Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
Neighborhood Theatre
The Durham-based string trio - comprised of Dom Flemons, Rhiannon Giddens and Justin Robinson - known as Carolina Chocolate Drops released its major-label (Nonesuch Records) debut, titled Genuine Negro Jig, in February 2010. Following the disc, the group climbed the charts for its bluegrass excellence and has been touring consistently since - they'll visit Charlotte to perform at Neighborhood Theatre tonight. Using instruments like the banjo, fiddle and percussion, those attending the show can expect to be treated to home-grown favorites from the band, including "Cornbread & Butterbeans."
Special Event Though black bears seem less aggressive than other bears, most of us would rather see them in the zoo than happen to stumble upon them in nature. And some of us would rather not encounter one at all. But rest assured, there are no real bears at the new Black Bear Saloon in the North Carolina Music Factory just a theme of decorations honoring the creatures. Today the saloon will celebrate its grand opening with live music by The Swingin Richards and DJ Kommotion, as well as food and drink specials. more...
Art Fast food gets the royal treatment in McColl Center for Visual Arts Fried, a solo exhibition by Franco Mondini-Ruiz, which opens tonight with a reception. Though it may make folks hungry, the majority of food comprised in the exhibit is artificial and besides, theres no touching. In the exhibition, Mondini-Ruiz uses food to represent community, nourishment and pleasure. Through a mix of media, from paintings to installations, his displays leave viewers in question of their own cultures. Elegant porcelain objects are placed with the greasy-looking foods we hate to love, in order for a tasty concoction of thoughts to abound. more...
Reel Works Studios
Seekers of original art look no further, as the Charlotte Arts Catalyst is set to hold a silent auction, dubbed First Days. The event will feature more than 40 artists including works by Anne-Blythe Moore, Ben Gelnett, Jessica Sea and Steve Chellis which amounts to a lot of diversity. In addition, live jazz will be performed by Brent Bagwell, Michael Houseman and Troy Conn and experimental films by Ross Wilbanks will be screened. Money raised from the auction will go to help Charlotte Arts Catalyst establish its own center dedicated to creative arts and music.
Special Event Want to learn how to put some bump in your grind? Well, its a must during Big Mammas School of Burlesque, the first introductory burlesque class taught by Charlottes own, Big Mamma D. The class teaches the history of burlesque in America and a whole lot more. No dancing experience or dance skills required. more...
Festival Plan on going green during Charlotte Clean and Green at Central Piedmont Community College today. The event will include more than 30 exhibitors and vendors, green seminars, local organic food and music organized by John Tosco. In addition, it gives folks the opportunity to learn how helping to save natural resources can save money, create economic opportunity and provide for healthier living. more...
Actors Theatre of Charlotte
A rip roaring rapture is swiftly approaching Actor's Theatre of Charlotte, and you'd better bet Deborah Zoe Laufer's play End Days has a lot to do with it. Under direction from Chip Decker, this twisted drama zooms in on one very (very, very, very!) warped family, a predicted apocalypse and Stephen Hawking.
Food Wild East Pan-Asian Bistro has a wide-ranging menu of tasty Thai, Japanese, Cantonese and Szechuan cuisines. Prices are good too. more...
Benefit Watching rubber ducks being dropped into the waterway at the U.S. National Whitewater Center might not sound like your idea of quality entertainment. Add in the chance to win prizes (including a $5,000 cash grand prize) and most of us will be ready to participate (and maybe even quack!). At the 6th Annual Hope Floats Duck Race, folks can adopt rubber duckies for $5 each to be thrown in the water for a race that supports the KinderMourn mission. more...