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

Friday, April 29

Knight Theater

Women are key in North Carolina Dance Theatre’s Spotlight. Each ballet in the show was created by a female choreographer. They include Twyla Tharp’s The Golden Section (pictured), Jacqulyn Buglisi’s Requiem and a new work by former NC Dance Theatre 2 dancer, Emery LeCrone. Show some support for these savvy choreographer ladies and enjoy a toe-touching performance.

• Benefit The tsunami destruction and devastation in Japan has crept into most folk’s soft spots. During the event Origami for Japan at Dharma Lounge, you can do your part. The party will feature hundreds of origami birds, as well as go-go geisha dancers, a lion dance, vocals from Christine Navarro over house music from Jah Sun Rising and more. All door proceeds and a percent of bar sales will be donated to the Red Cross for aid in the relief efforts in Japan. more...

• Music Charlotte Symphony's Pops’ That’s Amore is a concert celebrating all things Italian. The symphony will feature vocalist Frank Portone and special guest, Deana Martin. Daughter of the legendary Dean Martin, Deana adds her own special touches to some of her father’s hits. Special tribute to Luciano Pavarotti. more...

Saturday, April 30

Parking lot between Dharma Lounge and Marigny

As one local clothing designer recently told me, the clothes you wear make a statement about your personality. And Fashion Soul, presented by South End Soul (a community celebration of art and design), promises to make you rethink what you’re wearing. With three unique Charlotte fashion designers like Cigi Guzman, Luis Machicao and Joey Hewell, two locally owned boutiques like The Frock Shop and Niche, and an array of South End salons doing the styling, this event will showcase the diverse local talent we have here in the Queen City.

• Music Benefiting Camp Care and Don't Break the Bond, this inaugural event hopes to become annual in order to help out people from "all walks of life" — AWOL. A diverse lineup, most with ties to Charlotte and the Carolinas, ensures this festival will be something people will talk about for a while. With Mike Posner, Matt & Kim, Paper Tongues, Simplified, Matrimony, Sugar Glyder, Lucky Five, BPL. more...

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

Friday, April 22

Carolina Actors Studio Theatre

Let the battle between faith and reason begin. Playwright John Pielmeier wasn’t afraid of putting two doses of religious phenomena (a virgin birth and stigmata) into his play Agnes of God. It all centers around a newbie nun who throws her dead baby (whom she says was conceived without intercourse) in the trash. When the crime is discovered, Dr. Martha Livingstone is assigned to investigate, but quickly finds herself clashing with the stubborn miracle-believing Mother Superior who insists on the nun’s innocence.

• Film Dog lovers get a special treat tonight. A screening of My Dog Tulip — an animated love story between British author J.R. Ackerley and his adopted German shepherd, Tulip — will take place at Hodges Taylor Art Consultancy. A classic tale of man's best friend, the film explores the companionship and bonds that form between dogs and their owners. more...

• Dance Winthrop University’s Dance Theatre students get the chance to show off all they’ve learned over the semester during the Student Choreography Showcase. Choreographed by advanced dance majors, the special spring showcase features a diverse variety of styles. This includes modern, jazz, hip-hop and more. Join them as they take the stage, bringing the semester to close one step at a time. more...

Saturday, April 23

Petra’s Piano Bar

Hosted by local musician Jon Lindsay, it’s set to feature a load of live music (by Lindsay, Jay Garrigan, Miles Swartz, Anna Bullard, Eston Dickinson and the Swaggerettes, Jack The Radio, Old Bricks, Jon Lindsay, The Catch Fire, The Loudermilks, The Houston Brothers, Jeremy Shane), visual art (by Kelly Keith and Alexis Owen) and a dance party with a guest DJ. But, no outdoor fest is complete without the cookout, right? No worries; it’ll be there. But because the economy still sucks, condiments are the only things being provided. This is strictly BYOM: Bring Yo’ Own Meat.

• Music In the mood for some feel-good jazz? Then you’ll want to hit up Duke Energy Theatre tonight when the Charlotte-based Groove 8 performs in celebration of its fifth anniversary. After spending a chunk of time on the road for a national tour, I think the group has earned a solid welcome back. This concert will also be part of a live recording and those attending will receive a special gift from the band. more...

• Art Death Beauty Rescue, featuring Artworks 945 and live music from Seahorses is set to go down tonight at Warehouse 242. New works by David Allen Goldberg, Mervin Austin and more will be on display. more...

Sunday, April 24

Belk Theater

Looking like something from another planet, the phenomenal Blue Man Group makes a landing at Blumenthal. Using music, comedy and stage props, the performance art trio has made its mark. They don't speak, but as the ol' saying goes: "Actions speak louder than words." In this case, the technological theatrics and utter goofiness say it all. Drumming, audience interaction and psychedelic skits make the show as groovy as it is engaging.

• Food Stop in for a snack at Bollywood Bites. The all-vegetarian and vegan menu offers a litany of street foods, curries, daals, rice dishes, breads and drinks from across India. Crispy samosas and tikka masala are flavorful favorites. more...

• Art Evergreen Studios’ Images From Kalimantan exhibit features photography by Jay Weinmiller. He traveled to Borneo to capture images of former black market baby orangutans as they were reintroduced to the rainforest. more...

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

Friday, April 8

CPCC

Spring's bloom is getting fuller as Cental Piedmont Community College's Sensoria kicks off. A celebration of the arts, the week-long fest features a plethora of theater (Almost, Maine, Shakespeare to Go), dance (NCDT's Bearden and Ballet), visual arts (Families of Abraham, The Art of Music exhibits) and film (Redneck Roots), as well as culinary arts, literature and history/culture events.

• Theater Matthews Performing Arts Center is taking to the grave with performances of the musical Zombie Prom. Based off the 1950s comic book and musical-made-film, the story line follows a high school couple banned from seeing one another. Like most love stories of these types, something dramatic is bound to happen. In this case a highstrung heart-achin’ fella rides his motorcycle into a nuclear plant. Trouble is, instead of resting in peace he emerges from his tomb undead. And though he’s a little less attractive than before, he’s more determined then ever to go to the prom with his girl. more...

• Exhibit Most folks around town know Jasiatic as a creative artist/photographer (she's done plenty of work for CL), but what you might not know is that she's also a single mother. In her Nothing Personal exhibit, she'll be featuring photos of her children — captured in both sweet and wild moments. It's family with a funky twist; the showcase is described as "a documentation of perpetual change, growth, life, and being." more...

Saturday, April 9

Mercedes of South Charlotte

For a night of fashion, red carpet treatment, charity, good company and stylish looks on and off the runway, you’ll want to keep April 9 open on your calendar. Charlotte STYLE Magazine’s 3rd Annual 25 Most Stylish People in Charlotte event honors folks who have proven they’ve got style. Attendees will enjoy a “Go Red Celebrity Fashion Show,” featuring Kotani Rae, 5-Minutes Apart, MiikelleDeFo, Fresh Boutique and The Pink Hanger and more. Proceeds benefit American Heart Association’s Go Red Campaign.

• Fashion A quick venture into the clothing shop Boris and Natasha in Plaza Midwood can send just about anyone on either a shopping spree or (if you lack the funds) a dreamy window-shopping ordeal. So it’s no wonder that La Vie en Glamour — a fashion show featuring looks from Boris and Natasha — is worthy of your attendance. Hosted by local extraordinaire Scott Weaver, the event will flaunt an assortment of cutting edge designer pieces for the season. Cabaret performances and a vocal burlesque performance, will keep you further entertained. And as if all that wasn’t enough, mixed beats by DJs Nat Eichler and Buckmaster will be provided for your dance floor merriment. more...

• Nightlife Passports aren’t required and you don’t have to trek across the globe for the upcoming Around the World benefit at Andrew Blair’s. But here’s to hoping you like alcohol because at this shindig you’ll get to sip on margaritas from Mexico, rum from Cuba, vodka from Finland, beer from Belgium and whiskey from America. Admission includes one 8 oz. beverage per country, food tastings, drink specials (in case you still want more) and music by DJ Rockin’ Rich. Proceeds raised go to the American Red Cross. more...

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

Friday, April 1

Lark & Key Gallery

Local artist and co-owner of Lark & Key Gallery, Duy Huynh never ceases to capture my attention with his dreamy paintings loaded with clever captions. In the gallery’s latest exhibit Inhabitants & Happenstance, you’ll find new acrylic paintings by Huynh (like the one pictured, which is titled “Metamorphosis of a Metaphor” — see what I mean?).

• Dance Reaching 40 is a milestone, but Garth Fagan Dance had no trouble hurtling over the hill. The dance troupe based out of New York — and founded/choreographed by Jamaican native Garth Fagan — draws inspiration from Afro-Caribbean, ballet and post-modern dance techniques. Mid-air splits and flowing moves combine with body language and music for a deeper construct that goes beyond footwork by venturing into contemplative territory. more...

• Music Trance/electronic enthusiasts visit Phoenix tonight as Brit DJ/musician/producer Matt Darey invades. When he’s not busy with his weekly podcast or recording in a studio, he’s hitting the clubs to spin up a mix of pulsating sounds. With Kevin Focus. more...

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

Friday, March 25

Doug Benson

McGlohon Theatre

Comedian Doug Benson sits on a throne (well, for his Comedy Central series The Benson Interruption, that is) puffing out heckles at comics just as fast as you can say Super High Me. After gaining some attention as a contestant on the fifth season of Last Comic Standing, Benson starred in the documentary (playing on Morgan Spurlock’s Super Size Me) about the effects of smoking weed for 30 days. Luckily, the ordeal (habit-forming or not) didn’t spawn him into producing half-baked jokes. Usually hilarious and sometimes offensive — c’mon Canadians, he said he’s sorry — Benson is a comedian in high demand.

• Film Expanded to eight days and four viewing venues, the third annual Gay Charlotte Film Festival is even more inclusive than ever before, with enough time and space to allow for all manner of LGBT titles. Among the movies being screened are A Marine Story, Eyes Wide Open, Gen Silent, and You Should Meet My Son. more...

• Art Through images and words, the local non-profit organization Silent Images hopes to put a face to those suffering from poverty, oppression and persecution. Its latest book, Voice of Beauty, celebrates the strengths of African women struggling for survival on a daily basis. An exhibit bearing the same content and title as the book is currently on display at Evergreen Studio; it features photography by David Johnson and Elizabeth Marx. more...

Saturday, March 26

pi: personal integrity

Patricia McBride & Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance

Don’t let the title scare you away. Gastonia dance troupe Caroline Calouche & Co.’s premiere of pi: personal integrity is more focused on humanity rather than mathematical constants. The troupe combines dance and aerial acrobatics with the use of ropes, bungee chords and other materials as aids. But the life of pi is more than that. Slam poets and vocalists add an extra spin.

• Sports It’s time for another roller derby bout for the Charlotte Speed Demons. This time they’ll go up against the Greenville Derby Dames at First Ward Recreation Center. more...

• Nightlife Ouzo Productions’ Global Fever: Persian New Year Edition revolves around the Nowruz, the first day of the New Year in the Iranian calendar. Music will be provided by DJ DIM and DJ Meisam DBK from Washington DC. more...

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

Friday, March 18

Belk Theater

Mel Brooks’ Broadway musical Young Frankenstein is no experiment. The acclaimed production draws from the 1974 film based on Mary Shelley’s classic book and is set in a favorite fiend spot, Transylvania. Its monstrous plot follows Frederick Frankenstein (grandchild of the demented scientist Victor Von Frankenstein) as he struggles with what to do with the laboratory he undesirably inherited. To continue the madness or put an end to it all? It’s a big decision, but funny scores like “The Transylvania Mania,” “He Vas My Boyfriend” and “Puttin’ On the Ritz” liven things up for the better.

• Film Are The Light Factory and Hodges Taylor Art Consultancy trippin’? No, but they are teaming up to screen the hallucinatory flick, Enter the Void. The French film by Gaspar Noé follows a chaotic combustion of psychedelic drug experiences, violence and dreamy unconsciousness. It picked up an award for best film at the 2010 Neuchâtel Film Festival. more...

• Art It's hard not to notice French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle's massive "Firebird" just outside the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. And today, a new exhibit (titled, Creation of a New Mythology) by its creator comes swooping in. Fifty-five works by Phalle will be displayed inside the museum, while five large-scale pieces find a home outside along The Green. more...

Saturday, March 19

Uptown

Irish or not, you’ve got to hand it to the Charlotte St. Patrick’s Day Parade for giving us all cause to celebrate. In its 15th year, the parade features finely decorated floats, pipe/marching bands, Irish dancers and more (this year the Budweiser Clydesdale horse team will give a special stride through Uptown’s streets). After the parade, stick around for the Charlotte Goes Green Festival offering up live Irish music, Irish dancers, Irish/Celtic vendors, activities for children, food and beverages.

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

Friday, March 11

Carolina Actors Studio Theatre

One could say things are getting a bit out of hand. Taking on Irish playwright Martin McDonagh’s A Behanding in Spokane, the always-changing quarters of CAST has transformed into a raunchy roadside motel. The black comedy by McDonagh (also known for such notable pond-crossing works as The Lieutenant of Inishmore and The Pillowman) centers around four characters — a one-handed man in search of his missing appendage, two lovebird con-artists and a nosey motel clerk — who become uncomfortably situated in one room when a scam goes wrong.

• Art Artist Sharon Dowell — who currently resides in Charlotte — has traveled as far as Iceland to work in residence and gain international applaud. Her latest exhibit, Shift: New Works by Sharon Dowell, is more easily accessible at Dialect Design here in the Q.C. Featuring a series of paintings and installations, the exhibit reflects on a changing political and social environment. Dowell’s art is also described as capturing “the energy of place, the economic boom and downturn, and themes of man vs. nature.” Opening reception tonight, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. more...

• Special Event NoDaRioty’s All Arts Market is coming back to Neighborhood Theatre for a two-day arts extravaganza of affordable, original art from local artists. This includes paintings, pottery, jewelry, knits and a whole lot more. more...

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

Friday, March 4

TOTEM

Charlotte Motor Speedway

Cirque du Soleil’s latest production TOTEM is bringing its tented extravaganza to Charlotte. The show — which mixes theatrical and circus-like elements — contains an assortment of skilled acrobats (including ring tossers, trapeze artists, unicyclists, jugglers, skaters and more) and animals. But it’s not all about showing off those moves. Its main theme centers around the evolution of mankind from a primordial state. A range of thought-provoking myths and music is dispersed to enhance a magical sort of feel.

• Art A brand spankin' new exhibition is set to open at Elder Gallery tonight. Crawl on over to check out Old is New Again — showcasing illustrations and paintings by Ernest Walker and Leon Makielski. more...

• Comedy Improv Charlotte presents a special two-person harold (a form of longform) show tonight. Come out for laughs and a good cause, as proceeds benefit Dove’s Nest. more...

Saturday, March 5

Ballantyne Village Theatre

The seventh annual Charlotte Jewish Film Festival promises to be out of this world — literally. Tonight the festival will showcase the award-winning coming-of-age tale The Matchmaker.

• Benefit Get your mask and dress to impress for the 2011 Mardi Gras Ball, presented by Guys with Ties. The festivities included an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and live entertainment. Proceeds benefit Victory Junction. more...

• Comedy Comedian Mike Epps is bringing his stand-up comedy tour (along with some friends) to Bojangles’ Coliseum tonight. In addition to Epps, better known for his stunts on the big screen (along side of Ice Cube on Next Friday and Friday After Next), comedian Sheryl Underwood will perform. more...

Sunday, March 6

McGlohon Theatre

Preservation is important to Israeli songstress Yasmin Levy. Through music she aims to capture the essence of Ladino (a dying language derived from Judeo-Spanish, which dates back to 15th century Spain). Mixing it with Andalusian Flamenco, she also draws from Middle Eastern influences to produce a passionate arrangement of songs that can be enjoyed whether you understand them or not.

• Theater Children’s Theatre of Charlotte will surely strike an emotional chord with its latest production, And They Came For Me: Remembering The World of Anne Frank. Following the horrors of World War II on the Jewish population, the show paints a vivid picture of life before and after by using real stories from Anne Frank, as well as Holocaust survivors Ed Silverberg and Eva Schloss. more...

• Food Visit Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth, a spot-on beautiful facility adjacent to the Mint Museum for some "farm chic" cuisine. The menu features local products concocted into delicious dishes. more...

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

Friday, Feb. 25

Knight Theater

Contemporary dance company Momix is known for making illusionists out of its dancers. In Botanica, the latest blossoming addition to its repertoire, it goes all natural. The multimedia show — choreographed by Moses Pendleton — stems around fantasy-styled puppets, music, props and costumes, in addition to a cast firmly rooted in complex moves. The plant-based spectacle takes viewers on a journey through a series of enchanting landscapes, representing the four seasons.

• Nightlife Red and white stripes are mandatory during the Where’s Waldo Bar Crawl. In an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for “the most people dressed as Waldo in one place,” comes this event, including free entry to any venue at the EpiCentre all night long. Just be sure not to get separated from your party, as they might be a little hard to find. Proceeds raised will benefit Pints for Prostates. more...

•Special Event Dialect Gallery will celebrate the release of Topograph: New Writing from the Carolinas and the Landscape Beyond — a literary anthology created in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Novello Festival of Reading. The special event will feature a new exhibit in which artists have created paintings, sculptures, photographs and installations, all of which were inspired by poems, short stories and essays in the anthology. more...

Saturday, Feb. 26

First Ward Recreation Center

The action of watching speedy gals wheel around, as they bump their rivals straight outta the way is pretty entertaining. This Saturday, you can see for yourself, as The Charlotte Speed Demons kick off its 2011 roller derby season with a bout against Columbia’s Bad Co.

• Comedy Comedian Tony Tone likes to do impressions. During his stand-up performances he typically shares his take on popular public and entertainment figures (from Bill Clinton to Chris Rock), as well as his own humorous experiences in everyday life. Check him out when he performs two shows at The Comedy Zone Fort Mill tonight. more...

• Music Ten years after their formation, the Bad Daddies have earned the right to say their a little bit more than a cover band. But in celebrating their anniversary, fans should expect the things they’ve come to enjoy the most from this party band, covers of Led Zeppelin, ABBA, the Grateful Dead, even Prince and Michael Jackson. Better yet, it won’t cost you a dime, they’re just sharing their love with you. more...

Sunday, Feb. 27

Wok Bar

New York-based comedian Rory Scovel is a hoot. In his act, he presents the absurdity that can be found in everyday life situations. You may have seen his stand-up on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham, but in case you haven’t, take my word for it: He’ll make you laugh. See for yourself when he performs at Wok Bar with fellow comedians Steve Forrest (He’s local and we know he’s funny too) and Scott Moran.

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

Friday, Feb. 18

Belk Theater

It’s time to hippety-hop around the melting pot block as In The Heights springs its New York-flavored love on the Q.C. The latest in Blumenthal’s Broadway Light Series, this Tony award-winning musical tells the emotionally inspiring tale of families — residents of Manhattan’s ethnic Washington Heights community — struggling, but damned and determined to fulfill their ideals of the American dream.

• Comedy Shaun Jones — performing at The Comedy Zone Fort Mill tonight — can’t keep his mouth shut. But, do we really mind? What comes out it is funny, however offensive it may be. In addition to his stand-up, Jones has starred in feature films like Ace Ventura II: When Nature Calls and Shade. more...

• Visual Arts Hidell Brooks Gallery will celebrate the opening of two new exhibits tonight. This includes My Third Grader Could Do That and Clarksdale Place: Dallas, TX. more...

Saturday, Feb. 19

Neighborhood Theatre

Escape the usual Charlotte routine by adding The Latin American Coalition’s A Night In Rio: The Brazilian Carnival Experience to your agenda. The culturally diverse Brazilian blowout — and, no, nothing’s toxic about this — debuted at Neighborhood Theatre last year. This year, it’s slated to feature traditional dancing, live music (including Brazilian, Samba, Bossa nova), demonstrations of capoeira, authentic foods, arts & crafts and more.

• Film That James Franco fellow sure seems to be everywhere these days. His Oscar-nominated drama 127 Hours is still playing in theaters. He’s set to co-host the Academy Awards ceremony with Anne Hathaway. And Charlotteans now have a chance to further catch him in action as the Charlotte Film Society brings Howl to Theatre Charlotte. This drama casts Franco as Beat poet Allen Ginsberg and jumps back and forth through time to look at his early years as well as the obscenity trial that centered around the publication of his controversial poem “Howl.” more...

• Music Gamer alert! Video Games Live, a Charlotte Symphony concert featuring scores from popular video games, is your solution to a little too much time in front of the TV. The concert event includes exclusive video footage set to music arrangements, synchronized lighting and more. If that’s too inactive for your taste, join in for the interactive segments and be sure to attend the pre- and post- show festival with game demos, a costume contest, game competitions, prizes and a special meet-and-greet with game composers and designers. more...

Sunday, Feb. 20

The Blake Hotel

For those of you who are thirsty for the joys of inebriation comes the Charlotte Bartenders Ball. In its 10th year, the annual alcohol-friendly event includes an open bar with top-shelf liquors, a full line of beers, a dinner buffet (provided by The Men’s Club) and entertainment. Just remember to be safe and don’t drive. Proceeds raised will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.