August SouthPark 2024

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Resident Study & Work Stations | Dedicated Fitness & Movement Studio Weekly Community Gatherings

FROM THE EDITOR

The summer I turned 16, when all my friends were getting their driver’s licenses, Jeeps, Honda Preludes and any convertibles were the coveted cars to have. My parents didn’t get me any of those. Instead, I got a used Toyota Starlet. I know — I was lucky to get a car at all, but both my parents worked and my ability to drive myself to school and after-school practices made their lives easier, too. They were smart not to get me an expensive new car — a couple of months later, I totaled my little gray coupe in a head-on collision with another 16-year-old from my school. Fortunately, we were both uninjured, aside from a few cuts on my forehead after slamming into the windshield. (North Carolina’s seat-belt law had just been introduced, but kids will be kids. Lesson learned, the hard way.)

We collided as we approached an S-shaped curve in the road from opposite directions — we each attempted to take the curve straight rather than stay on our designated sides of the road. It didn’t work out so well.

Thinking back on it, isn’t that just a meta-

phor for so many things in life?

Buying a mix instead of making a cake from scratch — it never tastes as good (though I’ll argue that brownies are the exception to the rule).

Taking the interstate instead of the back roads, where you miss out on all the farm stands selling ripe strawberries in spring, juicy peaches in summer, apples and apple cider in the fall.

Watching the movie adaptation before reading the book, which 99% of the time is so much better and doesn’t leave you scratching your head, trying to connect all the dots when it’s over.

Having ChatGPT write your feature story for you … OK, we can’t even fully comprehend the lasting impact of AI yet. (And rest assured, we still do things the old-fashioned way here.)

We’re all busy, and there’s nothing wrong with trying to find a few efficiencies in life. But so far, I’ve learned that following the curves — the path with more steps, twists and turns — is quite often the best way forward. SP

CATHY MARTIN EDITOR editor@southparkmagazine.com

IN THIS ISSUE:

1 - Closet crush with street-style maven Amy Hines (page 18)

2 - The Brass Bird brings a dose of nostalgic charm to downtown Pineville (page 24)

3 - A walk in the woods at Half-Mile Farm in Highlands (page 96)

4 - A colorful cocktail trio at Que Onda (page 92)

ALLEN TATE REALTORS ® SOUTHPARK

August

BLVD.

18 | closet crush

Amy Hines: Sophisticated street style in Eastover

24 | retail

The Brass Bird brings modern-mercantile charm to historic downtown Pineville.

30 | sports

Charlotte’s Carson Clough chases a gold medal at the 2024 Paralympics.

32 | community

The Ivey delivers science-based, brain-fitness workshops to help head off cognitive decline.

36 | cuisine

The story behind Calle Sol’s Pan con Pavo

40 | cuisine

New York Old School Bagel & Deli serves up a taste of Gotham in south Charlotte.

44 | around town

What’s new and coming soon in the Queen City

46 | happenings August calendar of events

DEPARTMENTS

48 | collectors

How a Charlotte couple built an art collection that reminds them of places near and far.

53 | gardening

How to make the most of sunny, dry spaces

57 | authors

In a new book, North Carolina reporter Valerie Bauerlein explains the deep roots of the Murdaugh family legacy.

63 | books

Notable new releases

65 | simple life

In an increasingly loud world, maybe we should be still and listen to nature.

107 | swirl

Parties, fundraisers and events around Charlotte

112 | gallery

Charlotte’s hub for indie films plots an expansion.

ABOUT THE COVER:

Inside a collector’s home (page 84). Photograph by Dustin and Susie Peck.

FALL ARTS PREVIEW

71 | Two queens. Girl power. And a voyage to outer space. by Page Leggett

20 wonderful ways to fill your dance card this fall

FEATURES

84 | Living art by Cathy Martin

photographs by Dustin and Susie Peck

There’s a story behind each marvelous piece in this collector’s home with mountain views.

92 | Latin flair by Michael J. Solender photographs by Justin Driscoll Qué Hospitality founder Manny Flores quietly introduces Charlotte diners to a fresh take on contemporary Latin cuisine.

TRAVEL

96 | Pretty pastoral by Cathy Martin

Minutes from downtown Highlands, Half-Mile Farm offers a relaxing, adultsonly getaway in an idyllic setting.

NEW NAME, NEW HOME

SAME MISSION

1230 West Morehead St., Suite 308 Charlotte, NC 28208 704-523-6987

southparkmagazine.com

Ben Kinney Publisher publisher@southparkmagazine.com

Cathy Martin Editor cathy@southparkmagazine.com

Sharon Smith Assistant Editor sharon@southparkmagazine.com

Andie Rose Creative Director

Alyssa Kennedy Art Director alyssamagazines@gmail.com

Miranda Glyder Graphic Designer

Whitley Adkins Style Editor

Contributing Editors

David Mildenberg, Michael J. Solender

Contributing Writers

Jay Ahuja, Jim Dodson, Amanda Lea, Liza Roberts, Jay Sifford, Katherine Snow Smith

Contributing Photographers

Grant Baldwin, Alex Boerner, Daniel Coston, Justin Driscoll, Richard Israel, Amy Kolodziej, Dustin & Susie Peck

Contributing Illustrator Gerry O’Neill

ADVERTISING

Jane Rodewald Sales Manager 704-621-9198

jane@southparkmagazine.com

Cindy Poovey Account Executive 704-497-2220 cindy@southparkmagazine.com

Scott Leonard Audience Development Specialist 704-996-6426

Sarah Fligel Marketing Specialist sarah@southparkmagazine.com

Brad Beard Graphic Designer

Letters to the editorial staff: editor@southparkmagazine.com

Instagram: southparkmagazine

Facebook: southparkmagazine X: SouthParkMag

Owners

Jack Andrews, Frank Daniels III, David Woronoff in memoriam Frank Daniels Jr. David Woronoff President david@thepilot.com

Published by Old North State Magazines LLC. ©Copyright 2024. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Volume 28, Issue 8

blvd.

people, places, things

GOODBYE, OLD FRIEND

If these walls could talk: The bar at Harper’s Restaurant in SouthPark was once a happy hour hot spot, while the restaurant itself hosted countless family dinners, birthday celebrations and group get-togethers since it opened in 1992. The restaurant closed in July; property owners plan to demolish the building to make way for a bank. The first Harper’s opened on Woodlawn Road in 1987, with a family-friendly menu featuring wood-fired dishes (and their beloved Chicken Supremes) that incorporated local ingredients. But it may not be goodbye forever: “We are working on a new location for a new iteration of Harper’s and hope we will be able to share more information soon,” Burke Hospitality owner Tom Sasser said in a news release. SP

CLOSET CRUSH:

AMY HINES

by Whitley Adkins | photographs by Amy Kolo

Connecticut native Amy Hines delights in Charlotte’s small-town charm. After stints in New York and Chicago, her husband Johnny’s finance job brought them here 20 years ago.

“Because of its size and the area of the community where we live, anyone can be influential,” Hines says, noting Charlotte’s active philanthropic scene.

“People here want to step up and do things. I think we get spoiled here because it is a thriving city with a nice small-town feel. In a bigger city, those opportunities can get lost.”

With the couple’s four children, ages 19 to 25, now grown and flown, Hines spends much of her time traveling to visit them. So appropriately, travel and family are perhaps the greatest influences on her unique and fashion-forward style.

Hines invited us for a peek inside the chic-and-sophisticated closet in her Eastover home, where she’s lived since moving to the Queen City two decades ago.

Comments have been edited for length and clarity.

THE STYLE

Personal style: Casual — street style is a good way to describe it. It’s usually neutrals, or all in the same color or tone. I am in a very big strapless phase right now. I’m a little tomboyish — a more tailored, street tomboy, though I love a pretty dress, too. Inspiration: Mainly travel and my girls, because they don’t live here. You just see different things in different places, and then you put them all together.

Wardrobe staples: Jean jacket, leather jacket, loafers, clogs, tank tops, workout clothes. I have a collection of stacked jewelry from my husband that I wear all the time.

Style icons: The Row and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and Victoria Beckham. Right now I love Zendaya — everything she wears. Locally, you and Whitney Whitlock at Five One Five — she looks great in everything.

THE SHOPPING

Where she shops: New York and LA — that whole Santa Monica and Malibu area. You can find the cool collaborations there. I love a collab — two great creative minds coming together. I love Cherry

LA and Madhappy. Selfridges in London. Scott Antique Markets in Atlanta. Online, I love Revolve, Net-APorter, Moda Operandi, Farfetch, Ssense and Cettire. Locally, I like Capitol, Five One Five, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. I got some great Nike Air Jordans, a special release, from Request Boutique in Midtown. I buy and sell at The Edit Sale and on The Real Real and Poshmark — and I still love eBay. Favorite brands and designers: Right now, Rick Owens, Sandy Liang and Ganni. Also, SIR., The Frankie Shop, Proenza Schouler, Paloma Wool, Adidas x Wales Bonner, Emi Jay hair accessories and Courreges. Juliet Johnstone in LA — she does beach blankets, bikinis, and she paints on old-school jeans. EB Denim and RE/DONE. Consigned resale is a great way to find vintage treasures. Even Free People carries [the LA flea market] Rose Bowl line — what you can find there is amazing. J.Crew, and even American Eagle. No stone left unturned. Pro tips: You can always recreate an outfit — things can be altered. I got a great piece from The Rose Bowl and a poolside dress from [Raleigh vintage shop] House of Landor that I reinvented. I also enjoy using Google’s image search for an item to find it online. It’s not always the same price, which is kinda fun. It’s like fishing for the right price.

THE CLOSET

The evolution: My husband and I used to share one closet. Then we came up with the design for this new bathroom and closet. We used to get ready together — we didn’t want to break up. But it’s good — he’ll come down and visit me on my side, and I still go in his closet.

The design: Andrew Roby did the design and build. Holly Phillips at The English Room did the interior design. My favorite part is the step down. I love the lights underneath the cabinets, the French oak heated floors and my mirror with a TV in it. Johnny will sit in here and watch TV and hang out with me while I get ready. The Ritz uptown has TV’s in their bathrooms — that’s where I saw it and said, I definitely need one in my bathroom. SP

THIS OR THAT

Sneaker or clog: That’s a 5050. A clog is a good dress-up shoe that you can still walk in, so it’s great when you’re traveling. It gives you height but is casual.

Tank top or tube top: I’ve worn a tank top forever. It’s always a basic. Tube top is right now — I think they are very flattering, especially if it’s one color.

Jeans or jean shorts: Jeans, but that’s pretty even, too.

Patterns or solids: Solids

Shiny or matte: Matte

FINE FLOCK

With gifts, homewares and gourmet goods from dozens of artisan brands, The Brass Bird brings modernmercantile charm to historic downtown Pineville.

by Amanda Lea | photographs by Amy Kolo

Stepping into The Brass Bird in downtown Pineville, a pair of round, gold-brushed chandeliers cast a welcoming glow over the store’s central walkway. The lighting is just one of many subtle design elements professionally curated by owner Emily Anderson, who also founded Charlotte-based Theory Design Studio. Emily applied her interior-design expertise in creating the shop’s sophisticated-yet-inviting atmosphere. “I wanted The Brass Bird to be a warm and welcoming place for people to gather and discover products from unique small businesses,” she says.

Emily and her husband, Brad, first visited the historic 1920s building when she was looking for a place to relocate her design business. “When I first walked into the building, I had a feeling that this was meant for something different,” she says. “I had always wanted to own a general store, and as I looked around the space that idea started taking shape.” In 2021, the Andersons bought the building — a former hardware store and, later, an antique shop — and set about restoring it to its former glory.

But the Andersons’ journey to opening The Brass Bird wasn’t without challenges. Just five weeks before the planned opening, Emily received a call from the police in the middle of the night asking them to come to the store. When the couple arrived, a car had driven through the front doors, leaving piles of broken glass and extensive structural damage.

The setback delayed the opening by 10 months, but their vision prevailed. In September 2023, Emily and Brad opened The Brass Bird’s newly repaired doors to the community.

Emily Anderson at The Brass Bird

Emily’s dedication to supporting small American businesses is evident in the products lining the store’s shelves, where small placards introduce shoppers to their makers. “I want to give these small-business owners a platform to share the stories behind their products,” Emily says. A rotating selection of nearly 100 artisan brands are represented, from local snacks like Piedmont Pennies and Queen City Crunch to Ella B. candles and Epicurean cooking utensils.

Another key feature of the store is the wine bar, inspired by the couple’s travels to Sonoma Valley and visits to momand-pop wine shops around the world. Melt into one of the rose-and-gold tufted bar seats with a glass of prosecco, or bring your bevvy to one of the rocking chairs outside and

watch the world go by. (Pro tip: Grazing boxes from Off The Block Charcuterie Co. are available for purchase if you need something to nosh on. And if you linger a bit too long on half-price wine Thursdays, you can grab a gourmet takeaway meal from The Butler’s Pantry to bring home for dinner.)

The shop hosts gatherings such as monthly book clubs, ladies’ nights and children’s story times aimed at bringing the community together. The space is also available to rent for private parties.

Whether you’re catching up with friends over a glass of wine, introducing out-of-town guests to local treasures, or getting a glimpse into Pineville’s heritage, The Brass Bird is a charming addition to this thriving downtown community. SP

The Brass Bird is located at 320 Main St. in Pineville. Store hours are 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Tues.-Thur. And 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Fri.-Sat.

A painting of a hawk by Charlotte artist Kent Youngstrom, a friend of store owner Emily Anderson, is a nod to the company’s name and logo. The Brass Bird was inspired by a falconry encounter Emily had on a trip to Ireland. “The entire experience was absolutely magical,” she says. “I walked through the woods of Ireland with this Harris’s hawk, Aztec, on my arm and staring into my eyes. In a picture that my husband took, you can see the brass-colored tips of Aztec’s wings match the tips of my hair. We said he looked like he was my brass bird.” Aztec left such an impact on her that she decided to name the store after the experience.

Shop our product online, in-store, or at a local farmers market near you. Scan the QR code or visit our website for more information!

PRIMED FOR PARIS

Five summers ago, Carson Clough lost his right foot in a tragic boating accident. This month, the Charlottean chases a gold medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games.

by Katherine Snow Smith

Five years ago Carson Clough was doing backflips off his surfboard and preparing to open The Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters in Plaza Midwood.

Now, he’s preparing to represent Team USA in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris in the triathlon’s below-the-knee amputee category.

In between then and now, Carson suffered what he refers to as “a bump in the road.” He lost his right foot and severely damaged his left leg in a wake-surfing accident on Lake Norman in August 2019.

“It’s been a pretty fun journey,” says Carson, now 30, who played lacrosse for UNC Chapel Hill. “I definitely wouldn’t have been able to represent the USA in my two-legged life. I definitely wouldn’t have a badass service dog.” He’s referring to Calder, a yellow Labrador retriever named after the American Hockey League’s annual Calder Cup trophy honoring playoff champions.

Throughout the “fun” journey, Carson has become a familiar sight to countless Charlotteans who don’t know him but watched him learn to walk again.

Then run again.

Bike again.

Swim again.

Freedom Park became his first training ground for walking when

he received a prosthetic leg a month after the accident. He took a walker to the place where he ran and played for two decades without a second thought.

“On day one I did five steps. The second day I did seven,” says Carson, who still works at The Giddy Goat, which he co-founded with longtime family friend Rhyne “Rhyno” Davis.

He learned to swim again at the Levine Center at Queens University and the Dowd YMCA, entering the lanes for the first time since middle school.

In March 2022, Carson competed in his first triathlon and placed fifth in North and South America. Since then, he’s competed across the country and the world while becoming a familiar sight in the Queen City. He bikes 15 to 70 miles at a time, depending on the day, along Charlotte’s greenways or out to Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

“I wear my awesome Giddy Goat bike jersey my general manager Enzo [Pazos] designed. And I rep my little sister’s soccer jersey,” he says. Cannon Clough, 28, just signed with the Carolina Ascent FC after playing professionally in Australia and at UNC Chapel Hill during college.

Nobody expected the accident, of course, but Carson’s resilience

isn’t exactly surprising. His mother, Brenda Clough, recounts how a client encouraged her when she was working at Katz Media Group after her son was injured.

“She said, ‘Oh, Brenda. He’s going to be at the Olympics before you know it.’ I chuckled and thought, ‘He’s a kid who would be doing something like that,’” she says. “He’s sassy as heck and has always been positive, even as a toddler.”

AN AMAZING RETURN TO NORMAL

Carson largely credits his family for that positive attitude. They are also a big part of the reason he wanted to resume a “normal” life as soon as possible.

“I was in a position where there were a solid amount of people pretty affected more so than myself. I could either help them or not help them. The only way I knew to help them was to show them that it didn’t affect me,” he says. “Do I get grumpy? Absolutely. Do I get pissed? Oh yes. Am I always nice to my brother and sister? No.”

Sports are a longtime family bond between those siblings and his parents. Carson’s father, Barry Clough, played hockey and football for Denison University in Ohio. Brenda Clough was a high-school track star in Roxboro. Cole, 25, excels at surfing.

The Clough family started surfing together about as soon as the kids could swim. That’s a key reason Carson made the choice to keep his compromised left leg, even though doctors explained he could be better off with two strong prosthetics.

The family hit the Virginia Beach waves together eight months after the accident.

“He took his board and went out in the water and got up,” recounts his mother, who stood on the beach cheering with

husband Barry. “Carson got out of the water and walked past us holding his board and kind of looked at us and just kept walking. He doesn’t want all the hoopla.”

VIVE LA FRANCE

Hoopla, however, will be inevitable in Paris.

More than 30 friends and family members are traveling to cheer from the sidelines. Brenda hopes they’ll secure a good view from a bridge she’s pegged as the spot to watch her son compete in the Seine as well as see him along the running and biking courses.

Carson almost didn’t make it to Paris. Since he started competing in triathlons in 2022, he placed first in numerous competitions and earned enough qualifying points to be considered for the 2024 Paralympics. But he suffered tough breaks in the first two of the three sanctioned qualifying competitions, where competitors must place first or second to make it to Paris.

In the 2023 Paris Testament qualifier, he flipped his bike and came in fourth. In September at the World Triathlon Para Championships qualifier, he placed fifth. The Americas Paratriathlon Championships in March in Miami was his last chance. He came in first.

“I knew I was going to get pulled for doping control. My goal was to pee in the cup as fast as I could and go with my family to celebrate,” he says.

After going for a gold medal finish in Paris, he plans to celebrate big with all of his family and friends who have already traveled the world in his support. It will be a time of pride for the Cloughs and all Charlotteans who cheered Carson along, never knowing him or his story. SP

Young Carson with his father, Barry

Carson, far left, in his freshman year on the UNC Chapel Hill lacrosse team

Carson following his accident in 2019

MEMORY MATTERS

The Ivey delivers science-based, brain-fitness workshops for all ages to help head off cognitive decline.

by Michael J. Solender

| photographs by

Grant Baldwin

After years of attending to her aging parents, each stricken with dementia, Alicia Gagnon, 58, began to realize she needed to focus equal attention on her own brain health. In fall 2023, after attending a community outreach session at her church conducted by The Ivey, Gagnon decided to become more proactive regarding her own self-care.

She signed up for a brain-health workshop series developed by The Ivey, a local brain-health and memory-wellness center. The 12week program focuses on healthy lifestyle choices that can help head off cognitive decline before the onset of serious memory problems. The program is offered to anyone seeking to keep their brain sharp as they age, including those dealing with mental cloudiness from long Covid, menopause or cancer treatment.

Gagnon was already familiar with The Ivey through a twice-monthly caregiving support group. “But when they came and spoke about self-care and lifestyle choices, I decided it was time for a reset,” she says. “I was spending so much time focused on caring for my parents, I wasn’t focused on caring for my own brain health. And while having two parents with dementia doesn’t mean absolutely I’m going to have dementia, it does increase the risk.”

More than 75% of older adults experience memory problems, according to Dr. Daniel Amen, New York Times bestselling author and brain researcher. About a third of adults 85 and older

have Alzheimer’s, according to a 2024 report by the Alzheimer’s Association.

Fortunately, research indicates that intervention can preempt cognitive decline.

“It’s never too early or too late to focus on lifestyle and behaviors that will improve your brain health,” says Lynn Ivey, a former banking executive who founded The Ivey in 2008. Ivey believes so strongly in the science, she launched the lifestyle-focused brain health workshops at her center in 2021. The 12-week workshops cost $800 and are offered three to four times a year.

Since the initial offering, nearly 100 people have participated in the weekly, half-day sessions. Programming is led by a team of experts in disciplines including sleep, nutrition, movement and mindfulness.

“Research shows there is science-backed data indicating that people don’t have to sit back and let cognitive decline set in,” Ivey

I was spending so much time focused on caring for my parents, I wasn’t focused on caring for my own brain health. “ ”

says. “Lifestyle choices and behaviors can change the trajectory of the brain. This is true at any age.”

SIX LIFESTYLE PILLARS

In exploring how to best prevent mental decline, Ivey and her team identified six key lifestyle pillars that contribute to strong brain health. Next, they looked to community experts to help develop the program. By enlisting nutritionists, doctors, sleep specialists and other professionals, The Ivey built its core program around six areas:

• Exercise: Regular moderate exercise like gardening, walking and housework can be good for both the body and the brain.

• Brain stimulation: Simple acts like brushing your teeth with the non-dominant hand, taking new routes when driving and switching routines — like reading a nonfiction book when you typically read novels — challenge the brain to learn new things and help keep it sharp.

• Nutrition: Shifting to a low-fat diet that incorporates more vegetables and eliminates processed foods pays health dividends.

• Mindfulness: Setting aside stressors, even for a few moments each day, helps calm the brain, improve alertness and allow focused attention on life’s positive gifts.

• Connection: Face-to-face relationships and interactions help keep the brain engaged and sharp.

• Rest and relaxation: Sleep is key to recharging and restoring our brain and body and is a critical component in overall good health.

“Progress, not perfection is our goal with this program,” says Jen Lafontaine, special projects director at The Ivey. Lafontaine stresses that even small changes can yield healthy results. “We work to help turn these ideas into behaviors that work best for each participant. The best activities? Ones that you will do.”

For Gagnon, turning what she learned into action meant a shift in mindset. “The program leaders care about the individual, and they try to help you find out what your need is. They helped me with thinking about what mindfulness means for me. I drive in the car a lot to go see Mom and Dad; they talked to me about making that my time for mindfulness. I use it now to listen to music, and it’s my time to reflect.”

Many in the community know The Ivey from its origin in 2008 as a state-certified adult day care center. For many years, the center provided all-day programming for adults with mild cognitive impairment. After Covid, The Ivey shifted to its current respite-care

Lynn Ivey, CEO and founder of The Ivey

program, which offers afternoon care for individuals early in their memory-loss journey four afternoons a week. There’s a one-time enrollment fee of $500, and monthly fees are $1,750. Programming includes social engagement, speakers, daily movement and exercise, a healthy snack, and regular caregiver meetings and resources. Also offered are caregiver resources and referrals, and a “While You Wait” service that supports families and caregivers during the early stages of memory loss while their loved one is evaluated.

For Gagnon, the brain-health program has made a significant difference in her outlook.

“I have this little note I keep on my back door. It says, ‘Deep breathing, music, be present and healthy food choices.’ Those are four things that are a part of my life and important. I feel good about the choices I’m making and am very happy knowing I’m taking positive steps with my health.” SP

The Ivey is located at 6030 Park South Drive. The next Brain Health Workshop session is scheduled for Sept. 20-Dec. 5. Visit theivey.com to learn about programs and upcoming information sessions.

TALE OF THE PLATE:

PAN CON PAVO

at Calle Sol

by Michael J. Solender photographs by Remy Thurston courtesy Calle Sol

SouthPark diners have Frank Scibelli to thank for many gifts on the local dining scene. His latest treat for a uniquely satisfying meal is a zesty Peruvian roasted turkey sandwich with a tangy chili-based salsa — the Pan con Pavo.

It’s a new menu item at Calle Sol Latin Café & Cevicheria. The second location of the festive Peruvian-Cuban bistro opened in late May at the Apex SouthPark retail and residential development.

Scibelli, founder and CEO of FS Food Group, has brought several casual-yet-distinctive eateries to Charlotte since the 1992 opening of Mama Ricotta’s, his flagship restaurant serving traditional Italian fare. YAFO Kitchen, Little Mama’s, Midwood Smokehouse, Paco’s Tacos & Tequila and Calle Sol have persisted in a fickle Charlotte restaurant scene where diners are often quick to move on to the next new thing.

When Scibelli shared his love of the Peruvian sandwich culture with Anthony Mossa, executive chef at Calle Sol SouthPark, Mossa welcomed the challenge to bring something new to the established menu.

The Pan con Pavo is an homage to the spicy, savory Latin-style turkey sandwiches Scibelli discov-

Top: Executive Chef Anthony Mossa. This photo: Calle Sol’s Pan con Pavo, Aji Amarillo Ceviche and Flambuoyancy Punch

BIG GREEN EGG

PATIO ACCESSORIES HOT TUBS

ered as a high-school foreign exchange student in South America and the hearty Cuban sandwiches he enjoyed while living in Tampa, Fla., after graduate school.

“I try to be very authentic with what we do,” Scibelli says in describing his approach to creating menus. “There’s a giant sandwich culture [in Peru and throughout Latin America]. There are these special sandwiches with savory turkey on crusty round bread everywhere. They’re some of the best sandwiches I’ve had there.”

Enter Mossa, the San Diego-born chef who joined Scibelli’s team about 18 months ago as a sous chef at Calle Sol’s original location in Plaza Midwood. “The Pan con Pavo is my little nod to tradition,” he says. Mossa begins by brining a plump turkey breast overnight, then slow-roasting the meat until tender. He slices the turkey into thick chunks before giving them a quick dance upon the flat-top grill.

“To make things interesting, I add salsa criolla (a Peruvian condiment with red onion and lime),” Mossa says, “because everything’s better with a bit of tang.”

The handheld is served on Cuban bread with a housemade rocoto pepper aioli — a spicy mayo-like spread with a bit of heat. “That bread is the real MVP — sturdy, yet ready to soak up all the goodness without getting soggy. It’s a turkey sandwich that’s got a bit more pep in its step.”

When paired with Calle Sol’s mojo fries, black beans or sweet plantains, it’s a tasty meal that satisfies. Add a classic ceviche such as the Aji Amarillo with Argentinian red shrimp, Brazilian corvina, spicy peppers, sweet potatoes, corn and crispy plantain chips, and there’s enough for two. SP

FARM TO FORK IN THE GARDEN

SEPTEMBER 29 4-7 PM

DANIEL STOWE BOTANICAL GARDEN

• 25 tasting stations featuring delicious fare from top chefs & local farms

• NC crafted beverages

LEARN MORE AND PURCHASE TICKETS

Piedmont Culinary Guild (PCG) and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) are excited to once again team up for a celebration of local food and drink.

ON A ROLL

New York Old School Bagel & Deli serves up a taste of Gotham in south Charlotte.

by Michael J. Solender | photographs by Justin Driscoll

Mark Stordeur’s journey to overnight success as a bagel baker was years — and miles — in the making.

Not long after Stordeur, 60, opened New York Old School Bagel & Deli in Carmel Village late last year, lines were out the door and extending well onto the sidewalk fronting the south Charlotte shopping center.

His popular breakfast, lunch and takeout spot puts out hundreds of bagels daily, delighting northern transplants and Southerners alike. Menu offerings include classic deli fare like chop cheese, pizza bagels, reubens and meatball Parmesan sandwiches. At breakfast, there are pork rolls, pastrami and eggs, hot Cappy ham, French toast bagels, and bagels and lox, plus more than half a dozen cream cheese-based “schmears.”

And while it may stand to reason that Stordeur’s Long Island, New York, upbringing would inform him on all things bagel, it’s his years of globetrotting entrepreneurial endeavors and an insatiable thirst for discovery that are baked into every bagel and sandwich he serves.

“From my first job delivering newspapers at 12 years old, I had a vision of running my own business,” Stordeur says. “My dad has a friend who had dairy cattle in upstate New York, and I saw myself owning a dairy farm. I began saving my money right then.”

It wasn’t a dairy farm Stordeur ended up with, however. It was an Angus beef cattle ranch in Kentucky, where he worked for years into his 50s. That dream was fulfilled after extended stays in Nigeria and Ghana while he ran a business exporting tropical hardwoods to American furniture-makers. Before that, he worked in the hospitality business, waiting tables in a fine-dining Italian restaurant and earning back-of-the-house chops in a New York bagel café.

It’s an unusual background, though upon meeting Stordeur, one can’t help being taken by his business acumen, people skills and joie de vivre. He chose Charlotte on a whim, leaning on advice from his brother and previous visits to North Carolina selling to High Point furniture-makers. He arrived in 2021 and opened the bagel shop in December 2023.

“I heard the city was developing, and I wanted a challenge,” Stordeur says. The steady influx of New York and northern transplants was another

draw. Much of what is offered (bagel-wise in Charlotte) is through chains — I wanted to deliver something authentic. The moment you put ‘New York’ on the door, there is an expectation, and I don’t want to disappoint anybody.”

Stordeur has clearly found a niche that has struck the taste buds of many not-from-heres. “I had people come from the other side of Huntersville recently. One guy grew up in Levittown on Long Island. He walks in, and I’m making my own potato salad, coleslaw and macaroni salad the way they do on Long Island. It evokes a memory. It tastes exactly like you remember it tasting. The smell, the taste of my bagels — they are a time machine and take people back. That’s why I do what I do.”

His early success has not been lost on the local business community. A local independent retailer reached out to him about wholesale baking, and he’s been approached about expanding into other parts of Charlotte. He’s mulling each offer and is cautious about growing too fast. There might even be New York-style pizza in his future, something he wanted to make certain was baked into his lease. For now, he’s simply working hard on his initial concept. For those curious about the secret behind what makes

Stordeur’s bagels so authentically New York, here’s a spoiler — it’s not the water. “We do mimic the alkaline content in the water found in New York City for our dough,” Stordeur says. High-gluten flour, malt, yeast and salt are the only other bagel ingredients, other than the toppings. “But it’s the attention to the proofing temperature, the kettle boiling prior to baking, and lots of love and hard work that makes the difference.”

That’s where the “old school” comes into the process, according to Stordeur. “Anything that’s good is worth working for,” he says. “That’s part of the old-school creed.” SP

New York Old School Bagel & Deli is located at 7510 Pineville Matthews Rd. Suite 11A.

eat + drink

NOW OPEN

Honeysuckle Gelato opened its second Charlotte location at The Bowl at Ballantyne; Bossy Beulah’s and Rooster’s are expected to open at the Bowl this summer. The Matador opened in a historic fire house in South End. Based in Seattle, the restaurant from North Carolina native Zak Melang is known for its Mexican fare and large selection of tequila and agave spirits and cocktails. Marina’s Tapas opens this fall at Optimist Hall. From Customshop duo Andres Kaifer and Alex Bridges, the food stall will offer Spanish-style small plates like croquetas, palatas bravas and tortilla espanola. Following a two-year renovation, Muddy River Distillery moved into a historic cotton mill in Mount Holly. The rum distillery serves seasonal cocktails and plans to host cocktail classes and other events.

COMING SOON

Uchi is coming to Plaza Midwood in late 2025. The sushi-focused restaurant debuted in Austin, Texas, in 2003 and is still considered one of the city’s top restaurants. Led by James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole, Uchi is known for its nontraditional approach to Japanese cuisine. SP

shop

It’s official: Spanish fashion retailer Zara will open in 2026 at SouthPark Mall, in the space formerly housing J.Crew and The Gap in the Belk wing. Also coming to the mall: Balenciaga and a standalone Chanel Fragrance and Beauty boutique offering makeup and skincare products, perfumes, and eyewear. Thrift Pony, a local secondhand and vintage shop in Plaza Midwood, will relocate to Camp North End this fall.

The Matador

Uchi

Thrift Pony

Rooster’s

August HAPPENINGS

EVENTS + ACTIVITIES

Their Friendship and Their Art: Bechtler Family Favorites through August 18

Museum founder Andreas Bechtler shares works of modern art collected by his parents, Bessie and Hans Bechtler, starting in the 1950s. The exhibition showcases Bechtler family favorites from more than 30 artists including Edgar Degas, Jasper Johns, Niki de Saint Phalle, Sam Francis and more. bechtler.org

Whitfield Lovell: Passages through Sept. 22

This exhibition has two immersive installations and 30 additional works. Lovell is renowned for his masterful conté crayon portraits and multisensory installations that focus on African American history, identity and America’s collective heritage. Mint Museum Uptown, mintmuseum.org

Cirque du Soleil Corteo

Aug. 1-4

The global performance company that blends visual storytelling through artistry and acrobatics comes to Bojangles Coliseum. In this show, a clown dreams about the fantastical carnival-like setting of his own burial. cirquedusoleil.com

Disney’s The Lion King

Aug. 8 - Sept. 8

This Tony Award-winning musical brings one of the most loved films to the stage with a score of megahit songs by Elton John and Tim Rice. TIckets start at $35. Belk Theater. blumenthalarts.org

Dan + Shay: Heartbreak On the Map Tour

Aug. 16

The pop-country duo known for their hit “Speechless” brings their music to PNC Music Pavilion. ticketmaster.com

Carolina Ascent Inaugural Home Opener

Aug. 17

The region’s only professional women’s soccer team makes its debut at American Legion Memorial Stadium near uptown. The team takes on DC Power Football Club. carolinaascent.com

Pride in the Queen City Festival & Parade

Aug. 17-18

The area’s largest LGBTQ Pride event returns with a multiday festival. The parade down Tryon Street takes place Sunday afternoon. There will be a neighborhood market along Levine Avenue of the Arts and family attractions on The Green all weekend, plus the Charlotte Pride Drag Pageant on Saturday afternoon. charlottepride.org

Flourish: A Celebration of LGBTQ Art & Culture

Aug. 17

LGBTQ performing and fine arts groups share their talents Saturday afternoon at Mint Museum Uptown. There will be spoken-word artists, LGBTQ short films and more. This free, air-conditioned space is perfect for festivalgoers seeking a break from the heat. charlottepride.org

Ms. Lauryn Hill & The Fugees: The Celebration Continues

Aug. 18

The Grammy Award-winning singer rescheduled her Charlotte concert as part of a revamped tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill album. PNC Music Pavilion. livenation.com

Charlotte Kickoff Night

Aug. 23

The Carolinas’ best high school football programs will be featured in this 11th annual showcase at Memorial Stadium. Show your team spirit for Hough vs. Northwestern and Ardrey Kell vs. Providence. Tickets are $10 for two games. cltkickoffweekend.com

Bark in the Ballpark

Aug. 28

Bring your pup to watch some baseball as the Charlotte Knights take on the Nashville Sound at Truist Field. All dogs must be on fixed-length leashes. Water bowls will be available throughout the concourse. milb.com

Imagine Dragons: Loom World Tour

Aug. 28

The pop rock group has been cranking out hits since the late 2000s. No doubt “Believer” and “Whatever it Takes” will make the playlist at PNC Music Pavilion. concerts. livenation.com SP

Scan the QR code on your mobile device to view our online events calendar — updated weekly — at southparkmagazine.com.

Cirque du Soleil Corteo

THE ART OF TRAVEL

How a Charlotte couple builds an art collection that’s a reminder of the places they’ve been.

essay by Jay Ahuja |

photographs

by Richard Israel

More than 20 years ago, when Jerald Melberg Gallery was located near the intersection of Trade and 7th streets, co-owner Mary Melberg imparted to me the joy and wisdom of buying original art, as opposed to posters, to adorn the walls of my home and office. Original art, she explained, has a way of becoming a constant source of enjoyment and admiration that posters generally don’t convey. She suggested that I start out by collecting signed or limited-edition prints of artwork. With time, I might eventually collect original works of art akin to those that hung on the walls of Melberg’s fashionable gallery.

Boy was she right about that. Not long after that initial conversation with Mary, I made my very first purchase of art: a striking, black-and-white, limited edition, signed print of blues musician B.B. King. I found it at SpringFest, the long-running music and arts festival once held in downtown Charlotte. I met the artist that afternoon, chatted with him at length, and really came to like his personality, subjects and approach — a meticulous, pen-andink stipple technique. I walked away without buying it, but after thorough consideration, some more music, and possibly another beverage or two, I went back and got it.

I don’t remember what I paid for it or even if I haggled, but I do recall it felt like a lot of money at the time. I still have the print — in fact it hangs in a custom frame above my desk in my home office, right beside an original work by New Orleans artist Matt Rinard. The print is among my favorite pieces, partially because it brings me back to that time and place every time I look at it.

About 25 years ago, my wife, Karen, and I bought a small house together and began slowly replacing the posters and prints we had before we met each other with original artwork. The first piece we bought together was a modest-sized, oil-on-wood painting titled “Well Grounded Drifter” by an up-and-coming local artist, Duy Huynh. We’ve bought two more of his paintings since, but this painting — while not the biggest, most expensive or the most dramatic — is my absolute favorite in the house. The fact that it’s the first we bought together may have some bearing on this sentiment.

At some point, as Karen and I began to travel more frequently, we started to purchase art domestically and internationally: a wooden bowl and a bronze frog from Hawaii; carved geckos and a signed, limited-edition print of a flowing volcano from Costa Rica; a colorful, carved wooden mask from Belize; blown glass from Colorado; a small, rustic, wooden ladder and a fired raku bowl from Sedona; a bright red glazed pot from Todos Santos, Mexico; another limited-edition print from Alaska; and several pieces from New Orleans galleries, including a Dr. Seuss piece titled, “I Like to Eat Cake in the Tub.” That one led to a total Dr. Seuss-themed makeover of our guest bathroom.

In Goa, India, we came across an artist whose hand-painted watercolors were so impressive that we bought three — two as gifts for our parents and one for ourselves. The decision on which one to keep and which two to part with was not an easy one. We also brought home a nicely-crafted wooden box that is probably not as old as we were led to believe, but nevertheless commands a promi-

Jay and Karen Ahuja at home

Tryon is proud to have been recognized once again by our peers among Charlotte magazine’s Top Doctors, across all 10 of our specialty areas.

nent spot in our home because it’s as functional as it is aesthetic.

One summer, we purchased a pair of oil paintings from a gallery in Cannon Beach, Oregon, and commissioned a third. Farther south, in Port Orford, we wandered into a local gallery and ended up with a massive hawk carved out of a single piece of wood. It hangs above our living-room fireplace — and was somewhat intimidating to our dogs when we first placed it.

Most recently, on a trip to Las Vegas we came across Eden Gallery at the Wynn Hotel. A massive painting of the convertible scene from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas caught our eye from outside, but once inside we both focused on a smaller, brightly-colored work by David Kracov. The 3D multi-layered papercut piece in the shape of a guitar is an homage to the late New York

City pop artist Keith Haring. We walked away upon hearing the price, but quickly returned and purchased it after discussing where it might sit in our home. The envelope with an invoice from the gallery has a quote that sums up our decision nicely: “When you find a piece of art that you love, you also find another piece of yourself.”

For us, it’s not about the value of the collection. We collect art for the enjoyment it will bring. We also like knowing that every time a piece of art is purchased, an artist can continue creating art. For us, the value of the works we purchase from far-flung destinations may be far greater for the serenity it brings each time we pause to enjoy them and recall the trips we’ve taken together. If they encourage us to travel even more, all the better. SP

BECKY MCGRATH TEAM

LEIGH C. CORSO

LUCY BUTLER GROUP

CAY CRAIG

CHRISTIE HANSEN

LAURIE HALT TEAM

JOE HUNEYCUTT

CHIP JETTON

HEATHER MONTGOMERY

KALIE KOIVISTO

MARY HOLLAND THE HUNEYCUTT TEAM

LINDA HENLEY

SARA ROCHE TEAM

LINDSAY REDFERN

CINDI HASTINGS TEAM

TREY SULLIVAN

LISA WARREN

TUCK TEAM

LISA RUPP

SEIZE THE CLAY

How to garden in sunny, dry spaces by Jay

Sifford

Most gardeners dream of loose, loamy soil rich in nutrients, just the right amount of rain, and that magical mix of morning sun and afternoon shade. But when we awaken and are pulled back into reality, many of us garden in full sun and clay soil. Rather than fighting the battle with copious amounts of water, fertilizer and frustration, is it possible to adopt a strategy of embracing what we have and choosing plants appropriately?

First, let’s consider a bit of science. Clay soil has always been considered the bane of the Southern gardener’s existence. There are, however, reasons to embrace it. First, there are plants that naturally grow quite well in it. Think native maples, oaks and sweet gums, along with prairie plants with deep taproots such as switchgrass and baptisia. Second, clay is rich in nutrients such as potassium, iron and calcium, requiring less supplemental fertilizer. It also holds water more efficiently than looser soil. But because it’s so dense, air pockets — necessary for optimal plant performance — do not form. Additionally, clay is electrically charged to not release its rich nutrients for absorption by plants.

The solution is to amend the clay with compost or other organic matter. Doing so will loosen the soil so that air can travel to plant roots and will allow for better drainage. Organic matter coats the clay molecules to alter the electrical charge so that plants can access those nutrients. (Do not, however, add sand to your clay soil, lest you end up with something that resembles concrete.) Amended clay soil is truly something that we Southerners can embrace.

Coneflower

Russian sage

‘Pugster’ dwarf butterfly bush with sedum and Blue Rug juniper

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Brightmore of South Charlotte Living

Apartment-style Floor Plans

Newly updated community and amenity spaces

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On-site, certified training personnel for customized fitness programs

On-site group fitness, wellness and aquatics classes

Multiple restaurants on-site with a variety of culinary menu options

Dining dollars to use at any of the on-site restaurants

Resident “check-in” system for added safety

Peace of mind with additional levels of support and care on-site

On-site weekly housekeeping and flat linen service

On-site security 24/7

On-site Salon and Barber Shop in operation full time

On-site vehicles for transportation

Now that we’ve embraced and amended our clay, let’s look at three groups of plants that are both beautiful and somewhat water-wise after they are established.

First, suitable Mediterranean/eastern European and South African plants are those that naturally grow in thin, lean and rocky soil, have shallow root systems, and thrive in an abundance of direct sunlight. They require little water after establishment, making them perfect choices for the water-wise sunny garden. Mixing some small drainage gravel into amended clay soil will

help these plants thrive, as will planting them on a slope or berm. An abundance of water, particularly in winter, will likely cause root or crown rot. An added bonus is that many of these plants have an herbal fragrance to the foliage. This discourages grazing by deer.

Easily sourced plants in this group include rosemary, lavender (‘Phenomenal’ is a cultivar grown for our heat and humidity), many salvias, dianthus, thyme, Russian sage, short verbenas, catmint, Kniphofia (red hot pokers), sedums and ice plant.

Next, many prairie and meadow plants establish deep root systems that search for water when the surface moisture is depleted. Suitable plants from this group that will thrive in our area include coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, baptisia and asters. Many of the ornamental grasses are included in this group, including switchgrass (Panicum) and fountain grass (Pennisetum). Incorporating groups of these grasses in your planting scheme adds invaluable texture and kinetic movement to your garden.

Finally, shrubs worth noting include junipers with colorful and textural foliage such as ‘Grey Owl,’ ‘Lime Glow’ and ‘All Gold.’ Blooming shrubs include weigela, bluebeard (Caryopteris), dwarf butterfly bushes (‘Pugster’ series buddleia), cotoneaster, lantana and the sun-loving panicle hydrangeas. Horticulturists will tell you that more hydrangeas are killed by over-watering than by under-watering.

As summers become hotter and water becomes more precious, why not incorporate some of these plants into your garden? SP

‘Cassian’ pennisetum (fountain grass)

DECODING A DYNASTY

With her new book, North Carolina-based reporter Valerie Bauerlein explains the deep roots of the Murdaugh family legacy. by Liza Roberts | photographs by Alex Boerner

In March 2023, powerful South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh was convicted of murdering his 22-yearold son, Paul, and his wife, Maggie. The journalist regularly breaking news on the story was Raleigh resident and Wall Street Journal national reporter Valerie Bauerlein. Her stories became the paper’s most read of the year; she became an on-camera authority for NBC’s Dateline and for a Netflix documentary.

Now, Bauerlein’s new book on the case, The Devil at His Elbow: Alex Murdaugh and the Fall of a Southern Dynasty, is out. It’s equal parts crime story, character study, cultural history and family saga. Through meticulous research, she tells the story of four generations of Murdaughs, connecting the dots to show how Alex inherited his role as partner in the family law firm as well as his sense of infallibility, lawlessness and entitlement.

Bauerlein, a Duke University graduate, has covered the South for almost 30 years, including 19 at the Journal, four at Columbia, South Carolina’s The State, and a year at Raleigh’s The News & Observer.

Comments have been edited for length and clarity.

At what point did you realize this was the biggest story of your career, at least so far?

I remember my old editor at the other WSJ, the Winston-Salem Journal, saying to me: The next big crime story that happens in the South, just jump on it. See what’s there. It could be Bitter Blood or Fatal Vision. I sort of laughed it off.

Then I was following this case, because I follow South Carolina pretty closely (as part of her job covering the South), and my editor at the Wall Street Journal just happened to say: Are you following this? And I said, yeah, of course I am. I asked him: What’s the Wall Street Journal version of the story? What larger thing does it tell us? And he said, It’s just a good story. And he was right. But it was also a story about money and power.

The more I got into it, I realized pretty quickly it was a story that I’ve been observing for 20 years in the South — about the way that power works and the way relationships work, particularly in the small towns where I came from or where I used to work. I studied South Carolina politics for years [as a reporter] so I could try to understand how rural barons operate, how the system works. So pretty early on, I knew it was a big story, that it illuminates something about us. But I had no idea just how big.

I expected the book to be a crime story, but it’s bigger than that. You make a well-researched case that Alex Murdaugh did not squander the family legacy. He actually fulfilled its destiny. Alex Murdaugh was the perfect distillation of what the family had been building for generations. Dynasties inevitably break down on the fourth and fifth generation. Alex is the fourth, [his children] Paul and Buster are the fifth. It was inevitable. All of the rot was coming from inside the house.

It started with Alex’s great grandfather, an extraordinary human being who made a critical turn at a moment when he was dying and he had lost everything by driving to his death in front of an oncoming train to enable his children to sue the railroad. He’d done things the right way, and then he made a moral turn. And then you get into his grandfather. He’s coming out of the Depression, when there’s nothing in the rural South, there’s no economy to speak of. He rebuilds an empire based on racketeering, taking advantage of others and subverting the law he’s supposed to take care of. And then his son, Alex’s father, kind of perpetuates that. Alex is the perfect distillation of it — but I do think the difference with Alex and his forebears is that he had little inclination to use his power for good.

When did you realize the need to go so deep, to learn so much about the family, its heritage, its inheritance?

Necessity is the mother of invention. I sold the book before he was even charged, so the pitch was: There’s a story in this family. Even if he’s never charged with anything, there is something in the water in Hampton County that is creating this dynasty.

I spent nine months studying this family. There’s a library in Columbia that has all of the Hampton County Guardian archives; I went through them and tried to understand the history there. I interviewed a lot of historians.

The Deep South is different from North Carolina. It’s not that the Civil War skipped us here, but it took us a long time to get into it. That’s not the case in South Carolina. They’re the state that fired on the federal government. They’re the state that started the Civil War, that welcomed it.

When you are in a place of 20,000 people like Hampton County in S.C., where Sherman marched through in two flanks and burned everything — brought through 60,000 troops — it’s like being in Normandy. It’s like being in Dresden. It is a city, a place, that’s still haunted by this fundamental narrative of what happened there. Everybody lost everything. Everybody started from nothing again. And they’re still mad about it.

You make it clear that not only the history but the topography of Hampton County, the soil and the setting, is inseparable from the story. You make a really interesting point about the economics of the infertile land and how it prohibits basically everything.

Everything! I spent months understanding the importance of the railroads there. I grew up understanding that kind of thing as a kid in Wilmington. When I grew up, Wilmington had something like 30,000 people. It was a tiny town. I bought my prom dress in Myrtle Beach, which was the closest big town. When I was at Duke, for the first two years it would take you better than three hours to get from

Wilmington to Durham. Once I-40 got finished, everything changed. Wilmington became a different place. You just see the importance of transportation and how it changes systems. So it was very clear to me that when the railroad came through Hampton County and they put down a station, well, it changed everything.

Of course a town builds up around every little station. And then the Murdaugh family and the Varn family that they married into had the most land. They donated land for the town, and that’s where the courthouse goes. And once there’s a courthouse, then that’s where everybody from a hundred miles goes to court.

You lived down there — you lived and breathed it for weeks on end. Were you scared for your safety? Were you scared for your mental health, for your emotional well-being?

Oh, for sure. Yeah, I was scared. I’ve been a reporter 29 years, always out in the field. And I was a night cops reporter. The only other time in my life that I’ve been followed was 25 years ago, when I was writing a big exposé about a sheriff’s office that was deeply corrupt.

But I was followed a couple times on this story. So I ended up changing my approach. I would go places with someone else, somebody who was from there who could vouch for me, that understood what I was trying to do, that had gotten to know me and had some degree of trust.

The first time I went to Hampton County, I had not ever in my career been to a place that was so insular. Hampton is a town of 2,000 people, and suddenly there were six reporters doing stand-ups outside the one cafe. They felt very much under siege.

Before I went down, I called every member of the county council. Then I knew, oh, that’s Alex’s childhood friend, that’s [his wife] Maggie’s best friend from aerobics, that’s the son of the police chief. Every single person had multiple points of contact with the Murdaugh family. There were many, many reasons that it was hard for people to want to even engage with journalists.

and she watched who killed her.

There are thin places in this world, where the line between the living and the dead is very thin. And I think Moselle is one of them, very much a haunted place. There is much unfinished business out there.

I felt a sense of real obligation, but also real heaviness there. It was a challenge to me to accept that real evil exists in the world. And I think it found a home in Alex. And that was hard. That was hard to accept.

How would you describe the arc of Alex’s character in your story?

I wanted to think about Alex in the same way I thought about Paul, which is with some sympathy. But then one of his law partners said — I’ll never forget it — he said: I think Alex was stealing milk money in the lunch line from the time he was a little boy. And I think that’s probably true. There’s something in his wiring. So there’s the combination of something in his wiring being deeply off, and then never, ever being held accountable to anything. Ever. I mean, there are so many stories, lying about the fraternity fundraiser money when he was a KA at USC, or always cutting corners. He never got held accountable for one thing.

You were chosen by the press pool to be their representative to visit the scene of the crime, the Moselle property, a 1,770acre family tract with hunting and fishing facilities. What was that like?

My editor in New York said, with great power comes great responsibility. Don’t screw this up.

Moselle is so enormous. It’s two times as big as Central Park. But the area where the murders took place is so small when you get there. The first thing I did was make a beeline for where Maggie stood, because the evidence specialist had told us how many steps she was from where Paul died. Where she was standing was 12 steps from where he died. I stood where she stood, and I burst into tears. I think that’s partly because we were close in age, and I have a son, and she has a son, and partly because she watched, she knew who killed him,

I talk to people who say: I loved him like a brother. I loved him. But I never really knew him.

I had held out hope I would get to interview him. That was my hope. And I had a line to the family, a close line to the lawyers. Then he gave us two days on the stand of who he was. And then again, in his sentencing, he poured his heart out, and it became clear to me that interviewing him would be a fool’s errand. He doesn’t know himself at all.

We all have known people that are like a mirage. I think he is like a mirage.

Tell me about the epigraph, the Cormac McCarthy quote at the beginning of the book that is the source of the title.

I wanted a title that telegraphed to readers that I was trying to tell a real story. That this is a saga. So I went back to every book I loved for inspiration. Fatal Vision, The Sound and the Fury. Shakespeare. I re-read Macbeth. I read King Lear. I read the Old Testament. Anything that had to do with a father and a son, I mean all of it. And there’s just not an antecedent for what he did. There is not an antecedent for a parent killing an adult child. Abraham and Isaac don’t go through with it. Zeus and Kronos don’t go through with it. It’s so taboo. So I wasn’t finding what I needed.

Cormac McCarthy had recently died, and I love him. Blood Meridian was something I read in college. So I was looking through it and I saw “When God made man the devil was at his elbow. A creature that can do anything.”

A church friend of mine said that it’s fascinating that inherent in the word devil is the word evil. And this is a story of deep evil, just deep evil. SP

Dr. Shane Markey

AUGUST BOOKS

Notable new releases compiled by Sally Brewster

There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak

In the ancient city of Nineveh, on the banks of the River Tigris, an erudite but ruthless king built a great library that would crumble with the end of his reign. From its ruins, however, emerged a poem, the Epic of Gilgamesh, that would infuse the existence of two rivers and bind together three lives. In 1840 London, Arthur is born beside the sewage-filled River Thames. With an abusive, alcoholic father and a mentally ill mother, Arthur’s only chance of escaping destitution is his brilliant memory. In 2014 Turkey, Narin, a 10-year-old Yazidi girl, is diagnosed with a rare disorder that will soon cause her to go deaf. In 2018 London, the newly divorced Zaleekah, a hydrologist, decides to take her own life until a curious book about her homeland changes everything. There Are Rivers in the Sky entwines these outsiders with a single drop of water, a drop which re-manifests across the centuries.

Mississippi Swindle: Brett Favre and the Welfare Scandal That Shocked America by Shad White

This riveting exposé details how a small team of auditors and investigators uncovered a brazen scheme where the powerful stole millions in welfare funds from the poor in a sprawling conspiracy that stretched from Mississippi to Malibu. Well-connected donors, highly placed officials and popular public figures diverted tens of millions of dollars from a federal government program until a Republican auditor, his small team of dedicated investigators and a Democratic prosecutor joined forces to hold them accountable in the face of intense obstruction and harassment.

The Life Impossible by Matt Haig

When retired math teacher Grace Winters inherits a run-down house on a Mediterranean island from a long-lost friend, curiosity gets the better of her. She arrives in Ibiza with a one-way ticket, no guidebook and no plan. Among the rugged hills and golden beaches of the island, Grace searches for answers about her friend’s life and how it ended. What she uncovers is stranger than she could have dreamed. But to dive into this impossible truth, Grace must first come to terms with her past.

Burn by Peter Heller

Every year, friends Jess and Storey have made an annual pilgrimage to the most remote corners of the country, where they camp, hunt and hike. Although the state of Maine has convulsed all summer with secession mania — a mania that has simultaneously spread across other states — Jess and Storey figure it’s a fight reserved for legislators or, worst-case scenario, folks in the capital. But after weeks hunting off the grid, the men reach a small town and are shocked by what they find: a bridge blown apart, buildings burned to the ground, and bombed-out cars abandoned on the road. Trying to make sense of the sudden destruction all around them, they set their sights on finding their way home. Then, a startling discovery drastically alters their path and the stakes of their escape. Drenched in the beauty of the natural world and attuned to the specific cadences of male friendship, even here at the edge of doom, Burn is both a blistering warning about a divided country’s political strife and an ode to the salvation found in our chosen families.

Agony Hill by Sarah Stewart Taylor

In the hot summer of 1965, Bostonian Franklin Warren arrives in Bethany, Vermont, to take a position as a detective with the state police. Warren’s new home is on the verge of monumental change; the interstates under construction will bring new people, new opportunities and new problems to Vermont, and the Cold War and protests against the war in Vietnam have finally reached the dirt roads and rolling pastures of Bethany. Warren has barely unpacked when he’s called up to a remote farm. Former New Yorker and back-to-the-lander Hugh Weber seems to have set fire to his barn and himself, with the door barred from the inside, but things aren’t adding up for Warren. The people of Bethany — from Weber’s enigmatic wife to Warren’s amateur-detective neighbor — clearly have secrets they’d like to keep, but Warren can’t tell if the truth about Weber’s death is one of them. SP

Sally Brewster is the proprietor of Park Road Books, 4139 Park Rd., parkroadbooks.com.

TENNIS SERVING MORE THAN

Elevate your summer game.

AUG. 17-24, 2024 AUG. 17-24, 2024

Tickets on sale now.

THE QUIET OF NATURE

In an increasingly loud world, maybe we should be still and listen to nature.

by Jim Dodson

It’s two hours before sunrise and, per my daily morning ritual, I’m sitting with my old cat, Boo Radley, in a wooden chair beneath the stars and a shining quarter-moon.

Today’s forecast calls for another summer scorcher. For the moment, however, the world around me is cool and amazingly quiet.

It’s the perfect moment to think, pray or simply listen to nature waking up.

In an hour or so, the world will begin to stir as folks rise and go about their daily lives. Nature will be drowned out by the white noise of commuter traffic, tooting horns and sirens.

But, for now, all I hear is the peaceful hoot of an owl somewhere off in the neighborhood trees, the fading chirr of crickets and the lonely bark of a dog a mile or two away. It’s amazing how sound carries in such a peaceful, quiet world.

Ah, there it is, right on cue! The first birdsong of the new day. I recognize the tune from a certain gray catbird that seems to enjoy starting the morning chorus. Soon, the trees around us will be alive with the morning melodies of Carolina warblers, eastern bluebirds and the northern cardinals. What a perfect way to lift a summer night’s curtain and herald the dawn!

Unfortunately, it’s a sound that Earth scientists fear may be vanishing before our very ears.

On a planet where many are concerned about the impacts of global warming, declining natural resources and vanishing species, it seems to me that noise pollution and the disappearing sounds of the natural world might be among the most worrying impacts of all.

A recent article in The Guardian alarmingly warns of a “deathly silence” some scientists claim results from the accelerating loss of

natural habitats around the globe. The authors note that sound has become an important measurement in understanding the health and biodiversity of our planet’s ecosystems. “Our forests, soils and oceans all produce their own acoustic signatures,” they write, noting that the quiet falling across thousands of habitats can be measured using eco-acoustics. They cite “extraordinary losses in the density and variety of species. Disappearing or losing volume along with them are many familiar sounds: the morning calls of birds, rustle of mammals through undergrowth and summer hum of insects.”

Bernie Krause, a veteran soundscape recordist who has devoted more than 5,000 hours to recording nature from seven continents over the last 55 years, estimates that 70% of his archive is from habitats that no longer exist.

As quiet natural places are drowned out by the sounds of freeways, cellphones and the daily grind of modern life, fortunately, a nonprofit group called Quiet Parks International is working to identify and preserve sacred quiet places in cities, wilderness areas and national parks, where all one hears — for the moment, at least — is the beat of nature, the pulse of life in the wild.

“Quiet, I think, holds space for things that we can’t verbalize as humans,” the group’s executive director Matthew Mikkelsen recently told CBS News. “We use silence as a way to honor things.” Quiet, he notes, is becoming harder and harder to find these days, even in the most remote wilderness or within the depths of the national parks. “Every year we see more and more data to reaffirm what we’ve known for a long time — that quiet is becoming extinct.”

Perhaps because I grew up in a series of sleepy small towns across the lower South, places where I spent most of my days wandering

at will in nature, I’ve been groomed to be a seeker of natural silence and quiet places in my life.

The first decade of my journalism career was spent in major cities, embedded in the cacophony of busy streets, which explains why I bolted for the forests and rivers of northern New England the moment I had the chance to escape honking horns, blasting radios, screaming sirens and even background music in restaurants, a personal annoyance I’ve never quite fathomed.

Perhaps I’ve been spoiled by traveling in France and Italy and other ancient places. There, cafes and bistros are generally meant to foster a relaxed, slower pace of life through the auspices of good food, lingering conversations and woolgathering as one watches the harried world pass by.

While living on a hilltop near the coast of Maine, surrounded by 200 pristine wooded acres of beech and hemlock trees, my young children and I often saw and heard wildlife — whitetail deer, pheasants and hawks, a large female porcupine, and even (once) a young male moose. At the edges of our vast lawn, I created feeding areas of edible native plants for our wild neighbors. On frigid winter nights, I put on my Elmer Fudd jacket and toted 50-pound bags of sorghum out to that feeding spot by the edge of the woods, where deer and other critters could be seen dining on a moonlit night. The eerie late-night sound of coyotes calling deep in the forest reminded us that we were the newcomers to their quiet keep.

One reason I love the game of golf is because golf is a two- or three-hour adventure in nature, where the simple elements of wind, rain, sand and water provide an existential challenge to mind and body. As a kid, I learned to play golf alone, walking my father’s course in the late afternoon, when most of the older golfers had gone home. I came to love “solo golf” at a time of day when the shadows lengthened and the sounds of nature began to reawaken creatures great and small.

Golf courses, like libraries, are meant to be quiet places — which makes the recent trend of golf carts equipped with digital music systems particularly bothersome to a lover of nature’s quiet sounds.

Pause for a moment and just think what one can do in the quiet:

Read a good book.

Admire a sunset.

Rest and recover.

Take an afternoon nap.

Watch birds feed.

Write a letter.

Talk to the universe.

Say a prayer.

Grieve — or feel gratitude.

Think through a problem.

“In quietness, are all things answered,” says the book A Course in Miracles.

My heart aches when I hear that the world’s natural places may be going silent.

A world without nature’s quiet sounds would be a very lonely place. Hopefully, we’ll learn to listen before it’s too late. SP

Jim Dodson is a writer in Greensboro.

Amanda Anderson

Caroline Simas

Jean Rupprecht

Mary Kamerer

Ann Conrad

E Crawford

Jude Robinson

Patrick Tafoya

Shannon Newlin

Araik Minasyan

Greg Barnes

Katherine McCarty

Paul Hastings

Stephanie Neely

Becky Keenan

Janine Medlin

Kim Gibbs

Ron Boozer

Stephanie W. Tomey

Bridgette Martin

Jean Cauthen

Lauren Bolshakov

Rosa Dest

FALL ARTS PREVIEW

TWO QUEENS. GIRL POWER. AND A VOYAGE TO OUTER SPACE.

20 wonderful ways to fill your dance card this fall by Page

Leggett

In the midst of what is shaping up to be the hottest summer on record — and with a bizarro presidential election looming — we deserve a diversion. Preferably, one that’s air-conditioned. Fortunately, we have many to choose from.

In need of laughs? Look no further than Ellen DeGeneres; a Gothic farce from PaperHouse Theater; and a “Fawlty Towers”-themed dinner theater. Bummed about the recent erosion of women’s rights?

Check out Children’s Theatre’s Grace for President or, thanks to Blumenthal Arts, Broadway’s & Juliet. Both have something to say about female empowerment.

Or, prepare for a possible dystopian future by seeing a classic of the genre. Theatre Charlotte stages 1984 later this fall.

Whether you want to escape — or lean in — Charlotte’s cultural institutions (plus one in Cornelius!) are ready to welcome you.

Space Explorers: THE INFINITE

Top: A biergarten at CIAF

Below: Andrea Bocelli

August

Ellen’s Last Stand … Up, Aug. 8

If you’re missing this comedy icon’s daytime talk show — which racked up dozens of Daytime Emmy Awards during its 19-year-run — catch Ellen DeGeneres’ standup act when her tour hits Charlotte. Doing standup in coffee shops and small clubs is how DeGeneres got her start. She’s gone on to find fans and fame in TV and as a host of the Oscars, Grammy Awards and Emmy Awards. She won the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and made history when her character on the sitcom “Ellen” came out about the same time DeGeneres came out IRL. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. Ticket prices vary. ticketmaster.com

The Popes Reunion Show with Leisure McCorkle, Aug. 16

This reconstituted version of The Popes is a tribute to late band members Steve Ruppenthal and Jim Rumley. One of North Carolina’s most celebrated indie rock bands of the late 1980s and early ’90s, The Popes played their catchy “jangle pop” up and down the East Coast. The original band was made up entirely of Charlotteans, including Ruppenthal’s friend (and West Charlotte and UNC Chapel Hill classmate) John Elderkin. Local lawyer Henry Pharr, The Popes’ original bassist, is also part of the current lineup. The Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St. Tickets are $15-$18. eveningmuse.com

The Mystery of Irma Vep: A Penny Dreadful, presented by PaperHouse Theatre, Aug. 22-Sept. 1

The theater company’s co-founders, Nicia Carla and Andrea King, reunite for a period dramedy set in Gothic England. Vampire attacks, werewolf sightings and the resurrection of an Egyptian princess make for an unsettling start to marriage for Lady Enid, Lord Edgar’s second wife. It sounds spooky and suspenseful until you realize the play is a quick-change farce in which Carla and King play every role. The play was written by Charles Ludlam, a leader in New York’s cultural scene from the 1960s through the early ’80s. This was the most-produced play in the U.S. in 1991, but Ludlam didn’t live to see that achievement. He died of AIDS in 1987 at

44. PaperHouse’s production is a tribute to Ludlam’s “irreverent brilliance and love of literature and old Hollywood, his mix of the profane and the divine into joyful silliness.” The vagabond theater company sets up shop at VisArt Video’s screening room. VisArt Video, 3102 Eastway Drive. Tickets are $28. paperhouseplus.com

The Good Life: A Tribute to the Great Tony Bennett featuring Noel Freidline, Maria Howell and Joe Gransden, Aug. 25

You already know that Tony Bennett was one of the most preeminent singers of our time. Nobody interpreted the Great American Songbook quite like Anthony Dominick Benedetto (Bennett’s birth name). But did you know that he was also a humanitarian who performed so often for his favorite charities that he earned the nickname “Tony Benefit”? He performed for 11 U.S. presidents, was a World War II veteran who helped liberate a concentration camp and marched with Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma to support civil rights. Vocalists Maria Howell (who was in the original The Color Purple) and Joe Gransden (an Atlanta trumpeter known for his Frank Sinatra tribute shows) join The Noel Freidline Trio to honor the life, music and legacy of an American legend. This one’s sure to sell out. Middle C Jazz, 300 S. Brevard St. Tickets start at $32. middelcjazz.com

4th Annual

FASHION SHOW & FUNDRAISER

Sullenberger Aviation Museum September 14, 2024

The Upcycled Fashion Event of the Year! With over 400 guests expected, this annual fashion show and fundraiser repurposes retired ArtPop Cities Program billboard vinyls to create wearable statement designs. 13 local designers and their models have been commissioned. As a nonprofit arts organization, ArtPop is committed to showcasing local artists and making art accessible to all.

VIP Guest speaker - Local Fashion Designer - Daniel Gonzalez ArtPopStreetGallery.com

September

RENT, presented by QC Concerts, Sept. 6-7

The theater company born during Covid to bring musical theater to pandemic shut-ins has grown into one of the city’s most exciting performing arts groups. QC Concerts opens its fourth season with a musical that never gets old. This season’s clever theme is “Class Art Forms: Reinvented.” Each musical was inspired by a work of art from another genre — opera, literature, poetry and a painting. RENT is a contemporary take on the opera, La Boheme. Set in New York in the 1980s, a group of artists struggles — not with consumption as in the opera, but with AIDS. This season, the company introduces immersive seating: A $40 VIP ticket will land you a seat on stage amid the cast. Booth Playhouse. Tickets start at $18. Learn more at qcconcerts. com; tickets at carolinatix.com.

Space Explorers: THE INFINITE, presented by Blumenthal Arts, Sept. 20-Nov. 10

If you attended Immersive Van Gogh when Blumental brought it to town in 2021, then you understand what experiential — or immersive — programming is all about. This time, Blumenthal gets us up close and personal with outer space. The 45-minute journey is inspired by NASA missions aboard the International Space Station. Through virtual reality, we’ll be transported 250 miles above Earth into the International Space Station for encounters with astronauts and otherworldly moments of Earth-gazing. It’s part of Blume Studios, a new initiative by Blumenthal Arts that fuses art and technology to create exciting, immersive events. Blume Studios at The Iron District, 904 Post St. Tickets start at $29.95 for kids 8 to 12 and $44.95 for 13 and up. blumenthalarts.org/infinite

Charlotte International Arts Festival (CIAF), presented by Blumenthal Arts, Sept. 13-29

The third annual celebration of visual and performing arts from around the world — right here at home — gives equal billing to renowned global acts and local artists alike. This year, CIAF is partnering with more than 10 local festivals and organizations to offer 17 days of fun and cultural immersion. Live performances, art installations and experiences from around the world will spread throughout uptown and beyond — including to the

Left: Space Explorers: THE INFINITE.

Below: The Long Shadow at the End of a Long Road at Sunset, 2023 by Clare Rojas

brand-new Sullenberger Aviation Museum. New local partners include ArtPop Street Gallery, the Southern Guitar Festival and Queen City Zine Fest. Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience (Sept. 26-Oct. 5) gets its Charlotte debut at the new Blume Studios. It’s a direct-from-London’s-West-End tribute to one of the funniest Britcoms of all-time, Fawlty Towers. Basil (played by John Cleese on the TV show), Sybil and Manuel serve up a ’70s-style, three-course dinner — and mayhem — alongside two hours of laughs in this improvised performance. charlotteartsfest.com

Clare Rojas: Past the Present, presented by the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Sept. 21Jan. 19, 2025

Columbus, Ohio, native Clare Rojas is inspired by Quaker art, quilts, Native American textiles and Byzantine mosaics. This in-depth look at the artist features more than 80 works from 2019 to the present, including paintings, bronzes and an installation of wallpaper designed by Rojas in collaboration with Peg Norriss x Schumacher. Rojas’ art tells stories — often about gender roles — through metaphor and fantastical imagery rooted in the folklore of Peru, her ancestral home. Birds, witches and the forces of nature frequently appear in her magical realist tableaus. This exhibition curated by Katia Zavistovski kicks off the Bechtler’s 15th anniversary celebration and a yearlong calendar of exhibitions and

programs highlighting significant female artists of the modern and contemporary periods. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St. Museum admission is $9 for adults. bechtler.org

October

Beyond the Surface, presented by Charlotte Ballet, Oct. 4-26

Audiences were spellbound last year by Mthuthuzeli November’s love letter to Charlotte Ballet, From Africa With Love. In his highly anticipated return, he unveils a new work that examines dance and personal connection. Choreographer Jennifer Archibald draws inspiration from the language of movement. She’ll present a sequel to HdrM. Last on the bill is a new work by Omar Román De Jesús. Alejandro Cerrudo, artistic director for Charlotte Ballet, said, “The works in Beyond the Surface are by choreographers who are setting the trends in dance. Their works are presented all over the world, and I’m very excited to … share them with Charlotte audiences. Dance can … make you feel something emotionally that doesn’t need to be explained — just felt.” Patricia McBride and Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance, 701 N. Tryon St. Tickets start at $30. carolinatix.org

Grace for President, presented by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Oct. 19-Nov. 3

“Where are the girls?” asks third grader Grace Campbell when her teacher displays a poster of all the U.S. presidents. Frustrated by the absence of estrogen in the Oval Office, Grace decides she wants to be president (of her little corner of the world) and inspires a

school election. But she discovers that politics is a full-contact sport when the most popular boy in school runs against her. Through the rigors of campaigning and the excitement of pep rallies, Grace and her classmates learn what it takes to go from candidate to elected leader. This play, based on the bestselling book, is timed just right for an election year. With just one act during its 70-minute run time, this show is appropriate for kids 6 and up. Wells Fargo Playhouse at Imaginon, 300 E. 7th St. Tickets start at $23 and are 20% off when you subscribe to three or more shows. ctcharlotte.org

& Juliet, presented by Blumenthal Performing Arts, Oct. 22-27

Straight from Broadway, this hilarious jukebox musical revisits Shakespeare’s doomed lovers and gives one of them a new ending and second chance. & Juliet dares to ask: What would happen if Romeo had been an unfaithful cad? What if Juliet didn’t join him in the suicide pact? And what if she got a fresh start and the chance to find her real true love? Juliet’s revised ending comes to life through pop anthems such as Backstreet Boys’ “I Want it That Way‚” Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time,” Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling” and more. David West Read, who worked as a writer and executive producer on “Schitt’s Creek,” wrote the book. Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. Tickets start at $30. carolinatix.org

Usher: Past, Present, Future Tour, Oct. 22-23

Is there anything this consummate showman can’t do? He’s been performing since the age of 10 when he joined an R&B group called NuBeginning. He scored his first gold- and platinum-certified single in the U.S. (“You Make Me Wanna …”) in 1997. That song

Charlotte Ballet’s Luke Csordas and Evelyn Robinson in From Africa With Love

Whitfield Lovell: Passages is generously presented in Charlotte by PNC. Individual support is kindly provided by Kelle and Len Botkin and Marshelette and Milton Prime. This exhibition is organized by the American Federation of Arts in collaboration with Whitfield Lovell. Major support for the national tour and exhibition catalogue are provided by National Endowment for the Arts and the Terra Foundation for American Art. The Mint Museum is supported, in part, by the North Carolina Arts Council. ABOVE: Whitfield Lovell (American, b. Bronx, NY). Card Pieces (detail), 2020–2021, charcoal pencil on paper with

also helped him score the Billboard award for Pop Singer of the Year and established him as a singing, dancing lothario. (He told Rolling Stone the song was inspired by a time he was juggling three women.) In 2006, he conquered Broadway when he took over the role of Billy Flynn in Chicago — and ticket sales soared. He marked a big item off his bucket list in February when he headlined the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show. He writes music. He sings. He dances. He makes love in the club. Spectrum Center, 333 E. Trade St. Ticket prices vary. ticketmaster.com

Makin’ Cake with Dasha Kelly Hamilton, Oct. 25

In her 50-minute show, Wisconsin Poet Laureate Dasha Kelly Hamilton uses the history of baking to explore race, culture, class, consumerism, income inequality and American exceptionalism. Thorny topics, but they’re much easier to, um, digest when viewed through a lighthearted lens. This is multimedia storytelling filled with aha moments, poignant reflections and two on-stage bakers engaging audiences in a conversation about equity in America. Makin’ Cake is about America’s obsession with sweets — and our history of racial conflict and oppression. Appropriately, there’s a cake reception immediately following the performance. Sandra Levine Theatre at the Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for Arts and Civic Engagement, Queens University of Charlotte, 2319 Wellesley Ave. Tickets start at $15. queens.edu/arts/ 1984, presented by Theatre Charlotte, Oct. 25-Nov. 10

It’s the 97th season for the little community theater that could. In the upcoming season’s second show, the dictatorial Big Brother is watching. George Orwell’s dystopian — and prescient — novel 1984 (published in 1949) paints a bleak picture of a future society where citizens aren’t able to think for themselves and are under constant surveillance by the state. Even their thoughts are monitored. The whole world is at war, and civil wars rage at the same time. Our protagonist is Winston Smith, a Ministry of Truth worker who’s assigned to rewrite historical records

to conform to the state’s always-in-flux version of history. (If that reminds you of “alternative facts,” you’re not alone.) 501 Queens Rd. Tickets start at $34 for adults, $28 for seniors and $20 for students. theatrecharlotte.org

Southern/Modern: Rediscovering Southern Art

From the First Half of the Twentieth Century at Mint Museum Uptown, Oct. 26-Feb. 2, 2025

This is the first exhibition to present a comprehensive survey of works by artists in the American South in the first half of the 20th century. Created in collaboration with the Georgia Museum of Art, the exhibition includes more than 100 paintings and works on paper by artists working below the Mason-Dixon line and as far west as states bordering the Mississippi River. It’s structured around themes including time and place, race, family bonds, and societal struggles. The show incorporates work by artists who’ve been typically left out of the canon, including women and artists of color. 500 S. Tryon St. Free with museum admission, which is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $6 for children 5-17. Admission is free Wednesdays from 5 - 9 p.m. mintmuseum.org

Opera Carolina presents Andrea Bocelli in Concert, Oct. 30

Opera Carolina is celebrating its 75th anniversary in a big way. Acclaimed tenor Andrea Bocelli will take the stage at the Belk Theater for a special benefit concert. The Italian singer has sold more than 75 million records worldwide. He’s had

The Music of Queen

Usher

Charles H. Walther (1879-1937).

Reversible Image, 1937, oil on canvas. Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore, MD. Bequest of the artist.

Carroll Cloar (1913-93). A Story Told by My Mother, 1955, casein tempera on Masonite. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Memphis, TN. Bequest of Mrs. C.M. Gooch. 80.3.16 © Estate of Carroll Cloar

tremendous crossover appeal and has helped bring classical music to the masses through projects like his duet with Celine Dion on the song “The Prayer.” In fact, it was Dion who said that if God had a singing voice, “He must sound a lot like Andrea Bocelli.” He’ll be supported by the Opera Carolina Chorus, Youth Academy Chorus, resident company artists and the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. Tickets start at $150, of which $25 is tax-deductible, and are available at operacarolina.org or by calling the ticket office at 704-332-7177, ext. 100.

November

The Music of Queen, presented by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Nov. 1-2

Queen’s elaborate, often operatic, compositions are actually a perfect pairing with a symphony. Celebrate one of the greatest rock bands of all time in this high-energy concert brimming with timeless hits. Backed by the power of the Charlotte Symphony, vocalist MiG Ayesa channels Freddie Mercury’s unmistakable sound in songs such as “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” “Somebody to Love” and more. Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. Tickets start at $26. charlottesymphony.org

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, presented by Three Bone Theatre, Nov. 8-24

This play was a critical and popular darling on Broadway last fall, and Charlotte audiences are already getting to see it. Jaja’s is a Harlem salon where funny, smart women from West Africa help make customers look and feel “nice nice.” Jaja’s daughter, Marie, an immigrant and a DREAMer, wants to secure her future, starting with going to college. But it’s 2019 — a dangerous time to be an undocumented immigrant in the U.S. Jaja’s was nominated for five Tony awards this year — including Best Play and Best Playwright for Jocelyn Bioh. Its win for Best Costume Design marked the first time a Black woman (Dede Ayite) won the category. Nikiya Mathis received a Special Tony Award for wig and hair design. The Arts Factory, 1545 W. Trade St. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door and $15 for students and teachers. threebonetheatre.com

Joe Gransden’s Little Big Band Holiday Show, Nov. 29

He came to town in August to perform in a Tony Bennett tribute, and now the Atlanta-based crooner is back for a show of holiday

A trio of works from Southern/Modern at The Mint Museum. Above: Elizabeth Catlett (1915-2012). War Worker, 1943, tempera on paper mounted to Masonite. The Johnson Collection, Spartanburg, SC.

classics, performed big-band style. With new arrangements by Wes Funderburk and Jeff Jarvis, this concert is sure to kick off the holiday season on a happy note. There are plenty of reasons to venture up to the impressive new Cain Center. Joe Gransden just happens to be one of the best. Cain Center for the Arts, 21348 Catawba Ave., Cornelius. Tickets start at $45. cainarts.org

December

The Snow Queen, presented by The Grand Kyiv Ballet, Dec. 28

This Christmas ballet is based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale about good and evil and set to the music of Mozart, Vivaldi, Edvard Grieg and Jules Massenet. Two young friends, Kai and Gerda, are sitting in a rose garden when a shard from a witch’s mirror gets into Kai’s eye, making his once tender heart grow cold and hard. One winter day, snow swirls around him, and he disappears. Although presumed dead, he’s really been taken by the evil Snow Queen to her icy underworld. Gerda braves many dangers to go in search of Kai. It’s a journey fueled by love. This timeless tale was the inspiration for Disney’s smash hit Frozen. Knight Theater, 550 S. Tryon St. Tickets start at $35.10. carolinatix.org SP

Don’t miss this special one-night-only performance!

Wednesday, October 9 8:00 pm | Belk Theater

tickets: 7O4.972.2OOO | charlottesymphony.org

Christopher Clamp, Study for SEA SHELL II, 2024, Oil on Panel, 8 x 8 inches

Christopher Warren-Green, conductor laureate

The live-edge table in the living room was designed by George Nakashima, a renowned Japanese American furnituremaker and architect who was a leader in the American arts and crafts movement. Nakashima selected the slab and designed the piece but died before it was complete. His daughter, Mira Nakashima, finished it. The sculptures on the mantel are by North Carolina ceramicist Michael Sherrill. The lamps are by Tom Suomalainen of Walnut Cove, and the collage is by Isaac Payne.

LIVING ART

There’s a story behind each marvelous piece in this collector’s home with mountain views. by Cathy Martin photographs by Dustin and Susie Peck

This longtime collector purchased his first piece of art during his junior year of high school, and he was hooked.

“I was on the library committee, and we opened an art gallery,” he recalls. “We hung a show, and there was a piece I was really attracted to. The artist and I worked out the terms… That’s what started it.”

That teenager growing up in western North Carolina likely had no idea his first purchase — a drawing by Tucker Cooke for about $25 — would lead to the museum-caliber collection he’s amassed in the decades since.

The collector, who splits his time between Charlotte and his mountain home, started out acquiring works mostly by N.C.-based artists.

Those artists include Phillip Moose, Herb Cohen, Elizabeth Bradford, Lee Hall and several pieces by Maud Gatewood, founding head of the art department at UNC Charlotte.

“We have great artists in this state,” he says, acknowledging a regional bias that exists against artists working virtually anywhere outside New York.

While North Carolina artists make up the core of the collection, it has grown to include national and internationally acclaimed artists like Oklahoma-born and New York-based Summer Wheat and Kehinde Wiley, the portrait artist best known for his painting of former President Barack Obama that hangs in the National Portrait Gallery.

page:

At the end of a corridor, a painting by Kehinde Wiley (“The Reluctant Messiah,” 2002) commands attention. The painting to the right is “Composite 91-14” by Ida Kohlmeyer. The painting on the left, “Straw Field Spring,” is by Maud Gatewood.

Opposite

The painting over the sofa, “October Calling,” is by Yanceyville native Maud Gatewood. The sculpture, far left, is by ceramic artist Viola Frey. In the hallway to the right, a glimpse of a painting by Lee Hall and a serpentine-like sculpture by ceramicist Michael Sherrill.

A ceramic and glass figure is a collaboration between Cristina Cordova, a Penland artist known for her figurative sculptures, and glass artist Pablo Soto. The counter stools are made of walnut

burlwood by Kentucky wood artist Wyatt Severs.

His first exposure to art and collecting came from his mother, who collected glass and introduced him to Penland School of Craft in Mitchell County.

“From there, I started with ceramics and then 2D fine art.

So it’s been an evolution. I learned. So as I learn, I expand.”

At his mountain home, views of the Blue Ridge Mountains are rivaled by the magnificent artworks lining the walls along with an extensive craft collection, many by artists with Penland connections.

Completed in 2020, the 5,000-square-foot home was designed by Charlotte architects John Fryday and Michael Doyne to fit into its historic neighborhood. On the main level, quarter-sawn white oak paneling adds warmth, while expansive windows and decking across the back of the home offer unob-

structed mountain views. “The idea was this whole room — the living room, dining room and kitchen — could function as separate spaces, but also as a single space,” the homeowner says.

Of course, having plenty of space to display art was key.

“The house was not designed around the art, but it was designed so that art could be used,” the collector says.

The homeowner also enjoys cooking, so he worked with Beth Merrill of Charlotte-based Donlon & Merrill Designs on creating a spacious kitchen with a vaulted ceiling, two prep areas, a combi-steam oven, induction cooktop, dual dishwashers and plenty of cabinets.

Downstairs, there’s a fitness room, office and guest bedrooms, and a large sitting area with a stone fireplace provides another space for relaxing.

The light fixture over the dining table was designed by glass artist Pablo Soto.

Even many of the home’s furnishings — lamps, a coffee table, the dining-room fixture and the kitchen counter stools — are handcrafted works of art. “I ran out of flat space,” the homeowner laughs.

Despite the value of the works, this collector doesn’t really consider the investment potential when purchasing art. Over the years, he’s only sold one piece, to a friend. In fact, his long-term plan is to eventually give it away — several museums have already expressed interest.

“I want other people who may not necessarily be able to have the same things that I have to be able to enjoy it and be exposed to it and have the opportunity to see it,” he says.

He also dismisses the notion that the art market is only for seasoned collectors with a deep knowledge of the art business. “Understanding art is not something that’s intimidating,” he says “You buy what you like.”

But perhaps what’s most meaningful about the collection are the relationships he’s formed through the years.

“Most of my works come with a story. I know the artist. There’s a relationship developed, so it’s what I call living art. Not all of it, but most of it is,” he says.

“It’s a fun journey, it really is — it’s the people that I’ve met along the way.” SP

A fellow collector introduced the homeowner to the work of Summer Wheat. “Sand Castles,” a 16-foot painting on wire mesh, depicts women from various eras at work and at play.

In the powder room, the sink basin by metal artist Julia Woodman sits atop a wood base by Brent Skidmore from Asheville. The mirror is by Becky Gray. A painting by Charlotte artist Christopher Clamp is displayed above a sculpture by John Skau.

LATIN FLAIR

Qué Hospitality founder Manny Flores introduces Charlotte diners to a fresh take on contemporary Latin cuisine. Catalú, his newest concept, treats guests to the wonders of Spanish tapas plus bold regional wines and cavas.

by Michael J. Solender | photographs by Justin Driscoll

Spend even a brief amount of time with Manny Flores, and you’ll quickly recognize him as an authentic and convivial host.

Making people feel welcome and comfortable in his Charlotte restaurants — he owns seven and counting — is second nature to Flores, founder and CEO of Charlotte’s Qué Hospitality. He has been in the business of creating lively and inviting eateries with creative food and inventive cocktails for his entire career.

Best known among them is his Que Onda brand. The contemporary Mexican restaurants focus on modern regional Mexican cuisine and tequila cocktails in relaxed, colorful spaces that encourage lingering and conversation.

Flores, 46, began his career as a restaurateur in 2015 when he opened his first Que Onda Tacos & Tequila in Huntersville. Others quickly followed, including restaurants in uptown, Plaza Midwood, Matthews and Wesley Heights, where his Que Fresa Taquéria + Bar has a smaller footprint with a Mexican street-food focus.

RESTAURANT ROYALTY

Flores came to the Queen City after more than two decades learning from and befriending some internationally recognized restaurateurs and hospitality pros.

“Starting out, I worked with José Andrés (acclaimed Spanish chef and founder of humanitarian relief organization World Central

Ancho Short Rib and a Sorbet Marg at Que Onda

Kitchen) in Washington D.C. at his original restaurant, Jaleo,” recalls Flores, who immigrated to the D.C. area from his native El Salvador at age 5 with his parents. “I went in there as a dishwasher and food runner and gradually moved up the ranks.”

Flores’ knowledge quickly grew, and his operations savvy and hospitality orientation led him to become general manager at Jaleo in Bethesda, Md., at age 23. Over 11 years, he was part of a team that opened five restaurants for Andrés. Flores traveled extensively throughout Spain, becoming immersed in the regional cuisine, wine and hospitality culture.

“I learned so much over my time with José,” Flores says. “Though ultimately, I wanted to expand my knowledge beyond Spanish cuisine and expand my operational knowledge in a more corporate [multi-unit management] environment.”

Flores was especially keen to understand Mexican cuisine — his wife, Paola, is Mexican. He went to work with Richard Sandoval, founder of a global hospitality group with 60 locations and an emphasis on Latin cuisine.

Flores joined La Sandia, Sandoval’s Tysons Corner, Va., Mexican restaurant, as general manager in 2006. His career and friendship with Sandoval blossomed from there. “Richard is definitely a mentor for me,” says Flores, who worked with Sandoval for 10 years and eventually became director of operations.

Eventually, the nonstop commuting from his D.C.-area home to Sandoval’s headquarters in Denver and restaurants in California became a strain for his young family. His wife and two sons wanted him home for dinner more than one week per month.

A NEW TAKE ON MEXICAN FARE IN CHARLOTTE

Establishing roots in Charlotte in 2014 (while still working for Sandoval) was a bit serendipitous. “I was ready to open my own restaurants. I had a goal of 10 restaurants in 10 years. The costs in D.C. were simply too high,” Flores says. “I often had layovers

[in Charlotte] while traveling out west from the D.C. area, and I began to do some research on the area — home prices, schools and the Mexican restaurant landscape. There was nothing like what I wanted to do — contemporary and modern Mexican with a more sophisticated presentation.”

With his Que Onda restaurants, Flores offers a more refined presentation of Mexican fare. His concept is a shift from the typical cheese-smothered entrees with large portions of rice and beans. A craft cocktail program featuring premium tequilas complement the menu of burritos, tacos, fajitas and more.

Last year, the team visited Oaxaca, a region known as a culinary hotbed for Mexican cuisine. He wanted to bring the latest culinary trends from the region to his restaurants in a program he named “Passport to Mexico.”

Some dishes, like the Salmon Vera Cruz, became permanent menu selections. The dish brings bold Mexican flavors with a

Left: A taco trio at Que Onda. Below: Manny Flores

QUE ON DA

piquant salsa, briny popcorn capers, and a bright pop of acid with a squeeze of grilled lemon.

“What I’m after with my restaurants is a cultural celebration,” says Flores. “Our menus are very approachable. That’s why the Latin style of eating is so popular. People are with friends and family, off work and celebrating together.”

SPANISH TAPAS IN SOUTH END

Earlier this spring, Flores opened Catalú in Charlotte’s bustling South End, in the space previously occupied by Eight & Sand Kitchen. The move represents a return to Flores’ restaurant origins and features his contemporary twist on classic Spanish tapas. The name Catalú is a diminutive form of Catalonia, the region of Spain where cuisine is heavily influenced by the Mediterranean and the natural bounty along the coast.

“Our inspiration comes from stepping out of the norm of what Spanish tapas restaurants are,” Flores says. “I want to focus on Catalonia, and hyper-focus on Barcelona, where the tapas are more chef-driven and offer a twist on traditional preparations.”

Guests find a menu studded with hot and cold small plates,

rustic paellas and an exclusively Spanish wine list that includes classic bold Riojas, crisp sparkling Cavas, and nearly a dozen sherries ranging from dry to sweet.

“Little by little, we have worked to educate guests that the menu is not appetizers,” says Flores in describing Catalú’s offerings. It’s tapas, and we recommend between three to four tapas per person.” Sharing is the order of the day here, and Flores suggests moving from cold to hot and including one or more paella dishes.

The beet salad marries the perfectly sweet roasted root vegetables with a pistachio butter, whipped goat cheese and pistachio crumble. A balsamic reduction brings a tart/sweet finish to the perfect bite. The tapas classic pan con tomate from the cold section brings a twist with young Manchego cheese and grated fresh tomato atop an airy focaccia.

Catalú’s patatas bravas start with traditional crisped potato nuggets, tossed with fried garlic chips and drizzled with a garlicky aioli. Seafood shines on the menu here, and none more brightly than head-on large shrimp prepared as gambas al ajillo. The crustaceans are baked in garlic olive oil and dusted with chilis for a smoky, earthy taste.

Salmon Vera Cruz at Que Onda

Paella is personalized, and one order is enough for two to share. The Barcelona is for meat lovers and features Spanish chorizo, grilled steak and traditional Bomba short-grain rice dotted with garlic aioli.

For Flores, the restaurant is an extension of his passion — not just for Spanish food and culture, but the hospitality its people are known for. It’s a brand extension for Qué Hospitality that is on track for the vision for his company.

“I’m excited about Charlotte and the region,” Flores says, noting that he’s looking to South Carolina for future expansion. He’s excited about the evolution he’s witnessed in Charlotte’s culinary scene and wants his business to achieve more prominence in the region. “We want to be known for the best Latin experience in the Carolinas.” SP

CATALÚ

Catalú in South End. Below: A paella dish at Catalú

Pretty pastoral

by Cathy Martin

When it comes to grazing boards, I’ve always been one to nibble around the charcuterie, searching instead for a stray almond, plump berry or a bite of Brie. So when I glance down at the board in front of me layered with a dozen or so cured meats — not a grape or blueberry in sight — I’m a little anxious.

I’m spending the weekend at Half-Mile Farm in Highlands, where a small crowd trickles in for an afternoon tasting, wine glasses in hand. In walks Kevin Ouzts, the charismatic owner of The Spotted Trotter, an award-winning Atlanta butcher shop and charcuterie boutique. Dressed in a mushroom-print tee, plum-colored trousers and a nifty felt hat, the bespectacled chef stands out amid the ubiquitous Orvis and Barbour in this posh (or bougie, as some might say) resort

Minutes from downtown Highlands, Half-Mile Farm offers a relaxing, adults-only getaway in an idyllic setting.

town. Ouzts is a special guest for the weekend, here to share his knowledge and passion for making small batches of high-quality cured meats.

His enthusiasm is contagious, and my anxiety turns to excitement as I work my way through the black pepper sorghum salami, Calabrian pancetta, duck prosciutto and others. By the end of the tasting, I’m already wondering where I can buy some of this stuff when I get back home to Charlotte.

Half-Mile Farm is the sister property of Old Edwards Inn & Spa, the luxury Relais & Chateaux hotel situated prominently on Main Street in downtown Highlands. About 2 miles north, Half-Mile offers a rustic-luxe alternative to the larger downtown inn in a more rural setting.

Hosted events like the one with The Spotted Trotter occur several times a year and are a perk exclusive to overnight guests at Half-Mile Farm. Other recent guests include Haand Pottery from Burlington, N.C., and Sequatchie Cove Creamery, a Tennessee artisan cheese maker. The intimate events complement a robust calendar of chef dinners, concerts and art and jewelry pop-ups at HalfMile’s sister properties.

The circa-1880s Main Lodge, a former boarding house, had been an inn since 2001 when Old Edwards bought it in 2015 and added a dozen guest rooms (for a total of 34), a large dining room, and the Garden Room, a quaint cottage for guests to socialize, play board games or relax by the fire.

When you arrive at the port cochere, friendly staffers direct you to the lobby for check-in and a welcome beverage. Mingle with other guests around the communal fire pit, stroll down to the dock overlooking the 6-acre Apple Lake or stretch your legs on the new walking trail along the edge of the forest.

Lodging options include the historic main lodge, the newer Woodland suites with spacious balconies and soothing forest views, and several historic cabins scattered across the 14-acre property. Rooms are designed for comfort, with in-room fireplaces, plush robes and spa-like bathrooms.

There’s a heated pool and an on-site spa suite for massages, but guests at Half-Mile Farm can also take advantage of a complimentary shuttle to Old Edwards Inn and its full-service spa for facials, reiki, body treatments and more.

Breakfast at Half-Mile Farm is a gourmet affair. The menu varies based on what’s in season, but often starts with a fruit clafoutis — raspberry-mandarin, peach or another fruit — a sweet bite to whet your appetite for something savory, like the frittata

travel | weekend away

with Calabrian chiles, blistered tomato grits and rosemary ham I enjoyed on my visit.

For lunch, drinks or a simple dinner, it doesn’t get much cozier than J. Henry Farmhouse Tavern, a lively pub in the Main Lodge that’s open only to overnight guests. Pull up a barstool or sink into a leather armchair and enjoy tasty cocktails like a lavender lemon drop martini or the Snowblind — tequila, lime, crème de coconut and rice milk with a sugared rim. There’s a small food menu: cheese and charcuterie boards, burgers and sandwiches. For the ultimate comfort-food meal, get the soup and grilled cheese: warm tomatobasil soup with a muenster grilled cheese on country bread.

For dinner out, hop back on the shuttle or take the short drive to town. Highlands has no shortage of great restaurants: Madison’s, Ristorante Paoletti and OAK Steakhouse are popular choices. For something more casual with a lively atmosphere, don’t miss the mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas and salads at Four65 bistro.

If you’re looking for a little adventure, hiking trails abound in this part of the state. Gorges State Park in nearby Sapphire is a lesserexplored gem. The park’s Rainbow Falls Trail is a moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike, well worth the trek for a closeup of the powerful cascading falls. After a brisk hike on the trail, the park’s modern visitors center has a wraparound deck with rocking chairs to rest and take in the unobstructed mountain views. SP

FALL IN HIGHLANDS

Oct. 11

Three Celebrity Chefs of Great Britain at The Farm at Old Edwards. Celebrity chef and cookbook author Phil Vickery, Colin Bedford and Graham Fox share a few favorite dishes, accompanied by live music. Tickets are $225 per person; lodging is not included. For tickets and more information, visit oldedwardshospitality.com

Oct. 11-12

Fall Pottery Show at The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts. This year marks the 13th annual event showcasing handmade pottery and local artists. Free to attend. For details, visit thebascom.org

Nov. 7-10

Highlands Food & Wine Festival features musical performances (Greensky Bluegrass headlines), a food-truck rally, a grand tasting and the Main Event — an oyster roast with small plates, wine, craft beer and cocktails. Ticket prices vary; more info is available at highlandsfoodandwine.com

Nov. 8

Farm Harvest Dinner & Barn Dance at The Farm at Old Edwards. Local farmers team with chefs from Madison’s restaurant for this culinary affair, followed by music from Back Porch Orchestra. Tickets are $225 per person; lodging is not included. For tickets and more information, visit oldedwardshospitality.com

living SENIOR

Retirement living looks a lot different today, with beautiful, innovative communities designed just for seniors. Stunning living spaces, delicious dining venues and tailored, on-site services ensure everyday living is easy and enjoyable. Comprehensive care and expert support provide peace of mind. Discover the enriching, engaging lifestyles, abundant amenities and countless opportunities that await from these SouthPark partners.

Aldersgate | The Barclay at SouthPark | The Cypress The Sharon at SouthPark | Trinity Oaks | Windsor Run

Enjoy your ideal retirement at The Cypress

Sitting on 65 lush acres in the heart of SouthPark, The Cypress is Charlotte’s premier Life Plan Community. With the feel of a high-end resort, The Cypress is a vibrant and welcoming retreat, offering superb amenities, great food, and countless opportunities to connect with interesting people.

One of the best parts about The Cypress is stress-free home ownership. When you live here, you own your cottage or villa, yet none of the upkeep falls on your shoulders. You and your family enjoy the financial benefits of homeownership, while The Cypress handles all home maintenance. You won’t even have to change a light bulb!

The health and well-being of our residents is a priority at The Cypress. Along with a comprehensive wellness program designed to fuel the ongoing fitness of the mind, body and spirit, every Cypress member — from the most independent to those requiring more advanced care — has access to the exceptional medical facilities and care on campus.

Our recently expanded Stewart Health Center offers short-term rehabilitation, long-term care and memory care. The five-star rated, Medicare-certified facility features a new assisted-living neighborhood comprised of private rooms, as well as individual rooms for skilled nursing and memory care. Other highlights include restaurant-style dining and a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center.

Come see how easy it is to love your life at The Cypress. Schedule a tour today, and learn about the unique opportunities to move to The Cypress this year. A small number of one- and two-bedroom residences are coming soon. Hurry to reserve yours.

Engaging retirement living in the heart of SouthPark

The Barclay at SouthPark is a strong, active and vibrant senior-living community built on a foundation of quality care, engaging activities and a supportive social environment. These elements combined foster a thriving community where seniors can enjoy their later years with purpose and fulfillment.

At The Barclay, quality care is vital because it directly impacts the health, safety and overall well-being of every resident. Compassionate and well-trained staff provide not only medical care but also emotional support, guaranteeing a sense of security and comfort. Our approach to care helps maintain residents’ physical health, reduce stress and enhance their quality of life.

Enriching activities are the heartbeat of life at The Barclay. A diverse range — from fitness classes and arts and crafts to educational workshops and social events — keeps residents physically active and mentally strong. These opportunities encourage learning, creativity and social interaction, while preventing feelings of isolation and boredom. Tailoring activities to the interests and abilities of residents ensures inclusivity and maximizes participation.

A supportive social environment is the glue that holds The Barclay together. Strong interpersonal relationships among the staff, residents and family members create a sense of belonging and community. Regular social events, communal dining and shared spaces facilitate connections and friendships. The Barclay also encourages family involvement through regular visits and community events to help strengthen these bonds.

At The Barclay, seniors lead a dynamic and vibrant life. Schedule a visit today and learn more about retirement living at its fullest.

Embrace New Beginnings

Enjoy Active Senior Living at Trinity Oaks

Celebrate all seasons of life at Trinity Oaks! Our welcoming community is perfect for retirees seeking warmth and relationship. Explore our scenic 50-acre campus and enjoy the beauty of Salisbury. Our amenities are tailored to your lifestyle, offering an ideal setting for the next chapter of your life. Come and see for yourself.

Visit our website at TrinityOaks.net to learn more about our Independent Living residences, Assisted Living, Health & Rehab, and Memory Care or you can scan the QR code or call 704-603-9202.

Trinity Oaks is an affiliate of Lutheran Services Carolinas in Salisbury, NC.

You’ll notice plenty of changes at The Sharon at SouthPark, a leader in senior residential living for those 60+. Along with a new name, our 28-acre campus has undergone an exciting transformation that includes beautiful, new residential buildings and amenity spaces, the comprehensive Weisiger Health Center and Hicks Wellness Clinic, and renovated and expanded dining areas with culinary choices for every mood and taste.

Beyond the stylish interiors and abundant amenities, you’ll find much has changed on the outside, too. Lush gardens, peaceful water features, extensive walking trails and a new half-acre community park inspire relaxation, exercise and fellowship. Shaded, breezy terraces and private gazebos provide perfect spots to host family and friends, read or sit quietly surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Our commitment to environmental stewardship was recently recognized by the City of Charlotte with the 2024 Corporate Friend of the Urban Forest Award. This honor highlighted the transformation of The Wallace Dell, an enhanced, expansive green space featuring natural areas and native North Carolina plants, walking paths and a gentle, babbling stream. During construction of The Sharon’s expanded facilities, care was taken to save as many existing trees as possible. Idyllic views of the serene Dell space can be enjoyed from all levels of the Weisiger Health Center, as well as from inside dining areas and terraces.

At The Sharon, everything we do centers around our commitment to enrich the lives of those we serve, ensuring they live with joy, purpose and well-being. We look forward to showing you our beautiful community — the perfect blend of tranquility and urban sophistication — located just steps away from some of Charlotte’s best dining, shopping and entertainment. Contact us to learn more or arrange a personalized tour to witness The Sharon’s transformation yourself.

Senior Living at Windsor Run gives you more!

Gain a community filled with extraordinary benefits—at a value that may surprise you! We’re Southeast Charlotte’s premier destination for vibrant senior living. Here, you’ll enjoy more amenities, more services, and additional levels of care for more peace of mind.

Get more value for your money

Does your house come with a professional chef? How about a fitness center and indoor pool? Here, you’ll dine on chef-prepared meals, enjoy dozens of clubs and activities, and experience amenities that a house just can’t offer.

Make your spending more predictable

Choose from a variety of apartment homes to fit your style and budget, then sit back, relax, and never worry about another big-ticket house repair. Our streamlined Monthly Service Package covers home maintenance, utilities, and more!

Experience more peace of mind

It’s No Wonder...

...Aldersgate was voted “Best Retirement Community” by the readers of The Charlotte Observer. As a premier, non-profit Life Plan Community, we offer an expansive campus that has it all: hundreds of acres of nature, bocce ball, an urban farm, a wood shop, an indoor pool/hot tub, 4 dining venues to suit any palate, a dog park, a fitness center with daily exercise classes, RC Boat Racing, a stocked lake, and much more. Embrace Summer and all of the social connection that Aldersgate has to offer.

(704) 532-7265 | 3800 Shamrock Drive • Charlotte, NC 28215 | AldersgateLiving.org

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Charlotte Memory Gala

benefiting Alzheimer’s Association - Western North Carolina Westin Hotel May 18

Members of the Fowler family, who have shared their story nationwide about carrying a genetic mutation for early onset Alzheimer’s, were chosen as this year’s honorees for their commitment to research, awareness and raising funds to fight the disease. photographs by Daniel Coston

Mike Wollinger and Marlie Towery Karen Adcock and Joey LeCompte

Kristen Miranda

Sally Kay and Mark Schustrin

Erin and Shaun Atkinson Thompson family

Susie Gilliam, June Ward, Karen Douthitt, Katherine Lambert

Shana and Kelly Plott

Megan Barlow and Craig Danforth

Brent and Sarah Mullis, Jeff and Ansley O’Keefe

Ben and Linna Dean Jeff and Virginia Luther

Heather Chesnutt, Janice Ratica, Kellianne Benson

swirl

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Luncheon of Hope

benefiting Nourish Up

Fillmore Charlotte

May 22

Speakers Ohavia Phillips and Matt Doherty shared inspirational stories over lunch during this afternoon devoted to supporting Nourish Up’s mission of eliminating food insecurity in Charlotte.

photographs by Daniel Coston

Connor Nettles and Courtney Oates

Jose Ruiz and Luis Sosa Andrade

April Whitlock, Ohavia Phillips, Grace Nystrum

Ashley Leary and Melissa Lamm Sashi Sivarajan, Dean Colwell, Keith Hernandez

Alicia Powers and Tricey Edwards

Danielle Moore and Tina Postel

Jacqueline Sinicrope and Joyce Bottoms

Ashley Carmenia and Susan Fisher

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Speedway Gala

benefiting Speedway Children’s Charities

Ritz-Carlton Charlotte

May 22

This year’s gala raised more than a million dollars to help children in the Charlotte area while honoring driver and commentator Kevin Harvick for his contributions to the NASCAR community.

photographs by Daniel Coston

Erin and Ray Evernham

Patty Wheeler, Adele Marchant, Cross Coleman Cassi and Marcus Smith

Nanpon and Cameron Ross Connor and Daryn Mosack, Jerri and Mark Webb

Molly Grantham and husband Wes Michelle Buelow, Jenny Ward, Lisa Thompson

Adam Alexander, Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer

Clint Bowyer, Kevin Harvick

Donovan Law, Felix von Uklanski

monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Blumey Awards

Belk Theater

May 26

The excitement. The crowd. The songs. Central Cabarrus High School and Central Academy of Technology and Arts took home awards for best musical in this year’s showcase of Charlotte-area high-school musical theater.

photographs by Daniel Coston

Best actress nominees

Lance Toppin and Katie Ruttenberg

Tom Gabbard and Ella Grace Wolfe

Best actor nominee Jack Cooper, Charlotte Country Day School

East Meck High School, Mean Girls

Best actor nominees

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Night at the Museum

benefiting Carolina Farm Trust

First Ward Park

May 16

Charlotte-area chefs and mixologists delighted patrons with ingredients sourced from local farms, all while raising awareness about food insecurity and sustainable farming.

photographs by Daniel Coston

Ace the Stigma

Olde Providence Racquet Club

May 3-5

This inaugural tennis tournament in memory of Olde Providence Racquet Club President Chuck Reiney raised $190,000 for five local mental-health organizations.

photographs by Richard Pockat

Wendy Hickey and Emily Batson

Elena Lundy and Michael Bowling

Tom Stolz and Jean Cauthen

REEL TIME

Charlotte’s hub for indie films expands with a new, larger theater and more space for community gatherings. by

Michael J. Solender

Earlier this year, Independent Picture House executive director Brad Ritter was just beginning to plan a two-year anniversary celebration of Charlotte’s only independent theater dedicated to art-house films.

Instead, he found himself in the throes of an expansion that will nearly double the size of the venue, adding a larger screening theater, more pre-function space and a garage door that opens onto the theater’s outdoor patio.

“An opportunity presented itself with the adjacent space becoming available in our building,” Ritter says. “And while our strategy envisioned expansion three to five years out, this situation was too good for us to pass up.”

In addition to daily film screenings, a significant portion of the nonprofit’s revenue comes from space rentals to other arts nonprofits and local businesses, Ritter says. The expanded space will provide greater flexibility for hosting various groups.

In the expansion, IPH will add 4,600 square feet to its existing 5,500-square-foot footprint. The new 149-seat theater will be its largest yet, complementing existing theaters that seat 105, 77 and 17. Ritter envisions the new space, which will have theatrical lighting, will host improv and comedy shows and musical performances.

The work is set to begin this month and is expected to be complete by mid-November. In July, about 65% of the estimated $725,000 project cost had already been raised, says Ritter, who was general manager of The Manor before the Myers Park theater closed in 2020.

“Our growth is mirroring what is going on in the surrounding neighborhood,” he says, noting the retail shops and apartments springing up around the nearby LYNX Blue Line Sugar Creek Station. “Everything about IPH has exceeded my expectations. Many thought it was crazy to open an independent theater in the middle of Covid, yet here we are two years later, thriving.” SP

Introducing…. ZELDA

SUPERLATIVE style

The Village on Morehead has ushered in sophisticated retirement living in the Queen City. Surrounded by the heritage neighborhoods of Eastover, Myers Park and Dilworth – its impeccable finishes, Aspenwood service detail, dining and resort-style amenities make it the premier urban address. Impressive, spacious residential floor plans, floor to ceiling windows, expansive terraces allow a new level of indoor-outdoor living. Spaces designed for entertaining, fitness, relaxation and a dedicated team provide a secure, lock and leave lifestyle for members.