR fan and you plan to skip your cousin John’s cook out this weekend, why not curl up with a book or two that will get you hot and bothered in a very sexy way. Yes, Sir: Erotic Stories of Female Submission. This book is described as:…
Upcoming: Fashion 2009- ‘Fleur De Lys’
Arte Couture Consulting Services presents: Fashion 2009, introducing “Fleur De Lys,” where downtown style meets Uptown elegance.
My opening bid for the Bobcats
So Charlotte Bobcats owner Robert Johnson (who, unfortunately, is no relation to the legendary 1930s bluesman, but IS the proud recipient of Creative Loafing’s 2008 Best of Charlotte Local Zero award), is looking for a buyer for the team.
Apostrophe Lounge, 5/21/09
Photographers, designers, models and all those interested in fashion got together to network before NC Fashion Week, which occurs in September.
Upcoming: A bunch of wine tastings
• Tutored unoaked white wines with Jeremy Mason at Global Restaurant, 3520 Toringdon Way, on Wednesday, May 27 from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. $16. 704-248-0866. • June tutored tasting events at McNinch House with Anthony Wesley, 511 N. Church St.: June 1- wines of Italy; June 15- Pinot Noir; June 29- wines of Spain.…
Observer OpEd to Mary Easley: Resign
Do what’s right, Mary.
The Stellas’ mid-tour update
Charlotte band checks in during their tour of Southwest Asia and the Middle East.
A green flag on free race tickets …
More free shit on Brittney After Dark … tickets to the 600!
Sale of the day: Friday
Check out today’s sale of the day: Flirt Boutique in the Ivy’s Building.
Alive After Five, 5/21/09
One street away from the rowdy Speed Street on Tryon, the EpiCentre was also rocking with its weekly Alive After Five party. Tuesday’s Gone, a Lynard Skynard tribute band, played classic hits upstairs at the Pavilion. Check out these photos from the massive after-work party. Photos by Priscilla Tsai.
Tonight’s shows
Roman Candle After toiling in the trenches for a good patch, this (then) Chapel Hill-based band seemed poised for Next Big Thingness with its 2003 record The Wee Hours Revue (which was really just their 2002 debut, Says Pop, gussied up by Chris Stamey and repackaged by Hollywood Records). But Hollywood sat on it for…
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 going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, May 22, 2009–as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Bare as you dare Memorial Day bash at The Estate. • $3 drink specials at Club Onyx. •…
Speed Street, 5/21/09
Uptown has been taken over by race fans.
Concert announcement — Bojangles Coliseum
Tool will be performing at Bojangles Coliseum on July 29. Tickets go on sale on May 29.
Weekender
Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend.
A satisfying smackdown of Nancy Grace
Finally, someone has told off Nancy Grace, of CNN’s HLN network, while on the air. Grace, the Bloodlust Blonde, one of the bitterest weeds in TV’s garden, the woman who brought us the insipid term “tot mom,” was yapping Monday night about a murder suspect, when guest McGraw Milhaven, a St. Louis radio journalist, told…
Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras perform tonight
The Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras will perform tonight at Central Piedmont Community College’s Halton Theater.
Actress Lucy Gordon found dead
British actress Lucy Gordon has been found dead in her Paris flat.
Obama and Cheney in the ring?
Bring. It. On.
Flashback FriDAY party at Latta Arcade
Brittney Before Dark
Eat, drink and try not to get sick
The hype about the swine flu or H1N1 has died down, but with the grilling season about to kick off this weekend, you’d better know who the grill master is and if there is running water nearby. First, I’d avoid eat at anyone’s house who treats their pets like a member of the family. Dogs…
Pre-Fashion Week Industry night at Apostrophe Lounge
MAY 21 — Calling all designers, photographers, models and fashionistas alike: Charlotte Fashion Week is set for Sept. 10-12 at the Mint Museum, but there’s no time like the present to get pumped. Plitzs Fashion Marketing Charlotte presents Pre-Fashion Week Industry night at Apostrophe Lounge. During this kickoff event to a series of pre-fashion week…
The ad gurus
If you’re a hockey fan and have been following the 2009 NHL playoffs, you’ve probably seen the Versus ads featuring the music of Explosions in the Sky, the Austin-based instrumental rock quartet. If you’re like most, you probably didn’t know who the band was but simply thought “man, that was a kick ass commercial.” The…
What to do — in the bedroom — for Memorial Day
We have three days and nights to fill with something. Why not some hot sex?
Central Coffee Co. opens in Plaza Midwood
Offering coffees and sweets, Central Coffee Co. opened six days ago on the corner of Central Avenue and Lousie Avenue.
Imagine: No tanks needed in FBI terrorist sting
The FBI arrested four men yesterday for allegedly plotting to bomb a Jewish temple in the Bronx and to shoot military planes with guided missiles. If this arrest for terror conspiracies winds up like most other ones, these four guys will turn out to have been incompetent hotheads with big mouths who were stupid enough…
Wanna be a stiletto girl?
Last night at Belk Theater, I noticed two women walking gingerly down the stairs. They were late for the show, but they seemed to be in no rush. In fact, each step was taken with extreme caution. I looked down at their feet and immediately sympathized: They were wearing stilettos. Very fly stilettos, too. Maybe…
Kris Allen wins ‘Idol’
Shock and awe as “guy next door” beats the “guyliner,” Adam Lambert.
Why is he a celebrity?
Please, stop paying attention to Spencer Pratt… he’s a talentless hack. He shouldn’t have a song or any kind of fame. And have his wife removed from the public eye while you’re at it. \\\\\\\\\\
Food News: Specials, awards and breakfast
A bunch of tidbits from the local food industry.
Stonefest … as in a festival at the Stone as opposed to a stoner fest
Stonefest rocks (not smokes) out Charlotte
Upcoming: A night on the town at Morrison
Tonight the theme at A Taste for Fashion, a fashion event that continues to go down every Thursday this month at Morrison, will be “A Night on the Town” and will be hosted by 107.9’s Sheri Lynch from the Bob and Sheri show. The featured retailers will be ChezElle, Black & Blue the Denim Destination,…
Wal-Mart loses N.C. appeal
The $30 million tax bill stands.
Sale of the day: Thursday
By Design is having a Memorial Day sale now through Monday, May 25. Take advantage of up to 60 percent off, and $100 off with every $1,000 purchase. Two locations: 11501 Carolina Place Pkwy., Pineville 704-542-8803 2130 South Blvd. 704-342-4600
Hagan: court appointment isn’t political (except it is)
Congress obviously corrupts absolutely.
Today’s Top 5: Wednesday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, May 21, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Pre-Fashion Week Industry night at Apostrophe Lounge • Food Lion Speed Street Festival in Uptown Charlotte • Windstream Pole Night at Lowe’s Motor Speedway • Jolt Wagon…
Today’s Top(less) 5: Thursday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
Opening This Week
What’s hitting movie theaters this week.
WTF Wednesday: Swizz Beats, Pink, Alicia Keys and one dumb baby daddy
Hello Creative Loafers. In the words of Jay-Z: “Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Neph…” So now that we are BFFs, I need to share with you the top three things in Hollyweird that are making me scratch my head and say “WTF?” on this wonderful Wednesday afternoon: 1. Pink pulls a Katie…
Box Office Top 10
The week’s top moneymaking movies.
Pop Life tonight!
CL and The Sol Kitchen present another night of good music and good peeps
God awful … literally
The Bike King and the Ten Commandments looks sinfully bad.
Free Oscar Meyer hot dogs
We are glad to announce more free food news. Today, until 11:59p.m. EDT, you can log onto oscarmeyer.com, sign up and score a coupon for free Oscar Meyer Jumbo Beef Franks. For those of you who like instant gratification and want some free dogs for Memorial Day, you unfortunately won’t get the dogs immediately. The…
Strip club scene of shooting
Four shot at lova
Kiss guitarist to visit the Q.C. for art show
Paul Stanley, guitarist for the rock act Kiss, will display pieces of his art at Wentworth Gallery at SouthPark Mall in Charlotte on June 12 & 13.
The charitable rich? Pleez
Here’s the myth we’ve all heard: in hard times, the rich step up to the plate and fork over what’s needed to help the less fortunate.
Online shopping done right with bevello
Love is in the air this summer with Raleigh’s newest online women’s boutique bevello. Shopping online can be somewhat of a hassle at times. Will this dress look the same on me as it looks on the girl in the picture? Will it fit right? Bevello.com, which has been up and running since early April,…
Beazer: A refund doesn’t mean we’re wrong
Average refund: $1,500.
Why you should masturbate at work
Just take a break and find a quiet place and touch yourself.
Bank of America offers Museums On Us
Bank of America’s Museums On Us program will offer Charlotte cardholders free admission to select museums.
The Color Purple’s in town
If you can score a ticket to the musical, it is worth seeing. But don’t expect to feel the emotions that the movie produced.
Live review: The Color Purple
Live review of The Color Purple at Belk Theater.
Free Cold Stone Creamery ice cream!
This has potential to be a disaster similar to the Oprah grilled chicken fiasco, but I’ll pass it along anyway.
Concert announcement — Amos’ Southend
According to pollstar.com, The Cult will perform at Amos’ Southend on Sept. 7.
Investigating the Easleys
The Federal probe expands.
Fashion creeps into world of lumberjacks
These Best Made Company axes make you want to look sharp.
A ‘Dark Night’ for Danger Mouse
Danger Mouse collaborates with Sparklehorse and David Lynch for latest project.
The Stellas in Qatar
Qatar: Both shows were really cool and we got presented plaques by the base commander. It was the first day that we got to hang out, do laundry, take naps, go out to eat and stuff like that. Then we gave out a ton of CDs and signed a bunch of them. When we went…
N.C. senators try to weaken tobacco bill
Because your health is for sale.
Sale of the day: Wednesday
Furniture Solutions in Southend is having an inventory clearance sale now through May 31. Take 40 percent to 70 percent off of quality leather, home office and home entertainment furniture. 1426 S. Tryon St. 704-332-9555
Paris 36: French frolic
Check out the movie trailer for Paris 36.
Crowntown Showdown tonight
Crowntown Showdown Yep, big surprise, right? We’re promoting the Crowntown Showdown again. Until it disappears, we’re going to continue to push it, too. Here’s the catch – the crowd’s been growing each month so I’m guessing it’s only to get bigger. Where else can you see six bands for five bucks? This time around, the…
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
Consuella Williams
Consuella Williams was born and raised in Louisiana. She grew up in a fun, loving, Christian home along with her three brothers. With both parents in the ministry, she kept busy becoming very active in church, school, and community organizations. Consuella’s entertainment career started and began to blossom in New Orleans, La. From 1997-2005, she…
Blink-182 on Leno
Blink-182 made its first TV appearance since announcing their reunion last night on The Tonight Show. They’ll be on again tonight. \\\\\\\\\\
Ode to the Real Housewives of NYC
Funny and accurate as hell …
Crêpe Cellar adds new items to menu
They now have a Butter Sugar Crêpe.
Official cited for being trashy
But, it’s not his fault.
‘I work at the Red House and I’m white’
“At the Red House, where black people and white people buy furniture.” So, there’s a furniture store in High Point with the above motto. It’s called the Red House. According to an article in the Observer, the shop has garnered attention recently because of its bizarre Youtube commercial. Check it out: “We thought the idea…
New exhibition opens at the Arthouse on June 5
A new exhibition titled, Magical Realism: New Paintings by Raed Al Rawi, Alex Clark and Jerry Lee Kirk will open at the Arthouse on June 5.
Summer Events, May 19-June 2
Summer events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area May 19 – June 2 as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
Moscow, Belgium doesn’t believe in tears
Actress delivers powerhouse performance in bittersweet romance.
This week’s DVD releases
What’s new on DVD this week.
Car companies, not consumers, should pay for emission limits
Do you notice anything wrong about the following news item? News outlets report that President Obama will “propose the first-ever national emission limits for cars and trucks as well as average mileage requirements of 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016 — all costing consumers an extra $1,300 per vehicle.” If you think the problem with…
Craigslist CEO: Say you’re sorry
… and say it like you mean it.
An interview with kitchen manager Pete Tolles
One of the challenges that Pete Tolles encountered after becoming the kitchen manager for 1300 Southend Tavern was mixing traditional bar food with higher-end dining.
Smoking ban? What smoking ban?
Smoking advocate Clarence “Cloudy” Williams registered opposition to North Carolina’s new law which bans smoking in restaurants and bars by smoking four cigarettes simultaneously without even using his mouth. “Smoking is defined as something you do with your mouth – or at least I suppose it is,” said Williams, “so I want to show my…
CPCC gone wild
And, each of the six campuses receive $2K for their work.
For the last time: Is Anal Sex Dangerous?
Is anal sex
Breathing for better sex
Here’s something to try for better sex
Food news: Chef Reinhart’s pizza-making class
Hurry and reserve your spot for the June 20 class.
Councilman Dulin’s vision: lousy roads but plenty of police
Crime is down, but potholes
Etsy.com’s local sellers
Charlotte Magazine has a neat little brief about goods found on Etsy.com made by local folks — complete with photos. Read it here.
Plaza Midwood gets SOUL
Soul Gastrolounge gases up Plaza Midwood.
Another store set to close its doors soon
The latest victim of the economy? Stein Mart.
This week’s new releases (5/19/2009)
A quick rundown of some of the new albums out this week.
Design your own Niche (T-shirt)
Calling all designers!
Party of No: ‘No’ to school improvements
Shocking.
‘I work at the Red House and I’m white’
“Black people and white people” shop at this High Point furniture store, according to its bizarre Youtube commercial.
Upcoming: International Night
The theme at Foskoskies Neighborhood Cafe will be focusing on Portugal.
Sale of the day: Tuesday
Fresh Boutique has a deal going on via 360Charlotte.com: Receive $50 off your next purchase when you spend $300 or more. Expires June 30, 2009. 813 Providence Road 704-343-9071
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.
Comics for summer reading
A ton of comic books are set to hit shops this summer — but some will be more worth reading than others. Here’s what I’m looking forward to reading over the next few months: Batman and Robin (DC Comics, June): Writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quitely reunite to introduce a brand-new Batman and Robin.…
CL previews upcoming concerts (May 20-26)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 Crowntown Showdown Yep, big surprise, right? We’re promoting the Crowntown Showdown again. Until it disappears, we’re going to continue to push it, too. Here’s the catch – the crowd’s been growing each month so I’m guessing it’s only to get bigger. Where else can you see six bands for five bucks? This…
Dancing with the Bard
As it turns out, we might have predicted the strengths and weaknesses of Dwight Rhoden’s Othello when it was first announced in NC Dance Theatre’s 2008-09 season brochure. Before this season, Rhoden hadn’t bothered with story lines in his choreographies, so taking on a Shakespearean tragedy with a labyrinthine plotline would be a quantum leap…
CL’s hot weather book picks
Smart summer lit
Sadie’s Southern comfort
Soul food restaurant offers healthy choices in regional cuisine
Capsule reviews of films playing the week of May 20
EARTH This feature-length spinoff of the BBC series Planet Earth has been playing Europe since the summer of 2007, yet it was only released in the U.S. on April 22, 2009 (Earth Day). Hmm, perhaps its British creators deemed it pointless to release such a pro-environment documentary in a country then ruled by a heinous…
Do bras prevent saggy breasts?
Do bras keep breasts from sagging as you get older? I’ve heard reports that they do nothing at all. — Curious Oh, bras probably do something. It’s just that nobody can agree on what it is. I won’t pretend to have the definitive answer, but here’s what we’ve established so far: (1) The medical term…
Yoo’s views make Philly’s news
The Philadelphia Inquirer, one of that city’s two major daily newspapers, is in the news itself these days after hiring controversial former Bush administration lawyer John Yoo as a monthly columnist. Letters and e-mails critical of the Inquirer are pouring in. “How in the world could John Yoo’s legal analysis of anything be informative?” wrote…
Les Claypool keeping it simple
Bassist staying focused on his solo career these days
Summer Guide ’09
Am I the only one who thought Charlotte’s spell of cold weather would never end? Well, praise whatever universal creator you choose to — or choose not to — worship, summer and the warm temperatures it brings are right around the corner and will be in effect for the next few months. Of course, with…
Bizarre crimes from Charlotte police files
Proud Parent: A 25-year-old man called police after he witnessed someone stealing things from his car. The car was sitting on the side of I-485 due to engine problems when a man leaned into the open driver’s side window and grabbed a catalytic converter, a CD player and a yellow gold chain with a “No.…
CAST dives into wet and wild production of Metamorphoses
“I’m approaching this with an if-you-build-it mentality,” says Michael Simmons. As managing director of Carolina Actors Studio Theatre, Simmons is bringing the waterworld of Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses to the Queen City for an ambitious five-week run, starting on May 28. And he’s counting on it to make a splash. It’s not the first quixotic project…
Wine: A grill’s best friend
This time of year, states north of Florida lead the good life. Just in time for the Memorial Day holiday, Mother Nature ushers in mild weather up there while she shoves torrid 90 degrees/80 percent humidity down my throat. But it signals the official beginning of grilling season and that’s always a good thing. So…
More arts summer events
MAY OCEAN Continues through Dec. 31. This exhibition allows for guests to play, learn and experience the seashore without leaving the Piedmont. The Schiele Museum of Natural History, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd. 704-866-6900. www.schielemuseum.org. THE FAMILY JEWELS: SMALL PAINTINGS FOR HARD TIMES Continues through June 30. Solo exhibition of oil paintings on panel and acrylic…
Bright spots for newspapers
It’s no secret that American newspapers are in trouble. You can read about it in any magazine, news Web site, or, yes, newspaper. Every day, it seems, we learn that some paper is reducing its product to three editions per week, another paper is cutting its staff by nearly half, and yet another is going…
CL‘s 2009 Summer Movie Preview
Yeah, we know, we know: With X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Star Trek (among others) already in theaters, the summer movie season has already begun in earnest. But geez, it’s not like there aren’t plenty more reasons to check out our checklist of upcoming summer flicks — 50 reasons, to be exact. Three things to keep…
Horoscope for May 20-26, 2009
Gemini The Twins: (May 20-July 19) You may wonder if you came from another planet this week. Communications may be misunderstood, snarled, or lost altogether. Compensate for this problem by concentrating on speaking the truth as you know it, and listening very carefully to what the other tells you. For All Signs: There are several…
More film summer events
MAY FREEDOM FILM SERIES: COMIC DUOS May 20: Tommy Boy; May 27: Rush Hour. Free. 6 p.m. Freedom Regional Library, 1230 Alleghany St. 704-416-4200. www.plcmc.lib.nc.us. FLASHBACK FRIDAY May 22: Jumanji. 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Free. ImaginOn’s Joe & Joan Martin Center. For teens ages 12-18 only. For more information, call 704-973-2728. 300 E. 7th…
CD Review: Mark Kano’s Walking on Broadway
The Deal: Front man Mark Kano of the former Greensboro-based alt-pop rock band Athenaeum releases debut solo album. The Good: While it’s not Athenaeum, it’s not drastically different in sound. Songs on the album are a little more lovey-dovey (“Telling You I love You,” “Baby I’m Your Man”) at times, and there’s a lot less…
Gavin DeGraw plays Speed Street
With Twitter on the rise, I stumbled upon a tweet by singer/songwriter Gavin Degraw that read “My biggest fear is getting older.” But, that wasn’t really Degraw, just an imposter. “That’s not my Twitter. Apparently someone has taken my name. My biggest fear is sharks,” he says via phone from Jacksonville, Fla. Degraw goes on…
FESTIVAL: Food Lion Speed Street 600 Festival
It’s that time again. The three-day-long — May 21-23 — Food Lion Speed Street 600 Festival is gearing up to draw its usual large crowds, including an array of folks from NASCAR enthusiasts to concert-goers alike. The fest will feature a variety of displays and NASCAR-related activities, including autograph signings by drivers, including Kyle Busch,…
Angels & Demons: Fall from grace
Da Vinci sequel even more daft than its predecessor
Day-long Vans Warped Tour returns to Charlotte
Not much has changed in the 14 years since the Vans Warped Tour first rolled out back in 1995. And many of the bands that are hitting the stage these days are the same ones that have been on the tour for years. There is one big difference this year, though. Instead of having two…
MUSIC: Roman Candle and The Deep Vibration at The Evening Muse
Indie rock night? No, but it kind of seems that way. With the roots/Americana-rock act The Deep Vibration and Chapel Hill’s own Roman Candle on the bill, you’d better believe it’s gonna be a good show (which by the way is presented by Paste Magazine, WOXY & IMEEM). $6 in advance. 8 p.m. The Evening…
Locals hit Speed Street
When it comes to the Food Lion Speed Street event that’s held in the heart of Uptown each year, most people will pay attention to the headliners on the music stages and little else. Hopefully, some will give the locals a chance this time around because there are plenty of them. Among those playing on…
Crüe Fest is back with new lineup
Last year, the inaugural Crüe Fest hit Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre for a long day of rock capped off by tour creators Mötley Crüe. Well, the band is ready to do it all over again with a different lineup of supporting acts and a new plan for its own set, as well. This year, Crüe Fest…
FESTIVAL: The Patriot Festival at Symphony Park
No, we’re not talking about the New England Patriots either. How often does Memorial Day go by without you so much as thinking about its meaning? Make this year different and check out The Patriot Festival. This all-day fest will honor military heroes who serve our country and simultaneously provide you with all you need…
CMPD: Can’t trust ’em?
Why some citizens are reluctant to work with the police
More live music for the summer
SATURDAY, MAY 30 Femmefest: More than 30 artists, poets and musicians – local and regional – will perform beginning at 5:30 p.m. in a celebration of women in the arts. (NoDa – The Evening Muse, Neighborhood Theatre, Prevue, Smelly Cat Coffeehouse, Dolce Vita, Wine-Up) SAturday, June 6 No Doubt: The band doesn’t have a new…
SPORTS: Coca-Cola 600
Fans of NASCAR can go crazy because it’s time to start up those engines for the Coca-Cola 600. If NASCAR isn’t your thing, just know that this race is big. In its 50th year, drivers in the race go 600 miles round and round to the finish line. Maybe an equivalent comparison could be music…
Affirmative action for killers, just what we need
Henry Louis Wallace, Charlotte’s most prolific serial killer, confessed, in detail, to nine murders. The killings gripped the African-American community in the 1990s, as all nine women, like Wallace, were black. There’s no gray area here, no confusion over Wallace’s guilt, no case of mistaken identity. Wallace also claims to have committed several other murders…
More music summer events
May TREMONT MUSIC HALL May 20: Jukebox The Ghost with Jenny Owen Youngs and Parachute; May 21: Get On The Stage No. 6, featuring Beware! The Stereotype with RazorKat and AvionSansPilot and more; May 22: Street Value XII Dance Party; May 23: Gorilla Productions Battle of the Bands; May 24: Gorilla Productions presents Through the…
FILM: Evil Dead 3: Army of Darkness
Gore and humor made the Evil Dead film series a hit. If you’ve ever seen one of the movies, you know what I am talking about. Unreal amounts of blood don’t just drip from injured victims — it gushes out like water from a hose pipe (cranked up on high, might I add). It’s all…
CD Review: The Man of Somebody’s Dreams: A Tribute to the Songs of Chris Gaffney
The Deal: Chris Gaffney had one of the most distinctive voices in music. With his own band The Cold Hard Facts, touring with Dave Alvin or as The Hacienda Brothers with Dave Gonzales, Gaffney’s sound combined the best of country and soul. This record was meant to help Chris Gaffney’s family with bills from his…
Asheville is a breath of fresh mountain air
Looking for an escape from the stifling Charlotte weather, thick with humidity and South Park pretension? You don’t have to be a bongo-beating, hula-hooping, freak-flag-flying frolfer to enjoy all that Asheville has to offer (but I won’t lie, it helps). The perfect distance for day tripping or a long weekend, there’s so much going on…
MUSIC: J. Wail at Double Door Inn
Jonah Gabriel Lipsky, alter ego J. Wail, crafts trancey dance music where Kraftwerk meets contemporary electronica. Wail is a digital wizard no doubt, but the technology doesn’t overwhelm while loop pedals and live electronics add funk to the spacey vibes. There are plenty of beats, but don’t think of J Wail as a DJ as…
Paris 36: French frolic
New import worth sightseeing
A new device advances the art of self-gratification
This summer don’t be surprised if there’s a sudden drop in the number of men seen out on the town — now that there’s a magical new device that combines the art of self-loving and video games. Charlotte-based AEBN, the world’s largest adult video-on-demand technology company, will soon unveil Real Touch, a “remote tactile stimulator”…
THEATER: Shear Madness at Stage Door Theater
Having seen a past performance of the funny and suspenseful production Shear Madness, I can tell you firsthand to go see it. The show — which features some very interesting and just plain-out goofy characters — revolves around a mysterious murder occurring in an apartment above the Shear Madness Salon. And best of all, it’s…
Wanda Sykes got it right and Christopher Hitchens got it wrong
Christopher Hitchens, the notoriously hard-drinking, chain-smoking British Vanity Fair contributor, is under fire. This comes as no surprise to anyone who has followed his career, marked by altercations (physical and verbal, domestic and international), controversial books (God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything), and run-ins with academics, celebrities and the like. Is it any…
More summer fun
May CHARLOTTE MOUNTAIN BIKE SERIES May 20-Sept. 2: Races open to all bikers regardless of experience with 12 categories. $17. Location varys each week. 704-503-0138. www.charlottemtnbike.com. WINDSTREAM POLE NIGHT May 21: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers give their all during qualifying and try to claim first position for the Coca-Cola 600. $12-$20. Lowe’s Motor Speedway,…
