August 2009 Best Bets

	AMERICAN IDOLS LIVE! You watched them all year and now, finally, they're here. The top ten finalists of American Idol, including the highly debated winner and runner-up, Adam Lambert and Kris Allen, tour the country this summer after another season of dramatic reality TV competition. Sadly, Ryan Seacrest cannot attend due to about a thousand previous engagements. See page 31 for details. August 1, Time Warner Cable Arena
	16TH ANNUAL SUMMER SHOOTOUT SERIES AT LOWE'S Ever wonder how NASCAR greats like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kurt Busch got their start? Show up at Lowe's Motor Speedway on a Tuesday night this summer and you can see for yourself. The Summer Shootout Series draws to a close this August with two special events—appearances by the Charlotte Roller Girls on August 4 and school bus racing on August 11. See page 35 for details. August 4 and 11, Lowe's Motor Speedway
	RASCAL FLATTS With ten number-one hits and a huge worldwide fan base, Rascal Flatts is one of country music's biggest names. Pair it with Darius Rucker and you've got the American Living Unstoppable Tour—and the concert of the summer. While still recognizably country, both acts bring more than twang to the table, crossing over into rock and pop as they attract fans from every musical persuasion. See page 31 for details. August 1, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
	GREEN LIGHT Who says bank lobbies have to be boring? Green Light, an exhibit curated by Joie Lassiter Gallery in South End, presents the work of eight diverse, contemporary artists dealing with environmental themes. The exhibit is on the ground floor of uptown's Bank of America Plaza building, a thirty-five-year-old tower that was recently LEED certified. See page 35 for details.
	CHICKENFOOT Rock's newest supergroup is chock full of old-school talent. The lineup features ex-Van Halen stars Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony on vocals and bass, respectively, guitar guru Joe Satriani, and drummer Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The rockers have been selling out shows since the release of their self-titled album. See page 32 for details. August 27, Uptown Amphitheatre at the Music Factory

on the radar: other events you should have on your calendar

8/5-8/15  Charlotte Shakespeare Festival: Julius Ceasar, McGlohon Theatre
8/14-8/15 Charlotte Irish Summer Festival, Uptown Charlotte
8/21 Counting Crows at Uptown Aphitheatre
8/25-8/30 The Color Purple, Belk Theater