2016 Issue 10 Creative Loafing by Creative Loafing Charlotte

CLCLT.COM | APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2016 VOL. 30, NO. 10

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VIEW FROM THE COUCH For reviews on the latest in home entertainment, visit

CLCLT.COM/CHARLOTTE/VIEW-FROM-THE-COUCH/

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TOMORROW

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GRANGER SMITH FREE WSOC CONCERT FRIDAY

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Levine Museum of the New South presents

THE NEW LATINO SOUND

RAY SCOTT

SPECIAL EDITION 1-2-3- NIGHT

MAY 13

COYOTE JOE’S

BIRTHDAY BASH FEATURING JON LANGSTON TYLER HATLEY & OUT OF THE BLUE CASH GIVEAWAY & PRIZES

1ST PLACE - $500 2ND PLACE - $200 3RD PLACE - A PAIR OF CONCERT TICKETS FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR $2.25 BUD & BUD LITE $3.75 HOUSE VODKA DRINKS

TICKETS ONLY $5

WILD1-2-3 NIGHTS APRIL 29

MAY 7,14, 21& 27

ON SALE AT COYOTE JOES AND COYOTE-JOES.COM

COYOTE JOE’S : 4621 WILKINSON BLVD 704-399-4946

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CREATIVE LOAFING IS PUBLISHED BY WOMACK NEWSPAPERS, INC. CHARLOTTE, NC 28206. OFFICE: 704-522-8334 WWW.CLCLT.COM FACEBOOK: /CLCLT TWITTER: @CL_CHARLOTTE INSTAGRAM: @CREATIVELOAFINGCHARLOTTE

STAFF PUBLISHER • Charles A. Womack III publisher@yesweekly.com EDITOR • Anita Overcash aovercash@clclt.com

EDITORIAL

NEWS EDITOR • Ryan Pitkin rpitkin@clclt.com FILM CRITIC Matt Brunson mattonmovies@gmail.com DINING CRITIC • Tricia Childress tchildress@clclt.com

fRiDay, aPRiL 29 @ Jahlistic

THEATER CRITIC • Perry Tannenbaum perrytannenbaum@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS • Ailen Arreaza, Erin TracyBlackwood, Vivian Carol, Charles Easley, Page Leggett, Alison Leininger, Kyle Mullin, Dan Savage, Aerin Spruill, Chuck Shepherd, Jeff Hahne

Orquesta Mayor

ART/DESIGN

GRAPHIC DESIGNER • Dana Vindigni CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS • Justin Driscoll, Brian Twitty

ADVERTISING

To place an ad, please call 704-522-8334. SALES MANAGER Aaron Stamey • astamey@clclt.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Patabamba

Candice Andrews • candrews@clclt.com Sarah Stark • sstark@clclt.com

Reinaldo Brahn

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Pat Moran • pmoran@clclt.com

Experience the sounds of the Nuevo South! Don’t miss this exciting show featuring local and regional Latino musicians Orquesta Mayor, Patabamba, Jahlistic, and Reinaldo Brahn. And celebrating the oﬃcial release of Patabamba’s new album. Doors open at 7 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets $10. On sale at www.neighborhoodtheatre.com or at the door. Presented in conjunction with the exhibit ¡NUEVOlution! Latinos and the New South. #NUEVOlution

Creative Loafing © is published by CL, LLC 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd., Suite C-2, Charlotte, NC 28206. Periodicals Postage Paid at Charlotte, NC. Creative Loafing welcomes submissions of all kinds. Efforts will be made to return those with a self-addressed stamped envelope; however Creative Loafing assumes no responsibility for unsolicited submissions. Creative Loafing is published every Wednesday by Womack Newspapers, Inc. No portion may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. First copy is free, all additional copies are $1. Copyright 2015 Womack Newspapers, Inc. CREATIVE LOAFING IS PRINTED ON A 90% RECYCLED STOCK. IT MAY BE RECYCLED FURTHER; PLEASE DO YOUR PART.

A MEMBER OF:

www.museumofthenewsouth.org

“FLOATING GYRE,” SHARON DOWELL AND ARTHUR BROUTHERS COLLABORATION

annual Ci7 Spaces goes 20 The down at The Grace on April 30.

COVER STORY ON EASY STREET: PEDESTRIANS RULE THE ASPHALT DURING OPEN STREETS 704 BY ANITA OVERCASH THIS WEEK’S COVER WAS DESIGNED BY DANA VINDIGNI.

NEWS&VIEWS 12 CLASS IN SESSION 13 BLOTTER

FOOD FLAVOR OF LOVE: Sabor spreads to NoDa and beyond.

BY MADELINE LEMIEUX 18 THREE-COURSE SPIEL

ARTS&ENT LIFE AFTER A BAND CALLED DEATH: Were three black guys from Detroit the first punk band ever? BY RYAN PITKIN 25 FILM REVIEWS 26 HAPPENINGS

MUSIC LATIN MASS APPEAL: Patabamba makes music for Latinos and non-Latinos alike BY PAT MORAN 32 SOUNDBOARD

ODDS&ENDS

20 TOP 10 THINGS TO DO 34 MARKETPLACE 34 NIGHTLIFE 35 CROSSWORD 36 SAVAGE LOVE 38 HOROSCOPE

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NEWS

COVER STORY

ON EASY STREET Pedestrians rule the asphalt during Open Streets 704 BY ANITA OVERCASH

SIDE

FROM

ROAD

construction, concerts, festivals and 5Ks, it’s hard to imagine a reason for shutting busy streets down on a Sunday. There is, of course, the fictional case of zombie apocalypses and other catastrophes that movies have left imprinted on our minds. But that’s not what Open Streets 704, happening on roadways scattered about Charlotte neighborhoods on May 1, is about. Describing the event is no easy task. It’s part festival and part community gathering with a focus on transportation via feet and wheels. The route — approximately three miles, so similar in distance to a 5K — will run from NoDa, Villa Heights, Optimist Park, Belmont and First Ward neighborhoods to Memorial Stadium in Uptown. The four organizations responsible for Open Streets 704 are Mecklenburg County Parks & Rec, the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County Health Department and Partners for Parks, but a grant from the Knight Foundation and help from Charlotte BCycle, Sustain Charlotte and Chamber’s Healthy Charlotte, as well as support from the CharlotteMecklenburg Police and Charlotte Fire departments have brought the event to life.

The initial partly fueled by Patterson ( f o r m e r p r o g r a m director of who traveled Denmark, a city as a viable source

conception was Susan

Knight Foundation), to Copenhagen, where cycling works of transportation.

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The route of Open Streets 704. The trip left an impression on Patterson and got the wheels turning in her head, which led to further support for cycling programs. The Knight Foundation also hosted Gil Penalosa of 880cities.org — a Canadianbased non-profit organization that promotes community engagement through walking, biking, urban parks and public dwellings internationally — in Charlotte for a lecture. Penalosa, who launched the first Open

OPEN STREETS 704

Streets in Bogota, Colombia, spoke about the program, inspiring Charlotte leaders & initiatives and folks from a variety of organizations and non-profits to hop onboard. Sustain Charlotte, a nonprofit, plans to make sure the spirit of the Knight Foundation’s grant for its bicycle program is recognized through cultural vibrancy, civic engagement and economic equality.

“The chosen route is to serve as a linear park that connects people from all incomes brackets and backgrounds to one another in a dignifying and meaningful way,” says Jordan Moore, bicycle program director at Sustain Charlotte. “Gil Penalosa, father of the Open Streets, says that transportation is the great equalizer.” Open Streets events are hosted in more than 100 cities in the U.S. and Canada.

OPEN STREETS 704 Free admission. May 1, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. openstreets704.com.

The Q.C.-based event will be scattered across a variety of Charlotte neighborhoods, some of which don’t get regular foot traffic. This includes spots like First Ward, Belmont and Optimist Park. “Open Streets 704 gives us all the opportunity to connect with folks in spots we might not ordinarily visit, or maybe just pass through on the way to somewhere else,” says DC Lucchesi, a spokesperson for the project. “There’s no reason not to stop now.” The event also raises awareness of proximity to and from neighborhoods on the route. “The goal is to go beyond just the day of the event, to let folks see that we are in every sense of the word much closer than we think. If for only a few hours on a Sunday afternoon we can eliminate some of the physical barriers between us — like a busy street — the concept will be so much easier to grasp,” says Lucchesi. “If we have the chance to explore the neighborhoods and routes, we can get a visual as to how we might also be able to navigate them the other six days of the week, and maybe even gain the courage and confidence to replicate the process in our own neighborhood, commute to work, route to school, and the like.” While Lucchesi admits that without the street closures some portions of the Open Streets 704 route could be dicey, especially for inexperienced bikers, he feels that this event could give more confidence to folks who don’t cycle regularly. “Just as bike lanes give cyclists the confidence to ride alongside traffic, the more comfort they gain there, the more they’ll be willing to ‘go with the flow’ on the rest of the asphalt,” says Lucchesi. Although cycling enthusiasts and longtime riders like Dianna Ward of Charlotte B-Cycle don’t fear the streets, she believes that the event could be an eye-opening experience to

folks who don’t frequently set out on wheels. “There are a lot of people who are afraid to walk or cycle on the streets of Charlotte. Hopefully someone’s life will be changed forever by this experience. Someone is going to bike in the streets for the first time ever,” says Ward. “There are people with significant health challenges whose lives will be forever changed by walking or cycling the three-mile course. Hopefully this will enhance people’s lifestyles.” Ward’s organization, Charlotte B-cycle, is participating and will host a bike valet and rent out bikes for free on during the event. While Open Streets 704 has some of the elements that are seen in other street festivals and fairs, it varies in its organic, neighborhood-driven nature. Events and programmed activities will be sprinkled along the route. “The goals are to involve the entire community — not just the neighbors and businesses along the route — in an afternoon of healthy activity, social engagement, and to develop a whole new perspective as to how streets can more closely connect us rather than serve the singular purpose of carrying cars,” says Lucchesi. The event encourages busking and activity participation. That means folks are welcome to start up their own activities, whether it’s double-dutch jump roping, break dancing circles, corn hole or four square tournaments. Planned stops and activities along the route include an arts and science zone (with music, dance and art), a family zone (with games, demos and more), a green zone (with gardening and wildlife) and a wellness zone (with cooking demos, yoga, and more). While street closures will affect residents and drivers on the route, Scott Curry, pedestrian program manager for the City of Charlotte, believes traffic flow will be minimal, posing less conflict to regular traffic patterns and detours. Since the event is being held on a Sunday, he believes traffic will be lighter. As for residents, they are repeatedly being notified of the pedestrian-only route and detours. “We’re hoping the residents along the route see this as a great benefit,” says Curry. “After all, we’re essentially creating a public park right outside their front door.”

What to do and where to go ARTS & SCIENCE ZONE (Corner of East 36th Street and North Davidson Street through East 27th Street) featuring Renaissance Festival performers, dancing in the streets and circus performers (35th and 36th Streets), and illustrators (Jordan Place and North Davidson Street)

FAMILY ZONE (North Davidson Street, between East 27th Street and East 26th Street, through Parkwood Avenue) featuring breakdancing and adult tricycle races (between 27th and 26th Streets on N. Davidson Street), interactive games and more.

GREEN ZONE (Parkwood Avenue and North Davidson Street to Belmont Avenue to North Brevard) featuring talks about trees and composting (corner of East 17th Street and North Davidson Street), nature center exhibits (corner of Belmont Avenue and North Davidson Street), food trucks (corner of Belmont Avenue and North Brevard Street)

WELLNESS ZONE (East 11th Street and North Brevard through North Brevard Street and East 7th Street through N. McDowell) featuring a bootcamp, yoga and Zumba (7th Street bridge), a bike rodeo and kites (8th and Brevard Streets), West African dancing (Brevard Street, between 8th and 7th Streets), mural artists (First Ward Park and 10th Street)

AOVERCASH@CLCLT.COM

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VIEWS

CLASS IN SESSION

A PURPLE SHADOW Dealing with the aftershock of a legend’s death hold. WE ALL HAVE those moments burned Once I got to work, Prince tributes were into our brain when something tragic or in full swing on the radio and social media. significant happens. You know you’ll recall Each song brought back specific memories, the story forever, so you store it in your especially since I grew up in the ‘70s and ‘80s. memory shelf like so many virtual snow One station played “Soft and Wet” and I was globes until the inevitable question is immediately transported to a house party presented. during my childhood where I stood in awe Last week, one of these unfortunate amongst older cousins and relatives dancing events played out across America. Where and having a good time until I was caught and were you when Prince died? ushered back to my room with the other kids. On April 24, my long-time friend, Doug, I spent the evening of the 24th had invited me over for lunch to catch up. I reminiscing over moments in my life that was on the couch watching television when involved Prince. I remember blasting “Erotic he came in holding his phone with his face City” with the windows down on my Nissan frozen in disbelief and said, “This can’t be Pulsar one magical night clubbing in right.” Austin, Texas with friends. The After knowing someone for movie Purple Rain came out over 20 years, you can quickly in the summer of 1984 surmise by their tone and and became not only the demeanor when all jokes soundtrack of that season are officially aside and but carried us right into something tragic has a new year of college. happened. Doug handed There were dudes trying me the phone as it so hard to look like Prince projected a TMZ story while girls tried to emulate with the simple yet direful Vanity 6 that semester. You headline, “Prince, Dead at CHARLES see, Purple Rain was not 57.” I had a sense of deja vu; just about the music; it had I was also with Doug when EASLEY a serious impact on our culture. we found out Whitney Houston I called Kim on the day following had died. But this time, one person Prince’s death and she was still noticeably instantly flashed in my mind: my sister melancholy. Eventually, she softened and Kimberly. even laughed a bit while recalling how she We all have that one artist who is almost and our cousin Lisa “discovered” Prince when synonymous with our personality, character, they went to a record store to buy a Michael taste, style, voice and lives. Anyone who Jackson album. They happpened to see this knows me will tell you that artist for me other fine dude with a big afro on the cover of is the diva Patti LaBelle. But for Kim, that a record lying nearby and bought that album artist is unequivocally Prince. I am a fan of instead. They felt like they had beat the crowd Prince because I grew up with his music, but when they heard “Soft and Wet” a few weeks for Kim, he was her muse, musical soul mate later on the radio. and spirit guide. Kim is known for her funky We both cracked up at a memory of when fashion sense, which she will proudly tell you is her homage to his Royal Purple-ness. Kim said our mom burst into her room and So upon hearing the news, I immediately yanked the cassette out of her player because sent a mutual text to Kim and our cousin she heard her listening to “Controversy.” She Kathy, because I knew I would need backup had heard Prince begin to recite the Lord’s for the inevitable emotional mess my sister Prayer and immediately wanted to know would turn into upon hearing the tragic what kind of blasphemous devil music she news of her musical muse’s sudden and was listening to. untimely death. I got a text back from my The laughter did not last long, however, sister Kim, “I can’t even breathe. I logged off before the reality of her beloved musical icon from work early, pls [sic] pray for me. I am and spiritual muse’s passing hit home again. not right....” She shared in a kind of far away voice, “He just It was worse than I thought. made it ok to be different.” I knew eventually I finished lunch and headed home to she would be alright, but losing someone change for work. I checked in with Kathy, who had literally created her life’s playlist who was concerned that my sister was not would take some time. For the time being, answering the phone or responding to text. she needed to process, grieve, heal and take We agreed that we would keep checking on refuge under her own “Graffiti Bridge.” her as the first wave of shock and grief took BACKTALK@CLCLT.COM 12 | APR. 28 - MAY. 4, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

NEWS

BLOTTER

BY RYAN PITKIN

RUN FORREST A thief near the Johnson

C. Smith University campus will be much stronger and faster the next time they hit the streets for a spree, after stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of bone growth technology from a vehicle. A woman called police to report that someone broke into her car overnight and made off with five bone growth stimulator machines, worth $5,000 each. The thief also took a $5,000 pair of orthopedic braces, but won’t need them after a few sessions with the stimulators.

the device. When they knocked on the door and asked for the suspect, the man living there said that it was anyone’s guess where the man was, as he’s not aloud to sleep in the house but sleeps in the backyard instead. The suspect had appparently had enough of that set-up, because police went to the backyard to find that he had removed the device and fled the residence.

TIME TRAVEL A 24-year-old woman

bent out of shape during a game of billiards at Big Woody’s pool hall (best name ever) on Independence Boulevard last week. The suspect apparently couldn’t take one more scratch, so they instead picked up a pool ball and launched it through the glass door of a cooler behind the bar, causing $1,000 in damage.

became jaded after a recent break-up and decided to involve police in getting a book back that she had lent to her boyfriend a month prior. The woman told officers that a suspect had stolen her copy of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (which somehow was listed as costing $120). When pressed by police on how this could have happened, she told them the suspect “gained access to her property” while the two were dining together at Common Market in March, when they were still dating.

IRONY

Employees at governmentsponsored mortgage lending company Fannie Mae’s Charlotte office were alarmed to come to work one day last week and see the effects of foreclosure firsthand. Someone at the office called police when she found that at sometime over the weekend someone had broken in and was using the office as a sleeping quarter. The suspect was not caught and there was no property damage or theft during the break-in, so no harm no foul.

THE WET BANDITS Movie nostalgia

STUCK A 10-year-old girl was injured in

BREATH FRESHENER Police got involved in the case of a man who got sick last week and quickly found the odd cause of his malady. The 53-year-old man told officers that a suspect intentionally altered his food before he ate it. The man told officers that the suspect sprayed Little Tree “Black Ice” air freshener into his ketchup before he applied it to his food. The victim ate the food and suffered from possible internal but minor injuries.

CORNER POCKET Someone got a little

a grisly way at Thomasboro Academy last week when horseplay in the hallways turned horribly wrong. According to the report, the girl was waiting in line for afternoon dismissal when a friend playfully jumped on her back. The weight of the student caused them both to fall to the floor, and a pencil that was protruding out of the jumper’s backpack ended up lodged in the girl’s leg.

JERK It’s unclear who was the victim and who was the suspect in an incident that took place in a south Charlotte seminary last week. A 49-year-old woman called police to Union Presbyterian Seminary on Sharon Road to tell them that she “observed the suspect masturbating from a distance.” She told officers that the man did not know she was watching him in the act, begging the question, why was she watching him in the act? Officers filed the report as a “miscellaneous non-criminal incident.” IN THE DOGHOUSE Police responded to a home in west Charlotte after receiving a strap-tamper alert from an electronic monitoring device that the suspect was court-ordered to wear as he awaits trial. The officers went to the house where the man is supposed to be living and where they pinged

from the ‘90s may have struck a thief who allegedly broke into a home in south Charlotte. According to the victim, the burglar broke into his home and did not steal anything, but did leave the faucet running in his sink, which is reminiscent of actors Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern’s characters in Home Alone. Those two haven’t been working lately, maybe check their alibis.

FENCING A 46-year-old woman may be facing the early preparations for a Game of Thrones-style invasion after someone burned and took down a part of the fence in her northeast Charlotte backyard last week. The woman said that at some point over the weekend, someone burned leaves and pine needles in an attempt to catch fire to the fence. Although the fire did damage the fence to the tune of $500, in the end, it didn’t gain anyone access to her kingdom. So, the vandal decided to take it one step further by removing the fence itself and taking it away. Blotter items are chosen from the files of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty. RPITKIN@CLCLT.COM CLCLT.COM | APR. 28 - MAY. 4, 2016 | 13

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FOOD

FEATURE

FLAVOR OF LOVE Sabor spreads to NoDa and beyond BY MADELINE LEMIEUX

ABOR MEANS “FLAVOR” in

Spanish, and Sabor Latin Street Grill founder Dalton Espaillat knows flavor. Born and raised in Santiago, Dominican Republic, Espaillat recalls a childhood growing up on flavorful Latin street food. “The easiest food to find is on the streets,” he says. “It’s a big part of Latin American communities. Eighty percent of people don’t eat at restaurants, they eat food you’d find on the street.” In 2013, Espaillat gave those foreign flavors a home in Charlotte when he opened the first Sabor eatery in the Elizabeth neighborhood. The concept of a boundaryblurring Latin restaurant specializing in street food caught on, and last month Espaillat opened a fourth Charlotte Sabor restaurant in NoDa. A fifth is coming soon to the Steele Creek area. The concept for Sabor (rhymes with galore, not neighbor) began with a craving. After leaving the Dominican as a teenager and settling in Statesville, Espaillat found that the transition to Southern cuisine wasn’t an easy one. “I remember there was one Dominican restaurant in Charlotte, and I would make the trip from Statesville just to eat there,” he recalls. Despite his street-food nostalgia and apathy toward the local food scene, Espaillat never intended to enter the restaurant industry. Instead, he studied engineering at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and founded a construction company. The Great Recession in 2008 forced him to reevaluate. “I had just had my first son, and I thought, ‘I have to figure something out in case my job doesn’t work out,’” he says. Espaillat found his ‘plan B’ when he and two other partners bought into Casa de las Enchiladas, a Mexican restaurant in Plaza Midwood. “The chef was really good and the food was really good, it just needed to be marketed properly,” he explains. Under Espaillat’s management, the restaurant became Three Amigos, which remains a staple in Plaza Midwood to this day. Still, Espaillat found himself craving the Latin street food that he grew up on. “It was never my intent to sell Mexican food, we just 16 | APR. 28 - MAY. 4, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

SABOR LATIN STREET GRILL Open daily, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 980207-3589. 3205 N. Davidson St. saborcharlotte.com.

made it work,” he clarifies. When he saw the opportunity to branch out a few years later and create a new concept for a restaurant of his own, he went for it. Thus, Sabor was born. “With Sabor, we don’t label ourselves, we just do what we want to do — whether it’s Mexican or Dominican or El Salvadorian. We’re not trying to be one country, we’re trying to be an open environment for all of those menu items.” If breaking the restaurant mold was Espaillat’s goal, he certainly succeeded. Sabor’s diverse menu reads like a Latin street food “greatest hits” collection: Mexican grilled corn, Venezuelan arepas, Argentinian empanadas and Dominican yuca fries. That’s in addition to the American favorites like tacos, burritos and nachos. “We have a lot of menu items you would only find in one specific restaurant,” he explains, “but you can go to Sabor and find that all in one place, done very well and in an authentic environment with authentic flavors.” Besides flavor, Espaillat believes it was important to stay true to two other important elements of Latin street food: speed and price. “What I envisioned was having the quality of a sit-down restaurant, but in a quick-service restaurant,” he says. “You go in, get your food, and you don’t have to pay a lot of money to get a good product.” Since Sabor has quickly spread across Charlotte, Espaillat saw the opportunity to make a triumphant return to NoDa. In 2015, he had opened a second Three Amigos location in the neighborhood, but things didn’t pan out for the Mexican restaurant. Blue Line construction left him on the outside looking in from the new restaurant’s North Tryon home.

The new Sabor Latin Street Grill location is nestled in the heart of NoDa.

“Closing 36th Street affected us greatly,” he explains. “It was hard for NoDa residents to reach us with so much traffic, and I realized customers were just used to our Central Avenue location.” The Three Amigos NoDa location closed its doors shortly after opening, but Espaillat’s commitment to bringing Latin flavor to the neighborhood never wavered. “I’ve been meaning to get into the NoDa neighborhood for a while,” Espaillat says of the new Sabor location. “I had been actively looking and seeking out a good spot, and I came across our spot and was able to work something out.” That spot ended up being right next door to Cabo Fish Taco in NoDa. Though some might be leery of setting up shop next to an established neighborhood favorite (especially one known for tacos), Espaillat was open-minded about it. “We don’t see each other as competition, more as a compliment to what we can offer. They’re more fish taco, Baja-styled food, and we’re more authentic Latin American.” Walking into the new NoDa location, it’s easy to see elements of the classic food truck that has found its way into the restaurant. An open kitchen faces the restaurant, and orders are called out as they’re finished. Diners can also find a hot sauce bar, scaled from mild to hot so there’s no surprises. The restaurant also boasts a glass case

RYAN PITKIN

full of local craft beers, offered in addition to a menu of rum-based margaritas and mojitos. Similar to new neighbor Benny Pennello’s, the impressive drink menu sets Sabor apart from most quick-service concept restaurants. It’s a distinction that Espaillat plans to emphasize in the future. “Once we get accustomed to the neighborhood, we’re planning on extending our hours of operation at our NoDa location, staying open till midnight and bringing in a full-time bartender,” he says. When asked if any Southern staples have found a place in his heart (or on a future menu), Espaillat laughs. “Everything is so different from the flavors you find here,” he says, before admitting, “Peach cobbler is something I enjoy, though. And meatloaf.” The future looks bright for Sabor; aside from the Steele Creek location opening this summer, Espaillat has plans for more after that. “We want one or two more locations by the end of the year,” he says, mentioning Huntersville, Ballantyne and University as potential destinations. Thanks to restaurants like Sabor, the Charlotte food scene continues to evolve. “There’s a lot of variety now,” he says, after sixteen years of living in the area. “We have a different food scene. The goal with Sabor is getting all of these different specialties into one place.” BACKTALK@CLCLT.COM

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CLCLT.COM | APR. 28 - MAY. 4, 2016 | 17

FOOD

THREE COURSE-SPIEL

NEW BRUNCH SPOT WITH CLASSIC CONCEPT Famous Toastery is a nice wake-up call BY LAURA EASON

CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS HOME ALL WEEKEND!

Charlotte Knights vs. Toledo Mud Hens

FRIDAY

FIREWORKS AFTER THE GAME GAME AT 7:05 PM

SATURDAY

LIVE MUSIC AFTER THE GAME FEATURING THE BAND PUSHH GAME AT 6:05 PM

SUNDAY

BARK IN THE BALLPARK BRING YOUR DOG TO THE GAME

KIDS RUN THE BASES AFTER THE GAME GAME AT 2:05 PM

TO PURCHASE TICKETS VISIT CHARLOTTEKNIGHTS.COM

Homestand Continues Monday-Wednesday vs. Columbus

charlotteknights.com 18 | APR. 28 - MAY. 4, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

BRUNCH IS POPULAR here in the South. So it should come as not surprise that an eatery like Famous Toastery would become a hot spot. The franchise opened its first location — a small house-turned-restaurant in Huntersville — in 2005, sporting a menu consisting of items like stuffed French toast with strawberry cream cheese, omelets, and burgers and wraps for the lunch crowd. The décor is up to owners at each location, but flying pigs and roosters are a common theme. With seven locations in North Carolina and two in South Carolina, Famous Toastery will soon move the concept up North, including spots like Long Island, New York, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and other areas in the South. Patrick McManaman and his wife Charlotte always wanted to open a restaurant, so when they saw the opportunity to franchise with Famous Toastery through a card at the Davidson location, they jumped on it. Coming from medical backgrounds, they welcomed the help and support they received from the original owners, knowing they could never have done it by themselves. The newest restaurant overlooks the water along the boardwalk of Shoppes at University Place. Open for almost a month now, McManaman says he renovated the space, formerly a Bad Dogs spot, into a classy, French-style brunch spot. Creative Loafing: What are your most popular dishes? McManaman: “It depends on the person. We have a lot of avocado dishes (a BLT with avocado, a southwest salad, an avocado omelet, and even an avocado benedict) and more. They are all big sellers. The usual omelet with smoked sausage and cheddar cheese is also popular among the omelets and is my own favorite dish.” What is the most distinctive or unusual dish on the menu? “As far as distinctive, we do a crab cake benedict and I think when a lot of people see that it’s something unusual and they see it and think that it’s a different dish that other restaurants don’t seem to carry as much. We also have a lobster roll that people from New

Patrick McManaman

LAURA EASON

FAMOUS TOASTERY 8933 J M Keynes Drive, Suite 2. 704-503-9599. famoustoastery.com.

England often come in for and are impressed by. Our lobster is flown fresh and they cut it and shell it here. It is only offered as a special and is always a huge seller.” What do enjoy most about working here? “I enjoy the pace. I worked as an Emergency Medical Technician for 15 years, spent eight years on an ambulance, and worked in two very busy emergency rooms. I like being able to move around and talk to people. Being a stay-at-home dad for the past six years has been great, but I’ve been working since I was 16 years old and was ready to get back to a fast-paced atmosphere. I’m so glad for the opportunity. The owners wanted to make sure that we liked them just as much as they liked us. Instead of just handing over the business, the original owners guided us every step of the way. They care about us and want to see us succeed, which is another reason I just love doing this. I’ve been here every day and have had only one day off, but I enjoy it.”

CLCLT.COM | APR. 28 - MAY. 4, 2016 | 19

THURSDAY

CHARLOTTE WINE & FOOD WEEKEND What: With more than 30 events over the course of four days (the event kicked off on April 27 and runs through April 30), Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend is any foodies dream come true. This year, there will be a Grand Tasting Tent with sessions featuring representatives from wineries and craft breweries, and chefs doing cooking demos. Another event, the Great All-American Tasting features vintner Fritz Hatton. When: Through April 30 Where: Locations vary. More: Prices vary. charlottewineandfood.org. — ANITA OVERCASH

20 | APR. 28 - MAY. 4, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

THINGS TO DO

TOP TEN FRIDAY

FRIDAY

29 SAVE THE MILESTONE FUNDRAISER

International Sandwich Festival SATURDAY

SATURDAY

FLOETRY

What: With Charlotte music venues dropping like flies, we at CL urge you to support those that are thriving. While The Milestone doesn’t appear to be on the verge of closure, it is in need of serious repairs. This benefit show is to help raise funds to make those upgrades and features Ceschi, Robert Childers and the Luciferian Agenda, ThoughtCriminals and more. Get out for a good cause.

What: After nearly a decadelong hiatus, Marsha Ambrosius and Natalie Stewart of Floetry reunited for a Reunion Tour last year. Though they don’t have a lot of new Floetry material, the pair plays classic songs to keep fans satisfied. Before reuniting, these London ladies were both flying solo, so they also each have their own material, which adds spoken word and other music material to add to the mix.

When: 9 p.m. Where: The Milestone, 3400 Tuckaseegee Road More: $10. 704-398-0472. themilestoneclub.com.

When: 8 p.m. Where: The Fillmore, 820 Hamilton St. More: $37.50. 704-916-8970. fillmorecharlottenc.com.

— JEFF HAHNE

SATURDAY

— OVERCASH

THE ANNUAL CI7 SPACES @ THE GRACE

ROCK THE ED

What: It’s been seven years since Culture Initiative started bringing kick ass events to the Q.C. For this show, held in a 1900s chapel, there’s the You & Me exhibit, a collaborative artists showcase. It features works by Sharon Dowell, Arthur Brouthers, Nathaniel Lancaster, Scott Partridge, John Hairston Jr. and more. The opening night party will also feature music, special guests and vendors.

What: This day-long music festival is a benefit for the East Mecklenburg High School Foundation. The event features talented headliner Bombadil backed up by a who’s who of Charlotte bands you should know — if not, even more reason to come. The bill includes Ancient Cities, Junior Astronomers, Serfs, Sinners & Saints, The Business People and Bless These Sounds Under the City.

When: 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Where: Grace on Brevard, 219 S. Brevard St. More: $15-$20. thecultureinitiative. com/event/ci7-spaces/.

When: 4 p.m. Where: Amos’ Southend, 1423 S. Tryon St. More: $15. 704-377-6874. amossouthend.com.

— OVERCASH

— HAHNE

Kiefer Sutherland WEDNESDAY

TODD COOPER

BETH ELLIOT

NEWS ARTS FOOD MUSIC ODDS

Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend FRIDAY

Bombadil SATURDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

INTERNATIONAL SANDWICH FESTIVAL What: This event is about more than sandwiches, but be sure to come hungry because there’s plenty of breaded goodness to go around. The grub has ethnic — Asian, Latin American, and Middle Eastern representation — and regional influences. UNC Charlotte’s Mobile Arts & Community Experience (MAX) pops up with a stage for entertainment, including music (salsa, merengue, jazz) and dance performances. When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Where: Aldersgate, 3800 Shamrock Drive. More: Free admission. — OVERCASH

TUESDAY

CHARLOTTE HIPPIE FEST What: If, like me, the now defunct Eastland Mall was one of your childhood stomping grounds, then this is as good a time as any to revisit the spot. Oh, and if you’re a flower child with a free spirit, all the better. This “hippie” event features arts and crafts from local artists and vendors, live entertainment and festivities making it an event that pretty much anyone can enjoy. So, no worries if you don’t have bell-bottoms to sport. When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Where: Old Eastland Mall Site, 5471 Central Ave. More: Free admission. facebook. com/HippieFestCLT. — OVERCASH

WEDNESDAY

UNREHEARSED SHAKESPEARE: AS YOU LIKE IT

SHOOTER JENNINGS

KIEFER SUTHERLAND

What: Acting is a challenge within itself, but if you have only a few minutes to look over lines prior to hitting the stage it’s a more difficult (and comedic) feat. PaperHouse Theatre actors are up for it, and will present this improvdriven Shakespearian showdown as a fundraiser for the group’s upcoming production of Much Ado About Nothing at Frock Shop.

What: The son of Waylon Jennings, Shooter has forged his own path down a backroad in country music. He hasn’t been afraid to push the envelope, hinting at classic country sounds, experimenting on the rock side or aiming for radiofriendly ramblers. His latest album, Countach, features appearances by Marilyn Manson and Brandi Carlile, among others. Opening is Waymore’s Outlaws, some of Waylon’s original backing band.

What: You’ve seen him on Fox’s 24 and in countless films, but at his upcoming appearance at Visulite Theatre, Sutherland will stick to singing and strumming. The actor, currently touring to promote his debut album Not Enough Whiskey, is doing what so many other actors do by adding music to his resume. He lassoes Americana-esqe and country elements into this project. In the past, he’s also been known to sport the cowboy title.

When: 7 p.m. Where: Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave. More: $10. 704-332-6608. petrasbar.com.

When: 8 p.m. Where: Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. More: $25-$27. 704-942-7997. neighborhoodtheatre.com.

When: 8:30 p.m. Where: Visulite Theatre, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. More: $25. 704-358-9200. visulite. com.

— OVERCASH

— HAHNE

— OVERCASH

CLCLT.COM | APR. 28 - MAY. 4, 2016 | 21

ARTS

FEATURE

LIFE AFTER A BAND CALLED DEATH Were three black guys from Detroit the first punk band ever? BY RYAN PITKIN

HE MOST COMPELLING

sequence in Charlotte filmmaker Jeff Howlett’s documentary A Band Called Death was not filmed by him, but by a man who had passed away before Howlett ever knew his story. It’s a grainy home video from the ‘90s of Dannis Hackney’s wedding, filmed by his brother David, founder of the band Death that’s referred to in the film’s title. David would pass away soon thereafter, but for that moment, the viewer sees things from his perspective. It’s intriguing to wonder what David’s perspective is now as he posthumously watches Death, the band he created in the 1970s with his two brothers, finally enjoy the success he prophesized it would before succumbing to lung cancer in 2000. Death hadn’t played in decades when David handed off a box of forgotten demos to his incredulous brother, promising that someone would come looking for them someday. In 2009, someone did. On April 21, that full story will be told on film and through music in Charlotte when C3 Lab in South End hosts Xperience 1, an event featuring a screening of A Band Called Death, a Q&A session with Howlett and David’s nephew Bobby Hackney Jr. and a performance from Bobby Jr.’s band, Rough Francis.

FUELED BY A small but passionate network of rare vinyl collectors in the punk music scene, interest in Death’s rare demos (they had never released a full album) began to climb around 2008. Soon, Bobby’s sons — already active in the Burlington, Vermont music scene — were hearing about Death, a band from 1970s Detroit consisting of three black guys who were playing punk music before punk music was really a thing. They were blown away when they listened and immediately recognized their Uncle David’s voice. Soon, the three teens — Bobby, Jr., Urian and Julian — formed Rough Francis and were covering their father 22 | APR. 28 - MAY. 4, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

(From left) David, Bobby and Dannis Hackney after first forming Death. and uncles’ songs to raise awareness for the music they once made. Howlett, who lived in Burlington, had known the Hackney family since the ‘90s, when a band he was in played a show with Lambsbread, the reggae band David’s two brothers, Bobby Sr. and Dannis, formed after Death disbanded. Like most of their friends and family, Howlett had no idea the Hackneys had ever played rock music. He ran into Bobby Jr. in 2009 and agreed to check out a Rough Francis show. The rest, as they say, is history. “Bobby Jr. came up to me and said, ‘We’re going to be covering some of my dad’s music at a local bar. You should come out.’ I figured it would be reggae stuff because when I played with [his father] with my band they were playing reggae,” Howlett says. “When they started playing, my mind just exploded. It was

like, ‘Holy crap.’ The more I found out about it from that point, I was completely sold. I was like, ‘I have to figure out a way we can make this happen. We can do something.’” What began with Howlett grabbing a camera and asking Bobby Jr. to tell his story from a bench in Burlington gradually transformed into a full fledge documentary that was released in 2012 and has since streamed on mainstream sites like Netflix and Amazon Prime. “[Jeff] was one of the first people to catch wind of the story,” Bobby Jr. says, speaking over the phone from Burlington. “He was really intrigued. He wanted to do something, anything, and it kind of snowballed from there. He started with me sitting on the bench, doing interviews with me and my brothers and my father and mom. He brought on [co-director Mark Corvino],

things just started happening. More people started to tune in and more famous people were starting to talk about it. They ended up getting some people from Hollywood to help produce and add more of a budget. Before you know it, we’re all in California hanging out at a movie premiere in L.A. It’s pretty surreal how it all happened so quick.” During this time, Bobby Sr. and Dannis had gotten back together, added guitarist Bobbie Duncan to replace David, and revived Death. They eventually signed a deal — something they couldn’t manage to do in the ‘70s thanks to an intimidating band name and stereotypes of what “black music” should be. They released an album titled ...For The Whole World To See and continue to tour the world and gather fans.

HOWLETT IS ALSO still touring with

C3 LAB XPERIENCE 01: DEATH + PUNK $20. April 30, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. C3 Lab, 2525 Distribution St. c3-lab.com/ events.

Death, or at least with the film he made about them. He’s done screenings as far away as Europe, but the C3 Lab screening will be special for him; it will be the first time he’s had Rough Francis on hand for a Q&A and performance. Local band Dirtbag Love Affair, who recently reunited, will open for Rough Francis. “To me this screening is super special because it’s the first time that Bobby Jr. and I have actually done a Q&A together,” Howlett says. “It started with me and Bobby sitting down by Lake Champlain [in Burlington] with a camera shooting an interview. That’s how it all started. I think it’s going to be a really special Q&A from that perspective.” Bobby Jr., who has never performed in Charlotte, says he’s excited to perform and to see Jeff, whom he looked up to as a budding musician in Burlington. Jeff moved to Charlotte from Burlington in the late stages of the film’s production and the two haven’t seen each other in a year. “It’s awesome. We’ve never been invited to do an event like this,” Bobby Jr., says. “It’s our first time being specifically requested to do something like this so we’re just going to have a good time and we’re really stoked to come down.” While it may seem like Howlett’s mission to bring Death more exposure is accomplished, the buzz continues to build. He says curators at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, set to open in September, plan to include an exhibit about Death, in which his movie will play a part. The honor is fitting for a man who repeatedly referred to his film not as a documentary but as a “document” during our conversation. “That’s history. That’s actual African American history,” Howlett says. “That gives me chills. That’s what makes my heart beat for this story, is stories like that.” As much as the movie serves as historical documentation of one of music’s greatest stories, Howlett and Corvino also did an amazing job of interlacing themes of family, struggle and aspiration. From David’s strong spiritual outlook on death — which inspired his stubbornness in keeping the band’s name even when it cost them a record deal — to his battle with alcoholism and lung cancer, the story always loops back to a mantra that was ingrained in

(From left) Jeff Howlett, Dannis Hackney, Bobby Hackney, Sr., Mark Corvino and Bobbie Duncan. the Hackney boys by their parents throughout their childhood: Always back your brother. “When we started filming this thing, it was like, ‘This is a really cool story about you guys but there’s a deep emotional avenue that we haven’t even explored yet,’” Howlett says. “When we started exploring that and seeing what we actually got back, it blew our minds. It told us this is not just a historical document, but more of a document about family, love and respect. That’s what you really do it for, when you’re a filmmaker you want to make a story. Like if you’re a writer, you want to tell a good story.” Despite the measures he’s already taken to spread the story of Death, Howlett is still working at it. He calls himself an advocate for getting good music out there, and he’s been working on getting Death and Rough Francis out there for a good seven years. “I feel like — even still — in a lot of avenues the band has been sort of left behind, and that happens with a lot of bands that are garage bands that sort of never see the light of day,” Howlett says. “You probably know good examples yourself of bands from Charlotte that, ‘They were a great band. I remember when they played years ago and they were the shit, and they recorded an album, but then they just ... what happened to them?’ It’s just like telling people a story. If you’re excited about a movie, if you’re excited about music or a band, you want to tell people about it. When I tell people about it, it gets me excited.”

AS HOWLETT HAS been doing everything

he can to shed light on Death, Bobby Jr. has worked to get out from the band’s shadow. When Death reunited and began playing their own music, Rough Francis — named

after a moniker used by David Hackney in a short-lived solo effort — didn’t need to cover them anymore. The three brothers, joined by friends Paul Comegno and Steve Williams, began to write their own music. “The thing is, most people know that we’re the sons of Death and we’re connected to the movie and the story, but for the most part when we go out and tour we’re Rough Francis,” Bobby Jr. says. “We’re our own band like any other band that goes out there. If people happen to know that we’re connected to Death, that’s awesome, but if people don’t, that’s totally cool as well because we just want to be an awesome band that people want to come out and see.” Bobby Jr., as much an advocate for the revival of his dad’s now legendary band as anyone, found it tough going at first. He says Rough Francis has since found its own identity, while keeping a few attributes from the Death cover days, or that were possibly already handed down genetically. “We’re definitely a much different band than we were in 2009,” he says. “When we first started writing our own stuff it was like a musical identity crisis, because it was hard to get out of Death’s shadow and be our own band. We still have the same energy and mindset that Death did with our own music and we just take it from there. The energy and spirit of Death is definitely in our original music.” He says the band will play Rough Francis songs at the C3 Lab Xperience show with a few Death songs peppered in here and there.

LOOKING BACK NOW, Howlett recalls

how the wedding video that serves as a certain turning point in the film almost

Bobby Hackney, Jr. performs with Rough Francis.

never came to be. “We kept going back, saying, ‘Do you guys have any other photos, any video, what do you got?’ Dannis was like, ‘We have this video. It’s just David filming the wedding.’ I’m like, ‘David filmed the what? We’ve got to see this,’” he says. In the video, David zooms in on each brother, his two former bandmates whom he learned from a young age to back up at any cost. The camera shakes uncontrollably at times. It’s indicative of the condition David was in. Just before signing off, he puts his face in front of the camera. He does not look well. “When I first saw the camera, the way he was holding it, I could see he was having [delirium tremens] and stuff like that, and the camera was just shaking. At that point it was from abstinence from alcohol, but the cancer had taken over. It was just like, ‘Oh my God.’ It was so heavy. Then he comes in frame, and it still gives me chill bumps. When he actually comes into frame while filming, it hits me hard,” Howlett says. The moment places the viewer in David’s shoes, and never removes them. One may see the rest of the story as David in a way; posthumously but proudly watching as his brothers are recognized by music fans around the world, as he knew they would be. Once the movie wraps up at C3 Lab on Saturday and the music begins, it will be hard to look at the show from any perspective other than David’s. After watching how hard he fought in support of Death, then entering a fight for his life before finally gaining the recognition he deserved, it’s a powerful perspective to have. RPITKIN@CLCLT.COM

CLCLT.COM | APR. 28 - MAY. 4, 2016 | 23

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ARTS

FILM

Emily Blunt and Charlize Theron in The Huntsman: Winter’s War

UNIVERSAL

Everybody Wants Some!!

PARAMOUNT

WINTER OF MY DISCONTENT Prequel-sequel hybrid is just a Snow job BY MATT BRUNSON

F A STUDIO is going to loosen the purse strings enough to hire the formidable trio of Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt and Jessica Chastain, then why not do so for a worthy Oscar-bait title? Maybe something by Shakespeare. Or Chekhov. Or a remake of The Women (oh, wait, Hollywood already remade — and botched — that one). But corralling this titanic threesome and dumping them into something as inconsequential as The Huntsman: Winter’s War (*1/2 out of four) is only slightly less bothersome than if someone signed up Daniel Day-Lewis, George Clooney and Michael Fassbender to appear in yet another dim-witted Transformers sequel. The Huntsman: Winter’s War is, of course, the follow-up to the 2012 sort-of-kind-ofmaybe-a-hit Snow White and the Huntsman. While superior to that same year’s other Snow White saga, the torturous Mirror Mirror, SW&TH was itself only so-so, a Tolkien wannabe that succeeded partially on its interesting interpretation of Snow White (effectively, if occasionally awkwardly, played by Kristen Stewart) and primarily on a terrific performance by Theron as the evil

Queen Ravenna. With Stewart punished and booted out of the franchise for having an affair with the married director (showing we really haven’t come that far since the blacklisting of Ingrid Bergman in the late 1940s), the focus has shifted solely to the Huntsman, aka Eric (Chris Hemsworth), who, let’s face it, was arguably the dullest character in that first film. Here, we follow the hunk through what’s initially a prequel to SW&TH before settling into being a sequel. Eric is paired with Sara (Chastain), a fierce huntswoman and his one true love, as they battle Ravenna’s little sister Freya (Emily Blunt as a wicked version of Frozen’s Elsa) and, eventually, a Ravenna who’s been resurrected from the dead. As before, Theron dominates the proceedings; unfortunately, she has about as much screen time as the Jawas in Star Wars. Blunt’s frigid queen is the only character who goes through anything resembling a character arc, but she’s also sidelined for much of the film. The bulk of the picture instead focuses on the woodland adventures of Eric and Sara, and it makes for an exceedingly snoozy experience. Narrative inertia sets in as these two bicker, battle a

fakey CGI critter, bicker some more, team up with some spunky dwarfs, and finally make out a little bit. Were I Rex Reed back in that brief period when he helmed that awful movie-review program opposite Bill Harris and then Dixie Whatley, I would have relished the opportunity to bellow, “Winter’s War?!? More like Winter’s Bore!!”

EVERYBODY WHO WANTS some MTV, some Family Ties, some Purple Rain (to paraphrase Horatio to Hamlet, goodnight, sweet Prince, and flights of doves sing thee to thy rest), and some Maverick declaring his need for speed won’t find anything of the sort in Everybody Wants Some!! (*** out of four). Promoted as an ‘80s version of writerdirector Richard Linklater’s charmer about the 1970s, 1993’s Dazed and Confused, it’s actually more of a companion piece — since it’s set in 1980, it therefore captures the look and feel of the last gasps of the previous decade. (After all, the 1980s we all know and love didn’t really ripen for another couple of years; check out 2010’s Hot Tub Time Machine for that representation). Yet while Linklater’s new film might disappoint those about to break out their

parachute pants and Members Only jackets to celebrate its opening, it will prove to be irresistible to those who don’t need nothin’ but a good time. Taking place on the final days before classes begin in the fall, the movie follows affable freshman Jake (Blake Jenner) as he meets his fellow college baseball players (all shacked up in the same house) and falls for theater major Beverly (Zoey Deutch, playing basically the same role she essayed in that recent dirty diaper of a movie, Dirty Grandpa). There isn’t much narrative momentum — no established third-act structure — to the picture, which is perfectly fine. Rather than drumming up some moviemanufactured nonsense like a championship game to win as underdogs or a mystery for these meddling kids to solve with the aid of some doobie snacks, Linklater just has these students hanging out, with their greatest challenge turning out to be whether to attend a party or not. It may be slight, but it’s also very funny, occasionally insightful, and a welcome throwback to those hallowed school daze. CLCLT.COM | APR. 28 - MAY. 4, 2016 | 25

ARTS

HAPPENINGS

COMEDY The Comedy Zone Charlotte Jamie Lissow. April 28, 8 p.m.; April 29, 7:30 p.m. &9:45; April 30, 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. Funny on the Fly. May 1, 7 p.m. Fight Night Comedy Competition. May 3, 8 p.m. 900 AvidXchange Music Factory Blvd., Suite B3. 980-321-4702. cltcomedyzone.com. Wet Willie’s Charlotte Comedy Theater. Improv performance by Charlotte Comedy Theater. For more information, visit www. charlottecomedytheater.com. Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m. $10. 900 AvidXchange Music Factory Blvd., Suite C-1.

THEATER/DANCE/ PERFORMANCE ART (A)muse A showcase of contemporary dance with works from infamous visual, theatrical, and musical geniuses. $20. April 29, 8 p.m.; April 30, 2 and 8 p.m. Duke Energy Theater, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org. ASC Honors ASC Honors celebrates lifetime achievement in the arts, science, and history/ heritage. The program also features the world premiere of “Nouveau Sud, Nouveau Cirque” by CarlosAlexis Cruz, recipient of the McColl Award for the creation of new work. April 28, 7:30 p.m. Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org. The Bridges of Madison County Best-selling novel by Robert James Waller and two time Tony Award winning musical, The Bridges of Madison tells a story of two people caught between a decision and their own desires. Come watch this romantic story come to life in this unforgettable performance. May 3-5, 7:30 p.m.; May 6, 8 p.m.; May 7, 2 and 8 p.m.; May 8, 1:30 and 7 p.m. Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org. Charlotte Ballet: Spring Works Charlotte Ballet takes audiences on an emotional journey with three unique ballets that celebrates love and the human spirit. $25-$85. April 28-29, 7:30 p.m.; April 30, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts. org. Constellations A love story that crosses between time and space. $15-$20. April 29-30, 8 p.m.; May 1, 2 p.m.; May 5, 8 p.m. Warehouse 26 | APR. 28 - MAY. 4, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

Performing Arts Center, 9216 Westmoreland Road, Suite A, Cornelius. 704-859-5930. warehousepac.com. Unrehearsed Shakespeare: As You Like It PaperHouse Theatre actors presents this improv-driven Shakespearian showdown. This is a fundraiser for the group’s upcoming production of Much Ado About Nothing at FROCK Shop (May 26-June 11). $10. May 1, 7 p.m. Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave. 704332-6608. petrasbar.com. Fly By Night A musical featuring a sandwich maker and two sisters during the 1965 northeast blackout. April 28, 7:30 p.m.; April 29-30, 8 p.m.; May 1, 2:30 p.m.; May 4-5, 7:30 p.m.; May 6-7, 8 p.m. Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, 650 E. Stonewall St. 704-342-2251. actorstheatrecharlotte.org. The Magic Kite The world premiere play with music and puppets tells a story of how a family sticks together during a time of lost hope. April 30, 3 p.m.; May 1, 2 p.m. ImaginOn’s Wells Fargo Playhouse, 300 E. 7th St. ctcharlotte.org.

VISUAL ART Grace on Brevard The Annual Ci7 Spaces. For this show, held in a 1900s chapel, the space has been spruced up by interior designers prior to being filled up with artwork for the You & Me exhibit, a collaborative artists showcase. The opening night party will feature music, special guests and vendors. Presented by Culture Initiative. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://thecultureinitiative.com/ event/ci7-spaces/. April 30, 5 p.m.-2 a.m. $15$20. 219 S. Brevard St. Jerald Melberg Gallery Works by Thomas McNickle. The exhibit showcases works by Thomas McNickle. April 30-June 17. 625 S. Sharon Amity Road. 704-365-3000. jeraldmelberg.com. McColl Center for Art + Innovation Open House + Closing Reception. Open house and closing reception for the exhibition People/ Places/Exchanges: Art as a Visual Voice and McColl’s winter 2016 artists-in-residence, including Stephen L. Hayes Jr., Ivan Toth Depeña, CarlosAlexis Cruz, Carlos Estévez, Hollis Hammonds, and Heather Hart. April 29, 6-9 p.m. 721 N. Tryon St. 704-332-5535. mccollcenter.org.

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art The Art of Print. The exhibition spotlights rare works by Hansjürg Brunner, Marino Marini, Eduardo Chillida, Bernhard Luginbühl, and more. Through June 19. The House That Modernism Built. The exhibit presents Bechtler Museum of Modern Arts’ rich mid-20th century art collection alongside furniture, textile and ceramic holdings on loan from other institutions and private collectors. The show will emphasize process, examining how designers and artists tackled projects, and how the innovations in other disciplines from the sciences to the humanities influenced their direction. Through Sept. 11. 420 S. Tryon St. 704-353-9200. bechtler.org.

Mint Museum Uptown Here & Now: 80 Years of Photography at the Mint. The first survey exhibition of photography drawn solely from the Mint’s permanent collection. It’s comprised of approximately 100 of the Mint’s most stunning and provocative photographs. Through Sept. 18. 500 S. Tryon St. 704-3372000. mintmuseum.org.

Charlotte Museum of History Enter the Dragon. The exhibition will feature a variety local and Chinese-American artists and rotating showcases and collections. Through May 31. 3500 Shamrock Drive. 704-568-1774. charlottemuseum.org.

Shain Gallery Sisters Show - Christy Kinard and Kim Schuessler. The exhibit features artwork by Christy Kinard and Kim Schuessler. Through April 30. 2823 Selwyn Ave. 704-334-7744. shaingallery.com.

CPCC Art Galleries CPCC Visual Arts Club Exhibition. Artists from the CPCC Visual Arts Club exhibit their works in the Balance Art Gallery (4th Floor, Library Resource Center). Through May 31. 1201 Elizabeth Ave. 704-3306211. arts.cpcc.edu/art-gallery. Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture 1960Now. 1960Now is an evolution of Bright’s “1960Who” series inspired by the Civil rights Movement, a collection of images featuring common grassroots youth activists of the 1960s. Through June 26. Art of a New Deal: African-American Artists in the WPA. This exhibition looks at six artists (Charles Alston, Ernest Crichlow, Allan Crite, Jacob Lawrence, Charles White and Hale Woodruff) who were employed by the WPA. Through June 26. Dance Theatre of Harlem: 40 Years of Firsts. This majestic exhibition of dazzling costumes, set pieces, and video excerpts celebrates an iconic company and its corps who defied prejudice, and gravity itself, in pursuit of their talent. Through June 26. 551 South Tryon St. 704-547-3700. ganttcenter.org. LaCa Projects Collective II: Latin American Perspectives. The exhibit showcases work by Latin American artists, including Juan Dolhare (Argentina), Vicente Hernández (Cuba) and more. There’s also work by studio artists Luis Ardila (Colombia) and Rosalia Torres-Weiner (Mexico). Through June 4. 1429 Bryant St. 704837-1688. lacaprojects.com.

New Gallery of Modern Art Charles Williams’ Continuum: Day. Featuring the artist’s paintings related to water and his fears and near-death drowning experiences.Through May 15. 435 S. Tryon St. 704-373-1464. newgalleryofmodernart.com.

MORE EVENTS Charlotte Hippie Fest This “hippie” event features arts and crafts from local artists and vendors. For more information, visit facebook. com/HippieFestCLT. Free admission. April 30, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Old Eastland Mall Site, 5471 Central Ave. Charlotte Symphony: Bruch Concerto No. 1 Conducted by Christopher Warren-Green. Angelo Xiang Yu featured on violin. 25.5089.50. April 29-30, 8 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org. Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend With more than 30 events over the course of four days, Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend is any foodies dream come true. For more details and/or to purchase tickets, visit charlottewineandfood. org. Through April 30. International Sandwich Festival Sandwich festival with family-friendly entertainment via UNC Charlotte’s Mobile Arts & Community Experience (MAX). Free admission. April 30, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Aldersgate, 3800 Shamrock Drive. Kings Drive Art Walk The event features arts and crafts vendors, entertainment and familyfriendly activities.Free admission. April 30, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; May 1, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 2016 Little Sugar Creek Greenway, 600 South Kings Drive.

CLCLT.COM | APR. 28 - MAY. 4, 2016 | 27

MUSIC

FEATURE

PATABAMBA

Patabamba performs at Neighborhood Theatre on April 29.

LATIN MASS APPEAL Patabamba makes music for Latinos and non-Latinos alike BY PAT MORAN

IZA ORTIZ REMEMBERS

having second thoughts about the demon masks. “We had planned to wear the masks for two songs,” the Patabamba keyboardist says, but the band kept them on for their entire Halloween show at Snug Harbor. Ortiz struggled to sing through the mask’s teeth, she recalls while laughing. “It was a mess, but it was also amazing.” Since their first gig in July 2015, Latin fusion band Patabamba has traveled far. Last January, they launched Latin Night at Snug Harbor, where they shared a bill with Rock En Español outfit UltimaNota. The event brought together two audiences that seldom mix — the indie rock crowd and a Latin music following. On April 29th, they’ll share the Neighborhood Theatre stage with 28 | APR. 28 - MAY. 4, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

established Spanish language performers Orquesta Mayor, Jahlistic and Reinaldo Brahn as part of The New Latino Sound, a musical adjunct to The Levine Museum of the New South’s ¡NUEVOlution! Exhibit. But when speaking with Ortiz, her older brother and percussionist Claudio, guitarist Patrick O’Boyle and drummer Davey Blackburn in their garage rehearsal space in east Charlotte, the topic revolves around those weird and colorful masks. Claudio had suggested them, because he remembered Vejigantes, masked demons that walk around whacking people with inflated bladders during Carnivale, from his childhood in Puerto Rico. When Patabamba marched onstage at Snug wearing them, Claudio recalls the crowd going wild, so why not leave them on all night? Like many things with Patabamba,

the Vejigantes sprang from the group’s willingness to run with a sudden inspiration. Even the band’s name — it means “of the pampas” in Quechuan, the native language of the Andes — was spur of the moment. On the eve of their first show, the band learned that a Texas blues-rock outfit had already claimed their chosen moniker, Travesura (Spanish for “mischief”). “We went online, down a Wikipedia wormhole,” O’Boyle says. Claudio found “Patabamba,” a Peruvian place name on a map. “It’s an homage to the region that inspired the project,” he says. He decided to form an “indie rock/Latin band” on a 2010 backpacking trip to Peru. “While I was there I heard huayno music, these beautiful Andean folk songs,” he says. But it was the Peruvian hybrid called chicha that became the catalyst for Patabamba’s

THE NEW LATINO SOUND FEATURING PATABAMBA, ORQUESTA MAYOR, JAHLISTIC & REINALDO BRAHN $10. April 29, 8 p.m. 704-942-7997. neighborhoodtheatre.com.

sound. Chicha, popular in Peru since the 1970s, “takes huayno’s folk melodies and mixes them with tropical percussion from the Caribbean, cumbia beats from Colombia and psychedelic guitars from American rock ‘n roll.” Flash forward to early 2015, when O’Boyle and Claudio Ortiz started playing music together after a chance encounter at Tommy’s Pub in Plaza Midwood. Ortiz, whose father and mother hail from Venezuela and Puerto Rico respectively, brought the influences of Caribbean salsa, merengue and bachata to the table. Patabamba’s sound deepened when Ortiz’s sister Liza, a veteran of indie rock outfits Members of the Sea and Lost in a World of Color, joined on Korg synthesizer and Farfisa organ. The trio tried out several percussionists, but the band kicked into a higher gear when Davey Blackburn came on

board. Blackburn has played with Charlotte combos including Calabi Yau and Moenda, and is also a practitioner of Capoeira, the Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music. Blackburn, who also performs in Charlotte Capoeira, added the Afro-Brazilian rhythms of the martial art to Patabamba’s musical mélange. Drawing on his extensive studio background, Blackburn recorded and engineered Patabamba’s self-titled debut, which has its CD release at The New Latino Sound show. Propulsive, melodic, joyous and mysterious, the album was recorded in the group’s garage headquarters, using techniques that Blackburn calls “old school.” “We recorded most of it live,” Blackburn says. On one of the album’s few overdubs, Liza’s twin vocals entwine over a snake rattle of percussion on the spacious “Rompecabezas.” Here and elsewhere, Blackburn took a cue from Motown. “All their early stuff was recorded with one mic, so we did that too,” says Blackburn. “Liza is singing upfront, closest to the mic. Patrick and Claudio on backing vocals are staggered behind her.”

Boosted by Blackburn’s techniques, the songs on the album are organic and urgent. Ranging from the huayno-derived melody cradled by O’Boyle’s coiling guitar on “Sali a Buscar/Bosque Oscuro” (“I Left to Search/ Dark Forest”) to the clarion call for social justice set to a canter across the pampas on “Refugio” (“Refugee”), they pulse with vitality. With their multi-cultural make-up — Liza and Claudio are Latino, while native North Carolinians O’Boyle and Blackburn are not — Patabamba are in the unique position to make Latin music popular with non-Latinos, while bringing Latin audiences to the Anglo enclaves of Charlotte’s rock clubs. “Our sound is authentic enough to reach the Latin crowd, but it’s funky enough to appeal to other people,” Liza says. When Patabamba’s music achieves liftoff velocity, all genre boundaries and racial barriers fall away. “There’s an energy that’s put out by the band, received by the audience and given back to us,” Claudio says. “That’s magic, and I love being a part of it.”

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MUSIC

SOUNDBOARD

APRIL 28 BLUES/ROOTS/INTERNATIONAL John Brown’s Body with Jonathan Scales Fourchestra with Queen City Dub (Visulite Theatre)

COUNTRY/FOLK The New 103.7s By Boat, By Land, By Sea Summer (Coyote Joe’s)

HIP-HOP/SOUL/R&B R&B Live (Studio Movie Grille)

POP/ROCK

WED 4/27 THU 4/28 + Jonathan Scales Fourchestra & Queen City Dub! FRI 4/29

Alive After Five w/ Breakfast Club (Rooftop 210) Alive After Five w/ Jane Doe Band (Pavilion at EpiCentre) Bear Girl, FS, Alright, For the Byrds (Milestone) *Citizen Cope (Neighborhood Theatre) *Fort Frances (Evening Muse) Pluto for Planet (Tin Roof) Shiprocked (Snug Harbor) We Came as Romans, Memphis May Fire (Amos’ Southend)

APRIL 29 CLASSICAL/JAZZ/SMOOTH Charlotte Symphony: Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 (Belk Theater) Charlotte Symphony Open Rehearsal: Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 (Belk Theater)

COUNTRY/FOLK

SAT 4/30 SUN 5/1

f a tWEDh5/4 e r

Al, Jeff & Friends (Puckett’s Farm Equipment) Elizabeth Cook w/ Derek Hoke (Double Door Inn) Ray Scott (Coyote Joe’s)

DJ/ELECTRONIC Mic Larry (Tin Roof)

HIP-HOP/SOUL/R&B

THU 5/5

*Floetry, Kris Kelli (The Fillmore)

POP/ROCK

MON 5/16

32 | APR. 28 - MAY. 4, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

7Horse (Evening Muse, Charlotte) Ceschi, Robert Childers and the Luciferian Agenda, The ThoughtCriminals, Dual Core, The Kyle Perkins Band, Malibu Shark Attack! (Milestone) Hair Nation (Amos’ Southend)

The Lenny Federal Band (Comet Grill) Matt Stratford Duo (RiRa Irish Pub) Muuy Biien w/ Black Market, Yarbs (Snug Harbor) *New Latino Sound w/Orquesta Mayor, Patabamba, Jahlistic & Reinaldo Brahn Orquesta Mayor, Patabamba, Jahlistic, Reinaldo Brahn (Neighborhood Theatre) The New Schematics w/ Millennial (Evening Muse) Underground Owls (Smokey Joe’s) Same As It Ever Was (Visulite Theatre)

APRIL 30 CLASSICAL/JAZZ/SMOOTH Charlotte Symphony: Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 (Belk Theater) We Are the Arts: An Evening of Music & Visual Art (McGlohon Theater)

COUNTRY/FOLK The Backsliders w/ Jeffrey Dean Foster (Double Door Inn)

DJ/ELECTRONIC Candyland, Fight Clvb, Danny B, Killtrak, Firestone (Neighborhood Theatre) Mystic’s Ball Harem (Visulite Theatre) New Wave Undertow with DJ Oedipus Rex and DJ Price (Milestone)

POP/ROCK Below the Belt (RiRa Irish Pub) Disco Lemonade (Tin Roof) Emily Lynch w/ Janelle Arthur (Evening Muse) Mike Strauss Band (Comet Grill) Rock the Ed Music Festival w/ Bombadil, Ancient Cities, Junior Astronomers, Serfs, Saints & Sinners, The Business People, Bless These Sounds Under Ryan Hutchens (Tin Roof) *A Tribute to Motorhead w/ No Anger Control, Amigo, The Poontanglers (Snug Harbor)

MAY 1 BLUES/ROOTS/INTERNATIONAL The Charlotte Blues Society w/ Roots & Dore (Double Door Inn)

HIP-HOP/SOUL/R&B *Father (Visulite Theatre)

POP/ROCK *Lee Bains III & The Glory Fire w/ Motel Glory, Mark Steele (Snug Harbor)

COMING SOON

*Kiefer Sutherland with Austin Plaine (Visulite Theatre) Open Mic (Comet Grill)

Silversun Pickups, Foals (May 12; The Fillmore) Reverb Fest (May 14; Snug Harbor) Carolina Rebellion (May 6-8; Charlotte Motor Speedway) Half Moon Run (May 16; Visulite Theatre) Chris Stapleton (May 19; CMCU Amphitheatre) The Neighbourhood (May 23; The Fillmore) Brandi Carlile (May 27; The Fillmore) Susto (May 27; Visulite Theatre) Lincoln Durham (May 28; Evening Muse) Ellie Goulding (June 9; CMCU Amphitheatre) Dead & Co. (June 10; PNC Music Pavilion) Weezer, Panic at the Disco (June 10; PNC Music Pavilion) Kurt Vile (June 11; Amos’ Southend) Miranda Lambert (June 11; PNC Music Pavilion) Lucius (June 13; Visulite Theatre) Death Cab for Cutie, Chvrches (June 16; CMCU Amphitheatre) Lake Street Dive (June 17; The Fillmore) Chris Cornell (June 20; Belk Theater) Weezer, Panic at the Disco (June 20; PNC Music Pavilion) The Cure (June 23; PNC Music Pavilion) Aesop Rock (July 1; Visulite Theatre) Vans Warped Tour (July 5; PNC Music Pavilion) Gwen Stefani (July 23; PNC Music Pavilion) Peter Frampton, Gregg Allman (July 26; CMCU Amphitheatre) Slipknot, Marilyn Manson, Of Mice & Men (Aug. 2; PNC Music Pavilion) Brian Wilson (Sept. 19; Belk Theater) * - CL Recommends

POP/ROCK

NEED DIRECTIONS? Check out our website at clclt.

Omari & The Hellraisers (Comet Grill)

MAY 2 COUNTRY/FOLK Open Mic with Jeff & Al (Puckett’s Farm Equipment)

HIP-HOP/SOUL/R&B Knocturnal (Snug Harbor)

POP/ROCK Find Your Muse Open Mic (Evening Muse) The Monday Night All Stars (Double Door Inn) Service Industry Night w/ Hunters Travisty (Comet Grill)

MAY 03 CLASSICAL/JAZZ/SMOOTH Bill Hanna Jazz Jam (Double Door Inn)

COUNTRY/FOLK Red Rockin’ Chair (Comet Grill) *Shooter Jennings and Waymore’s Outlaws w/The Loose Lugnuts (Neighborhood Theatre) Tuesday Night Jam w/ The Smokin’ Js (Smokey Joe’s Cafe)

POP/ROCK The Early Dismissal, Evergone, Noble Giants, The Felons (Milestone) Peelander-Z w/ Mikal kHill, IIOIOIOII (Snug Harbor)

MAY 04 BLUES/ROOTS/INTERNATIONAL Tosco House Party Open Mic Night (Evening Muse)

COUNTRY/FOLK

Larry Campbell w/ Teresa Williams (Stage Door Theater) Modern Heritage Weekly Mix Tape (Snug Harbor)

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com. CL online provides addresses, maps and directions from your location. Send us your concert listings: E-mail us at aovercash@clclt. com or fax it to 704-522-8088. We need the date, venue, band name and contact name and number. The deadline is each Wednesday, one week before publication. CLCLT.COM | APR. 28 - MAY. 4, 2016 | 33

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NIGHTLIFE

BIRTHDAY WITH THE FAM How a PG-weekend ended up going surprisingly well

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PHOTOGRAPHY Family Engagement Real Estate Events and more

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The Perfect Combo.

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(Only after you’re done reading me)

menu, you’ll notice it’s anything but basic. LAST FRIDAY WAS a busy one, as “What’s a coddled egg?” my parents I prepared for a weekend of celebrating asked. And when my mom found out a my birthday. Unlike the past few years of bowl of grits wasn’t a possibility, they were birthdays spent with as many friends as all but ready to head somewhere else. That possible, this weekend was going to be is until Luke Kuechly walked in. Needless different. My parents and two of my cousins to say, my parents happily placed an order were going to be visiting. And while part of as we sat in awe of the Carolina Panthers’ me wanted to be selfish and revert to the linebacker. They reminisced about meeting usual, only-child “it’s all about me routine,” him at a playoff game two years ago — they I decided to give the more “family-oriented” even had pictures with him on their phones. birthday a try. I crossed my fingers for a So, of course, we couldn’t leave without the great weekend despite a rough start, and parentals stopping to give him a good ol’ terrible weather. Southern, “Hey!” To which Luke responded I managed to get my work done early on with a genuine smile and handshakes. Not a Friday, so I headed to a hair appointment in bad start to a Saturday hangover! NoDa. While there, one of my closest After a cleaning session at the childhood friends called me and condo, my mom and I put on our said she was going to meet Sunday best and hopped in an me for dinner and a drink. Uber headed to Bojangle’s Even though she lives in Coliseum for Tyler Perry’s Charlotte, we don’t get Madea on the Run. Our to spend a lot of time family has followed Perry together so I was ecstatic since the beginning of his to share a drink with her career and loves his his — especially since it was hilariously famous plays. her birthday weekend For years, my mom has too. been talking about seeing We met at Jack Beagles AERIN SPRUILL one of his stage plays live and and snagged a seat at the since she was going to be in bar on the back patio. Since it’s the Charlotte, I couldn’t imagine a one of my favorite spots to eat in better time to go. the area, I ordered a hotdog knowing We ended up getting tickets late, which it was a good idea to set a solid base for the put us in the balcony, but finally seeing night’s shenanigans. We reminisced about Tyler Perry play the witty, loud, not-yourour childhood, laughed at the poor decisions average grandmother-figure Madea, was still we made and before you knew it my parents the highlight of my weekend. Many years of were getting into town. rainy, family vacation days spent watching I said goodbye to my bestie and headed the characters sing, laugh and cry were home. Tired, and ready for bed, they decided finally brought to life in front of me. And to get some rest instead of turning up so I the best part? Hearing my mom sing some called my partner in crime and we headed to of her favorite old-school ballads with the The Local on 5th. I was recently reminded cast, including “Purple Rain,” as a tribute to of how much I loved the spot and thought Prince. And I’ll never forget her screaming, it might make for a good pre-game spot. “I love you Tyler!” as the cast took their final The past couple times I’ve visited the music bow before the curtains closed. selection and atmosphere have been a After the show, it was time to head over refreshing alternative to the sloppiness you’ll to Cajun Queen, where we had reservations. often find at Prohibition and Connolly’s late I was excited to try the chicken pasta at the at night. New Orleans style restaurant. I’d only been After heading to Slate Billiards for a to the quaint, historic house, nestled on couple more drinks and staying up late 7th Street once before, and both times were talking to friends until 3 a.m., I decided great. If you’re looking for the perfect date to grab an Uber and head home. The next spot, grab drinks at the bar upstairs or snag morning the parental units were up early a patio table there. looking for breakfast, so I forced them to try After hookah at my favorite spot, my new favorite brunch spot Little Spoon Barreled at the Lift, and another brunch on Eatery. While they loved the atmosphere and Sunday, I ended the weekend on a high note. Hip Hop playlist, they also loved the “basic” Not too shabby for an intimate weekend of Southern breakfast, consisting of grits, eggs celebrating my birthday with family in the and bacon. Though if you’re familiar with the Q.C., which I now call home. brunch spot or you’ve taken a gander at its

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EMPLOYEE-CONSUMER POLICY ACROSS

1 P.E. place 4 Honey pies 9 “- the time!” 14 FBI tactics 19 Kauai necklace 20 Muslim’s name for god 21 Range brand 22 Forever, in poetry 23 Cask wood 24 “Resident Evil” actress Jovovich 25 Of warships 26 Tribal groups 27 Start of a riddle 31 Writer Wolfe 32 “Pow!” 33 Longtime NBC host Jay 34 “Right back -!” 36 Buy 39 German for “love” 42 Parish leader 44 Riddle, part 2 49 Pressing tool 50 “... or - gather” 51 Big blue body 52 Feel pain 53 Darted 54 Insufficient 56 No, in Russia 58 Slaughter on a diamond 62 Riddle, part 3 67 Inmate’s wish 70 Voice one’s approval 71 Almost 72 Riddle, part 4 77 Weapon filler 78 “Eraser” actor James 79 Aristocratic 80 See 83-Across 83 With 80-Across, starts a golf game 85 Hypothetical cases 88 “Casual” day: Abbr. 89 Having what it takes 90 End of the riddle 97 Hungers 98 Some Iroquoians 99 Some sushi bar suppliers 100 Bombeck with wit 101 Mensch lead-in 104 Brand found at Petco 107 Blemish 108 Riddle’s answer 115 “A Lesson From Al-

oes” playwright Fugard 116 Piano exercise 117 Keats’ “- a Grecian Urn” 118 Seemingly forever 119 Diplomat Silas 120 Old fax alternative 121 Tooth: Prefix 122 Tango team 123 Curving billiards shot 124 A Lott of politics 125 “Bullitt” director Peter 126 Hem, e.g.

DOWN

1 Luminesce 2 “You bet” 3 Evander Holyfield rival 4 Moistened floor wiper 5 Nobelist Wiesel 6 Let happen 7 “Wreck-It -” (Disney film) 8 Clinton cabineteer Donna 9 Ma’s ma 10 Sharif of Hollywood 11 Ripple 12 Bowled over 13 Styling site 14 Big lamb cut 15 Start of a simple request 16 Volunteer’s declaration 17 “A pox upon thee!,” updated 18 The “S” of GPS: Abbr. 28 Not at all exciting 29 Arab VIPs 30 One using a lasso 35 Museum pieces 36 Au 37 Gillette offering 38 Savior 40 Manage, with “out” 41 Slow cooker of a sort 43 Facade 45 Speckled horse 46 Diner freebie 47 Huntley of news 48 Jabba the 54 Dover fish 55 Ice dancing gold medalist Virtue 57 Alaska river 58 Fabergé collectibles 59 Utmost in degree

60 “Well, well, well!” 61 One of a D.C. 100 62 Chanel of fragrances 63 Wetter, weatherwise 64 Similarly defined wd. 65 Gradient 66 “Swoosh” shoe brand 67 FedExCup org. 68 Bracelet spot 69 DVD- 73 “Law & Order: SVU” co-star 74 “- of Eden” 75 Far from firm 76 “- -Ca-Dabra” (1974 hit) 80 Certain instrument inserts 81 Bloom, in Barcelona 82 Gangbusters 83 Unit of bricks 84 Result 86 “By the way” memo abbr. 87 “Try to - my way ...” 89 Without - (perfect) 90 Ex-zee linkup 91 Celestial Seasonings offering 92 Japanese motorcycles 93 Hot-breathed beasts 94 Christie sleuth Poirot 95 En masse 96 Natives of 110-Down 102 Football player Favre 103 Perfume compound 105 Jason jilted her 106 Aroma 109 Elation 110 Mideastern oil port 111 Adjacent (to) 112 Table d’113 Libertine guy 114 Winter fall 115 USN honcho

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because I’d had sex only with women before I AM A TRANS man and I have no my transition. That was hard for me, too. love life. But I did just hook up with a But what I learned was that I wasn’t being friend two nights ago. It was the first rejected, even if it was only a one-night time I’ve had sex in more than a year. thing. I was just being accepted in a way I My problem is that it was a “one-time wasn’t used to.” thing.” I was hoping to be FWB at least. Finally, NOPENIS, you’ve got to stop I’m furious with myself for giving that seeing your body and your twat as problems. away for what amounted to a hookup, It’s the only body you’ll ever have, and it’s and thoroughly sorry for myself for a body some will find attractive and some it being a “one-time thing,” because won’t. “He just needs to learn to love himself it nearly always is. I feel thoroughly and to have sexual confidence, because unlovable and dejected right now. I was people find that attractive,” says Buck. raised a Boston Irish Catholic, and I have “And he should continue to experiment and PTSD from my parents being difficult. continue to embrace new experiences!” For In a backward way, I hope the issue for more Buck, go to buckangel.com. others is tied to the fallout from my upbringing — because that’s something I have a friend who is getting everyone has problems with, and married. She’s cheated on those things, while not entirely every guy she’s been with, fixable, are manageable and including her last three not so visible. I worry husbands. This will be it’s not that, though. I her fourth marriage. I’m worry my being trans sure she’s fed the new is the first problem a guy a million reasons potential partner sees. why her first three I am a man with a twat marriages didn’t work — a forlorn, underused out. She’s obviously a twat at that. sex fiend, but she’s not Not Often Picked, kinky. And here’s the DAN SAVAGE Everyone Not Interested punch line: I found her Sexually fiancé’s profile on Fetlife, and he has some hardcore Buck Angel is a public speaker, fetishes — even by my standards! a filmmaker, an activist, and a trans man, I’m sure his kinks are going unexplored NOPENIS, who famously and fearlessly bills within their relationship/engagement himself as “the man with a pussy.” I passed and that they will go unexplored once your letter on to him because who better to they’re married, as my friend has been answer a question from a man with a twat horrified during discussions of my than the man with a pussy? attendance at BDSM events. I know your “Anyone who hasn’t had sex in more rule is generally to “stay the fuck out than a year is going to find it scary to get of it,” but I have a rule that goes like back out there and start again,” said Buck. this: “I would like to know that the “And starting again with a body that you person I’m dating is a serial cheater might not be 100 percent comfortable with who’s probably after me for my money.” yet? That’s even scarier. The first thing that So do I warn the guy? NOPENIS needs to hear — and really believe Fucked Regarding Imperiling — is that he is lovable, even if he doesn’t Ensuing Nuptials, Dan know it yet.” The second order of business: You gotta Mind your own business, FRIEND, and stop beating yourself up over that onedo so with a clear conscience — because night stand. Take it from Buck, your fellow these two sound perfect for each other. He’s trans man, and take it from me, your fellow on Fetlife looking for someone to diaper him, Irish Catholic queer: You didn’t do anything and she’s probably cheating on him already. wrong, you didn’t give anything away — hell, If your friend is still a dishonest, lying, you were doing something right. heartbreaking cheat, so why stop her from “Hookups can be important for marrying a man who is already cheating on understanding your body sexually,” said Buck. her or is likely to cheat on her shortly after “So NOPENIS shouldn’t be mad at himself. the wedding? To gently paraphrase William We learn and grow from our experiences, Shakespeare: “Let thee not to the marriage even if they’re bad ones. And here’s what of true minds admit impediments.” As long I learned from my first experiences in the as no one else is gonna get hurt, why risk gay men’s world of sex: Hookups are the your own neck? way it’s done. I was not prepared for that

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FOR ALL SIGNS: This week brings the

second of six challenging aspects between Saturn and Pluto. The last will occur in November of 2019. The effects of this aspect have been in the air for over a year already. This pair, as all planets, has both positive and negative sides. On the bright side we have work, which is both hard and transforming. On the dark side, we see those who have claimed demigod status and are mean, even vicious, to all others. On the personal level, it requires that you work really hard to hold onto your personal power in the face of circumstances that are not at all conducive to your use of it. Be creative. When this is over, the winners will be those who have adapted and honed their solutions to a fine science. There likely will be much more crumbling in the economic systems worldwide. I hope my readers will take this warning and pay off credit. Those with a little bit of power are likely to exploit it well beyond what it is worth.

ARIES: Concentrate on strengthening the scaffolding of your latest project. Those plans that totally vaporize probably should not have been part of the system anyway. Waste little energy on grief. Seek the most practical solutions to repair what can be repaired and let go of the rest. TAURUS: Mercury is turning retrograde in your sign and will be more likely to affect your daily affairs than many of the other signs. This represents a change of gears, a shift of attention, and redirection of your energy until early June. Use the energy to research information and gather resources for better decisions later. GEMINI: Memories from your life history may surface for examination at this time. Old friends or acquaintances who return for a short time could be the trigger for this life review. It is possible you may have a greater than normal need to reflect, to write, and otherwise give attention to your inner self. For that reason circumstances will slow down in your outer life. CANCER: You are likely to find yourself

thinking a lot about old friends and may want to get in touch with one or two of them. This is a time for nostalgia and reminiscence. Others are thinking about you, too, but you are a sign with more initiative than many, so pick up the telephone.

LEO: Your reputation goes before you. Others in the world hear about your accomplishments and offer you compliments and the potential for financial rewards. One whom you consider your authority sends blessings your way. Smile, you’re on Candid Camera!

VIRGO: Your ruling planet is changing 38 | APR. 28 - MAY. 4, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

directions in the territory which deals with education, publishing, travel, public speaking, the law, and philosophy. Therefore any of these activities are subject to shifts, changes, or sudden deceleration due to lack of decision. Maybe the right solution is just not available yet. Have a sense of humor during the ordeal. This, too, shall pass.

LIBRA: You will need to check and double-

check financial records for possible errors. Perhaps you are rummaging through the archives for lost data and/or receipts. Maybe your tax return is the issue. Don’t panic. Whenever a piece of paper has gone missing during a Mercury retrograde, it will always turn up again near the next change of direction (May 22nd).

SCORPIO: Over the next few weeks you

may need to contact people who have been significant in your past. It is time to dig deeply into yourself so you can be as fully honest as possible within important relationships. Speak from your heart and do not allow your ego, which wants only to look good, to take your words hostage.

SAGITTARIUS: This is a period in which your physical cycle is on a deep low. You know the drill: get plenty of rest, drink a lot of fluids, take your vitamins, etc. You may be isolated by your circumstances and you could end up feeling sorry for yourself. Health issues are not at all fun, but if we do not fight them it is easier to cope. Let the body handle it.

CAPRICORN: It may feel as though

circumstances have you trapped in a situation that you can’t exit. There are rules in all directions. Perhaps you have made one step too far. You want to challenge the rules or the authorities and this is not the time to expect success, regardless of the topic. Make an effort to back away without fanfare.

AQUARIUS: Your attention is on moving

forward in your life direction, but various rocks and pebbles are in your way. One of them has to do with financing the budget for your plans. This is a challenge that won’t go away, although you can ultimately resolve it with a determined mind.

PISCES: New media or a renewed form

of communication will bring refreshment to your daily life. Aspects favor adding a roommate or visiting with siblings. Short trips could be revitalizing. It seems you need greater exposure to the natural world. Go for the sunshine!

Are you interested in a personal horoscope? Vivian Carol may be reached at 704-366-3777 for private psychotherapy or astrology appointments. (There is a fee.) www.horoscopesbyvivian.com.

CLCLT.COM | APR. 28 - MAY. 4, 2016 | 39

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