Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
Friday, Sept. 23
Charlotte NC Fashion Week and Charlotte Seen Fashion Week
Locations vary
Those with a love for threads (and even those in dire need of an all-out style revamping) can show some affection for fashion during the showcase events slated for Charlotte NC Fashion Week and Charlotte Seen Fashion Week. In its fourth year the Charlotte NC Fashion Week presents its Emerging Designer Show, which will showcase an assortment of clothing and accessories by budding designers, boutiques and stylists right here in the Q.C. Charlotte Seen Fashion Week also continues with its environmental Re-Model Show presenting pieces created out of recycled materials. Who knew a dress constructed out of soda cans could have such pizzazz?
• Art Germaphobes might find McColl Center for Visual Art's latest exhibit a little terrifying. Elements - opening with a reception this evening - features soft sculpture fabric forms by Carrie M. Becker. Becker, a St. Louis-based artist who is currently residing in Charlotte as one of McColl's fall artists-in-residence, wants viewers to get in touch with the invisible particles all around us. This means the pieces bear a striking resemblance to germs, microbes, dust and spores. More...
• Nightlife Ladies in need of relaxation and pampering head to Tilt for Friday's WINOS (Women In Need Of Spoiling). Free appetizers and wine tastings are available and drink specials include $5 martinis and $3 shots, bellinis and mimosas. Representatives from shops like FiFi's, Varji and Vargi Salon & Spa, Revolution and Avon will also be in the house with goodies to giveaway - so you may even leave with more than just a hangover. More...
Saturday, Sept. 24
Anjelah Johnson
The Comedy Zone Charlotte
Comedian Anjelah Johnson looks nothing like a ghetto fast-food worker with a foul mouth and zero tolerance for burgers without lettuce and tomatoes. But Johnson, who is best known in the comedy world for her hood Bon Qui Qui character, transforms so well because she's lovin' it. Before getting her big break with MADtv in 2007, Johnson was a cheerleader for the Oakland Raiders. Now that's more believable. She can also do a helluva impression of a pushy Vietnamese nail stylist.
• Festival When it comes right down to it, Charlotte has a pretty diverse international community. Don't believe me? Then take a walk through University of North Carolina at Charlotte's International Fest, where you'll find folks from far-off places representing a whopping 50 different nations. Though actual globetrotting is the best way to experience cultural enlightenment, exposure to an ethnic environment in your own backyard is just as good. During I-fest, visitors can stop by informative displays with food and arts and crafts (in other words, bring some cash). Also, catch live entertainment throughout the day, as well as The Parade of Nations, where folks sporting traditional costumes trot around the arena. More...
• Benefit The Humane Society of Charlotte has planned a pretty stellar way to raise money for its furry residents. The event, Rockers to the Rescue, will feature live music by Grown Up Avenger Stuff, The Chelsea Daggers, Born Under Punches, Blanco Diablo, gogo Pilot, Rusted Radio Dial and DJ Brad Pressley. Queen City Aerial Artists will also be performing, and local shops (Fu's Tattoos, Jack Beagles, Orange Olive Hair Gallery, 300 East, SOBO Loft in Southend, BEYoga and Ink Floyd) have donated door prizes. More...
Sunday, Sept. 25
Festival In The Park
Freedom Park
Charlotte's annual Festival In The Park is going on 47 years of taking over Freedom Park. The festival draws large crowds and more than 150 participating artists. Paintings, handmade jewelry, performance artists, funnel cake, cotton candy and other (edible and inedible) goods will be for sale, and multiple stages provide varying forms of entertainment, like live music and dancing.
• Music With a soulful voice and acoustic guitar, Haji Basim's music is almost entrancing; a certain element of relativity makes his songs personable and inviting. His voice is reminiscent of John Legend with a certain uniqueness that is refreshing. He has a neo-soul style of playing that mixes in a little folk and hip-hop. Addicting and memorable, he will have you humming the tunes of his music. Watch him perform live at Tremont Music Hall tonight. More...
• Food La Shish Kabob has the sameness of sandwich shops throughout the Middle East: the grill line on one side, a display case packed with salads, dips, pastries and desserts, and a cluster of functional tables. Try the house-made kibbeh. More...