03/02/12

Get Ready, Charlotte, For The Dixie Diva

Victoria Livengood is known on New York stages and in opera houses all over the world. The New York Times has described her as "naturally seductive and vocally alluring." The Boston Phoenix magazine compared her acting to Joan Crawford and her singing to Maria Callas, and the Buenos Aires Herald named her "one of the leading singer-actresses of her generation."

But around these parts, folks just call her the "Dixie Diva."

The Thomasville native (and Mint Hill resident) was a winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions in 1985 and went on to make her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1991 as Laura in... Read more »

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02/25/12

BFD of the Month: Vienna Boys' Choir

Everyone's short on cash and time these days. If you have just one cultural outing this month, let it be our BFD.

Let's hear it for the boys!

The cherubic Vienna Boys' Choir is one of the best-known and best-loved choirs in the world. The boys are selected mainly from Austria, but they hail from many other countries around the world, too. In a world where everyone seems to get fifteen minutes of fame and musical acts come and go like the wind, it's lovely to know this choir dates back to the late Middle Ages. They were established by a letter written by Maximilian I of Hapsburg in 1498.

Read more »

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02/24/12

Charlotte Film Festival Returns

The Charlotte Film Festival took a year off, but they're back again with their 6th festival. This year's festival is more concentrated in terms of geography (all films will be shown at the Epicentre) but more spread out in terms of timing. Screening are on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays for nearly the entire month.  

Expect full-length features, documentaries, shorts, sci-fi, and student films. They're neatly organized around genre. The first week showcases long-form fiction; week two focuses on documentaries; week three is dedicated to short films; and the final week is all about sci-fi.

The films I'm particularly excited about -- partly because of the local angle -- are:

Bailout... Read more »

02/22/12

The Light Factory Rolls Out the Red Carpet

The Light Factory, in partnership with Mez and Epicentre theaters, will host an Oscar Night Viewing Party on Sunday, Feb. 26. That kind of event is pretty old school, but there's a new twist: a Tweet Off. It's a live broadcast of the Academy Awards -- on the big screen! -- accompanied by a live tweet. 

During the telecast, The Light Factory's Director of Film, Linnea Beyer, will lead a discussion via Twitter using the handle #TLFoscarnight. Everyone's encouraged to join in and comment on the awards, the show, the snubs, fashion hits and misses ... anything! Snarky comments are welcomed. 

Doors open at 6... Read more »

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02/21/12

Weekend Top Picks for Feb 24-26: Scott Avett Paintings, Sex and God, and More

This may just be the most culturally rich weekend so far this year. So. Much. To. Do.

Starting with our BFD of the Month: The Charlotte Jewish Film Festival. The eighth annual festival opens on Saturday with The Round Up. Told from the perspective of one Jewish child, this film is a heart-wrenching recreation of the 1942 roundup of 13,000 Parisian Jews. It stats a couple of A-listers -- Melanie Laurent (Inglorious Basterds) and Jean Reno (The Professional). Ballantyne Village at 7:30 p.m. Learn... Read more »

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02/19/12

CSO Pays Tribute to Michael Jackson

There will never be another Michael Jackson.

And Brent Havens, conductor of The Music of Michael Jackson knows that. So he doesn't try to imitate. He pays tribute to the King of Pop. Singer and performer James Delisco joins Havens and our own Charlotte Symphony for an evening filled with Jackson's biggest hits ... and a few of his signature dance moves. Havens told us a bit about what to expect at Ovens Auditorium on Saturday, March 10. Details.

Revue: When you're paying tribute to the King of Pop, I'd imagine the hardest task is deciding... Read more »

02/17/12

Five Things (Give or Take) About ... "Jersey Boys" and its Star, Joseph Leo Bwarie

Joseph Leo Bwarie originated the role of Frankie Valli in the Vegas rendition of Jersey Boys and then hit the road with the iconic role. He's been at it for more than four years. And now he's back, as Broadway Lights presents the popular show -- for the second time -- from Feb 22-March 11. Details.

Bwarie, who's also been in Highway to Heaven, Mama's Family, The Addams Family, Radio Flyer, and Batman Returns talked to me from -- where else? -- the road. 

1. This is Bwarie's second time in the QC... Read more »

02/17/12

Matisse Never Stopped Making Art

In his later years, Henri Matisse never let being in a wheelchair stop him from creating art. He just altered his medium. He began what he called "painting with scissors." He's as well-known today for those collages as he is for his early Fauvist work.

What is the relationship between Matisse, his disability, and his later artwork?  How does understanding Matisse as a disabled artist help us    rewrite art history? As part of the Bechtler Museum's "Modern Mondays" series, Davidson College professor of English Dr. Ann Fox, a disability and gender scholar, will examine those and other questions. She will lead a lecture, discussion, and reading of the play... Read more »

Posted at 08:45 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

02/16/12

"Art Saved My Life"

Edwin Gil arrived in the United States eleven years ago without knowing English or having any money. That move came after his life partner was killed in front of him in Colombia and two attempts were made on his own life. But it wasn't leaving Colombia that saved his life. Gil left will tell you that art saved him.

The contemporary conceptual artist is best known for his vibrant colors and the depth and movement in his works. He's also a social activist who uses his art to bridge cultures. His Con ‘A’ de Arte (A For Art) and Art Si (Art Yes), done in conjunction with the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, connects youth and promotes art as a vehicle to bring... Read more »

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02/14/12

Weekend Top Picks for Feb 17-19: Delbert McClinton, Arlo Guthrie and More

It's guy's weekend.

Delbert "Givin' It Up For Your Love" McClinton rocks the Neighborhood Theatre in NoDa on Friday night. McClinton may not be a household name, but he has a cult-like following. People love this guy. It's always a party every time he takes the stage. Find out more.

Arlo Guthrie's tour is even called "Boys' Night Out," but one assumes women are welcome, too. The son of a folk legend is a folk legend himself. Guthrie is a brilliant songwriter and raconteur. Saturday night at McGlohon Theater. Read more »

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02/13/12

Sex and Religion

Performer/writer/musician Amy Steinberg describes her show, currently at Petra's Piano Bar, as a "one-woman extravaganza about spirituality and sexuality." Indeed, Steinberg is unafraid to go there. And she goes with such unabashed joy that even the reluctant will want to come along.

Steinberg encourages us to embrace God -- whatever our vision/version of God might be, embrace ourselves, and embrace each other. She took time for a chat about her show (which is selling out) and the journey of faith she and her characters are on.

Revue: Your show is about sexuality and spirituality. Some people would rather keep the two separate and, in fact, keep one hidden. But those people probably don't come to your... Read more »

02/12/12

Douglas Blackmon to Speak at Levine Museum of the New South

Douglas Blackmon's explosive book, Slavery by Another Name, chronicles a shameful, little-known chapter in American history -- a time when slavery was reintroduced after being abolished.

Blackmon is coming to Charlotte on Tuesday, Feb 21. He'll speak at 7 p.m. at the Levine Museum of the New South and read from his Pulitzer Prize-winning book. In this historical expose, the author shines a light on a time when slavery was re-imposed on hundreds of thousands of African-Americans until the beginning of World War II.

A Mississippi native, Blackmon has spent more than 16 years at The Wall Street Journal. He has risen from being... Read more »

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02/10/12

!@#$%^&*()

Get ready for some R-rated verbal fireworks. David Mamet's characters use language that would make your mother blush. Unless your mother is a sailor or street hustler. CAST is staging the regional premiere of Mamet's Race, about a wealthy white man charged with raping a black woman and the lawyers who defend him.

I talked to director, Dr. Charles LaBorde, about the play. Surprisingly, neither of us dropped an F-bomb during the interview. That won't be the case during the run of the play. Feb 23-March 24. Details here

Revue: I love David Mamet. Glengarry Glen Ross... Read more »

02/09/12

The Talented Mr. Avett

Concord native Scott Avett is well known for being an award-winning musician and member of The Avett Brothers. But he's also an accomplished visual artist. On Feb 25 -- for one day only -- his striking figurative paintings will be on display in Charlotte.

Religious archetypes are common in Avett's art. "He is a truth-seeker who uses various media -- illustration, printmaking, painting, sculpture, songwriting, recording, and performing -- to tell his stories," reads the website about his event. His work has appeared at galleries in New York, Raleigh, and Salisbury. See his paintings at Read more »

02/08/12

Foundation for the Carolinas Hosts Community Open House Saturday

Foundation For The Carolinas is opening its doors to the community this Saturday, Feb 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. The open house is a special weekend opportunity for the community to visit and tour the new Luski–Gorelick Center for Philanthropy.

More than 500 people attended the Foundation’s first community open house in December. Due to high demand, the Foundation is hosting Saturday’s open house to give us another opportunity to tour all five levels of the 80,000 square foot facility.

One of the best reasons to visit is the stunning art collection housed within the building. The Sonia & Isaac Luski Gallery, an extensive collection of mostly glass art, was procured by the Luski family over decades. Pieces in... Read more »

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02/07/12

Weekend Top Picks for Feb 10-12: Crazy Love and More

It's time to celebrate that crazy little thing called love. Guys: If you haven't made reservations and/or ordered flowers yet, you had better git on  it. V Day is upon us. Score points by ordering tickets for ...

Crazy Love. Carolina Voices puts on a musical tribute to amore. Featuring music by a wide array of artists, including Jason Mraz, Patsy Cline, Lady Antebellum, James Taylor, and more, the show is a journey in song through that many splendored thing called love. A champagne-and-chocolate reception will be held at intermission. Saturday at McGlohon Theatre. Read more »

Posted at 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

02/06/12

My Ten Favorite Movies of 2011

My top ten movies don't have much to do with Charlotte. So why have I compiled a list and then posted it on Charlotte magazine's Revue blog? Well, because I can, for one.

And because it's Oscar season, and there are a few snubs I just can't get let go unnoticed.

But also because there's one movie in my top ten list that I would never have heard about, much less have seen, were it not for the Back Alley Film Series. All hail UNCC professor and 35mm fanatic Jay Morong for starting this group -- that regularly sells out its showings -- and for challenging... Read more »

Posted at 04:44 PM | Permalink | Comments: 1

02/02/12

An Old Art Form Gets New Attention

Celebrate handmade. And celebrate history at the same time.

Way back in the mid-15th century, Johannes Gutenberg's invention changed the world. His printing press was the accepted form of printing text all the way up until the 19th century. The once-revolutionary technique involves applying ink to wood or metal letters (or designs) while simultaneously debossing the image onto paper.

These days, printing has gone digital. Some folks still use the old-fashioned press for special invitations, posters, and art. But for the most part, type is set on computers.

Letterpress printing is being rediscovered, though. AIGA Charlotte, the local chapter of the professional association for design, will... Read more »

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02/01/12

John Linnell Predicts They Might Be Giants' Charlotte Show Will Be "Best Show Ever"

The alt-rock pioneers from Brooklyn, They Might Be Giants, have been making great music for 30 years. The guys have lost none of their energy over the years and even have some new material from their new 18-song album Join Us to accompany their hits from back in the day. John Linnell, one of the founding members of the band, spoke to us about their Feb 14 Charlotte show at McGlohon Theatre. Details

Revue: “Birdhouse in Your Soul” may be in my Top 10 favorite pop songs ever written. Thank you for writing it. Is it like your “Born to ... Read more »

01/31/12

Weekend Top Picks for Feb 3-5: Jazz for Lovers, and more

Ahhh, February is the month for luvahs, and there are plenty of celebrations of love going on this month. Starting this weekend.

Jazz at The Bechtler. "Jazz for Lovers" is, appropriately, the theme for this month's concert. Vocalist Toni Tupponce returns to sing songs for sweethearts. "My Funny Valentine," "Someone To Watch Over Me," "You Don’t Know What Love Is" and "The Nearness of You" will be among songs on her set list.  Friday evening. Read more »

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01/30/12

BFD of the Month: Charlotte Jewish Film Festival

Everyone's short on time and cash these days. If you have just one cultural outing this month, let it be our BFD.

This month's BFD isn't a one-time event. There are eleven feature screenings scheduled for the 8th Annual Charlotte Jewish Film Festival. Dramas, documentaries, and comedies are part of the mix; Jewish life is the common thread through all the films.

The mission of the festival is both simple and profound: "To illuminate the Jewish experience through film -- including history, language, people, and the land of Israel and welcome all who strive for a better understanding of themselves and others."

That's a lot to ask of a film festival, but the Charlotte Jewish Film... Read more »

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