Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.

Friday, Sept. 23
Charlotte NC Fashion Week and Charlotte Seen Fashion Week
Locations vary
Those with a love for threads (and even those in dire need of an all-out style revamping) can show some affection for fashion during the showcase events slated for Charlotte NC Fashion Week and Charlotte Seen Fashion Week. In its fourth year the Charlotte NC Fashion Week presents its Emerging Designer Show, which will showcase an assortment of clothing and accessories by budding designers, boutiques and stylists right here in the Q.C. Charlotte Seen Fashion Week also continues with its environmental Re-Model Show presenting pieces created out of recycled materials. Who knew a dress constructed out of soda cans could have such pizzazz?

• Art Germaphobes might find McColl Center for Visual Art's latest exhibit a little terrifying. Elements - opening with a reception this evening - features soft sculpture fabric forms by Carrie M. Becker. Becker, a St. Louis-based artist who is currently residing in Charlotte as one of McColl's fall artists-in-residence, wants viewers to get in touch with the invisible particles all around us. This means the pieces bear a striking resemblance to germs, microbes, dust and spores. More...

• Nightlife Ladies in need of relaxation and pampering head to Tilt for Friday's WINOS (Women In Need Of Spoiling). Free appetizers and wine tastings are available and drink specials include $5 martinis and $3 shots, bellinis and mimosas. Representatives from shops like FiFi's, Varji and Vargi Salon & Spa, Revolution and Avon will also be in the house with goodies to giveaway - so you may even leave with more than just a hangover. More...

Saturday, Sept. 24
Anjelah Johnson
The Comedy Zone Charlotte
Comedian Anjelah Johnson looks nothing like a ghetto fast-food worker with a foul mouth and zero tolerance for burgers without lettuce and tomatoes. But Johnson, who is best known in the comedy world for her hood Bon Qui Qui character, transforms so well because she's lovin' it. Before getting her big break with MADtv in 2007, Johnson was a cheerleader for the Oakland Raiders. Now that's more believable. She can also do a helluva impression of a pushy Vietnamese nail stylist.

• Festival When it comes right down to it, Charlotte has a pretty diverse international community. Don't believe me? Then take a walk through University of North Carolina at Charlotte's International Fest, where you'll find folks from far-off places representing a whopping 50 different nations. Though actual globetrotting is the best way to experience cultural enlightenment, exposure to an ethnic environment in your own backyard is just as good. During I-fest, visitors can stop by informative displays with food and arts and crafts (in other words, bring some cash). Also, catch live entertainment throughout the day, as well as The Parade of Nations, where folks sporting traditional costumes trot around the arena. More...

Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.

Friday, Sept. 16
Lovestruck ¡Pancho!
Mint Museum Uptown
The red carpet will be rolled out for the premiere of Lovestruck ¡Pancho!, a local production that was (take a deep breath) written, directed, produced, shot and edited by Duncan St. Clair. Boasting a cast whose members have roots in numerous countries (Chile, China and Peru among them), Lovestruck ¡Pancho!, described by St. Clair as “being as much a community movement as an independent film,” showcases various recognizable locations throughout its running time, including Freedom Park, Loft 1523 and Dressler’s Restaurant.

• Festival The crooning sounds of saxophones resonate through Uptown Charlotte as during the two-day Sunset Jazz Festival. It kicks off with a performance by composer/guitarist Earl Klugh at Knight Theater. The longtime smooth jazz picker hasn’t released new material since 2008’s The Spice of Life, but judging from his history in the music biz (he’s earned a number Grammy awards and nominations), he’s got plenty of material to keep a concert going for hours. Day two of the fest is held outdoors with local and regional jazz artists Reggie Sullivan, Innertwyned, Buff Dillard, The Brubakers and more. More...

• Special Event New Belgium Brewing has crafted up a way for folks to drink for a good cause. The result is Clips of Faith, an event screening short (10 minutes or less) films and selling specialty beers by the brewery to raise money for charities and organizations across the United States. The tours stop at Independence Park in Charlotte is a fundraiser for the U.S. National Whitewater Center. More...

Saturday, Sept. 17
The Carolina Wing Festival: Road to Buffalo 2011 Tour
Metrolina Tradeshow Expo
Whether you like your wings fiery hot or mild, crispy or original, slathered in barbecue and honey mustard or simply sprinkled in pepper and dunked into ranch dressing, one thing’s for sure: You’re going to get a little messy. Needless to say, The Carolina Wing Festival: Road To Buffalo 2011 Tour will be stocked with napkins as participating local area restaurants serve up their own flavorful spins on wings in a battle for a chance at competing in The National Buffalo Wing Festival. Live entertainment and contests (Carolina wing eating, bobbing for wings, hot wing eating) will go on throughout the day. Watch out for stains.

Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.

Friday, Sept. 9
Yiasou Greek Festival
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
You don’t need an oracle to convince you of Yiasou Greek Festival’s allure. The long-time event celebrating Greek culture is a big deal in Charlotte, and for good reason: food (gyros, spanakopita, baklava, galaktobouriko, loukoumades and more), entertainment (music and dance), cultural displays and exhibits, lectures, an open-air market, tours of the cathedral and men in full Greco-styled warrior gear. There’s a reason folks end up coming out for more than one day, and it’s not just because they didn’t buy enough sweets — though that may be part of it. Did I mention they even have a baklava ice cream sundae?

• Festival Given it’s not ideal, but even vegetarians can find some satisfaction at Time Warner Cable’s BBQ & Blues. Of course, they must have a high tolerance for the smells of sizzling heaps of pork being grilled — more than 100 teams will be competing for cash and other prizes — continuously during the course of the two-day event. Other festivities to be enjoyed by plant eaters and carnivores alike include cornhole tournies, piglet races, a Charlotte Roller Girls dunking booth, a Queen City Car Wars Preview and music (Jimmie Vaughan, Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, Buddy Guy and more). More...

• Film The Light Factory’s series First Run Films is screening The Myth of the American Sleepover for three nights at Hodges Taylor Art Consultancy this week. The 2010 film — written/directed by David Robert Mitchell — comes to Charlotte after a winning streak at SXSW Film Festival, Deauville American Film Festival, Munich International Film Festival, New Orleans Film Festival and other prestigious cinema circuits. It captures the bubbly adventures of teenagers trying to cram in as much satisfaction as possible, before the school year starts. More...

Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.

Friday, Sept. 2
Paul Robeson
Duke Energy Theatre
Actor, musician, athlete, scholar, lawyer and political/civil rights activist Paul Robeson made one heck of an impact on civil rights for African-Americans. He circled the globe, speaking out to expose the injustices of the world. When he finally returned to the U.S., his critics silenced him by calling him a Communist, blacklisting him and confiscating his passport. On Q Productions honors his legacy with its latest stage production — at Duke Energy Theatre through Sept. 10 — simply titled after the man himself, Paul Robeson.

• Arts With the 100th anniversary of Romare Bearden’s birth (Sept. 2, 1911) in Mecklenburg County approaching, many galleries around town are featuring some or many of his works. Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture falls into the latter category with its Romare Bearden Centennial Celebration. It showcases not one, but three exhibits dedicated to the artist, most famous for oils and collage. More...

• Dance Music is crucial to ballets, sometimes making or breaking them. Central Piedmont Community College’s Dance Theatre must know this, which is why it’s chosen to fine tune its production, titled Love’s Labor. Four dances, including “Les Sylphides” with choreography by Mikhail Fokin and music by Frédéric Chopin, “The Giver of Masks” with choreography by Katharyn Horne and music by Bill Hanna Jazz Quintet and two shorter solos from Clay Daniel’s “Suite Waits,” accompanied by the sounds of Tom Waits, will make up the romance-themed program. More...

Saturday, Sept. 3
Festival Of India
Knight Theater
Curry and other spices will fill the air in Uptown Charlotte as the Festival of India returns. The two-day event celebrates Indian culture with special informative displays, food, yoga demonstrations, dance, music, costumes, vendors and more. For performances inside Knight Theater arrive early, as seats usually fill up quick.

• Film Charlotte Film Society’s Saturday Night Cine Club addresses the dangers of religious fundamentalists and terrorism tonight during its screening of Hadewijch. The plot of the 2009 French film directed by Bruno Dumont revolves around a devout Christian girl who is kicked out of a monastery because of her dangerous extremities in the name of faith. Soon after her departure, she meets a radical Muslim and falls into his plot to attack a Paris metro station. The film picked up the International Film Critics award at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival. More...

Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.

Friday, Aug. 19
Neighborhood/Already, Not Yet
Gallery Up
Rock Hill artist Dominique Verechia has been busy. Her latest exhibit at Gallery Up includes two collections of work that she's completed over the past two years. Neighborhood was inspired by place and community, while Already, Not Yet is described as an "internal journey about endurance, refinement, and potential." Verechia uses mixed media and polymer lift to create colorful, refreshing patterns on her works.

• Music There's something about listening to good American music on sizzling summer nights, knocked back with a steady supply of chilled brews. It warms the spirit. Raleigh's Kennebec is a country-rock combo playing such full-bodied, tightly composed Americana. Their colorful tales would comfortably occupy any roots-leaning watering hole. More...

• Film The summer Movies Under The Stars series at Symphony Park continues this evening with games, activities and live music at 7 p.m. Of course, the main event, a screening of Despicable Me, will follow. More...

Saturday, Aug. 20
Charlotte Ice Cream Festival
Independence Park
While it’s still nice and toasty outside, why not dedicate a day to cooling down with sweet frozen delights? At the Charlotte Ice Cream Festival, folks can indulge in more than 20 different flavors of ice cream by brands such as Haagen-Dazs, Ben & Jerry’s, Edy’s, Breyer’s/Good Humor, Bassett’s, Turkey Hill and Jack & Jill. And to go with the ice cream, cookies, cakes, brownies, pies and toppings will be provided. A portion of the proceeds raised from the fest goes to Liver Cancer and Back To School Supplies.

• Nightlife In the mood for bondage and S&M? Single Cell Productions returns with Purgatory: Second Circle, Sins of Lust. The party features fetish performers Djinn the NyteChyld, Vivica Hallow, J. Vulgarity, Yokai & Oni and Beautiful Sin, as well as an interactive playground (on the second floor for VIP ticketholders) with Pet, Mystrys Amy, Sheppard and the one and only Dr. Spankenstein. Whips, candle wax and a whole lot more is offered up to those with a prescription for pain. And for those who just want to spin a glowstick and move, the dance floor will be open with DJs Spider, Harkonnen and Architech spinning up a mix of electronic/dark wave/industrial music throughout the night. More...

• Arts The Q.C.'s newest art gallery, Genome is hosting an exhibit on ... chickens. More than 15 artists submitted works for the showcase after being given one word on which to base a single piece. Not sure why the feathered fowls were chosen, but the results are pretty damn impressive. During the reception, gourmet cupcakes will be provided by FuManChu Cupcakes and a snack dish from Valhalla Pub & Eatery. More...

Sunday, Aug. 21
Sai Musiq Jazz Series
Petra's Piano Bar & Cabaret
Sundays in Charlotte now offer one more reason for local jazz fans to get happy — that’s when the Q.C.-based promoter/musician known as Sai serves up her Sai Musiq Jazz Series. This weekly live music event presents hometown and national acts playing straight-up and cutting edge jazz sounds in an intimate environment. Moreover, Sai has been responsible for bringing some big-name jazz acts to town in the last year — such as Branford Marsalis and The Robert Glasper Experiment — and that means you never know who could pop in the joint at any given moment.

• Music Hard to believe that My Morning Jacket has never made its way onto a Charlotte stage, but longtime fans are well aware of it and have been clamoring for a show for years. That time has finally come. One can expect a good variety of music from the Jim James-fronted rock band, and a good taste of its sixth studio album, Circuital. With Neko Case at Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheatre. More...

• Theater Head off to see the wizard today, as Hopewell High School presents performances of The Wiz. The production follows the adventures of Dorothy — a shy Harlem teacher, not a farm gal — who finds herself magically transported to the Land of Oz, which oddly enough resembles New York City. More...

Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.

Friday, Aug. 12
Gonzo: A Brutal Chrysalis
The Mill
Citizens of the Universe wants to honor author/journalist Hunter S. Thompson in its latest production of Paul Addis’ original Gonzo: A Brutal Chrysalis. Directed by Chris O’Neil and starring COTU’s James Cartee, the one-man show tells Thompson’s life story between the years 1968 and 1970 — after his years on the road with a motorcycle gang and the release of his Hell’s Angels. Taking on controversial projects related to Richard Nixon, the DNC and the Kentucky Derby, Thompson pens another read — Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas — based on his experiences using drugs and tripping his way through the Sin City.

• Music The main goals of the locally organized Recess Fest is to shed light on bands and musicians in the area, but also to give folks with a busy schedule a play time. Over the course of three days 30 local and touring bands will perform across nine venues, spaces and houses in the Q.C. Tonight kicks off with The Light Factory’s Short Film Showcase at 8 p.m., followed by music at 9:15 p.m. more...

• Comedy Stand-up comedian Paul Hooper — performing at The Comedy Zone Charlotte tonight — is known for thought provoking, politically incorrect comedy that slams society, and himself in the process. more...

Saturday, Aug. 13
Queen City Comedy Throwdown
The Chop Shop
This newbie venue becomes a shelter for laughter today as the Queen City Comedy Throwdown — a benefit event for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation — is set to go down. Improv, sketch and stand-up will be provided by Charlotte-area comedy groups and comedians, including Charlotte Comedy Theater, Gorilla Preschool, Noah Lemmons, Kayter Malik, Eric McCrickard, Chris O, Over The Counter Improv, Robot Johnson, Shawn Sluder, Will Spann and Brian Zarbock.

• Film The Main Library’s summer series Shakespeare At The Movies continues this week with a screening of the 1971’s Macbeth. The film — full of bloody, action-packed and supernatural surprises — was directed by Roman Polanski and stars Jon Finch as Macbeth and Francesca Annis as Lady Macbeth. more...

• Nightlife Ouzo Productions’ Global Fever nightlife events put us in the mood of the many atmospheres we wish we could actually be in. This Saturday’s edition represents Athens, Greece. DJ’s Kosta X and DIM will spin worldly vibes from the Mediterranean and beyond. more...

Sunday, Aug. 14
Exhibit “A” Craft Fair
Greenhorn Studios
The recently opened Greenhorn Studios is a place where local talents gather for the purposes of teaching music and art to folks of all ages. The product of those creative forces will undoubtedly be unveiled during the studios’ debut craft fair, titled Exhibit “A.” It’s set to display the works of local Charlotte area artists who specialize in painting, ceramics, jewelry and knitting, among other forms of mediums.

• Music The Pennsylvania crew, Farewell Flight's piano-caressed melodic pop is quite radio-friendly. That's not to say it isn't carefully crafted and finely pressed, because it is, and the songs pack a loving punch, saunter about for a spell and comfortably linger. They're a work in progress worth tracking. more...

• Food Kabobs and gyros can be found at Greco Fresh Grille. But, it also offers delicious spanakopitas, hand-cut fries with lemon and oregano, and a glorious galaktoboureko (custard dessert both sweet and soothing). more...

Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.

Friday, August 5
Alegria
Time Warner Cable Arena
Cirque du Soleil isn’t world-renowned for nothing. The Quebec-based organization produces mesmerizing shows around the world and luckily is stopping in Charlotte (following performances of Totem back in March) for Alegria. The show features 55 performers and musicians from 15 different countries in thrilling and artsy displays of acrobatics, motion, music, costumes and more. Folks can expect to witness trapeze, Russian and aerial high bars, contortion, fire/knife dancing and other astounding tasks. The title of the show - Spanish for elation, joy and jubilation - was named with good reasoning, as the “don’t try this at home” prospect is certainly present in these acts.

• Theater Playwright Martin Casella is using humor as a way to address one of the ways men and society commonly define masculinity, which is (drumroll, please) ... based on penis size. The Irish Curse is a play about a group of Irish-American guys who meet in the basement of a church for a self-help group for men with wee dicks. Described by The New York Post as “The Vagina Monologues for guys,” you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything else this provocative and funny. This performance is erected by the fabulous Queen City Theatre Company. more...

• Visual Art Culture Initiative's Carlleena Person contrives contemporary art out of bold lines and vibrant colors. Her current exhibit, on view through September at Escape Hair and Skin Studio, will be celebrated with a reception this evening, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Music, refreshments and live painting are in the mix, and it's free to attend. more....

Saturday, August 6
Evil Clown Bar Crawl
Starts at Amelie’s French Bakery
Clowns are scary enough when they’re being friendly, let alone sinister and in drinking mobs — like that which will undoubtedly make up the Evil Clown Bar Crawl. Martin Barry (Charlotte Roller Girls’ frightening clown) is the mastermind behind the second annual event, which really isn’t evil at all. It aims to collect school supplies to benefit A Child’s Place at each stop (Amelie’s French Bakery, Common Market, The Diamond, Twenty Two, Breakfast Club, Re:Public, Chop Shop, Mattie’s Diner) on the crawl. Participants who are nice enough to donate can have their face painted in a way grueling enough for all the clownin’ around to follow.

• Visual Art Local artist Jared Yerg wants his exhibit at Jack Beagle's pub and eatery to rock. Keeping that in mind, his series of paintings showcase local NoDa area musicians like Evelynn Rose, The Pistoleros, Dirtbag Love Affair, Zoe Vette and the Revolvers, and others doing what they do best: jammin' out. And, best of all, you won't leave with a ringing in your ears. more...

• Music Idealism abounds as activist rocker, spoken word artist Jared Paul leads Prayers For Atheists on the road with chorus-laden melodic punk rock. Tipping their hats to the feistiness of the Clash, the combo takes on myriad callings with in-your-face lyrics, tried and true guitars, and a bopping rhythm section. Also on the bill to play Milestone are I.E.D., The Thought Criminals and Death is a Dialogue. more...

Sunday, August 7
King Lear
McGlohon Theatre
Nobody does tragedies quite like Mista William Shakespeare. After all, if they did, we wouldn’t be clinging to his plays, which have survived decades of criticism, popularity and transformations into film and other creative outlets. Every summer, Charlotte gets its fix from The Charlotte Shakespeare Festival, presented by Collaborative Arts. Look for performances of the classic King Lear at McGlohon Theatre.

• Special Event Soak Sundays on the Rooftop Pavilion at EpiCentre is packed with games galore. We’re talking ping-pong, Twister, corn hole, limbo, super soakers, plus a bikini fashion show and music by DJ Dirty. more...

• Music The Midnight Ghost Train performs tonight at Snug Harbor. A rather apropos namesake for this combo that's like a slow-moving train chugging through stark lands on a, well, mysterious night. The Kansas rockers' slow-burning blues-rock rides into sludge rock territory, speeds up, slows down, rams into psychedelic jamming and then rolls on again. Toss in some acoustic, bluesy numbers and the overall ride is pretty intriguing. more...

Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at

Creative Loafing.

Friday, July 22

Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte

Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte believes now is just as good a time as any to whip out the platform heels, fishnets, garters and rogue for The Rocky Horror Show. Unfortunately, the traditional audience participation of throwing things won’t be permitted — c’mon, gotta have some respect for the actors and actresses on stage — but yelling at appropriate times is welcomed.

• Film Those with a liking for high-speed foreign cinema will want to mosey (or run!) on over to Hodges Taylor Art Consultancy for a screening of the German film The Robber (Der Räuber). Shot in Vienna, Austria, the flick is about a marathon champion who is living a double life. When he’s not on the track, he’s robbing banks and getting away thanks to his swift-moving feet. Based on the real-life story of Johann Kastenberger. more...

• Food The economy still sucks, but that doesn’t mean you can’t splurge on a meal or two. Queens Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week is a culinary extravaganza where upscale restaurants in the Q.C. offer prix fixe, three-course dinners for $30 per person (not including tax and gratuity). It’s a big savings from what meals in the participating spots would usually cost, so take advantage fast. more...

Saturday, July 23

Mez/Kazba

There’s no need to sugar-coat. Sweetness is in the air at Mez and Kazba during its special Candy Land Party, presented by dbraun Promotions, Elevate Lifestyle and Charlotte Seen. Models will be covered in confectionery-inspired and edible attire during a fashion show set to stimulate the sweet tooth. Folks attending should dress in their candy-themed best for blending in with the delicious decor, as well as for a chance at winning a $500 VIP table. Let the game begin.

• Sports There’s much more to roller derby than gals in tight clothes and repeated shoves. The game, which can sometimes get pretty intense, has it’s own meticulous set of rules. Try to figure them out while supporting the Charlotte Roller Girls in a double-header. Charlotte Roller Girls All-Stars will take on the Greenville Derby Dames All-Stars, while Charlotte Roller Girls B Dazzlers challenge the Appalachian Rollergirls. more...

• Music Sadness hit Charotte when former Creative Loafing photographer Chris Radok was murdered this year. A photographer of numerous musicians and concerts, bands are remembering him in what hopes to become an annual event, Radok Fest. The benefit show at Tremont Music Hall will feature AntiSeen, Snagglepuss, Husbians, Murdercycle, Chow Tiger, Gideon Smith and K. Lloyd. more...

Sunday, July 24

12806 S. Tryon St.

Miwa Asian Cuisine is a small place with big tastes. Serving up some of the best dumplings in town, the restaurant also excels at sushi. The crispy yet airy soft shell crab knotted with cucumber and lettuce and showered with roe is delish.

• Music Birds With Teeth, the pop punk machine continues to pass along bands with high energy and smart-assed lyrics. Even though they sling out some sarcastic lyrics at higher tempos, the band is more than the three-chord tracks and bathroom humor that was big seven years ago. The group won't be talking about mooning their high school class, but it's probably best that type of music has either grown up or drifted away. With Lucky Five, Hadwynn, RioBravo. more...

• Theater Laughing at the misfortunes of others is the main idea behind what makes Ken Ludwigs’s Moon Over Buffalo such a hit. The show centers on George and Charlotte Hay, two aging actors who hope to finally make it big by being cast in a film by a famous director. But of course, everything that could go wrong does go wrong in this hilarious comedy of errors. more...

Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at

Creative Loafing.

Friday, July 15

Knight Theater

Rotating between tender moments to tearful shouting outbursts, repression to depression, drugs to electroshock therapy, the Broadway musical certainly gives its audience a case of the highs and lows. A winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for drama and three 2009 Tony Awards, it’s an emotional show down that skips out on the zippy feel-good fluff by focusing more on the raw reality of mental illness. The powerful storyline adds humor and a talented batch of backing musicians for an altogether uplifting (and rockin’) experience.

• Special Event Sick of mainstream? Then Underground Events’ Underground Comedy, Art & Music is right up your alley. The event — held at Tremont Music Hall — showcases art, music (Immortal, Colby and headliner The Ida Divine) and stand-up comedians (John Colwell, D. Moore, Eric Shun and headliner Nicci Hoo). more...

• Comedy Hickory native Jon Reep is the winner of the fifth season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing for good reason. His southern-styled brand of humor is … well, funny. It’s “redneckery” at its finest. CL’s own Brittney Cason to open the show at The Comedy Zone at N.C. Music Factory. more...

Saturday, July 16

?uestlove

RE:Public

Fans of late-night TV may only know ?uestlove as “the guy from the Roots with the big afro who plays the drums on Jimmy Fallon’s show.” But real music heads know that he’s also a super-skilled producer (banging out tracks for folks like Erykah Badu and other notables) and a renowned crate-digging DJ who spins at clubs all over the world. Well, the true heads will be happy to know that Mr. ?uest will be bringing his DJ skills to the Q.C. for a rare, one-night banger at RE:Public. So come on out. And even if you just dig looking at his big ’fro on the boob tube, you should come check him out in the flesh.

• Festival Just because you can’t be in France for its national holiday Bastille Day, doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate. The French American Chamber of Commerce isn’t letting geography get in the way of some much needed festivities. In its 11th year, the organization will throw the shindig at Extravaganza Depot. The event features music (from a DJ, an accordionist and the band Francophonics), fencing demonstrations, food — including Charcuterie, French pate and cheese plates, desserts, sweet crepes, truffles and more), wines, beers and more. more...

• Film For the Charlotte Film Society's latest Saturday Night Cine Club Series, which will present one title a month through December, the group kicks off with writer-director Abbas Kiarostami’s Certified Copy. The magnificent Juliette Binoche won the Best Actress award at last year’s Cannes Film Saturday Night Cine Club Series Festival for her performance in this elliptical drama about the circumstances surrounding a meeting between a British writer (William Shimell) and a French gallery owner (Binoche) in a Tuscan village. more...