Best Bets August 2008
A.I. Live
Every year after Fox's American Idol season wraps up, the twelve finalists hit the road in a nationwide tour. So what makes this year so special? Two words: David Cook.
The "nice guy" rocker and 2008 American Idol winner appealed to kids and parents alike. And did anyone else catch the "Cougars for Cook" signs in the audience?
All of this year's finalists were arguably more talented and diverse across the board than seasons past.
Aug 17, Time Warner Cable Arena
Black Is the New…Black
Lewis Black is not an unfamiliar name in comedy circles. While he's been performing standup for more than twenty-five years, only recently has Black enjoyed critical success for his wicked sarcasm and acerbic outlook on life's absurdities. He won a Grammy in 2007, and he's a regular on The Daily Show. Black makes a stop to promote his new book, Me of Little Faith.
Aug 1, Belk Theater
Bless His Heart
Comedian Jon Reep, who hails from Hickory, has enjoyed a bit of comedic success in the last year with his hilarious take on Southern living. Reep is perhaps best known as the winner of 2007's Last Comic Standing on NBC. Reep also enjoyed some big-screen face time as a redneck named Raymus in Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay. He brings his act back to town in a one-night performance.
Aug 28, McGlohon Theatre
Laughter Is the Best, Well, You Know
This year's Laugh for the Cure features comic Billy Gardell, best known for his roles in My Name Is Earl and Yes, Dear.
Tammy Greyshock founded Laugh for the Cure in 2002 as a fundraiser for the Charlotte arm of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
"I work full time at Wachovia, and Laugh for the Cure started as a side project with myself and my friends. We were just going to do it one summer," Greyshock says.
Aug 14, McGlohon Theatre
It's That Time…
Here's hoping that lowered expectations will make for a much more enjoyable season.
The overhyped of late Carolina Panthers look to kick off the 2008 preseason without much flash or pomp for the first time in years, and that's just as well. Maybe when they win a few games it'll be a pleasant surprise.
John Fox leads the team in two August warm-up games against the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins. With any luck quarterback Jake Delhomme will resurface and even throw a few passes and remind us why we loved him.
Aug 9 and 23, Bank of America Stadium
