Jimmie Johnson, Coca-Cola 600 winner with 3 back-to-back wins in 2003, 2004, and 2005 will be back and in good form in 2013.
FOOD LION SPEED STREET 3 DAYS OF STARS, CARS & GUITARS MAY 23RD-MAY 25TH to benefit 600 Festival Charities. Charlotte’s largest annual event, held in the streets of Uptown Charlotte and in front of the NASCAR Hall of Fame offers something for the whole family.
GRAMMY WINNERS HAELSTORM PERFORMED IN 2012. PAT BENATAR PEFORMED IN 2011. LINE-UP FOR 2013 WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON—ALL SHOWS ARE FREE!
ON THE PROWL
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A LWAYS A G O O D T I M E
CHARLOTTE 49er FOOTBALL
GREEN MACHINE The Wait Was Worth It...
Coach Wes Long believes the Royals can go all the way again this season.
THE BIG DANCE
NASCAR™ related events in May bring Charlotte’s largest audience annually
T
he largest Memorial Day Party in the country—something more American than apple pie—consists of the Coca-Cola 600, the races of Speed Week and Food Lion Speed Street which collectively bring over a half of a million folks to Charlotte, Concord and the surrounding area. It is the ultimate big dance. Viewed on the national stage by NASCAR fans everywhere and celebrated by Charlotteans locally, it goes a little something like this: FRIDAY, MAY 17th The NC Education Lottery 200 fires up on Friday, May 17th. This NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event adds excitement with the high banks of Charlotte Motor Speedway and runs under the lights with tailgate-flying action. This same night also includes NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race qualifying for a double-threat. SATURDAY, MAY 18TH The stars of NASCAR do battle under the lights and on NASCAR’s largest video screen in a checkers or wreckers non-points event. Thursday, May 23rd Liftmaster Pole day is go or go home at CMS. Food Lion Speed Street kicks off in Uptown Charlotte along Tryon Street and in front of he NASCAR Hall of Fame. FRIDAY, MAY 24TH 850 horsepower open-wheel sprint cards take on the dirt track for the Circle K NOS Energy Outlaw Showdown. Food Lion Speed Street continues for a massive day of celebrity appearances, kids events and more stars, cars and guitars. SATURDAY, MAY 25TH The Nationwide Series History 300 runs at CMS as the shows and events at Food Lion Speed Street culminate at a fever-pitch! Which will you choose? SUNDAY, MAY 26TH The Coca-Cola 600 revs up America’s greatest stock car battle immediately following a patriotic pre-race salute to the US armed forces. STAY CONNECTED
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The Green and White game, the team scrimmage that welcomed the first downs and fans to McColl-Richardson Stadium and ushered in a new era in college football right here, in Charlotte was a day that made the wait worth it. A beautiful day, a great game, fan support and the start of something really, really exciting. The gold rush is coming! Before the game, UNC Charlotte Athletic Director Tom Whitestone had these words to share with fans: “Things have come along way since 2007, when Chancellor Dr. Philip Dubois appointed a Football Feasibility Committee to look into the prosect of adding football. Things have come a long way since 2008, when students and alumni marched through campus carrying a goalpost in advance of Dubois' recommendation to the Board of Trustees. Things have come a long way since 2010, when the last hurdle was cleared and the path finally opened to bring football to the 49ers. Things have come a long way since 2011 when Brad Lambert was named head coach and ground was broken on the coming Stadium. Things have come a long way since 2012, when the 49ers signed their first class of football recruits and held their first football practices.” said Tom Whitestone. He added “So much has happened. So much will still happen. We have uniforms to unveil. New players to welcome. Starters to name. Opponents to measure.” Fans—the time is now. Visit the 49er website and secure your seat rights, watch the 49er football documentary and view the stadium. It’s time for football! www.Charlotte49erFootball.com
LIKE PROWLER MAGAZINE ON FACEBOOK FOR UP-TO-THE MINUTE UPDATES ON ENTERTAINMENT IN THE QC
NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES 2013 REMAINING SCHEDULE
Saturday, April 27 7:30 PM ET Richmond International Raceway Sunday, May 5 1:00 PM ET Talladega Superspeedway Saturday, May 11 6:45 PM ET Darlington Raceway Saturday, May 18 7:30 PM ET All-Star Race Charlotte Motor Speedway Saturday, May 18 7:30 PM ET Sprint Cup Series Showdown Charlotte Motor Speedway Sunday, May 26 6:00 PM ET Coca-Cola 600 Charlotte Motor Speedway Sunday, June 2 1:00 PM ET Dover International Speedway Sunday, June 9 1:00 PM ET Pocono Raceway
Sunday, June 16 1:00 PM ET Michigan International Speedway
Saturday, Augus t 24 7:30 PM ET Bristol Motor Speedway
Sunday, October 27 1:30 PM ET Marchtinsville Speedway
Sunday, September 1 7:30 PM ET Atlanta Motor Speedway
Sunday, November 3 3:00 PM ET Texas Motor Speedway
Saturday, June 29 7:30 PM ET Kentucky Speedway
Saturday, September 7 7:30 PM ET Richmond International Raceway
Sunday, November 10 3:00 PM ET Phoenix International Raceway
Saturday, July 6 7:30 PM ET Daytona International Speedway
Sunday, September 15 2:00 PM ET Chicagoland Speedway
Sunday, July 14 1:00 PM ET New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Sunday, September 22 2:00 PM ET New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Sunday, July 28 1:00 PM ET Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Sunday, September 29 2:00 PM ET Dover International Speedway Sunday, October 6 2:00 PM ET Kansas Speedway
Sunday, June 23 3:00 PM ET Sonoma Speedway
Sunday, August 4 1:00 PM ET Pocono Raceway Sunday, August 11 1:00 PM ET Watkins Glen International Sunday, August 18 1:00 PM ET Michigan International Speedway
Sunday, November 17 3:00 PM ET Homestead-Miami Speedway
Saturday, October 12 7:30 PM ET Charlotte Motor Speedway Sunday, October 20 2:00 PM ET Talladega Superspeedway
Photos from the Coca-Cola 600: Memorial Day in Charlotte, Tim McGraw shakes hands with Jimmie Johnson
PANTHERS:2013
GIVE HOPE
Your Carolina Panthers take on the World Champion Baltimore Ravens in preseason, and they’ll battle a tight division with a few tough games outside the division in 2013. Is this the year?
PRESEASON SCHEDULE TBD (Aug. 8–12) vs. Chicago Bears TBD (Aug. 15–19) at Phil. Eagles Aug. 22 at Balt. Ravens, 8:00 p.m. TBD (Aug. 29–30) vs. Pitt. Steelers
REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE Sep. 8 vs. Seattle Seahawks, 1 p.m. Sep. 15 at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. Sep. 22 vs. New York Giants, 1 p.m. Sep. 29 BYE Oct. 6 at Arizona Cardinals, 4:05 p.m. Oct. 13 at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. Oct. 20 vs. St. Louis Rams, 1 p.m. Oct. 24 at Tampa Bay Bucs, 8:25 p.m. Nov. 3 vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. Nov. 10 at San Fran. 49ers, 4:05 p.m. Nov. 18 vs. NE Patriots, 8:40 p.m. Nov. 24 at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. Dec. 1 vs. Tampa Bay Bucs, 1 p.m. Dec. 8 at New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. Dec. 15 vs. New York Jets, 4:05 p.m. Dec. 22 vs. NO Saints, 1 p.m. Dec. 29 at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. Jonathan Stewart will be back in shape and troubling defenses this season. Cam Newton is rested and ready to play and prove to the world that the Carolina Panthers are contenders.
PANTHERS: NFL DRAFT
Fans, here is the Carolina Panthers 2013 draft order as of April 14th. Recent years have yielded Cam Newton and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Luke Kuechly. Subject to change. Rd 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Pick 14 (14) 13 (44) 12 (74) Traded/SF 11 (108) 15 (148) 14 (182) 13 (219) Traded/Oak.
2012 Record: 7-9 Top Needs: OL, DT, DB, WR Most analysts predict that this year’s first pick will be Sheldon Richardson (DT, Missouri) or Star Lotulelei (DT, Utah). Recent First Round History 2012 - Luke Kuechly (Boston College); 2011 - Cam Newton (QB, Auburn); 2010 - none; 2009 - none; 2008 - Jonathan Stewart (RB, Oregon), Jeff Otah (OT, Pittsburgh); 2007 - Jon Beason (LB, MiamiFlorida); 2006 - DeAngelo Williams (RB, Memphis); 2005 - Thomas Davis (S/LB, Georgia); 2004 - Chris Gamble (CB, Ohio State); 2003 - Jordan Gross (OT, Utah); 2002 - Julius Peppers (DE, North Carolina). Join the NFL Draft Party at BOA! Watch the Panthers make their final picks and get a behind-the-scenes look at the draft choices' new locker room at the 2013 Draft Party presented by Bud Light on Saturday, April 27 from noon to 5 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium. Admission is free. When is the NFL Draft? The 2013 NFL Draft returns to primetime, with the first round taking place Thurs., April 25 at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the second and third rounds on Fri., April 26 at 6:30 p.m. ET. Rounds 4-7 will be held Sat., April 27 at 12 p.m. ET.
YOU R HOM E TEAMS
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GAME SCHEDULES
Knights At Bat T he Charlotte Knights offer afternoon and evening fun for the family with great ticket prices, affordable concessions and some great play. And somehow, Homer the Dragon always slays the fans. Huh.
APRIL 2013 22 @ Gwinnett, 6:05 PM 23 vs. Norfolk, 7:15 PM 24 vs. Norfolk, 11:15 AM 25 vs. Norfolk, 7:15 PM 26 vs. Norfolk, 7:15 PM 27 vs. Scranton/WB, 7:15 PM 28 vs. Scranton/WB, 2:15 PM 29 vs. Scranton/WB, 7:15 PM 30 vs. Scranton/WB, 7:15 PM MAY 2013 2 @ Toledo, 6:30 PM 3 @ Toledo, 7:00 PM 4 @ Toledo, 7:00 PM 5 @ Toledo, 2:00 PM 6 @ Columbus, 6:35 PM 7 @ Columbus, 6:35 PM 8 @ Columbus, 6:35 PM 9 @ Columbus, 11:35 AM 10 vs. Pawtucket, 7:15 PM 11 vs. Pawtucket, 7:15 PM 12 vs. Pawtucket, 2:15 PM 13 vs. Pawtucket, 7:15 PM 14 vs. Louisville, 7:15 PM 15 vs. Louisville, 7:15 PM 16 vs. Louisville, 7:15 PM 17 vs. Louisville, 7:15 PM 18 @ Buffalo, 7:05 PM www.M I LB.CO M
19 @ Buffalo, 1:05 PM 20 @ Buffalo, 7:05 PM 21 @ Buffalo, 7:05 PM 23 @ Rochester, 7:05 PM 24 @ Rochester, 7:05 PM 25 @ Rochester, 7:05 PM 26 @ Rochester, 1:05 PM 27 vs. Toledo, 7:15 PM 28 vs. Toledo, 7:15 PM 29 vs. Toledo, 7:15 PM 30 vs. Toledo, 7:15 PM 31 vs. Rochester, 7:15 PM JUNE 2013 1 vs. Rochester, 7:15 PM 2 vs. Rochester, 2:15 PM 3 vs. Rochester, 7:15 PM 4 @ Pawtucket, 7:05 PM 5 @ Pawtucket, 7:05 PM 6 @ Pawtucket, 7:05 PM 7 @ Pawtucket, 7:05 PM 8 @ Lehigh Valley, 6:35 PM 9 @ Lehigh Valley, 1:35 PM 10 @ Lehigh Valley, 7:05 PM 11 @ Lehigh Valley, 7:05 PM 13 vs. Columbus, 7:15 PM 14 vs. Columbus, 7:15 PM 15 vs. Columbus, 7:15 PM Above: Future home of Knights Baseball at BB&T Stadium, Uptown.
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ACTIVE
PARK LANES REDUX 10 PARK LANES invites the public to raise a glass (or two!) and knock down some pins to help celebrate their first anniversary and the debut of their beer garden on Saturday, April 20, from 2 – 11 pm. The free event features one game of complimentary bowling (with a shoe rental fee), with food and beverage tickets available for purchase. The parking lot will transform and feature beer tastings, live music and southern barbecue prepared by the 10 Park Lanes culinary team. The new beer garden will feature bocce ball and ping pong. There will also be a corn hole competition with cash prizes and local favorites Who Rescued Who and On The Border, will entertain the crowd. In the year since 10 Park Lanes owners Mike Scornavacchi, Adam Williams, and Patric Zimmer introduced the new look of 10 Park Lanes, the gathering spot has been featured on the Food Network’s special Rebel Eats with Justin Warner, Season 8 Food Network Star winner; named one of Charlotte’s Best New Restaurants in
2012 by Charlotte Magazine; recognized in The Huffington Post’s article, “10 Reasons To Visit Charlotte This Spring” and hosted a video shoot starring Olympic gold medalists Gabrielle Douglas, Aly Raisman and Jordyn Wieber. Ten at Park Lanes, 1700 Montford Dr, is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. - midnight, Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 2 a.m., and noon - midnight on Sunday. Get updates and the inside scoop about Ten at Park Lanes on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TenParkL anes and on Facebook at facebook.com/rollten. For more information please go to rollten.com or call 704.523.7633.
PLAYER
ROSTER
Merlefest Music
“Friends or Foes?”
H I G H SC H O O L SA N D VO L L EY BA L L AS KS T H E Q U EST I O N A N D B U I L D S B U D D I ES
AS DOC WOULD HAVE WANTED THE WORLD will never
be the same without the pickin’ of mountain music man Doc Watson who passed away this past year. Yet he will forever leave his mark on the Carolinas and beyond with his treasured songs. And of course, the rolling, rising music happening that is Merlefest, named in honor of Doc’s late son Merle Watson. Merlefest is held each year on the campus of Wilkes community college in nearby Wilkesboro, NC and attracts nearly 100,000 music lovers for the four day event. Past performers include Robert Plant, members of the Allman Brothers, Los Lobos, the Doobie Brothers, Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, Vince Gill and Alison
Krauss. This year the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and the venerable, American icon himself, Charlie Daniels will play Merlefest. If you like to camp, dance and listen to raw and real Americana music, you must pack up your friends and head to Merlefest.
Merlefest is Thursday-Sunday, April 25th-28th. Tickets are available online at www.Merlefest.org. Hillside event at Merlefest photo by Mollie Gaillard.
On the sand volleyball courts girls that may be foes become friends despite the local area rival schools they attend and play volleyball for. Coach Sherry Connor enjoys the unique opportunity of bringing these girls together as one team and seeing them bond as teammates in practice and then watching them cheer for each other all summer long. What makes this truly unique is that these girls practice together, then play other teams and possibly play against each other so they’re friends then foes then friends again at the end of the day. Sand volleyball (or beach doubles) is the fastest growing women’s collegiate sport in the country and Sherry Connor is fully aware of that fact and excited about the long- term future of the sport including possibly of adding it at the high school level. Connor played women’s volleyball (UNCC 1988-91) prior to beach doubles being a recognized sport and sees the future in it. Connor through NCVB, her volleyball club, has been leading the charge locally as she and NCVB enter their second season of sand volleyball and hosting their own tournaments this summer at Renaissance Park in Charlotte and traveling as far East as Wilmington, Emerald Island, and Raleigh for other tournaments. When the girls aren’t playing in tournaments, they practice together on weekends all summer long at Renaissance Park in Charlotte on Saturdays and Blythe Landing in Huntersville on Sunday evenings. This provides the girls the opportunity to practice either day due to the demands of the tournaments. When Connor and NCVB first started this club idea she recognized that there are growing pains with a new sport and one of them is a lack of facilities in the Charlotte area and no Charlotte area tournaments so what was she to do? No problem for Connor, she just went out and created her own tournaments in conjunction with AAU and is hosting them at Renaissance Park this summer (April 27th, May 18th, June 15th, and July 13th). Admission is free to all spectators and open to the public. Connor truly believes in putting the kids first and foremost in the sport and taking a back seat and basking in their glory that is why she respectfully declined the opportunity to be photographed with the girls; as she said “this is about them not me”. This is part of the reason she created her own tournaments because she knew it would be hard and demanding on players and families expecting them to travel out of the area 100% of the time. She would love nothing more than to produce winners out of her program and watch them win live in person. To learn more about sand volleyball, Sherry Connor, NCVB, or participating in or sponsoring the sand volleyball tournaments hosted at Renaissance Park contact Sherry Connor at www.ncvolleyball.com or (704) 617-9686.
Charlotte’s two hundred year history is steeped in descent, independent spirit, reinvention, and opportunity. From iron ore and gold mining, to cotton and tobacco farming, textile manufacturing, hydroelectric power generation, transportation and banking, Charlotte’s entrepreneurial spirit has always found ways to reinvent itself as time has changed and the “Can-Do” spirit of our founding fathers is still very much alive in Charlotte today. Charlotte sprang from the convergence of two native Indian trading routes, The Nations Ford Trail south to Charlestown South Carolina and the
Great Trading Path heading north to Virginia. The area was originally home to The Catawba Indian Nation with 6 villages spread along the banks of the Catawba River. In the 1750’s settlers and fur traders followed the well-established Catawba Trails and began settling in the Carolina back country. In 1755 Thomas Polk and his wife Susannah Spratt Charlotte’s first settlers built their home near the cross roads of the two historical trading routes, at the current location of Trade and Tryon Streets.
by Greg Greenawalt AUTHOR OF DESTINATION CHARLOTTE THE BOOK WWW.DESTINATIONCHARLOTTETHEBOOK.COM WWW.TWITTER.COM/DESTCHARLOTTE
Thomas Polk was the great uncle of James K. Polk our 11th President of the United States who was born in Mecklenburg County on November 2, 1795. In 1760 residents incorporated the fledgling community as Charlotte’s Town in Honor of Queen Charlotte the bride of King George the III of England with the hope that the king would award them with a county courthouse. In 1762 Mecklenburg County was named after the queen’s birth place Mecklenburg Strelitz, Germany. Tryon Street in uptown Charlotte is named after Lord William Tryon the British
appointed royal provincial governor who rigorously enforced British laws and rule in the Carolinas back country from 1765-1776. Today the corners of Trade and Tryon Streets are marked with four bronze statues by artist Raymond Kaskey. The female mill worker with a bonnet represents: INDUSTRY. The miner pouring gold over the head of a banker represents: COMMERCE. The
lady uplifting a baby represents: THE FUTURE. The rail road worker with the hammer represents: TRANSPORTATION. Two significant historical events that helped to shape Charlotte’s Independent Sprit were the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence and the Battle of the Bees.The Mecklenburg Resolves or Declaration was the result of the many years of brutal enforcement of British rule and taxes by the British provincial Governor Lord Tyron and the Carolina backcountry citizens growing intolerance. The Mecklenburg Declaration was the first declaration made in the 13 colonies.
On May 19, 1775 Col. Thomas Polk the commander of the county militia called a meeting at the county courthouse in Charlotte to discuss the British situation with local representatives. A communication was received that day detailing the bloody battles that had just occurred up north at Lexington and Concord which infuriated the representatives. They developed a Resolve later called a Declaration that dissolved all allegiances to the British crown and laws, and they declared themselves free and independent people. The Resolve was read on the steps of the Mecklenburg county courthouse on May 20, 1775 and was given to Captain James Jack to deliver to the North Carolina state representatives for presentation to the Continental Congress. Even though the North Carolina state representatives approved of the Resolve they did not present it to the Continental Congress as congress was still in hopes of negotiating a treaty with Britain at that time. Today, May 20th is called Mec-Dec day in Charlotte and the date of May 20th 1775 appears on the North Carolina State flag. Another important event that helped to shape the Charlotte’s Can Do spirit was the Battle of the Bees that took place during the southern campaign of the American Revolution War on September 26, 1780. British General Cornwallis marched his troops into
Charlotte to set up his regional headquarters near the Intersection of Trade and Tryon Streets and occupied the log cabin of our first settler Thomas Polk. On October 3, 1780 a British garrison of approximately 300 men set out from Charlotte to plunder local farmers looking for supplies and livestock to steal. The local patriot militia was informed of the supply garrison’s movement and set up an ambush at the McIntyre farm on the road to Beatties Ford approximately seven miles from Charlotte. The Militia hid in the surrounding wood while British troops
Queen Charlotte
plundered the McIntrye farm. The patriots turned over several bee hives on the farm which infuriated the bees who severely stung the British soldiers in their bright red uniforms and caused them to retreat from the area. Later, renamed the Battle of the Bees, General Cornwallis wrote in his diary that Charlotte is an agreeable village in a damn rebellious country and that the Counties of Mecklenburg and Rowan were more hostile to England than any other in America, a hornet’s nest of resistance. The hornets’ nest symbol is frequently used with many organizations in the Charlotte area today to continue to show our independent spirit including the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department on the police officers shield and the local Girl Scout council is named the Hornets’ Nest Council.
Charlotte History 1767 Andrew Jackson is born in Waxhaw near the South Carolina Border and becomes the 7th President of the United States in 1829. 1799 Conrad Reed discovers a 17 lbs. gold nugget in Cabarrus County at Little Meadow Creek starting the Carolina gold rush. 1828 Jonathon Humphrey Bissel purchased interest in the McComb Gold mine and brought new mining technology to the area. Bissel later established the General Mining and Manufacturing Association. Bissel’s ancestor Howard C. Smoky Bissel would become the developer of the Ballantyne suburb of Charlotte. 1831 Christopher Bechtler an immigrant watchmaker and jeweler established a private mint in Rutherford County and from 1831 1850 produced over $1million in gold coins. 1837 The Charlotte branch of the US mint opens, stamping $5.00 Gold Eagle and $2.50 Quarter Gold Eagle coins. Over $10 million in gold coins were stamped at the Charlotte mint between1837-1861. 1840 John Springs and 3 other appointed envoys of the Governor of South Carolina successfully negotiate the Treaty of 1840 with the Catawba Indian Nation which gave the South Carolina government thousands of acres of Catawba land in exchange for land in Haywood County near the Cherokees. The Governor granted John Springs title to his 1,100 acre plantation called Springfield. Springs was an early investor in the areas first cotton mills and built his fortune through cotton and textiles. 1852 The first passenger train and first telegraph office open in Charlotte. 1856 The first gas lights illuminate Charlotte streets and homes.
The 11th Edition of the Wells Fargo Championship is quickly approaching. April 29 thru May 5, many of the greatest golfers in the world will reappear at the venerable Quail Hollow Club after a couple weeks away from competitive golf at The Masters. As of the writing of this article, 12 of the top 30 players in the world have committed to play at Quail Hollow. The Wells Fargo Championship has been one of the top events on the PGA Tour since its inception in 2003. A course that is fair and both challenging is one of the major reasons so many of the Top TOUR players pick Quail Hollow as the location for their return to competitive action the week before THE PLAYERS. Past Champions Last year, Rickie Fowler birdied the first playoff hole (Number 18) defeating D.A. Points and 2010 Champion Rory McIlroy for his first TOUR win. Fowler was the third player (Anthony Kim-2008, Rory McIlroy-2010) to make the Wells Fargo Championship his first PGA TOUR win. A lot of times, we try to see what kind of player Quail Hollow favors by looking at past champions. Has Quail Hollow favored long drivers, accurate drivers, younger or experienced players? The first four years of the tournament were won by veterans of the TOUR. David Toms, Joey Sindelar, Vijay Singh, and Jim Furyk are all guys that have been
names for years on TOUR. While great players for many years on Tour, when Tiger Woods won in 2007, this was a bit of a turning point for the Wells Fargo Championship. Up thru the 2007 Championship, the winners were all very
experienced on the PGA TOUR. In 2008, Anthony Kim won by 5 shots (-16, lowest total to date) over Ben Curtis starting a trend of the young guns winning at Quail Hollow. Sean O’Hair (2009), Rory McIlroy (2010), Lucas Glover (2011), and Rickie Fowler (2012) have all continued the trend of 20-somethings winning here. Will this streak continue this year or do the experienced make a return to glory in early May?
Story by Ben Coggins | Photos by Don Kelly
Wells Fargo Championship Facts • Don’t sleep on the lead at Quail Hollow on Saturday night. The 54hole leader has won only 3 of 10 Wells Fargo Championships. (David Toms-2003, Jim Furyk2008, and Anthony Kim-2008). • Only one player in ten years has posted all four rounds in the 60s (Lucas Glover-2011). • The winner of the Wells Fargo Championship has NEVER had a bogey-free final round. • There has still not been a repeat winner of the Wells Fargo Championship. Where To Watch The Action Quail Hollow offers some great places to watch the Top golfers in the world navigate their way around this course. If you go to any of these spots during the tournament, you are guaranteed to see me at some point (I hopefully that doesn’t scare anyone away!). Hole 1 Tee It is always great to see where to action all begins. Listening to the starter call out the players name just has a special feeling. This is worth doing at least once. Hole 6 Green Left or right side depending on the pin location, this long par 3 frequently offers a chance
to see the superior short game’s of these guys. If you get close to the green, pay attention as stray tee shots can come your way. Hole 7 This par 5 offers a look at some of the largest houses on the course. This is usually a reachable par 5 that has a lot of trouble around the green. Hole 8 A short drivable par 4 is a great risk-reward hole. Depending on where a player is over the weekend, this could be a great hole to watch. Hole 14 Another short par 4 is another great risk-reward hole. Some players will hit 3 wood just short of the green depending on pins, while I have seen others in the past play it over the water and draw it back into the green. Hole 16 Left side of green. This start of the Green Mile is a spot I found year one and where I spend a lot of time watching. Before hospitality tents were placed here, you could see across the water to guys playing into 14 green and tee off on 15. Now, you can see guys play into 16, and teeing off for 17. Easily my favorite spot to watch action on the course. Hole 17 The signature hole at Quail Hollow, this par 3 across the water is also one of the most popular holes for spectators. If you are looking to get a good seat here, please get their early and be prepared to stay late to see the late tee times come thru. Hole 18 This par 4 has been a make and break hole for many players. David Toms scored an 8 here in 2003, yet held on to win the inaugural Championship. This hole is a great ending to the Green Mile and always seems to get a few guys. The Green Mile (Holes 16-18) has consistently ranked as the toughest three-hole finishing stretch on TOUR in recent years. Where can I get autographs or photographs of my favorites? Cameras are only allowed at the
course during the practice rounds. Remember the players are preparing for the tournament so please be considerate when snapping photos. If you try and get a photo during the tournament, one don’t, and two, be prepared to be asked to leave. Read the back of your ticket if you have any more questions. Autographs for the kids are available in two good places. The first is the driving range. There has been a roped off area the last couple of years for kids to wait to get autographs. Almost all of the top players (Tiger has spent a lot of time signing here) spend a good bit of time signing, especially during the practice rounds. As the week progresses, the time spent signing usually decreases some. The second place is practice putting
green behind the clubhouse. Phil Mickelson spent almost an hour signing for kids after a Saturday afternoon round. What are the best days to go? The easy answer is EVERYDAY is great! While this is true, I hate going out to eat and asking a server what they recommend and getting the response, “everything is great.” The best day really depends what you are going for as everyday has an advantage depending on why you are going. If you are looking for autographs and photographs, the practice rounds are your best bets. Monday’s pro-am offers a chance to see the course without the larger crowds the weekend rounds will bring. Tuesday is a great day to watch
guys practicing multiple shots on holes and get their yardages for the week. Wednesday’s pro-am traditionally offers some star power. Michael Jordan, Peyton Manning, and Cal Ripken Jr. are just a few of the names that have played in the Wednesday pro-am in recent years. If you are looking to see the guys hard at work, Thursday thru Sunday are great days to go to the Wells Fargo Championship. Friday is moving day and usually Friday afternoon is a busy time on the course. You may also see guys take some risks to make a cut or get to a number. Saturdays are guys working to get in position for a run on Sunday. Saturday is also a great day as after the rounds are completed, the first leg of the Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby, has been shown in some of the hospitality areas. Sunday is closing time and provides an opportunity to see, “the onions,” these guys have coming down the stretch to win on TOUR. You cannot go wrong any day, and hopefully this provides a guide for you. —Ben Coggins writes Coggin’s Noggin on SouthernSportsJournal.com and this is his first feature written for Prowler Magazine. Ben Coggins, below with Prowler at the Wells Fargo Championship.
The Wells Fargo Championship over the years has brought out some famous faces for pro-am rounds including Peyton Manning, Cal Ripken, Jr. and Michael Jordan joining Tiger Woods.
Birdsong Brewing Company: Beer inspired by music, food and art
Beer is... a most exceptional art form, that’s for sure. So it’s fitting that the third brewery on the tour is tucked away just off Davidson Street, in the heart of NoDa, Charlotte’s art district. All the folks we met at Birdsong – from Jenny the sales rep to Conor the brew master – take beer seriously – really seriously –like true art aficionados, putting in the time and effort necessary to eke out that perfect concoction. Just like Warhol or Dali would have reworked or retouched a painting until it was just right for public consumption. From the moment we walked through the glass doors decorated with wrought iron bars shaped like twigs from a birds nest, we were overcome with two of our most favorite things – the smell of hops and barley wafting through the air, and classic rock and roll blaring from a turn-table in the back. We enjoyed the sounds of the Beatles and Zeppelin, but with the name Birdsong, there are sure to be some Grateful Dead vinyls hiding somewhere in the place.
Photos by Scott Williams
Birdsong Brewing Co. sets them up
Cheers!
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his beer hall is modern, narrow and deep with cement floors and bar, bumper stickers and local art splattered on the walls as far as the eye can see. That week it was trains from industrial areas of Charlotte, birds and more birds, and a portrait of the Beatles. Art is swapped out every couple weeks to give props to all the local talent in the neighborhood. There are more than a few bar top tables scattered about, and one long community tasting table made of distressed wood, all calling out for beer lovers to come
on in, settle awhile and sample a few. The taps that pour the tasty brews are one-of-a-kind hand-carved wooden birds – likened to the Birdsong logo – which we learned are made by the brew master’s father. Since its inception in December 2011, Birdsong has grown quickly from 2 barrels to 80 barrels of fermentation, just in eight months. They are going to double that again this spring. When the brewery first opened, they had one lone beer to serve, FreeWill Pale Ale. It took 30 pilot batches, feedback from tastetester fans, and multiple tweaks to
the ingredients and boil time before they settled on the final recipe they now offer to the public. Year-round offerings include the flagship Free Will Pale, Jalapeno Pale, Lazy Bird Brown, Higher Ground IPA and Doin Thyme Witbier. In addition, they usually circulate two beers in limited release, which currently are Mexicali Stout and Honey Pie Double IPA. For Thirsty Thursdays, they brew a weekly special ten-gallon pilot batch, which is oftentimes used to test for likeability. “If a pilot batch is popular with customers, we will bring it back again. If it’s popular enough to surface multiple times, it may end up in production,” Brew Master Conor Robinson explained. Such is the case with the ever-popular Jalapeno Pale. “A friend and I kicked around the idea of using jalapenos in a beer, so eventually I
Name that Beer
Notice anything unique about the names of the Birdsong beers? They are all named after songs. Sometimes the beer inspires the name of the song, like Mexicali Stout, or sometimes the crew picks a song and then they match it to a beer, much like the song-writing process. tried a batch. We use the base brew of the Free Will Pale, but add jalapeno on the back-end of the process. The peppers lose their hotness but maintain their flavor,” Conor explained. The beer became so popular when piloted that bar owners and bartenders began requesting it in
large quantities, so Birdsong decided to take it to mass production. It remains a crowd favorite. The brewery uses local ingredients to support community growers whenever possible, like the honey used in Honey Pie. They also recycle whatever they can. It takes between 1400 and 1700 pounds of grain for one ten barrel batch of brew. Once the grain is used, it’s called “spent grain.” Birdsong regularly calls on local farmers to pick up spent grain for free to distribute among themselves for local farming. This grassroots brewery came together sort of by accident when
Visit the brewery: to taste the beers Birdsong is brewing up this month. See something you really like for your next party? You can customize an order and pick up at Brawley’s Beverage or Custom Home Pubs. Also enjoy your favorite Birdsong brew on tap at more than 100 restaurants in around Charlotte.
Just One Beer
Conor and Tara Goulet, one of the owners, were working together as bakers for Great Harvest Bread Company. Conor was still going to school for his Baking and Pastry culinary degree at Johnson and Wales, and had begun experimenting with home brewing for fun. He was making more than he could drink, so he did what any beer lover would do – he shared it with friends, including Tara. Tara and her husband, Chris, were impressed, and they had always dreamed of opening a brewery. After recruiting five other friends to invest – four of the seven partners being female – they asked Conor to become their brewmaster. “I’ll never forget being called for a business meeting at Thomas Street Tavern of all places, and I had no idea what it was all about. Tara and Chris presented their plan, and asked if I would come to work for them. I was floored. The hard work, the early mornings and late nights, were finally paying off.” That was April 2010. Skip forward to 2013 and Birdsong beer is now on tap at Thomas Street, the same establishment where just a few years back, three culinary beer lovers
sat scheming and dreaming. Conor loves ordering up Birdsong at Thomas Street and his other favorite hot spots around town. But he likes to sample other local craft brews, too, a growing market for Charlotte. He doesn’t see it as tastetesting the competition, but rather supporting this tight-knit community of which he’s now such a part. With the culinary backgrounds of the brewery’s founders, it makes perfect sense that Birdsong came up with a way to incorporate their brews with food. In first quarter, Birdsong began holding beer dinners at several local Charlotte eateries. Jenny Sassman, the brewery’s sales rep, works with chefs to appropriately pair Birdsong beers with items from their menu, sometimes even creating new selections with the beer in mind. Fern, a local vegetarian eatery used Birdsong grain to make tortillas. They also used Mexicali Stout – which is made with cocoa nibs, cinnamon and coffee – to experiment with a tres leches cake and an ice cream beer float. To learn more about future beer dinners, or to make a reservation, follow Birdsong Brewery on Twitter or Facebook. Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, Peculiar Rabbit and Roosters have recently hosted dinners. During our brewery tour, it was Charlotte’s fourth-annual Craft Beer Week, so the brewery was abuzz with activity, hosting several bands, plus a Beer Trivia Night, with questions centering around local beers, and beerrelated prizes for winners. April is North Carolina Beer Month, so the fun continues with more special events, DJs, live music and you can always count on the ever-popular Charlotte food trucks to be waiting outside for when the beer munchies kick in.
Lazy Bird captures the essence of what it means to be an American Brown Ale. It pours a mahogany brown with a noticeable lemony yet roasty aroma, which comes from a heavy amount of cascade hops at the end of the boil as well as a generous amount of roasted barley in the mash. This combination of malt and hop intricacy makes for an enjoyable beer year round. There’s much more at Birdsong.
Go There:
2315 N. Davidson Charlotte, NC 28205 704-332-1810 Wed, Thurs and Fri 5pm– 10pm Sat 2pm–10pm Sun 2pm-7pm Tours, every Wednesday at 6pm Private events available. www.BirdSongBrewing.com
THREE WAYS TO SENSATIONAL
Sangria MIXOLOGY INSPIRATION
A Light, Refreshing Cocktail Is the Perfect Companion to A Spring Day on the Patio
BY LORI SCOTT
WHITE SANGRIA INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1/2 cup peach schnapps 1/2 cup cognac 1/4 cup white sugar 4 oranges, sliced into rounds 2 mangos, peeled and sliced 4 (750 milliliter) bottles dry white wine, chilled 1 liter ginger ale, chilled
1. In a pitcher, combine peach schnapps, cognac, sugar, sliced oranges and sliced mangos. Chill for at least an hour. 2. Pour fruit mixture into a large punch bowl. Stir in white wine and ginger ale. Original recipe makes 1 gallon
O R A N G E
S A N G R I A
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
2 (750 milliliter) bottles dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio) 3/4 cup brandy 1 (12 fluid oz) can or bottle ginger ale 1 lemon, sliced 1 orange, halved and sliced 1 (12 fluid oz) can or bottle club soda (optional)
1. Combine Pinot Grigio, brandy, and ginger ale in a large pitcher. Stir in lemon and orange slices. Refrigerate for at least one hour. 2. To serve, pour sangria into icefilled glasses. If desired, top with club soda. Garnish each glass with an orange slice. Original recipe makes 12 servings
PEACH-BASIL SANGRIA INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup white sugar 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves 3 1/2 cups peach nectar 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1 (750 milliliter) bottle white wine such as Pinot Grigio DIRECTIONS
1. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, basil leaves, half of the peach nectar
and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, crushing the basil leaves with the back of a spoon to release their flavor. Simmer just long enough to melt the sugar, then remove from the heat and allow to cool. 2. Strain the basil mixture into a pitcher filled with ice cubes. Pour in wine and remaining peach nectar. Stir briefly and serve.
G R E AT
DRINK IDEAS?
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GoFresh!
S P E C I A L T Y
G O U R M E T
B U R G E R S
BY LORI SCOTT
Lemon SALMON BURGERS INGREDIENTS FOR BURGER
DIRECTIONS
1 (16 oz) can salmon, drained, flaked 2 eggs 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion 1/4 cup Italian dry bread crumbs 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 1 pinch red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the salmon, eggs, parsley, onion, breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of basil, and red pepper flakes. Form into 6 firmly packed patties, about 1/2 inch thick. 2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the patties, and cook for 4 minutes per side, or until nicely browned. 3. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a pinch of basil. Use as a sauce for your patties.
INGREDIENTS FOR DRESSING
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 pinch dried basil
Spicy CHIPOTLE TURKEY BURGERS INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Original recipe makes 4 burgers
1. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil grate. Place the ground turkey, onion, cilantro, chipotle chile pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl; mix well. Form into 4 patties. 2. Cook the hamburgers on the preheated grill until the turkey is no longer pink in the center, about 4 minutes per side. Place the mozzarella slices on the patties 2 minutes before they are ready. Serve on the toasted buns.
1 pound ground turkey 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, chopped 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon seasoned salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 4 slices mozzarella cheese 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
Portobello MUSHROOM BURGERS INGREDIENTS
so, turning twice. 2. Preheat grill for medium-high heat. 3. Brush grate with oil. Place mushrooms on the grill, reserving marinade for basting. Grill for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, or until tender. Brush with marinade frequently. Top with cheese during the last 2 minutes of grilling.
4 portobello mushroom caps 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon minced garlic Salt and pepper to taste 4 (1 ounce) slices provolone cheese DIRECTIONS
1. Place the mushroom caps, smooth side up, in a shallow dish. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil, basil, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour over the mushrooms. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes or
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YOUR TAILGATING ADVENTURES AT PROWLERMAGAZINE.COM with our Tailgating 101 Archives
PROWLER CHEF GUIDES US THROUGH BIG CITY FARE. CHARLOTTE IS A
CULINARY DESTINATION
Chef Monica Smith expanded her journalistic duties this month, covering the first annual Iron Fork competition in NoDa, presented by Creative Loafing. We’ve all long known that she is an exceptional cook, individual and of course, editorial contributor. Charlotte is an undercover culinary destination. We are truly undiscovered and - a fact which I attribute to our humble southern nature. We are ready and have been waiting to burst out onto the national culinary stage. This year is our year for marketing Charlotte as a food destination city. It is my prediction that we will increase our visibility in 2013 which will prepare our Region to set the cooking stage on fire in 2014. From my point of view Charlotte is as much a culinary destination as some of the nation’s other well known cities such as; New York, Miami, Charleston and, our beloved travel destination city, Asheville. Charlotte is a true melting pot of cuisines and chef interpretative fresh food largely because of our advantage to work with NC Farmers and other agriculture professionals to prepare awesome food. This is a match made in culinary-heaven but will also be the backdrop for the Charlotte-Region’s cooking stage. This month, five of the city’s best chefs were featured CenterStage @ NoDa for its
first annual Iron Fork Competition that benefitted Ace & TJ’s Grin Kid’s charitable foundation. The night was full of fun, social networking and delectable bites from area
restaurants. But overwhelmingly, the most impressive point in the evening was watching the chef’s stylishly compete for the Golden Fork Title. I had the opportunity to speak with each Chef and learn more about their excitement for the event. The common
thread among them was that it afforded them the opportunity to network and talk with other chefs they desired to talk with. Beneath their competitive nature was a brotherhood (all the contestants were male) of camaraderie and a true respect for each other’s ability to transform food with their personal ingenious version of the secret ingredient – quail eggs – so that the judges could indulge themselves. However, at the end of the night, only one can be crowned “winner” and take home the Gold Fork award. The Chef that reigned supreme on this night was Chef Geoff Bragg, and his assistant, Brent Martin of the Peculiar Rabbit. Chef Geoff seems very relaxed, but talks with a true love for food and cooking. As we talked, I sensed his humble spirit and heard about his simplistic approach to cooking. Amazingly, he shared that this was his first cooking competition. I must say, at the end of the night, it paid it off really big for him. Chef Geoff believes the best start to good food and cooking is to know the fundamentals such as sautéing, knife skills, how to properly cook and manage food. He believes in applying this more fundamental approach with his staff in making superb food dishes at the Peculiar Rabbit, which is located on Pecan Avenue in Charlotte. Chef Geoff’s approach to cooking is the same as that of many of the best chefs of this region. From my point of view, this is one of the secret ingredients that will help Charlotte earn a national spot on the culinary scene. Each of the participants in this competition shares the same passion for food and working with local farmers to grow and purchase food locally. This will be essential to sustaining the Region’s market and help provide uniqueness with every dish. The Charlotte Region is a gold mine of farm-totable food dining because the North Carolina Agriculture network is one of the best in the country and our farmers are willing to educate chefs on how to increase our offerings to patrons so we can continue to bring you dynamic dishes. Once again, congratulations to Chef Geoff of the Peculiar Rabbit - the winner of Creative Loafing’s 1st Annual Iron Fork Competition. Remember to always cook with love, passion, heart and soul!—M Chef Smith
Page Left: Chef Nicholas Daniels/The Wooden Vine, Above: Iron Fork Winner Chef Geoff/Peculiar Rabbit, Chef Troy Gagliardo (left), Chef Nick, Sysco Corporate Chef Jason Bechtold, Chefs Brent Martin (left) Chef Geoff (right) of Peculiar Rabbit, Luca Annunziata (right) and Evan Micek (left) PassionEight Bistro, Chef Troy Gagliardo, Chef MD Smith with Dr. Nikki Jones (r) and friend, guests wait out front at Centerstage@NoDa.
Citrus Vinaigrette Homemade Dressing Ther e is no Thing beTTer than creating your own Vinaigrette for salads or for marinating your meat and vegetables. Vinaigrettes are characteristically a blend of simple ingredients that you are likely to have in your kitchen that will help you create a customized flavor. start with your favorite fresh herb or fruit to be the star on your next salad. All you need is a strong arm and decent whisk. but, it doesn’t hurt if you have a blender, hand mixer or stand mixer to create an emulsion - a mixture of two liquids that would not ordinarily mix together – such as oil and vinegar for the perfect consistency on your next vinaigrette.
INGREDIENTS 1 each: Orange, zested and squeezed ½ each: Lemon, zested and squeezed 3 tbsp Honey ¼ cup Dijon Mustard ¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar 1 cup Salad Oil Salt and Pepper to taste P R E P A R AT I O N Place all zest and juice into a mixing bowl. Add mustard, vinegar and seasoning. Blend with whisk, slowly adding oil to create an emulsification.
PROWLER CHEF’S KITCHEN TOOL OF THE MONTH My favorite kitchen tool of the month is not a culinary tool but essential body wear for every cook who needs that extra cushion to survive those long standing hours in the kitchen. i am proud to say Crocs™ is my Chef’s tool for endurance. These shoes are the best working shoes i have ever put on my feet! having spent 20+ years in the food service and hospitality industry, i have purchased my fair share of shoes. some have been great while others have been not so great. but after 22 years of searching for the ultimate shoe, i finally found one that has surpassed my expectations and provides comfort for my feet from the beginning to the close of my strenuous day. since purchasing my new found work shoes, i am able to stand contentedly all day, shop at the market, prep, cook, serve and clean. What a shoe!
MARIO’S CROCS
The Crocs™ bistro Mario batali edition are slip-resistant, a feature that is not only mandatory but extremely important when working in a commercial kitchen. The shoe has been carefully crafted for healthcare and foodservice professionals. but, this shoe amazingly conforms to your feet and rises to meet the bottom of your foot whenever your feet apply the most pressure. They are easy to clean and look great. i love the shoes so much that i purchased a pair of flip-flops to wear around the house. My grandmother used to tell me; “always take care of your feet and don’t buy cheap shoes.” Trust me; those are words to live by. These Crocs ™ are fairly inexpensive and range from $45 – $50 a pair. They are certainly worth it for providing a comforting day at work and will leave your feet feeling much appreciated for taking such good care of them.
Are you a chef or aspiring cook? Have tips for our Prowler Magazine readers? Send a receipe or two to us at the address below: Info@ProwlerMagazine.com.