Jocelyn Ellis Releases Video for 'System Distortion'

Jocelyn Ellis, one of the most talented and creative musicians I've come across in Charlotte, released a new video this week for her single, "System Distortion." She continues to bend/blend genres in her music, and offers an intriguing visual with the video. I ran into Jocelyn at a party Saturday night, and after talking to her for a few minutes I told her I was going to have to go through my CDs when I got home and break out the EP she released...

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You Should Know: 'Coal Ash Chronicles' -- Help Fund the Documentary

I didn't know what coal ash was until I met Rhiannon Fionn a few years ago. That's part of the problem, and she's part of the solution. Rhiannon, or Rhi as many call her, is an independent journalist who lived in Charlotte for several years before relocating to Seattle, and who has spent years reporting on the environmental issues and health problems being caused by coal ash. Now, she and her team are seeking your help as they raise funds to complete...

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Robin Emmons, of Sow Much Good, Is a 2013 CNN Hero

For the last few months, one each week, CNN has been unveiling its 2013 CNN Heroes--"everyday people changing the world." Thousands of submissions were sent in from around the globe, and 24 people have been chosen as heroes (a few more are left to be revealed). This week's CNN Hero is Robin Emmons, founder and executive director of Sow Much Good, a nonprofit organization that's working to eliminate urban food deserts in Charlotte by providing...

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You Should Know: 'Destination Freedom' at Levine Museum of the New South

Levine Museum of the New South recently opened a new series titled, Destination Freedom: Civil Rights Struggles Then and Now, that will feature several different exhibits and programs over the next two years. The first three exhibits are on display now, and I had the opportunity to check them out a few weeks ago during a members' preview. The museum is holding an official kickoff event this Sunday, September 15 that you should check out. And even...

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Felix Sabates Is the Most Interesting Man In Charlotte

You know those "The Most Interesting Man In the World" commercials by Dos Equis, right? The beer maker launched the campaign several years ago, and the commercials continue to be clever and funny. Like how the most interesting man: "In a past life, he was himself;" and "If opportunity knocks and he's not home, opportunity waits." I've never encountered anyone quite like that, but throughout my career as a journalist, I've met a lot of very interesting...

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Clemson Tiger Fan's Bedroom Gets a South Carolina Gamecock Makeover (Video)

I came across the link to this YouTube video just now on Twitter, and as a proud University of South Carolina alum and Gamecock fan I think this is awesome. While not as extreme, I can relate to the decor. The walls in my home office are painted garnet and are adorned with Gamecock memorabilia. Go Cocks!...

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Get Ready for 2013 Charlotte Sunset Jazz Festival - September 13 and 14

The annual Charlotte Sunset Jazz Festival takes place this weekend, offering you two days of fun and great music. Friday, September 13 features an indoor concert by Roy Ayers at Knight Theater in Uptown, for which there's an admission cost. And Saturday features the all-day, outdoor free concert at Symphony Park in SouthPark. The Charlotte Sunset Jazz Festival, now in its 22nd year and put on by Pride Magazine, is one of the signature events...

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My First Time: Lazy 5 Ranch In Mooresville

I've been hearing about Lazy 5 Ranch for several years now and finally made the 40-minute drive to the animal farm in Mooresville yesterday. Andrea and I went, and even though I knew enough about it to know what to expect, there's nothing like experiencing it for yourself. With this being the end of summer and fall soon upon us, now is as good a time (and weather) as any for you to visit. Lazy 5 Ranch is a privately owned and operated attraction...

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Jay Z's 'Magna Carter World Tour' Coming to Charlotte and Greensboro In January; Tickets On Sale Soon

Jay Z announced the North American leg of his Magna Carter World Tour today, a schedule of 34 dates in 33 cities (he's performing in his native Brooklyn twice). This Stateside tour--plus two Canadian dates--comes after his international run; it kicks off November 30 in St. Paul, Minnesota, and runs for two full months before wrapping up January 31 in State College, Pennsylvania. Close to home, this tour is doing something I don't recall a major...

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Ed D. Kane and Anthony Hamilton Offer Gritty Look at 'Da Streets'

Many of you know Anthony Hamilton for his love songs, ballads, and soul-stirring music. But if you've followed his career since the early days, you'll recall that in addition to being nominated for Grammys, going platinum, and selling out concerts, he's always been a sought-after hook singer. And by that, I mean singing the choruses on rap songs. In fact, his first hit song was the 2002 collaboration with Nappy Roots on the rap song "Po' Folks."...

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