09/30/11

A Feast for The Eyes at Lark & Key Gallery

Good manners and art merge when SouthEnd's Lark & Key Gallery opens Table Manners: Functional Pottery For Your Table, A Visual Feast For Your Eyes. ARTfeast (a celebration of art and food) and the show's opening reception are Oct 7 from 6 - 9 p.m.

The second annual Table Manners exhibit showcases a diverse collection of functional pottery, including Ursula Hargens' plate, pictured here.The exhibit makes the point that homemade meals are enhanced by handmade dinnerware.

In addition to functional items for the table, two-dimensional artwork that focuses on the theme of food and table will be on view. Gallery co-owner and local art superstar Duy Huynh will... Read more »

Posted at 11:46 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

09/30/11

BFD of the Month: Denyce Graves in Il Trovatore

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

For an opera singer, you can't do better than making your debut at the Met. For most people, that would be a career apex. But, Denyse Graves isn't just any diva. She's one of opera's biggest superstars. And, she's returning to Charlotte for Il Trovatore this month. The last time Opera Carolina brought her here was for the 2005-06 season.

Graves may be best known for her portrayals of the title roles in Carmen and Samson et Dalila. These signature roles have taken her to the Vienna Staatsoper, Covent Garden, San Francisco... Read more »

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09/29/11

Q&A with Two Men on Roller Skates

Your intrepid arts blogger had to put on a pair of roller skates to catch up with Queen City Theatre Company's Glenn T. Griffin and Kristian Wedolowski. But, I'll endure anything to bring you, dear readers, the scoop. The duo who will try anything is opening Xanadu, the iconic 1980s musical on roller skates at Spirit Square's Duke Energy Theatre. Tickets, showtimes.

Revue: Kristian, you're a hot South American with an accent that makes women and men swoon. And, you're playing Aphrodite, the goddess of love. It seems like the role you were born to play.... Read more »

09/28/11

Weekend Top Picks for Sept 30-Oct 2: Stigmata, Seussical, and more

Boo! October's here (as of Saturday). Time for a new TV season, scarves and sweaters, cider, Starbuck's new salted caramel mocha, and a cornucopia of cultural offerings.

Stigmata. The little play that could moves from Cornelius's Warehouse Performing Arts Center to Spirit Square for ONE weekend only. Star of New York stage and screen, Divina Cook, appears in a play her husband wrote just for her. In the play, wealthy Carmen Ruiz wakes up in a cell with no clue as to how she got there. She must face the choices she's made in life and ask tough questions about her faith. Sept 29 and Oct 1 at Spirit Square. Read more »

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09/27/11

Sometimes You Get The Bear ...

... and sometimes the bear gets you." That "win some; lose some" sentiment is a line from a Stephen Kellogg and The Sixers song, but these guys definitely seem to have gotten the bear more often than not.

The Sixers may be the hardest-working alt-folk band touring today. NPR said they've "steadily built a following through relentless touring and constant interaction with fans." 

They're a little bit folk, a little bit country, and they're master storytellers -- in song and on stage. Many of their songs are autobiographical and beautiful in their honesty: "I watched you... Read more »

Posted at 11:10 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

09/26/11

Q&A with Grandma Addams

The spooky, kooky Addams Family is descending on Charlotte. Revue sat down with Pippa Pearthree, who plays Grandma, to find out what the bizarre cast of characters will be doing on stage. 

Pearthree is a Broadway veteran, having appeared in Boeing Boeing, The History Boys, Frozen, Titanic, Taking Steps, and Whose Life Is It Anyway. Off-Broadway, she's been in The Dining Room, Hamlet, American Days, The Singular Life of Albert Nobbs, and The Miss Firecracker Contest. Her film credits include Mrs. Soffel and Taking Woodstock. On the small screen, she's appeared in Law & Order, Bored to Death, and... Read more »

Posted at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

09/25/11

To Die For

Late-breaking news ... according to an announcement made at today's final performance of The Music Man, Dinner and a Murder is SOLD OUT.

There's been a murder, and you may be just the amateur detective to help solve it. On Oct 1, theater goers will question the suspects and collect clues as they try to ID the perp at Theater Charlotte's Dinner and a Murder.

But, while real detectives may run on coffee and doughnuts, you'll get to enjoy dinner and dessert provided by Carpe Diem. Yums.

Clues about ticket prices and other details are here. You'll enjoy a... Read more »

Posted at 04:48 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

09/23/11

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

UNCC's music department has a new trumpet professor who is deserving of a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

Michael Hackett has worked with The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin; Wayne Newton; Natalie Cole; and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra. But, on Sept 27, he'll be working with UNCC faculty members Will Campbell (sax), Noel Friedline (piano), Tom Hildreth (bass), and Rick Dior (percussion). They're the Faculty Jazz Quintet, and their debut concert on their home stage is in the Anne R. Belk Theater of Robinson Hall.

Catch the group's first gig at Festival in the Park... Read more »

09/23/11

Behind The Scenes: Alan Poindexter

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 Alan Poindexter, artistic director of Children's Theatre of Charlotte for entertaining my questions. He and Children's Theatre are gearing up for their production of Seussical. Find out more.

 Describe Charlotte's culture scene in one sentence.

Read more »

Posted at 06:22 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

09/22/11

Feeling Nostalgic for the 1980s

In the late 1980s, I lived beside the King of Charlotte's club scene. He was out every night of the week, or so it seemed. He was just getting in from a night of clubbing as I'd be going out to get the paper. (Yes, kids, we used to get an actual rolled-up newspaper delivered to our homes back in the day.) The Park Elevator, Pterodactyl Club, and others whose names are now lost to me -- they were his domain.

I remember him wearing parachute pants and having an asymmetrical Flock of Seagulls haircut, although that may not be entirely accurate. Although we knew each other only in passing then, we became good friends many years later. Dan turned out to be much more than a party boy. He was a mentor/workplace fairy godfather during the five years we worked at... Read more »

Posted at 09:25 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

09/21/11

Weekend Top Picks for Sept 23-25: The Vibrator Play and More

Welcome, fall! Greet the cooler temperatures and my favorite season at an outdoor festival in Freedom Park, a symphony concert, or a very stimulating comedy/drama at Actor's Theatre.

My personal best best for the weekend is my friend, Peter's, wedding. I'm sorry the reception isn't open to the public. The Heather Hayes Experience will be performing, and the daugher of superstar Isaac (Southpark's Chef) Hayes promises the same approximate number of costume changes as Diana Ross does at her shows. But, I'll also be seeing two plays -- August: Osage County and The Music Man -- this weekend. Cheers!

In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play). Sarah Ruhl’s play about the invention of a certain... Read more »

Posted at 01:40 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

09/19/11

Oh, Nevermind

Get out your flannel. Or, just come as you are.

Chop Shop NoDa is hosting a midnight tribute to Nirvana's Nevermind on Friday, Sept 23. It's hard to believe it's been 20 years since the album was released.

Several Charlotte bands will play a free (you read that right; it's free) show as they cover songs by a few of the iconic bands from the 1990s. The night will end with a 22-song set of Nirvana songs.

Sounds like nirvana for grunge fans. I'll bet the place will smell like teen spirit. www.chopshopnoda.com

Posted at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

09/18/11

Back Alley Films Wants to Mess With Your Mind

Sweden gave the world Ingmar Bergman, and Norway, apparently, gave us a Ninja.

The Back Alley Film Series crew, the film geeks responsible for screening Trollhunter and Hobo with a Shotgun last month, are back with Norwegian Ninja. It's the "true" story of how Norway was saved during the Cold War by a very unlikely hero. 

Back Alley Founder Jay Morong said in an interview the group's aim is "to offer people films that are not being shown in... Read more »

Posted at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

09/15/11

New Kid on The (Arts) Block

Could Charlotte's new arts district be the cultural campus that includes the Mint Museum, the Bechtler, the Knight Theater, and the Gantt Center?

That's how things are shaping up, since that once-dead end of Tryon has unveiled its glittering jewels in the Charlotte skyline. There's a lot going on at street level, too. The New Gallery of Modern Art, opening Sept 21, is the latest reason this corner of uptown is the place to go for visual and performing arts.

Credit Irina Toshkova for having the chutzpah to open a high-end, modern art gallery in the middle of a recession. She's undaunted.

The native of Bulgaria has an undergraduate degree in art history and arts management from Salem College and a masters degree in arts administration... Read more »

Posted at 12:57 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

09/14/11

Weekend Top Picks for Sept 16-18: The Music Man and More

Some theater, some music, and a modernist movie. Add to that the cooler temps we're expecting this weekend and the return of pumpkin lattes. Throw in some Sauvignon Blanc and chili cheese fries (although, not necessarily at the same time), and it sounds like a perfect weekend to me.

The Music Man. It's the next-to-the-last weekend to catch Theatre Charlotte's revival of the classic Broadway musical. Can conman Harold Hill reform his ways, thanks to the love of a good woman? C'mon, what do you think? Friday and Saturday nights and a Sunday matinee. Details.

Earl... Read more »

09/13/11

The Bearden Celebration Rolls On

Romare Bearden, the most famous artist Charlotte ever produced, grew to be one of the foremost American artists of the twentieth century. He chronicled the African-American experience, and especially that of the Southern African-American. Charlotte and its (mostly segregated) neighborhoods, landmarks, and people helped shape the man and his art. 

But, he never forgot his roots. Learn about "Bearden's Charlotte" at a talk by Levine Museum historian Dr. Tom Hanchett. Romare Bearden’s Charlotte, 1911 will take place Sunday, Sept 18 at 3 p.m. at The Duke Mansion.The event is free, but reservations are required. To reserve your spot, call 704-714-4448 or email... Read more »

Posted at 09:28 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

09/12/11

The Bechtler Does It Again

The Bechtler has led the way for marrying modern art with music. (The museum hosts frequent jazz and classical concerts in their gorgeous atrium.) Now, they're doing the same with modern architecture and film.

To explore the intersection of cinema and architecture, the cutting-edge museum is launching a film program in conjunction with the Charlotte chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The Architectural + Film program takes place the third Friday of each month. A cash bar cocktail reception begins at 6 p.m. Screenings are at 7 p.m., and galleries remain open on movie nights until 9 p.m.

The series kicks off Sept 16 with the Dustin... Read more »

Posted at 10:14 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

09/11/11

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra: The Royal Treatment

Christopher Warren-Green may be a native of the U.K., but Charlotte can claim him now. The maestro is the director of our very own Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. But, he has royal credentials.

The classical-music loving Prince Charles selected him to be the musical director of the nuptials of the future King of England of his stunning bride, the former Kate Middleton. But, Warren-Green has traded Westminster Abbey for the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and, this weekend, opens the CSO's new season.

Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition marries the musical and visual arts; it's a piece of music that depicts an imaginary tour of an art collection. Titles of individual movements refer to works by the composer’s late... Read more »

Posted at 10:57 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

09/10/11

Listen To "The TV"

Expect the unexpected from TV On The Radio, the guys who once performed a live concert on a stage built on a billboard.  

The Brooklynites experiment with everything from punk to freeform jazz to techno to soul. Check them out on Sept 12 at The Fillmore, and listen to what it sounds like when one band is influenced by David Bowie; Earth, Wind & Fire; and Nancy Sinatra.  Details here.

Posted at 08:15 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

09/09/11

Divina Inspiration

Something big is happening at the little Warehouse Performing Arts Center in Cornelius. Divina Cook, who has a string of letters after her name, including SAG (for the Screen Actors Guild), is starring in a powerhouse of a play.

Cook is a member of The Ensemble Studio Theatre in New York. Her Big Apple credits include Martha in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Agnes in The Shadow Box, Eleanor in The Lion in Winter, and Annie in The Miracle Worker. In regional theater, she has worked at the Long Wharf in New Haven, the Williamstown Theater Festival, the famed Actors Theatre Of Louisville, Dallas Theatre Center, and more. 

You've probably seen her in film (Scent of a... Read more »

09/08/11

Q&A with Lee Thomas of In The Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play)

My old friend, Lee Thomas, is in the intriguingly named In The Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play) opening Sept 14 at Actor's Theatre of Charlotte. (Previews are Sept 9-10.) I couldn't resist the chance to ask him about it. Tickets, showtimes.

Q. Tell me about your character and what role he plays in the action.

A. Mr. Daldrey is a character whose wife suffers from some emotional issues that have affected their physical relationship. He isn't sure how these changes occurred and isn't concerned; he only wants her to be cured so things can return to normal.

Q.... Read more »

09/07/11

Weekend Top Picks for Sept 9-11: Bruce Cockburn, Greek Fest, and More

How can you possibly cram everything cultural you want to do this weekend into those fleeting forty-eight hours? Simple answer: You can't. You'll have to choose. Here's what we recommend. But, be warned: There are three great concerts on Friday night we've picked as best bets, so we've only narrowed the field for you a little.

Bruce Cockburn. The Canadian legend has recorded more than thirty albums in a career that's spanned forty years. He's as much social activist as he is singer/songwriter, and his latest album continues that tradition. He's seen the coffins of Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan, and sings about the experience. Sept 9 at McGlohon Theatre. Read more »

Posted at 12:08 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

09/06/11

A "Foreign" Concept

Geezers like me just can't believe what the interweb makes possible. Including this: A band whose two members recorded an album entirely online. Without ever meeting in person.

Rapper/singer/songwriter Phonte (a Raleigh, N.C. native) and producer Nicolay "met" via the online hip-hop community okayplayer.com in 2002. After trading files over the web for more than a year, Nicolay (living in his native Holland) and Phonte formed Foreign Exchange and completed their debut album while living on different continents. The 2004 album, Connected, contains an inventive mix of hip-hop, R&B, and electronica.

They met in person, and apparently got on well enough to record a second album, Leave It All Behind... Read more »

09/05/11

A Fresh Take on Teen Angst

In the tradition of cinematic tributes to teens on the brink of adulthood, The Myth of the American Sleepover follows a group of teens on the last night of summer. They cross paths as they explore their suburban milieu in search of love and adventure. The movie has been compared to Dazed & Confused, but it has its own, original take on the old coming-of-age story. Myth was an official selection of Cannes Critics Week and won a Special Jury Prize at SXSW. Its cast -- all newcomers -- has been heralded as uniformly terrific.

Writer/director David Robert Mitchell's film credits include the shorts Flashbulb Kiss, Fourth of July and Virgin, which was an official selection in more... Read more »

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09/04/11

Magic Realism in NoDa

That's not a photo you're seeing. It's a painting ... by Scott Fraser, one of the masters of new realism.

Fraser is the featured artist for September in the storefront Window on NoDa. (Thank heavens for the continued presence, in some form, of the late Center of the Earth gallery.) Gallery owner/artist/NoDa pioneer Ruth Ava Lyons keeps the space continuously refreshed with artists of note.

Just how notable? Fraser's Life Cycle II was recently acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

When you're in NoDa this month for a crepe, a fish taco, a poetry reading, or a band, don't miss the magical experience that is Fraser's Sheepish in the window.

Posted at 12:30 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

09/03/11

Some Dance to Remember

Artists of all kinds had powerful, emotional responses to 9/11. Cinema, theater, and literature lend themselves readily to storytelling about the man-made tragedy. But, dancers have a story to tell, too. Kim Jones is among those who remembers 9/11 and has created something beautiful out of the devastation.

UNCC's Department of Dance will present a concert on Sept 9 featuring works created or performed by three faculty members: E.E. Balcos, Sybil Huskey, and Jones. The program, performed entirely by professional dancers, is offered as part of the Arts & Science Council Cultural Free for All, meaning tickets are free.

Jones (pictured) will premiere two works: TheCenterCannotHold and Trio.... Read more »

Posted at 03:52 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

09/02/11

Happy Birthday, Romare

If you haven't noticed it's Romare Bearden's birthday, then you probably don't make it uptown much. Billboard-size banners proclaim the news that The Greatest Artist Charlotte Has Ever Produced would be one hundred years old this month.

Why the fuss? Because Bearden really was that great. He documented, through his art, the African-American experience and especially that of the Southern African-American. The New York Times called him "the nation's foremost collagist." His works are in the permanent collections of MoMa, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and our own Mint Museum. 

To mark the occasion, the Mint has organized a major retrospective of Bearden's prolific... Read more »

Posted at 08:20 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

09/01/11

BFD of the Month: The Weepies

Everyone's strapped for cash and time these days. If you have just one cultural outing in September, let it be our BFD.

A BFD doesn't have to be a stadium-sized production by an artist or band that's graced the cover of Rolling Stone dozens of times. Sometimes, it's the little band or duo you may not have heard of ... but should have.

Deb Talan and Steve Tannen were successful solo artists (as successful as indie-folk artists can be) before they met at Boston's famed Club Passim in 2001. They joined forces (in singing, songwriting, and holy matrimony) and have continued recording. But, they haven't toured much since the birth of their first son in 2006.  You've probably heard them without realizing... Read more »

Posted at 03:30 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

08/31/11

Weekend Top Picks for Sept 2-4: Steep Canyon Rangers, Arts Crawl, and More

Happy Labor Day to all you laborers. And, happy birthday to me. Here's how I recommend we spend my birthday weekend.

Neighborhood Theatre's All Arts Crawl (Sept 2) allows you to acquire an original work of art on the cheap and have a good time in the process. Admission is free, and the artists get to keep 100 percent of what they earn. Watch as live art is created right before your very eyes (and then auctioned onsite). Enjoy live music and performances, and consider buying a painting, a photograph, jewelry, apparel, and more. Then, feel good about buying local. Details.

Charlotte Film Society:... Read more »