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A clean beauty brand that also cares about the environment

Clean beauty brand ILIA was founded by Sasha whose brother suffered from asthma and severe allergies as a child. Their mother helped him recover through an organic food co-op to give him access to clean nutrition, and he went on to become an Olympic athlete after being told by doctors he could never compete in sports. As Sasha moved into a career in fashion and beauty branding, she realized she didn't have clean ingredients in products she was putting on her body every day. ILIA was born as a beauty brand that cares about health. [...]




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A natural personal care brand that gives back to communities

Soapbox is a company dedicated to providing meticulously-crafted personal care products that focus on the health of humans and the environment. [...]





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Identify the energy vampire appliances lurking in your home

Do you know how much energy each appliance takes in your home? If you're like me, you get confused by the math on voltage because it doesn't account for use over time, but you do understand that EnergyStar rated appliances and LEED-certified efficient systems in your home are a good thing. If you haven't done a recent energy audit, here are some ideas for finding the energy vampires lurking in your home. [...]




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A passive design home that is built with forever in mind

Electrical grids in cities and countries are overburdened all over the country. Load reduction is no longer an idea, it's a necessity. Phuis is a nonprofit organization that is creating healthier buildings that are better for the planet and the people on it. They use passive building techniques and innovative design ideas to create energy-efficient homes, offices and public buildings. This breathtaking New York Forever House by Christina Griffin is an example of how Phuis is using its retrofit program to make homes from any era more eco-friendly for the modern homeowner.[...]




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Save water on your home garden with these helpful tips

The weather blocking patterns created by climate change have caused increasing challenges for home gardeners. They have to deal with drought for extended periods even if they don't live in a traditionally dry climate, and then flooding next. Moreover, the pest pressure alone can be frustrating in these situations. But you can do quite a few things to save water when taking care of your home garden, even when the weather is extreme. Here are some tips on how to save water on your home garden, year round and in all climates.[...]




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Forest fires: why they matter and how to prevent them

In some ecosystems, such as high-latitude forests, wildfires are a natural occurrence. These help maintain healthy ecosystems by depositing nutrients into the soil and boosting seed dispersal. However, in recent years, fire seasons have become more extreme and widespread. This includes forest ecosystems where fires are uncommon, such as tropical rainforests. Consequently, this has led to devastating results for communities, flora, fauna and other organisms that live in and around these areas.[...]




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Try vegan and gluten-free pasta from Charlie's Table

If you love pasta, but don’t often find suitable gluten-free alternatives in restaurants, Charlie's Table gluten-free products may be the answer for you. In fact, this craft pasta and pasta flour blend not only caters to the gluten intolerant, but is free of the top nine food allergens.[...]




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How to find clean makeup when you have allergies

How do you find clean makeup when you have allergies? Truth is, cleaning your makeup routine can be pretty hit or miss. This is because a lot of people aren't aware of what their allergies are until they run into a problem. [...]




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The best climate-adaptive watering systems for your garden

If you've grown a garden for a while, you may have noticed that the last few years have been brutal due to climate change-related patterns. One month it's drought and the next it's flooding. What is the best watering system for your home garden and can it help you navigate the climate ups and downs? Here are some great options with the pros and cons so you can decide the right garden irrigation system for your micro climate.[...]




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What are the advantages of having a green home in the US?

With a current zeitgeist around environmental protections and sustainability, more homeowners than ever are focused on green design and eco-friendly features. Add in the benefit of energy and water savings and it’s easy to see why green homes are in high demand. But all is not equal with sustainable architecture from one area of the country to another. As a report sponsored by Payless Power shows, there’s a wide variation in the value of a green home, meaning if the goal is to benefit the environment and your pocketbook you may want to consider the location of your new abode. [...]




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Leave no trace rafting through the Grand Canyon this year

It’s a hot and beautiful summer day at the bottom of the Grand Canyon as I stand in line for a sandwich. Our rafting guides have set up an amazing spread of fixings. There’s even vegan cheese for me. All that’s missing are plates and napkins. After washing our hands with river water and soap in a foot-pumped bucket sink, we put our bread on one hand and try to layer on all the sandwich ingredients with the other. Scooping out avocado is especially difficult one-handed. It's clumsy, but admirable when you realize we are generating no paper or plastic[...]




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An artwork that gives new meaning to a dead tree

Nature speaks for itself, while art amplifies whatever nature has to say. Artist Luca Gnizio has cut a niche for himself in amplifying the communications of nature. His latest project, Forsoultree, speaks more than words could. Yet, it is a project that goes beyond the creation of an artist. It features more than a hundred years of nature’s work ingrained in a dead tree trunk.[...]




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Live at this restaurant among locally-sourced ingredients

People are paying more attention to what they eat right now than at any other point in history. There's a lot more focus on organic ingredients, fresh ingredients and locally-sourced ingredients. At the famous Steirereck restaurant, you are surrounded by farmlands where the ingredients in your food are grown. Now, PPAG Architects have completed Sterock am Pogusch. This is an offshoot of Steirereck and it will take you into the Austrian Alps.[...]




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GAF creates innovative cooling solutions for overheated cities

With climate change ramping up and an El Nino weather pattern in effect for the western hemisphere, heat island effect has become a real problem for cities sweltering under the summer sun. GAF created a product called Streetbond Pavement Coating that aims to turn that heat island effect around by reflecting heat back into space. [...]




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Here are water-saving alternatives to grass for your home

The dream of every gardener is to see endless fields of green grass in their backyard. With determination, most gardeners manage to attain this dream, but at a cost. Within no time, there is a need to mow and control weeds. After mowing, it needs watering to grow again. This cycle continues for as long as the gardener wants to enjoy the beauty of green turf.[...]




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Environmental education is imbedded in this cultural center

Sometimes architecture is about much more than the materials and design of a building. This is the case for Pabellón Centro de Cultura Ambiental (CCA), a facility with the goal of increasing society's environmental awareness. Designed by Taller de Arquitectura, CCA stands as a model for urban planning that incorporates culture, history, economy and the needs of both the community and the environment. [...]




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Flagstaff, Arizona is an excellent vegan town to try

Flagstaff, Arizona draws outdoorsy folks and is known as one of Arizona’s more progressive and laidback towns — which bodes well for vegans. I spent a few days in Flagstaff and didn’t run out of delicious, plant-based places to eat. It’s an attractive town to visit in its own right, though many people find themselves here on their way to the Grand Canyon, which is an hour and a half away. Here are some of the top places for vegans to get a good meal.[...]




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Biophilic building enhances biodiversity in the neighborhood

Kaiserstraße is a new residential building currently under construction in Blumenau, Brazil. The project is designed by Alencar Arquitetura and aims to harness connections between residents and the natural world.[...]




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Travel to the ancient beauty of Machu Picchu, Peru

Our group sat in a circle at a 15th century Inca site. We each held three coca leaves glued together with llama fat and concentrated on protection, prosperity and a balanced life. A young shaman named Lucas alternately prayed in Quechua and explained things to us in Spanish, both translated by our guide Wilfredo Huillca. The shaman added quinoa, corn, confetti and other symbolic items to Pachamama, the Andean earth mother. Fortunately, modern rituals substitute animal cookies for alpaca sacrifices.[...]




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University Mass Timber Pavilion was designed by students

Nestled on the Rice University campus, amid multiple microhabitats and surrounded by green, you will see a small pavilion that looks a bit like an ancient Greek temple. But this pavilion was carefully crafted to have a modern design. It's sustainable, beautiful and an example that might just inspire campuses around the world.[...]




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Best cut flower varieties for a sustainable home garden

Cut flowers sounded easy when I started gardening. Just plant some flowers and then cut them, right? Well, there is a lot more to it than that. Cut flowers are often grown from specific varieties that tend to have long, sturdy stems and big, beautiful blooms, and each variety has its own tips to keep them healthy. It also can be hard to find the right varieties in sustainable versions. [...]




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Rivian R1T is the best glamping truck on the market

The new Rivian R1T pickup is the fabulous EV glamping truck you didn’t know you needed. This unique EV truck has all kinds of features you need, plus a few you never even thought of. Come along on our test drive of the Rivian R1T and decide for yourself if this is your next daily driver. [...]




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Never Discuss Politics At Family Reunions

divine creation evolution discussing politics during a family reunion is never a good idea





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Spring cleaning is time to throw out those children that have accumulated over the winter




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Everybody CHILL!

CHILL I Got This




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Can you believe it, I got it all from the local thrift store!






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Arsenal Women Arsecast Episode 78: Man Utd preview

For this episode of the Arsenal Women Arsecast, Tim chats to Conner Roberts from the All for United Women FC YouTube channel. Tim chats to Conner about United’s season so far, speculation around the future of manager Marc Skinner and why United have not repeated the heights of last season. Then Tim and Conner look ahead to Saturday’s crunch game and how the teams might line up and strengths and weaknesses each team might look to exploit.


You can follow Conner on Twitter @connerroberts_ and find the All for United WFC YouTube channel here


You can follow Tim on Twitter @Stillmanator


Get extra bonus content and help support Arseblog by becoming an Arseblog Member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arseblog




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.




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Episode 774 - Evolution

In this episode I'm joined By Kaya Kaynak of Football London to chat about Arsenal's recent form, the difference between pre and post Dubai, how this side is shaping up to be the blueprint Mikel Arteta spoke wanting about years ago and the way he deals with the press, as well as some discussion of how the team is evolving in the absence of some key players, Kai Havertz's progression, Aaron Ramsdale and lots more.


Follow Kaya @kayakaynak97


Get extra bonus content and help support Arseblog by becoming an Arseblog Member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arseblog



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.




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Arsenal Women Arsecast Episode 79: Chelsea preview

On this episode of the Arsenal Women Arsecast, Tim and Counterpressed’s Jessy Parker Humphreys look ahead to Friday night’s massive game at Stamford Bridge. They discuss Chelsea’s injury issues and January transfers and how they have adapted, there is some goalkeeper discourse around both clubs as well as potential title race implications and what the line ups will look like.


You can follow Jessy on Twitter @Jessyjph : You can follow Tim on Twitter @Stillmanator


Get extra bonus content and help support Arseblog by becoming an Arseblog Member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arseblog




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Episode 776 - Everything's all White

In this episode I'm joined Clive Palmer to discuss Takehiro Tomiyasu signing a new deal, contract and salary management at the club in recent times, and how these contracts are linked to selling as well as player retention. We also talk about the Ben White story as he continues to get unjust criticism for his decision not to play for Gareth Southgate's England; reflect on the title race and the run-in, a new experience compared to our last Premier League win; Mikel Arteta as coach and the need to deliver silverware; and lots more.


Follow Clive @clivepafc


Get extra bonus content and help support Arseblog by becoming an Arseblog Member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arseblog



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Episode 778 - The Preview

In this episode I'm joined by Andrew Allen and Lewis Ambrose to look ahead to Sunday's gargantuan clash with Man City. We discuss the importance of the fixture in the context of the title race, how Mikel Arteta might approach this game based on our past record away at the Etihad, the potential team changes and tweaks we might see after the Interlull, as well how this particular Arsenal side is equipped for this kind of challenge. There's also some chat about Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and lots more besides.


Follow Andrew @AAllenSport : Follow Lewis @LGAmbrose


Get extra bonus content and help support Arseblog by becoming an Arseblog Member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arseblog



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.




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Arsenal Women Arsecast Episode 80: Conti Cup Final Preview

On this episode of the Arsenal Women Arsecast, Tim is joined by Art de Roche from The Athletic to look ahead to Sunday’s Conti Cup Final against Chelsea. They discuss what the team might look like- could we see a back three? Russo on the wing? Tim and Art also discuss why it’s been such an inconsistent season for Arsenal and how make or break this final is for Arsenal’s season.


You can follow Art on Twitter @artderoche : You can follow Tim on Twitter @Stillmanator


Get extra bonus content and help support Arseblog by becoming an Arseblog Member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arseblog




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.




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PODCAST! Arseblog & ArsenalVision - live at Ally Pally 2024

This episode is the audio only version of our live podcast with our friends from ArsenalVision. It was recorded live at Ally Pally Theatre on Saturday May 18th, the day before the final game of the season – so the discussion reflects that.


You can see a video version on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/UYlUR0pkqSo


Get extra bonus content and help support Arseblog by becoming an Arseblog Member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arseblog



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.




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Episode 793: Season preview 24-25

With the new season ahead I'm joined by four guests to look forward to the 2024-25 campaign. I chat separately to Amy Lawrence, Nick Wright (Sky Sports), Adrian Clarke and Dara O Briain about the things they're excited for, what they'd like to see happen in the transfer market, the players they're keen to see pull on the red and white, proactive goalkeeping, some of the young players who impressed on the US tour, Riccardo Calafiori, Snoop Dogg (sort of), and lots more.


Get extra bonus content and help support Arseblog by becoming an Arseblog Member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arseblog



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Episode 798 - Raya saves the day

In this episode I'm joined by Phil Costa to talk about Arsenal's 0-0 draw with Atalanta on Thursday night. We discuss the difficulty of playing against the Italian side, especially in a week where this is the second of three very tough away games, but also conclude that we could have done more on the ball. We also chat about a lack of creativity without Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey's penalty concession and David Raya's superb save which helped save a point. There's also some focus on Gabriel Martinelli who missed a big chance to score, and lots more.


Get extra bonus content and help support Arseblog by becoming an Arseblog Member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arseblog



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Episode 800 - Solidity and variety

In this episode I'm joined by Phil Costa to look back at Arsenal's 2-0 win over PSG in the Champions League. We discuss the many ways in which Mikel Arteta's team can play, including shifts within games, evidenced by excellent first half pressing and then shifting to a more defensive approach in the second half. We chat about the contributions of Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz, how Bukayo Saka combines incredible output with superb defensive work, the contributions of full-backs Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, holding PSG at arm's length as a way of measuring our development, and lots more.


Get extra bonus content and help support Arseblog by becoming an Arseblog Member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arseblog



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Arsenal Women Arsecast 92: Arsenal 0-0 Everton

In this episode of the Arsenal Women Arsecast, Tim and Jamie talk about Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Leicester at the King Power. Tim and Jamie discuss a rotated starting line-up, how much the packed early season schedule contributed to a leggy performance, whether the game can be taken in isolation or whether concerns about the attack in particular persist and the performances of Daphne van Domselaar, Alessia Russo, the midfield partnership of Lia Walti and Kyra Cooney-Cross, defensive injuries and a lack of creativity without Mariona and Kafaji starting the game.


Get extra bonus content and help support Arseblog by becoming an Arseblog Member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arseblog




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Arsenal Women Arsecast 94: Jonas Eidevall resigns

In this emergency episode of the Arsenal Women Arsecast, Tim and Jamie run the rule over the resignation of Jonas Eidevall as the Head Coach of Arsenal Women. Tim talks a little bit about how Arseblog News became aware of and were able to (just about) break the story on Tuesday morning. Then Tim and Jamie analyse where things went wrong, how the situation took a serious turn in the last week, why it didn't quite click the way the club and Jonas wanted it to and looked ahead to how Arsenal might succession plan for his departure. Tim and Jamie then each share one high point from Eidevall's reign.

 

Get extra bonus content and help support Arseblog by becoming an Arseblog Member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arseblog



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VISOVASO Ceramic Vase by Jimmy Lanza

Here's a vase that's sure to be a conversation piece for your next family gathering. Just put it at the center of the dinner table, and make sure that the face is pointing towards the person you love the most. Or the least. We're not sure.

Check out VisoVaso, handmade ceramic vase by Italian artist Jimmy Lanza over at his Instagram page.




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Mario Visits the Overlook Hotel

There's no doubt that Mario is king of the video game universe. His many adventures take him to strange places, the latest of which is the Overlook Hotel from the 1980 Stanley Kubrick movie The Shining. This isn't just another castle; it's the setting for weird and creepy hallucinations brought on by isolation. The tricycle is there, as are the twins, the blood flood, and room 237's bathroom. How many other callbacks from The Shining can you spot? There are a lot crammed into this 90-second video, so you'll have to watch this CGI mashup from Mark Cannataro Films more than once to catch all the references. Other characters from the Mario universe take on familiar and frightening roles roles from the horror film, some of them infinitely appropriate; others absurdly contrary. All in all, it's an absurd mashup that is sure to give you a smile. -via Geeks Are Sexy




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Week of November 1, 2010

Monday  Nov. 1

PELADA – documentary film screening
Various Times (through Nov. 4th) Crownpoint Stadium 12, Monroe Rd. Charlotte.
Two players. 25 countries. One game. Pelada is a documentary following Luke and Gwendolyn, two former college soccer stars who didn’t quite make it to the pros.  Not ready for it to be over, they take off, chasing the game.  From prisoners in Bolivia to moonshine brewers in Kenya, from freestylers in China to women who play in hijab in Iran, Pelada is the story of the people who play.    --  "To get a sense of Pelada's unique motivational quality, take the gut feeling a killer Nike commercial can evoke and imagine riding that high for 90 minutes…an all-around inspiring doc"
Peter Debruge, VARIETY


Tuesday Nov. 2

CHARLOTTE CHAMBER MUSIC – First Tuesday Concert Series
12:10 or 5:30pm* – First Presbyterian Church/W. Trade Street. 
FREE
Program: Experience the sumptuous and spectacular world of Baroque string music, from the familiar to the fascinating. Selections include Johann Pachelbel: Partia #5 in C,Elisabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre: Sonata in A minor, Antonio Vivaldi: Trio Sonata ‘La Follia’, Charles MacLean: Sonata in G minor and Pachelbel: Canon and Gigue in D.
*Evening concert includes a wine & cheese reception in the Carillon lobby.



Wednesday  Nov. 3

VISART VIDEO presents “The Adventures of Prince Achmed
6:00pm – Family Showing or 8:00pm – Adults/Neighborhood Theatre
Admission: $5/kids; $10/Adults; $25/includes a VisArt T-shirt
In an effort to keep open Mecklenburg County's last independent DVD and VHS store (a quirky landmark famous for carrying both current releases and obscure films), there will be a special fundraising screening of
"The Adventures of Prince Achmed," a 1926 animated film in which the title character rides a flying horse, befriends a witch, meets Aladdin, battles demons and falls in love with a princess. Screening will feature a Live orchestral score by Great Architect



Thursday Nov. 4

THROUGH THEIR EYES:  NC REFUGEE’S STORIES
9:30-10:45am – Tate Hall, Overcash Center, CPCC Central Campus
This informative event will shine a light on NC’s refugees and how this population is positively impacting our community, culture and lives.  During the event, refugees from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East will participate in a panel discussion with leading refugee experts from across the state to discuss the differences between refugees, immigrants and asylees, the many nationalities of NC’s refugee population, how refugees are contributing to NC’s culture and how you can help refugees assimilate into the community. 
Please RSVP as seating is limited: 704.330.6595 or nadine.russell@cpcc.edu


COLLECTOR DISCUSSION: Suzanne Fetscher
6:00-7:30 – McColl Center For Visual Art
Ever wonder how to start your art collection? Or why some art appreciators collect a particular medium while others collect a little bit of everything? If so, join the Contemporaries for the first of a three-part Collector Series as Suzanne Fetscher, President and CEO of McColl Center for Visual Art, will take the Contemporaries on a tour of her personal art collection, which features local and national artists, such as Maja Godlewska, Nick Cave, Franco Mondini-Ruiz, Shaun Cassidy and many more.



Friday Nov. 5

FIRST FRIDAY @ THE MINT -  "MoveMint"
6:00-9:00pm Mint Museum Uptown Charlotte
Admission: FREE for Mint members, $10 for non-members.
Tonight is the first of an ongoing evening event series that will be held the first Friday of every month at the new Mint Museum Uptown (500 South Tryon Street). Each First Friday centers on a different theme and features hands-on art activities for all ages, live entertainment, gallery tours, and refreshments. This evening marks the opening of a new exhibition called” VantagePoint IX - JANET BIGGS: Going to Extremes”. Her commissioned work, ”Duet”, which focused on NASCAR racing, will be screened for the first time this evening and there will be a meet-and-greet with the artist.


CHARLOTTE CONCERTS Presents:  CHANTICLEER
8:00 – Halton Theatre/CPCC
Tickets: $40-$65
Based in San Francisco, Grammy award-winning Chanticleer is known around the world as "an orchestra of voices" for the seamless blend of its twelve male voices ranging from countertenor to bass. Chanticleer's repertoire spans one thousand years of exciting, unique sounds, which covers Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony and Romantic art song, as well as contemporary jazz, spirituals and world music.



Saturday Nov. 6

7th Annual  SCANFEST
10:00am-5:00pm  Wachovia Atrium/South Tryon Street
Admission $5/family, $2/individual
The  Vikings, ScanDans, Taste of Scandinavia, Café Scandinavia, history, culture, crafters and music will fill Wachovia Atrium in Charlotte's Uptown today. The whole place will once again be transformed into a microcosm of Scandinavia at its best during an all-day celebration of  the Nordic Countries, featuring entertainment, food, Old World costumes, folk dancers and a folk band, storytelling, a Scandinavian Marketplace, a Viking Village, a Lego contest for children and celebrations featuring the cultures of Scandinavia.  This year’s featured country is NORWAY.


BECHTLER MUSEUM of MODERN ART – Family Day
10:00am-5pm – Free Admission, under 18/Discounted price of $4 for all others
Tours of the museum for families will be offered on the hour between noon and 3 p.m. and special tours just for kids will be offered at 1 and 3 p.m. Hands-on art activities for kids of all ages take place from noon to 4:30 p.m. in the museum’s classroom and video gallery, both located on the second floor.  Activities will include: Abstract printmaking,
Paper “stained glass” and Interactive computer art.


COCKTAILS FOR COSTUMES: Benefit for NCDT Reach!
7:00-10:00pm - Patricia McBride & Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance
Tickets: $50 per person, if purchased by Nov. 1/$60 after Nov. 1
A casual evening of cocktails, hors d' oeuvres, silent auction and live jazz by The Queen’s Collective, benefits NCDT REACH!* Mix and mingle with NC Dance Theatre Company Dancers while viewing an exciting array of dance costumes.
(*NC Dance Theatre’s outreach program provides free, accessible dance instruction and performance opportunities for underserved children in the Charlotte community)


NEW ORLEANS NIGHTS
8:00PM – Knight Theatre
Tickets: $39-$49
New Orleans Nights is a love letter to the rich musical traditions of the Big Easy. This show features
New Orleans icon Allen Toussaint, young lion of jazz Nicholas Payton, and Crescent City favorite The Joe Krown Trio.


Sunday Nov. 7

THE DAVID GLUKH KLEZMER ENSEMBLE
3:00pm – St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Davidson
Admission: $15; students/seniors: $10; children under 12 are FREE
Live from New York – one of the city’s hottest Klezmer bands fuses traditional Jewish music with world beats to create its own unique sound. Led by piccolo trumpet player David Glukh, the band also includes violin, accordion, bass, and percussion and will leave you wanting to dance in the aisles. Recent engagements include Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center as well as concert venues across the country. Don’t miss their only appearance in the South this season.


THE ELEPHANT MAN
2:30pm – Carolina Actor’s Studio Theatre
Don’t miss the Carolina Actor’s Theatre’s presentation of this Tony award winning drama before it closes on 11/21. This is the true story of John Merrick who, though hideously deformed, reveals himself to be a person of remarkable intelligence and sensitivity. Rescued from eking a living as a side-show freak by Victorian surgeion Frederick Treves, John Merrick becomes the toast of society, patronized by lords, ladies, clergymen and celebrities who admire his gentleness, deep faith and spirit; and in the process discover their own personal flaws.




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Week of November 8, 2010

Monday  Nov. 8

Panel Discussion on GLOBALIZATION IN THE QUEEN CITY:
A Fareed Zakaria Encore Event
7:00-9:00pm – Sykes Auditorium/Queens University
Admission: $25; $20/Zakaria event attendees, The Learning Society Members and Charlotte Chamber Members
This event is an encore event to the Fareed Zakaria lecture on globalization and will provide the opportunity to learn more about the topic with the focus on how it has affected and continues to affect Charlotte. Panelists include Cathy Bessant of Bank of America, Fred Jackson of American & Efird, Inc and Dr. Pamela Davies and Dr. Chip Bowen of Queens University of Charlotte.



Tuesday Nov. 9

FRESH” Movie Screening & Discussion (moderated by WFAE’s Scott Graf)
6:00-10:00pm – Wells Fargo Auditorium/Knight Theatre
Tickets: $20 for movie screening/discussion; $50 for movie screening/discussion & director’s reception
“FRESH” celebrates the farmers, innovators and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system. Each has witnessed the rapid transformation of our agricultural systems into an industrial model and we all have confronted the consequences: food contamination, environmental pollution, depletion of natural resources and morbid obesity. Forging healthier, sustainable alternatives, they offer a practical vision for the future of our food system and our planet. “FRESH” features urban farmer and activist, Will Allen, the recipient of The MacArthur Foundation’s 2008 Genius Award; sustainable farmer and entrepreneur Joel Salatin, made famous by Michael Pollan’s book, “The Omnivore’s Dilemma;” and supermarket owner David Ball, challenging our Wal-Mart dominated economy.


ScrapArtsMusic
8:00pm – Duke Family Performance Hall/Davidson College
Tickets: $20/general public
Canadian-based ScrapArtsMusic excites the senses with intricate rhythms, raw energy, athletic choreography and the greenest -- and most inventive -- reuse of materials on stage today. Fashioned from industrial scrap and offbeat materials ranging from accordion parts to artillery shells, ScrapArtsMusic's one-of-a-kind instruments are as visually striking as their music is sonically riveting. Don’t miss this electrifying quintet’s unbridled enthusiasm, embracing their intoxicating mix of music, movement, and spectacle.



Wednesday  Nov. 10

APOLO ANTON OHNO – Olympic Champion
6:00pm – Park Road Books – Book signing
Over three consecutive Olympic games, Apolo Ohno has come to
symbolize the very best of the competitive spirit—remaining equally gracious in victory and defeat,
always striving to improve his performance, and appreciating the value of the hard work of training as much as any reward it might bring. In his autobiography “Zero Regrets: Be Greater Than Yesterday”, Apolo shares the inspiring personal story behind his remarkable success, as well as the hard-won truths and strategies he has discovered in good times and bad.
** Books must be purchased at Park Road Books (unless you've already purchased at Joseph Beth). See website for further restrictions.


Thursday Nov. 11

WINE TO WATER fundraiser, with DOC HENDLEY
5:00-8:00pm – Soul GastroLounge at Plaza Midwood
*$20 admission donation for wine and tapas.
Doc Hendley, TEDxCharlotte 2010 presenter, founded Wine to Water to raise money and awareness to fight the global water crisis. ONE BILLION PEOPLE on our planet don't have access to clean drinking water...Doc and his team are helping to end this by teaching communities in the third world to drill their own wells and are providing filters to the most impoverished and remote areas.  This is a chance to get to know Doc and learn more about his travels to Sudan, Haiti, Ethiopia and other places. 
For more information call 704-348-1848


NC DANCE THEATRE “INNOVATIVE WORKS”
7:30pm – Knight Theatre
Known for its entertaining variety, Innovative Works will not disappoint this season! The seven pieces in “Contemporary choreography goes GREEN!” include a dance propelled by a treadmill runner (i.e. an alternative energy source) a Beatnik piece set to bongos (with the dancers sharing environmental messages) and a combination dance/runway show featuring costumes made out of recycled materials (including bottle caps and trash bags).


Friday Nov. 12

Music & Museum Series:  BECHTLER MUSEUM
5:00pm – Bechtler Museum of Modern Art lobby
Tickets: $15/members; $20/non-members
This innovative concert/lecture hybrid fuses image, music and conversation to provide an insider’s perspective on selected works. The concert, performed by The Bechtler Ensemble, will feature music by Fauré, Messiaen and Satie paired with artworks from the museum’s current exhibition: School of Paris: European Abstraction Post World War II on view now. A champagne reception begins at 5 with the performance at 5:30 p.m.


CLYDE “Pop” FERGUSON – NC Blues Legend
7:30pm – The Great Aunt Stella Center /Charlotte - FREE
Clyde "Pop" Ferguson is one of the last practitioners of traditional blues in the North Carolina foothills. The son of a guitar-playing Holiness preacher, Clyde was steeped in the music of the African-American community of North Wilkesboro. His travels have taken him to juke joints, fish fries, and street corners across the country, especially in the Northeast. He played from the coalfields of West Virginia to Baltimore and Detroit, often sharing the stage with blues legend Papa John Creach. During the 1970s, while back in Western North Carolina, Clyde was introduced t o Etta Baker, whom he admired for playing "that good old blues." He ended up performing with Baker throughout the Southeast. Come hear the blues “up close and personal” in this special family-friendly event sponsored by the Charlotte Folk Society.



Saturday Nov. 13

THE 1ST ANNUAL TURKISH FESTIVAL of CHARLOTTE
11:00am-5:00pm  Extravaganza Depot (N. Tryon Street)
Tickets: $2 online, $3 at the door, and free for children 10 and under
Share a taste of world famous Turkish cuisine together with authentic Turkish entertainment including Folk Dancing, Belly Dancing and folk/pop music. There will be Cooking Workshops, Exhibits, Items for sale and Kids activities (including a magician, craft making, etc.)


AMERICAN INDIAN CELEBRATION
11:00-3:00pm – Charlotte History Museum
Free, with museum admission
Join the museum as it honors American Indian Heritage through traditional song, dance, art and storytelling. See how the American Indians have sustained traditions, beliefs, and a true record of their past through ceremony, song, dance, and art.


DANCE CHARLOTTE!
8:00PM – Booth Playhouse/Blumenthal Center
Tickets: $10-$15
Dance Charlotte!, in its 5th year,  is a repertory concert that consists of highly talented and innovative local and national emerging choreographers and companies from the Charlotte region. The decision process of selecting the performers for this event has toughened every year with the number of quality applications that the festival receives.


THE CULT
9:00pm -  The Fillmore Charlotte
The Cult (with Ian Astbury) continue their fall tour throughout North America with a stop this evening in Charlotte, NC, in support of their recent recordings on the newly formatted 'capsule' collection (see link below).


Sunday Nov. 14

Classic International Black Cinema Series Featuring OUSMANE SEMBENE
2:00pm – Harvey B. Gantt Center/S. Tryon Street
FREE w/ museum admission
Don't miss a viewing of Ousmane Sembene's award winning film "Black Girl" (1966) – a racially charged drama from the Senegalese writer-director which is often recognized as one of the seminal works of African cinema.  The story focuses on a young Senegalese woman (Mbissine Therese Diop) who works as a governess for a wealthy French family, and accompanies her charges on a vacation to the French Riviera. While there her white mistress (Anne-Marie Jelinek) suddenly expects her to do the work of a common maid.


EXPLORE HISTORY:  DUKE and LEE, Electrifying the Carolinas
 3:00pm – Duke Mansion/ 400 Hermitage Rd., Myers Park – FREE
Discover local history and enjoy a free afternoon program at the Duke Mansion. A century ago, Charlotte emerged as a national leader in the new technology of electricity. William States Lee was the pioneering engineer, and his family remains closely involved with what is now Duke Energy. Descendants Bill Williamson, States Lee and Lisa Lee Morgan will share history and memories. Event hosted by Museum historian Dr. Tom Hanchett.




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Week of November 15, 2010

Monday  Nov. 15

FORMER NC GOVERNOR, JIM HUNT – Appearance/Book Signing
7:00pm – Park Roads Books
Park Road Books welcomes former Governor Jim Hunt and author Gary Pearce. As one of Jim Hunt’s closest political advisers, Gary Pearce was in a unique position to observe the career of North Carolina’s longest-serving governor. In this authorized biography  (“Jim Hunt: A Biography”)Pearce draws from his own observations and experience as well as over 30 interviews with Governor Hunt and more than 50 interviews with friends, family, staffers, political allies, and opponents.


LT. COL. ANTHONY SHAFFER,  author of  "Operation Dark Heart"
7:00pm – Sykes Auditorium/Queens University
Shaffer, an intelligence officer, earned a Bronze Star for his two undercover combat tours in Afghanistan. He was part of the "Able Danger" mission which was dedicated to understanding Al Qaeda's inner workings and sharing intelligence data with American defense agencies. The Pentagon alleged his memoir contained intelligence secrets and bought and destroyed 10,000 copies of its first publication run.  It later approved an edited version that was published this fall and debuted on the New York Times Bestseller list at no. 7.  This event is co-sponsored by the World Affairs Council of the Carolinas.



Tuesday Nov. 16

PAUL OAKENFOLD
9:00pm – Halo Nightclub (NC Music Factory)
Tickets: $25-$40
PAUL OAKENFOLD has long been one of the most important and iconic names in modern club culture.  This fall, after a three-year North American touring hiatus, the master DJ and producer will return for a solid two-month trek across the U.S. geared to change the face of electronic music with the FACELIFT TOUR, featuring Special Guests  DJ Chuckie and Nervo.



Wednesday  Nov. 17

National Scholar, DR. SALLY HASLANGER
4:00-5:30pm – UNC Charlotte/Cone Center - FREE
Faculty, students, staff and the public are invited to this event, at which national scholar Dr. Sally Haslanger will speak on “Encountering Race in Life and Language." Co-sponsors are Discovery Place, and UNC Charlotte's ADVANCE Faculty Affairs Office, the Center for Professional and Applied Ethics, the Graduate School and the Departments of Philosophy, Sociology and Africana Studies.
A professor in MIT’s Dept. of Linguistics and Philosophy, Haslanger was named 2011 Carus Lecturer by the American Philosophical Association and was selected Distinguished Woman Philosopher of 2010 by the Society for Women in Philosophy, two national honors.


R&B Songstress FANTASIA, featuring Eric Benet
7:30pm – Ovens Auditorium
Tickets: $56 - $99.65
NC's own Grammy-nominated r&b singer, Fantasia, performs from her recently released, & critically acclaimed #1 selling album "Back To Me." Also appearing is Grammy-nominated R&B singer Eric Benet, whose new album "Lost In Time" releases at the end of the month.



Thursday Nov. 18

CATHY SMITH BOWERS – Poet Laureate of North Carolina
 8:00pm – Sykes Auditorium/Queens University - FREE
Cathy Smith Bowers, who was appointed Poet Laureate by Governor Perdue earlier this year, is a faculty member of the Queens low-residency MFA in Creative Writing Program. Her poems appear widely in publications such as The Atlantic Monthly, The Georgia Review, Poetry, The Southern Review and The Kenyon Review. She has authored four collections of poetry, including her most recent, "The Candle I Hold Up to See You" (Iris Press), and has received the J.B. Fuqua Distinguished Educator Award and the Gilbert-Chappell Distinguished Poet Award, given by the North Carolina Poetry Society. Her reading will be followed by a reception and book signing. Queens cordially invites the campus and Charlotte community to celebrate this prestigious appointment.


Friday Nov. 19

17th Annual BEAUJOLAIS FESTIVAL Wine Tasting
5:00-8:30pm – Levine Museum of the New South
Admission: $30
Beaujolais Nouveau wine is released the third Thursday of November. Join in the celebration by sampling this fresh young wine and a few  other selections from the Beaujolais region.  The event features emcee Steve Lyerly of FOX Charlotte, a jazz trio lead by John Alexander, a raffle for two round trip tickets to Paris from Air France and a Silent Auction.


Opening Reception:  DAN ALLEGRUCCI   and PATRICIA RAIBLE
6:00-9:00pm – McColl Center for Visual Art
This reception also marks the end of the residency period for the Fall Artists-in-Residents who will have new works of art on display in their studios that was created during their three month residency."InnerSights" is a collection of Patricia Steele Raible's mixed media paintings. It began as an exploration of the spiritual process of prayer in an urban environment, but evolved into a more tactile, less ethereal body of work. "Deliberate Acts" is a collection of prints, drawings and installations by Dan Allegrucci. In addition, The McColl Center will present “PROJECTING THE SKY SO IT CAN SEE ITSELF” by AIR Jonathan Brilliant, a one night only projection which will temporarily transform the exterior of McColl Center for Visual Art into a magnificent cloudscape that culminates with a GROUP 'TOAST' ON THE FRONT LAWN AT 8 PM, paying tribute to all of those in attendance.


CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - Haydn
8:00pm – Belk Theatre
Tickets: $21.50 - $80.50
The Oratorio Singers of Charlotte, the official chorus of the Charlotte Symphony, perform Franz Joseph Haydn’s The Creation (Die Schöpfung). Featured performers include Amanda Forsythe, soprano, Nicholas Phan, tenor, and Philip Cutlip, baritone.


Saturday Nov. 20

MARY CASSATT’s Madame X: A Masterpiece from the Charlotte and Philip Hanes Collection
Mint Museum – Randolph/Jones Gallery (exhibition begins today through April 3, 2011)
In honor of the special loan of Mary Cassatt’s Portrait of Madame X Dressed for the Matinée, from the collection Charlotte and Philip Hanes of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, The Mint Museum has organized a spotlight exhibition. Mary Cassatt (1844-1926) was a pioneer in her field: she was the only American invited to exhibit with the French Impressionists and the first artist from this country to adopt their groundbreaking style and subject matter. This dashing three-quarter length portrait, executed soon after Cassatt met Edgar Degas, has been included in numerous important exhibitions around the world. This is the first time, however, that it has been on view in Charlotte.


“Strauss & Strudel” by THE CHARLOTTE CHORALE
7:30PM – Pease Auditorium (CPCC – Elizabeth Avenue)
Tickets: $15
The Charlotte Chorale presents a choral tribute to the classic Viennese spirit.  The audience will enjoy a collection of musical selections celebrating the spirit of a classic Viennese strudel and champagne gala. The music of Strauss, Schubert, Brahms, and Mozart mingle amicably with other selections from operetta, musical theatre, and instrumental chamber music to accompany a strudel dessert.


A NIGHT IN SPAIN – THE LIGHT FACTORY’s  29TH ANNUAL ART AUCTION
7:00pm  Extravaganza Depot (N. Tryon Street)
Admission: $75
Experience the most imaginative fine art photography from creative minds from all over the world. Rub elbows with artists and chat up experts to find out what makes this unique gathering of art so exceptional… and collectible.  Silent Auction @ 7pm - Live auction @ 9pm - Dancing @ 10pm.


Sunday Nov. 21

TELLABRATION!  - Day of Storytelling
2:00pm – Levine Museum of the New South
FREE w/ museum admission
The Storytellers Guild of Charlotte, Inc., in partnership with the Levine Museum, presents Tellabration!™ 2010 for our local community. Some of the best storytellers from our region visit the Museum as part of the nationwide annual day of storytelling. Tellabration!™ is a worldwide celebration of storytelling. It creates a network of storytelling enthusiasts bonded together in spirit at the same time – traditionally, the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

THE CHRISTMAS MUSIC of MANHEIM STEAMROLLER
7:00pm – Belk Theatre
Tickets: $39.50 - $74.50
After celebrating the 25th anniversary of a Christmas album release that changed the music industry, Mannheim Steamroller returns to Charlotte for another amazing night filled with their most recognizable holiday hits.




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Week of November 22, 2010

Monday  Nov. 22


ONE WORK SERIES @ The Bechtler
6:00pm – Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Tickets: Free/members; $10/non-members
Presented by the museum’s president and CEO, this series will explore one piece of art from an assortment of viewpoints—historical, political, biographical, cultural and theoretical—to reveal much about the moment at which the work was produced and how it still connects strongly to viewers today. “Spirales Logarithmiques” by Le Corbusier will be discussed in the museum's 4th floor gallery.  The oil painting was executed during one of the most prolific and artistically successful periods of Le Corbusier's career.
The lecture begins at 6 p.m. Because space is limited, tickets are required. Tickets may be reserved or purchased at the Bechtler visitor services desk or by calling 704.353.9200.


HANDEL’S MESSIAH
7:30pm – Duke Family Performance Hall/Davidson
Tickets: $15/$10/$5
The Davidson College Concert Choir and the Davidson Pro Arte Orchestra present Handel's Messiah, featuring Jacquelyn Culpepper, soprano; Diane Thornton, contralto; Dan Boye, baritone, and Timothy Sparks, tenor.



Tuesday Nov. 23

CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY YOUTH  ORCHESTRAS’  Fall Concert
7:30pm – CPCC/Halton Theatre
Tickets: $8/$6
The excellent young musicians of the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra and Junior Youth Orchestra, conducted by Ernest Pereira, perform orchestral showpieces.
The Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras (CSYO), founded in 1961, provide training for young musicians in a professional symphony atmosphere. There are 185 musicians from over 60 schools in the greater Charlotte area involved in the youth orchestras program. This year nearly 300 students auditioned for seats in one of the two youth orchestras. Each group rehearses weekly and one rehearsal a month is devoted to coaching sessions provided by members of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.



Wednesday  Nov. 24

CHANGING PLACES:  From Black & White To Technicolor
10:00am-5:00pm – Levine Museum of the New South
Don’t miss this national award-winning exhibit ("Special Achievement in Community Engagement" ) before it closes at the end of this month. The exhibit focuses on culture, telling stories and exploring traditions of both new and longtime residents. Within the exhibit, visitors experience an exciting new technology, known as "video-talkback." Visitors can record their responses to questions and the exhibit's themes, and those responses will part of the exhibit. The exhibit has become an ongoing and ever-changing conversation – newcomers and longtime residents all trading stories and perspectives.


Thursday Nov. 25

63rd Annual BELK CAROLINAS’ CARROUSEL PARADE
10:00am – Begins at North Tryon & 10th Street
The Carolinas' Thanksgiving Day Parade, a tradition since 1947, is one of the largest get-togethers of Carolinians that takes place during the year. It boasts participation from both Carolinas and touches approximately half a million people from the 22-county metro area. Don't forget to bring donations of canned or non-perishable food to the Second Harvest Donation Stations,



Friday Nov. 26

EDWIN McCAIN Acoustic Trio
8:00pm – The Fillmore Charlotte
Tickets: $27.65
Singer-songwriter, modern day troubadour Edwin McCain comes to Charlotte in support of his newest CD (The Best of ...) with a special acoustic show, not to be missed. McCain "knows how to deliver a tune. His aching tenor works best when served up raw, brimming with unfiltered emotion.”—Paste Magazine


PLANTATION CHRISTMAS
10:00am-4:00pm – Historic Latta Plantation
Admission: Free w/site admission
Begin the Christmas season by stepping back into an 1860s Christmas.  The plantation will be decorated for a time period Christmas. Visitors will learn about 1800s Christmas traditions and meet a Victorian St. Nick in the plantation house, see open-hearth cooking in the kitchen, and a slave Christmas in the cabin. Also on 11/27.


HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT THE GARDEN
5:00-10:00pm – Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
Admission: $12/adults; $11/Seniors; $6/children 4-12
Beginning this evening, the holiday tradition continues (thru 12/31) at the Garden! Christmas has never been brighter with more than 600,000 lights, old fashioned trains, visits from Santa Claus, carriage rides, holiday carols, baked treats, and other holiday fun! Share this magical holiday experience with your family and friends! Check website for special schedules.


 
Saturday Nov. 27

CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – Classics Series
8:00 – Belk Theatre
Tickets: $21.50-$80.50
Albert-George Schram makes his Classics series debut with a Thanksgiving weekend celebration. American works by Charles Ives and Samuel Barber share the program with Prokofiev’s heroic Fifth Symphony, which the composer described as “a symphony of the greatness of the human spirit.”


HOME
8:00pm – Duke Energy Theatre
Tickets; $22
The 1980 Tony Award-nominated play, written by North Carolina native Samm-Art Williams,is being produced by On Q Productions and  follows the life experiences of Cephus Miles, an everyday guy from a small Southern town. His journey begins on a farm he inherited from his family in South Carolina. He works diligently on the land, until his childhood sweetheart rejects him and goes off to college. After he is imprisoned for dodging the Vietnam War, he loses his land and moves to the big city. Cephus' dreams fade when he loses his job and new girlfriend and becomes involved in drugs and prostitution. He finally pulls himself together and moves back home to settle his land and with his old sweetheart. Throughout his trials and tribulations, he never loses his joyous disposition and determination to find fulfillment.


Sunday Nov. 28

JOHN HARTNESS, Author
1:00pm – Park Road Books
Local author will be reading from his newest book, “Red Dirt Boy”, a collection of poetry.


OUMOU SANGARE
8:00pm – Ovens Auditorium/Charlotte
Tickets: $31-$46
In celebration of 50 years of independence, Oumou Sangare, the diva of Malian music and an international music star will be in Charlotte to perform. Sangare is the leading female star of the Wassoulou sound, from the historic region south of the Niger River. Her music has been inspired by the music and traditional dances of the region. She writes and composes her songs, which often include social criticism, especially concerning the place of women and their low position in society. http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E00456488886459?brand=ovens





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Week of November 29, 2010


Monday  Nov. 29

PAT CONROY, Author
5:00pm – Park Road Books
Admission: Free
Pat Conroy, the beloved American storyteller, is also a voracious reader. In his recently released book "My Reading Life," Conroy revisits a life of passionate reading. He includes wonderful anecdotes from his school days, mov­ing accounts of how reading pulled him through dark times, and even lists of books that particularly influenced him at vari­ous stages of his life. Don't miss this special holiday season appearance.  Publisher restrictions apply. Call Park Road Books for details at (704) 525-9239.



Tuesday Nov. 30

BEYOND PEACE DEALS: The United Nations Experiment in Peacebuilding
7:00pm – Lily Family Gallery, Chambers Building (Davidson College)
FREE
It has been five years since the United Nations developed its Peacebuilding Commission to help stabilize various countries around the world and set in place measures to make possible a lasting peace. This year the Commission is undergoing a thorough review. As an independent journalist, Jina Moore has spent time in Guinea Bissau, Burundi, Sierra Leone, and the Central African Republic, interviewing people to see first-hand how the UN's efforts have affected individuals' lives and to what degree the Commission has been successful in achieving its goals.
Journalist Jina Moore will be speaking this evening. She writes for the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting as well as serving as a regular correspondent for the Christian Science Monitor. Her work has also appeared in publications such as Newsweek and Foreign Policy.



Wednesday  Dec. 1

LAURENT LE BON @ The Bechtler Museum
6:00pm – Wells Fargo Auditorium (Knight Theatre)
Admission: Members/Free; Non-Members/$10
The Bechtler presents a rare opportunity to hear from a major force in the art world. Laurent Le Bon is Director of the Centre Pompidou-Metz- the satellite of the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the official home of France’s national collection of modern art. The lecture will focus on the new French museum’s inaugural exhibition, Masterpieces?, and will touch on the Pompidou-Metz’s objectives, cultural programming and ultramodern museum building which sports a Teflon-coated undulating roof. Masterpieces?, curated by Le Bon, considers the notion of the masterpiece through 780 works of art. The Los Angeles Times reported: “Critical reactions to the show include proclamations that it’s the most impressive assembly of 20th century art in all of Europe and accusations that it’s so confusing and anti-hierarchical as to be meaningless.”
Reception at 6:00 in museum lobby; lecture at 6:30 pm.


HANUKKAH CELEBRATION @ South Park Mall
5:30pm – Circle Court, between Belk, Nordstrom & Neiman Marcus
FREE
Join in a public menorah lighting ceremony at South Park Mall!  Festivities will include lighting a giant Menorah, complimentary refreshments, and activities for the children. Program will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will include Chanukah refreshments and entertainment to help get into the Chanukah spirit. Menorah lighting will be at 6:00 p.m.


“EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (and then some)!”
7:30pm – The Actor’s Theatre Of Charlotte (Stonewall St.)
Tickets: $24-$29
What starts out as the umpteenth performance of Dickens’ beloved holiday classic quickly descends into a playful skewering of every…yes EVERY…Christmas story ever told. 3 actors bring this new holiday classic to life with the help of a very tipsy Santa and a little audience participation. This hilarious new classic (which runs thru Dec. 18th) crams a season’s worth of stories, carols and TV specials into an evening of never-ending laughs! Recommended for ages 13 and older.
“It’s light, fast-moving, irreverent and fun.”– Sacramento News & Review




Thursday Dec. 2

DOWELL-McCARTHY STUDIOS – Holiday Studio Sale
6:30-10:00pm – 1900 N. Brevard St @ 22nd (NODA)
OPEN STUDIO PARTY featuring Diane Hughes, Sharon Dowell, and Laura McCarthy. Stop by for a glass of wine and see recent works including small and affordable paintings, photography, and mixed media items.
 http://carolinaartsnews.wordpress.com/2010/11/19/dowell-mccarthy-studios-in-charlotte-nc-offers-holiday-studio-sale-dec-2-2010/


TAB BENOIT & FRIENDS
9:00pm – Visulite Theatre
Tickets: $20/$22
Guitarist, singer, and songwriter Tab Benoit is one of a handful of bright rising stars on the modern blues scene. He has taken his brand of Cajun-influenced blues all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe.



Friday Dec. 3

FESTIVAL OF TREES Prevue Party
6:00-9:00pm Harvey B. Gantt Center
Admission: $5/members; $10/General Public
Kick-off the holiday season at the Arc of Mecklenburg County's 2nd annual Festival of Trees Prevue Party. Come and be the first to see beautifully decorated trees and wreaths on display at the Harvey B. Gantt Center on December 3rd. This event features live music and a silent auction (featuring items from The Grove Park Inn, Charlotte Symphony, Riverbanks Zoo, Bonterra Wine Room, etc.) along with a cash bar and complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Funds raised go to support programs and services for children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families here in Mecklenburg County. The Arc of Mecklenburg County has served the Charlotte community for over 57 years and The Festival of Trees event allows the opportunity to increase awareness and understanding of developmental disabilities to foster a more inclusive community for everyone.


FIRST FRIDAY @ THE MINT -  EmbellishMint
6:00-9:00pm Mint Museum Uptown Charlotte
Admission: FREE for Mint members, $10 for non-members.
Tonight is the second of an ongoing evening event series that will be held the first Friday of every month at the new Mint Museum Uptown (500 South Tryon Street). Each First Friday centers on a different theme and features hands-on art activities for all ages, live entertainment, gallery tours, and refreshments.
https://pages.blackbaudhosting.com/13800/page.aspx?pid=196&tab=2&txobjid=34a8420b-536d-4bde-9ebc-70026d021892


BALLANTYNE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
7:30pm – South Mecklenburg Presbyterian Church
Come celebrate the season with the BCO as they perform Corelli’s Christmas Concerto and other great Holiday arrangements and create an evening of Christmas memories!
To purchase tickets, click below:


Saturday Dec. 4


JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
2:00pm  & 7:00pm – Gorelick Hall/ Levine Jewish Community Center
Come see Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s enduringly popular musical favorite and
its lively interpretation of the biblical story of Joseph of Canaan. Call   704-366-5007 for more information and about tickets.


CHARLOTTE YOUTH BALLET Presents THE NUTCRACKER
1:30 & 5:30pm – Halton Theatre/CPCC
Tickets: $12-$25
The Charlotte Youth Ballet returns to the Halton Theater for its 28th annual production of "The Nutcracker." This holiday treat brings to life the storybook dreams of a young girl, complete with dancing snowflakes, a dashing prince and sugar plum fairy. With Tchaikovsky’s brilliant score, lavish sets, opulent costumes and CYB’s magnificent stars, this Nutcracker never fails to enchant audiences of all ages. Also performed Friday 12/3 & Sunday 12/5.


DEPARTURES (Okuribito)
7:30pm – Theatre Charlotte (501 Queens Rd)
Tickets: $5 for Film Society members, $8 for non members (cash or check only, please)
In this 2009 Oscar winning film (Best Foreign Language), Director Yojiro Takita's sensitively tells the story of an out of work cellist (Masahiro Motoki) who returns to his hometown to work in a funeral home. Discussion after the film led by Brad Ambury, Lecture of Language and Culture Studies (Japanese), UNC Charlotte.
"When you see the poetic, funny and life-affirming film, you'll have to say that this time the Academy got it right."
- Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel


Sunday Dec. 5

56th Annual  SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE
3:00pm – Ovens Auditorium (East Independence Rd.)
Tickets: $18-$30
Charlotte’s premier holiday production returns this year with a whole NEW show.  Don’t miss the soaring voices of the Mainstage Choir as they fill the 32-foot “singing tree” with festive, seasonal favorites and some rockin’ arrangements from Artistic Director David Tang.