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Thursday, September 18, 2014
Arts Cheap list: Spiked Punch, Tawba Fest, Oktoberfest Bar Olympics, International Fest, more
Posted By Anita Overcash on Thu, Sep 18, 2014 at 12:31 PM
Going out in Charlotte doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, to prove that statement, we've compiled a list of cheap - $10 or less - things to do in the Q.C. this weekend. These events may vary, but they're all entertaining and they won't break your bank (piggy banks excluded).
Science on the Rocks: Fan Fest at Discovery Place: This adults-only night at the museum features fan favorites from the Charlotte 49ers, Charlotte Knights, Charlotte Checkers, Charlotte Hounds and other Carolina sports teams; a ropes course, Wii sports games on a big screen, corn hole and more. The Community Café will be open, serving beer, wine and a special menu. $8-$10. Sept. 19, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. 301 N. Tryon St. 704-372-6261. www.discoveryplace.org.
Spiked Punch at Dupp&Swat: This artsy alternative event, presented by Rhymes X Designs, features an art showcase by Georgie and Dammit Wesley, music by DJ Daz, and food by FoodByFrancois. Free with RSVP. Sept. 19, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Dupp&Swat, 2424 N. Davidson St., Suite 112B. www.spikedpunch.splashthat.com.
Oktoberfest Bar Olympics at Strike City: These bar olympics come with a Bavarian twist — hence some game name changes to fit the Oktoberfest theme. There will be “Das Flip Cup,” a “Stein Race,” “Bobbing for Apfel,” and more. Teams of four compete in the games for prizes. Registration starts at 9 p.m. and the games begin at 10 p.m. Free admission. Sept. 19, 9 p.m. Strike City, 210 E. Trade St. 704-716-9300. www.strikecitycharlotte.com.
Festival in the Park at Freedom Park:This annual fest favorite has been around for more than 50 years. It’s a merry event with artists, live entertainment on multiple stages, crafts, food and more. Free admission. Sept. 19, 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sept. 20, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sept. 21, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Freedom Park, 1900 East Blvd. www.festivalinthepark.org.
Tawba Fest at Riverwalk: Presented by Creative Loafing (gotta love shameless self-promotion) and Riverwalk, this new event offers a combination of playing and partying. During the day, there will plenty of fitness-related activities — yoga, kayaking, cycling demos and more — but you can also check out the arts and crafts vendors, a craft beer garden, food trucks and more. Wind down by relaxing and listening to music in the evening, alongside the Catawba River. Held at Riverwalk, Dunkins Ferry Road, Rock Hill. Free admission. Sept. 20, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. www.tawbafest.com.
International Festival at UNC-Charlotte: Apart from graduation day, UNC Charlotte's International Festival is arguably the university's most celebrated event. Now in its 39th year, the festival packs a smorgasbord of cultural attractions into a day filled with food and drink, song and dance, and even an international game zone where festival goers can get schooled on games played round the world. Free admission. Sept. 20, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. UNC-Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd. http://ifest.uncc.edu/.
Arts / Today's Top Five Today's Top 5: Thursday
Posted By Anita Overcash on Thu, Sep 18, 2014 at 9:00 AM
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Sept. 18, 2014 as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
• Back Alley Film Series, screening Frank at Crownpoint Stadium 12
• Neiman Marcus Charlotte: Art of Fashion at SouthPark Mall
• Fuddy Meers at Warehouse Performing Arts Center
• Queen City Charoo at Tremont Music Hall
• Mary Lynn Rajskub at The Comedy Zone
First Drip First Drip (9/18/14): Greg Hardy to sit out of games and practices, Australia thwarts ISIL plans, more
Posted By Ana McKenzie on Thu, Sep 18, 2014 at 8:04 AM
Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy will sit out of games and practices pending the outcome of an investigation into domestic violence allegations. But don't worry; he'll be paid close to $7 million over the next two months to avoid the team.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department says it's pulling back the curtain. "Community activists have been promised a full look at how CMPD operates, officer training, rules governing the use of force and other issues. Lord does not expect they will always like what they hear."
Scots are heading to 5,579 polling stations around their country to determine whether they should declare their independence from the U.K. Since about 97 percent of the electorate is registered to vote (!!) and this is arguably one of the most important decision the country has made, democratically speaking, it's expected to be a busy day.
Australian police say they have thwarted an ISIL terrorist plot in which members of the group were planning to walk around the streets of Sydney beheading at random. Fourteen have been arrested in connection to the case.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Arts Art openings this week
Posted By Anita Overcash on Wed, Sep 17, 2014 at 12:25 PM
Check out these new exhibits, opening this week in Charlotte and the surrounding area.
Paper Sounds at Center for the Arts: The exhibit features works by artist, Christie Blizard. For this collection she explored the visual interpretations of sound, created from paper by using recordings and sound waves to form multiple patterns. She also used computer programs with sound waves in order to convert the sounds into patterns. Free admission. Reception on Oct. 16, 6 p.m. Sept. 19-Nov. 2. 121 E. Main St., Rock Hill. 803-328-2787. www.yorkcountyarts.org.
Arctic Utopia at McColl Center for Art + Innovation: McColl Center celebrates its 15 year anniversary with an exhibit of mixed-media sculptures, videos and installations by Marek Ranis. In Arctic Utopia, Ranis tracks how climate change is influencing the world and its social and political consequences for humanity. Specifically, he spotlights indigenous cultures and their geographic displacement. Free admission. Reception on Sept. 19, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 19-Nov. 22. 721 N Tryon St. 704-332-5535. www.mccollcenter.org.
Pop-Up Gallery: Lyle Owerko at Mint Museum Uptown: Lyle Owerko, a photojournalist and commercial photographer based in New York City, has created an entire exhibit is themed around ‘70s and ‘80s boom boxes. The exhibit happens in Mint Museum Uptown’s new space, which will be used for other exhibits in the future. Sept. 19-Oct. 19. 500 S. Tryon St. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org.
Arts / Today's Top Five Today's Top 5: Wednesday
Posted By Anita Overcash on Wed, Sep 17, 2014 at 9:46 AM
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Sept. 17, 2014 as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
• Of Days Gone By at Lark & Key Gallery & Boutique
• Sunset Yoga Fundraiser at Rooftop 210
• Ghost Trees at Snug Harbor
• Trivia & Karaoke at Tin Roof
First Drip First Drip (9/17/14): Pittenger thinks companies should be allowed to fire gay employees, more
Posted By Ana McKenzie on Wed, Sep 17, 2014 at 7:58 AM
Congressman Robert Pittenger thinks companies should have the right to fire gay people. Calling it a "freedom we enjoy as Americans," Pittenger told a reporter after a town hall meeting in Ballantyne that private employers should be allowed to, essentially, discriminate against employees based on their sexual orientation. Pittenger even stood by his comments, mentioning that good ol' "free market," in a statement to the Observer.
Adrian Peterson has been deactivated from the Vikings pending an investigation into alleged child abuse he committed against his son. Peterson was indicted last Thursday for spanking his kid with a tree branch. In other sports-related news, a grand jury will decide if NASCAR driver Tony Stewart should face criminal charges after he hit and killed a driver.
Scotland is just hours away from deciding whether to declare its independence from the U.K., and advocates on both sides are campaigning hard. Also, poor King Richard.
Another American has been charged with trying to aid the Islamic State. 33-year-old Yemen-born Mufid A. Elfgeeh was also charged with attempted murder of former and current U.S. military personnel.
It took away the dinosaurs but gave us ancient forests.
This blog has been corrected. Congressman Pittenger made his comments to a reporter following a town hall in Ballantyne, not during it.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
News Charlotte second least-educated metro in N.C.
Posted By Ana McKenzie on Tue, Sep 16, 2014 at 1:58 PM
Much as it pains our Queen City-bleeding hearts to say this, if the world relied on lists to determine the best cities in North Carolina, Charlotte wouldn't even be a contender.
Raleigh, Asheville and Durham beat us again, this time in a ranking of the most-educated metropolitans in the U.S. Using nine metrics, including the level of education of workers in a city and the kinds and qualities of universities in the near vicinity, WalletHub deemed Raleigh and Durham the second- and third-most educated cities of 150. Asheville wasn't far behind.
Sitting proudly at No. 73? Charlotte.
The site lists two reports as inspiration: the Economic Policy Institute's on the effects of education on state finances and a recent one from the Treasury and Education departments that links accessible high-quality education to expanding job opportunities. Charlotte ranked high in cities with the lowest average quality of top universities.
The good news? We're smarter than Hickory!
Arts / Today's Top Five Today's Top 5: Tuesday
Posted By Anita Overcash on Tue, Sep 16, 2014 at 9:00 AM
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Sept. 16, 2014 as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
• Kings of Leon, Young the Giant, and Kongos at PNC Music Pavilion
• Ignite Charlotte 7 at Chop Shop
• WFAE's Public Conversations: "The State of Public Education" at UNC-Charlotte Center City
• Bingo at Philosopher's Stone
• Broken Mic Night at Petra's Piano Bar & Cabaret
First Drip First Drip (9/16/14): Tech company to build HQ at N.C. Music Factory, Duke University exonerates fracking, more
Posted By Ana McKenzie on Tue, Sep 16, 2014 at 8:06 AM
Giving more hope that Charlotte could, in fact, become a tech hub, AvidXchange, a technology company, will build its headquarters at the N.C. Music Factory and employ 600. The business, which processes bill payments and invoicing for mid-size companies, is "busting at the seams" at its current location, in Metropolitan, where it employs 200.
The body of an Appalachian State freshman who disappeared a few weeks ago was found in the woods not far from the university. Investigators are waiting for the results of an autopsy to determine the cause of Anna Smith's death.
Scientists at Duke University have determined faulty wells, not fracking, contaminated drinking water in Texas and Pennsylvania. “We’re saying to the industry, the good news is we don’t think it’s actually from the hydraulic fracturing itself,” said Avner Vengosh, Duke professor of geochemistry and water quality.
President Obama will deploy 3,000 troops to Liberia to help battle Ebola. The plan includes 17 new treatment centers, training for thousands of healthcare workers and the construction of a military control center.
Going bald in your 40s not only affects your appearance - it also ups your risk for prostate cancer.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Arts / Today's Top Five Today's Top 5: Monday
Posted By Anita Overcash on Mon, Sep 15, 2014 at 9:47 AM
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Sept. 15, 2014 as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
• Objects in Perspective: Collaboration by Aspen Hochhalter and Natalie Abrams at CPCC Galleries
• Find Your Muse Open Mic featuring Orion Freeman at Evening Muse
• Gay Men's Chorus of Charlotte Open Rehearsal at St. Mark's Episcopal Church
• Charlotte 49ers Men's Soccer vs. Wofford at UNC-Charlotte
• Knocturnal at Snug Harbor
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Question the Queen City: The story of Nellie Freeman, aka 'Razor Girl' 2
She decapitated her husband, was declared innocent, and never hurt another soul.
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Marilyn Chambers found dead
Porn star Marilyn Chambers found dead at age 56.
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Bank errors continue to cause wrongful foreclosures
Charlotte's Bank of America is all mixed up in this mess.
