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– Installation of Electrical Appliances – Lighting Installation – Surge Protection – Dimming Controls – Structure Data/Computer Cabling – Kohler, Generac, and Winpower Generators with automatic and manual transfer switches We are very proud of our technological innovations and are among the leaders in custom residential and commercial design.
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PHOTOS BY STEVE LINDENMAN
ALL STARS Ryan Newman delivers a million dollar celebration after his NASCAR™ Sprint All-Star Race win
Brantley Gilbert will rock the house to open the 55th annual Coca-Cola 600 at CMS Sunday, May 25th
Upcoming: Coca-Cola Speed Street
The All-Star Race fired up the natives and the hundreds of thousands visiting Charlotte and now the party really begins. The streets of Uptown Charlotte will be blocked off and lined with food, beverage and souvenir vendors, gigantic stages and NASCAR™ exhibits. You may even rub elbows with your favorite driver. May 22nd, 23rd and 24th (Thursday-Saturday) Noon-11pm. Free Admission.
Jeff Gordon’s crew works on tires during a rough night for Gordon at the All-Star Race.
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ON THE PROWL
| K N I G HTS LI G HT U P U PTOWN C HAR LOT TE
Both day and night games are played to sell-out crowds in new BB&T Ballpark uptown.
KNIGHTS BASEBALL UPCOMING GAMES
KNIGHTS TAKE CHARLOTTE SPORTS TO FEVER PITCH
PHOTOS BY DANNIE WALLS
I
f you haven’t heard that Homer the Dragon has a new home—a beautiful one—in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, you really should get out more often. The sports heartbeat of Charlotte has never beat quite so loudly: the Carolina Panthers are returning from an NFC Division Championship season with strong picks in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Charlotte Bobcats finished a 10 year run with an NBA Playoff appearance as they shape-shifted to the Charlotte Hornets just days ago, our Charlotte Checkers are drawing record crowds at the cable box and a new pro lacrosse franchise—the Charlotte Hounds— is rallying fans of all ages. Charlotte Motor Speedway and zMAX host thunderous events to satisfy race fans of all kinds. And then there are the Charlotte Knights—truly a crowning piece of the city’s sports architecture. And a gleaming, lush castle of their very own offers cityscape views other city planners can only dream of—it’s BB&T Ballpark beside the sprawling, bejeweled Romare Bearden Park. Do yourself a favor and grab a friend or the family and get to the next Knights home game. Go early and take a walk through Bearden Park, have lunch or dinner at one of the dozens of great restaurants within walking distance and soak up our city. If you’re not frequently in uptown you’ll find plenty that will amaze you. Then, get to the stands and cheer on your Charlotte Knights. Homer the Dragon will lead the way. If you’re planning on going, first head over to CharlotteKnights.com and check out the “promotions” tab. There’s always something special going on before or during a Knights homestand. Seeing the skyline of Charlotte lit up with fireworks is truly something. BB&T Ballpark plans activities yearround—Knights play April through September. STAY CONNECTED
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May 27, 2014, Tue 6:35PM Columbus Clippers vs. Charlotte Knights May 28, 2014, Wed 10:35AM Columbus Clippers vs. Charlotte Knights May 29, 2014, Thu 6:35PM Columbus Clippers vs. Charlotte Knights Jun 1, 2014, Sun 6:00PM Toledo Mud Hens vs. Charlotte Knights Jun 3, 2014, Tue TBA Charlotte Knights vs. Rochester Red Wings Jun 4, 2014,Wed TBA Charlotte Knights vs. Rochester Red Wings Jun 5, 2014, Thu TBA Charlotte Knights vs. Rochester Red Wings Jun 6, 2014, Fri TBA Charlotte Knights vs. Rochester Red Wings Jun 7, 2014, Sat TBA Charlotte Knights vs. Rochester Red Wings Jun 8, 2014, Sun TBA Charlotte Knights vs. Rochester Red Wings Jun 9, 2014, Mon TBA Charlotte Knights vs. Rochester Red Wings Jun 10, 2014, Tue TBA Charlotte Knights vs. Rochester Red Wings Jun 16, 2014, Mon 7:05PM Lehigh Valley IronPigs vs. Charlotte Knights Jun 17, 2014, Tue 7:05PM Lehigh Valley IronPigs vs. Charlotte Knights Jun 18, 2014, Wed 7:05PM Lehigh Valley IronPigs vs. Charlotte Knights Jun 19, 2014, Thu 7:05PM Lehigh Valley IronPigs vs. Charlotte Knights Jun 20, 2014, Fri TBA Charlotte Knights vs. Toledo Mud Hens Jun 21, 2014, Sat TBA Charlotte Knights vs. Toledo Mud Hens Jun 22, 2014, Sun TBA Charlotte Knights vs. Toledo Mud Hens Jun 23, 2014, Mon TBA Charlotte Knights vs. Toledo Mud Hens Jun 24, 2014, Tue TBA Charlotte Knights vs. Louisville Bats Jun 25, 2014, Wed TBA Charlotte Knights vs. Louisville Bats Jun 26, 2014, Thu TBA Charlotte Knights vs. Louisville Bats Jun 27, 2014, Fri TBA Charlotte Knights vs. Louisville Bats Jun 28, 2014, Sat 7:05PM Gwinnett Braves vs. Charlotte Knights Jun 29, 2014, Sun 2:05PM Gwinnett Braves vs. Charlotte Knights
LIKE PROWLER MAGAZINE ON FACEBOOK FOR UP-TO-THE MINUTE UPDATES ON ENTERTAINMENT IN THE QC
GAME OF THRONES AUTHOR COMES TO CLT: CONCAROLINAS GEORGE R. R. MARTIN, the man behind the tremendous Game of Thrones series now airing on HBO, is coming to Charlotte May 30 through June 1 as Guest of Honor at ConCarolinas 2014. Martin will participate in several Q&A sessions and read excerpts of his work that has not yet been published (always a big favorite since the sixth book in the Game of Thrones series is several years overdue and avidly anticipated by GoT fans). Martin will also sign books and pose for pictures with fans for no additional charge (after the purchase of a ConCarolinas pass). What is ConCarolinas? Science fiction fans will know that the “Con” in the title stands for “convention” but ConCarolinas is much more than just a gathering of sci-fi geeks. Fantasy and horror fans will find plenty of programming planned for them, and gamers will be competing all
weekend in both tabletop and role-playing games. ConCarolinas has held annual events in Charlotte since 2002 and is gaining increasing recognition in the nationwide sci-fi community, thanks in part to its unique winged panther logo, as well as its broad spectrum of programming appealing to different subgroups of fandom. This year’s multi-media event includes discussions on everything from fairytale series on TV (Once Upon A Time, Grimm) to the rich field of British science fiction (Dr. Who, Blake’s 7), featuring experts on the shows. Fans of Walking Dead, Dark Shadows, Star Trek, Star Wars, Sherlock Holmes, The Hunger Games and The Hobbit will all find things to get excited about. Anthony Montgomery, famous for his role as Ensign Travis Mayweather on the Star Trek: Enterprise series, heads the list of guests familiar from the
worlds of film, TV, comics, gaming, and fiction. Costuming is a particularly strong thread at ConCarolinas, with professional costumers sharing hints on creating everything from fairytale princess gowns to horror costumes and makeup. Special guest RJ Ready, a popular contestant on SyFy’s Face Off show, will teach special classes on the use of prosthetics and foam in costume design. A costume contest will be held on Saturday, and with fan groups including Starfleet, the Klingon Assault Group, and the 501st Legion from Star Wars attending, as well as members of the Society of Creative Anachronism, lots of costumes will be on view during the Con. Music (called “filking” in Con-speak) is another important part of the ConCarolinas experience, with music, dance and comedy events planned throughout the weekend. Is Klingon Karaoke your thing? Show up Saturday evening at 10 to display your talent. Classic sci-fi and horror films are screened throughout
the weekend, and there’s a Short Film Festival showcasing new works as well. Special seminars in filmmaking, F/X you can do at home, character development and writing scripts are included in the price of your pass. This is just a small sampling of the programming offered at ConCarolinas. There’s an art show of original sci-fi/fantasy works and a Dealers’ Room where you can buy anything from fantasy costumes to the latest genre comics. Paranormal experts will give seminars on ghost-hunting. Writers can meet with book company reps and get advice on every phase of creating a sci-fi novel. Kids have a full schedule of programming just for them, including a dragon egg hunt. It all takes place May 30 to June 1 at the Hilton University Place (a great place to have a convention, as those who joined us at the Mad Monster Party will agree). For a full run down on the weekend, visit www.concarolinas.org. by Renee Wright
ON THE PROWL PICS It appears that there are heroes among us. In a last minute encounter at the Mad Monster Party here in Charlotte, our Jr. correspondent Ethan made tag-team partner with none other than “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. The World Champion Wrestler took time out to provide a few really, really awesome minutes with Lil’ E. Piper brushed off his limo driver and timetable to take time out and pump up the spirit of our favorite lil’ guy. He also (with some pain involved) took off his Championship Ring and shared it with Ethan. Captain America is fiction. Piper?
We dug deep for this one. Send us a pic with you and Prowler in your travels for publication!
Jianwei Li with a vintage Prowler in 2009, photographed at The Bund, Shanghai China, 7,600 miles away from Charlotte by Steve Lindenman.
AND
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ACTIVE
PLAYER
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NC MUSIC FACTORY EVENTS
JACK WHITE Looks like he has something up his sleeve for CLT COMEDY ZONE www.cltcomedyzone.com Damon Wayans, May 23-25 Broken Lizard, May 29-30 Rob Schneider, June 5-7 Rachel Feinstein, June 12-14 Jon Lovitz, June 20-21 Nate Bargatze, June 25-28 Eddie Griffin, July 11-12 Corey Holcomb, July 24-26 Brent Morin, August 21-23 Charlie Murphy, August 28-31 UPTOWN AMPHITHEATRE www.livenation.com/venues/14076/uptown-amphitheatre-at-ncmusic-factory Boston, June 10 Counting Crows, June 24 The Neighbourhood, July 7 Beck, July 11 The Fray, July 15 O.A.R. & Phillip Phillips, July 16 Soulshine ft. Michael Franti, July 27 Sara Bareilles, July 28 Gavin DeGraw and Matt Nathanson, August 4 Panic! at the Disco, August 13 Old Crow Medicine Show, August 21 NEEDTOBREATHE, August 22 Bob Weir & Ratdog, August 27 Darius Rucker, October 3 THE FILLMORE www.livenation.com/venues/14570/the-fillmore-charlotte Tegan & Sara, May 19 Bastille, May 20 Tamar Braxton, May 21 Neon Trees, May 22 Heart Brigade - A Tribute to Heart, May 23 Danity Kane, May 28 Freedom Project featuring Manchester Orchestra, May 29 The DigiTour, June 4 Jack White, June 5 The Stranger & Natural Wonder, June 6 Tracy Morgan - Turn It Funny, June 7 The Head and The Heart, June 11 John Butler Trio, June 15 Cage the Elephant, June 19 Lindsay Stirling, June 27 Bone Thugs 'N' Harmony, July 20 Dirty Heads, July 29 Umphrey's McGee, July 30 MKTO, August 2 Rodrigo y Gabriela, August 6 3 Doors Down Acoustic: Songs from the Basement, August 19 Coheed & Cambria, September 21 The Janoskians, September 23 Little Mix, September 30 Jordan Knight & Nick Carter, October 15
PANTHERS 2014 SCHEDULE
Can the Panthers improve on a 12-4 record from 2013?
PRESEASON Friday, Aug. 8 Sunday, Aug. 17 Friday, Aug. 22 Thursday, Aug. 28
REGULAR SEASON Sunday, Sept. 7 Sunday, Sept. 14 Sunday, Sept. 21 Sunday, Sept. 28 Sunday, Oct. 5 Sunday, Oct. 12 Sunday, Oct. 19 Sunday, Oct. 26 Thursday, Oct. 30 Monday, Nov. 10 Sunday, Nov. 16 Sunday, Nov. 23 Sunday, Nov. 30 Sunday, Dec. 7 Sunday, Dec. 14 Sunday, Dec. 21 Sunday, Dec. 28
Bualo Bills Kansas City Chiefs at N.E. Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers
7:30 p.m. ET 8:00 p.m. ET 7:30 p.m. ET 7:30 p.m. ET
at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Detroit Lions Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals at Green Bay Packers Seattle Seahawks New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles Atlanta Falcons BYE at Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cleveland Browns at Atlanta Falcons
4:25 p.m. ET 1:00 p.m. ET 8:30 p.m. ET 1:00 p.m. ET 1:00 p.m. ET 1:00 p.m. ET 1:00 p.m. ET 1:00 p.m. ET 8:25 p.m. ET 8:30 p.m. ET 1:00 p.m. ET
Photos by Steve Lindenman
1:00 p.m. ET 1:00 p.m. ET 1:00 p.m. ET 1:00 p.m. ET 1:00 p.m. ET
For frequent Panther updates go now and subscribe to Prowler Magazine free at www.prowlermagazine.com
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND Where the world is watching
by Renee Wright
CELEBRATING SPEED Coca-Cola Speed Street presented by Chevrolet celebrates its 20th year on the streets of Charlotte’s Center City
this year. Always an anticipated event by race fans, the festival is a favorite with locals as well, thanks to the abundant free music, free giveaways, numerous contests and liberal pours at the beer trucks. This year Speed Street ramps up its game with new title sponsorship from Coca-Cola as well as presenting sponsorship from Chevrolet.
To help you navigate your way through this year’s event, here’s a guide assembled by Prowler that will direct you to the good stuff. FAQs Speed Street runs Thursday, May 22 to Saturday, May 24 from noon to 11 p.m. daily. Admission is free. Don’t bring your dog, but kids are welcome. Events run rain or shine. LOCATION Like most festivals in Center City, Speed Street tends to slide around a bit each year. However, with the arrival of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Speed Street found its heart.
The main Coca-Cola music stage is located in the plaza directly in front of the Hall of Fame on MLK Jr. Blvd. Most of the rest of the festival is located on South Tryon in the blocks from the Square down to Stonewall, or along MLK Jr Blvd. leading from Tryon to the HoF. KID’S ZONE Speed Street is very family friendly with special activities planned for the youngest fans.
The Kids’ Zone is located adjacent to the Mint Museum on South Tryon and will be open noon to 6 pm all three days of the festival. Kids can enjoy bounce houses, a rock climbing wall and face painters, along with contests and kids’ activities. On Saturday, the Kids’ Zone hosts Radio Disney LIVE! Win Lose or Draw Edition Fueled by DOLE Fruit Squish’ems with music, dancing and interactive entertainment. BONUS: Austin North, star of
the Disney Channel’s “I Didn’t Do It,” will be on hand Saturday 1-4 pm for a free meet and greet and Q&A session with the kids.
NASCAR FAN FAVORITES Many of the Sprint Cup teams bring their show cars to Speed Street with drivers making personal appearances during the festival. The majority of driver autograph sessions will be held at the Creative Loafing area and at the Chevrolet display on
Thursday and Friday. Check the Coca-Cola Stage schedule for appearances by the Coca-Cola drivers.
DRIVE A CHEVY The annual Chevy Ride-andDrive returns to Speed Street. Fans can test drive some of the latest models, including the Camaro, Impala, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500 HD, Malibu, Cruze, Equinox and Tahoe, all provided by Carolina Chevy Dealers. Look for the Ride-andDrive test track in front of the Harvey B. Gantt Center in the 500 block of South Tryon, Thursday through Saturday, noon to 6 pm. INTERACTIVE FUN Booths and displays offering freebies, contests and more will be spread throughout Speed Street but are concentrated in the 200 block of South Tryon. Look for the GoPro Motorplex display and
booths representing local publications (including Prowler and Southern Sports Journal), local radio and television stations, local non-profits and charity groups, tourist information on
the surrounding region, and more. Three fun booths to visit:
GEICO SAVINGS ON BOARD BUS
Dance with the Geico Gecko, get a free gift, enter to win a
$500 gift card, and find out how to save 15% on your car insurance. CLAIM YOUR CASH N.C. Department of State
Treasury Department hosts a booth where you can find out (FOR FREE) whether you have unclaimed cash. One in eight people in North Carolina are due money they have not claimed. Is your name on the
missing money list?
PROWLER MAGAZINE, ESPN 730 and Go! See! Do! Events Drop by the Prowler Magazine display and sign up for a free subscription and a free prize. Everyone’s a winner!
EAT (AND DRINK) As always, a wide variety of food and drink will be available at Coca-Cola Speed Street. Look for state-fair type refreshments and many of Charlotte’s food trucks along Tryon between the Square and Fourth Street. Beer trucks can be found near every intersection and around the Coca-Cola Stage in front of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
NASCAR HALL OF FAME NASCAR’s shrine to the sport of stockcar racing will be open extended hours during Coca-Cola Speed Street. Hours are 9 am to 8 pm on Thursday and Fri-
THURS FRI 22nd//Noon-11pm
23rd//Noon-11pm
SAT 24th//Noon-11pm
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ON THE COCA-COLA STAGE | 2014 SCHEDULE May 22, Thursday
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Thursday has been designated Throwback Thursday with three tribute bands taking the stage: 5:30 pm The Stranger, a Billy Joel tribute band 7:45 pm Backbeat, a Beatles Tribute Band
9:15 pm Coca-Cola Presents: Who’s Bad, the Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band
BONUS: At 5 pm, “Billy Joel” (Mike Santoro, lead singer of The Stranger) will lead a round of “Happy Birthday” from the Coca-Cola Stage, celebrating the festival’s 20th birthday and officially kicking off this year’s Coca-Cola Speed Street, followed by a birthday cake to be enjoyed by all. DRIVER APPEARANCES Thursday 1-3 pm Creative Loafing Display: Tyler Young and Patrick Staropoli Autograph Session
6 pm Chevrolet Display: Joey Coulter, Spencer Gallagher and Max Gresham 7-9 pm Creative Loafing Display: Donnie Allison, Jeremy Clements, Taylor Stricklin, Justin Allison, Grant Enfinger, Brennan Newberry, Jamie Dick, Robert Yates and Ross Chastain Autograph Session
May 23, Friday
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 5:30 pm Rising country star 16-year-old Zach Ludlam.
8 pm NASCAR fan-favorite Tim Dugger. 9:30 pm Chevrolet Presents: Grammy nominated duo Thompson Square. The husband and wife team of Keifer and Shawna Thompson are the only married couple to ever receive the Country Music Association’s Vocal Duo of the Year award—and they did it twice, based on their original hit singles “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” “I Got You,” and “Glass.”
BONUS: At 6:45 pm, the CocaCola Racing drivers, Austin Dillon and Joey Logano, will make a special appearance and answer questions. DRIVER APPEARANCES Friday 12 noon Chevrolet Display: Michael Annett
1-3 pm Creative Loafing Display: Michael Annett Autograph Session 2:30 pm Chevrolet Display: Kyle Larson
6 pm Creative Loafing Display: NASCAR Pit Crew Members 6:30 pm Chevrolet Display: Jimmy Weller 7-9 pm Creative Loafing Display: Ernie Irvan, Jared Irvan, Brennan Newberry, Jimmy Weller, Black Koch, Jamie Dick and Ross Chastain Autograph Session
May 24, Saturday
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 4 pm Julie Gribble, a singer/songwriter and actress currently on the hot list in Nashville.
5:45 pm Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. Winners in both the men’s and women’s competition go on to compete in the nationally televised finals at Coney Island on July 4, a holiday tradition since 1916. Joey Chestnut, better known as “Jaws” and defending champion of the Nathan’s competition with seven consecutive wins, will be on hand to cheer on the competitors. He holds the world record, eating 69 hot dogs and their buns in 10 minutes last year. (You can sign up for the competition at nathansfamous.com.) FUN FACT: In addition to hot dogs, Joey “Jaws” Chestnut also holds the world records for eating steak, ribs, fried asparagus, bratwurst, matzoh balls and hard boiled eggs.
8 pm Charlotte’s own rising stars, the Showteam from the School of Rock 9:30 pm Coca-Cola Presents: Southern Rock legends 38 Special BONUS: At 6:45 pm, the Coca-Cola Racing drivers, Greg Biffle and Tony Stewart, will participate in a Q&A.
Coca-Cola Speed Street is Charlotte’s largest annual event. Admission is FREE. Join Prowler Magazine, ESPN 730 and Go! See! Do! Events for a celebration in beautiful Uptown Charlotte!
Top to Bottom: 38 Special, The Stranger (Billy Joel Tribute Band), Thompson Square and current NASCAR points leader Jeff Gordon.
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.
10
YEAR PICTORIAL
Photography by John Holliday, Steve Lindenman, Scott Williams and Don Kelly
10
YEAR PICTORIAL
+ YOUR LADY CATS FAVORITE DANCE TEAM OF THE NBA
BELLINI (WORLD FAMOUS) Ingredients 2 oz peach juice or peach puree 4 oz Champagne Preparation Pour the peach juice or peach puree into a Champagne ute. Slowly add the Champagne. Enjoy liberally.
Jamaican-Style Green
Bloody Mary
Ingredients 1 1/2 oz Vodka 3 oz Green Tomato Bloody Mary mix Pickled Okra; to garnish Poached Shrimp; to garnish
Directions Pour Vodka into a glass with ice. Fill glass with Green Tomato Bloody Mary mix. Transfer to a shaker and shake for 20-30 seconds. Pour back into the glass and garnish with Pickled Okra and Shrimp to serve. Mix: Mix the ingredients together and adjust seasoning to taste. Store in the fridge for up to a week.
Helpful Tips 1. You can use green or red tomato juice for this recipe! 2. The jerk paste is the secret that makes this Bloody Mary, Jamaican! 3. You could make a Bloody Maria by substituting the vodka with tequila. Green Tomato Bloody Mary Mix 1 1/2 cups Green Tomato Juice 3/4 ounce Lemon Juice 3/4 oz Lime Juice 1 tablespoon Horseradish 1/4 ounce Worcestershire Sauce 1/4 ounce Green Hot Sauce Pinch Salt Pinch Pepper 1 tablespoon Jamaican Jerk Paste STILL THIRSTY?
SWEET TEA LEMONY SPIKED
Ingredients 7 cup (s) water 6 orange pekoe tea bags (black tea) 1 1/2 cup (s) sugar 1 1/3 cup (s) freshly squeezed lemon 1 cup (s) Bacardi 151 golden rum Fresh mint sprigs for garnish
Directions Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan and add tea bags. Remove pan from the heat, cover it, and allow tea bags to steep for 5 minutes. Remove and discard tea bags. Add sugar to saucepan and stir until dissolved. Add remaining 3 cups water and stir to combine. Transfer mixture to a pitcher, and add lemon juice and rum. Chill thoroughly before serving. Serve over ice, in tall glasses garnished with mint sprigs.
For more fabulous cocktails for every season visit our archives at www.ProwlerMagazine.com. Enjoy!
Brunch
FAVORITES WITH NEW FLAVOR Directions
SKILLET QUICHE
ASPARAGUS-MUSHROOM-BACON Ingredients 6 oz bacon, diced 1/2 pound asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces 4 oz baby bella (cremini) mushrooms, sliced
4 oz shredded Swiss cheese 1 1/2 cups whipping cream 4 large eggs 1/4 teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper
BRUNCH CREPES
Position oven rack to center position. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Butter a 10inch pie plate. Heat a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir bacon in the hot skillet until crisp, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove bacon and drain all but 2 tablespoons grease from skillet. Cook and stir asparagus and mushrooms in the remaining bacon grease until asparagus is tender, about 5 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and toss bacon into asparagus mixture. Spread asparagus-bacon mixture into the prepared pie pan. Sprinkle Swiss cheese over mixture. Whisk cream, eggs, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour egg mixture over asparagus-cheese mixture. Bake in the preheated oven until quiche is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
CREAMY STRAWBERRY
Ingredients
Directions
Gently fold in the whipped cream. To serve, fill each crepe with 1/4 cup sliced strawberries and 1/3 cup of the cream cheese filling, roll up and top with a small dollop of the cream cheese filling and more sliced strawberries.
Place the eggs, milk, water, melted butter, flour, and salt in the pitcher of a blender; blend until smooth. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 2 tablespoons for each crepe. Tip and rotate pan to spread batter
as thinly as possible. Flip over when the batter is set and the edges are beginning to brown. Cook until the other side begins to brown. Stack finished crepes on a plate, cover with a damp towel and set aside. Blend the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth.
3 eggs 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup water 3 tablespoons butter, melted 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup heavy cream, whipped 4 cups sliced strawberries
Fontina Spinach
Artichoke
Pasta AM Hash INGREDIENTS 6 slices cut bacon, chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic minced 8 oz cremini mushrooms 1 teaspoon dried dill 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon red pepper 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt 16 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed 12 oz marinated artichokes hearts, drained 1 pound angle hair pasta 8 oz fontina cheese, half diced, half shredded 6-8 eggs 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream Lots of chopped parsley INSTRUCTIONS Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta, prepare according to directions. Drain, set aside. Preheat oven to 374 degrees F. Heat large skillet over medhigh heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove to paper towel-lined plate. Remove all but one tablespoon of bacon fat from pan, add olive oil and heat over high heat. Add garlic, sauté for 30 seconds. Add mushrooms in a single layer. Don't stir! Let them sizzle until they caramelize on bottom, about 2 minutes. When bottoms are caramelized, toss once and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add dill, oregano, crushed red pepper and pepper. Stir in thawed spinach and artichokes and gently stir everything to combine. Cook another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Add half of the pasta, the cubes of fontina and a drizzle of olive oil, toss well, adding in more pasta if desired. Create small wells for eggs and carefully crack eggs into wells. Sprinkle eggs with salt and pepper and add remaining shredded cheese. Drizzle cream over eggs. Place whole skillet in oven and bake until whites are just set but yolks are runny, about 15 minutes. To brown cheese a bit more turn the broiler on for 30 seconds. Remove from oven and add crispy bacon. Garnish with parsley.
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THERE IS SOMETHING SPECIAL SHAKING IN THE SOUTHEAST CORRIDOR. AND RUSSELL’S IS GETTING HOT. Prowler Magazine had a round of Q & A with Jonathan Williams: First Alcoholic Beverage You Ever Drank? Tecaté Beer on the beach in Cancun. Your First Bartending Job? Back in 2000 at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Drinks That Are Awesome That People Never Order? Mojitos are great spring time drinks, but it must have all of the freshest ingredients! One Thing A Bartender Hates? When a person walks to the bar and has no clue what they want, like it's their first time ever seeing liquour or being at a bar. Then we just wait in front of them while the customers pile up....major pet peeve! Three Most Common Conversations With Customers? Anything sports-related, current events, relationship issues. Let’s not forget bartenders are the unpaid psychologists...lol.
Thing You Love About Russell's? I love the family we have there and how close everyone is. It's like a modern-day Cheers. Thing You Love About Russell? I love that he is genuine, what you see is what you get and he really cares for his employees and their well being! Thing You Love About Russell's Customers? The loyalty to Russell's and the diversity of clients. A lot of great people from many walks of life are making their way here on a regular basis. Your Favorite Menu Item? This is easy: Country’s famous Jalapeño Philly Roll with Prime Rib! Favorite Time Of Day/Night To Bartend? Wednesday nights for karaoke are always fun with an awesome crowd and some damn good singers. Last Call You Recommend? Something easy, quick and to the point: Fireball Whisky shots for you and all of your friends.