July 2011 "Nightlife & Entertainment Guide"

07.11

CULTURE

Nightlife & Entertainment Guide

DINING ENTERTAINMENT

FASHION

FITNESS

LIFESTYLE

NIGHTLIFE

the all-american

CARD

wild

GO W

ILD. G

ET RE

WARD E

D!

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publisher’s note I hope everyone had a fun and safe July 4th weekend, hopefully you were able to enjoy it with your friends and your family!

Now that summer is in full swing, it’s the perfect time for our Nightlife & Entertainment Guide. This month’s issue is packed full of lots of useful information to make your summer very fun and fulfilled.

Whether you want to play indoors or out we have you covered.

From the opening of the new Comedy Zone at The NC Music Factory, to the launch of indoor lacrosse with the North American Lacrosse League, and some of the hottest bands to hit the Queen City at The Filmore, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Time Warner Cable Arena or the Uptown Amphitheater.

If none of these spark your interest, then we have some of Charlotte’s best places to grab a pint of beer, or a lounge to sip on a martini, and we even got you covered for that morning hangover (I’m sure you will have) with some of the best places to grab some eggs and bacon.

Hope everyone can come out to MEZ and Kazba on Saturday, July 23rd for the Candy Land Fashion Show. Elevate Lifestyle is partnering up with dbraun Promotions and Charlotte Seen to bring you one kick ass party.

For more details you can go to ElevateLifestyle.com.

Have a great month, Steve Caldwell

e

team

Publisher: Steve Caldwell Editor: Edy Hinson Creative Director: Greg Smith Design and Production: Greenspon Advertising

Sexy Summer Nights Cover and Photo Spread Photography: Photography: Jim Merrill Photography, JMTFoto.com | Models: Emily Armstrong With Directions USA, DirectionsUSA.com, Amanda Knolle and TC With Carolina Talent, CarolinaTalent.US | Makeup and Hair: Andrew Cordell and Heather Chodor With Re Salon & Med Spa, ReSalonAndMedSpa.com | Fashion Stylist: Barone Clothing: Revolution, RevolutionShop.net | Location: The Salon at the NC Music Factory Hey Bravo Channel‌ Missed a City Photo Spread Photography: Leif Robert, LRPhotography, leifrobert@rocketmail.com | Models: Cate, Kathy, Kelly, Shanna, Shawna, Elizabeth With The Dempsey Gibson Modeling Agency Makeup and Hair: Irene Kennedy, Shelly Kellogg and Michele Parker Location: The Sunset Club Advertising, Sponsorship, Website Sales, and General Advertising Sales Information: Brad Cheek | Stephanie Bennett | Steve Caldwell Contributing Editors: Culture Editor: Chrystal Rose | Dining Editor: Nikki Wilson Entertainment Editor: Denise Gregory | Fashion Editor: Debra Kennedy Fitness Editor: Monique Douglas | Nightlife Editor: Sean Flynn Contributing Writers: Alison Penland | Korrynn Baltzersen | Elizabeth Solitaro | Lauren Nguyen Event, Article and Website Photography: Chip Auger | Eun Park | Lazyday.com | Steve Caldwell | Trip Bye Interns: Elizabeth Solitaro | Jacob Brooks

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Nightlife & Entertainment Guide

22 32 36 40 44 50

Sexy Summer Nights Martini Purists North American Lacrosse League SMARTER CHOICE: blu Cigs Best Hangover Breakfast Spots Summer Top Picks

Nightlife & Entertainment Guide

54 The ARTS! 58 Beer Me! 64 Summer Fitness Events in the QC 68 The Comedy Zone 74 I Will Drink To That!

80 Please Don’t Stop the Music 84 Hey Bravo Channel… Missed a City

THE SEARCH IS ON!

Do you think

you have the

CoveR GiRl

2011

noWS youR ChanCe to Be on the CoveR oF the September Fashion issue For More Details Please email us at: covergirl2011@elevatelifestyle.com

look?

Get Ready Charlotte!

September 19-24 5 Days Of Fashion & Style 5 Days To Remember

Photo on left by Markverks Photography Center and right photos by Robert Christopher Photography

Tickets and VIP Tables selling now at www.charlottefashionweek.com

Charlotte Fashion Week Schedule

Monday, Sept. 19 - THE KICKOFF - Ritz Carlton - 210 E. Trade St. - Complimentary Admission - 6:30pm Tuesday, Sept. 20 - SOIREE OF STYLE, showcasing fashion’s most stylish years - TBA - 6:30pm Wednesday, Sept. 21 - MEET THE DESIGNERS - Vivace - 1100 Metropolitan Ave. - Complimentary Admission - 6:30pm Thursday, Sept. 22 - PEOPLES CHOICE AWARDS Runway Show - Gateway Village - 800 W. Trade St.- 7:00pm, VIP - 6:00pm Friday, Sept. 23 - THE RE–MODEL SHOW Runway Show - Gateway Village - 800 W. Trade St.- 7:00pm, VIP - 6:00pm Saturday, Sept. 24 - MiLES OF iMPACT Runway Show - Gateway Village - 800 W. Trade St.- 7:00pm, VIP - 6:00pm

www.charlottefashionweek.com

nightlife & entertainment

martini purists A martini has three ingredients – gin, vermouth and one olive. Even a purist would allow for the arguable substitution of vodka in place of the gin, mainly because many are repelled by the strong juniper berry flavor of gin. Martini purists do, however, cringe at the thought of referring to a drink containing anything other than those ingredients as a martini, but the advent of flavored vodkas guarantees that the trend of anything-goestinis is here to stay.

Regardless of whether you’re a straight up purist or one of the new age trendsetters, with specialty martinis appearing on nearly every restaurant menu, the Queen City is a martini Mecca depending on the atmosphere and vibe that you are looking for.

If your idea of a happy hour martini involves puffing on a cigar or hookah in a sophisticated private club environment, The Sunset Club at 1820 South Boulevard is the place for you.

Catering to a 21-and-up and mostly male clientele of business executives and CEOs, The

Sunset Club has been on the Charlotte scene for 14 years and offers a private, secluded atmosphere after a hard day of work, and a Miami/Latin dance vibe later in the evening. The bar is well stocked with most any spirit that a sophisticate would drink and the martinis are mixed with a variety of flavored Absolut vodkas. Each specialty drink is named after an old-school celebrity or socialite, so you’ll find the likes of Judy Garland, Liz Taylor, Clark Gable, and Jackie O gracing the menu as well as featured in the wall mural hanging over the plush, high-backed booths. The Sunset Club menu features sandwiches and light appetizers and a catering menu is available for private parties. Despite the appearance of being primarily a male dominated club, ladies are certainly welcome at any time and their cover is free on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 to 11:30 pm. The Wild Cosmopolitan featuring Absolut Wild Tea vodka and a splash of cranberry may be just the drink to get the party started once the ladies roll in.

As sophisticated and private as The Sunset Club is, Crave Dessert Bar at 500 West Fifth Street is just as openly spacious and flirty, and it’s easy to understand why they’ve been voted Best Place for a First Date by Creative Loafing. The sleek and chic décor and menu exude sexual undertones and rumor has it even the artwork in the men’s

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restroom is enough to make any man feel scrutinized. The recent revamp of the food portion of the menu added cheese and chocolate fondue that is perfect for socializing with friends or cozying up on a date. Smirnoff and Three Olives are the house vodkas and each of their drink concoctions can be paired with a complimenting fruitbased hookah. Crave heavily promotes nightly drink specials like halfprice martinis and bottomless wine as well as a martini of the month; but if that doesn’t get you excited enough, surely the specialty drink menu will. Divided into categories called Flirtations, Intimacy, Euphoria, and Lust, you can’t help but think naughty thoughts while you should be concentrating on your drink order. Throw caution to the wind and have a “One Night Stand.” If this 190-proof libation doesn’t make you abandon your inhibitions, nothing will.

If you venture out of the Uptown area, you’ll find Firewater located at 8708 JW Clay in the Shoppes at University Place. Formerly Lava Bistro, Firewater has reopened under the same management but with a new identity. It may look unassuming from the outside, but inside, Firewater is anything but. With its polished, modern décor and eclectic American cuisine, Firewater’s signature drink menu boasts several fruity and frothy libations. The Key Lime Martini is the

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perfect blend of sweet and tart and the French Kiss is a dark, ruby red hued combination of all things raspberry and blackberry. The thick and creamy Creamsicle is more like a decadent dessert served in a graham cracker rimmed martini glass.

Another addition to the martini scene is Table 274 nestled in the Cotswold Shopping Center at 274 South Sharon Amity. Table 274’s menu features Carolina grown and produced products in an effort to support small, local farms, and they also make charitable donations from their Sunday dinner proceeds to a variety of foundations. Their drink menu features some unusual combinations of fruits, vegetable and herbs guaranteed to not be duplicated anywhere else. As non-conforming as they may sound, the sweet and savory combinations work exceptionally well together. Sip way outside of the purist box on an earthy basil infused tomato martini, a refreshing and light cucumber lemon martini, or a fresh strawberry mojito. Featuring live music on the patio every Wednesday, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day at the office, all for a good and worthy cause.

The Charlotte area abounds with mixology talent, so whether you like yours shaken or stirred, traditional or cutting edge, try these area locales and broaden your specialty martini horizon.

Alison Penland

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nightlife & entertainment

North American Lacrosse League Hi, I’m Elizabeth Solitario sitting here with Graham D’Alvia, a partner with the Charlotte Franchise of the North American Lacrosse League.

Charlotte is one of six founding franchises in the league and D’Alvia is the president of the team. Having begun playing lacrosse at 16, D’Alvia started the men’s lacrosse program while in school at Susquehanna University and also started and coached the Women’s DIII team while there. After graduating, he briefly played professionally and then began playing globally to spread the game to national teams such as Japan and New Zealand.

Elevate: When will this league be introduced to the general public?

Graham D’Alvia: The league was introduced in May 2011 in a press conference in NYC. E: How does this league differ from other lacrosse leagues?

G: The NALL is made up of predominantly American lacrosse players.

Other leagues tend to have a low percentage of American players; we believe in and promote the growth of American lacrosse.

E: Where would this league rate level-wise in lacrosse?

G: It is a professional league -- you will see some of the best lacrosse players in the world playing this winter.

E: How many teams are in the league?

G: Six teams for the inaugural season.

E: Who are those teams?

G: The teams will be announced to the public in the next 30 days – So far announced is Wilks Barre, PA. E: What is going to be the team name?

G: The Charlotte fans will name the team. We will conduct a contest beginning July 7.

E: Where will the games be played?

G: The games will be played in the Bojangles Arena.

E: When will the season start?

G: The NALL season will begin late January 2012.

E: How long is the season?

G: The season will run from January to April.

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E: Who is your typical fan?

G: Our typical fan is the sports fan that likes fast-paced, actionpacked sports. There is never a dull moment in Indoor Lacrosse.

E: Does the team have dancers?

G: Yes the team will have a dance team.

Tryouts will begin in the fall.

E: Will the games be on TV? G: We don’t plan on national TV for the first year; however, some teams may have local coverage.

E: If someone wanted to sponsor the team how would they go about doing this?

G: For information about the opportunities for sponsorship, I can be reached at: gdalvia@usindoorlacrosse.com.

E: Where can we learn more about this?

G: For more information go to: www.NorthAmericanLacrosseLeague.com or www.USIndoorLacrosse.com.

Elizabeth Solitario

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nightlife & entertainment

blu Cigs

blu Cigs is an innovator and is the only U.S. ecigarette brand delivering the one-two punch of superior style and flavor, along with the freedom to enjoy smoking virtually anywhere. blu’s high-tech “e-cigs” mimic the experience of traditional cigarettes – without the smoke, smell, tar and ash. blu Cigs are battery-operated, creating a vapor “puff” that evaporates within seconds. blu Cigs are available in convenient disposables or rechargeable packs for continuous daily use, with or without nicotine and in a variety of flavors. blu Cigs have been featured in the presenter gift bags at the Grammy Awards and other celebrity events, and are used by a number of A-list actors, musicians and athletes. Based in Charlotte, N.C. – at the heart of tobacco road – blu Cigs is the only e-cigarette provider whose ingestible contents are 100 percent made in the U.S.A. For more, visit www.blucigs.com.

WHY IS BLU THE SMARTER CHOICE? • blu is the only e-cigarette company that manufactures its liquid ingredients (or “juice”) domestically, using 100 percent U.S. made ingredients as a show of commitment to quality assurance for its customers.

• blu has been featured in presenter gift bags at celebrity-studded events such as the Grammy Awards. Additionally, a host of A-list celebrities -- from actors, to musicians and athletes -- have turned to blu as a viable alternative to smoking.

• blu was created with customer lifestyle in mind and boasts userfriendly aesthetics and functionality.

• blu’s look and feel offer an authentic smoking experience minus the tar and hundreds of carcinogens. Plus, it’s easy to distinguish from traditional cigarettes with its patented blu LED, choice of colors, and more.

• blu’s industry-exclusive pack enables charging on-the-go, and its patented cartridge produces more smoke than other electronic cigarettes on the market.

COMING SOON… blu Cigs “Smart Pack” -- the first-ever pack of e-cigarettes with a hightech “brain” that lets users take advantage of the social side of the smoking experience.

Each Smart Pack features a unique ID technology that, when activated, instantly detects and notifies you when a fellow blu user or blu retail location is within a 50-foot range. Other sophisticated new features will include: • Instant inventory: triggering automatic reordering when your supply runs low, based on parameters each user sets in advance.

• Battery management: new and improved technology now features smarter battery management, which increases the effectiveness of the battery and extends its life so it lasts even longer.

• Convenient cartomizer: blu Smart Packs include blu’s most recent innovation, a one-piece flavor cartridge and atomizer that lets you choose your nicotine strength and flavor in one simple step -- offering unmatched consistency and flavor.

Future technological enhancements to the Smart Pack will include desktop software for seamless integration with social media platforms and individual profiles, enabling users to indicate relationship status, network with friends and colleagues, and even identify locations that allow the use of the product.

For more information, visit www.blucigs.com

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nightlife & entertainment

best hangover breakfast spots Hangovers suck. We all know this. And while the six beers, three margaritas and round after round of shots seemed like a good idea last night, you sure are paying for it this morning. The best way to cure a hangover is to figure out which hangover you have. And while some mornings will bring only a slight headache and a dry mouth, other mornings bring crawling, swearing off alcohol for life and realizing drunk texting your ex was only a good idea at the bar.

Since not drinking isn’t an option for most of us, one of the best ways to rid ourselves of the dreaded hangover is to feed the stomach you abused with six cherry bombs the night before. The guide below will help you rank your hangover and tell you where to go and what to eat so you’re good enough to go out later and do it all over again. Bottoms up!

Level 1: “Hangover? Please, I Got This on Lockdown” The headache doesn’t really hurt, it’s just annoying. You stayed fully clothed and actually woke up in your own bed. Good job. Sounds

like you’re set for a good, filling breakfast and we have just the spot.

Swing by Terrace Café at 4625 Piedmont Row Drive, or the new Ballantyne Village location, and you won’t regret it. With items like the red velvet waffles, s’mores French toast, and the shrimp and grits crafted with chorizo sausage and Creole barbecue sauce, you’ll be coming back for more. And since you can hold your liquor like a champ, go ahead and pair your dish with the house mimosa.

Level 2: “Holy Hangover, Batman!”

Are you down for the count? No. But are you in pain and it’s going to be a looooong day? Oh yeah. Vodka and you are now considered frenemies and you need a hot breakfast to convince you not to call into work. Again.

Sounds like an excellent time to check out The Flying Biscuit Café. This eatery has made a home at 7930 Rea Road for years and recently opened at 4241 Park Road as well. Serving up piping hot breakfast all day, the ‘morning after’ is a great time to indulge in the High Flyer. Served with two eggs, grits, chicken sausage and an organic oatmeal pancake drizzled with maple syrup and warm peach compote, this dish waves goodbye to your hangover. Or if your hangover brought on a monstrous appetite, that’s what the Meggxican Wrap is for.

This spicy scramble of eggs, cheddar, onions and peppers comes complete with warm salsa, sour cream and creamy grits to dropkick that hangover out of your body.

Level 3: “Praying to the Porcelain God” Your memory is hazy but hey, at least you remember where you were last night. You probably shouldn’t have taken that last shot but you did and now the hangover is there – head45

ache, sore body and an aching stomach as all those liquor drinks came back up. Yes, that’s right – you were “that guy” last night. But it was worth it.

At this point, breakfast doesn’t even have to be good. It just needs to be food on a plate. But since you still have your wits about you, it might as well be delicious. Head over to Zada Jane’s Corner Café at 1601 Central Avenue.

Sit down and grab a latte, macchiato, espresso shot or the Frappebeano, served blonde or brunette. Then pair it with a signature Big Ol’ Fluffy TLC Biscuit or a Zada Jane’s big buttermilk pancakes served with honey butter and rich syrup.

Or if you need something lighter and less greasy for the stomach, try the Another Green World Breakfast Salad. This dish is tossed together with field greens, smoked bacon or tofu, roasted potatoes, one egg over easy and complemented with toast or a TLC biscuit. Pair it with sun-dried tomato vinaigrette and enjoy.

Level 4: “I think I just experienced ‘The Hangover: Part 3’ ” You didn’t just have one too many drinks. You had five too many drinks. You have so much tequila in your system, Cancun is jealous. And after looking through your phone to see everyone you called last night, it’s just easier to avoid those 46

people for the next month rather than contact them all and apologize for… yeah… you don’t even remember.

Sounds like you need to head to Cotswald and check out Eddie’s Place. Located at 617 South Sharon Amity, this is the ultimate hangover cure. Breakfast is served anytime, perfect for those who can’t stand until 3 p.m. the next day. To cure the hell of all hangovers, grab a dish full of protein and carbohydrates, like the steak and eggs, served with a seven-ounce cut, two eggs, hash browns or grits and toast or biscuit. Or if you need a good kick to remind yourself you survived the night, Eddie’s boasts a Cajun flair, serving up omelets with 15 different ingredients, including red beans and Creole sauce. Toss in some mushrooms, smoked sausage, ham, swiss or mozzarella and you might just make it through the day.

Dining Editor, Nikki Wilson 47

Uptown glamour or suburban casual.

You choose where the action is.

Find your place. HomesWithCachet.com New and Resale Homes and Condos Investment Properties Expert Relocation Services Julie Tache ` Owner/Broker (NC&SC), Realtor速, CRS, ABR, e-PRO, QSC Member of the Council of Cel: 704.236.7536 Julie@JulieTache.com

HomesWithCachet.com

nightlife & entertainment

summer top picks What do Black Bears and the Rosedale Plantation have in Common?

They’re both a part of our Summer Top Picks.

Embrace Carolina’s beauty, nature, and history in the summer attractions. Whether you’re interested in the conservation of birds or simply want to learn something new in NASCAR history, we’ve got you covered in this month’s local attractions guide.

Charlotte Raptor Center 600 Sample Road, Charlotte 704.875.6521 | CarolinaRaptorCenter.org CRC is dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey through education, research and rehab. This organization also hosts summer camps and home-school programs, plus more.

Charlotte Nature Museum 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte 704.372.6261 CharlotteNatureMuseum.org Experience “Beginnings” and explore the life of young animals. If you love all things Carolina, rediscover creepy Carolina things -- opossums, owls, snakes, skinks, and skunks in “Creature Cavern.”

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden 6500 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia 704.825.4490 | DSBG.org Their annual Garden Nights, music, activities, and food in the gardens, runs all summer long. Lulu B Photography will also be featured there to snap shots of guests and members.

North Carolina Zoo 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro 336.879.7000 | NCzoo.org From North America to Africa, backpack this exotic zoo and engage beautiful creatures. Black bears, red wolves, elephants and more await you just hours away.

Historical Rosedale Plantation 3427 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte 704. 335.0384 | HistoricRosedale.org Mysteriously named “Frew’s Folly,” Rosedale Plantation features “Unheard Voices,” a telling exhibition dedicated to African-American History.

This site also features a garden walk.

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Racing Hall of Fame 400 E. MLK Boulevard, Charlotte 704.654.4400 | NascarHall.com Every racing fan’s dream and haven. See “Sunoco Glory Road,” a banked ramp that highlights 46 current and historic tracks; “Moonshine Still” with authentic barrels; and “Artifacts Highway.”

Charlotte Museum of History 3500 Shamrock Drive Charlotte 704.568.1774 | CharlotteMuseum.org CMH features two exhibitions: “Becoming American,” a story of a teenagers and immigration (runs through July 17); and “Partners — The Two Mecklenburgs,” a tour that explores Charlotte’s relationship with sister-city Mecklenburg, Germany.

Entertainment Editor, Denise Gregory

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nightlife & entertainment

the arts!

This summer Charlotte will play host to a multitude of arts showcases with the help of the thriving Broadway Lights Series brought to us by the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, and Uptown’s new editions of the Mint Museum and the Harvey B. Gantt Center For African American Arts + Culture. Along with some town favorites like Discovery Place and The McColl Center for Visual Arts that houses studios (that you can tour!) of local and global upcoming artists, you will have the option to see works from a fashion icon at Chanel: Designs for Modern Women at the Mint, exhibits like COURAGE, detailing the moving story of the men who brought about the life changing Brown v. Board of Education court case, or see hit musicals such as Next to Normal at the Knight Theatre which was nominated for eleven Tony Awards and won three including Best Original Score. With the city’s art and culture at its finest we hope some of this information will help you explore what this summer has to offer in the Queen City!

Discovery Place and IMAX Dome Theatre Now playing at the IMAX Dome Theatre: - Tornado Alley Born to Be Wild 301 N Tryon St. | 704.372.6261 DiscoveryPlace.org Blumenthal Performing Arts Center - Next to Normal - July 12-17 (Knight Theatre) - Elvis Costello & the Imposters: The Revolver Tour July 16 (Belk Theatre) - Mamma Mia - July 26-31 (Belk Theatre) - Die Roten Punkte - July 28-30 (Duke Energy Theatre at Spirit Square) - The Sound of Music - July 29 (McGlohan Theatre at Spirit Square) - Mary Chapin Carpenter August 12 (Knight Theatre) - Paul Robeson August 26 - September 10 (Duke Energy Theatre at Spirit Square) - An Acoustic Evening with The Weepies - September 7 (McGlohan Theatre) - An Evening with Bruce Cockburn - September 9 (McGlohan Theatre) 130 N. Tryon St. | 704.372.1000 5 BlumenthalArts.org

Mint Museum Randolph: - North Carolina Potter: Diversity & Traditions Now through September 11 - The Shape of Life: Contemporary Native American Ceramics Now through December 31 - Woven Wonders: Native American Basketry Now through December 31 - Chanel: Designs for the Modern Woman Now through December 31 - Aesthetic Ambitions: Edward Lycett and Brooklyn’s Faience Manufacturing Company September 17, 2011 – February 26, 2012 2730 Randolph Rd. | 704.337.2000 MintMuseum.org Mint Museum Uptown: - Vantage Point IX Janet Biggs: Going to Extremes Now through July 31 - Altitude and Alchemy: The Metal Work of Gary Noftke Now through September 11 - From New York to Corrymore: Robert Henri and Ireland Now through August 7 - Romare Bearden: Southern Recollections September 2, 2011 – January 8, 2012 500 S. Tryon St. | 704.337.2000 MintMuseum.org

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Harvey B. Gantt Center For African American Arts + Culture Current and Upcoming Exhibits: - Joan and Vivian Hewitt Collection of African – American Art Now through August 21 - Jeanne Moutoussamy – Ashe – An Anthology: Faces, Places and Spaces Now through August 21 - Live and in Stereo (type) Now through August 21 - Paper Trail: Romare Bearden Works on Paper September 2, 2011 – January 22, 2012 - Romare Bearden: The Life September 2, 2011 – January 22, 2012 - Romare Bearden: Creative Responses September 2, 2011 – January 22, 2012 551 S. Tryon St. | 704.374.1565 GanttCenter.org Levine Museum of the New South - COURAGE: The Carolina Story That Changed America Now through January 1, 2012 - Para Todos Lost Ninos – Fighting Segregation before Brown v. Board 200 E. 7th St. | 704.333.1887 MusuemOfTheNewSouth.org McColl Center for Visual Art Current and Upcoming Exhibits: - The Green Shadow: An exhibition by Jeff Schmucki and Heather Lewis Now through August 20 - ELEMENTS: Works by Michael Gayk and Carrie M. Becker September 2, 2011 – January 7, 2012 721 N. Tryon St. | 704.332.5535 MccollCenter.org

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Elizabeth Solitaro

nightlife & entertainment

beer me!

Our recent economic crisis has hurt industries and dented many entrepreneurs’ dreams. But one industry that seems to have been untouched -- even having shown growth -- is microbreweries. Last year alone there were more than 100 new microbreweries started in the U.S. People all over the country are being canned by the man and creating their own cans. Actually, it’s more drafts than cans when it comes to this kind of brew. I will admit, I am guilty of drinking mainly domestic beer and have a massive gut, a trophy, if you will, to prove it. Mainly, I love the taste; but also, I tend to drink a lot of them, which is something I normally can’t do when it comes to non-domestic brews. This, however is probably a good thing, and is something I have been dabbling in lately, especially when I don’t feel like drinking ten-plus beers. The flavors out there are endless, and craft beers from all over the country can be found in bars and restaurants here in Charlotte.

Two local breweries have opened in Charlotte in the past few years and two more are set to open soon!

This summer heat has caused me to have a crick in my neck from all the Queen City Blondes I have been taking in. And no the crick is not from driving on Queens and Selwyn, rubbernecking the girls jogging. This crick is from constantly tilting my head back from all of the Queen City Blonde Ales I have been slurping. The QC Blonde is one of many tasty brews from Four Friends Brewery. Sure, their red and brown ales are delicious, but with this humidity I want something light and refreshing that goes along with the summer time. All of which are perfectly combined in this signature brew! Four Friends Brewery has been around since 2007 and boasts more than 40 locations, so grab a pour when you see it!

I have noticed OMB tap handles popping up in bars all across town, so it’s no surprise to learn that they recently doubled the size of their brewery. Old Mecklenburg Brewery is borderline in the Southend district, and definitely deserves a visit, especially during free tours held on Saturday afternoons. After visiting the brewery for the first time, I found it impossible to leave without a big growler of one of their signature pours. I chose a jug of Captain Jack and have been back several times to fill that puppy up!

This fall, Charlotte can also expect to add two more microbreweries to the list. Birdsong Brewery will be in town, and though the location has not yet been confirmed, they are expected to land somewhere in the Noda or Plaza Midwood area. Birdsong is in the works of mastering their two brews, a California Common and an American Pale Ale. And Noda Brewery will be opening up in -- where else -- Pineville? No! Actually right on North Davidson Street in Noda, of course.

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Expect Porters, American and India Pale Ales with a “Northwestern feel.” Both breweries will have tap rooms for us to unwind and sink our taste buds into their soon-to-be masterpieces!

So where do you go to get crafted with all these craft beers?

VBGB Beer Hall and Garden at the N.C. Music Factory, for starters. I get a beer boner every time I talk about this bar, which is not hard to find to say the least. Remember Charlotte’s beloved JFG Coffee sign that was disturbingly taken down?

Thanks to VBGB, it’s back up, on their roof actually. Owners Tom and Kara have done what no one else in town has done, that’s bringing a beer garden to the QC, and they have done it to perfection. Their staff is quick to suggest a beer that best fits your taste buds, and they take their beer very seriously.

How serious? Aside from having a state-of-the-art tap system that pours the craft of your choice at 32 degrees, they have a “frost rail”: five inches of ice going along the entire bar! We are in the south, why doesn’t every bar have this? Good conversation with 30 stellar craft beers, and gourmet pretzels with homemade beer cheese on the largest patio in Charlotte … something tells me I will eventually be getting my mail here, and you should too!

Burgers and beer go together like, well burgers and beer.

When this craving occurs, trek down to Kickstand Burgers ‘N Bar. This bicycle-themed burger bar is on Central Avenue and has more than 20 craft beers on tap. Their tasty burgers are 60

a great way to provide a good layer to soak up your selection of brew. The Trek burger is right on time and the Hung Over Cyclist (a burger between two grilled cheese sandwiches) is a patron favorite. If you want to go easy on the carbs, try the Spin Class, which is a top-notch veggie burger. I chose a popular pint from Michigan called Bell’s Two Hearted Ale that went down quite smoothly with their sweet tater tots served with brown sugar butter syrup. As a matter of fact, if I had a few more of those Bell drafts I don’t think I would even be able to ride a bicycle! Kickstand offers very generous beer specials -- DAILY, so come check them out!

If you want to feel like a kid in a candy store while looking at beer menus, head down to Taco Mac, Ice House, The Lodge, Growlers Pour House and Mac’s Speedshop.

I feel like I need to take a leak after all this beer talk. I also feel the need to go out and treat my palate to one of the many craft beers I have yet to try.

Whether the brew is from Oregon or Michigan, stop into one of these spots and get a good pour. And don’t forget to take in a local brew or two also. Supporting locally-owned establishments and local people in general is something I always do, and insist everyone do the same. Support your local musicians, restaurants, female entertainers, artists -- hey, we’re all in this town together! And what better way to support our local joints than by drinking a beer, right?

Cheers, Nightlife Editor, Sean Flynn 61

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nightlife & entertainment

summer fitness events in the QC Immediately after my editor asked me to feature some upcoming events in Uptown this August, I got a text message from William, an ex-boyfriend and close friend of mine: William: “What are you doing this upcoming weekend?”

Me: “Probably the usual…hanging out…reading…finding a cure for cancer. What’s up?”

William: “I just saw something interesting that I want to get into -- Metro Dash is in Charlotte this weekend!”

“Metro Dash,” I thought. “What in the world is Metro Dash?” Naturally I asked him, but that only prompted him to send me the link for me to research it myself, along with one for “Warrior Dash.” Thus I began my research and decided that not only am I unaware of all that Charlotte has to offer, but he has just inspired my next article!

Warrior Dash takes place August 27 and 28 in the Huntersville area, and is a music-filled obstacle course, where each participant wears a warrior helmet (like those worn by the Vikings), a

t-shirt and wins a medal at completion. Described on their Web site as an “extreme run from hell,� this certainly sounds like a challenge not for the weak-minded. The course offers fire leaps and mud crawling with Metro Dash being similar, but was held in June.

Another option you may not be familiar with is the Presbyterian Hospital sponsored Charlotte Criterium bicycle race, held July 30. The Criterium is a multi-lap race which is very spectator-friendly. The race serves as a benefit for the Brain Tumor Fund of the Carolinas (BTFC), a not-for-profit organization founded by a Charlotte neurosurgeon.

Also, there is a Wellness event being held at 2 p.m. on August 7 to discuss the correct foods to eat and which ones to run away from to ensure a healthy lifestyle. There is no cost to attend! For more information or to register, call Latta Plantation Nature Center at (704) 875-1391.

Like most Charlotteans, I enjoy being outside basking in the weather, being active and soaking up the sun rays. If you are into races around town where you can do all of the above, here are some more items of interest outside of August:

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• River Bound Race at the U.S. National Whitewater Center – July 16 (5K and 15K) and September 4 (5K and Half-Marathon) usnwc.org/2010/12/2011-river-bound-race-series/ • Big Red Shoe 5K and Festival, benefitting the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte - Saturday, September 10. To register, visit bigredshoe5k.eventbrite.com/ • The Cornwell Center at Myers Park Baptist Church will be hosting a weight loss competition. See the site for details: mpbconline.org/mpbc/cornwell%20center/home.htm • Race for the Cure 5k and Fitness Walks - October 1 in Uptown; komencharlotte.org/komen-race-for-the-cure/ For more information on Warrior Dash, visit warriordash.com.

For more information on next year’s Metro Dash, visit metrodash.com.

Until next time, stay healthy and happy.

Fitness Editor, Monique Douglas 66

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nightlife & entertainment

the comedy zone Knock! Knock! Who’s there? If you’re looking for “a good belly laugh,” Chris Boukedes, co-owner of The Comedy Zone, says YOU should be!

After a three-year hiatus, and more recently a small construction delay at its new venue, The Comedy Zone re-opened June 27. And if the recent sale of 3,000-plus tickets on Groupon is any indication, Charlotte has been waiting for this comedic infusion with bated breath.

When asked why they waited three years and how they ended up settling on the N.C. Music Factory for their new location, Boukedes explained that there were other options, but in the end, they didn’t want to settle. So, he and partner Brian Heffron waited for the right deal at an incredible venue.

They believe they’ve found just that in the N.C. Music Factory, where they dug into the earth to carve out a shallow, four-tier room that bodes an intimate setting reminiscent of a historic,

underground club in New York City. And, intimate as it may be, with seating for 400, it will also be one of the largest comedy clubs in the U.S. Boukedes is enthusiastic about the atmosphere of The Comedy Zone, but it’s obvious that he’s equally excited about the potential of the club given the new location. “It’s exploding.

It’s hot. The clientele is right,” he explained. He’s confident that customers who buy tickets to a show at The Comedy Zone will also enjoy dinner beforehand and a lively after-party all on the N.C. Music Factory grounds.

But, atmosphere will only get you so far; you have to book incredible talent and attract a wide audience of people.

Thankfully, The Comedy Zone has incredible brand recognition throughout the country and stands apart from other clubs where, as Boukedes says, “...guys book their friends who told funny jokes in college.”

Rob Schneider (seen most recently in “Grown Ups” alongside Adam Sandler), was scheduled to kick-off the rather impressive line-up, including several other big name acts as well as up-and-coming comedians. The construction delays may have worked in their favor since Schneider’s show has been postponed and will likely be rescheduled for this fall, a time where, coincidentally, Schneider will be receiving a lot of press for his new CBS sitcom.

In addition to Schneider, The Comedy Zone will welcome John Reep (winner of Season Five of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing”), “Jackass” star Steve-O, and former rapper Flava-Flav, just to name a few of the stars. And, in addition to the up-andcoming comedians, Boukedes says you’ll be able to enjoy a diverse mix of comedy from Latin to gay improv.

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Those looking to enter the stand-up comedy world can join The Comedy Zone School, where they’ll learn about the industry, hone their skills, have the opportunity to overcome stage fright, and, if they’re good, even get booked for a show.

It seems that Boukedes and Heffron have thought of everything and yet, there’s more. In addition to booking talent that will make you laugh so hard you squirt your drink out your nose, they’re also philanthropists.

A year ago, Heffron and Boukedes launched The Comedy Zone Project, a charity organization that provides an alternative to typical fundraisers held by local high schools.

Boukedes recognized the need for parents and their high school-age children to reconnect and was a first-hand witness to the cutbacks facing public schools locally. What better way to raise money (as much as $10K from a single show) for schools facing dwindling budgets, than to sell tickets to a familyfriendly comedy show?!

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There are 15 comics that participate in The Comedy Zone Project.

When a school schedules an event, one of these comics visits ahead of time, talks to the principal, teachers, and influential students in order to create a show with content that is relevant and interactive.

These comedy nights have gained so much popularity that local high schools have started competing against one another to see who can sell the most tickets. We’ve all heard that “laughter is the best medicine,” but who knew that it could also help save struggling school programs?

The Comedy Zone is now located at 900 Seaboard Street, Charlotte, NC 28206. Tickets can be purchased online at cltcomedyzone.com or at the venue. Parking is free.

And, look for Boukedes’ and Heffron’s next business venture that will open later this summer. Aptly named “Small Bar,” this 900-square-foot bar (also at the N.C. Music Factory) will feature a 1,500-square-foot patio overlooking downtown. They’re setting out to create the best dive bar in Charlotte, the kind of place where you go to chill, a place that’s “anti-nightclub.”

Korrynn Baltzersen 71

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i will drink to that!

More and more these days it seems there is always a new ‘next best thing’ … the newest and coolest car, phone, electronic everything and my personal favorite, new spirits. Working in the liquor industry, I get a sneak peek of all the new products before they make their way behind the bar. So here are a few of the newest brands to hit the market and a few recipes to help you try these unique spirits out. Enjoy!

Kraken Rum Release the Kraken! This new rum in a unique vintage style bottle is a 94-proof black spiced rum that is distilled in Trinidad and Tobago and is named after the legendary sea beast. Kraken is made with a blend of 13 spices and its dark color is reminiscent of the giant squid’s ink.

Kraken is extremely smooth especially for such a high proof rum ... so, “Put a Beast in your Belly.”

Kraken Kola 1 Part Kraken Rum 3 Parts Cola Lime Wedge for Garnish Three Olives Dude Vodka Dude...what’s that bright green vodka behind the bar? From the flavored vodka kings, Three Olives Vodka, comes their newest flavor, ‘DUDE. ‘ Dude has a hard-to-miss fluorescent green color, a hard-to-forget name and a very tasty and recognizable flavor. Three Olives Dude is a tasty blend of lemon and lime flavors that remind me of Mountain Dew. Yep -- Mountain Dew. Dude mixes well with juices, soda, ginger ale and Red Bull. If you are looking to recreate Spiked Mountian Dew, simply mix Three Olives Dude with Sprite, soda or ginger ale. DO the DUDE! Sup Dude 1 Part Three Olives Dude 1 Part Three Olives Berry ½ part Curacao Splash of Soda Splash of 7 Up On the Rocks

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UV Cake Vodka Happy Birthday UV! To celebrate UV Vodka’s 10th year, they have just introduced their celebratory flavor ... Cake! The taste profile of UV Cake vodka makes me think of a piece of delicious birthday cake with creamy white frosting, but in vodka form! It is a fun festive flavor that is perfect when celebrating birthdays, anniversaries or the end of the week. It is delicious mixed with ginger ale, cola or served on its own as a shot. Coming to North Carolina in June, this is the newest flavor on the block ... and at such a great price ($10.95), you should find a reason to celebrate with UV Cake!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake 1 Part UV Cake 2 Parts Pineapple Juice SKYY INFUSIONS Dragon Fruit and Blood Orange Expanding their all natural, award-winning line of vodkas, SKYY introduces a vibrant and explosive duo: SKYY Infusions Dragon Fruit and SKYY Infusions Blood Orange. Inspired by the current exotic and culinary trends, these new vodka infusions blend authentic dragon fruit and blood orange with SKYY’s premium distilled vodka, creating two alluring and distinctively different spirits. This duo joins SKYY’s existing line of unique flavors, which includes Pineapple, Ginger, Cherry, Grape, Citrus, Raspberry and Passion Fruit.

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SKYY Infusions Dragon Fruit is the new kid on the superfruit block. Dragon fruit is a superfruit from South America and Asia that boasts a unique and unexpected flavor. The dragon fruit’s multi-faceted flavor profile is quickly replacing mainstream fruits, with juices and flavored waters popping up in markets nationwide. SKYY Infusions Dragon Fruit oozes a bold, sweet taste with the tantalizing aroma of tropical berries, exotic fruits, and a complex blend of savory spice and zest.

SKYY Infusions Blood Orange, native to Italy and Spain, gets its name from its unusual crimson-colored flesh. It embodies a balance of succulent juiciness with complex bittersweet, tangy flavors, and is bursting with the natural sweetness and deep complexity of the sinful blood orange. It has an enticing aroma of sweet orange zest followed by hints of spice ... nice and tangy!

The Dragon Slayer 1 Part Skyy Infusions Dragon Fruit 2 Parts Sprite Squeeze Lime juice Lime Wedge and Strawberry to Garnish Tiger’s Blood 1 Part Skyy Infusions Blood Orange 1 Part Orange Juice 1 Part Cranberry Juice 1 Part Red Bull Energy Drink Lauren Nguyen Questions? Need some drink recipes? Email me!

Lauren.Loves.Liquor@gmail.com

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nightlife & entertainment

please don’t stop the music Whether you like rap or rock, pop or country, bluegrass or alternative, the array of concerts coming to Charlotte this summer is filled with all of it. If you are looking for a real performance, Ke$ha returns this summer on her $leazy tour, promising to be more outrageous and glitter-filled than her last appearance in Charlotte this past spring. Kings of Leon, who never cease to entertain a crowd, will also be returning in August with more great songs from their newly released album. If large venues aren’t your thing and you are looking for a more intimate setting, try Stephen Kellogg and The Sixers with Jon McLaughlin for some alternative music at The Visulite located on Elizabeth Avenue. Some old favorites will also be in town, with Chicago in August and recently reunited Blink 182 in September. Regardless of what your music preference is, you have no excuse to complain of boredom this summer. So grab some tickets and go enjoy some music!

Motley Crue, Poison and New York Dolls Tuesday, July 12 – 7:00 PM Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Taking Back Sunday Thursday, July 14 – 7:00 PM The Fillmore

O.A.R. Friday, July 15 – 7:00 PM Time Warner Uptown Amphitheatre A Perfect Circle Tuesday, July 19 – 8:00 PM Time Warner Uptown Amphitheatre

Sade & John Legend Sunday, July 31 – 7:30 PM Time Warner Cable Arena

311 and Sublime with Rome Monday, August 1 – 6:30 PM Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Maroon 5 and Train Tuesday, August 2 – 7:00 PM Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

Selena Gomez and The Scene Wednesday, August 3 – 7:00 PM Time Warner Uptown Amphitheatre

Wiz Khalifa Wednesday, July 20 – 8:00 PM Time Warner Uptown Amphitheatre

Reel Big Fish and The Streetlight Manifesto Thursday, August 4 – 7:00 PM The Fillmore

100 Monkeys Friday, July 22 – 7:00 PM The Fillmore

Lil’ Wayne Sunday, August 7 – 7:00 PM Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

Cinderella – The Band Tuesday, July 26 – 8:00 PM The Fillmore

Goo Goo Dolls Tuesday, August 9 – 7:00 PM Time Warner Uptown Amphitheatre

American Idols Live Thursday, July 28 – 7:00 PM Time Warner Cable Arena

Chicago Saturday, August 13 – 8:00 PM Time Warner Uptown Amphitheatre

John Butler Trio Thursday, July 21 – 8:00 PM The Fillmore

Kings of Leon Friday, August 5 – 7:00 PM Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

Aaron Lewis Saturday, July 23 – 8:00 PM The Fillmore

Volbeat Sunday, August 7 – 7:30 PM The Fillmore

Vans Warped Tour Thursday, July 28 – 11:30 AM Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

Ke$ha Presents The Get $leazy Tour Wednesday, August 10 – 7:30 PM Time Warner Uptown Amphitheatre

Rascal Flatts, Sara Evans and Justin Moore Friday, July 29 – 7:00 PM Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

Queensryche Sunday, August 14 – 7:30 PM The Fillmore

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Identity Tour: Kaskade, Pretty Lights, Rusko & The Disco Biscuits Tuesday, August 16 – 1:00 PM Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Slightly Stoopid Thursday, August 18 – 7:00PM Time Warner Uptown Amphitheatre An Acoustic Evening with The Weepies Thursday, August 18 – 8:00 PM The Fillmore

Guster and Jack’s Mannequin Friday, August 19 – 7:30 PM Time Warner Uptown Amphitheatre

Journey, Foreigner & Night Ranger Sunday, August 21 – 7:30 PM Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre My Morning Jacket Sunday, August 21 – 7:30 PM Time Warner Uptown Amphitheatre

Grace Potter And The Nocturnals Friday, August 26 – 8:00 PM The Fillmore Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow Saturday, August 27 – 7:00 PM Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

The Inked Magazine Tour: The Damned Things with Maylene & The Sons of Disaster Monday, August 29 – 6:30 PM The Fillmore Matisyahu Tuesday, August 30 – 7:30 PM Amos Southend

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Jason Aldean Friday, September 9 – 7:30 PM Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

TV On The Radio Monday, September 12 – 7:30 PM The Fillmore

Carnival of Madness Tuesday, September 13 – 6:00 PM Time Warner Uptown Amphitheatre Incubus Friday, September 16 – TBA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

Blink 182 & My Chemical Romance Tuesday, September 20 – 7:00 PM Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Stephen Kellogg and The Sixers and Jon McLaughlin Friday, September 30 – 7:30 PM The Visulite Elizabeth Solitario

nightlife & entertainment

Hey Bravo Channel…

You Missed a City.

Charlotte, North Carolina: Home of NFL, NBA, BOA and Moms I’d Like To… (you fill in the blank) ...

The South has, for decades, been equated with easy living, good food and beautiful women. So it should come as no surprise for me to say that some of the finest in all three categories reside right here in our own little growing metropolis!

Where the surprise might come, however, is that the beautiful woman description doesn’t start at 18 and stop at 29. If anything, this will prove that the year before the sweet 3-0 is only the kick off!

All of the lovely women highlighted in these pages are from varied backgrounds and occupations. Nurses, actors, models, business owners, wives, mothers, PTA members, soccer ball caravan chauffeurs … All of them have one thing in common: somewhere along the line, they ignored it when the status quo told them that in order to keep the house a home, they must STOP being one very important thing…

HOT! Each one of these Charlotte-area women exemplify the fact that accepting a ring and saying “I Do” is not the expressway to a midlife crisis. Nor does it mean skimping on the gym and letting those love handles hang out. If anything, it is SO the opposite! But don’t take it from me! Ask the husbands of the models that posed for this piece. They are easy to spot.

They will be the ones at the newsstands handing out copies of this magazine, grinning from ear to ear and repeating over and over again with glee normally reserved for Christmas or the Superbowl …“She’s with me!”

Dempsey Gibson

Leif Robert, LRPhotography, leifrobert@rocketmail.com Models: Cate, Kathy, Kelly, Shanna, Shawna, Elizabeth With The Dempsey Gibson Modeling Agency Makeup and Hair: Irene Kennedy, Shelly Kellogg and Michele Parker Location: The Sunset Club

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