Queen City Nerve - December 16, 2020 by Queen City Nerve

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2; DECEMBER 16 - DECEMBER 29, 2020; WWW.QCNERVE.COM

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS& OPINION ARTS&CULTURE 8

5 EDITOR’S NOTE BY RYAN PITKIN 6 PASSING THE CROWN BY HANNAH HASAN

Five community heroes of the pandemic

AN ASTROLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF CHARLOTTE BY JOHN DELANEY How has history fulfilled what’s written in the stars?

MUSIC

12 GRIND TOGETHER BY PAT MORAN Jason Jet opens new music studio patterned after co-working spaces 14 LIFEWAVE A dose of reality

16 THE RAW TRUTH BY JASIATIC ANDERSON Viva Raw’s market manager on family traditions, cycling and her fav CLT foods

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18 PUZZLES 20 AERIN IT OUT BY AERIN SPRUILL 21 HOROSCOPE 22 SAVAGE LOVE

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PAT MORAN, HANNAH HASAN, JASIATIC ANDERSON, Y

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MUSIC: INSIDE JASON JET’S GRINDHAUS PG. 12

FOOD: KENYA TEMPLETON’S RAW TRUTH PG. 16

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EDITOR’S NOTE

THE ROLE OF A COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER Sharing the stories you didn’t know you needed BY RYAN PITKIN

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The newspaper we’ve put together this week is a paper without a whole lot of news, but it’s one of my favorites out of the 54 that we’ve published. I say that because it accomplishes a goal that I’ve tried to prioritize since we launched two years ago: It’s a true community newspaper. That can mean a lot of different things, and I take it to mean a lot of different things when I consider how it plays into each one of our papers. The most important part of it to me, however, is that it is representational in the voices it represents. That doesn’t just mean white people telling the stories of a diverse range of folks, but a diverse range of folks telling the stories that interest them.

In this issue’s News & Opinion section, we back regular Nerve contributor (and one of Charlotte’s best storytellers) Hannah Hasan, who shares the stories of five women who — though they may not be considered “frontline workers” of the pandemic — have carried on in their heroic grassroots work during this tough year. Throughout the pandemic, Hannah has been working with us to bring her style of storytelling, which is centered on pulling the best stories possible from often underrepresented subjects, to the pages of our paper. As a spoken-word poet and storyteller, it’s not an easy transition, but she’s taking to it naturally, as expected. There isn’t much “hard news” involved in the five stories she tells, but you’ll learn plenty nonetheless, and there’s no shortage of hard news to be found elsewhere. In the Food section, Jasiatic Anderson sits down with longtime acquaintance Kenya Templeton, who was recently promoted to market manager at Viva Raw. The two don’t turn the interview into a PR opportunity to plug the health-food market, they have a conversation that, if I were feeling punny, I would call raw. (OK I used that pun in the headline, I’m going overboard, I know.) The two talk food but also go deeper, discussing how sexual trauma in her childhood played a role in Kenya becoming the cycling advocate she is today.

It’s talks like this one that make me so proud to work with Jasiatic, who also joined the Nerve team as a regular contributor this year. Not only can she go past the PR to have unfiltered conversations with folks like Kenya and chef Julia Simon, but even when she’s flying solo, writing guides for vegans and veggie lovers, she’s got a writing style that is exclusively hers. When you read a Jasiatic piece, you can tell you’re reading a Jasiatic piece. In two stories, that’s seven voices — seven black Charlottean women whose stories might not be heard otherwise — and that’s the sort of thing a community paper was built for. To be clear, I don’t say this to pat myself on the back; both Hannah and Jasiatic were proactive in seeking me out to pitch their ideas this year, and I’m just thankful they felt they could come to our paper to tell their stories. In Music, Pat Moran visits local R&B singer Jason Jet’s new music studio, which he’s been building during the pandemic because he believes the artistic community of Charlotte should have a place to create that isn’t going to empty their wallets. It’s our newsiest story of the issue, and it’s all about community. Then there’s the cover story, which I expect might ruffle some feathers. The idea came about when John Delaney, an astrologer published in many reputable publications across the country, pitched me on doing an

astrological analysis of Charlotte. I balked at first, as I’m not keen on having out-of-towners (John’s from New York City) analyze our city from any standpoint, but in time I warmed to the idea. After reading a few similar pieces he had done on other cities and a breakdown of how he wanted to approach ours, I decided to let him run with it. What he came back with was … something else, and what I thought would be more of an astrology-based horoscope-type read turned into an interesting historical take on why our arts scene has struggled to flourish on a national level. I expect some folks in the art scene will cringe at his suggestions — I certainly don’t agree with some of the things he has to say on arts or population density — but they are ideas that I’ve never heard before, and if they can start a new conversation about art in Charlotte, then I consider that another item to cross off the community newspaper checklist. I say all that to say this: As we roll into our third year, I’m feeling pretty happy about the role our paper is playing in sharing the stories that don’t often get told elsewhere in Charlotte. Of course, we’ll continue to report on the news you need, but issues like this one are just as valuable as whatever’s spinning through the news cycle today. Because what’s a community without its stories? RPITKIN@QCNERVE.COM

NEWS & OPINION FEATURE

PASSING THE CROWN

Five community heroes of the pandemic BY HANNAH HASAN

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We have all experienced the collective trauma associated with the COVID-19 pandemic this year. It’s been challenging, and for the Black community, it’s hit us harder than most as we’ve suffered through disproportionate rates of infection and death due to the virus. There are also many suffering Black businesses, families without food and basic necessities, students without access to the technology needed for virtual schooling, massive

serve? What happened in their lives to cause them to give back to others? When we understand their stories, we understand all of the small and huge things that create the people who create change. These are stories of five impactful Black women who have supported and stood in for our community during the time of COVID-19, in their own words.

From Rich Soil: J’Tanya Adams, founder and executive director of Historic West End Partners

Our family is from Steele Creek. It was called the BlackJacks because the soil was rich. It was a rural sharecropping community. There was a lot of richness tied to being from the BlackJacks. It was where a lot of families knew each other, married into each other, and a great lineage between the folks who lived there existed. These people were great friends who came from sharecropping to manufacturing and they insisted that their children be educated. In our early years, we lived in Brookhill. I’m part of the Brookhill legacy. That’s where, when you left home, you would move and buy your first house and you educated your kids further. I was schooled by people who were daughters and sons of the enslaved. My great-grandfather understood what it was to have land taken from you because someone changed the tax law and took PHOTO BY GRANT BALDWIN it from you. My uncle knew J’TANYA ADAMS what it was to have a white job-loss numbers, and so much more. This could be man buy a property for you because you couldn’t buy enough to break many people, but if there is one it for yourself. I’m once removed from this and may thing that we know about Black people, it’s that have been born during part of it. So, I understand the we know how to survive. We understand what we Charlotte way. need to do in the beautiful moments and the brutal There is nothing new under the sun. So I understand moments: take care of ourselves. the need for good relationships. I understand how to At the center of that care is, and always has make deals in our community with people who do not been, Black women. Grandmothers and mothers, subscribe to the Charlotte way because I understand aunties and daughters, sisters and strangers who relationship building.When we lived in Steele Creek, the hold us up and hold us down. While we could never land of milk and honey for Black people was Beatties name all of them or begin to shed the deserved Ford Road. It was where our people were allowed to be love and light on all the stories of those who have after Brooklyn. In the mid-’60s and ’70s, everyone was stepped up for our community during this time, we trying to get there if they could. They aspired to get to understand that when we speak the stories of one, Johnson C. Smith University or Carver College or get we pay respect to all. their kids to West Charlotte High School. Anything you More than sharing the stories of their projects could want or desire to be was on Beatties Ford Road. and programs, we seek to share the truths of their From an early age, I’ve been enamored with the area. hearts and spirits. It’s so important to understand I saw the value. When I saw that it might become like the people behind the projects. What drives them to Brooklyn, and it was becoming popular to those outside

of the Black community, I knew that we needed to act. I was moved to cancel the contract on a home in Quail Hollow and buy a home in the area that I really believed in. Just because we’re in the time of a pandemic the deals haven’t stopped. If anything, its been more of the reason for me to continue making sure that businesses can thrive on the West End. I’ve been able to broker deals for a strip mall that was under contract. Our goal at West End Partners was to help the owner get the right tenant blend that could meet the needs and wants of West End stakeholders. The building is now being renovated and ANTRIECE MITCHELL we’ve brought folks to the table and that deal was done. COVID doesn’t stop the work. We’ve got a community to continue to grow and nourish.

To Whom Much Is Given: Antriece Mitchell, founder of Breakfast Conversations

I’m a proud Charlottean. I originally started out my baby years in Grier Town [known officially as Grier Heights]. At the time, that area was dealing with a lot of crime and drugs, and my mother wanted something different for us. She moved us to the Charlotte Country Club area. I had the privilege of attending a few different schools in Charlotte. I attended Shamrock [Gardens Elementary] and Oaklawn [Language Academy]. I also went to a private school. But my last couple of years were some of the most impactful. I went to Garinger High School. While at Garinger, I attended a magnet program for media. That’s where I was truly introduced to television and radio. And I was in pageants. The first pageant that I won was Ms. Junior Teen Charlotte. That introduced me to being on television, but it was in high school that my passion would deepen. And as my career blossomed, and my talent and love for media had me in rooms with everyone from celebrities to community leaders, I never forgot the value of seeking guidance of being a helper. I know that I have a spirit of helping because there are people who mentored me along the way. One person that has helped me is Michelle Thomas. She is the VP of Public Citizenship for Microsoft Southeast. She is the epitome of a

professional woman. Just being able to sit back and watch her was life-changing. By giving so much of herself to me, giving me so many nuggets of wisdom to apply along with my journey in business, she has been such a powerful mentor.

PHOTO BY GRANT BALDWIN

While I have been blessed to travel many, many miles away from home to do the work that I love, I have never forgotten my roots and I have never lost the desire to build relationships and give back. I am only as strong as the people and community I am blessed to serve. This year, I took it upon myself to make sure that other small business owners, just like me, understood that there were opportunities for funding and support for small and minority-owned businesses during the time of COVID. I’ve shared the resources about grants and funding and I’ve watched those business owners win, because we’ve got to take care of each other.

On Showing Love: Jewel Hayden, co-founder Project Bolt

I wasn’t shown love in the way that many kids are growing up. My mother was a drug addict. She dealt with addiction my entire life. Thankfully, all was not lost. I had my father in my life, who was able to provide me with love and support and motivation to go to school and complete my education and set goals. If I didn’t have that, who knows where I would have ended up. Dealing with a parent that had substance abuse issues, my self-esteem was extremely low. It made me feel like she decided to do drugs as opposed to being a mother or provide me with the love and support that I needed. Now that I’m older, I understand that it isn’t that simple, but as a child you just understand that your mother isn’t there. You know that when you go to the refrigerator to get food, there’s nothing there. And you know instinctively that your parents are supposed to provide food, shelter, and clothing. Your parents are supposed to provide your basic needs. When that isn’t

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NEWS & OPINION FEATURE

and had conversations with people. I to explore and look for the answers. I asked knew in that moment that it felt right. myself over and over again. I realized that It meant more to me than the work I being a Black woman artist has a power there, it damages your self-esteem. It damaged my in and of itself. That intersectionality is was doing at the time at UNC Charlotte self-esteem. in their research department. I know super important. It’s unique to me and it’s As the co-founder of Project Bolt, everything something that can be seen and ingested that research helps people, but this felt that I do is about showing up, meeting needs, by other Black women. At that point, I more important for me because it gave and doing right by my community. This year we started noticing the representation and me the opportunity to help people on a have focused on addressing basic needs for the identity in most of my pieces. direct level. I knew this was it. community. We have consistently provided meals When I finally started working for For Untitled, the residency/showcase for 85 children from March through September at the Black Lives Matter mural in Hope Vibes, I realized this is what I was every Monday through Friday. One time we went September, I decided to paint a woman made for. It was like an aha moment. PHOTO BY GRANT BALDWIN The work that I do is meaningful. It’s that I had drawn MAKAYLA BINTER purposeful. I gladly work on a few hours in my sketchbook. people. I knew I wanted to help people. I didn’t have of sleep on a regular basis because my work gives A Black woman. My group talked about making our piece a full scope of what I was created for. As far as careers me a sense of fulfillment that I’ve always longed for. I’ve always had a passion for the homeless about self-love and self-care went, I definitely wasn’t engaged in something that was meaningful for me. community. I’m not sure where it came from, but through hair. I drew a Black I came to Charlotte in 2001 for college at UNC it’s always been there. Even on my first date, my woman — from her head to her shoulders — she had on Charlotte. I went to school to be a teacher. I knew husband and I were walking on the sidewalk in a crown and a ’fro. She was from the beginning that it wasn’t really what I Uptown Charlotte. I stopped in my tracks and began super futuristic and I painted wanted to do, but so many people thought I would to weep. It was a first date and there I was crying. I three versions of her. It was a be good at it, so I went along with it. I taught for four was moved to tears looking at the huge, immaculate linear timeline of her journey years and I hated it. The fourth year I quit midway buildings lining the backdrop of one of our neighbors of discovery on three different into the school year and then took some time off. sleeping on the street. I was overwhelmed with the PHOTO BY GRANT BALDWIN JEWEL HAYDEN panels. That alone was a From there I worked for the police department for a weight of wanting and needing to do something statement. But the biggest statement was made year. I absolutely hated that too. I then went to UNC about it. to make a delivery, and I remember the look on the when the people came. Charlotte to work in an administrative role in the This year, our neighbors need us more than ever. kids faces when we pulled up with the food. They When we were out there, I would see other research department. It didn’t feel like it fit either, Since we are all seeking to prevent the spread of looked at us like we were superheroes. Black women taking pictures with the panels. The but bills have to be paid. When I fell into starting COVID-19, we work really hard to make sure that our Now, I get to show up on a regular basis. I get to pure joy that filled my heart in those moments was Hope Vibes with my husband, it changed everything. neighbors have the ability to wash their hands and remind these kids that someone cares and that their astronomical. It was so intense of how happy I was. I often reflect on one of the initial moments that prevent passing germs with our portable solar sinks. I’ve life is valuable to me. It makes them feel seen, and To watch these young girls, with no knowledge that I knew this was my purpose. The first time we did a spent quite a bit of time at the tent camp communities. it makes me feel like I’m bigger than life. The feeling they are the ones that I was creating this work for, serve day was definitely huge. But even before that, I’ve been uniquely impacted by the grandmothers. It that I have truly made a difference makes me know find so much joy and connection in my hurts to see grandmothers living on the that all that I have gone through has prepared me pieces ... it was unreal. Showcasing our street. It breaks my heart. Some might see to be a difference maker in the lives of others. Just beauty and journey and watching other it as audacious, but I believe that we can showing up is enough to make a difference. It’s just Black women and girls experience it end homelessness for all who want a home. showing love. I know what it feels like when people was really a humbling moment for me, It’s a part of my mission, my journey in life. don’t show up for you. I won’t let that happen to our especially when it’s in public places and Maybe part of our journey is to walk towards kids on my watch. This is all about showing love and received by the people that it’s meant to the things that break our hearts. And I’m no showing up. What could our community be, if all of reflect. It was and is a reminder of why martyr. I’m simply a woman who has found us would just show up? her purpose, and made the choice to follow I make what I make. Within creating art the path that has been laid out for me. like this, through every project I define What Are You Trying To Say: my voice and my point of view and I To read the full stories and hear answer over and over again with clarity Makayla Binter, artist, teacher directly from these dynamic change who I am and what I am trying to say. Throughout middle school and high school I PHOTO BY GRANT BALDWIN ADRIENNE THREATT makers as they discuss the work that they took all of the art classes that I could. But it wasn’t have done during the COVID-19 pandemic, until I went to Davidson College that I realized that A Hope Filled Purpose: I couldn’t wait for the official date of the upcoming visit QCNerve.com for special audio additions to this this was something I could do. Things really began Adrienne Threatt, co-founder of serve day. I just felt compelled to be with the people. article and unedited versions of their texts as curated to change for me internally when my professors So one day after Bible Study, I had my husband and by Hannah Hasan. Hope Vibes started to question me. “What are you trying to say?” Adrienne before Hope Vibes was dissatisfied. a friend accompany me Uptown. I literally had gone They wanted to know what I wanted my message to INFO@QCNERVE.COM I hadn’t stepped into my purpose yet and I didn’t in my pantry and got all of my snacks and bottles of be through my art, and I didn’t know yet. So I needed know what it was. I knew that I wanted to encourage water and we went Uptown and distributed items

ARTS FEATURE

AN ASTROLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF CHARLOTTE Our banking history was written in the stars, but where’s the art?

Feb. 1, 1763 (“Commencement”). After considerable surveying work plotted the grid for the city, Charlotte became officially incorporated on Dec. 7, 1768 (“Incorporation”). The elegance among these three astrological charts connotes the hand of a court astrologer: Retrograde Jupiter at 1 degrees Taurus conjunct the North Node in late Aries at the Aries/Taurus cusp during the Founding conjunct Direct Motion Jupiter at 3 degrees Taurus during the Commencement trines (90 degree) the North Node at 4 degrees Capricorn during the Incorporation. Favorable placements of latter-day astronomical discoveries, Uranus and Pluto, among others, which

Bottom line? Again, Charlotte rules (Capricorn) banking (Taurus) — among other things that Taurus rules, including art. By that measure, Charlotte should also rule art (among other things). And yet, the city’s not known for its art scene. In fact, the local arts have struggled especially hard in recent years. So what gives? Will we ever see the renaissance of arts appreciation that appears to be in the stars for the Queen City, and why hasn’t it come yet?

BY JOHN DELANEY

Astrology aficionados require but a cursory glance at the data. When one reviews the planets within the three astrological charts that comprise the founding of both Charlotte and Mecklenburg County in the late-18th century, a pattern sharply emerges: Capricorn trines (90 degree) Taurus — or in unusually clear layman’s terms, Charlotte rules (Capricorn) banking (Taurus). Those familiar with the Queen City’s history and reputation know how that’s played out, but it’s not just finance that’s at the top of Charlotte’s astrological charts — and we use the plural “charts” for reasons to be explained below. Taurus also symbolizes a strong aptitude for the arts. So why has Charlotte gone so far toward one of its fates written in the stars more than 200 years ago but struggled with the other? Let’s take a deeper look.

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Mecklenburg County’s and Charlotte’s respective natal horoscopes

Because three events comprise the founding of Charlotte, the city’s astrological analysis requires three different charts. Is this normal? No. Normally, somebody shows up — Henry Hudson lands in Battery Park, William Penn lands at Penn’s Landing — and the astrologer runs the corresponding date, time and place into an astrology chart. Usually, just one chart is required. Perhaps such information will one day be available about Charlotte. For now, however, this is how Charlotte was born. The North Carolina colonial legislature officially founded Mecklenburg County on Dec. 11, 1762 (“Founding”) to honor Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg, Germany — the recent fair bride of King George III of England — and simultaneously asserted that the Founding would commence on

NOT A LOT OF POPULATION DENSITY IN UPTOWN, BUT PLENTY OF PARKING. PHOTO BY RYAN PITKIN

embellish these three charts — but also invariably complicate their integration. For clarity’s sake, the three separate charts in question represent three concurrent trines of Capricorn and Taurus, listed numerically below: • Pluto at 1 degrees Capricorn trines Retrograde Jupiter at 1 degrees Taurus conjunct the North Node in very late Aries at the Aries/Taurus cusp during the Founding; • Pluto at 3 degrees Capricorn conjunct Urania at 4 degrees Capricorn trines Direct Motion Jupiter resides at 3 degrees Taurus during the Commencement; • Elatus at 3 degrees Capricorn conjunct the North Node resides at 4 degrees Capricorn trines Retrograde Uranus at 4 degrees Taurus during the Incorporation.

The rise and fall of NoDa as an arts district

Local painter Cheryl Johnson moved to Charlotte from San Francisco as an unemployed artist in 1983. Johnson, who currently lives in Plaza Midwood, found no specific home for the arts within the city limits. Within the next few years, she would witness the rise of NoDa as the city’s first arts district. “In the late 1970s, NoDa didn’t exist as the neighborhood it is today,” Johnson recalled. “It was just called North Charlotte back then — a strip of vacant and mostly dilapidated textile mills, along with some low-income housing.” In 1985, painter Ruth Lyons and sculptor Paul Sires established the NoDa Arts District by buying the Lowder Building and opening the Center of the Earth Gallery.

They slowly began reimagining the neighborhood around them. “Charlotte Art League and other full-time galleries established themselves on NoDa’s outskirts,” Johnson said, “but Center of the Earth was carved out in a building next to the fire house near the [North] Davidson-[East] 36th [streets] intersection.” The gallery became the neighborhood’s nucleus. “When it first started, it was a bohemian scene,” recalled Jared Melberg, owner and patriarch of his eponymous Cotswold gallery. The transition began a process that has occurred in far too many neighborhoods around the country: struggling artists move into an affordable area, and when that area becomes naturally beautified by the presence of said artists, it becomes hip to hang out there, then to live there, after which developers set their sights on the location, capitalizing on the “cool” vibes so hard that they eventually price out everything that made it cool in the first place. Over the span of about three decades, this process played out in NoDa. The gallery scene did not survive. “It has become gentrified and all the galleries are gone,” Melberg said. Lyons and Sires closed the Center of the Earth Gallery in 2010. Some galleries moved to South End, where Hidell Brooks now represents Lyons. Others shuttered for good. The rise of NoDa as a Charlotte gallery district demonstrates a contemporary formula (encapsulated, astrologically, as Pluto opposite the North Node between 4 and 7 degrees Scorpio and Taurus, respectively, from December 1985 to February 1986) of using art to induce an increase in real estate value. While property values rose all around it, NoDa produced little, if any, artwork that accrued significantly in value. The neighborhood produced no powerful Charlotte art galleries with significant enough secondary market artwork to underwrite annual excursions to nationally known art fairs like those held in Miami in December each year. With developers doing what they do, the artists could not maintain their own creation.

City planning and population density

During my first trip to Charlotte in the spring of 2019, it surprised me how much land sporting largescale historic buildings surrounded the EpiCentre, which opened in 2008 with the goal of becoming a hub for Queen City nightlife. The complex also serves

THE OUTBREAK OF CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) MAY BE STRESSFUL FOR PEOPLE. FEAR AND ANXIETY ABOUT A DISEASE CAN BE OVERWHELMING AND CAUSE STRONG EMOTIONS IN ADULTS AND CHILDREN. COPING WITH STRESS WILL MAKE YOU, THE PEOPLE YOU CARE ABOUT, AND YOUR COMMUNITY STRONGER. EVERYONE REACTS DIFFERENTLY TO STRESSFUL SITUATIONS. HOW YOU RESPOND TO THE OUTBREAK CAN DEPEND ON YOUR BACKGROUND, THE THINGS THAT MAKE YOU DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PEOPLE, AND THE COMMUNITY YOU LIVE IN.

Â -Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones -Changes in sleep or eating patterns -Difficulty sleeping or concentrating -Worsening of chronic health problems -Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs Â Â?

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ARTS FEATURE as the center of the roughly 12-by-12-street grid that makes up Charlotte’s “Uptown.” Particularly striking to me upon my visit was the scale of the Little Rock African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, straddling the southeast border of Uptown’s boundary in the First Ward — not only of the building itself but its enormous parking lot. This confused me. No such free parking lot exists anywhere near where Henry Hudson founded New York City near Battery Park. In Philadelphia, while copious parking exists for all public events hosted along Penn’s Landing on the western banks of the Delaware River, the location of William Penn’s original arrival, expect no public parking lots anywhere 15 blocks west to Philadelphia City Hall. There are many in Uptown, and much closer to Center City than the Little Rock lot that first grabbed my attention. Let’s go back and take a deeper look at the two 17th-century colonies I mentioned in the previous paragraph: New York (Sept. 2, 1609; [Julian]; 5 p.m. LMT) and Philadelphia (Nov. 7, 1682; [Gregorian]; 1:08 p.m. LMT; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). Dutch West India Company employee Willem van Hulst designed the New Amsterdam grid, ending at Wall Street across the width of lower Manhattan, soon after the New Netherland arrived at port at Battery Park in May 1624. Surveyor Thomas Holme, at Penn’s behest, drew the Philadelphia street grid, which extends to the site of current day Philadelphia City Hall, in 1687. From the onset, New York’s and Philadelphia’s designers defined and limited land use so as to create population density. To this day, no such population density has manifested in Charlotte.

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The railroad comes to town

Charlotte did not become a banking powerhouse — or, in fact, anything — immediately. Even after the founding of the Charlotte Mint in 1835 following the discovery of gold on the Barringer Farm in nearby Stanly County, Charlotte’s population in 1850 barely exceeded 1,000 people. The most significant event that helped bring about Charlotte’s population expansion in the 19th century did not involve banking, but did bring about its eventual rise: The launch of the Charlotte and South Carolina Railroad on March 23, 1852. A powerhouse of outer planets through the Aries/ Taurus cusp and early Taurus from 29 Aries to 5 degrees Taurus (Pluto, Uranus, Saturn, Deucalion

and the Moon) and early Capricorn at 3 Capricorn (Chiron) built muscle on Charlotte’s latent capacity for capitalist infrastructure. Thereafter, the Commercial National Bank, fourth-generation predecessor to Bank of America, commenced business in Charlotte on February 18, 1874. Seven years later, a Jupiter-Saturn conjunction occurred at 1 to 2 degrees Taurus on April 18, 1881 at 1:38 P.M. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The 1881 Jupiter-Saturn conjunction empowered hegemony for all entities with planets at 1 to 2 degrees in earth signs, including Charlotte, for the subsequent 20 years. God turned a switch in the factory, the farmers planted and harvested cotton, transacted business with the bank and hauled cotton to the railroad.

masses designed by New York’s van Hulst and Philadelphia’s Holme decades earlier. After Founding Fathers Robert Morris and Alexander Hamilton founded the first U.S. central banks, both in Philadelphia in 1781 and in 1791, banking began to proliferate. Hamilton established The Bank of New York in 1784. Philadelphia merchant trader Stephen Girard bought all remaining assets of the First Bank of the United States to found The Girard Bank in 1811. Finally, the 24 original members founded the New York Stock Exchange by signing the Buttonwood Agreement on May 17, 1792. New York City had developed a financial instrument promoting speculation. Astrologically, while Philadelphia’s Natal Horoscope contained no planets in Taurus, New York’s Natal Horoscope in its second house of money

New England agreement called the Southeastern Regional Banking Compact. Even the enormously confident North Carolina National Bank’s (NCNB) Hugh McColl knew that victory was a long shot. McColl lamented, “I guess I had the worst day of my life on my 50th birthday, June 18, 1985.” It was that day that McColl woke up to discover that rival John G. Medlin Jr. had merged Wachovia with First Atlanta Corporation. “I was out in the cold, and our company was out in the cold,” McColl said. He lacked the capital to compete. He needed a power play. McColl’s opportunity arrived on March 16, 1988, when Texas’ largest bank, First Republic Bank Corp. of Dallas, announced (as Uranus conjunct Saturn from 1 to 2 degrees Capricorn trined Jupiter at 1 to 2 degrees Taurus during the Jupiter Return of Mecklenburg County’s Founding) that it sought FDIC bankruptcy protection. It was like a gold pen on a silver platter for McColl and Charlotte’s future as a banking hub. Summarizing NCNB’s and First Republic’s merger into NationsBank, Sun Sentinel reporter Lane Kelley wrote, “The First Republic purchase will double NCNB’s size — from $28.6 billion in assets to about $54 billion — making it the eighth largest U.S. bank and the largest in the Southeast.” McColl was winning.

“The Charlotte Portfolio”

THE JERALD MELBERG GALLERY IN COTSWOLD. PHOTO BY RYAN PITKIN

Concurrently, civil engineer D. A. Tompkins, experimenting with cotton mills, induced the spinoff of Charlotte’s textile industry from Charlotte’s cotton industry in about 1889. The PegramWadsworth Land Company plotted out a mill town for textile industry laborers in North Charlotte, precursor to NoDa, circa 1907. From there, Charlotte boomed.

U.S. banking before Charlotte — New York and Philadelphia

Both New York and Philadelphia became bigger dots on the world map at the end of the Revolutionary War. Philadelphia’s population stood at 20,000 in 1775, while New York’s population of 26,000 in 1776 more than doubled to 60,000 in 1800. All growth occurred within the same land

contained Retrograde Pluto between 2 and 3 degrees Taurus — a genius for accruing wealth not only via banking, but, in fact, by transforming banking. Not yet manifest, harmonious astrological aspects between NYC and CLT, another nascent, burgeoning American metropolis, made a banking partnership seem almost inevitable.

Like a gold pen on a silver platter

In Northeast Bancorp, Inc. v. Board of Governors of Federal Reserve in 1985, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that the first regional interstate bank compact founded between Massachusetts and Connecticut in 1982 and 1983, which allowed mergers between banks from these two states, was legally valid. Concurrently, about 10 Southern states were developing their own version of the

No sweeping fact about art history, or the history of the relationship between New York City’s financial sector and art history, exists for Charlotte to emulate. But Charlotte can, as a first step, develop itself as a city with an aesthetic by studying early 19th-century Philadelphia. While Philadelphia at that time only had 20,000 residents, those early-19th-century Philadelphians oozed sophistication to a degree that the 19,000 early-20th-century Charlotteans could not fathom – but which many of the 730,000 early-21st-century Charlotteans seemingly crave with all the talk of becoming a “world-class city.” Quaker Philadelphians manufacture one product better than any other city in the country, including their rivals, the Puritanical Bostonians: history. In early pre-Revolutionary War Philadelphia, among a crowded field of portrait painters, stood the giant of the Colonial era, Benjamin West, who, with his deft brushstroke, created history. Charlotte should start right here: Fund contemporary artists to create an oeuvre of masterpieces about Charlotte’s history, “The Charlotte Portfolio,” designed for the secondary market from the beginning.

ARTS FEATURE West’s portraits and historical paintings of America, Quebec and Britain, including “The Death of General Wolfe,” the most important painting in the history of Canada; “Robert Monckton,” a portrait of the major British military officer and American colonial official; “Treaty of Penn with Indians;” and “Benjamin Franklin Drawing Electricity from the Sky,” link Philadelphia, America, the indigenous American, Britain, Quebec and Canada, not yet in existence, politically, psychologically and spiritually in myriad complexities that confound natural prejudices. Within “The Charlotte Portfolio,” the wise, moneyed Charlottean patron intends, as a structured investment, that painters in “the West model” — highly capable portrait painters with a flair for painting history as history happened — paint important Charlotte historical events for the secondary market. Significant history exists that is strictly Charlotte’s – including, arguably, the gold rush at the Barringer farm circa 1825. A painter in “the West model” could paint “Tragedy Precedes Victory,” in both Atlanta and Charlotte, depicting NCNB’s McColl learning of the Wachovia-First Atlanta merger on his 50th birthday in 1985, to link Charlotte to the South. A painter in “the West model” could also paint “The Hunter Evangelist,” depicting McColl addressing Merrill Lynch’s Banker’s Conference at New York City’s St. Regis Hotel in 1995, to link Charlotte to the North. The financial instrument of “The Charlotte Portfolio” can create art that eschews the intellectual detachment of modern abstraction while cultivating engagement in civic history that underlies opera. There is no shortage of artists in the international art world who could take on this mission — but the key is to induce these artists as mentors to the talented, diverse visual artists in Charlotte to ascend to the necessary level of artistic mastery.

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Meeting Melberg

In Charlotte, Jerald Melberg Gallery in Cotswold to SOCO Gallery in Myers Park represented a sevenminute drive of 2.8 miles along Providence Road. In Manhattan, Paul Kasmin Gallery on West 27th Street to Friedrich Petzel on West 18th Street in Chelsea represented an 11-minute walk of one-half mile along 10th Avenue in Manhattan. Each crossstreet between 10th and 11th Avenue represents .2 miles that require three minutes walking. Skipping 23rd Street, this represents 1.9 miles total. I counted five galleries between Jerald Melberg Gallery and SOCO Gallery along Providence Road. I regularly, on and off, attend 50-57 galleries in Chelsea. Looking back, in all my years traveling and attending art galleries, the Jerald Melberg Gallery is the only gallery I recall which had direct, immediate access to a large parking lot. Ahhh, anti-density in Charlotte. Melberg, a straightforward businessman, will answer when his name is called, and will then speak his peace because one called it. I introduced myself and I asserted that I was writing an article about how Charlotte’s astrology bespeaks an aptitude not only for banking, but also, for art. “Astrology,” Mr. Melberg stated wistfully. “That stuff is more than silly.” Melberg spoke forthrightly thereafter. “A couple of times a year, each of the galleries do get together, and we do sit down and talk about what we’re up to,” Melberg informed me. “Charlotte does not have a specific locale where galleries are assigned. There is no Charlotte Art Dealership Association. There is a lot of difference in the philosophies that they represent.” I interpreted this statement in veiled Marxist terms, based upon economic interests, well-defined or otherwise. Melberg waived that idea off. “Any city like Charlotte — Minneapolis, Dallas, Phoenix — is going to have somewhat of an art scene,” Mr. Melberg observed. “I think it’s just a fact of growing. I have more interest in long-term representation of a specific group of artists that have a significant secondary market presence. “Light rail would not bring people to me,” Mr. Melberg concluded. “The type of client I expect is one who pulls up in their BMW or Lexus, buys artwork, then puts it in their car and leaves.”

I recently discussed Charlotte art galleries’ ongoing dearth of representation at the Miami art fairs with Sarah Grace Jones and Lillian Harris, native Charlotteans who represent the Miles McEnery Gallery in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. I asserted that Jerald Melberg Gallery’s perennial Charlotte art galleries, now and attendance at Art Miami constituted Charlotte’s tomorrow sole representation before Jones countered that her Nothing prepared me for when I attended former employer, SOCO Gallery, had attended Art the Miami art fairs for the first time in 2015. I had Untitled in both 2016 and 2017. attended art galleries in SoHo, the Upper East Side, I consulted Google Maps. Chelsea, TriBeCa and the Lower East Side for 29 years

in New York City. Although I only attended two art fairs, which represent galleries in cities around the world — Art Basel and Art Miami — I saw more quality artwork there than I had since the heyday of art museums in the ’80s and early ’90s. The artwork from both shows perpetually dazzled me. I have no doubts that Melberg’s ideal client fits snugly into Melberg’s business model. Still, I harbor significant doubts as to how his ideal client fits into how an ideal urban arts district — let alone Charlotte’s arts district — should be. All three cities to which Melberg compared Charlotte, including two major gas guzzler cities — Minneapolis, Dallas and Phoenix — all have light rail. Such light rail can deliver pedestrians to an arts district for an art crawl any night of the week. But, in light of what happened to NoDa — and in light of the fact that what happened in NoDa was destined to happen — skeptics must honor that Melberg represents economics that will not go away. New York City, like Charlotte, has placements in their astrological charts that favor banking and art. But it took 190 years for banking to manifest in New York City, and 335 years for New York City to become the capital of the art world, after various European Surrealists escaped Nazi-held Paris to inform and

to energize Jackson Pollock, Willem deKooning, Arshille Gorky and all the New York City Abstract Expressionists. Progress does not occur overnight. I would expect a gentleman and a patriarch like Melberg to assert that, when all Charlotte galleries meet to coordinate and discuss a variety of art- and civic-related issues, he joins them. Melberg is not bereft of civic responsibility; he honors his duty to the city of Charlotte. Then again, Melberg does not need another Charlotte gallery, or a collective of Charlotte galleries, to participate in these art fairs. A moneyed art district leads to artists such as Eric Fischl, David Salle, George Condo, Julio Larraz and Robert Longo. A popular art district leads to artists such as Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Jean-Michael Basquiat and Kenny Scharf. In New York City, back in the day, this was called “Uptown/Downtown.” Charlotte needs both. Once Charlotte establishes both, however, that does not promise success; both must endure. The spirit of McColl then emerges, patient and alert, gun poised. The Hunter Evangelist awaits his opportunity. INFO@QCNERVE.COM

MUSIC FEATURE

GRIND TOGETHER

Jason Jet opens new music studio patterned after coworking spaces

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BY PAT MORAN

open to the public — and all artists that want to come work.” Because GrindHaus is launching in the midst of a pandemic, private tours are scheduled throughout opening day with no more than 10 guests per hour, with 30-minute cleaning sessions between tours. Jet’s also keeping his eye on coronavirus infection rates, which have continued to rise sharply in North Carolina and Mecklenburg County, and is prepared to switch to an online launch if he feels it’s necessary. It’s been a whirlwind effort for Jet, who first made waves in the Queen City and regionally with his debut album Love Boulevard in 2010. With the collection’s title song, Jet created and launched a genre that he coined electric soul — smooth and tuneful pop that tethers Afrofuturism’s digital pulse to the organic heartbeat of gospel. Success came swiftly. Jet opened for Anthony Hamilton at the Fillmore Charlotte. Six months after releasing his debut, he garnered accolades including

Soulful R&B artist, songwriter and educator Jason Jet is adding a new occupation to his prodigious list of accomplishments: studio owner. GrindHaus studios, Jet’s new recording facility that’s set to open on Jan. 23, has been described as a creative oasis for all, a concept inspired by the coworking spaces that have shot up around Charlotte. “Grind together. Grind better,” reads the motto on the studio’s website. It’s an encapsulation of Jet’s concept of GrindHaus as a reasonably priced plug-and-play facility for musicians. “When an artist or producer comes in, they’ll bring their laptop and we have everything else — microphones, headphones, speakers and a cool work space that’s not your living room,” says Jet. He feels the GrindHaus experience can spark creative ideas for his target market, musicians who don’t have the optimal situation or the right gear to create at home, and who can’t afford to cut tracks at high-end Charlotte studios. “[You can] spend $90 an hour to do a recording that you may or may not get to sound the way you want it to, because you couldn’t spend enough time,” Jet offers. In contrast, GrindHaus offers monthly memberships where artists can come in every week to work JASON JET WENT DIY IN BUILDING HIS STUDIO. on their projects at affordable rates. “Say you want 20 hours a month, that might the New York Urban Music Explosion Award and the look like $200 or $250 a month,” Jet says. “You Carolina Music Award for Best New R&B artist. can do the math in your head. That’s hella savings Jet also branched out into education, compared to going anywhere else.” spearheading Young Icons, a series of workshops In addition to catering to artists’ recording needs, and summer camps he launched to mentor youth the multi-purpose facility will also host events like and teach them how to create music and write production classes and songwriting workshops. songs. All of this will launch between Jan. 16-23. It’s this kind of energy and dedication that once “That’s opening week” Jet says. The first day will prompted R&B artist and Charlotte native Hamilton welcome family and friends, and the following days to call Jet the “next best thing to come out of will host press and industry personnel. Charlotte.” “The final day, January 23, we’re going to be

Jet, who turned 34 in July, is continuing his musical and mentoring pursuits, but he has added a new facet to his artistry as owner and operator of his community studio, working steadily to get his new venture up and running “I’ve been a full-blown construction worker for the last six months,” Jet says with a chuckle.

Welcome to GrindHaus

It’s a crisp Sunday morning in east Charlotte as Jet takes Queen City Nerve on a tour of GrindHaus, which is taking shape amid a buzz of activity. A group of Jet’s friends are tidying a sunny room at the end of a long and narrow arched hallway. “This is one of my favorite rooms,” Jet says. “We call it ‘the calm.’” The cozy space is the facility’s podcast room, and it’s getting spruced up before artist and Emmy Award-winning poet and author Boris “Bluz” Rogers arrives to interview Jet for Bluz’s “Poetitup” podcast.

hallway. Just past the front lobby is the gallery, a room designated for small projects. Acoustic panels line the chamber to baffle sound but otherwise the white walls are bare. Jet hopes to fill empty spaces in this and other rooms with works by Charlotte’s visual artists, making work spaces do double duty as galleries. Far more fanciful is the jam room, just down the hall. Above a work desk is a framed Chicago Bulls basketball jersey, Michael Jordan’s iconic No. 23. Nearby is a Nintendo console and an old-school cathode-ray tube TV. Soon, the underside of the work desk is going to be lined with neon lights. “We wanted this room to feel like a 1980s teenager’s bedroom,” Jet says regarding the jersey. “Now I’ve got to get [Jordan] to sign it, don’t I?” We enter the live room across the hall. “This room is going to be where we cut vocals,” Jet says. The space, separated from a control room by a pane of plexiglass, resembles a studio floor with mic stands and inputs for audio cables. The room is dedicated for live-streaming concerts and is large enough to accommodate a band. “You see all the online concerts that people are doing? The one thing that a lot of them are lacking is good sound quality,” Jet says. The live room, designed to be a virtual concert venue, is wired to alleviate that problem. We head next door, to the other side of the plexiglass, into the control room, which Jet calls the main skybox. All the rooms we have visited are routed back to the skybox and its 64-channel mixer, he says. “If I wanted to cut a big band, I could put several musicians in each room. They could play at the same time, and we could record it,” Jet offers. “This is where the music happens. It’s the mothership.”

PHOTO BY JESS DAILEY

There’s still much to be done before then. Photographer Jess Dailey takes a short break from documenting the studio build and relaxes in a hammock chair suspended in the calm room. Jet discusses construction details with friend and collaborator Cupid Omalari. The two men, along with their construction team, have built GrindHaus from the ground up, Jet says. “Cupid is the brains behind the design and the curves,” Jet says as he points to the corridor’s arched ceiling. “This tunnel right here, that’s all Cupid.” Several co-working spaces branch off from the

Producing results

The live room and skybox can also be used for cutting vocals. For the past decade, recording professional-sounding vocals has been a hallmark of Jet’s production style. That wasn’t always the case. Jet started making beats when he was 10 years old, after his father gave him his first computer and his first digital audio software, Cakewalk Pro Audio. Beats and songwriting came easy, but Jet says vocals were his Achilles heel all throughout high school. “I was producing music, but I never really trusted my voice,” Jet remembers. “I [didn’t] allow

MUSIC FEATURE myself to sing freely.” Then he left Charlotte to attend Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida, where he studied the technical side of music making. Jet’s extracurricular activities involved playing keyboards and singing in two bands. Playing live, he started to build confidence in his voice. “[The bands] were good,” Jet says, “but I felt like I could do something a little spicier and funkier on my own.” Jet’s father, who wrote, produced, recorded

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JASON JET IN THE NEWLY BUILT GRINDHAUS.

and released several gospel, R&B and smooth jazz albums as Terrence Jones, encouraged and inspired his son. “Watching him do [his] albums — that sparked a lot of initiative for me,” Jet remembers. With his first EP, The Great Escape, Jet further developed his electric soul sound — futuristic-butorganic tunes that suggest the love child of Pharrell Williams and SZA. By 2014, Jet’s smooth grooves made him an in-demand producer. Out of 20 artists he produced that year, only four or five were cutting songs, but they weren’t releasing the tunes. That concerned Jet. As a producer, and an accomplished pianist, guitarist and drummer, it was easy for Jet to create whatever sound he wished, but it wasn’t what the artists wanted. “I learned how to figure out what story the artist [is] trying to tell,” Jet says. “What do they need from me to help them tell that story better and clearer?” A producer creates trust when he listens to

what the artist needs and tries to give it to them, Jet asserts. But at the same time, the producer can contribute their own style to the product without overpowering the artist. Jet cites his recent work producing R&B crooner Dexter Jordan’s two albums, Blue and followup Dexterity. While Jet kept the songs’ focus on Jordan’s limpid melodies and velvety voice, he also introduced the singer to different types of vocal harmonies, and created new melodies that hadn’t occurred to Jordan. “I wanted to hear everything Jordan had to say first,” Jet says. “I wanted him to put himself into it totally, and then I went in and did all the extra stuff.”

Paying it Forward

The studio’s opening has pushed some of Jet’s other projects to the back burner, but he hasn’t abandoned them completely. In 2020, Young Icons switched to nonprofit status, but the program didn’t operate over the summer due to COVID-19, Jet reveals. In 2021, Jet will bring the program back. There will be summer sessions, as well as additional programming throughout the year in which children will learn about production and writing and recording songs. Although Jet would prefer to run the program live because it excites and motivates the children, he’s also prepared to present it virtually. Although the nonprofit Young Icons and the for-profit GrindHaus are two separate entities, there is some spill-over, Jet admits. Some former Young Icons students are planning to intern at GrindHaus. “It’s really cool to see them progress,” Jet says. “They’re coming back to pay it forward.” Jet had also recorded and completed an album that he planned to release in May, before studio preparation ramped up. Now the album is slated for a May 2021 release. “I think it’s going to be better because I get to revisit the songs,” Jet says, adding that the improved facilities will only mean improved songs. Jet decided to release one track off the album in June. “Numb,” accompanied by a video shot on Lake Wylie, features Dennis Reed Jr. and PHOTO BY JESS DAILEY Johnny Abraham J. The song addresses how Black men react to rampant racism and violence Jet will bring his experience to production in America. classes, but says he will not be the only one heading “Black men and Black fathers are being numb up workshops and seminars at GrindHaus. In fact, to society and the way it’s been all these years,” until recently, Jet was doing most of his production Jet offers. He feels retreat and escape from strife work in the house where he grew up. Sharing and systemic oppression is understandable, but the home with his wife Diyasha, son Asayah and unhealthy. daughter Aniyah, it became clear that it was time The song points to a deeper motivation Jet has to move on. for launching GrindHaus. Opening up avenues of As the family prepared to sell the house, Jet expression can help us deal with fractious times, and started looking for a single room to work out of. As the ensuing conversations can point to solutions. luck would have it, he found the future GrindHaus Although he wants the GrindHaus concept to space while picking up product for Say It Ain’t Vegan, grow into a “YMCA for creatives,” housing 15 to 20 his wife’s company located in the building next door. workspaces in facilities spread across the country, Jet fell in love with the space. Even though it Jet’s not just spurred by that sort of ambition. was more than he needed, Jet had wanted to open a By creating a local space where artists feel multi-purpose studio since he was in middle school. comfortable enough to create, Jet feels he’s He took the discovery as a sign to follow his dreams. addressing flawed perspectives and stigmas about The money Jet got from selling his house went the music industry — and Black artists. He plans to toward paying for studio construction. make the studio a professional and inspiring facility.

“All the artists I’ve worked with in my home, they specifically came to me because of the energy that I had in my house,” Jet says. “I want to bring that same energy here to a professional space where I can market what I do.” As long as his heart and mind are in the right place, Jet feels the marketing will be successful. “In creating a community, we’re allowing creatives to share their experiences and their knowledge,” Jet says. “That makes it a lot more organic.” And organic things are much more liable to grow. PMORAN@QCNERVE.COM

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The late, great Roger Ebert began his review of this crowd-pleasing 2003 comedy, “If I were to tell you Elf stars Will Ferrell as a 6-foot-tall human named Buddy who thinks he is an elf and Ed Asner as Santa Claus, would you feel an urgent desire to see this film? Neither did I.” Fortunately, Elf overcomes Ebert’s qualms and proves to be that rare holiday film with both a heart and a wicked sense of humor. Director John Favreau gains points with inspired casting, like Bob Newhart as Buddy’s elf dad, contrasted with James Caan as Buddy’s human father. Elf is the final film playing at Camp North End’s Skyline Drive-in. More: $30 per car, Dec. 17, 7 p.m.; Camp North End, 400 Camp Road; camp.nc/events

Mercury Carter, he released a homemade six-song EP Mercury in 2016 on Soundcloud. The EP introduced listeners to Carter’s astounding vocals, boasting an extraordinary 3.5 octave range that rival those of Prince and Freddie Mercury. Now 25, Carter has proven himself to be one of the greatest voices of his generation. He couples his vocal talent with nuanced tone and dynamics, melodic arrangements, unique phrasing and mature lyrics. Utilizing his knowledge and passion for the genres that inspire him, most notable the golden age of soul, he has created a sound that will stand the test of time. More: $10 suggested donation; Dec. 17, 7 p.m.; online; neighborhoodtheatre.com

OnQ Productions was launched in 2006 with a mission to educate and produce classic, contemporary, and original performance works that reflect the Black Experience. The cast of OnQ creatives reframe tradition in a contemporary way with classics such as,“Ave Maria,” “Little Drummer Boy,”and“What Do the Lonely Do.”OnQ founder Quentin Talley celebrates Christmas through the lens of Black families who gravitate to holiday music by James Brown, the Temptations or the Jackson 5 over Bing Crosby, Elvis or the Beach Boys. More: $38-40; Dec. 17, 6 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Dec. 18, 6 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Middle C Jazz, 300 S. Brevard St.; middlecjazz.com

The Charlotte Symphony presents a family-friendly adaptation of The Nutcracker, streamed directly to your home, just in time for the holidays. For The Story of the Nutcracker, the Charlotte Symphony, led by resident conductor Christopher James Lees, pairs Tchaikovsky’s glorious music with the traditional story of a little girl named Clara whose adventures with a nutcracker-turned-prince take her to the Land of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy presides over a celebration of treats from around the world: chocolate from Spain, coffee from Arabia, tea from China and candy canes from Russia. More: $15; Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.; online; charlottesymphony.org

‘ELF’

MERCURY CARTER

ONQ PRESENTS A SOULFUL NOEL

‘ELF”

THE STORY OF THE NUTCRACKER

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CHRISTMAS AT MECK EXPERIENCE

Mecklenburg Community Church presents its first-ever Christmas at Meck Experience Dec. 18-23 This immersive walkthrough event journeys through the entire story of Christmas, brought to life with dramatizations about holiday traditions. The journey takes patrons to Santa’s Workshop where you just might catch a glimpse of the jolly ol’ man himself. The trip wraps up with an equally immersive outdoor experience at Bethlehem Village where visitors can set foot right onto streets of the famous town at the core of Christian beliefs and meet local townspeople of the day. The journey offers spectacular lighting, free treats and other holiday surprises. Although the event is free, visitors are urged to get their free tickets online for the safe, socially-distanced and family-friendly experience. More: Free; Dec. 18-23, 5 p.m.; Mecklenburg Community Church, 8335 Browne Road; mecklenburg.org/christmasatmeck/

MERCURY CARTER

12/17

ONQ PRESENTS A SOULFUL NOEL

12/18

ONGOING12_19-12_31

DANCE & CIRCUS FOR ALL

Local professional contemporary dance and cirque company Caroline Calouche & Co. are trailblazers and community builders who have never been afraid of vulnerability on stage. With an artistic goal to authentically connect with the audience they present Dance & Circus For All on demand. With the show, CC & Co. premiered seven new works on Nov. 21-22 through a live-stream performance from their studio theater at the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center. People from Lebanon to Costa Rica to the United States joined the virtual audience, and CC & Co. made history within their nonprofit organization and in Charlotte. “While there are cracks in our walls from the COVID-19 pandemic, our foundation is strong due to our artistic leadership, dedicated artists, staff and board,” says the company. They now offer Dance & Circus For All on demand from Dec. 19-31 through donation-based household ticketing. Dance lovers can watch the show as many times as they like with their donation. More: Suggested donation $20; Dec. 19–31; online; carolinecalouche.org

ADRIAN CRUTCHFIELD

ONGOING

SUN12_20

ADRIAN CRUTCHFIELD: FOR YOU ON CHRISTMAS

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Experience Christmas magic with composer, recording artist and saxophonist Adrian Crutchfield. Charlotte resident Crutchfield is known around the world for his neo-soul sound in a variety of genres such as jazz, R&B, pop, funk, soul, hip-hop and fusion. The evening of Christmas magic and jazz with Adrian Crutchfield will be streaming live in HD and stereo from Charlotte. Pay What You Can, Show Some Cheer, and Christmas Magic VIP passes (special song download included) are available. More: $5-$10; Dec. 20, 7 p.m.; online; adrianforyou.eventbrite.com

THE MAYHEW BOSTIC GROUP

12/27

12/20

WED12_23

BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA CHRISTMAS SHOW

The only long-running gospel group to stay active and make an impact on post-millennial music, the Blind Boys of Alabama are a staple of American roots music and a national institution. Although the group formed in the late 1930s, they didn’t enjoy widespread success until 1988. This live-stream from the UC Theatre in Cali will feature songs from their 2014 Talking Christmas! album along with Blind Boys’ gospel classics and other gems spanning their 70-plus-year career. More: $18-100; Dec. 23, 9 p.m.; online; neighborhoodtheatre.com

SUN12_27

TUES12_29

This free live virtual concert series features The Mayhue Bostic Group. In addition to Bostic, the band consists of Dawn Nicole Anthony on vocals, Letron Brantley on saxophone, Ocie Davies on drums, John Simmons on piano and Wil Thompson on bass. Bostic has toured the world playing jazz, blues and rock. He currently resides in South Carolina, where he is pursuing a masters degree in Jazz Studies and is a frequent performer on the upstate regional jazz circuit. Registration required. More: Free; Dec. 27, 7 p.m.; online; jazznsoulinspires.eventbrite.com

The Gantt Center commemorates the AfricanAmerican cultural celebration Kwanzaa virtually this year, sharing several ways families can celebrate during the seven-day observance. The Gantt will celebrate Ujamaa, which represents cooperative economics, highlighting the importance of supporting our community’s businesses and sharing in the wealth that we create. Kathy Fogle, a local candle artist and owner of Happy Kat Candles & Gifts, will lead workshop attendees in creating candles at home. Participants will need to purchase the necessary supplies. More: Free-$10; Dec. 29, 7 p.m.; online; ganttcenter.org

THE MAYHEW BOSTIC GROUP: SOUL HOLIDAYS

KWANZAA CELEBRATION WORKSHOP

12/29

FOOD & DRINK FEATURE

THE RAW TRUTH WITH KENYA TEMPLETON

Viva Raw’s market manager on family traditions, cycling and her fav CLT foods BY JASIATIC ANDERSON

Kenya Templeton is a force of wonder. You may know her face from Viva Raw, a raw bites juicerey located in 7th Street Public Market. After being an employee there for a few months, she was recently promoted to customer care and market manager. This is the thing: Kenya knows her shit. I should

KENYA TEMPLETON

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PHOTO BY CHADWICK CARTWRIGHT

off multilingual names of dishes with sheer beauty, leaving you curious, intrigued and starving. I sat down with her to know more. You ever met someone, stayed in touch for 10 years, watched them do amazing things, only to realize you know nothing about them? I wanted to be learned so I asked about her upbringing, cycling, natural health and, well — we talked about a lot. In fact, you’re going to have to go to qcnerve.com to catch the full version of our convo. Jasiatic Anderson: You’ve got a long resume. What are the things people around Charlotte know you for? Kenya Templeton: “Vitamin Lady” at Healthy Home Market on South Boulevard or Central Avenue, Sprouts or Earth Fare Concord; former organizer of Charlotte Natural Hair Meetup Group; founder of Charlotte Natural Hair Education Week; that big girl that be dancing and sanging at Soulful Noel (see Lifewave); co-founder and organizer, Queen City EZ Riders Slow Biking Gang; the Black lady that bikes all over Charlotte and is car-free by choice; designer of the sashiko and patchwork coat that won the first Repurposed Fashion Show; and Urban Girl Granola World, my former brand name and IG account. How would you describe yourself? Citified country gal with crunchy granola tendencies and world travel dreams always looking for an adventure involving food, cycling, music, dancing learning, educating, and healing. Child molestation and rape thriver. I am beyond surviving that shit now. My nephew says that I am the auntie with a house that is cool like an upscale drug den, cooking crazy food, scolding you, and loving on you at the same time. I feel that is the most accurate description anyone has ever said about me.

know after working under her as my manager at Healthy Home Market on South Boulevard circa 2011. She was the manager of the vitamin department there, which, as in most health-food stores, carried the whole establishment. Former employee Elisha Covington credits Templeton with teaching her “pretty much everything I know about What’s your favorite thing to make from a health.“ garden? Since my working with her in a formal setting, Anything soup. I eat soups all year. My favorites I’ve come to know Kenya in another way: the go-to are West African mafe (peanut stew) and any international food expert of the city. Kenya knows southeast Asian curry, especially massaman. food in a way I’ve never seen. Not just a purveyor of plates, she cooks her ass off with ease. She rattles

What’s your favorite place to eat vegetables in Charlotte? My house. I find that most menus in Charlotte are limited with vegan and vegetarian options that are not redundant with other restaurants in the area. Plus, I like spices. I eat little American food, so vegan restaurants often bore me and do not have enough seasoning. I have over three shelves of spices in my spice cabinet and grow herbs in my flower beds. With COVID, Freshlist and The Produce Box have been delivering local organic produce and foodstuffs

KENYA’S GRAIN BOWL FOOD PHOTOS BY KENYA TEMPLETON

to me. I pick stuff I have not ever had when possible so I can explore. If I had to pick a restaurant, I would say Enat Ethiopian, Jimmy Pearls, or Kebab-Je. Those are my go-to spots for plant-based meals with soul and seasoning. Both Enat and Kebab-Je have huge veggie platters that are so good I usually dance and hum when I eat them. What are three places to eat in the Charlotte area that people probably don’t know, but should? Lam’s Kitchen in Matthews is my favorite place for authentic Chinese food. It reminds me of late nights and holidays I spent eating in Chinatown, NYC. Plenty of vegetables for those that are plantbased. I do not cook a lot of meat at home, so I look forward to places that cook meat well. This is one of the only places I eat pork other than bacon. I

normally get long beans, soft-shell crab, and tender greens. Thai Tamarind in Monroe is the freshest tasting Thai in the area. Their naam kao — crispy rice with spicy lime pork and veggies — is one of my favorite dishes in the area. I also love their Pat Thai and panang curry in the veggie version. I wish they were closer to my home because I would go several times a month. Grand Asia Market in Stallings was my go-to for Asian food shopping and authentic cuisine. I am a sucker for Hong Kong-style pastries like moon cake, egg tart, tuna bun, wife cake, red bean bun, taro bun, sachima, jian deui/sesame balls, and curry bun. Pick up a bubble tea, smoothie, milk tea, dim sum (on Saturday and Sunday). Then head around the corner for a full array of Chinese meat and veggie dishes and one of my favorites, Peking duck. If you go around the back of the bakery case, a view window is in place to watch sweet and savory goodies be made. I think it is one of the singularly most magical places in the Charlotte area. Umph, all the places I love the best are not in Charlotte. I never thought about it until now. What does that say about Charlotte? How important is family tradition and ancestry with foods you prepare? I am the black sheep of my family. Therefore, I am estranged from most of them. In addition, I am the only non-Christian in my family. I converted to Judaism at a conservative synagogue in Brooklyn, NY, in 2005. In Black families, if you are not Christian or Muslim, they do not have a clue as to what your religious traditions are and will not make a point to learn them. My family hosted bid whist nights, parties, fish fries, and cookouts. When I was in NY, I hosted many a Shabbos meal before going to Friday night service. Grilling and smoking is not limited to special events. My father will smoke a whole fillet of salmon and I will make the vegetables. This is dinner on Tuesday. My mother is the best cook I know. She cooks different cuisines. She bakes. She is very experimental. I do the same. If you come for dinner or a party at my house, you need to have an adventurous palette. Do not expect chips, meatballs, crudite, or seven-layer dip. My cheese boards have vegan cheese with fennel, lime, chipotle cashew cheese. They ain’t ready.

FOOD & DRINK FEATURE

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especially when I forage and gather evergreens to activities. In addition, I was tired of kids picking on make smudge sticks. For the past two summers I me on the school bus. I told my mother I did not have been going car camping several times a month. want to ride the bus anymore and she told me I still So, I guess I am continuing the family tradition I need that for my sanity. I am in therapy weekly. Dry had to get to school knowing she could not take me of not being a stereotypical Black Southern family. brushing keeps my hidradenitis suppurativa (slow as she left for work as a teacher before we caught We do not allow limitations. I cook and eat what I lymphatic circulation). the bus. So, I took her 10-speed bike and started want when I want it. biking to school and riding to piano lessons, Just like my favorite track practice, choir rehearsal, and work. I Thanksgiving meal was had a freedom the other kids did not have. when we had Chinese In addition, I was being molested by a ginger chicken stir fry family member that lived in our home and with rice and veggies, helped with transporting us to activities. orange broccoli, fried Riding my bike made me less dependent apple wontons, egg and distant from him. rolls, and ginger lemon Cycling provided freedom. My mother iced tea. did not care what I did if it was not a crime I have been learning and did not embarrass her. I would go to the to make the traditional music store, Riddle’s, the tennis courts, the foods of my childhood. I library, the arcade, and the swimming pool am going to make corn to learn and be free. pudding for Chanukah After my bicycle was stolen in college as an ode to my and I had a car, I got away from cycling. maternal grandmother, When I moved to Long Island, I wanted to Zelma Johnson. My bike the trails along the beaches, so I got a paternal grandmother, STEWED MUSTARD AND TURNIP GREENS WITH TOMATOES AND SPECKLED LIMA BEANS. Specialized Hardrock. Then I discovered the Katie, makes cherry forests in Orange County, NY, and would take yum-yum, persimmon My daily supplement regimen consists of an my bike when I shopped Woodbury Commons. Then pudding, and chow-chow. I made a few jars of a adaptagenic herb, CBD oil, essential fatty acids, deconstructed version of her chow-chow and it was vitamin D drops, and something for immunity. I have fire. not used an over-the-counter or pharmaceutical Each year I make vegan mafe (West African drug in over 15 years. groundnut/peanut stew) on New Year’s Day. I drink 32 ounces of hot tea daily. Next year I am I incorporate the classic Southern New Year’s getting back into lifting weights, off-road cycling, traditions of black-eyed peas, greens, and cornbread and tennis drills for exercise. into a non-traditional version. For Chanukah I make stewed apples and sweet Tell me about your relationship and love potato latkes. Deviled eggs, chicken bone, stewed for bikes. apples, and turnip/crissy greens are on my Passover My dad is a bicycle mechanic among a list of Seder plate instead of the usual suspects. This other things he knows how to do. Like father, like merges Jewish and Southern Black tradition. daughter. My sister and I are daddy’s girls. I am What are your most important health regimens? I have been a certified natural health practitioner for almost 20 years and working in the natural products industry for over 25 years. I follow an Ayurvedic practice and keep in tune with my body. I only eat certain foods during certain seasons based on my dosha — forces that create your physical body. In addition, I meditate, journal, eat approximately 85-95% plant-based foods in my diet, ride my bicycles for exercise, pray, and keep crystals on me daily. I do a 30-day cleanse each spring and fall. I do a lot of grounding in the woods,

about the mechanical and creative stuff he does, so I would help him build things out of wood, do electrical work, trim hedges, fix car/bicycles, and repair appliances. We always had the best Schwinn bikes from Riddles Schwinn Shop in Statesville. My dad would see an old bike, take it apart, clean the parts, paint the frame and reassemble it. Other Black families also had great Schwinn bikes from Riddle’s, and we would often do multi-family rides on Sundays. It was nothing for my dad to ride his bike to work or to the mall. When my parents divorced, this meant there was only one parent to take me to extracurricular

I dated a guy that biked and started back into cycling for transportation in Brooklyn. When I moved back to NC, I lost my job and turned in my car to save money. I biked as my main transportation for eight years in Davidson and Charlotte. I got a car in 2019, but there was always a bicycle in or on it. My car died Thanksgiving week, so I am back on my bike. It is different since I had COVID back in March and have gained weight. I had planned to take a train and bicycle trip cross country in July, but the pandemic hit. I will be biking more to prepare for the rescheduled trip. Plus, I am writing a book about how cycling has saved my life from depression, molestation, financial devastation, and health issues. The bicycle is a highly underrated form of transportation and we take it for granted in American society. The bicycle could be part of the plan to rid [our country of] homelessness, classism, gentrification, and other societal ills. The problem is that politicians and corporate America will not make any money off that, so they think. To find about more about what Kenya’s up to you can find her on Instagram at @Kenya_Templeton_ Does and @KenyaTempletonPerforms. INFO@QCNERVE.COM

Connect with free virtual arts, science, and history experiences for all ages.

CULTURE

BLOCKS

Find upcoming events at ArtsAndScience.org/CultureBlocks

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LIFESTYLE PUZZLES

LIFESTYLE PUZZLES SUDOKU

BY LINDA THISTLE

PLACE A NUMBER IN THE EMPTY BOXES IN SUCH A WAY THAT EACH ROW ACROSS, EACH COLUMN DOWN AND EACH SMALL 9-BOX SQUARE CONTAINS ALL OF THE NUMBERS ONE TO NINE. ©2020 King Feautres Syndicate, Inc. All rights reserved.

TRIVIA TEST BY FIFI RODRIGUEZ

1. MEASUREMENTS: How many tablespoons are in 1 fluid ounce? 2. LITERATURE: Which famous gothic novel features the beginning sentence, “Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again”? 3. GEOGRAPHY: What is the capital of New Zealand? 4. BUSINESS: When was the first iPhone released? 5. TELEVISION: What was the name of Norm Peterson’s unseen wife in the sitcom “Cheers”? 6. PERSONALITIES: Which former pro football player earned the nickname “Broadway Joe”? 7. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a female donkey called? 8. MEDICAL: A deficiency of vitamin A causes what condition? 9. MUSIC: Which 1980s pop hit starts with the line, “Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today to get through this thing called life”? 10. MOVIES: What was the name of Charles Foster Kane’s estate in “Citizen Kane”?

CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 Dreamworld 9 Pa 12 Incline 16 Big -- whale 19 Person copying another 20 Straight-ahead view 22 Dandy sort 23 “That raving guy is lying!”? [1958, 1999, 1983] 25 Regret a lot 26 Mythical ship 27 Plane-related 28 Compass dir. 29 Growing field 30 Franklin brought a certain continent’s nations back together? [1972, 1979, 1983] 36 Very reactive element 40 Actor Ely 41 Inflexible 42 Assist an unwise fugitive? [1965, 2002, 1961] 49 Like cold fish 50 Muscular jerk 51 Organic compound 52 Castle encirclers 56 Join others in the attack 59 Poetic foot 61 -- long way 62 Effortless progress with zero snags? [2017, 1999, 1980] 69 Certain scroll key on PC 70 -- Dhabi (emirate) 71 Mr. -- (“Fantasy Island” host) 72 Kings and queens hold agave liquor dear? [2013, 1966, 1958] 79 High peak 80 Revered sort

81 Directs 82 Cantata kin 85 Dirt clump 87 Ph.D. or MBA 88 Allergic reaction? 93 City’s main business section during a tornado? [1982, 1967, 1965] 98 The Everly Brothers’“-- Clown” 101 Bovine cry 102 Old Fords 103 Rigg made Rooney go “Wow!”? [1957, 2000, 1982] 110 Many a seized car 111 Honest prez 112 Revered sort 113 Messy stack 117 Bitter brew 118 This puzzle’s long answers each consist of three of these 124 Actor Gulager 125 Extolling 126 Analgesics 127 “Keystone” lawman 128 Move upward 129 Heckling cry 130 Fresh beginning DOWN 1 Mother of Helen of Troy 2 Love deity 3 Chest organ 4 Choir voice 5 Test facility 6 Gobbled up 7 Actor Lloyd 8 Less sweet, as wine 9 Gobbles up 10 In-favor vote 11 JFK, e.g.

12 High-strung 13 Vine-covered 14 Grassy area 15 Mom’s skill, in brief 16 Fright-filled 17 Wellspring 18 Epithet for Tarzan 21 Most recent 24 Before 29 Sorbet alternative, for short 30 Shine up 31 Broody rock genre 32 Japanese dance-drama 33 Concerning 34 “So cute!” 35 Beer bubbles 36 “-- -ching!” 37 Slim fish 38 -- -Blo fuse 39 NYSE debut 43 Of ears 44 Jaunty tune 45 Frosts 46 Modular part 47 Ark-itect? 48 Charity 53 Katy Perry’s “I Kissed --” 54 Toy truck maker 55 Wise guy 56 Cola biggie 57 Actor Epps of “Shooter” 58 “Ora pro --” (“Pray for us”) 60 Root beer brand 62 Filmmaker Pier -- Pasolini 63 Nile’s home 64 Stephen of “Ondine” 65 Suffix with play or faith 66 Kick out 67 Debt slip

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PG.18 PUZZLE ANSWERS

68 Chou En- -69 Soho stroller 73 Roman 350 74 Consecrated 75 Sufficient, in poetry 76 Lamarr of “Comrade X” 77 Ticked (off) 78 Accordingly 83 Prefix with botany or biology 84 “-- Little Tenderness” 86 Lightest coin 88 Actor Griffith 89 Dol. parts 90 Farming tool 91 Barn percher 92 Slip- -- (mules, e.g.) 94 D.C.’s land 95 Silent “OK” 96 Santo -97 Diminutive 98 Audiophile’s storage item 99 Danny of “Ruby” 100 Wrap, as a weak wrist 104 Papas’ partners 105 Activist Hoffman 106 Final letters 107 Chemical suffix 108 “Over There” composer 109 Kevin of “Silverado” 113 Pitcher -- Wilhelm 114 Central Sicilian city 115 Golden -- (senior) 116 “Hey ... over this way!” 118 “Car Talk” network 119 “Mystifier” Geller 120 Chest bone 121 Artist Yoko 122 Job for AAA 123 1960s univ. radicals

LIFESTYLE COLUMN

AERIN IT OUT A CRYSTAL CLEAR EVENING Enjoying a taste of something new at the historic Poplar Tapas location

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BY AERIN SPRUILL

‘Twas two weeks before Christmas, when all through the house/ A hangover was stirring, I was quiet as a mouse; With Netflix in the background, I sat in a chair/ In hopes that PTO would send tidings of nightlife happenings there; As I laid down my head my phone produced a sound/ A text from my editor coming inbound; An invite to a tasting menu? Don’t mind if I do/ A Q.C. holiday miracle suddenly came true… And that’s how I found myself at a one-of-a-kind Crystals & Cocktails event at Poplar Tapas, Wine & Spirits in the historic Fourth Ward. A quick glance on Instagram revealed that the night ahead would be truly magical. My eyes sparkled watching a glittering display of amethyst candleholders surrounding a purple cocktail of what appeared to be liquid crystals being stirred with a dazzling stick of purple rock candy to the sprightly tune of “Tapas Y Sol.” The caption uncovered what I had in store: five courses paired with five dreamy cocktails in one of the coziest crannies of Charlotte. The perfect recipe for a gem-loving gypsy who’s constantly on the hunt for tasty small plates and cocktails. “Wow is this a restaurant?” my Uber driver exclaimed as I steadied my heeled ankles for the dismount out of his tall SUV. Once safely on the ground, I smiled, regaining confidence, and assured him it was. I turned to see the beautiful display of twinkling lights on the front patio and the warm invitation from the entryway. Despite the fact that I’ve passed this familiar house many times, just like my Uber driver I had never taken the time to find out what was going on inside. An historic landmark, the Morrison House is named after the Morrison family, who owned the property from 1906 to 1949. The house was owned and occupied by descendants of Dr. Robert Hall Morrison, founder and first president of Davidson

Along the way, guests were encouraged to ask questions, adding to the atmosphere of having a decadent dining experience in the comfort of one’s home.

Course 1: Ceviche two ways — Peruvian and Mexican. Paired with a fluorite-infused cocktail; Jenni’s College and an early Presbyterian pastor. Pisco Rainbow featured peach schnapps, lime juice, In the dark of night, you may mistake this beautiful Sprite, blue ice, and purple rock candy to garnish. piece of Charlotte history, located at the corner of West 10th and North Poplar streets, as just another piece of Course 2: real estate. If you made the same mistake I did, you’re Tacos three ways — al pastor, grilled marinated missing out on an adventure to Peru and Spain by way chicken, vegan carnitas, with a small slice of perfectly of tapas, wine and cocktails. grilled corn and an edible (and absolutely divine) As I stepped through the door, I felt the coziness nopal leaf on the side. and excitement of entering a home that I’d ogled from Paired with an Obsidian-infused cocktail; Edwin’s afar. My curious eyes swept from left to right admiring Authentica Jarritos, in clay cups from Mexico rimmed the tasteful decor, the dark gray walls, the mysterious with chamoy and chili powder. This is the cocktail my artwork, and the stairs laced with string lights as if I dreams are made of. was stealing decorating inspiration before the hostess could stop me. I let my fears of “what I wouldn’t see” Course 3: fall by the wayside as the secrets, history, and nooks of Prawns with chorizo and ajillo sauce on a bed of the home were soon shared with me by the “Magical mashed potatoes and rice paper crisp. Mistress of Ceremonies.” Paired with Butternut Bliss infused with citrine, My nosy heart rejoiced as Trish Ellington dark rum, orange liqueur, and yes, butternut squash! explained the history of The Morrison House and how Poplar Tapas’ vision was brought to life by Lucia Course 4: Zapata Griffith, a Charlotte architect, and executive Seared scallop served in shell with sweet potato chef Bruno Macchiavello, both influenced by their and carrot puree, white wine, and homemade garlic upbringing in Peru. butter sauce. After the tour, I sat down at my table in the corner Paired with Rosé Frappe infused with pink quartz, of the room and anticipated the libations, eats and raspberry vodka, coconut rum, Rosé Cava and grated people-watching to come. As the other guests arrived, nutmeg. I rejoiced at each awkward, curious glance from strangers wondering my purpose in the room as I was Course 5: attending sans a partner in crime. (Though later their The most “mystical” end to the evening touted curiosity would subside because I was joined by Kathy grilled oysters two ways and served over dry ice, Chandler, a member of the Poplar Tapas family.) which offered a visual exclamation point to bookend I simply returned the favor by glancing curiously the night’s tasting menu. back when the same strangers were ordering cocktails Paired with a jade-fused Frozen Jade Julip that before the cocktails… featured bourbon with coconut creme, creme de The intimate experience began with an banana, mint garnish and flambeed bananas. introduction of the star players, then the mood was set by Mystical Mixologist Jenni Holloway as she After experiencing the carefully curated menu and walked through the room burning sage and swinging night fostered upon collaboration between Mystical a Koshi chime side to side. What may have been a step Mixologist Jenni, guest chef Edwin, and the staff, it’s outside of some’s comfort zone — based on the raised safe to say that Crystals & Cocktails conjured a truly brows and pinched lips — felt to me like just the kind organic experience through flavors, stones and vibes. of eccentricity that spells home. There’s a rich, savory history to experience at What followed was three hours of pure bliss. Poplar Tapas, and you don’t have to wait for a tasting Before each course, our Mystical Mixologist explained event; it’s happening daily. Events like this just the cocktail, outlining the ingredients and highlighting highlight the team’s ability to turn what already feels the infused stone — the mystical properties and like an intimate dining experience into one that can’t benefits of each one — making it easier for me be found anywhere else. to attribute my “mood” to energy transfer versus a cozy buzz. After each plate was placed, guest chef INFO@QCNERVE.COM Edwin Cruz explained the intricacies of the dishes, spotlighting their organic and pure nature, which I can honestly say rang true with each bite.

By Lucie Winborne • Doc Martens come in all different colors and sizes now, but the first pair was created using old tires. • There actually aren’t “57 varieties” of Heinz ketchup, and never were. Company founder H.J. Heinz thought his product should have a number, and he just happened to like 57. • March 3 is known as “What if Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs Day.” • The number of permutations within a deck of cards is mind-bogglingly large: an 8 with 67 zeroes after it. That means there are more card combinations than stars in the Milky Way, which amount to as many as 400 billion! • Cataract surgery was possible as early as the 6th century B.C. • Barbie’s physical appearance was inspired by a German doll named Bild Lilli, created in 1952 and based on a high-end call girl named Lilli who was featured in the comic strip “Bild-Zeitung.” She was sold as an adult novelty in bars and tobacco shops — definitely not as a children’s toy. Barbie inventor Ruth Handler saw the doll while vacationing in Europe and brought it home. • Sunsets on Mars are blue. • The Gate Tower Building in Osaka, Japan, has a highway that passes through the building, between the fifth and seventh floors. • A Paris morgue needed help identifying bodies in the 1860s, so decided to open its doors to the public. They probably underestimated people’s morbid curiosity, though, as soon 40,000 people a day were coming to look at corpses. • Mob boss Vincent Gigante would wander around New York in his bathrobe to convince the police he was insane, and thus avoid capture. *** Thought for the Day: “Life is mostly froth and bubble. Two things stand like stone. Kindness in another’s trouble, courage in your own.” — Adam Lindsay Gordon © 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

LIFESTYLE

HOROSCOPE DECEMBER 16 - DECEMBER 22

DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 29

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) At this time you LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Uncovering ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Although taking LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Private and

might want to resist that otherwise admirable Aries penchant for getting to the heart of a matter quickly. Keep in mind that a delicate situation calls for patience.

some surprising background facts about that advice isn’t always easy for the headstrong Sheep, professional matters compete for your attention. Be ongoing personal matter could make you reconsider you might want to consider what someone you honest in your assessment of which should get more the extent of your involvement. A neutral family respect says about an upcoming decision. of it, and for how long. member offers advice.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) A new offer is SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A tempting, but don’t be bullied into a quick decision. seemingly endless list of must-do tasks is best or spiritual themes start to dominate your aspect Rely on your keen Bovine business sense to alert you handled by tackling them one by one, and taking this week. This can serve as a counterweight to to anything that might be questionable. energy-restoring timeouts between each job. the mounting effects of the season’s growing commercialization. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Your Gemini Twin SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) nature rallies to help you deal with this week’s hectic A vexing relationship seems destined to deteriorate schedules, both in your personal and professional no matter what each side tries to do. A third party’s Taking on that recent challenge impressed a lot of lives. One caution: Watch your diet. advice just might prove helpful. important decision-makers. Meanwhile, proceed with your holiday plans, and don’t forget to include you-know-who in them. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Avoid rushing CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) to make up for time lost on a stalled workplace Reach out to ease any tensions caused by home CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) operation. Best to set up a schedule and pace or workplace pressures before they threaten the relationship-building progress you’ve made. Disagreeing with an opinion you can’t accept could yourself. Welcome the help of colleagues. be dicey, and your motives might be questioned. Best to wait to mount a challenge until you have LEO (July 23 to August 22) Despite those glittering AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) You support for your position. holiday distractions you love so well, be sure to often go out of your way to show kindness to others.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your aspects favor SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Religious

more diplomacy and fewer direct confrontations when dealing with a relationship problem. Avoiding hurt feelings can help in your search for the truth.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Positive aspects are

strong this week. Although you might still have to deal with some problems caused by a recent period of turmoil, you are making progress, and that’s what counts.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A family matter

could benefit from your counsel. But don’t come into it unless invited, and don’t stay if you feel uneasy. Just remember to reassure one and all that you’ll be there for them.

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LEO (July 23 to August 22) As the truth about an

keep your feline senses set on high to alert you to ongoing situation emerges, you could find that you AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Getting anything that might require fast action. were right to defer judgment before you had all involved in helping others in this increasingly hectic the facts. Now would be a good time to move on to period not only makes the generous Aquarian feel other matters. good, but you could also gain a more substantive VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Making an effort to restore fraying relationships proves to be benefit from your actions. more successful than you dared hope. The holidays VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Your plans to also bring new friends into your life. take control of a personal situation because you feel PISCES (February 19 to March 20) The Piscean way you are best qualified could create resentment. Best of thinking clearly and objectively helps you resolve to hear what everyone else involved in the matter a complex situation without creating any ill will. has to say about it. Don’t be surprised if your counsel is requested on another matter.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a way of persuading people to look at the positive possibilities that make up any choices they might face.

BORN THIS WEEK:

So, don’t be surprised if other people want to do something nice for you this week.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) People in your life respect your Piscean wisdom, so don’t hesitate to speak up about a matter that you feel isn’t being handled quite the way it should be.

Your personal warmth helps you make friendships, and your sense of fair play helps you keep them.

2020 KING FEATURES SYND., INC.

LIFESTYLE COLUMN

PG.19 PUZZLE ANSWERS

SAVAGE LOVE GAY DREAM BELIEVER

We’re just busting balls BY DAN SAVAGE

I’m wondering if you can help me with some dream interpretation. If it helps for context, I’m a single 29-year-old gay man. For just about as long as I can remember, I’ve been having sex dreams, though mildly unsatisfying ones in that the dreams never seem to lead to actual sex. My dream partners range from people I work with to people from high school to celebrities I’ll never get the chance to meet. I never dream about someone I wouldn’t want to sleep with in the waking world, given the opportunity. The scenarios are generally different as well. Sometimes the sexual tension is palpable but we’re in a crowded room. Sometimes we get close enough to get started but the setting is off. Sometimes we start to get hot and heavy but the dream ends just prior to the sex. In each case I wake up frustrated and masturbate to finish the fantasy. I’ve been pretty sexually starved during the pandemic, Dan, so you can imagine my frustration when I woke up this morning having almost had dream sex with Andrew Rannells. Can you think of why this might be happening? Any advice would be appreciated!

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DISTANCING REAL EARNESTLY AND MISSING EROTIC ROMPS

“Well this is certainly very interesting,” said actor, singer, and author Andrew Rannells. “I’m honored I made the list of people DREAMER would actually have sex with in real life, if given the chance.” Seeing as this two-time Tony-Award nominee is taken — Rannells fell in love with Tuc Watkins, one of his Boys In the Band co-stars on Broadway, and the two men now live together in Los Angeles — there’s not much chance of something happening between an anonymous Savage Love reader, DREAMER, and Rannells, one of the stars of The Prom on Netflix. But Rannells was more than happy to do a little amateur dream interpretation for a fan. “As for the root of this issue,” said Rannells, “I suppose it could have something to do with not having the confidence of actually following through with the

full act? Maybe while awake he could experiment with fantasizing about a more complete experience and see if that changes his dream life?” My two cents: perhaps these dreams are lingering evidence of some shame about your same-sex desires — which is why your dream universes conspire to prevent you from having gay sex — or perhaps the continued existence of bigots who would prevent gay men from having sex preys on your subconscious mind and manifests in the form of these frustrating/frustration dreams. Or maybe there’s no way of knowing what the hell is going on here and trying to attach meaning to something as random as a dream is a waste of time or a scam or both. The real takeaway here, DREAMER, is that you now have Rannells’ permission to masturbate about him whenever you like — or at least that’s how I would interpret his encouragement to fantasize about “more complete” experiences with the men who populate your dreams, Rannells included. You didn’t need his permission to masturbate about him, of course, and as a general rule we shouldn’t need to ask the people we want to jack off about for their okay. But Rannells basically offered, DREAMER, so have at. “Ultimately, we can’t control our dreams,” added Rannells. “For instance I have a recurring stress dream where I am supposed to be driving Jessica Lange somewhere and I can’t get the GPS to work. What does it mean? We’ll never know.” Follow Andrew Rannells on Instagram @ AndrewRannells. After years of receiving oral sex from girlfriends who were careful to never inflict any sort of pain on my testicles, I met a woman who wasn’t so careful. For our fifth date, she came back to my place and we watched a movie. After the movie we began to kiss and soon she was making love to my stiff penis with her mouth while rather roughly massaging my testicles. However this came to be, I was liking it quite a bit. The more pressure she applied to my testicles, the harder my penis became. This has never happened to me in my 33 years of lovemaking! I actually asked her to squeeze my testicles harder and harder and I can honestly say my penis was harder than it has ever been. Against my better judgment, I asked her to squeeze my testicles as hard as she could. After several seconds of the most intense pressure she could provide, I had the most powerful orgasm I have ever had. All of a sudden, I was dizzy and my vision went black. When I finally came back

TRIVIA ANSWERS: 1. 2 tablespoons 2. “Rebecca” 3. Wellington

4. 2007 5. Vera 6. Joe Namath 7. A jenny

to reality, there was an extraordinary amount of come all over the place. She has made love to my penis dozens of times since in the same manner. My question: Will there be any physical complications to my newly discovered taste for this kind of play? I look forward to your response!

THIS EXQUISITELY SENSUOUS TORMENT ENHANCES SEX

8. Night blindness 9. “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince 10. Xanadu

break situation. Use very specific language like, “If we can’t talk about this, I’m leaving,” or, “If we don’t go to counseling, I can’t stay in this relationship.” In my case, I did not communicate how important the issue was and my partner did not think we needed to talk about it because it wasn’t a problem for her and she didn’t know — because I didn’t tell her — how much of a problem it was for me. Eventually I acted out and had a random hookup. We wound up in counseling, which got us talking, but nothing changed the fact that we have very different libidos. More than likely I am moving out when our youngest son goes to college. If I had to do it over again I would have let my partner know exactly how important it is to me that we have a healthy, robust sexual relationship. Having a difficult conversation is better than acting out in a way that puts everyone’s health at risk and damages trust. I have no idea if that would have changed things between us, but I would feel a whole lot better about how things went down.

Ball busting — the kink you stumbled on — is inherently risky, TESTES, in that you could actually rupture, aka “bust,” one or both of your balls. Hence the name. But considering how much pleasure you’re deriving from this and considering how short life is and considering how long you’ve been sexually active and considering how little use you’re gonna get out of your balls once you’re dead, TESTES, I don’t see any reason why you should deprive yourself — at this stage — of this newly discovered sexual pleasure. Well, actually… I can see one reason why you might want to knock this off: when it comes to ball busting, TESTES, there’s no way to eliminate the risk of a physical complication that lands ONE MAN’S OPINION your sack in the emergency room and E.R. nurses and doctors have enough on their plates right now. So maybe Thank you for sharing, OMO, and here’s hoping you give your balls a break until after the pandemic is over get a chance to “do it over again.” With a new partner, if and then go nuts. you wind up leaving your partner, or with the partner you have now, if you stay. There’s nothing you can say I’m writing in response to WHY, the Italian to change your partner’s libido, OMO, but if you keep fellow whose partner has a significantly lower talking you may be able to work out a compromise or an libido than he does. I would like to share my accommodation that takes the pressure off her (to round perspective. I have a high libido and my partner her libido up) and off you (to round yours down). Good of more than 20 years has a low libido. From the luck. perspective of the person with the lower libido, there’s no problem to address. The person with the mail@savagelove.net; Follow Dan on Twitter lower libido gets to have sex whenever they want. @FakeDanSavage; On the Lovecast, learn all about your When they don’t want sex, it doesn’t happen. If pelvic floor with Dr. Rachel Gelman. WHY wants to engage his partner in a conversation www.savagelovecast.com about this he has to make it clear this is a make-or-

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Queen City Nerve - December 16, 2020

Articles inside

THE RAW TRUTH BY JASIATIC ANDERSON

HOROSCOPE

SAVAGE LOVE

PASSING THE CROWN BY HANNAH HASAN

LIFEWAVE

EDITOR’S NOTE BY RYAN PITKIN