May 2009 Best Bets

Nearly 150 years after his death, Abraham Lincoln is making headlines again. He's the subject of the newest nonfiction work from Doris Kearns Goodwin, Team of Rivals, which examines how Lincoln chose the men for his cabinet. Plus, a Spielberg-directed film based on the book is slated to star Liam Neeson. See page 41 for details. May 20, McGlohon Theatre

Quail Hollow Championship

Known for having some of the most difficult final holes of any course on the tour, the Quail Hollow Club will play host to the PGA’s greatest golfers (like last year’s winner Anthony Kim, pictured) in what was formerly the Wachovia Championship. See page 41 for details.
April 27-May 3, Quail Hollow Club

Ravi Shankar

He’s not just Norah Jones’s dad—this sitar player is also India’s musical emissary to the world. Since he was ten, Shankar has made a name for himself in his own country and beyond, working with the likes of Phillip Glass and the Beatles. See page 38 for details. May 4, Belk Theater

Lou Gramm

He’s ditched the perm, but fans will still recognize the seventies superstar under those newly straightened locks. Gramm (pictured, middle), former lead singer of the rock band Foreigner, will release his newest solo album this month at Ovens. See page 39 for details. May 30, Ovens Auditorium

Doris Kearns Goodwin talk

Nearly 150 years after his death, Abraham Lincoln is making headlines again. He’s the subject of the newest nonfiction work from Doris Kearns Goodwin, Team of Rivals, which examines how Lincoln chose the men for his cabinet. Plus, a Spielberg-directed film based on the book is slated to star Liam Neeson. See page 41 for details.
May 20, McGlohon Theatre

Michael Phelps at Charlotte Ultraswim

Fresh off his three-month suspension, the most celebrated swimmer in the United States and recent tabloid bad boy will take part in the 25th Annual Charlotte Ultraswim. Participating in the grand prix event with Phelps are local stars Cullen Jones and Mark Gangloff, also Olympic gold medalists. See page 41 for details. May 14-17, Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center

Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival at Symphony Park

Enter a keg-throwing contest, show off your beer belly, face stiff competition at cornhole, or mingle with the beautiful Miss Bar-B-Q-Babes at this year’s festival. And best of all? The event’s new late spring date means cooler weather for chowing down on all that ’cue. See page 41 for details. May 9, Symphony Park at SouthPark

Girls on the Run 5K

Walk it or run it, but strap on your sneakers for the Girls on the Run 5K. The Dilworth-based, nationwide nonprofit focuses on developing healthful mental and physical lifestyles in preteen girls. See page 41 for details. May 9, Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Hospital

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

• 5/3 Gavin DeGraw at Neighborhood Theatre
• 5/15 George Strait at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
• 5/21-23 Food Lion Speed Street
• 5/24 Coca Cola 600
• 5/28-6/14 Shakespeare at the Green: Twelfth Night