Best Bets June 2008

Kid-Tested, Parent-Approved

Many thirty- and forty-somethings got a great, um, geography lesson from They Might Be Giants' catchy 1990 tune "Istanbul, Not Constantinople," and they might have learned a bit of science from "Particle Man." Now, the duo that is TMBG—as true fans refer to them—are playing up to a new generation on the Disney Channel as the featured band on the shows Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Higglytown Heroes. While the latest album is all about the ABCs, TMBG is going back to its roots and playing for adult audiences again with a summer tour that stops in Charlotte this month.
June 14, Visulite Theatre

The F Word

There is one commonality among every society on the globe: food. This simple four-letter word defines cultures, fuels entire economies, and is the subject of the Light Factory's exhibit, Food for Thought, which closes at the end of the month. Artist photographers include Sian Bonnell, Christine Chin, Stephanie Diamond, and Lucas Foglia. But the most notable work comes from Chicago photographer and traveling lecturer Brian Ulrich. His look at consumer culture surrounding food may just make you take another look at your Harris Teeter shopping cart.
Through June 29, Knight Gallery at the Light Factory

Classic(al) Rock

They may be classically trained on instruments like violins, cellos, and violas, but Charlotte Symphony musicians are rockers, too, and they'll prove it. This month, the CSO accompanies The Music of Led Zeppelin, a touring group featuring vocalist Randy Jackson—who bears an uncanny vocal resemblance to the legendary Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant—on eighteen favorite Zep tunes, including "Stairway to Heaven," "Heartbreaker," "Black Dog," and "Immigrant Song." Longtime CSO violinist Emily Chatham says this is one of her favorite concerts to play. "It's a treat and brings out a different group of people," she says. "The whole orchestra has a great time." June 19, Ovens Auditorium

Taste Test

It's the city's biggest and best buffet. At the annual Taste of Charlotte, the area's largest food festival, you can sample more than 100 dishes from thirty different local eateries. Don't expect gourmet offerings, but this is several notches above typical festival food. As you nosh, check out the live music performed on the Center Stage at Trade and Tryon, or stop by Tavern at the Taste for a cold beer or refreshing glass of vino.   
June 6-8, Uptown Charlotte