Prepare Charlotteans for another full-scale invasion of Hollywood’s most-treasured, the most feared and those who defy description (in this short space) as the Mad Monster Party rolls back into the Queen City. This year Clive Barker’s most nefarious creation, from Hellraiser, comes Pinhead to headline the show along with some swanky do-gooders who ruled the airwaves in the 60s—Batman and Robin. Will you be there?
O N T H E P R O W L | H O LY C O W ! B AT M A N , W E ’ R E I N C H A R LOT T E !
HOLLYWOOD RETURNS TO CHARLOTTE!
MAD MONSTER PARTY 2015
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nce again Charlotte will be hosting the Mad Monster Party this March . For those of you that attended in past years we know this is good news for you. For those that haven’t yet attended you don’t know what you’re in for! 3 days of fun, excitement and celebrities galore! Last year we saw the likes of Hulk Hogan, Henry Winkler, John Schneider and a midnight showing of Rocky Horror with some of the stars of the movie! Mad Monster Party is a wonderful blend of genres from horror, wrestling and music to those stars of yesteryear that we all remember and love. They bring in the best of Hollywood but they also include some local talent as well like Charlotte’s own Scream Queen Ryli Morgan. The guys who run the convention are fans themselves and they know what the fans want. You’ll have a chance to get autographs from your favorite stars or if you prefer professional photo-ops are available. If that’s not your bag there’s a room full of vendors selling just about anything industry related that you could think of. Toys, comics, art, even some oddities that would fit into
a sideshow attraction such as pickled babies and mummified mermaids! There is always something going on no matter what time of day or even night it is. There is a film festival all weekend sponsored by Mutantville films. Panels and question & answer sessions with celebrities run through the weekend as well. A burlesque show is planned for Friday night and Saturday brings the costume contest and Miss Mad Monster pageant, both with cash prizes! If partying is your thing, then Mad Monster is where you want to be! No lack of parties there! Many of the celebrities can be found in the hotel bar talking and joking with their fans. It’s easy to forget they aren’t just your friends when you’re hanging out having a few beers with them! And of course, like any convention, there are room parties. You may be thinking “awwww... but I don’t know these people, I won’t be invited” My first year at Mad Monster I didn’t know anyone but just by hanging out and talking with people at the convention I was invited to 3 room parties! If all else fails bring a couple bottles,
M A D M O N S T E R 2 015 C O V E R A G E | B Y P S Y- K O S M I L E Y
some mixers and a couple bags of chips and start your own party! Don’t forget to invite me! If this is coming across as a weekend of debauchery, well it is if that’s what you want it to be, but it doesn’t need to be if you’re bringing the kiddos. It’s a very family friendly atmosphere in the daytime. There will be people in some scary costumes so parents need to be aware of how their children might react to this but the people in costume are usually very good with the kids and won’t try to scare them. There is also a charity auction to benefit Scares That Care, a wonderful organization that helps children with life altering diseases or injuries. Those are the real monsters of the world and Scares That Care fights those monsters! For more info on the charity you can visit http://www. scaresthatcare.org This years guest list is not complete but so far Tobin Bell of the SAW franchise as well as a Fright Night reunion have been announced for those that like horror. For the music aficionados Peter Criss of Kiss and Charlottes own Wednesday 13 will be in attendance. Everyones favorite bad guy Danny Trejo will be there along with many others to please the fans of all genres of entertainment. Mad Monster Party will take place at the Sheraton Charlotte on McDowell Street March 27th-29th. For more info as well as tickets please visit http:// www.themadmonsterparty.com and keep an eye out for Prowlers special Mad Monster Edition coming soon. Below: Prowler Editor PSY-KO SMILEY with “Bo Duke” John Schneider from the 2014 Mad Monster Party. Read her interview with Schneider on the Prowler Facebook page.
Feb. 2 at Washington 7:00 Feb. 5 Washington 7:00 Feb. 7 at Philadelphia 7:30 Feb. 8 Indiana 6:00 Feb. 10 Detroit 7:00 Feb. 21 Oklahoma City 7:00 Feb. 22 at Dallas 7:30 Feb. 25 at Chicago 8:00 Feb. 27 at Boston 7:30 Mar. 1 at Orlando 6:00 Mar. 3 Los Angeles 7:00 Mar. 4 at Brooklyn 7:30 Mar. 6 Toronto 7:00 Mar. 8 at Detroit 6:00 Mar. 9 Washington 7:00 Mar. 11 Sacramento 7:00 Mar. 13 Chicago 7:00 Mar. 16 at Utah 9:00 Mar. 17 at Los Angeles 10:30 Mar. 20 at Sacramento 10:00 Mar. 22 at Minnesota 7:00 Mar. 23 at Chicago 8:00 Mar. 25 Brooklyn 7:00 Mar. 27 at Washington 7:00 Mar. 28 Atlanta 7:00 Mar. 30 Boston 7:00 Apr. 1 Detroit 7:00 Apr. 3 at Indiana 7:00 Apr. 4 Philadelphia 7:00 Apr. 7 at Miami 7:30 Apr. 8 Toronto 7:00 Apr. 10 at Atlanta 7:30 Apr. 12 at Detroit 3:30 Apr. 13 Houston 7:00 Apr. 15 at Toronto 8:00 For more info or tickets: www.NBA.com/Hornets
FESTIVAL GROUNDS AT NCMF April 11 Creative Loafing’s Moo & Brew Craft Beer & Burger Festival COMEDY ZONE www.cltcomedyzone.com Marlon Wayans Feb 5-7 Bryan Callan Feb 12-14 Jeff Dye Feb 19-21 Josh Wolf Mar 5-7 Pauly Shore Mar 11 Bobby Collins Mar 12-14 Kill Yourself Comedy Mar 17 Rod Man Mar 19-22 Doug Benson Mar 25 DeRay Davis Apr 2-4 Margaret Cho Apr 9-11 Crazy Late Live Show & Taping Apr 12 James Gregory April 17-18 Steve Rannazzisi Apr 23-25 Sarah Colonna Apr 30- May 2 Josh Blue May 7-9 Jim Breuer May 10 Moshe Kasher May 14-16 Bruce Bruce May 21-24 Iliza Schlesinger May 28-30 Bobby Lee June 4-6 THE FILLMORE February 7 Kongos February 13 Trial By Fire Journey Tribute February 14 An Evening w/ Big Head Todd February 15 Wale February 19 Digitour February 20 Dark Star Orchestra February 21 Sleeping w/ Sirens & Pierce the Veil February 25 Soja February 28 Above & Beyond March 2 Lights March 3 Cannibal Corpse, Behemoth & Special Guests March 6 Grupo Niche March 12 Hozier March 13 Andy Grammer, Alex & Sierra, Paradis Fears March 14 Excision March 19 Steve Aoki For more information on these and other great venues at the NC Music Factory: www.NCMusicFactory.com
Feb 06, 2015 7:00 PM Chicago Wolves
Feb 27, 2015 7:30 PM @ Hamilton Bulldogs
Feb 07, 2015 7:00 PM Chicago Wolves
Feb 28, 2015 7:00 PM @ Hamilton Bulldogs
Feb 10, 2015 7:00 PM @ Lake Erie Monsters
Mar 04, 2015 7:00 PM San Antonio Rampage
Feb 12, 2015 7:00 PM @ Lake Erie Monsters
Mar 05, 2015 7:00 PM San Antonio Rampage
Feb 16, 2015 7:00 PM Norfolk Admirals
Mar 08, 2015 1:00 PM Norfolk Admirals
Feb 18, 2015 7:00 PM Iowa Wild
Mar 10, 2015 7:00 PM Grand Rapids Griffins
Feb 19, 2015 7:00 PM Iowa Wild
Mar 12, 2015 7:00 PM Grand Rapids Griffins
Feb 22, 2015 3:00 PM @ Toronto Marlins
Mar 14, 2015 8:00 PM @ Oklahoma City Barons
Feb 25, 2015 11:00 AM @ Toronto Marlins
Mar 15, 2015 5:00 PM @ Oklahoma City Barons
Tickets and information at www.GoCheckers.com .
HERE IN THE SPRAWLING GARDEN OF EDEN known as the Greater Charlotte Region, you’ll find almost any temptation that couples could imagine. Rooftop cabanas and dancing amid the towers of glass and steel of Uptown Charlotte. Romantic suites atop historic hotels, decadent gifts and accouterments found in our world-class boutiques and luxury mall shops, carriage rides, and just a bit further down the road... spa retreats in the beautiful elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains. Love is in the air, here in the Queen City. Much like date episodes of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette (filmed here as well), you just have to reach out and grab it. No cupid required. We’ve curated a smallish batch of the best options here just for you. Because we love you, too. Happy Valentine’s Day! ABOVE: For over 20 years The Melting Pot has attended romances old and new with private spaces and decadent dipping. If you miss the list for Valentine’s Day...do make it a point to share time here very, very soon.
PICK YOUR PASSION THE QUEEN CITY HAS IT ALL UNIVERSITY CITY HOTEL VALENTINE’S GETAWAY PACKAGE
Package includes deluxe guest room, sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries, breakfast for two. $169.95 ROMANTIC ESCAPE PACKAGE
Deluxe guest room, sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries, Red Sky Valentine’s Dinner for Two and breakfast for two. $209.95 8520 University Executive Park Drive Charlotte, NC 28262 704-547-0999 www.hicharlotteu.com EMBASSY SUITES CONCORD Accommodations in a two room suite. Complimentary Evening Reception* Couples 50 minute Massage, 2 Glasses of Yellow Tail Bubbles sparkling white wine, fresh strawberries and dipping sauces served in the spa. *Call 704.455.8200 for Reservations and to schedule your Spa Appointment. embassysuitesconcord.com PALM RESTAURANT 6705-B Phillips Place Court Charlotte, NC 28210 Phone: 704-552-7256 Enjoy your Palm favorites or their Valentine’s dinner
ELEGANT EXCCESS
featuring a jumbo Nova Scotia lobster for two. thepalm.com/Charlotte THE MELTING POT Valentine’s Day Fondue Meal Offering a Four Course Valentine’s Set Menu on February 13th & 14th with a Champagne toast and a gift bag for each couple. meltingpot.com (704) 334-4400 BALLANTYNE RESORT The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge is offering a Luxury Romance package from $498.00 for a two night stay for two guests which includes Champagne and breakfast in bed. Reservations: starwoodhotels.com.
EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS 3306-A Highway 74 West Monroe, NC Phone 704-635-8761 Try their legendary chocolate dipped strawberries, apples, pineapple, bananas, oranges or pears. And so much more! ediblearrangements.com STOWE BOTANICAL GARDENS In a new class, parents and kids each make their own Valentines plus work together on special, hand-crafted creations. 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, NC (704) 825-4490 dsbg.org
RESIDENCE INN UPTOWN CLT Residence Inn Uptown features a Romance Package including Chocolates, Champagne and a breakfast buffet for two. 404 S. Mint St. Charlotte, NC 1-800-228-9290 CARRIAGE RIDES Private Carriage Package for a tour through Uptown. See Southernbreezes.com.
Palm Restaurant defines it as Jumbo Nova Scotia Lobster. A-la-carte side dishes, perfectly-poured cocktails. Begin your quest toward becoming immortal as a cartoon face on the walls of this Phillps Place establishment. Nice.
VAN LANDINGHAM ESTATE Decadently dipped chocolate covered strawberries. Overnight accommodations in one of their well-appointed guest rooms. One dozen beau-
tiful red roses or a fresh floral arrangement. Bottle of wine or champagne. Homemade breakfast the following morning. 2010 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC (704) 334-8909 vanlandinghamestate.com
SHOJI SPA AND LODGE Lovers Escape Valentine’s Day Outdoor Japanese retreat: $499 per couple. A wonderfully relaxing experience including a 80 minute Aromatherapy Swedish Massage, Warming Ginger Foot Treatment, Japanese Cypress and Tea Tree Oil Scalp Massage and a take home spa gift. 828-299-0999 96 Avondale Heights, Asheville www.shojiretreats.com
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ROY JONES JR. WILL FIGHT IN CHARLOTTE MARCH 7TH AT NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS When Roy Jones Jr. burst onto the pro fight scene—fighters, trainers, and the best commentators collectively could not say enough about his skill set. Since Ali no fighter had shown such flash, such fire and dominated vaunted tactical punchers, brawlers and the like as the newly dubbed “pound-for-pound” best fighter in the world had done. He seemed to be above all criticism, in a class of his own—like a new generation of sporstmen including Jordan, Woods and a handful of others. Who since has done what Roy Jones Jr. did for the sport of boxing? (Silence.) Now, as Charlotte Observer columnist Tom Sorensen noted, his (Roy’s) mission is simple: win a fight and save a sport. At 46, he will attempt to do just that here in Charlotte, on March 7th at Night of Champions. Charlotte, NC - the
23rd largest market in the US, second fastest growing US city and proud owner of an NFL franchise, NBA franchise, and a PGA tour stop. An unlikely stop for boxing fans? Stop, yes. But the Carolinas have produced a fair share of rumblers and to say the least, this has gone unnoticed. Any fight fan will remember most of these warriors, who deserve more than just a nod, from the Carolinas.
Smokin’ Joe Frazier
Beaufort, SC Most reading this column will remember only the legacy of Ali vs. Foreman or the nowdays ironic poster of Ali menacing a fallen Sonny Liston. In truth those battles were on par with Roman times and yet the Carolinas born-and bred Joe Frazier was at times more concerning for the mostly-defensive battle strategy of Ali. Frazier punished Ali like
no other and lost only to Ali and Foreman moving on to become a Hall of Famer and listed as the #8 heavyweight of all time. Sugar Ray Leonard
Rocky Mount, NC A spitfire that ignited the middle-weight division with charm, style and speed, he hailed from NC. Ray was the voice of boxing long after his tenure and elevated the sport with his class and heart. James Smith Kenansville, NC Harkening back to the days of Jack Sullivan, James “Bonecrusher” reigned when the division was finally void of Ali, Frazier and Foreman and was one of few to go 12 rounds with Iron Mike Tyson and escape relatively unharmed, while losing the decision. No small feat. He tumbled to Razor Ruddock in the 7th and that was a turning point in his career. Mr. Smith
was the only heavyweight with a college degree and so landed “on-his-feet” as they say. Kelvin Seabrooks
Charlotte, NC Won the IBF title and defended it twice, then lost it in a 15 round TKO. He created a buzz in Charlotte for boxing that quickly fell flat. Calvin Brock
Charlotte, NC The mild-mannered Brock fought his way through many unlikely upsets and landed a huge fight against an unstoppable force. He did well, but not enough to break up the Russian wall of Klitschko.The “boxing banker” was 29-1, after he met Wladimir Klitschko in Madison Square Garden. He was KO’d in the 7th round. There are many storied careers of fighters bred in these parts. For those interested in learning more, you’re just in luck. The NC Boxing Hall of
Fame now resides inside the halls of Bojangle’s Arena (formerly the Charlotte Coliseum) on East Independence Boulevard. The Hall of Fame exhibit arrives just as word comes of an $8 million upfit for this historic building. Plans include developing the facility into a world-class Olympic training facility. Charlotte is on the move, and if fight fans have their way, boxing is moving in.
for C H I L D R E N S C H A R I T I E S
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING ARRIVES IN CHARLOTTE AT LAST...
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hen Union County native and promoter Mike Long first learned that he would be able to bring a world champion to fight in Charlotte—Roy Jones Jr—he knew this was going to be a marquee event. An event that meant National attention for the Queen City and also, an opportunity to do something good. Really good. And so he and his associates, along with friends from Prowler Magazine and Celebrity Charity Wishes went to work. The results are an ambitious three day schedule of events they call Night of Champions. It’s all about fighting the fight alongside children and families fighting terminal diseases. Who better than a world champion to lead the way? The two day program will begin when Roy Jones Jr arrives in town Thursday am, March 5th. He’ll start by delivering his message and promoting Night of Champions on local radio stations in the am. At noon, Roy will make an appearance and sign autographs at a local restaurant for a lunchtime toy drive.
Next our group will proceed to deliver teddy bears in bunches to the local children’s hospitals where they will be given, along with a smile, to young patients in the fight of their lives. In the afternoon Celebrity Charity Wishes and their celebrity guests*, including Roy Jones will make their way to Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte to bring smiles and bears to the families in residence at this wonderful Morehead Street institution. Carolina Brawl, Prowler Magazine, Celebrity Charity Wishes and a host of other businesses will bring much-needed items for RMDH of Charlotte as well. Next, at exactly 5pm the 20 fighters on the undercard at Night of Champions will weighin for the NC Boxing Authority Official Weigh-in at a location TBD. And then, it’s on to the moment everyone has been waiting for—Roy Jones Jr will weigh-in alongside challenger Willie “For Real” Williams as the build up of excitement for the main event kicks into overdrive.
On Friday, March 6th, Jones will host the 1st Annual Celebrity Charity Wishes Golf Tournament along with dozens of NFL and NBA players and other celebs on-hand. Sponsorships of the golf tournament will benefit Celebrity Charity Wishes. Friday, March 6th at 7:30pm the doors open for Night of Champions. A who’s who of boxing and Charlotte fame will sit ringside VIP and at ringside VIP tables, with a portion of all sponsorship dollars, all concessions and ticket sales to benefit children’s charities. The procession for Night of Champions will steal the show as dozens of children, who are fighting or have beat terminal diseases make the walk to the ring alongside the pound-for-pound boxer of our generation, Roy Jones Jr. The children will have VIP seating and be accompanied by family members and...the mascots of several local sports teams to view the main event. On Friday, March 6th, history will be made in Charlotte when the former world champion Roy Jones Jr steps into the ring
THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, March 5th-6th, 2015 at Night of Champions. Finally, Charlotte will have its missing crown jewel...championship boxing. Who better than to bring it here than the living legend and winningest boxer of all-time? Local businesses are encouraged to get involved by sponsoring one or more elements of the event or by volunteering staff. Night of Champions will be the third installment of Carolina Brawl. Promoter Long says that
their are big things ahead and plans 2-3 more events this year in Charlotte with an impressive fight card and plans to support local charity at every event. For more information or to purchase VIP Tickets, Ringside Tickets, a VIP Table or learn more, please visit www.CarolinaBrawl.com. Enter promo code: PROWLER to save 10% off of your purchase online.
CAROLINA BRAWL III: ROY JONES JR FIGHTS LIVE! Carolina Brawl began with its first installment atop the Epicentre at Rooftop 210, a sold-out show that matched Carolina boxers against top-ranked talent from around the US. Carolina Brawl II was held at the NC Music Factory at Label Night Club, Charlotte’s hottest night club—and was also a sell-out. And now, the boxing world has taken notice of this success—with fighters from around the world looking to share the next card in Charlotte. Carolina Brawl III/Night of Champions will feature 10 bouts on the undercard, a total of 20 fighters going toe-to-toe in one exciting night of boxing action. For this very special event, fighters from across the United States have been called up to fight in the most important night of many of their lives—one where they will be on the same fight card as a living legend, Roy Jones Jr.. The emotions will be running high, the stakes higher for all fighters including Jones Jr himself, as he hopes to continue a five fight winning streak in route to a new championship belt. This will truly be a Night of Champions here in Charlotte.
Event updates daily at www.CarolinaBrawl.com
ABOVE: Images from previous Celebrity Charity Wishes programs including spokesman Nick Cannon hamming it up with a new friend.
This month we present three cocktails that your big game guests will remember you for no matter who wins the game. Enjoy!
Bloody Lager INGREDIENTS
16 ounces light-bodied beer 20 ounces your favorite bloody mary mix 4 strips crisp cooked bacon 1 lemon, cut into 4 wedges
The Craft Cocktail Blends Our Favorite Beers and Liquors For Exciting New Mash-Ups
BEERGARITAS (makes 4 large drinks) INGREDIENTS
In-Sandiary INGREDIENTS
For rimming the glass: 1 ounce fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon chili powder For the cocktail: 1 cup cubed watermelon, seeds removed 2 ounces blanco tequila 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice 1/4 ounce simple syrup ice Place 1 ounce lime juice in a saucer. Mix kosher salt, sugar, and ancho chili powder.
4 cups ice 1 can frozen limeade concentrate 3/4 cup tequila (more or less depending on how strong you want it) 3/4 cup beer 1 lime for rimming and garnish course salt
Place in second saucer. Dip serving glass into lime juice, rotating so outer edge of the Add the ice, limeade conglass becomes moist. Repeat centrate, tequila and beer in the second saucer with the chile salt mixture. Juice watermelon or muddle well in a cocktail shaker to yield 2 ounces watermelon juice. Strain and discard solids. Add 2 ounces watermelon juice, tequila, 1/2 ounce lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake well. Fill rimmed serving glass with ice and strain drink into the glass. Serve immediately.
into the blender. Blend until completely smooth. Cut a lime into wedges and use a wedge all the way around the rim of your glass. Dip in salt. Pour Beergarita in. **If you are making these ahead of time for a party (or to have on hand just in case), secure the lid and pop them in the freezer. The tequila will keep them perfect consistency.**
Three dishes that are just the right mix of cool and decadent for an overthe-top big game party!
DORITOS CHICKEN CASSEROLE (Makes 4 Servings) INGREDIENTS 2 cups shredded cooked chicken 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (divided) 1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup ½ cup milk ½ cup sour cream 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes (drained) ½ packet taco seasoning 1 large bag Doritos Shredded lettuce (optional) diced tomato (optional
DIRECTIONS Step 1: Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl mix together shredded chicken, 1 cup of cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, Ro-tel tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Mix well. Step 2: Grease a 2-quart casserole dish, add layer of crushed Doritos across bottom. Top with layer of chicken mixture. Add layer of crushed Doritos, then add another layer of the chicken mixture. Top with remaining cheese. Step 3: Cover and place into the oven and bake at 350 degrees for 30-25 minutes until bubbling hot. Remove from the oven and top with lettuce and tomato.
LOADED POTATO BITES *Makes 18-24 bites depending on size
INGREDIENTS - 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes - 2 tablespoons of flour - 2/3 cup of shredded cheddar cheese - 3 strips bacon - 1/3 cup scallions, chopped - 1 egg - 1 ¼ - 1 ½ cups Italian bread crumbs - Oil for frying - Salt and Pepper - Ranch or Honey Mustard for dipping DIRECTIONS 1. Take potatoes out of the fridge and let sit for a few minutes to take the chill off a bit. Meanwhile shred the cheese, chop scallions, and cook bacon then dice finely. Add potatoes and flour to a large
mixing bowl and stir to combine well, then add cheese, bacon, and scallions. Take about a heaping tablespoon of mixture and roll with hands into a small ball. It if doesn’t hold its shape, add a little more flour to make the potatoes sturdy. Repeat until done. 2. Heat oil in a medium sauce pan – or use your fryer – over medium/medium high heat to about 350-375 degrees. Whisk egg into a small bowl and season with salt and pepper. Place bread crumbs in an additional bowl. Dip each ball in egg and then roll in bread crumbs until fully coated. Set aside on a sheet pan. TIP: Alternatively Bake in the oven until golden brown at 350-375 degrees for a
lower fat option 3. Test oil with one ball. The oil should bubble when potato is in oil and ball should take about 1-2 minutes to brown and cook through. (If takes longer the oil needs to be hotter, if it browned too quickly on the outside and the inside is still cold, the temperature needs to be lower.) Once oil is ready, add potato balls in small batches and fry for 1-2 minutes – it will depend on size. Remove with slotted spoon and place on paper lined plate to allow excess oil to drain off. Repeat until done. 4. Allow to cool for a minute or two and serve with dipping sauce.
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