Events for the Weekend: July 30-Aug. 1

Your best weekly list for parties, nightlife, social, and cultural events in Charlotte. This isn’t intended to be a complete list of everything that's going on, but instead are the events GPT recommends. Use contact/website info listed to verify event details.

Friday, July 30

Chife, Changing Reflections of My Life
Chife, which stands for changing life, is an original piece about how the power of love and forgiveness can and will change one's existence. The stories are real, personal, and are based on songs by Michael Jackson. Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. $7-$12. Duke Energy Theatre, 345 North College St. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

Rock & Republic Fashion Show Model Casting Call
Whether you're an aspiring model or just want to mingle with them, attend this model casting call for the upcoming Rock & Republic Fashion Show. Models are asked to bring their photo/comp card. 9:30 p.m. Suite, at the EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. www.suitecharlotte.com.

I Heart Hip Hop
DJ K-Nyce plays the best in hip-hop from old-school classics to today's hits, while you party at this sophisticated lounge. 10 p.m. Free. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. www.apostrophelounge.com.

Jessica Stroup Warns Against Sexting in MTV PSA

Actress and Charlotte native Jessica Stroup stars in a new public service campaign rolled out today by MTV. The PSAs are a series of new ads that bring Eve Ensler's bestseller I Am an Emotional Creature: the Secret Life of Girls Around the World to life on MTV and MTV.com. Actresses Rosario Dawson and Aubrey Plaza join Stroup to give voice to Ensler's work, addressing teen issues such as safe sex, sexual pressure, sexting, and dating abuse.

Stroup, a graduate of Providence High School who currently plays the role of Silver on 90210, appears in the segment titled "I Dance." She illustrates the pressures of being a teen girl today, including sexting, and the need to escape from the stresses of the modern world. See her in the clip below.



For more on this campaign, visit emotionalcreature.mtv.com.

Charlotte Event Promoter Accuses Therapy Cafe of Racism

Last month, I (and thousands of people on their email lists and Facebook group) began receiving emails that Six Figure Entertainment had formed a partnership with Therapy Cafe and would be hosting events there on an ongoing basis. Six Figure, which was founded in 2006, touts that it "is a major event and promotional company whose mission is to provide exemplary upscale social soirée for a mature and diverse audience." I have attended several of their events and will agree that they're usually upscale, but they're not usually diverse considering they draw a crowd of mostly African-American professionals--I would say about 95 percent. The group is planning their annual Cream & Butter Affair on August 21 at Ballantyne Village Theatre.

A photo from Six Figure Entertainment's Spring Couture, a late-night event held March 27 at Therapy Cafe. The success of the event led to SFE and Therapy's management partnering to hold events on a weekly basis.

But back to the topic at hand, in June, SFE stated in the first of many emails that: "Six Figure Entertainment are now managing partners of Therapy Lounge Uptown Charlotte!!! Charlotte Get ready because we are about to bring you some Flavor in the Uptown Charlotte Area."

Exactly one month later, that partnership has ended, according to a scathing email sent out this afternoon by Kirk Brown, CEO of Six Figure Entertainment. Below is that email in its entirety.

Subject line: RACIST COMMENTS END UPTOWN PARTNERSHIP

Six Figure Entertainment (SFE) truly believes in providing our patrons with exceptional and quality events and value your views and opinions. The foundation of Six Figure Entertainment is focused on creating a unique blend of nightlife entertainment for a mature and diverse audience. Therefore, we regret to inform you that we will no longer be working with or supporting Therapy Café.

Our experiences have revealed an attitude of unwillingness to enhance the nightlife experience of our patrons by not correcting certain obvious deficiencies such as:

· Lack of cleanliness of the Bathrooms
· Inadequate Air-Conditioning
· Non-negotiable Drink and Food Prices
· Lack of Staff Friendliness and Service

We've also become aware of an undertone of racial insensitivity to the patrons of SFE as noted by many of you via the automatic addition of 20% gratuity to your bills. For your information, this occurred based upon the comments and attitudes of the management staff that "African-American People Don't Tip." If this were simply the attitude of the employees, our relationship could possibly be sustained through diversity training etc.; however since this is the attitude of management it is best that we part company now. We do not condone and WILL NOT tolerate anyone disrespecting the brand of SFE and its patrons.

DO NOT PATRONIZE THERAPY CAFE OR ANY EVENTS THAT TAKES PLACE AT THERAPY CAFE....

At Six Figure Entertainment we place a lot of emphasis on our brand and the reputation of our company and as a result will not settle for anything less than the best. We ask that you refrain from supporting Therapy Cafe as we will no longer be in partnership with them. We do however ask that you continue to support Six Figure Entertainment in the events that we do provide to you here in the Queen City.

DON'T SPEND YOUR BLACK DOLLARS AT THERAPY CAFE...IT IS WELCOMED BUT YOU AREN'T.

Sincerely,
Kirk Brown, CEO
Six Figure Entertainment


Let's keep in mind that we haven't heard Therapy management's side of the story yet--Grown People Talking will try to get it and post it on this blog. And in lieu of all of the recent national news coverage of racial tension going on in the political arenas, allegations of racism shouldn't be made lightly or taken lightly.

But what has been your experience at Therapy during the past month or even before SFE began its partnership? Post it in the comments.

UPDATE: GPT was the first blog or news or web site of any kind to post this situation occurring between Six Figure Entertainment and Therapy Cafe. The same day I blogged about this, I tried contacting the managers/owners of Therapy to get their side of the story. After not much success, I decided to fall back and let the big boys handle it as over the next two weeks just about every major news outlet in Charlotte covered the story, from Creative Loafing to WBTV. One of the news sites that did the most thorough jobs covering it is QcityMetro.com. And if you were following the developments, you know that Therapy closed on August 10, less than two weeks after the allegations of racism surfaced.

Inspired by CharlotteONE

I thoroughly enjoyed the CharlotteONE Summer Gathering I attended last week at First United Methodist Church Uptown. CharlotteONE, a unified effort supported by dozens of local churches to reach young adults and singles, usually meets every Tuesday, but takes a break during summer, meeting just once a month.

Read about my experience at CharlotteONE (and see a slideshow) in the article I wrote for Crossroads Charlotte, "Young adults gather for worship, inspiration at CharlotteONE." And I think you'll want to attend the next event, which will be held Tuesday, August 17.

J. Cole Wins 'Who's Got Next' Award

Fayetteville rapper J. Cole won the "Who's Got Next" award, presented yesterday during the first-ever Sucker Free Summit on MTV2. Cole had also been nominated for the "Hottest Breakthrough MC 2010" award, but that was won by Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa, whose music I haven't really listened to but will definitely be checking out now. I feel that Cole is more deserving of the "Who's Got Next" award than anything else because he's on his way to making a huge impact on the hip-hop scene, especially if he releases his debut album this fall as he's said he hopes to.

Below is a video clip of Cole winning the award.



You can see J. Cole live in Charlotte on Saturday, August 7 at Power 98 Summerfest at Bojangles' Coliseum. Other scheduled performers include Lloyd, Dorrough, Mystikal, Bobby Valentino, K. Michelle, Rocko, G-Unit's Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo, and local rapper Bettie Grind.

New Lady Cats Revealed

Here are the 2010-2011 Lady Cats, a.k.a. Charlotte Bobcats cheerleaders, selected on Friday after a week of tryouts. Of the 20 ladies making up the new squad, 11 return from last season and nine are newcomers.

For more details and photos of the new Lady Cats, click here.

'Where Are They Now?' The First-Year Hornets and Panthers

In the August issue of Charlotte magazine, arriving on newsstands now, the cover story is titled "Where Are They Now?" The feature, which is a whopping 24 pages, takes you on a journey as you read about some of Charlotte's most-prominent or once-prominent figures and what they've been up to since you last saw, heard, or read about them. "Rasslers, rogues, and rapscallions. The original Hornets and Panthers. A guy in a Speedo, a serial killer, and The Group who built modern-day Charlotte. We tracked down 70 newsmakers from the past few decades...," the intro teases.

I contributed to the feature by tracking down and writing mini-profiles on the entire 1988-89 Charlotte Hornets team and the starters from the 1995 Carolina Panthers. Those two teams, of course, are the first-year teams of the franchises. In tracking down the 15 Hornets players and their head coach, and the 25 Panthers players (starters on offense, defense, and special teams) and their head coach, I did a lot of Googling, emailing, and calling, oftentimes starting with the smallest lead and ending at my destination. Such was the case when my research and numerous tries led me to a number for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Illinois, in the recreation department, and when the person I asked for answered the phone, I said: "Are you the Rickey Green who used to play for the Hornets?" Yes, he said. Whew, another one checked off the list.

What surprised me most during my research and writing? The fact that all but two of the former Hornets are currently working or have worked as either coaches or broadcasters for college or professional basketball teams. And secondly, the tragedies that have struck a few of the starters from the first-year Panthers: two died at relatively young ages (one from a drug overdose and one from cancer) and one is currently serving a fifteen-year prison sentence for vehicular homicide.

Free Donatos Pizza and Pinkberry Yogurt in Charlotte This Week

Enjoy free pizza Tuesday, July 20 and free yogurt Thursday, July 22, thanks to two franchises in Charlotte.

Donatos is giving away free pizza beginning at 5 p.m. to the first 300 people at each of its 16 Charlotte area locations. All you have to do is come into the restaurant and show a local Donatos phone number saved in your mobile phone's contacts list and you'll receive a free one-topping medium pizza. You can be sure that many people are saving that number as we speak.

Participating Donatos locations: Dilworth, SouthPark, Uptown/Gateway, Prosperity Point, McKee Farms, Sardis Commons, Concord, Indian Trail, Rock Hill, Tega Cay, Pineville, Indian Land, Waxhaw, Huntersville, Davidson, and Mooresville. Visit www.facebook.com/DonatosCharlotte for more details.

Then on Thursday, as you seek to escape this 95-degree heat, drop by the new Pinkberry location that opened last week at Phillips Place in SouthPark. The popular Los Angeles-based frozen yogurt chain, that celebrities seem to go crazy over, is holding a grand opening event from 6-10 p.m. in celebration of its first North Carolina store. They'll be playing music and giving away free frozen yogurt and other prizes.

Pinkberry is located at 6908-C Philips Place Court. Click here for more details.

'America's Next Top Model' Charlotte Casting Call

Producers from America's Next Top Model are holding an open casting call for Cycle 16 this Saturday in Charlotte. The casting call will be held 2-5 p.m. at Tilted Kilt Pub and Eatery (13230 Carowinds Blvd.), and is open to females between the ages of 18 and 27 and who are at least 5'7" in height. Click here to download the application and for the list of eligibility requirements.

Paper Tongues Rock 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon'

Charlotte rock band Paper Tongues performed their hit song "Ride To California" last night on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. I love the rap-rock sound of the song, which was first released on an EP last year then on their self-titled debut album that was released in March. The band of seven—Aswan North, Devin Forbes, Cody Blackler, Joey Signa, Clayton Simon, Jordan Hardee, and Danny Santell—formed just three years ago in Charlotte and have been enjoying a fairly rapid rise on the music scene since. One of their growing list of accomplishments includes writing the theme song for MTV's hit new show When I Was 17. Paper Tongues is currently on the Bang the Gong Tour with Civil Twilight and Neon Trees.

See the video below of last night's performance on Jimmy Fallon (if you're unable to view it below, click here).



For more on the band, visit www.papertongues.com or join their Facebook page (like I just did).

'Real Housewives of Atlanta' Stars in Charlotte Tonight

Kandi Burruss, the singer-songwriter and former member of Xscape, will be performing in Charlotte tonight (Wednesday, July 14) at Tempo. Kandi is trying to build a buzz to set up her next solo album and, of course, she's now most known for her role on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. If you're a fan of RHOA, then you'll be in for another treat: Kim Zolciak will also be in the house and will be performing. Tempo is located at 4809 Wilkinson Blvd., the event is free, doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. Don't be tardy for the party!

Click on flyer for larger view.

Charlotte Restaurant Week Summer 2010

It comes around twice a year, when fellas can treat their ladies to a nice dinner without breaking the bank. The summer 2010 installment of Charlotte Restaurant Week takes place July 16-25. In what's becoming a local dining tradition, this 10-day celebration of some of the city's finest restaurants once again offers a prix fixe, three-course dinner for $30 per person (not including tax and gratuity) at nearly 90 participating restaurants in the Charlotte area. And several restaurants are known to sweeten the deal by either including a fourth course or throwing in a glass of wine.

Interior shots of some of the participating restaurants - from left to right - bottom row: Customshop, Aquavina, Aria; middle row: Global, Carpe Diem, Vivace; top row: M5, The Liberty, Blue (click image for larger view).

Participating restaurants include:

New NASCAR Commercial Slows Down Fast Sport

I like this new ESPN/NASCAR TV commercial, titled "Invincible" ("Cause it's racing"), that began airing a few days ago. In showing the passion and danger of the sport, the ad creates the kind of drama and excitement NASCAR could really use right now (with sagging TV ratings and attendance). It's a great contrast that they're using slow motion to create imagery for a sport that moves at 200 mph. This looks a lot like the high-resolution, super slow-motion cameras the NFL used in many of its commercials last season, including the one featuring Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith ("Steve Smith in Slow-Mo"). And not that it matters much, but the guy doing the voice-over sounds a lot like the voice from the Miller High Life commercials.

See the ESPN/NASCAR commercial in the video below.

Star Athletes Should Think Ball Club Not Nightclub

For a while now I've pondered why professional athletes host parties at nightclubs. Living in Charlotte, we see it a lot whether it be players from the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Bobcats, or players from teams visiting them. My position has always been that sure, a promoter is paying you somewhere between $5,000 and $10,000 to allow him to put your name and face on a flyer (some also do drops for radio ads) and for you to show up at his nightclub for about two hours, but it's not worth it. First of all, five- or ten-grand pales in comparison to the tens of millions you make on the court or field. And secondly, do you really want to have your name attached to a scene where people can get drunk and crazy and you not know what could happen?

Michael Vick is currently learning that the hard way, which seems to be how he prefers to learn things. While it appears that he's being cleared of any wrongdoing for the shooting that took place at a birthday party he held in Virginia Beach two weeks ago, the event should've never happened to begin with. Vick is scheduled to make $5.2 million this season as a backup quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, but he wants to make a little extra change by having a birthday party in which the general public could pay to attend?

But it's not about the money for Vick and others like him. They do it for the allure of the spotlight. They do it to be reminded that people will pay money to come see them. They do it so people can tell them how great they are. Well, uh, that's what your football games are for.

Michael Vick's party in Charlotte in February.

Vick hosted two parties in Charlotte earlier this year during CIAA Week. And he's been making his rounds at popular nightclubs in cities around the country since football season ended. But since he's not smart enough to curtail his activities, his probation officer is doing it for him. In lieu of his recent incident, Vick must now get permission before leaving the state and must get his travel plans approved. This new stipulation caused him to miss two scheduled appearances over the weekend: a football camp in Baltimore and a golf tournament in Atlanta. Ironically, those are the kinds of events a pro athlete should be attending.

Events for the Weekend: July 9-11

Your best weekly list for parties, nightlife, social, and cultural events in Charlotte. This isn’t intended to be a complete list of everything that's going on, but instead are the events GPT recommends. Use contact/website info listed to verify event details.

Friday, July 9

Summer Solstice
Come unwind at this event, network, and check out one of Uptown’s newest restaurant/bars. Presented by Pinkies Up Productions and So Kel Events. 6-9 p.m. Free. Kalu Asian Kitchen, 505 E. Sixth St. www.pinkiesupproductions.com, www.kalunc.com.

Banana Republic Fashion Show, Party, and Fundraiser
This will be great evening of fashion at one of Charlotte's most popular lounges. Proceeds to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western and Central NC. Presented by the organizers of Charlotte NC Fashion Week. Doors open 8 p.m.; show starts 9 p.m. $10. Suite, at the EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. www.charlottencfashionweek.com.


Saturday, July 10

Summer Concert Series featuring Bell Biv DeVoe
See these musical icons perform classics such as "Poison," "Do Me," and "I Thought It Was Me" as this outdoor concert series continues. Doors open 6:30 p.m. Free; visit website for free tix. Pavilion at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. www.pavilionatepicentre.com/happenings.php.

OSSE: Old School Special Edition
Hip-hop pioneer Special Ed hosts and presents this monthly event that fuses together some of the greatest icons of old-school hip-hop. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to local charities and non-profits. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $15 general admission; $30 VIP. Airport Sheraton, 3315 Scott Futrel Dr. www.specialedmusic.com.

The Black Carpet Affair
Hosted by Toya (of Tiny & Toya fame), this event is sure to draw a large crowd. Music by DJ K-Nyce in the VIP room, and by DJ Tab D'Bia$$i in the ballroom. 10 p.m. Advance tickets: $20 general admission; $40 VIP (VIP tables also available). The Ritz-Carlton, 201 E. Trade St. www.ez-tixx.com.


Sunday, July 11

Tango and Tea
Each Sunday afternoon, enjoy music, dancing, and delectable pastries in the Atrium at NoDa's eclectic café. 2-6 p.m. Free. Amelie's French Bakery and Café, 2424 N. Davidson St. www.ameliesfrenchbakery.com.

Sorry, But I Don't Want Fido Around My Food

At my last job, there were quite a few dog lovers on staff, and occasionally someone would bring their dog into the office. One day, a coworker popped in on her day off to show off her new puppy and most of the staff, especially the women, were going gaga over it. During this instance, and similar others, it was observed that I didn't rush over to stroke the cuddly pooch's mane. That led to a coworker saying, "Jarvis doesn't like dogs." To which I replied, "I like dogs. I just don't like other people's dogs." The reason I remember vividly what I said is because my response became a running joke whenever the subject of pets would come up in the office.

So now that you know my stance, you should understand why I was bothered by a news article I read a few minutes ago that said "N.C. may allow dining with pets." State food service regulations currently ban pets from being inside restaurants or on outside patios where food is being served. But on Thursday, the N.C. Rules Review Commission will consider a proposal that would permit cats and dogs in outside dining areas. If it's approved, the changes would likely take effect August 1.

Nooooooooooooooooo!

I know the dog and cat lovers are going to hate me for this, but I don't want your pet around me when I'm trying to enjoy my meal. You treat Fido like he's human, but to me he's a dog. Your dog. I'm a fan of the Humane Society, PETA, and I believe that pets should be treated humanely--but not humanly.

We just got rid of smoking from North Carolina's restaurants and bars. Please don't tell me that I will now have to inhale secondhand fur.

Michael Jordan Returns to Basketball This Fall

While NBA free agency news and anticipation is almost at a fever pitch, Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan grabbed headlines today as well. But the Bobcats aren't expected to do much in the free agency hunt this summer. M.J. returned today as number 23, in his old Chicago Bulls uniform, as 2K Sports unveiled the cover of the upcoming game in its series, NBA 2K11.

NBA 2K11 will be released for all major video game platforms on October 5, but 2K Sports has yet to reveal what Jordan's character will be like, though they're touting that this will be "the best basketball game that's ever been put out." For more info, visit www.2ksports.com/games/nba2k11.

Brunch Every Day at Pewter Rose

There's a gospel song the choir at my home church in South Carolina often sings that contains the words "Every day will be like Sunday" in the chorus. That's sort of what it's like now for people who enjoy eating at Pewter Rose Bistro. The South End restaurant has recently started serving its popular brunch seven days a week, so it's no longer just a weekend treat. The press release with the announcement was sent out today, coincidentally two years from the day when I blogged about my first time eating at Pewter Rose (Brunch At Pewter Rose: Great Grits and Mimosa).

Brunch will be served every day, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and you'll be able to enjoy the tasty butterscotch scones, in addition to shrimp-and-grits, hash browns, and specialties like the Mashed Potato Omelet pictured below.

Fantasia Holds Big Birthday Shindig at Her Home

Fantasia Barrino turned 26 Wednesday--you might've seen her on BET's 106 & Park that day where they presented her with a birthday cake after she premiered her video for "Bittersweet." And Tasia kept the celebration going with a party at her Charlotte home Friday. As you can see in these camera phone pics below, VH1 cameras were there (she's taping season two of Fantasia For Real) as was fellow R&B star Anthony Hamilton.

Events for the Weekend: July 4th Edition

Your best weekly list for parties, nightlife, social, and cultural events in Charlotte. This isn’t intended to be a complete list of everything that's going on, but instead are the events GPT recommends. Use contact/website info listed to verify event details.

Saturday, July 3

The Queen City Summer Festival (2 events)
-Saturday Fun Fest—Free Cookout
It's an afternoon of food and fun, with games hosted by PlayDate Charlotte. Presented by The Sol Kitchen, The A List, and Velvet Entertainment. 3-8 p.m. Free. Marshall Park, 800 E. Third St. www.thesolkitchen.com.
-Saturday Night Carnivale—After-Party
After the cookout it's the after-party. Plenty of drink specials and late-night menu. Music by DJ Bro Rabb. 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Cost varies. Therapy Cafe, 401 N. Tryon St. www.velvet-ent.com.

Yacht Party—The Independence Edition
Take a boat ride while enjoying food, live entertainment, and giveaways, with music by DJ Polo. 8-11:30 p.m. $30 and up. Kings Point Marina, 18020 Kings Point Dr., Cornelius. 704-492-0069, qcinfobroker@gmail.com.

Saturday Night Live Featuring Shableek
Enjoy a great night of live music at this eclectic venue. 9 p.m. $10. Wine-Up, 3306 N. Davidson St. www.bandtastic.com/shableek.


Sunday, July 4

Red, White and Boom and Family Fun Festival
It's Uptown Charlotte's annual fireworks display and gathering. A family-friendly event with plenty of activities for kids. 6-10 p.m. Free admission; $5 parking fee. Memorial Stadium, 301 N. Kings Dr. www.findyourcenter.com.

July 4th Summer Jam
This venue and its great balcony offers one of the best views of the Uptown fireworks. Enjoy drink specials, games, and hookahs. Live performance by Blue Monday playing 80s and 90s alternative rock. 8 p.m. Loft 1523, 1523 Elizabeth Ave. www.loft1523.com.

Frolic on the 4th
Just a week after throwing its hugely successful Mansion Party, Maz Entertainment is getting it popping for the holiday. Party on all three levels of this night spot. 10 p.m. Cost varies (for discounted entry, text 704-280-4577 or email frolic@mazentertainment.net). LaTorre's, Fiji, Kashmir. 116 W. Fifth St. www.mazentertainment.net.

Sunset Sunday
Party at one of Charlotte's most exclusive lounges, while popping bottles and puffing cigars. Music by DJ Dexter Dynamite. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Men free til 11 p.m.; ladies free til 11:30 p.m. The Sunset Club, 1820 South Blvd. www.young-vets.com/NightLife.html.

This Is It featuring DJ Jazzy Jeff
The world-famous DJ leads the music at one of the last scheduled parties before this nightclub closes for good. Brought to you by The Sol Kitchen, Dee Autry, and Rickmond Media. 10 p.m. Cost varies. The Forum, 300 N. College St. www.thesolkitchen.com.