08/27/11

Dancing to Tom Waits

Can you dance to the mostly experimental music of Tom Waits? Not easily. You'd probably best leave that to the professionals.

CPCC's Dance Theatre can oblige. As part of Love's Labor, Dance Theatre alumnus Clay Daniel will perform two solos from his work Suite Waits. These solos were inspired, and will be accompanied, by the music of composer/musician Tom Waits. Waits has composed just about every style of music, from vaudeville to industrial. The dance company is also offering a "dance tribute to love" in a production of Les Sylphides with choreography by Mikhail Fokin and music by Chopin.

Sept 1 at 7:30 p.m.; Sept 2-3 at 8 p.m. Visit Read more »

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08/25/11

The Dude Abides

Not everyone gets the appeal of The Big Lebowski. Me, for instance. (And, that's dang near impossible because I'm predisposed to love anything my boyfriend, Philip Seymour Hoffman, is in.)

But, the Coen Brothers' film has legions of White Russian-drinking fans. It has earned its status as a cult film, and -- if you're among those who love it -- you'll soon get the chance to see it again on a big screen. Perhaps best of all, the film and the popcorn are free.

It's part of Light Factory's Cult Movie Monday series and is playing at Theatre Charlotte on Aug 29. Doors open at 7 p.m.; film at 8 p.m. Details

Posted at 08:30 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

08/25/11

A Gallery Grows in South End

With recent news of some of Charlotte's best art galleries closing (I miss Green Rice*), it's nice to hear about one that's expanding.

When it opened in 2008, Ciel Gallery + Mosaic Studio became the first gallery in the country to dedicate itself to the exhibition of mosaic art. Three years later,  the concept has obviously caught on. The gallery is growing.

The new location opens Sept 1 on East Park Ave. in South End and includes more than twice the exhibition space, a classroom with space for more than twenty-five students, and studio space. Ciel has exhibitions, offers classes and open studio time, and is committed to creating art in the community. Learn more... Read more »

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08/24/11

Weekend Top Picks for Aug 26-28: The Play's The Thing

The play's the thing this weekend. Oh, the drama!

August: Osage County is CAST's powerhouse season opener. Director Michael Simmons warns audience members to strap themselves in for a three-act, theatrical rollercoaster. Tracy Letts’s Pulitzer- and Tony-winning dark comedy gives us Beverly Weston, the patriarch of an Oklahoma family, who has disappeared. As his clan gathers to await news, addictions, secrets, and long-held grudges come to light. Opening night is Aug 25. Tickets, showtimes.

Paul Robeson. On Q Productions opens its third season with a... Read more »

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08/23/11

August And Everything After

Nothing will ever be the same now that the Weston family patriarch has gone missing.

As his worried clan gather to await news, addictions, family secrets, and long-held grudges are revealed in August: Osage County. The three-hour-and-twenty-minute run time may scare some away from Tracy Letts’s Pulitzer- and Tony-winning dark comedy. Director Michael Simmons says you shouldn't let it. He promises an emotional roller coaster ride that might require a seat belt. 

The play opens Aug 25 and runs through Sept 24 at CAST's new home in NoDa. Details here.

Posted at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

08/22/11

Brandi Carlile's Solo Tour Hits Charlotte

Well, this is good news for a Monday.

I'd normally try to come up with a witty headline, but there's simply not time. I wanted to share the news as soon as I got it. The divine Brandi Carlile is returning to Charlotte's McGlohon Theatre on Nov 11. It's her first-ever solo tour. I'll miss the twins, but I think a stage with nothing but Brandi, her guitar, and a piano is going to pure magic.

No sale date has been announced yet. Tickets will be available through www.carolinatix.org

Posted at 09:22 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

08/22/11

Out and Proud

Gay pride has been celebrated in Charlotte since the 1970s, apparently, but until this year, it's been celebrated in a location that's not exactly front and center. As a good (gay) friend of mine said, "It's always been like, 'We're proud, but ...'"

All that's changing with the new-and-improved, out-and-proud, bigger, better, week-long Pride Charlotte. Learn more here.

There's a full slate of movies, takeovers, a talent show, bowling, a party before the Britney concert and -- the highlight of the whole week -- the all-day Pride Charlotte festival on Aug 27 with live music, comedy, dance, a children’s... Read more »

Posted at 06:09 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

08/21/11

If You Loved Him in Blade Runner ...

... you may also love him in the decidedly different Hobo with a Shotgun.

Rutger Hauer is probably best known for his role in the classic 1980s Ridley Scott film Blade Runner. A more recent film is a classic of a different sort.

The title gives you the gist of the plot. A homeless vigilante (now, there's a character you don't often see) brings justice to crooked cops, pedophile Santas (a character you do often see), and other scumbags. 

The film is at CrownPoint for one showing only -- on Aug 25 at 7:30 p.m. You can thank Back Alley Film Series for bringing such unusual fare to town. The group's first screening, Trollhunter, sold out last week. Read more »

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08/20/11

It's Britney, Bitch

Say what you will about her vocal talent (it's questionable), parenting skills (they're sketchy), or choice in ex-husbands. (K. Fed deserves a spot in the Hanger-on Hall of Fame.) This former Mouseketeer has staying power.

Time was that some critics thought Britney would be on Celebrity Rehab by now. But, she's as relevant as ever and is a legitimate pop culture icon. And she's still drawing hordes to her shows.

She's bringing her Femme Fatale show to Charlotte on Aug 25. There are sure to be plenty of costume changes. Details here.

Don't ever count Britney out, bitch.

Posted at 07:55 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

08/19/11

A Hero's Journey

On Q Productions’ founder, Quentin "Q" Talley, tackles a one-man play about Paul Robeson, actor, singer, athlete, and civil rights activist whose outspoken views drew the ire of McCarthy era anti-Communists. 

Now beginning its third season, On Q Productions' stated mission is to "produce classic, contemporary, and original works that reflect the minority experience, especially that of the African American."

"Q" is a slam poet who has performed in competitions across the country. Like Robeson, "Q" has a powerful voice and his own loyal following. Robeson remains a... Read more »

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08/17/11

Weekend Top Picks for Aug 19-21: Guster, My Morning Jacket, and More

This weekend, our cultural cup runneth over.

Guster. The members of the alt-rock group met when they were freshmen at Tufts in 1991. They've got a loyal fan base and are known to stick around and sign autographs after shows. They're also known for unusual encores. Their drummer, known to fans as "The Thundergod," once sang the Cheers theme song as part of a finale. Details, showtime.

My Morning Jacket (pictured here). We named this show the BFD for the entire month of August. And, with good reason. The divine Neko Case opens. Read more »

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08/16/11

Q&A with a Founder of Back Alley Film Series

Jay Morong just wants to mess with your mind

Posted at 10:37 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

08/16/11

The Fog of War (Captured on Film)

I'm not sure I realized the Danes were part of what W. dubbed "The Coalition of the Willing," but here ya go. They've apparently discovered the horror and ennui of a war without end, just as American, British and Canadian troops have.

The award-winning documentary Armadillo captures the mayhem and the boredom of a band of soldiers fighting the Taliban. Salon.com declared it, "a mesmerizing, beautiful, and terrifying documentary that can stand among the greatest war movies ever made."

It was at the top of the Danish box office when it opened, but it's never played Charlotte. Until now. The Light Factory is bringing it to town for three showings only. Aug 19-21 at 7:30... Read more »

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08/15/11

Not-Your-Grandparents' Film Series

From reading the Facebook page or the website, you might suspect this is a group of teenage misfits screening movies in their parents’ basement. In reality, it’s a group of adult misfits, and they’re screening movies every month in a real theater.

The group is actually legit, too. Founded this year as an offshoot of the venerable Charlotte Film Society, the Back Alley Film Series brings offbeat cinema to a city that hasn’t always gone for anything outside the mainstream. 

The group kicks off its series on Thursday, Aug 18 with Trollhunter. As the title suggests, this Norwegian film is about someone who hunts trolls. It was shot in a documentary style, and the actors improvised most of... Read more »

Posted at 09:49 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

08/14/11

Senior Moments

The Charlotte area has had a theater dedicated to children's programming for years. Now, there's even a theater for newborns and infants. So, it's about time seniors got their due.

ACTivate Community Through Theatre (ACT) is staging an all-senior production of It’s A Short Attention Theatre on Aug 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Matthews Playhouse. It’s a Short Attention Span Theatre is a mix of monologues, ten-minute plays, and songs. Monologues range from the classic (Mark Twain) to the new and mysterious (senior dating).

Some performers in the production are acting for the first time, proving you're never too old to try new... Read more »

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08/14/11

Don't Cry For The Weepies

I love The Weepies -- their music and their sense of humor. Here's part of an email they sent to their fan base (of which I am a member) in advance of their first tour in ages.

"AAAAAHHHHHH!! We are seven days away from tour, and appropriately freaked out. It's a big tour. We cannot wait. We're in good shape musically, but we have not packed yet and have no idea what we're wearing. Some shows are sold out and many will sell out by show day. We're bringing all our acoustic instruments and a lighting designer and a big set and we're not sure when we'll get another chance to do it quite like this."  

The big tour bus bearing Deb Talan and Steve Tannen, their two young kids, their Candyland board game and all that equipment... Read more »

Posted at 07:28 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

08/09/11

Weekend Top Picks for Aug 12-14: If I Were A Carpenter

Will your weekend be chill, wild or nostalgia-filled? Or, some of each? Let us help you decide.

Mary Chapin Carpenter.  Since "Passionate Kisses" (for which she won a Grammy), Carpenter has been a beloved folk-country artist. She hasn't had a big hit in a while. But, her shows always draw the faithful who hope for a few songs from her biggest album ever, 1992's Come On Come On, which was certified quadruple platinum. She followed it with Stones in the Road (1994) and A Place in the World (1996). In the 2000s, her songwriting took a turn toward the political, meaning even less radio play. Her latest CD, The Age of Miracles, was released last April. "Shut Up and Kiss Me"... Read more »

Posted at 06:38 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

08/09/11

Behind the Scenes: Chip Decker

Behind the Scenes is an occasional series designed to introduce you to the people bringing art and culture to life in Charlotte. We'll ask four relevant questions of each person we profile ... and one ridiculous, either/or bonus question. Thanks to Chip Decker, artistic director of Actor's Theatre of Charlotte for going first. Actor's Theatre is about to finish its wild run of The Rocky Horror Show. Up next: In The Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play). Learn more here.

Describe Charlotte's culture scene in one sentence.

Struggling to find its own identity.

What's your (and your organization's) role in the cultural scene?

To create a... Read more »

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08/08/11

Take Me to The River

Summer won't last forever. But by August, it just feels like it will.

Don't let the sweltering summer of 2011 end without making it out to the Whitewater River Jam. Regional rock and bluegrass bands play in one of the most picturesque settings in all of Mecklenburg County. The next one, "Uncorked," is Aug 13 from 4-8 p.m.

Short on cash? Don't worry; the music's free. Wine tasting is $20. Details here.

Posted at 02:58 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

08/08/11

Somebody's Having A Monday

Having a case of the Mondays? Maybe a dose of culture is what you need. A program at The Bechtler -- Modern Mondays -- starts the week off with a lunch-hour art history lesson. The discussions are more than lectures; they're an open forum. Learn more here.

On Monday, Aug 8 at noon, Karen Stock, professor of fine arts at Winthrop University, will discuss lithographs by Félix Vallotton. Afterward, participants can tour the exhibition Crimes and Punishments: Works by Félix Vallotton in the gallery.
 

Vallotton was a Swiss painter active in the late 1800s-early 1900s and is closely associated with developing the woodcut as a modern art... Read more »

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08/05/11

Q&A with Queen City Theatre Company's Founders

Queen City Theatre Company's The Irish Curse, about guys with "one tiny problem," is running Aug 4-20 at Duke Energy Theatre. I sat down with QCTC founders Glenn T. Griffin (who's directing the show) and Kristian Wedolowski and asked them to size things up. Details, ticket info.

Q. Let's talk about size. Does it matter?
Glenn: Well, in the spirit of the show, I should definitely say: No, size does not matter! But, let's be honest. It matters a little bit. You want something to work with, right?
Kristian: Well, obviously that was Glenn being politically correct. Of course, it matters. Who do we want to... Read more »

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08/03/11

Weekend Top Picks for Aug 5-7: A King and A Curse

How will you spend your hard-earned weekend? As usual, we have ideas.

King Lear. The great Graham Smith comes home to Charlotte to play the tragic monarch he's played twice before. We scored an interview with him, where he tells us what it's like to portray the mad, misguided king. Collaborative Arts isn't charging admission, but they do suggest a minimum donation of $5. 

Jazz at The Bechtler. The stunning modern art is usually the main attraction, but for one Friday a month during the summer, it's all about the music. The final Read more »

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08/02/11

The Circus As It Was Meant To Be Seen

Cirque du Soleil showed us all that circuses can consist of people contorting their bodies into unbelievable poses. Not, you know, wild animals that have been beaten into submission performing for our amusement. What the Cirque acrobats and gymnasts can do is more amazing (and, more humane) than watching lions jump through flaming hoops.

One of the greatest shows on earth is in town Aug 3-7. Details, showtimes.

Posted at 08:57 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

08/02/11

Slam Dunk!

Charlotte's homegrown poetry slam has hit the big time. Again. The Huffington Post has named SlamCharlotte a "poetry slam you should know about."

SlamCharlotte first got national notice in 2007 when Boris "Bluz" Rogers, the current "Slam Master," was ranked 13th as an individual poet. HuffPo says "this relatively young venue has as much moxie and talent as anyplace else."

Your next chance to see why Bluz and company have garnered national attention is Aug 19 at McGlohon Theatre. www.slamcharlotte.com

Posted at 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

08/01/11

Size Matters

Those brave, outlandish lads at Queen City Theatre Company are up to their usual naughty antics. This one comes in the form of a play that's been called the male version of The Vagina Monologues.

The Irish Curse (Aug 4-20) is about, according to the tagline, "guys with one tiny problem." The action takes place in a Catholic church basement as a group of Irish-American men meet each week at a support group for those unhappy with the size of their equipment.

The play, written by Martin Casella, premiered at the New York International Fringe Festival in 2005, where it won the Overall Excellence Award for Outstanding Playwriting. Its European premiere was at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe... Read more »

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07/31/11

BFD of the Month: August

Everyone's short on time, and most of us are short on cash these days. If you treat yourself to just one cultural outing this month, let it be our BFD.

They once had a set that lasted four hours. (It was at Bonnaroo in 2008 and included 35 songs that ranged from original material to covers by artists as diverse as Kool and the Gang and Motley Crue. Oh, and there was an appearance by Zach Galifianakis.)

It's not every psychedelic jam band that can lay claim to having shared the stage with the Boston Pops, but these guys can. They've also been on Late Night with David Letterman, Austin City Limits, Saturday Night Live and a bunch of other cool shows.

But, their fans love them mainly for their live shows, where anything can happen.... Read more »

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