2016 Issue 25 Creative Loafing by Creative Loafing Charlotte

CLCLT.COM | AUG. 11 - AUG. 17, 2016 VOL. 30, NO. 25

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EDITORIAL

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Davy Knowles performs at U.S. National Whitewater Center on Aug. 11.

COVER STORY CLUSTERTRUCK: Accidents are on the rise

in Charlotte. A look at the city’s most dangerous intersections.

BY MADELINE LEMIEUX THIS WEEK’S COVER WAS DESIGNED BY DANA VINDIGNI.

NEWS&VIEWS 14 TROUBLE HUNTER 14 THE BLOTTER 15 NEWS OF THE WEIRD

FOOD CORKBUZZ IS MORE THAN JUST A WINE BAR: The Southpark wine studio offers a full chef-

driven menu.

BY CHRISSIE NELSON 18 THREE-COURSE SPIEL

ARTS&ENT GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT WITH CARD TRICKS AND BEEFCAKE: Naked Magic Show exposes new type of magicians.

BY PERRY TANNENBAUM 24 FILM REVIEWS

MUSIC

GOT A BAD RAP: JayWay continues building

ICEE Money despite label’s reputation with local law enforcement.

BY RYAN PITKIN 32 SOUNDBOARD

ODDS&ENDS

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

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TOWNSHIP AUDITORIUM

TRUSTUS THEATRE

JILL SCOTT AUGUST 27

ANATOMY OF A HUG AUGUST 19 – 27

CORNER OF MAIN AND HAMPTON

SHAGGIN’ ON MAIN SEPTEMBER 10 SC PRIDE FESTIVAL

COLONIAL LIFE ARENA

JORDIN SPARKS SEPTEMBER 3

MAROON 5 SEPTEMBER 10

1500 BLOCK OF MAIN STREET

COLONIAL LIFE ARENA

SODA CITY MARKET SATURDAYS 9AM - 1PM

CARRIE UNDERWOOD SEPTEMBER 24

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NEWS

COVERSTORY

Cars fight to get to their desired turn lanes in the 125 feet between an I-277 off-ramp and the intersection of 12th and North Davidson streets, the seventh-worst in Charlotte, according to a recently released CDOT report.

RYAN PITKIN

CRUNCHING THE NUMBERS Accidents are on the rise in Charlotte, but ambiguous data makes it hard to place the blame BY MADELINE LEMIEUX

DON’T HAVE a will. How will anybody know what Tears for Fears songs to play at my funeral? These are the thoughts going through my head as I idle behind a Chevy Malibu at the intersection of the East 3rd4th Street Connector and North Kings Drive. It’s rush hour and I’m stuck in the far left lane, which could easily tie with Black Friday at Walmart in a ‘Worst Fucking Place on 10 | AUG. 11 - AUG. 17, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

Earth’ contest. I rev the engine and lock eyes on my destination: the Interstate 277 on-ramp ahead on the right side of the road. To reach I-277, I’ll have to speed out of the intersection (a pathetic median of white plastic barrier poles prevents me from merging before crossing North Kings), then cross four lanes of bumper-to-bumper traffic and swing a sharp right turn onto the on-ramp. According

to Google Maps, I’ll have exactly 528 feet to accomplish this. If the engineer that designed this stretch of road intended for drivers like me to have a ‘life flashing before my eyes’ moment, mission accomplished. Recently released crash statistics rank that intersection the 10th most dangerous intersection in Charlotte. It joins a list of 98 intersections across the city designated by the Charlotte Department of Transportation

(CDOT) as ‘high-accident locations.’ Though these 98 intersections represent a mere 0.51 percent of Charlotte’s 19,242 intersections, they account for 8.5 percent of all nonhighway collisions recorded in 2015. CDOT released its annual Traffic Collision Data (TCD) report last month, and the numbers paint a startling picture for our ever-growing city: 27,648 non-highway collisions were documented in 2015, a more

RYAN PITKIN

Beginning at this intersection with 7th Street, northbound drivers will pass four of the eight worst intersections in Charlotte in a five-block stretch of N. College Street.

An overlook of the locations of 98 intersections deemed as “high-accident locations by the CDOT. than 20-percent hike from the year prior. During that time period, the population grew by just over 2 percent. Charlotte residents now have a 1 in 30 chance of being involved in a collision on surface streets over the course of a year. The data follows an assessment that came earlier this year from Allstate Insurance Company’s annual Best Drivers Report, which ranked Charlotte 150th out of 200 major US cities for driver safety. With a crash rate 23.8 percent above the national average, we’re worse than New York City. Let that sink in. While comment section pundits were quick to blame the unfavorable stats on leadfooted northerners or distracted driving, CDOT’s numbers tell a different story. Of the 27,648 non-highway collisions recorded in 2015, speed was determined to be a contributing factor in 13 percent, down from 18 percent in 2014. Inattention and distractions like cell phone use accounted for 18 percent of accidents; an improvement from 2014’s 22 percent. Those aren’t the only categories where Charlotte drivers improved. The 2015 reports attributes alcohol use in 1 percent (or 278) of collisions — that’s down from 317 collisions (1.38 percent) in 2014. We even got better at respecting fellow drivers — failure to yield to right of way contributed to 10 percent of accidents in 2015, down

from nearly 12.5 percent in 2014. So what’s the problem? What factors are actually responsible for the increase in collisions? That answer might lie in a pile of discarded data.

IT’S UP TO CMPD officers to determine what caused a crash, using an official DMV 349 form to categorize contributing circumstances in every collision. The list is basically a smorgasbord of everything that can go wrong, like drug use, ignoring a stop sign, driving a lemon, passing a stopped school bus, etc. The list offers nearly 40 different crash factors to choose from, and most categories account for less than 1 percent of total collisions. If we bundle together all the data from this very specific list of categories, we have an explanation for about 60 percent of total collisions. With those factors like alcohol use and texting out of the way, a whopping 10,999 crashes remain, dumped into ambiguous categories like “undetermined,” “no contributing circumstances indicated,” “unable to determine,” and, my personal favorite, “unknown.” As a recent college graduate and author of countless term papers, I can appreciate CDOT’s knack for saying the same thing four different ways. What’s troubling, though, is that this leaves the contributing

primary focus for CDOT,” she says. “We circumstances of 40 percent of the collisions believe those statistics are underreported in on Charlotte streets in 2015 as completely the crash data.” unaccounted for, their official causes Though the TCD report finds nearly basically labeled as “Who the hell knows?” 40 different ways to place the blame on CDOT Traffic Manager Angela Berry Charlotte drivers, some alarming stats seem attributes this year’s spike in ‘cause to suggest that it’s unknown’ crashes time we look for to a software glitch answers outside of that prevented the driver’s seat. coding for 6,000 According to crashes, but the 2015 stats, 68 comparing reports percent of collisions from previous occurred in broad years shows that daylight and 78 ambiguous data percent occurred on is nothing new in dry roads. Half of the TCD report. In the fatal wrecks to recent years, the occur in Charlotte amount of crashes 1) S Church Street & West Hill Street last year occurred at with no real speeds at or below 2) Reagan Drive & Tom Hunter Road cause has grown, the posted speed making it harder 3) East 9th Street & North College Street limit. We know that to find solutions or 4) East Sugar Creek Road & North Tryon Street Charlotte drivers prioritize how to 5) East 8th Street & North College Street have improved in educate drivers. 6) East 7th Street & North College Street multiple categories “We understand 7) Atando Avenue & Statesville Avenue on the ‘contributing that it can be 8) East 12th Street & North Davidson Street circumstances’ difficult to get all 9) East 11th Street & North College Street list, so when the the answers,” Berry 10) 3rd-4th Street Connector & North Kings total number of concedes when accidents still pressed about the Drive increases by nearly gaping hole in the *Based on crash rate per average daily traffic 21 percent, maybe data. the problem isn’t While 2015 saw the drivers or the an improvement in weather or the time accidents caused of day … it may be by distraction or the roads. inattention, Berry says those issues remain We already know that 8.5 percent of a priority for her department. “Distracted driving continues to be a SEE CRUNCH P. 12 u

Ten Most Dangerous Intersections in Charlotte

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NEWS

COVERSTORY

ACTIVIST JOBS

* To Stand Up for Equality!* Work with Grassroots Campaigns on behalf of the ACLU Full Time/Mgmt Available $ 5,100-$ 7,900 for the summer The above graph shows a comparison of official crash causes reported by CMPD between 2014 and 2015. The circle graph below depicts the causes reported in 2015 crashes. CRUNCH FROM P.

accidents occur at high-accident locations. Why aren’t we looking more critically at these intersections?

SAME SHIT TRAFFIC, different day:

I find myself parked on the Interstate 277 offramp, waiting to merge into the far left lane of East 12th Street. The problem here is that drivers have about 125 feet to cross over three lanes of traffic before making a right turn onto North Davidson Street. This is exacerbated by the fact that drivers in the right lanes are often desperately trying to merge into the left lanes to access the I-277 on-ramp after the light. It’s not uncommon to see cars completely sideways on 12th Street, waiting for a spot to open up in the right lane. Often, a line of cars is backed up onto I-277, blocked by the one car at the end of the ramp waiting to merge right. This junction (technical term: clusterfuck) is the seventh most dangerous intersection in Charlotte. Or consider sitting in traffic on N. College Street at the 7th Street light, with the Levine Museum of the New South on your right. That intersection is the sixth most dangerous in Charlotte, and if you plan on exiting the city by that street, you’ll pass three more of the city’s 10 most dangerous intersections in the next four blocks. This begs the question: What is the problem with College Street? The road seems benign enough. It’s probable that the overhwelming numbers of those working Uptown looking for a way out every day at 5 p.m. have become too much for the skinny, 12 | AUG. 11 - AUG. 17, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

one-way street. While documenting traffic trends in high accident locations is a good start, we can’t get the full story without finding a way to consider what role road design plays in a collision. Berry says finding this connection is easier said than done. “CMPD officers are not engineers and should not be making qualitative assessments that are outside their specific area of expertise,” Berry explains. “Roadway design is broad and complex and takes into account many factors.” Fair enough; road engineering is a tough gig, but it doesn’t take an expert to recognize that Charlotte is outgrowing its roads. “The state and the city have a long history of funding transportation improvements, but the past level of investment has not kept pace with the relentless growth our region has experienced over the last several decades,” Berry says. According to Berry, Charlotte is projected to welcome about 400,000 new residents between now and 2040. These new residents will likely bring around 250,000 more vehicles with them. “But, they will not be bringing additional streets, travel lanes, traffic signals, bike facilities, sidewalks or any of the other infrastructure required to keep people and goods moving throughout Charlotte,” Berry says. “Keeping pace with growth will require consistent and continued investment by the state, region and Charlotte.” As the future of the already outgrown roads remains unclear, I’d like to make a suggestion to those 400,000 incoming residents: Bring your bikes. MLEMIEUX@CLCLT.COM

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VIEWS

TROUBLEHUNTER

NEWS

BLOTTER

THE SMOKING GUN

BY COURTNEY MIHOCIK

McCrory refuses to admit voting policies are racist in face of overwhelming evidence

for those with a fear of flying to take the edge off with pre- or in-flight drinks, sometimes causing disturbances, one woman went too far last week. Officers responded to gate C-2 at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport after the woman was reportedly cursing out the crew and fellow passengers. After police arrived, she continued to cause “a huge scene in the airport and on the plane.” She was charged with intoxicated and disruptive behavior and resisting a public officer.

In 2013, black voter registration and YA GOTTA HAND it to our governor, he’s turnout in our state had reached almost no flip-flopper. equal levels with white voters, strengthening No matter what his horrid policies have the overwhelmingly Democratic black voting cost our state, and despite the pleading of bloc. That same year, the Supreme Court local business leaders, residents and experts, struck down parts of the Voting Rights Act McCrory has refused to own up to mistakes that made it easier for minorities to vote regarding coal ash and HB2. Now, following (Shelby County v. Holder), and just one day a federal appeals court ruling stating that his afterward, our General Assembly announced voter ID law targeted black voters “with almost it would enact new restrictions on voting surgical precision,” he’s digging in again. and voter registration. The court found that He’s asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stay while drafting these new restrictions, our the ruling until after the November election, lawmakers actually sought out ways to make claiming in a statement that “changing our voting harder specifically for black people. state’s election laws close to the upcoming The NCGA requested data on the types of election, including common sense voter ID, will photo IDs people were more likely to carry. It create confusion for voters and poll workers.” showed African Americans disproportionately When the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of lacked photo IDs issued by the state DMV, Appeals denied a stay to its ruling last week, and with this data in hand, lawmakers it observed in its order: “our injunction wrote the law to exclude the use of merely returns North Carolina’s alternative photo IDs. voting procedures to the status They requested data on quo prevailing before the the racial breakdown of early discriminatory law was voting usage. It showed enacted.” In other words, that African-Americans “Nice try, but naw.” disproportionately used The ruling stated that early voting in both 2008 granting a stay “would and 2012, especially during only undermine the the first seven days of early integrity and efficiency voting. After reviewing the of the upcoming election.” data, lawmakers eliminated ERIN TRACYIf any election were to the first week of early voting proceed with the voter ID law BLACKWOOD and shortened the early voting intact, the integrity wouldn’t period overall. just be undermined, it would be Racial breakdown data was nonexistent. also requested by lawmakers for same-day When McCrory signed the new voter registration. The data demonstrated that restrictions into law, he said, “While some African-Americans used same-day registration will try to make this seem to be controversial, at a much higher rate. Guess what happened the simple reality is that requiring voters to next? Same-day registration was eliminated. provide a photo ID when they vote is a So there you have it: a “smoking gun,” as common-sense idea.” Fourth Circuit Judge Diana Gribbon Motz His position was that this law was called it in her ruling. Plausible deniability is needed to prohibit voter fraud and that any gone. Those who would still claim this law isn’t racially-skewed consequences were simply explicitly racist and intended to suppress black a coincidence and being made out to seem voters are either liars or dangerously gullible. more controversial than they really were. Stop denying systemic racism exists. You One problem with this assertion is that are witnessing it. The plausible deniability voter fraud isn’t an issue in this country. of “voter fraud” and this law’s coincidental In one of the most comprehensive studies relationship with racial data is gone. You done on voter impersonation, Washington have a smoking gun right in front of your Post found only 31 cases out of more than 1 eyes. If you still support this law, and still billion votes cast in the U.S. since 2000. support McCrory as he stands by it, please Two bigger problems with McCrory’s stop pretending you’re not racist. Come to position, however, are that the law went so terms with your bigotry. much further than requiring photo ID at Also, stop pretending you love America. the polls, and more importantly, the court This law is a steaming pile of shit sitting on uncovered troubling evidence regarding why the U.S. Constitution, and Pat is the one who the law came into existence. Hint: It had put it there. BACKTALK@CLCLT.COM nothing to do with rampant voter fraud. 14 | AUG. 11 - AUG. 17, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

DRUNKS ON A PLANE While it’s normal

RELIGIOUS MOTIVES One 57-year-old woman attended church in Dilworth with good intentions last week, but the Lord had other plans for her. While she gave praise at The Cathedral of St. Patrick, someone went into her nearby purse and stole her wallet out of it. If the thief thought they could forget about the sin they had committed, they were reminded when they found that they had stolen the woman’s Christian Financial Credit Union credit card. HULK MODE Last week, a rental properties

company reported that at some time over the month of July, someone had damaged one of their properties in north Charlotte. Police officers reported that there were holes kicked in the walls of three separate bedrooms and that the suspect also used seemingly superhuman strength to rip up the kitchen flooring. The suspect then continued their Hulk-like behavior by removing the front door from the hinges and tearing the doorframe from the wall. Altogether, the reported damages totaled $1,500.

FIND YOUR BEACH (AGAIN) We reported last week on a woman who crashed her car multiple times while trying to steal four cases of Corona from Sam’s Mart on The Plaza. She’s either out on bail or her friends are still at it, because the same thing happened again shortly after. Police reported that a Sam’s Mart on LaSalle Street was robbed of four cases of Corona. An employee told police he waved the two suspects over to the cash register to pay for the cases they had picked out, but the pair decided to make a break for it instead and ran out of the store with the cases. WHAT A DECK A 38-year-old man in south

Charlotte reported that he paid someone $3,200 to build a deck last year, and he’s still deckless. The victim said the suspect cashed the check at the end of last August but never got around to actually doing the job. Eventually, the victim was able to get the suspect to agree to pay back the money by April if the deck wasn’t built, but by then the suspect ghosted and hasn’t been in touch.

COLLEGE BUDGET Looks like someone

did their back-to-school shopping out of someone’s car. Last week, a 22-year-old woman in west Charlotte reported that her vehicle was broken into and had clothing and jewelry stolen. Among the items stolen were a Davidson College sweatshirt, a longsleeve shirt, a Davidson tote bag and a North Carolina State University bag.

MUSIC TO THEIR EARS A new money-

swindling sensation is sweeping Charlotte. In the last couple of weeks, we’ve reported that people have been tricked into sending money via iTunes gift cards to individuals falsely representing themselves as IRS tax collectors, jailers and relatives in trouble. This week, it was a fake law firm that tricked a 76-year-old woman in Myers Park by telling her they were representing a family member in court. She sent them $4,000 in iTunes gift cards in order to keep the unnamed family member out of jail. It wasn’t until they contacted her again that she realized it was a scam.

WINNING TICKET Some people will do anything to win the lottery — including steal traceable lottery tickets. A 7-Eleven location reported that over two days last week, 37 tickets were stolen from the store’s inventory. According to the police report, only employees have access to the locked office where the tickets are stored, so it’s likely that it was an inside job. FIX IT A 45-year-old repairman called police

after one of his customers was not impressed with his work. The victim told officers that a man assaulted him while he was trying to do work in the suspect’s northeast Charlotte home. He suffered no injuries.

SHOVE IT A desperate shoplifter struck recently at a sex shop in University area after deciding he was not going to leave that store without a sex toy. Employees at The Red Door said the suspect attempted to walk out of the store with a toy and $10 worth of body oil that he had not paid for. When an employee confronted the suspect, he pulled out a knife and waved it at the employee and customers in the store. For good measure, he knocked a display over on the way out of the store. THREAT OF THE WEEK A 27-year-old woman in east Charlotte reported that she was threatened last week via phone by someone who wanted to keep things in the family. “Fuck you bitch, I’m about to come and violate your whole family.” Sounds like a family reunion no one wants to be a part of. Blotter items are chosen from the files of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

NEWS OF THE WEIRD

THIS FRIDAY

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BY CHUCK SHEPHERD

FRONTIERS OF FASHION As Americans’

fascination with guns grows, so, too, does the market for protection against all those flying bullets. Texan John Adrain has introduced an upscale sofa whose cushions can stop up to a .44 Magnum fired at close range, and is now at work on bullet-resistant window blinds. Another company, BulletSafe, recently touted its $129 baseball caps with protection against the same bullets, but only in front — though the company admits the cap won’t prevent concussions. The Colombian suit and vest designer Miguel Caballero offers an array of bullet- and knife-resistant selections, made with Kevlar and Dyneema, which are also used by clothiers BladeRunner and Aspetto, maker of “ballistic tuxedos.”

LEADING ECONOMIC INDICATORS (1) Notorious French derivatives trader Jerome Kerviel was fired in 2010 after his employer Societe Generale bank discovered that he had made unauthorized trades worth about $55 billion and then, by forgery and fraud, covered them up. In June, however, Kerviel won a wrongful-discharge case when France’s Court of Cassation concluded the bank had “no real and serious” reason to fire him. Actually, the court ordered the bank to pay Kerviel about $500,000 in “performance” bonuses, based on the profit that his rogue trades eventually earned. Even though the bank had spent the equivalent of $5.5 billion unwinding Kerviel’s trades, they still made money because, before the world economy collapsed in 2008, the derivatives business was very good. (2) Ronnie Music Jr., 45, won a scratch-off lottery prize last year of $3 million in Waycross, Georgia, and must surely have thought he was on a roll — because he soon flipped the money into a Georgia methamphetamine gang. The “bet” went sour, and he now faces decades in prison, as he pleaded guilty in July to drug trafficking and firearms violations after his associates were found with $1 million worth of meth and a load of guns. GOVERNMENT

IN ACTION (1) Montpelier, Vermont, has one solution to America’s well-known problem of ignoring infrastructure maintenance and the high cost of asphalt. While other cities and states merely delay needed road work (though with harsh consequences to drivers), Montpelier has begun to unpave some of its roads, converting them back to cheaper, annoying gravel and dirt and inevitably, dust. A recent report by Montana State University researchers expressed surprise that so many governments are choosing this option. (2) Phoenix’s KTAR-TV reported in July that the local sheriff, the notoriously “tough on crime” Joe Arpaio, has already cost the government $10.4 million in attorneys’ fees for successful lawsuits filed against him by illegally profiled

Hispanics. A judge found months ago — while awarding $4.5 million — that Arpaio was deliberately violating the court’s orders, and lawyers have demanded another $5.9 million to bring Arpaio’s resistances up to date. Unless the court rules otherwise, the $5.9 million will ultimately come from taxpayers.

PISSING OFF ISIS Last year, 3 million Muslims made the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca for the hajj and another 5 million for the slightly less sacred umrah, but awaiting them in the Saudi holy city would hardly have been the reverence many imagined: massive modern buildings; housing construction with worksites brightly lit around the clock; glittery, multistory shopping malls featuring familiar brands peddling opulence — capped by high-rise views of the city’s entire amusement-park-like setting from four- and five-star hotel rooms, where suites during hajj can go for $10,000 a night. The malls, like the rest of Mecca, come to a standstill — or kneelstill — for prayers. RELIGIOUS SYMBOLISM A Fargo, North

Dakota, fire official said in July his crew had responded at least twice to alarmed-citizens’ phone calls to go help a man obviously homeless, covered in a blanket on a park bench, who seemed not to be moving. The First Lutheran Church later explained that the “man” was just a statue — their idea of Jesus as a homeless man — and its Canadian designer said versions of the statue had been placed in several cities, including Toronto and Detroit.

PERSPECTIVE Almost half of all produce

raised by U.S. farmers is thrown out before it reaches a consumer’s plate, and though there are several contributing explanations, the most striking is American eaters’ “cult of perfection.” “It’s about blemish-free produce,” said one farmer, e.g., “sunburnt cauliflower” or table grapes not quite “wedge-shaped” enough. America’s “unyielding cosmetic standards,” according to a July report in The Guardian of London, even means that much of the annual $160 billion worth of imperfect food is simply left to rot on the vine, or sent directly to a landfill, because farmers anticipate retailers’ reluctance to stock it.

WAIT, WHAT? (1) In July, the U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service announced plans to keep black-footed ferrets in northeastern Montana from dying out with drones that shoot peanut butter M&Ms coated with a vaccine. Before the drones, there were too few ferrets to justify, economically, hand-delivering the candy. (2) A Japanese researcher working out of the University of Illinois at Chicago recently announced a health-improving computer app that would require men to ejaculate on their cellphones. The researcher’s sophisticated microscope lens would be capable of transmitting a highly detailed photo, able to

be examined in a lab, thus freeing shy men from having to visit a doctor’s office.

COMPELLING EXPLANATIONS Lawyer

Andrew Schmuhl, 32, ordered to trial in Fairfax County, Virginia, in May, declared that he was not responsible in 2014 when he invaded the home of a man who had recently fired Schmuhl’s wife. Using a Taser, he had held the man and his wife hostage for three hours and ultimately slashed the man’s throat and stabbed the woman repeatedly. However, Schmuhl claimed he should be found not guilty because he was “involuntarily” intoxicated at the time — cluelessly on pain medication that made him oblivious of his actions. (He was convicted.)

UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT (1) The

membership of the Westerly (Rhode Island) Yacht Club voted in June to retain the club’s men-only admission policy, which some members told a Providence Journal reporter was necessary to preserve the club’s “family atmosphere.” Apparently, according to the report, they feared being tempted at social events by having unmarried women around (as “full” female members, instead of the currently allowed “spousal” members). (2) The Chessington (England) World of Adventures theme park, after upgrading its authentic jungle experience, nonetheless had to post a noise restriction in July because some patrons apparently cannot resist the urge to do loud Tarzan impressions, which officials said “confuse” the monkeys.

THE PASSING PARADE (1) Christopher

Wade, 55, was arrested in Nashville, Tennessee, in July after police tracked him to his home, where he was found already in bed with a female mannequin shortly after stealing it from the Hollywood Hustler store. The mannequin was wearing a brown wig, a pink spandex dress and rhinestone stilettos. (2) As part of the Taste of Buffalo (New York) food festival in July, competitors from the Major League Eating organization were offered a shot at the Kale Cup, with a $2,000 prize for the most kale eaten in eight minutes. The very healthy Gideon “The Truth” Oji won, downing 25.5 bowls.

NOTW CLASSIC (OCTOBER 2012)

Brazil has a robust democracy but with very few controls on what candidates may call themselves on ballots. Among those running for offices this time, according to a September (2012) New York Times dispatch from Rio de Janeiro: “John Kennedy Abreu Sousa,” “Jimmi Carter Santarem Barroso,” “Ladi Gaga,” “Christ of Jerusalem,” five “Batmans,” two “James Bonds,” and 16 people whose name contains “Obama.” “It’s a marketing strategy,” said city council candidate Geraldo Custodio, who apparently liked his chances better with the ballot name “Geraldo Wolverine.”

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CLCLT.COM | AUG. 11 - AUG. 17, 2016 | 15

FOOD

FEATURE

CORKBUZZ IS MORE THAN JUST A WINE BAR The SouthPark wine studio offers a full chefdriven menu

CORKBUZZ Hours: Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Bar open ThursdaySaturday until 12 a.m. 4905 Ashley Park Lane, Suite J. 704-625-1328. charlotte.corkbuzz.com.

BY CHRISSIE NELSON

Y WINE EXPERTISE

is limited. While I consider myself a red wine lover (maybe even enthusiast), I’m far from an aficionado or connoisseur; my selection boils down to strolling the grocery store wine aisle and selecting a bottle based on my budget (small) and the wine label (needs to be eye catching!). As a red wine lover with limited wine knowledge beyond “that label is pretty,” I was excited with a small twinge of intimidation when I first visited Corkbuzz in the SouthPark area. The restaurant and wine bar is Corkbuzz’s third location (behind two in New York City). Though it focuses on wine, the chef-driven menu is just as important to co-owners Frank Vafier and Laura Maniec. The emphasis on wine makes sense when you look at co-owner Maniec’s credientials. Maniec is a master sommelier; fewer than 250 people have earned this level of wine expertise and Maniec is one of 33 females to hold the certification. While this all sounds a little intimidating, Corkbuzz’s philosophy on wine is relaxed, with a focus on “enjoying wine and talking about wine in a way that makes everyone feel welcome and never intimidated,” according to the website. But aside from its wine bar feel, Corkbuzz is much more. In fact, Vafier and Maniec refer to it as a wine studio: a happy blended recipe of a wine bar, wine-centric restaurant, home base for wine education and event space perfect for special events, wine dinners and other parties. While the wine selection is an important element of Corkbuzz’s experience (with more than 35 choices by the glass and 150 by the bottle), the food is worthy of diving into. Serving up a fusion of European and American cuisine with a nod to seasonal and local ingredients (their menu rotates based on what is available, and pays homage to Carolina and Southern cuisine), food and 16 | AUG. 11 - AUG. 17, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

CHRISSIE NELSON

A glass of wine from Corkbuzz. wine pairings are described as an “an integral part of the experience at Corkbuzz.” Deciding on my order at Corkbuzz has proven to be the most difficult task during all of my visits to the restaurant because the menu descriptions have me drooling and debating over what to eat. The grilled octopus with housemade

herb dumplings, bacon, macadamia nuts, and whipped feta is a standout, and the pasta always tempts me (the parmesean gnocchi that’s currently on the menu with turnips, swiss chard, mushroom and poached egg sounds heavenly). The Waygu beef sirloin is hard to turn down; how could you say no to cheddar bacon grits and smoked ricotta? One

of my go-to orders when I just can’t seem to make a decision is one of Corkbuzz’s most popular dishes, the signature Bourguignon burger. With a slight nod to Julia Child, this juicy masterpiece comes dripping with goodness including red wine fondue and bacon-mushroom relish. And I dare you to walk away without

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The grilled octopus at Corkbuzz.

CHRISSIE NELSON

dessert; it’s definitely difficult to resist a plate of ricotta doughnuts, bourbon chocolate cake or an assortment of cheese to finish of your meal. Corkbuzz is a pleasing, sophisticated addition to the Charlotte dining scene; it’s a place I’d love to linger and spend hours sipping and savoring. Besides dinner, Corkbuzz serves up lunch, brunch, wine education classes, special winemaker dinners, and through September, Sunday clambakes. The latter ($50 per person with a mimimum party of four) is served family-style with wine specially selected and paired with the meal. Offerings include salads, dessert, sides and dishes of honor like wild NC little neck clams, Prince Edward Island mussels, wild NC shrimp, and andouille sausage. Chrissie Nelson is a public defender by day and a food blogger by night. Read about her foodventures, restaurant reviews and other Charlotte musings at offtheeatenpathblog.com.

CLCLT.COM | AUG. 11 - AUG. 17, 2016 | 17

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DISHING FOOD THREE-COURSE SPIEL FRESH FOOD AND WHO’S AD BEVERAGE FRESH FROM THE STREETS OF IS IT ANYWAYS? NEWS CHARLOTTE WEEKLY. New Mediterranean-fusion food truck hits the road BY COURTNEY MIHOCIK

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THERE’S A NEW set of wheels that’s joined the ranks of Charlotte’s food truck scene. FreshMed (facebook.com/ FreshmedCLT/), a Mediterranean fusion concept that launched in June. FreshMed stands out from many of its food truck peers, as it’s 30 feet long and outfitted with a 22.5-foot long, customdesigned kitchen for the crew’s cooking needs. Tyler Lee and Norm Randall, co-founders of the food truck, operate the truck and dole out Mediterranean-inspired dishes — like the popular lamb burger — to the masses with executive chef, Chris Alves and Ryan Mollen, sales manager. Among the four of them, they have culturally diverse backgrounds and years of restaurant experience. The quartet rolls around Charlotte as part of a bigger catering company, Fresh Eats Catering. Creative Loafing sat down with cofounder Lee and discussed the menu and what it means to be an up-and-coming truck in an established food truck scene. Creative Loafing: What’s the “fresh” in FreshMed? Tyler Lee: So one of the biggest things that we do is we use a lot of really highquality ingredients. That’s where the fresh part came from and FreshMed is part of a bigger company that we launched called Fresh Eats Catering. We have everything to cook on site for three to 500 people. So being able to cook everything on the truck whether it be for catering or for a food truck event creates that real fresh taste which a lot of times you don’t get, especially from catering. That’s my background for the last 10 years. And then picking fresh ingredients, we go shopping every single day for food, so we make sure we have the freshest stuff on the truck. I think that’s quality you can taste. Along with the lamb burger, what are some really popular menu items? Our second biggest item and our most intriguing item is our fettuccine alfredo balls. It’s an idea that I came up with, and it’s almost a joke. [I was thinking], ‘What if we took fettuccine pasta and alfredo sauce, wrapped it in bacon, got it into a little ball and deep-fried it?’ and so that one’s really taken off. We’re constantly playing with different menu items. The chicken-salt bocca sandwich is one of my personal favorite sandwich on the truck.

18 | AUG. 11 - AUG. 17, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

KATHERINE ELENA PHOTOGRAPHY

The FreshMed crew, including Tyler Lee (third from left)

It’s a play on a veal salted bocca, which is one of my favorite Italian dishes. Basically it’s chicken, sage, prosciutto, then we actually do a fontina halloumi cheese blend on our menu, which is really cool, so we melt that on top of it. Then we put it on naan bread with some lemon alfredo and that one is delicious. I love those flavors together. Is there a kind of turf war with the different food trucks around town? Do some trucks have seniority on certain spots and locations? So you would think that, because I thought that coming into this business. And it’s actually the complete opposite. It’s a community. And from everything that I’ve seen in my short time being there, the other food truck owners have embraced us and taken us into the community. I’ve gotten a lot of my leads from other food trucks or from them needing us to cover somewhere and things of that nature. A lot of us work at the commissary that we cook out of and there’s 25 trucks there, so we all work out of the same kitchen. We’re constantly talking and sharing where you were and how it was and things of that nature. It’s really more of a family than it is a competition, which is something that pleasantly surprised me coming in.

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THURSDAY

THINGS TO DO

TOP TEN

SEMINAR

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SEMINAR

POKEMON GO BAR CRAWL

OKEE DOKEE BROTHERS

NERVOSA

What: Blues guitarist Davy Knowles first made his mark at an early age touring with his band Back Door Slam. If the name’s familiar, it could be from an opening slot on the Chickenfoot tour that hit Charlotte a few years back. Regardless, Knowles’ is one of those off-the-radar talents that more people need to know. That he’s back in town is worth noting, that it’s free is reason not to miss it.

What: Playwright Theresa Rebeck’s Seminar comes courtesy of Three Bone Theatre. In the play, writing becomes such sweet sorrow when four aspiring novelists sign up for a private writing class that’s led by a prominent literary figure. But red ink and edits aren’t the only underlying factors in dividing the group and straying them from their craft. It’s the instrutor that spawns the comedic and creative chaos. When: Aug. 11-13, 8 p.m.; Aug. 1820, 8 p.m. Where: Duke Energy Theater, 345 N. College St. More: $22-$28. threebonetheatre. com.

What: Longtime friends Justin Lansing and Joe Mailander have made a career in music out of recreational outings. They’ve penned songs after adventures like canoeing down the Mississippi River and hiking the Appalachian Trail. The pair’s latest album Saddle Up was written during a camping trip out West. But it’s not all cheesy. There’s a reason this band is a Grammy-winning Folk & Roots Music for Families.

What: This trio of ladies will smash any preconceived notions you may have about women in rock. The thrash metal band, which hails from Brazil, found a place on Austrian record label Napalm. The signing couldn’t be more fitting, as the label is known for more genres of metal than you ever even knew existed. This year the band has been touring to support Agony, with dates scattered all across Europe, Canada and the East coast.

When: 7 p.m. Where: U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway. More: Free. 704-391-3900. usnwc. org.

What: With all the Pokemon hype, now is the time to milk this frenzy for all it’s worth. So why not throw a bar crawl related to the creature collecting? Drink and embark on a hunt through Uptown, specifically EpiCentre, with fellow Pokemon Go players. Folks participating in the crawl will collect a “PokeCrawl Card” from each venue and win prizes. This could also be a place where new friendships are born. That is, if you can put down your phone.

When: 7 p.m. Where: McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St. More: $10.50 and up. 704-3721000. blumenthalarts.org.

When: 9 p.m. Where: Milestone, 3400 Tuckaseegee Road. More: $10. themilestoneclub.com.

DAVY KNOWLES

— JEFF HAHNE

20 | AUG. 11 - AUG. 17, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

— ANITA OVERCASH

When: 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Where: Rooftop 210, 210 E. Trade St. More: $10-$20. eventbrite.com — OVERCASH

— OVERCASH

SOLEIL KONKEL

Okee Dokee Brothers FRIDAY

Dixie Chicks SATURDAY

NEWS ARTS FOOD MUSIC ODDS

McColl Center Member Show/Opening Reception w/ Benji Hughes SATURDAY

SATURDAY

DIXIE CHICKS What: For years, the Dixie Chicks hesitated to reunite after getting backlash for comments they made about then-President George W. Bush. It all seems kinda silly looking back on it, and perhaps that’s why it’s the perfect time for the spunky country trio to reunite. Expect to hear all of the hits and favorites — and hopefully some verbal punches thrown Trump’s way. It’s worth getting there early to check out Vintage Trouble, too.

When: 7 p.m. Where: PNC Music Pavilion, 707 Pavilion Blvd. More: $86-$232. livenation.com. — HAHNE

SATURDAY

MCCOLL CENTER MEMBER SHOW/OPENING RECEPTION W/ BENJI HUGHES What: This show is all about the art with lots of new works created by artists who are affiliated with McColl. But along with the art comes a performance by Benji Hughes. Back in January, Hughes released Songs in the Key of Animals. The double-album was his debut on Merge Records and it’s full of jingly jams fitting for a pop up outing at McColl. When: 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Where: McColl Center for Art + Innovation, 712 N Tryon St. More: Free admission. 704-3325535. mccollcenter.org. — OVERCASH

SATURDAY

CHARLOTTE LATIN PRIDE EXPO

SQUIRT DAY PARTY

ROUGE

What: The folks at Charlotte Latin Pride and Charlotte Pride have teamed up for this expo. According to press materials, it’s all slated to “focus around strengthening, empowering, and enlightening the Latino/LGBTQ community in Charlotte and the Carolinas.” At the event, folks can learn more about local and regional organizations that offer assistance and educations to the Spanish-speaking side of the LGBTQ community.

What: It’s the perfect party to beat the summer heat. Leave your attitude at the door, because chances are you’ll be getting hit with water gun crossfire all day. Headliner Project Pat is out of Memphis, with ties to Three 6 Mafia, while Charlotte’s own Elevator Jay and Rapper Shane are some of the finest in the city’s hiphop scene. Tange Lomax, out of High Point, is a name more people should know due to her affiliation with the Forever FC crew.

What: The folks at Caroline Calouche & Co. are putting their aerial and contemporary dance abilities to good use in this cabaretthemed show. While there’s a mix of comedic elements to the frills, lush and burlesque-like fun, this show is for mature audiences only. So while they might be entertained and thoroughly distracted during this glammy set, it’s better to get a babysitter for the kids.

When: 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Where: Midwood International Cultural Center, 1817 Central Ave. More: Free admission.

When: 3 p.m. Where: Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. More: Free. snugrock.com.

— OVERCASH

— HAHNE

When: 8 p.m. Where: Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St. More: $25-$30. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org. — OVERCASH

CLCLT.COM | AUG. 11 - AUG. 17, 2016 | 21

ARTS

THEATER

GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT WITH CARD TRICKS AND BEEFCAKE Naked Magic Show exposes new type of magicians BY PERRY TANNENBAUM

T TURNS OUT that the two Aussies, Chris Wayne and Mike Tyler, who make up The Naked Magic Show were almost totally in the buff during the latter moments of the show. Only body mics and handy top hats were kept over their genitalia. But my curiosity about how much nudity I would see at McGlohon Theater last Wednesday (and how long I would see it) was preceded by some tingling suspense about who would turn out for the 9:30 performance. There’s a lot to clean up after a performance of The Naked Magic Show, which mixes magic, comedy, and as much audience participation as I’ve ever seen. There’s one trick that involves everyone in the audience littering the hall while shouting “Fuck it!” as they let their confetti fly, and the show ends with sustained cloudbursts of glitter as the naked magicians “come” for the audience. So while it seemed strange that the house hadn’t opened when 9:30 rolled around, we didn’t realize how much cleanup and setup was going on inside the hall after the earlier 7 p.m. show. With this delay, there was more than the usual amount of time to mingle with the crowd in the McGlohon lobby — and to determine they weren’t the usual theater bunch. After years on the road, Wayne and Tyler may have been feigning curiosity when they bluntly asked who was out there. Date nighters? Gay guys? No, they were far, far outnumbered by the girls-night-out throng, their absolute dominance augmented by the awesome volume of their shrieking response. Even when they were clothed, the Aussies’ magic wasn’t in an up-the-sleeve vein, trending toward card tricks and mentalist miracles. One fellow out of the audience entrusted his cellphone to the duo, putting it in a manila envelope among four or five others, and watching with growing 22 | AUG. 11 - AUG. 17, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

Chris Wayne (left) and Mike Tyler of The Naked Magic Show. concern after the envelopes were shuffled. Chris smashed one hidden phone after another with a mallet. In the upshot of this shuffling, shattering mumbo jumbo, the guy’s phone wound up in the butt of an inflatable sex doll. Before that episode, the guys brandished a pair of inflatable penises, and Chris featured his preternaturally long tongue. But perhaps uncannier than tongue-zilla or the five-phone monty was the trick that lodged in everyone’s pocket or purse in red envelopes that ushers handed to us when we first entered the hall. When we were instructed to open them, we found four wallet-sized photos inside that we were

instructed to shuffle and tear, face-down. After taking the top slip of paper, there was a long regimen of cutting, rearranging, and “Fuck it!” tossing as we discarded six of the remaining seven halves of photos, including some elements of choice that seemed to lead to a random outcome. It took me over four days to figure out why the last remaining half mated perfectly with the half that I’d put in my shirt pocket before the elimination process. Odds against that were 6-to-1, right? The end of the show, leading up to the celebratory cum-bustion, had an elegant structure to it, for Mike and Chris had a little competition to determine which of

them would be the first to strip. Two eager ladies were chosen out of the audience to buckle and tie the guys into straitjackets, and the magician who escaped last would have to strip first. Well, one of the ladies — I forget whether it was Amanda or Maddie — was really eager for this sadistic pleasure, insisting that she switch from Mike to Chris for her tying tasks. Adding to the comedy, Chris tore his arms free from bondage before Amanda and Maddie were settled back in their seats, calling on a nearly-as-eager gay guy to do the retying. Chris seemed to be the glibber of the two escape artists, but Mike had the

better abs. All I’ll say about the naked tricks is knife, rope, scissors, and another deck of cards. The whole dynamic seemed to change when all the guys’ cheeks were finally exposed and the last volunteers walked onstage. With just two more cities left in their 32-city tour across the US and Canada, Chris had remarked early in the show that they had forgotten how different it could be performing in the round. Looking up in the balcony, he observed that the folks seated up on the sides of the stage were getting more than their money’s worth. That made it all the more important for the woman holding the top hat over Chris’s package to keep a steady hand while he performed his rope trick. Compounding her anxiety, other ladies in the audience were loudly urging her to let it drop. I wouldn’t be shocked to learn that some of those lust-enflamed ladies had imbibed a drink or three. Perfect preparation. Chris and Mike have moved on to Louisville and Indianapolis, but the steam hasn’t stopped in Charlotte. Parks and Recreation stars Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally are promising to “yank the britches” off their real-life marriage in Summer of 69: No Apostrophe at Ovens Auditorium this week while Scorpio Nightclub hosts an epic three-day Miss Gay America Pageant on raunchy Freedom Drive. When those two sizzlers have come and gone, Charlotte’s supreme aerialists, Caroline Calouche & Company, will take over Booth Playhouse next weekend for three performances of

Rouge, their cabaret-style presentation for mature audiences. Nor are wholesome and serious shows in summer retreat. Disney’s least fantastical musical, Newsies, returns to Belk Theater with its inspirational ensemble of striking newsboys. Duke Energy Theatre gets two weekends of Seminar from Three Bone Theatre. Theresa Rebeck’s drama explores what happens in a writing class when the brilliant sought-after writer who is teaching this select group needs validation as much as his young students. Of course, there are different kinds of validation in this feast of seduction, manipulation, betrayal, and copulation — peppered with writing tips. Perhaps this week’s most intriguing new show will open on Thursday at South End’s C3 Labs. Presented by TAPROOT in collaboration with Jeffrey Barninger of Union Shop Studios, Queenie’s Farewell Block Party is one part performance, one part art installation, and one part closeto-home history. During the interactive performance, the audience meets Queenie and her neighbors on the night before tenants of the South End Motel are evicted. We don’t exactly live in a community that cherishes its heritage or the integrity of its neighborhoods. So even if Queenie’s party views the pros and cons of urban renewal objectively, it will call attention to the bull component of Charlotte’s ongoing bulldozing — a component that often seems forgotten by city boosters, developers, politicos, and craven journalists. BACKTALK@CLCLT.COM

CLCLT.COM | AUG. 11 - AUG. 17, 2016 | 23

ARTS

FILM

WARNERBROS. BROS.&&DC DC WARNER

The antiheroes of Suicide Squad.

SUICIDE PREVENTION Stay away from bloated blockbuster BY MATT BRUNSON

FTER THE DEATH knell sounded on the advance screening for the heavily hyped and heavily hopeless Suicide Squad (*1/2 out of four), an elderly woman gently tapped my arm with her cane and asked, “What did you think of the movie?” Wary that she might have adored the film and would service me with a harder walking-stick whack if I trashed it too harshly, I merely answered, “I didn’t care for it.” She moved in closer and, with acid 24 | AUG. 11 - AUG. 17, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

dripping from her voice — perhaps even acid siphoned from the vat prominently featured in the picture — she stated, “I think someone should drop an atom bomb on Hollywood for making a movie like this!” While I’m reluctant to obliterate any industry that on occasion can still give us something as provocative as Spotlight or as charming as Zootopia, her fury was understandable. Suicide Squad is its own kind of bomb, the sort of destructive force

whose repercussions will be felt for years. While it stands to make a fortune at the box office, it’s unlikely to make much of a dent in the hearts of even its most ardent supporters, the sort who insist that critics are being handsomely paid off by Marvel to trash DC adaptations (chuckle over that one as I step away to fuel my private jet) or who start petitions to shut down Rotten Tomatoes because they don’t like seeing an abundance of poor reviews (OK, that’s kinda cute, in a dorky, puppy-barking-at-

itself-in-the-mirror kind of way). Keep in mind that I didn’t hate Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, which was treated by most critics as the celluloid equivalent of End of Days but which earned a mixed review from me. But there’s no doubt that with Suicide Squad, Batman v Superman and the wretched Man of Steel, DC is futilely trying to play catch-up with Marvel, which spent many years and multiple movies building up its brand. But if the Marvel Cinematic Universe is like a savory pot

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roast that’s been allowed to marinate for hours, then the DC version is like a pack of instant mashed potatoes: Just add water and attempt to enjoy the lumpy result. Suicide Squad gets off to a decent start, as a government suit named Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) talks her superiors into allowing her to assemble a team of miscreants and madmen (and one madwoman) in order to protect the world in case the next Superman turns out to be an evil entity bent on destroying it. Via flashbacks, we’re then treated to a roll call of the assembled: the expert marksman Deadshot (Will Smith), the psychotic Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), the obnoxious Boomerang (Jai Courtney), the human torch Diablo (Jay Hernandez), the misshapen Killer Croc (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) and the centuries-old Enchantress (Cara Delevingne). In a bad scripting call, we do not receive a similar introduction to Slipknot (Adam Beach), so there’s no suspense surrounding his fate (or screen time) when he suddenly pops up on the scene as part of the gang. All are placed under the watchful eye of super-soldier Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman), whose girlfriend, June Moone, is also the poor woman housing Enchantress within her mortal frame (Delevingne plays both sides of the two-faced coin). To control Enchantress, Waller keeps her tell-tale heart in a box, but once the organ is freed from its prison, Enchantress is then able to resurrect her brother as some CGI giant (presumably pilfered from the Gods of Egypt demo reel), turn humans into creatures whose innards resemble those British Aero bubble chocolate bars, and threaten the planet with lots of electrical bolts. Who you gonna call? Not the Ghostbusters, despite the similar-looking mise-en-scenes. There are other players crammed into the picture, including Katana (Karen Fukuhara), so nondescript a character that her sword, stuffed with souls the same way a flounder might be stuffed with crab, exhibits more personality than the person wielding it, and Batman (Ben Affleck), who

only drops by to cash a paycheck. And then there’s The Joker, played by Jared Leto in what was touted by the p.r. machine as a Method-style performance. There might indeed be Method to his madness, but it’s of little consequence, since his interpretation of the part turns out to be even less frightening than Cesar Romero’s portrayal on the campy 60s TV show. And while the prerelease buzz made it seem as if Leto would rack up as much screen time as Peter O’Toole in Lawrence of Arabia, he’s actually in the film a lot less than expected, basically only around to brutalize Harley Quinn. Speaking of HQ, she’s at the center of the film’s casual misogyny, an ugly stance that’s weirdly amplified by writer-director David Ayers (whose last picture was the underrated Brad Pitt WWII yarn Fury). Robbie does what she can, but the part doesn’t provide her with much — even most of her wisecracks land like bricks. In fact, the greatest failing of Suicide Squad might be its roster of misfits. They’re intriguingly billed as the “worst of the worst,” but most end up being sweethearts (Deadshot has a daughter, Harley Quinn dreams of a suburban life, Boomerang loves pink unicorns, and so on) and, worst of the worst, most are one-note dullards. Smith adds some personality to Deadshot — ditto Hernandez with Diablo — but Courtney is simply annoying, Kinnaman is a human vacuum, and Delevingne has the ancient Enchantress strutting around like a 21st century super-model (no shock, since the actress is a super-model). At least the soundtrack is good. As far as nabbing audience interest, the killer rock trumps Killer Croc, with such gems as The Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil,” Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son” and Eminem’s “Without Me” blaring over the auditorium speakers. But it makes sense that no one thought to include Ozzy Osbourne’s “Suicide Solution,” since Suicide Squad isn’t the answer to anyone’s prayers.

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CLCLT.COM | AUG. 11 - AUG. 17, 2016 | 25

ARTS

HAPPENINGS

COMEDY Bonkerz Comedy Club Charlotte Sloan. Aug. 12-13, 8 p.m. $10. 5624 Westpark Drive, Charlotte. 980-288-5653. bonkerzcomedyproductions.com. Clarion Hotel OTC presents a “Back To School improv show.” $14-$15. Aug. 20, 8 p.m. 212 West Woodlawn Road. otcimprov.com. The Comedy Zone Charlotte James Davis. Aug. 11, 8 p.m.; Fri., Aug. 12, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 13, 7 and 9:30 p.m. $17-$20. Funny On The Retry. Sun., Aug. 14, 7 p.m. $15. Fight Night Comedy Competition. Aug. 16, 8 p.m. $15. Laugh it Up Blue. Aug. 17, 7 p.m. $25. 900 N.C. Music Factory Blvd., Suite B3. 980-321-4702. cltcomedyzone.com. The Sweet Spot The Chuckleheads. $10-$15. Aug. 20, 6 p.m. 10050 Edison Square Drive, NW, Huntersville. Wet Willie’s Charlotte Comedy Theater. For more information, visit charlottecomedytheater. com. Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m. $10. 900 N.C. Music Factory Blvd., Suite C-1. 704-716-5650. wetwillies.com.

FILM Hollywood Shoots Itself Film Series Screening Silent Movie (1976). Aug. 13. ImaginOn, 300 E 7th St. Matthews Summer Movie Series Screening Big Hero 6. Movie begins approximately 8:30 p.m. Aug. 15. Stumptown Park, 207 West John St., Matthews. Pineville Rockin’ and Reelin’ Movie Series Screening Max. Movie begins approximately 8 p.m. Aug. 12. Pineville Lake Park, 1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville.

THEATER/DANCE/ PERFORMANCE ART Newsies Newsies features high-energy song and dance about those who delivered the papers until they made headlines. $25. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org. Rouge Caroline Calouche & Co. presents this cabaret-style performance filled with gravity26 | AUG. 11 - AUG. 17, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

defying aerial acts and tantalizing dance. $25$30. Aug. 13, 8 p.m. Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org.

Cummings III, John Mascoll and Avelino Samuel. Through Jan. 16, 2017. 551 South Tryon St. 704547-3700. ganttcenter.org.

Seminar Presented by Three Bone Theatre. This play by Theresa Rebeck is a provocative comedy about four aspiring young novelists who sign up for private writing classes with Leonard, an international literary figure. Under his recklessly brilliant and unorthodox instruction, some thrive and others flounder, alliances are made and broken, sex is used as a weapon and hearts are unmoored. $22-$28. Aug. 11-13, 8 p.m.; Aug. 18-20, 8 p.m. 704-3721000. blumenthalarts.org.

Jerald Melberg Gallery Two to Watch. Through Sept. 10. Free admission. 625 S. Sharon Amity Road. 704-365-3000. jeraldmelberg.com.

Queenie’s Farewell Block Party An immersive, sensory performance experience that explores the changing face of Charlotte neighborhoods. Performances happen inside of an art installation developed by four different Charlotte artists. Ticket cost includes drinks and treats. Pay what you can on Aug. 11 & 18; $25 for all other shows. Aug. 11-13, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 18-19, 7:30 p.m. C3 Lab, 2525 Distribution St. digdeepgetdirty.com.

VISUAL ARTS

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art All That Sparkles: 20th Century Artists’ Jewelry. This exhibit focuses on the art of jewelry, featuring work from Harry Bertoia and Claire Falkenstein, as well as Bechtler Collection artists Alberto Giacometti, Alicia Penalba, Raffael Benazzi, and Niki de Saint Phalle. Through Jan. 8, 2017. 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. Through Sept. 11. 420 S. Tryon St. 704-3539200. bechtler.org. Charlotte Fine Art Gallery 6th Annual Students’ Art Exhibition. The gallery showcases the artists who take weekly studio classes with this month long exhibition. Through Aug. 27. Charlotte Fine Art Gallery, 7510 PinevilleMatthews Road, Suite 9A. charlottefineart.com. Twenty-Two Let the Good Times Roll. Through Sept. 4. 1500 Central Ave. 704-334-0122. gallerytwentytwo.com. Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture Shaping the Vessel: Cummings + Mascoll + Samuel. The exhibit features 26 wood works by three artists, including Frank E.

McColl Center Member Show/Opening Reception McColl Center Member Show is a non-juried, salon-style exhibition, open to artists at all levels that are also current McColl Center Members. Opening reception Aug. 13, 5-9 p.m. Exhibit through Aug. 27. McColl Center for Art + Innovation, 721 N. Tryon St. mccollcenter.org/membershow. 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. Shain Gallery Abstract Invitational. Featuring 10 emerging abstract artists. Aug. 12-31. 2823 Selwyn Ave. 704-334-7744. shaingallery.com.

MORE EVENTS 2016 CHS Cornhole Tournament Teams of two will compete in round robin play (guaranteed three games minimum). Top teams advance to single elimination playoffs. Walkups may be accepted if the tournament is not filled out (but not guaranteed). Aug. 13, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Hornets Nest Park, 6301 Beatties Ford Road. AfroPop Team Bantu Fête presents this event celebrating African culture through afrobeats, fashion and networking. Music by DJ Kato. There’s also African drummer Cheick Csoko of the Soko Drum Circle meetup group. Free before 11; $5-$10. Aug. 19, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. Charlotte Knights Charlotte Knights vs. Louisville Cardinals Aug. 11, 7:05 p.m. Charlotte Knights vs. Gwinnett Braves Aug. 15-17, 7:05 p.m.BB&T Ballpark, 324 South Mint St. milb. com/index.jsp?sid=t494. Cherishing the Craft Sugar Creek Brewery certified cicerones leads this interactive class focused on enhancing brewing skills and understanding of the craft beer tasting experience. This class is meant to explore our

knowledge of beer, how to taste beer and how to discover the full breadth of our palettes. $12.60. Aug. 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sugar Creek Brewing Co., 215 Southside Drive. Circle K Back-to-School Monster Truck Bash The Monster Truck Bash returns to The Dirt Track. Aug. 13, 6 p.m. The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Parkway, South, Concord. 704-455-3200. charlottemotorspeedway.com. CLTRG Special 10th Anniversary Intra-League Bout $7-$16. Aug. 13. Grady Cole Center, 310 N. Kings Drive. LoSo Block Party Neighborhood block party includes Sugar Creek Brewing, Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Great Wagon Road Distilling Company, The Broken Spoke, Doc Porter’s Distillery, Red Clay Ciderworks, Infinity Ballroom Charlotte, CrossFit Mecklenburg, food trucks and live music. Free. Aug. 13, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sugar Creek Brewing, 215 Southside Drive. Saved by the 90’s Bar Crawl A throw back to scrushies, bandanas, mood rings and signing T-shirts. Dress the part and join in this crawl. Free admission into partiicpating bars and 90’s Bar Crawl T-shirt. $10. Rooftop 210, 210 E. Trade St., Suite 230B. Sun’s Out Grill’s Out Come out to enjoy some $5 grill specials. There will also be drink samples, music, and more. Aug. 13, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Healthy Home Market (Davidson), 261 Griffith St. Queen City Urban Art Showcase A networking event for the creative community anchored with art exhibits from the top talent in the area. Aug. 20, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Advent Coworking, 933 Louise Ave. USNWC Festival X (Cheers to 10 years) Celebrate 10 years with live music, craft beer, and outdoor adventures. Free admission ($5 parking); $30 to register cornhole team. Cornhole tournament, then live music starting at 6 p.m. Aug. 13. U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway. 704391-3900. usnwc.org. Wine Up: Spoken Word & Live Music Open mic & feature acts presented by Touch One Productions. $10. Aug. 11, 9:30 p.m. 3306 N Davidson St. upstagenoda.com.

CLCLT.COM | AUG. 11 - AUG. 17, 2016 | 27

MUSIC

FEATURE

GOT A BAD RAP JayWay Sosa continues building ICEE Money despite label’s reputation with local law enforcement BY RYAN PITKIN

N THE RAP game, it’s not uncommon for some rival crew to show up on television or social media calling you and your boys out, saying you’re not what you say you are. When that crew is the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, things get real. That’s the position that JayWay Sosa and the rest of his ICEE Money Entertainment team found themselves in four months ago when CMPD called a press conference to announce charges against 18 men from Hidden Valley who they say were running a drug ring. At the press conference, Capt. Rob Dance specifically claimed that ICEE Money Entertainment, a record label Sosa helped found in 2013 alongside his friend and one of the April arrestees Wendell “Face” McClain, is a front for organized crime. Capt. Dance referred to the group as “the remnants” of the infamous Hidden Valley Kings street gang. This was nothing new; an affidavit from 2013 justifying an injunction prohibiting suspected members of the Kings from hanging out together in Charlotte made similar accusations. That injunction has since expired — inspiring an ICEE Money mixtape titled The Injunction — and members have continued to make music. The heat doesn’t seem to affect Sosa. “It makes it difficult just from the standpoint that you’re expected to be doing something wrong, but it doesn’t make it difficult for us to be out here and shine,” Sosa says. “That’s just me. I like that attention. Because when it comes down to it, that’s just spreading our name around, they’re going to let people know who we are who don’t know us.” SINCE HE RELEASED his latest mixtape God Speed in March, plenty more people than just the police are aware of who JayWay Sosa is. He has spent the last halfyear touring the country, hitting spots from Los Angeles to Chicago to Boston. The mixtape includes features from big 28 | AUG. 11 - AUG. 17, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

RYAN PITKIN

JayWay Sosa at Queen City Basement. names like Kevin Gates and Lil’ Boosie, but Sosa’s flow, switching from melodic to hard at any given moment, carries the 17 tracks on its own. Creative Loafing caught up with Sosa during a recent recording session at Queen City Basement, a studio on Monroe Road

where he records with his crew sometimes. He had just returned from a short tour of Florida and was preparing for an upcoming tour of the Carolinas, one of many quick, regional tours he’s been doing to push God Speed to new audiences before returning home to work on new material.

While he’s constantly making new stuff — he was in the Basement until 5 a.m. the night before we met back at the same spot — he’s not yet done with God Speed or the tape’s biggest single, “Shit Together.” He’s preparing to start a new push for radio spins and publicity for the single, while also

BIGGA RANKIN STREET N GREET WITH JAYWAY SOSA Aug. 10, 8 p.m. Queen City Basement, 5551 Monroe Road. queencitybasement.com.

RYAN PITKIN

releasing a couple more videos he’s shot to add to the previously released “Believe” and “Side Chick.” His newer work has been hititng the streets as well, if you know where to look. Sosa was recently featured alongside Tigo B on “Dope,” a single from the formerly Charlotte-based duo Styles & Complete. DJ Complete, who still splits his time between Charlotte and L.A., was introduced to Sosa and Tigo B through DJ E. Sudds, known for his work with 2 Chainz. “[E. Sudds] has been helping me out with connections in the rap world. He was in town and was like, ‘I’m going to come pick you up and we’ll go to this studio to meet these two rappers.’ I had never heard of either one of them, but I looked them up and was like, ‘Yeah they’re dope,’ so I played them a bunch of beats.” DJ Complete hesitated to even play the beat that became “Dope,” because he couldn’t imagine anyone being able to tame such a hype beat with the right flow. “I didn’t expect much out of this beat because it’s such a different beat, you have to rap a specific way; in triplets,” Complete says. “I never expected any rapper to really fuck with it. But they got super hype and went in there. The song happened in like an hour.” They worked on one more song that’s still in production and Complete still sends Sosa beats regularly, now calling him one of his favorite rappers to work with. “He’s just a real, regular dude; a humble dude. He’s a real positive guy,” Complete says. “He’s talented. He has a unique voice that stands out and it just sounds big. It’s a unique flow. It’s not like he’s trying to copy anybody.”

IT’S THAT “POSITIVE guy” who sometimes gets lost in all the media hype

surrounding Hidden Valley and the gang that once controlled it. While Sosa said he doesn’t mind the police attention, it irks him that the media doesn’t give the same attention to the positive things he’s done. In August 2015, Sosa and the rest of ICEE Money teamed with Touch of Precision Barber Lounge to hold a back-to-school drive for students in need. About 400 kids left the event with new backpacks filled with supplies to help them through their school year. “Even [the CMPD] taunt us by our name but when people take the time to actually see what we are doing, they see that we’ve had those bookbag drives and those school drives — all those different times that we are in the community,” Sosa says. “I’ve been going to different schools with [Streetz 103.3 radio personality] Mario the Mic Man to let them know that we want you to do the right thing. I just want that stuff to be looked at, as well.” Creative Loafing was there in October of last year when Sosa performed at a “Males in Education” event at Bruns Academy hosted by Profound Genetlemen and Hip Hop University. He performed a couple songs and then looked on as one of the students got on stage to freestyle about his grades and wanting to play football. Sosa was mobbed on stage when he offered to take a picture with all the students in attendance near the end of the day. It was one of multiple schools he’s visited over the last year to spread a message about being a force for positive change, no matter the circumstances one has come up under. He approaches his music similarly to youth efforts like the ones mentioned above. ICEE Money members may hold a cookout on any given summer day and hand out food to anyone from the neighborhood, or host a “Street N Greet” in place of a regular Charlotte tour stop, as he’ll do on August 10 at Queen City Basement, allowing fans and other rappers to come through just to hang. With these efforts, he hopes to build on the hard work he’s put into his music to continue to help grow both the community and the Charlotte rap scene. “It’s simple, but it’s all structure; you add structure to the community,” he says. “So when you do things like that and make people feel good about coming together, it shouldn’t be that hard to make it happen again.” CLCLT.COM | AUG. 11 - AUG. 17, 2016 | 29

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MUSIC

SOUNDBOARD

AUG. 11

*Toad the Wet Sprocket w/ Luke Wade (Neighborhood Theatre)

BLUES/ROOTS/INTERNATIONAL

Wicked Powers Duo (RiRa Irish Pub)

*River Jam Series w/ Davy Knowles (U.S. National Whitewater Center)

COUNTRY/FOLK

BLUES/ROOTS/INTERNATIONAL

Alecz Yeager (Comet Grill) Andy Hall (Tin Roof) Brandy Clark w/ Wade County (Neighborhood

Bearden Music Series w/ Mac Arnold & Full Plate of Blues Chicago Blues (Romare Bearden Park)

Theatre)

POP/ROCK *Milemarker w/ Patois Counselors, Late Bloomer (Milestone) The Noise Presents: I Prevail (Underground) Shiprocked (Snug Harbor) Subliminal Confession w/ Ilona (The Evening Muse) Thursdays on Main Series w/ Tim Clark (Veterans Park, Kannapolis)

AUG. 12 CLASSICAL/JAZZ/SMOOTH Jazzy Fridays feat. Linda Straite Band (Freshwaters Restaurant) Stonecrest Summer concert Series w/ Bonejazz (Stonecrest Shopping Center)

COUNTRY/FOLK Boy Named Banjo w/ the Dipping Skinnies, Little Bird (Double Door Inn) Frank Foster (Coyote Joe’s) Jem Crossland (Puckett’s Farm Equipment) The Lenny Federal Band (Comet Grill) Luke Cunningham w/ Chip McGee (The Evening Muse) *The Okee Dokee Brothers (McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square) Unkown Hinson (Visulite Theatre)

HIP-HOP/SOUL/R&B TLG 2016 Tour feat. 5quad, Loren Gray, Duhitzmark & Flamingeos (Underground)

POP/ROCK Armory (Tin Roof) Bask w/ JaggerMouth, No Anger Control, Konvoi (Snug Harbor) Better Twin w/ The-Eyebrows (The Evening Muse) *Nervosa w/ Suspended, Nilexistence, KRVSADE (Milestone) 32 | AUG. 11 - AUG. 17, 2016 | CLCLT.COM

AUG. 13

CLASSICAL/JAZZ/SMOOTH Jazzology (Comet Grill) *Opera Carolina Presents Brundibar (Levine Jewish Community Center) Stonecrest Summer concert Series w/ Bonejazz (Stonecrest Shopping Center)

COUNTRY/FOLK Analog Daze w/ Carson Hill, Imperial Deluxe (The Double Door Inn) CleveCo (Puckett’s Farm Equipment) *Dixie Chicks w/ Vintage Trouble, Smooth Hound Smith (PNC Music Pavilion) Sam Burchfield w/ Major and the Monbacks (The Evening Muse)

DJ/ELECTRONIC Purgatory 71: Mindelixir (Amos’ Southend) *Squirt Day Party w/ Project Pat, Elevator Jay, Rapper Shane, Tange Lomax, DJs A-Huf, STRTR + J Overcash (Snug Harbor)

HIP-HOP/SOUL/R&B LangTree Live Music Series w/ Mo Money (Langtree Lake Norman, Mooreseville)

POP/ROCK The Commonwealth, Poison Anthem, The Madd Hatters, The Body Bags, Couch Surfer, Discordia Dames (Milestone) Josh Daniel & Mark Schimick Project w/ Robert Greer of Town Mountain (Visulite Theatre) Kannapolis Summer Entertainment Series w/ National Blues/Rock Artist Delbert McClinton (Village Park, Kannapolis) Matt Stratford Duo (RiRa Irish Pub) The Nude Party w/ Cuzco, Sydney Eloise & The Palms, Knowne Ghost (Snug Harbor)

AUG. 14 CLASSICAL/JAZZ/SMOOTH Jazz Workshop and Improv featuring John

FRI 8/12

+ STOLEN HEARTS SAT 8/13

Shaughnessy (Petra’s)

POP/ROCK Bayside with The Menzingers & Sorority Noise (Amos’ Southend) Omari and the Hellraisers (Comet Grill, Charlotte) Sense of Purpose f. Paul Agee, Chris Allen, Joe Lindsay, Jody Gholson (Tyber Creek Pub) Tail Light Rebellion, Em Young, Smelly Felly (Milestone)

AUG. 15 HIP-HOP/SOUL/R&B #MFGD Open Mic (Apostrophe Lounge)

POP/ROCK Joyce Manor w/ Diet Cig, Dollar Signs (Neighborhood Theatre) The Monday Night Allstars (Double Door Inn) Self Destruct, Jesus Piece, Green Fiend, Extermination Rite & Low Roll (Milestone) Wicked Powers (Comet Grill)

AUG. 16 CLASSICAL/JAZZ/SMOOTH Bill Hanna Jazz Jam (Double Door Inn)

COUNTRY/FOLK Red Rockin’ Chair (Comet Grill) Tuesday Night Jam w/ The Smokin’ Js (Smokey Joe’s Cafe)

POP/ROCK Fairplay & Special Guests (Lucky Lou’s Tavern) Faye w/ Sinai Vessel, Yeesh (Snug Harbor) *I Set My Friends on Fire w/ I Apollo, A Story Inspired, Ira Hill, Exiles, Never I & Jynzo (The Rabbit Hole)

AUG. 17 COUNTRY/FOLK Justin Moore (Coyote Joe’s)

DJ/ELECTRONIC Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (Visulite Theatre)

HIP-HOP/SOUL/R&B Michael McDonald (Knight Theater) Party in the Park w/ Gary Lowder & Smokin Hot (Romare Bearden Park)

POP/ROCK *Ink Floyd w/ T. Hardy Morris & The Hardknocks, Dust & Ashes, Landless (Snug Harbor) Modern Heritage Weekly Mix Tape (Snug Harbor) O.A.R. w/ The Hunts (Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre) Open Mic Night (Comet Grill)

COMING SOON Jeezy (Aug. 25; The Fillmore) Chatham County Line (Aug. 26; McGlohon Theater) Rich Springfield (Aug. 26; CMCU Amphitheatre) God Save the Queen City (Aug. 27; The Fillmore) Ghostface Killah & Raekwon (Aug. 27; Amos’ Southend) The English Beat (Aug. 27; The Underground) Goo Goo Dolls (Aug. 28; CMCU Amphitheatre) Luke Bryan (Sept. 1; PNC Music Pavilion) BJ Barham (Sept. 1; Visulite Theatre) The Melvins (Sept. 6; Amos’ Southend) Florida Georgia Line (Sept. 10; PNC Music Pavilion) Dinosaur Jr. (Sept. 10; Neighborhood Theatre) Heart, Joan Jett, Cheap Trick (Sept. 16; PNC Music Pavilion) Brian Wilson (Sept. 19; Belk Theater) Bad Boy Family Reunion (Sept. 20; Time Warner Cable Arena) Built To Spill (Sept. 21; Neighborhood Theatre) I Love the 90s Tour (Sept. 23; Time Warner Cable Arena) James Bay (Sept. 25; The Fillmore) Kishi Bashi (Sept. 28; Visulite Theatre) Gov’t Mule (Oct. 1; CMCU Amphitheater) Korn w/ Breaking Benjamin (Oct. 5; PNC Music Pavilion) Charlie Puth (Oct. 6; The Fillmore) Wednesday 13 (Oct. 10; Amos Southend) Die Antwoord (Oct. 25; The Fillmore) Bonnie Raitt (Oct. 26; Ovens Auditorium) Phantogram (Oct. 29; The Fillmore) * - CL Recommends

NEED DIRECTIONS? Check out our website at clclt.

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.

JOSH DANIEL & MARK SCHIMICK Project + Robert Greer of Town Mountain Wed 8/17

PIGEONS PLAYI N G PI N G PONG + BYOG THU 9/8

THE FRI 9/2

WHIGSTHU 9/15

MON 9/12

FRI 9/16

HAYES CARLL

For reviews on the latest in home entertainment, visit CLCLT.COM/CHARLOTTE/VIEW-FROM-THE-COUCH/

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stumble onto one of the six sand volleyball WOULD YOU BELIEVE that this past courts and play a competitive game. (If weekend I didn’t get wasted? My boyfriend you’re interested joining a volleyball league and I decided to take a break from Charlotte and head to Oak Island, NC. Blame it on the or pickup volleyball play, check out The fact that we were hanging out with his family Sandbox at VBGB on The Sports Link if you want, but for the first time in a while, website.) I had a fairly sober weekend. Of course there Per usual, what started out as a quick were a few beers here and there but mostly, couple of beers turned into, “Maybe I should my drug of choice was Vitamin D. And I must grab an RBV?” Before you knew it, it was say, my detox weekend getaway was much 8:15 p.m. and my co-workers were deciding needed after an eventful night at VBGB Beer on a Rave Production team trivia name Hall and Garden last Thursday night. and I was on my second Red Bull Vodka. Two weeks ago while out drinking with What I’ve gathered is that the team name a couple co-workers, a few of us decided is one of the most critical pieces to playing that we needed to spend more time together trivia, and the more obnoxious the better. and that we were going to hang out the My co-workers settled on something following week. (Side note: Planning while drinking is always a bad along the lines of “Dr. Big D, M.D.” idea. You end up committing because doctor wasn’t enough. to something without being While other teams, went fully aware of what exactly in the more conservative you’re signing up for.) On direction of “Make that following Monday, America Great Again” or I thought, ‘Someone’s “Trumpalupagus.” definitely going to forget.’ The first round Nope. Before the day ensued, and I assumed my was over, I had an email usual position of pretending waiting in my inbox about to be invested while secretly the plans. I let out a sigh as AERIN SPRUILL looking up all the answers for I responded, preparing my my own satisfaction until I got mind for a hangover on Friday. After work on Thursday, our bored. It started raining soon after sleepy, grumpy crew, too stubborn to the first round and I was hoping that meant postpone, hopped in a car and headed over the trivia game would conclude and we could to VBGB at AvidXchange Music Factory. As return to the regularly scheduled program. we prepared to round the corner past Label Instead, the game was conveniently moved and Wet Willie’s, we were welcomed by a sign underneath the covered patio area. that read “Parking Garage Now Open.” By 9 p.m., I realized how drunk everyone ‘It’s about time,’ I thought to myself. We was getting and decided it was almost time pulled in, found a spot on the first floor and to call it a night. I waited patiently for the walked in. rain to let up so I could walk to my coFor those that aren’t aware, VBGB is one workers car and grab my backpack. Everyone of the most popular spots for fun and games seemed disappointed as I prepared to call my in the Queen City. On the outdoor patio, Uber and make my graceful exit, but I knew you’ll find ping pong, Connect Four, Jenga and corn hole. Not to mention, on Thursdays it was for the best. you can watch a series of volleyball games or The next morning, while brushing participate in team trivia. That’s right, beer, my teeth I started to feel nauseous and I liquor, games and fun all in one place. thought, ‘Thank God I left when I did.’ And For some reason, unbeknownst to me, a after finding out some of my co-workers few co-workers, past and present, participate ended up staying out until 4 a.m., I was in volleyball leagues. Don’t get me wrong, resolved knowing I was going to have a I understand why people can be coerced much better day as I prepared for a relaxing into playing games by alcohol. However, weekend at the beach. You’ll be happy to I personally, have no desire to play games know my co-workers were rewarded for while I’m drinking. And I certainly don’t being average with a free pitcher of beer. understand why anyone would want to Although, their hangovers would probably subject themselves to the torturous summer argue it wasn’t worth it. heat to do so. Nevertheless, it’s always hilarious to watch my tipsy co-workers BACKTALK@CLCLT.COM

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CROSSWORD

TOOLING AROUND ACROSS

1 Divine one 4 Chew on 8 Part of UPI 13 “Yeah, and?” 19 Gilbert and Sullivan work 21 Try to swat 22 Operate a 767, say 23 Tool with a large bony projection? 25 “La Isla --” (1987 Madonna hit) 26 Freshwater polyp 27 Clucking bird 28 Eye, in Versailles 30 Mined rocks 31 On a tool’s upper surface? 37 Oomph 40 Roadside assistance gp. 41 Odd one out 42 Bazaar sight 43 Tool given as a peace offering? 47 Czarina, e.g. 50 Glittery rock 51 -- Jacinto 52 Jamie of old sitcomdom 54 Sutcliffe or Erwin 55 Trade sanction 58 Hit a cartoon dad with a tool? 63 Trendy resort 64 State south of B.C. 66 Ending for million 67 Alert at sea 68 Add-on accessory for a tool? 76 “The Big Read” org. 77 Ham’s father 78 Mode or king preceder 79 Remind over and over 81 Male bovine using a tool? 87 Hurriedly 90 “Be there -- sec” 91 Glen 92 Owns 94 Speak to the masses 95 Get a steal at a store 98 Use a tool on some Heinz products? 102 Disintegrate, as cells 103 Sees in the distance 106 “-- out!” (ump’s call) 107 Before 108 Priciest tool? 113 “Permit Me Voyage”

writer James 114 “Mike & Mike” airer 115 Taoism’s -- -tzu 116 Crude-carrying ship 120 Venetian island 122 Statement upon locating someone’s lost tool in the dark? 127 Expose by being a fink 128 “It’s --!” (quitter’s cry) 129 Getting set to propose 130 Gauge 131 Did it wrong 132 Cries noisily 133 Thing, in legalese

DOWN

1 Artist Vincent van -2 Grand Ole -3 Skillful feat 4 Gain access to 5 Final degree 6 From -- Z 7 Missile parts 8 Observable occurrences 9 Divest (of) 10 JFK posting 11 Remove, as a branch 12 Canonized fifth-cen. pope 13 Weasel’s kin 14 -- -lacto-vegetarian 15 Gain the support of 16 Quality of a yeti or a yak 17 Certifies 18 Bedevil 20 -- avis (wonder) 24 With 110-Down, post-tax revenue 29 Buries 32 -- chi ch’uan 33 Solo in films 34 Followers of omicrons 35 Pre-CIA gp. 36 “The Racer’s Edge” 37 Printing units 38 Free from obligation 39 Big cheese 44 Rx overseer 45 Plop lead-in 46 Informal turndown 48 X-ray alternative 49 Earth lighter 52 Flowerless office plant 53 Match milieu 56 Yankees manager Joe 57 Lofty verse

59 Quite manly 60 My, in Milan 61 Pithy saying 62 Follower of chi 65 Void legally 69 Call a halt to 70 Barely visible 71 Tune penner Porter 72 TV’s Linden 73 71-Down, collegiately 74 Cut-rate 75 Talk nonstop 80 Ducks’ kin 81 Bro’s counterpart 82 Comparable things 83 Members of an elite U.S. force 84 Rolls with holes 85 Shaped with a certain cutting tool 86 Penn of “Epic Movie” 88 Ad -89 Boat built by 77-Across 93 Knowing glances 96 Parsons of “Roseanne” 97 96-Down’s “Roseanne” role 98 Fish by letting the bait bob 99 Clergyman’s subj. 100 JFK Library architect 101 Deep anger 104 Lying face-up 105 Try to separate out, as gold 108 One of the von Trapp daughters 109 Time on end 110 See 24-Down 111 Riatas, e.g. 112 Many a sunlit ledge 117 Lion’s den 118 Suffix akin to -trix 119 Partner of rules, briefly 121 Lean- -- (sheds) 123 Locale of Sp. 124 U-turn from WNW 125 Game akin to crazy eights 126 Civil War southerner

SOLUTION FOUND ON P. 38.

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RECYCLE ME, PLEASE (Only after you’re done reading me)

DEAR READERS: I’M on vacation for the next three weeks — but you won’t be reading old columns while I’m away. You’ll be getting a new column every week, all of them written by another Dan Savage. None of them will be written by me. The other Dan Savage is a sports writer and the assistant director of digital content for OrlandoMagic.com. He will be answering your questions this week. This is Dan’s first time giving sex-and-relationship advice.

everything else in life, timing is everything. First, I’d make sure you communicate your needs at a time other than when you’ve just been rebuffed. You’re then likely to be less emotional, think more rationally, and more effectively explain your needs without applying added pressure. Second, I’d try making your next move when other plans are not on the table. In both the examples you mention, UMW, the timing of your request appears to have been an issue for her. Schedule some time for an intimate dinner at home or cap off an exciting evening out on the town with romantic advances. If she does not respond to your improved efforts, then she’s not being a good teammate. A successful relationship is when both members’ needs are met.

I’m a straight guy in my 40s, and I’ve been with my wife for more than 20 years. I’m incredibly attracted to my wife. Recently, I’ve been a bit frustrated with us not having sex as frequently as I’d like. So I broached the subject with her. I tried to be easygoing about it, but maybe I fucked I’ve been hooking up with that up. Basically, I told her a good friend for about a that I fantasize about her year. We’re both single, daily and would like to and he lives in another have sex more often. I state but comes to cited two examples of town for work every frustration. Two weeks month or two, and we ago, I came on to her usually hang out and and tried to initiate, have really great sex but we had a dinner when he’s here. One of party to go to and she the things I’ve always DAN SAVAGE didn’t want to be late. admired about him is his One week ago, I was flirting eco-conscious lifestyle… with her but was rebuffed which includes showering only because we were going out to about once a week to save water. His dinner and… she wanted to go to dinner BO is pretty inoffensive (it’s actually a more than fuck, I guess. I made my wife nice scent), but I find that most times cry by bringing this up. End result is we hook up, I get a raging UTI within a that she doesn’t want to fuck more than day or two. It’s happened enough times we already do, there’s nothing I can do that I’m wondering if his infrequent to make sex more appealing for her, and washing could be allowing bacteria to it hurt her for me to bring the subject live on his junk, causing my infections. up at all. I dropped it, apologized, and Is that possible? Do I need to have a moved on. I don’t want to coerce her talk with him about washing more into anything (I want her to want me), frequently/thoroughly? so here we are. How can I communicate Hurts To Pee better in the future? Using My Words The simple answer is yes, HTP. It’s great to have an eco-conscious lifestyle, but not Communication in any relationship at the expense of your urinary tract. If he is key. On the basketball court, one of cares about you as much as he does about the the first things young players are taught environment, then with a quick chat, he’ll is to communicate effectively with their probably focus a little more on his personal teammates. They’re required to call out hygiene. Especially if you explain to him that plays, offensive assignments, and defensive the overuse of antibiotics contributes to rotations in order to prevent breakdowns creating antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which and keep the system working smoothly. can cause issues for the entire planet. In relationships, the same principles hold true. You have to be able to effectively Follow Dan Savage, assistant director communicate with your partner in order of digital content for OrlandoMagic.com, on Twitter @Dan_Savage. to keep both parties happy. And just like

CLCLT.COM | AUG. 11 - AUG. 17, 2016 | 37

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FOR ALL SIGNS: Saturn is turning direct

after 5.5 months of retrograde motion. This happens every year. While direct, Saturn is a taskmaster. He is also the judge or the teacher. When he turns retrograde, we are given time to think about what we “should” do and prepare for the time that we will do it. Then he turns direct again and it is time. We must fulfill whatever is required or the consequences will materialize. There have been multiple detours and blockades to taking action since April, presented by other planets in retrograde motion. Saturn is in Sagittarius, the sign of philosophy, travel, in-laws, shipping, higher education, and the ethics/legalities of anything. Whatever has been trapped in these areas will begin now to loosen the boundaries. It will be like clearing a traffic jam.

ARIES: Major changes of recent months have shaken you loose from a “previous lifestyle.” It has been thoroughly unsettling. Last month you began a fresh discipline which will give you the strength to move forward with your life. Take it slow and steadily. It is a challenge but will give you more courage and sense of strength. TAURUS: You may be taking a sober look

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at one or more relationships. Even the very closest friends cannot know each other from the inside. Sometimes we forget this fact and need to become aware that we are actually separate beings, helping when we can. Sometimes our energy is too low to be there for one another.

GEMINI: Past work on a significant project related to your home pays off now. It has demanded major attention to the details, but they are now integrating well. Contracts may be signed that favor you monetarily. The financial powers-that-be are in your favor. Take a deep breath. You’ve done a great job. CANCER: During the next couple of weeks

it would serve you well to attend social gatherings and generally put yourself “out there.” One or more people are likely to enter your life who help you make the connections that need to come next. It is possible that you encounter a potential for romance.

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LEO: Adopt a positive attitude concerning anything new or different that crosses your radar screen. Interesting experiences are prominent. It is a good week to make travel plans. Activities involving the law, ethics, publications, education, the Internet and church or synagogue, are favored. VIRGO: A teacher who will help you see

your relationships more accurately than you have in the past enters your life at this time. Carefully consider what you are now seeing. Don’t just adopt another’s point of view. But if the thoughts ring true, you may need

to distance yourself from your sacrificial nature.

LIBRA: Be aware that you are in a sensitive

frame of mind and may misinterpret that which is said to you. Or you may be the one who hears what you want to hear. So take your impressions with a grain of salt until you clarify what was originally intended. This is not a good time to sabotage relationships because you may not be thinking clearly.

SCORPIO: One or more friends are available

to help you with almost anything you need. A move of home or workplace may be involved. You are making ready to begin a new work venture of significant challenge. It will be somewhat costly in the beginning, but you need to cross that hurdle and move forward.

SAGITTARIUS: You may feel disappointed

over a loss related to your immediate future plans. This is a bummer but it is probable that you had an unrealistic version of its value in the beginning. There will be better options in the future. Keep your eyes open. Your mind is loaded with ideas and one of them creates a better solution than you have lost.

CAPRICORN: This is a week to remain in

strict adherence to the law. Don’t speed and don’t roll through intersections. Someone may be there to write a ticket before you know it. Give attention to your vehicle, especially to any symptoms related to liquid or gas lines. There may be good news related to education, publishing, the law, and travel.

AQUARIUS: Necessary expenses (those not

of the “fun” type) may develop this week. If not that, you could be just having a little blue mood. It is one of those times when we become aware that our loved ones can never know or understand fully what is inside of us. This is an existential dilemma that everyone encounters now and then. It will pass quickly.

PISCES: You may have to disappoint a significant other this week. Perhaps you were feeling truly idealistic and promised more than you can deliver. The reality is hitting home at this time. Most folks who are pisces never like to deliver bad news. It is also possible that the roles are reversed. Maybe this important person is disappointing you. It is hard, but this will pass. 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 for services. Website: www.horoscopesbyvivian. com.

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