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See & Do: The Weekender
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Arts / See & Do: The Weekender / News Weekender, July 8-10
Posted By Anita Overcash on Thu, Jul 7, 2011 at 12:43 PM
Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at
Creative Loafing.
Friday, July 8
The Comedy Zone at N.C. Music Factory
Just how old is Grandma Lee? Old enough. The 76-year-old lady — should we call her a lady or is her mouth too foul for the title? — made her claim to fame after appearing on NBC’s America’s Got Talent and Last Comic Standing. In her stand-up act, she really doesn’t hold back, and folks can expect to hear the usage of four-letter words consistently as she rattles on about whatever the hell she wants.
• Music Desert Noises is an intriguing trio out of Utah. Their country-tinged, spiritually-inclined, pop channels acoustic Neil Young on some tracks and cranks up the sing-along rock on others. Their original compositions are noteworthy while covers like “Go Tell It On the Mountain” are emotive and passionately executed. With Sunshone Still at The Evening Muse. more...
• Art Hidell Brooks Gallery is welcoming seven artists to display works of varying mediums in its latest exhibit, aptly titled Introductions 5. The artists, who are referred to as being "rarely exhibited in the South," consist of David Febland, Ron Porter, Johan Hagaman, John Sayers, Joan Holleb, Don Quade and Lynn Whipple. Opening reception tonight from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. more...
Saturday, July 9
ImaginOn’s Wachovia Playhouse
It just wouldn’t be summertime in Charlotte if the Main Library wasn’t once again presenting its Summer Film Series, a popular Queen City mainstay since 1975. This year’s theme is Shakespeare at the Movies, and the lineup begins at ImaginOn with Kenneth Branagh’s 2006 adaptation of As You Like It, starring Bryce Dallas Howard, Kevin Kline and Alfred Molina. Although this was produced as a theatrical feature (which is how it played internationally), it was only shown stateside on HBO, meaning that local audiences can catch this romantic comedy in its big-screen splendor.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Arts / See & Do: The Weekender Weekender, July 1-3
Posted By Anita Overcash on Thu, Jun 30, 2011 at 5:37 PM
Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at
Creative Loafing.
Friday, July 1
Dharma Lounge
The fresh-faced and funky nightlife event Su Casa is returning for its third installment — but the soul-house-Afrobeat-and-more-fueled party sports one major change this time. Instead of popping off on its usual Sunday, the latest Casa is happening on Friday, July 1. So, all you folks who have jobs and things to do on Monday morning can finally check out this shindig without guilt. And as always, the fun also includes photography by local photog Jasiatic, films and more.
• Theater Central Piedmont Community College’s Theatre department likes a good thrill. In Deathtrap — performances in Pease Auditorium — there are so many unexpected twists and turns, the work has been hailed by some as a play-within-a-play. Murder, an affair, psychics and writer’s block are all the hilarious crumbs leading up to the final crunch. No dead giveaways here. more...
• Comedy The Comedy Zone at N.C. Music Factory is open and that calls for celebration. This weekend Pat Godwin — a contestant on Last Comic Standing and guest on radio programs such as Howard Stern and Bob and Tom — performs. Godwin is a funny guy armed with a guitar and ready to pick fun at some of music’s most popular musicians, among other subject matter. Local stand-up luminary Sid Davis opens with a hilarious set. more...
Saturday, July 2
U.S. National Whitewater Center
In honor of Independence Day, U.S. National Whitewater Center is hosting three days of live music and fireworks for its Coca-Cola 4th of July Festival. It all kicks off on July 2 with performances by Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Riley Etheridge Jr., and Do It To Julia. Langhorne Slim (see pic), Overmountain Men and Holy Ghost Tent Revival perform on July 3 and Anders Osborne, The New Familiars and Sol Driven Train on July 4. Pretty good lineup and best of all, it’s free.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Arts / See & Do: The Weekender / News Weekender, June 24-26
Posted By Anita Overcash on Thu, Jun 23, 2011 at 10:51 AM
Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at
Creative Loafing.
Friday, June 24
The Comedy Zone at N.C. Music Factory
It’s grand opening weekend for The Comedy Zone at N.C. Music Factory, which means laughter is in order. Actor/comedian Rob Schneider — known for his goofy roles in Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo, The Hot Chick, Grown Ups and other flicks — to perform.
• Benefit Local pet non-profit charities — Hounds for Heroes, The Coalition to Unchain Dogs and Project Halo — need your help. Suds For Studs, a benefit car and bike wash to generate funds for the organizations, is happening at The Men’s Club of Charlotte. Those attending can have hotties in bikinis wash their rides (the dirtier the better) and watch them splash in dunking booths. A buffet with food and drinks, music from guest DJs and more will also be provided. more...
• Music The smooth sounds of jazz will once again be resonating at the N.C. Music Factory when the Uptown Charlotte Jazz Festival hits town tonight for the second straight year. And this time around, the festival has expanded to a two-day event — plus, it features music from heavyweights like Michael Franks, Marcus Johnson, Jeff Lorber, George Duke, Marcus Miller and David Sanborn, among many other performers. more..
Saturday, June 25
Duke Energy Theatre
Forget the summer-matinee likes of Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz and Johnny Depp: An all-star cast of a different sort can be found populating the new movie Fear of a Black Republican. Filmed over the course of six years, this documentary from filmmaker Kevin J. Williams takes an in-depth look at why so few African-Americans belong to the Republican Party, and it further explores how this discrepancy affects both major parties as well as the country as a whole.
• Music Needing a quick flashback to the ’90s? Then head to the Pavilion at EpiCentre on Saturday night to hear Sugar Ray with lead singer Mark McGrath live in concert. In case you need a refresher, Sugar Ray struck it big with its 1997 single “Fly” from their sophomore album Floored, followed up with several more top 10 hits, including “When it’s Over” in 2001. more...
• Theater Classic Broadway aficionados couldn’t be happier that Will Rogers Follies: A Life In Review is coming to CPCC’s Halton Theater. The show focuses on the story of Will Rogers, famed humorist, performer and quintessential overachiever of the 20th century who had successful careers as a vaudeville actor, movie star, newspaper columnist, touring lecturer and radio broadcaster (just to name a few). more...
Sunday, June 26
Double Door Inn
• Music Charlotte Symphony’s Summer Pops series continues this evening with a program titled "Big Band Bash." Albert-George Schram conducts the concert held in Symphony Park. more...
• Theater There’s nothing like company bankruptcy to put one on the edge. Add to that a failing marriage and the stress-o-meter rises, finally topping off with the discovery of an unplanned pregnancy. Undine, the main character of On Q Productions’ final show of the season, Fabulation or The Reeducation of Undine experiences all of this and more. When forced to leave her highfalutin lifestyle and return to her humble family, she learns a valuable lesson about kinship, love and life. more...
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Arts / See & Do: The Weekender Weekender, June 17-19
Posted By Anita Overcash on Thu, Jun 16, 2011 at 3:40 PM
Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at
Creative Loafing.
Friday, June 17
Green Rice Gallery
Art and movements collide as Annie Vereen and Jack Kirven of the Viscera Dance Theatre — known for modern, sometimes exotic dances — perform three original works (titled “V&B,” “seVen” and “Suites for the (Bitter)sweet: Codependence”) every half hour during NoDa’s Gallery Crawl. Coinciding with the gallery’s Blurring the Lines exhibit, the performance is described as reflecting “a darkly dramatic aesthetic to the dialogue within our culture concerning the violence and socio-political structures that shape and identify our own sexuality.” Sounds interesting to me.
• Theater There’s nothing like company bankruptcy to put one on the edge. Add to that a failing marriage and the stress-o-meter rises, finally topping off with the discovery of an unplanned pregnancy. Undine, the main character of On Q Productions’ final show of the season, Fabulation or The Reeducation of Undine experiences all of this and more. When forced to leave her highfalutin lifestyle and return to her humble family, she learns a valuable lesson about kinship, love and life. Written by playwright Lynn Nottage, the humorous production takes a satirical look at African-American identity. more...
• Art The community-based Project Art Aid will auction off over 200 original pieces of art to raise money for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. The 12"x12" works are mostly painted with shades of pink. The event will also feature food and beverages, as well as the unveiling of a collaborative mosaic made of 100 6"x6" canvases and assembled in the shape of a heart. more...
Saturday, June 18
Carolina Actors Studio Theatre
CAST has moved on from its Plaza Midwood location. Now, you can find the theater production company causing trouble over in NoDa (in the same complex as Amelie’s French Bakery). Its latest play by Thomas Strelich is set in a trashy trailer home in the desert of California. Revolving around a family (Luton Mears who is obsessed with turtles and Bonanza, his wife Patina who is a religious fanatic and their daughter who has a bad reputation), the black comedy is set to pose the question: “Is there a substitute for the love of another human being, and if so, what is the price exacted?”
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Arts / See & Do: The Weekender Weekender, June 10-12
Posted By Anita Overcash on Thu, Jun 9, 2011 at 9:00 AM
Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at
Creative Loafing.
Friday, June 10
The Found Footage Film Festival
UNC-Charlotte
For Nick Prueher and Joe Pickett digging through old videotapes at garage sales, thrift stores or in dumpsters is like striking a gold mine. The two masterminds behind The Found Footage Festival — an event showcasing countless forsaken VHS finds — add witty observations and commentary to pump even more humor into the already goofy gems. This year’s tour, making a stop to UNC-Charlotte, promises vids with self-hypnosis clips on how to be a better lover, businessman and bowler, ventriloquism how-to’s, a compilation of exercise workouts with Cher, Lyle Alzado and the American Gladiators and much more. It’s also the 25th anniversary screening of the bootleg classic, Heavy Metal Parking Lot.
Food The three-day long Taste of Charlotte is a culinary celebration where restaurants from around town showoff select items from their menus. Visitors purchase tokens and carefully debate on how to spend them, or simply buy more after round one of the feeding forays. Live entertainment, wine tastings and other activities will also be provided during the event. more...
Art Stop by Julia’s Coffee tonight for the opening reception of its new exhibit, which will feature acrylics by Mica Gadia. more...
Saturday, June 11
Booth Playhouse
Charlotte Squawks — comprised of Mike Collins and Brian Kahn and a handful of singers, dancers and actors — returns with a funny new show dubbed, 7-YEAR BIT©#. Described as “Broadway meets Saturday Night Live,” performances parody pop culture, politics, sports and the Q.C. And, as always, there’s adult language and content.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Arts / See & Do: The Weekender Weekender, June 3-5
Posted By Anita Overcash on Thu, Jun 2, 2011 at 10:00 AM
Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
Friday, June 3
Neighborhood Theatre
When you think of the Caribbean its rich culture and relaxing atmosphere should spring to mind, rather than silly things like pirates and ... Johnny Depp. The Latin American Coalition’s Azucar Caribbean Celebration bridges the gap with a zesty Spanish Caribbean cultural extravaganza coming to Neighborhood Theatre. It’s complete with traditional dancing, live music, handmade arts and crafts, authentic cuisine and ice cold mojitos to wash it all down.
Theater The Charlotte Shakespeare Festival kicks off with a farce by the legendary Frenchman Moliere. Tartuffe — written in 1664 — is a classic, sharing similarities to Shakespearean comedies. Written in rhyming couplets, it tells the story of a strong-willed family that must protect its patriarch from being destroyed by a smoothe talking conman. more...
Art Lark & Key’s latest group exhibition Second Nature is colorful, lively and insightful. It features works by owner Duy Huynh, as well as artists Susan Hall, Angie Renfro and a newbie to the gallery, Dawn Rentz. Opening reception this evening. more...
Saturday, June 4
Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte
Confusion sets in upon hearing the mere name of Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte’s latest, [title of show]. Based off the book by Hunter Bell — with music and lyrics by Jeff Bowen — this comedy pens aspiring playwrights’ worst nightmare: writer’s block. When two friends come up with the idea to write a musical for a theater competition they quickly learn it’s easier said than done. As deadlines loom, two other friends pitch in ideas and a plan is devised to muster up a show about the sometimes dramatic process of writing.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Arts / See & Do: The Weekender Weekender, May 27-29
Posted By Anita Overcash on Thu, May 26, 2011 at 9:00 AM
Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
Friday, May 27
Love Conquers All: A Quiet Evening with Sid & Nancy
The Mill
Citizens of the Universe takes on the heavy stuff in this new cult classic take-to-the-stage. It’s based off of the 1986 film about Sid Vicious (bassist for the punk rock band the Sex Pistols) and his girlfriend Nancy Spungen — both of whom possess an unhealthy addiction to heroin, violence and ... each other. The play — conceived by James Cartee and directed by Nick Iammatteo — might just take you on a trip of your own, and its flyers read, it’s best to “dress for a mess.” Shit was flying in past productions of COTU’s Trainspotting. Not sure what’ll happen in this one, but you can’t say you haven’t had fair warning.
• Festival For the next three days, Uptown Charlotte is a cockpit for NASCAR fans, concertgoers and freebie lovers. Food Lion Speed Street Festival always draws ginormous crowds. Festivities include autographs and Q&A sessions with race car drivers, live music — this year provided by Midnight Star, Pat Green, Josh Turner, Everclear, Eddie Money, Clay Walker and others — displays and interactive exhibits and vendors. more...
• Music The retro swing outfit known as Big Bad Voodoo Daddy hit it big in the mid-’90s, but the music is still as timeless as ever. They play a great mix of amped up jazz mixed with their own spicy covers of songs by artists such as Cab Calloway. Check them out during the Fridays at the Factory series at NC Music Factory. more...
Saturday, May 28
Miss North Carolina Pole Dance Competition
Neighborhood Theatre
You may not fully understand the whole pole-dancing exercise craze, but it’s growing fast. Ladies of all ages, shapes and sizes are lining up for the sexy, beneficial workouts. It’s become so popular that on May 28 and 29, the Miss North Carolina Pole Dance Competition will be taking place at Neighborhood Theatre. Professionals and amateurs from local and statewide pole dance studios will compete in the event and special guest Miss Nicki Shaw (see picture) will perform her own slick moves. The event will also feature a fashion show, free health screenings and workshop classes.
• Comedy Nikki Glaser is prepared for sexual assault. Not really, but she does tell one of the funniest rape jokes around. Her stand-up topics are random and range from dating to farting. But don’t go thinking she stinks. Glaser’s comedy routine is freshly funny — hence why she made it to the semi-finals of Last Comic Standing (season four). See what a gas she is, as she headlines at The Gin Mill. Comedians Mike Buczek, Steve Forrest, Chris Layton and DeVan Penegar will also perform. DJ J5 to spin afterwards. more...
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Arts / See & Do: The Weekender Weekender, May 20-22
Posted By Anita Overcash on Thu, May 19, 2011 at 5:36 PM
Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
Friday, May 20
Duke Energy Theatre
Queen City Theatre Company has enough intuitive to calculate smooth moves in its staging of the cult rock musical Chess. Director Glenn T. Griffin will star as Soviet chess master Anatoly Sergievsky who battles the American Freddie Trumper in a world championship set during the height of the Cold War. But it's not all about the game. Even more important is the fierce competitiveness to win over the love of a beautiful woman. Piece by piece, it all comes together with music by Björn Ulvaeus/Benny Andersson.
• Special Event Between NoDa’s gallery crawl and The All Arts Market (happening at Neighborhood Theatre), folks have more than enough ways to get their art fix. Browse a number of tables decked out with cool, local hand-made goods. Also, check out Pimp my Rack — a public art exhibition featuring six local artists who will paint bike racks live. There will be beer from New Belgium Brewery and a chance to win a custom designed bicycle. more...
• Art T-shirts are a dime a dozen, but every now and then one comes along that leaves a lasting impression. During Gallery Up's Social T-shirt Invitational you'll find a collection of limited edition, original T-shirts. Ten artists specially designed the threads for the display. more...
Saturday, May 21
The Evening Muse & Neighborhood Theatre
Now in its fourth year, FemmeFest continues to not only be a showcase for women in music, but a showcase for local musicians as much as nationally touring artists. This year’s will feature performances by Jennifer Knapp, Elizabeth & the Catapult, Charlotte Parrott, Donna Duncan, Grown Up Avenger Stuff, HuDost, Natalie Royal and many more.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Arts / See & Do: The Weekender / News Weekender, May 13-15
Posted By Anita Overcash on Thu, May 12, 2011 at 1:33 PM
Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
Friday, May 13
Butter
The two-day event highlights the art of short films. Emerging and professional filmmakers from all over will showcase their works (in various genres) in Butter's opulent, clubby atmosphere.
• Music Raucously rickety, the Hackensaw Boys' rip-roaring Americana and roots hoe-downs will make your toes jump out their boots wanting to dance. Trusty and reliable acoustic instruments — banjo, fiddle, and guitar — rack up plenty street cred, or should I say backwoods cred, and fire up the night with drinks a flowing. more...
• Art Toss, a new exhibit at Gaston County Museum of Art & History features art by UNC Charlotte student Raymond Ray. Ray draws inspiration from the balance between nature and man; to produce his works, he filled glass ornaments with ink and then shattered them against the canvases. more...
Saturday, May 14
Concord Mills Mall
For skateboard pro Bucky Lasek (pictured) ramps are just a playground. The eight-time X Games gold medalist would much rather twist out new tricks than be cooped up in a flat, non-decked routine. Lasek — along with popular skaters Tony Alva, Omar Hassan and Christian Hosoi — will be joined by BMX/freestyle motorcross riders for live demos. In addition, an interactive area with games, autograph sessions and giveaways and live music. And, it’s all free.
• Festival Sluggin’ down beers while listening to live music doesn’t sound like an average day at the farm. But during Rural Hill’s North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival, congregations are expected to flock to its countryside as local breweries offer a mélange of ales, malts, lagers on tap for tasting. Live rock/bluegrass/bluesy soul performances by Do it to Julia, Sol Driven Train, The Mantras, New Familiars, Moonshine Racers and headliners, Chatham County Line and Eric Lindell. more...
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Arts / See & Do: The Weekender / News Weekender, May 6-8
Posted By Anita Overcash on Thu, May 5, 2011 at 2:10 PM
Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
Friday, May 6
Amos’ Southend
What can you say about an artist whose career is aging like a fine wine? Talib Kweli may be more popular now than he ever was with Mos Def in Black Star or Hi-Tek in Reflection Eternal. Certainly the commercial success is nice but his flow hasn't dipped a bit, and if anything, is more honed now on Gutter Rainbows than it was when he was spraying the streets with bar after bar of incredible lyricism.
• Theater Sometimes, you just gotta have faith. That’s what Starving Artist Productions — the theater group behind past productions of The Birth — is doing while staging Irish playwright Brian Friel’s Faith Healer. Three characters reflect on the 20 years they’ve spent together traveling the countryside of Scotland and Wales: Frank a faith healer, Grace his wife and Teddy the booking agent. Play contains mature themes and some pretty strong language. more...
• Visual Art By the looks of her realistic oil paintings, Diane White likes some pretty darn tasty things. The Pittsburgh artist — whose works are currently being showcased in the Classic Beauty exhibit at Elder Gallery — creates still lifes of high-piled coffee cups from namely chains, Chinese takeout and more traditional seen-on-canvas items, like fruits and vegetables. The only thing missing is the smell. Opening reception tonight. more...
Saturday, May 7
Ramsey Creek Park
Fire may be what we typically associate with dragons, but during the Charlotte Dragonboat Festival & Asian Festival you get just the opposite. The annual festival’s main event is a showdown of dragon-decored canoe-like boats — powered by about 20 paddlers and one drummer — in the heart of Lake Norman. If that’s not enough to get you fired up, there’s also displays on Asian cultures, music and dance performances, a beauty pageant, food from vendors and other activities.
• Sports Charlotte Roller Girls look so nice when they’re smiling. It’s almost hard to imagine them — theirs faces focused and serious during bouts — clobbering their opponents during a heated, action-packed jam. This weekend, you can see their game face during a double header at Grady Cole Center. Charlotte Roller Girls All-Stars take on the Low Country Highrollers All-Stars, while Charlotte Roller Girls B Dazzlers challenge the Low Country Highrollers Bruisin Betties. Show your support to get the girls smiling again. Scoring passes and grand slams should do the trick. more...
• Festival The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival at Symphony Park combines three attractive indulgences. Beers, bourbons and barbecue will be available in monumental portions for sampling. In addition, there’s cigar bars, artists and memorabilia, live music, contests and more. more...
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Knight and Day: Plot eclipsed by stars 1
Cruise and Diaz are main reasons to consider seeing mindless action flick.
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Lunch Break (9/1/16): Organizers unveil "People, Not Polluters" platform in Charlotte as McCrory officials testify in Raleigh
The morning already passed us by. What the hell happened?
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U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $4.5 Million to Boost Wastewater Capacity to Support Growth of Healthcare and Other Businesses in Greenville, North Carolina, Opportunity Zone
