Friday, July 4

Film

Hancock: Fourth of July = Will Smith movie. It’s a tried and true formula and with the exception of Wild, Wild West, Will Smith owns the Fourth, in all his Scientology glory. Now we can add Hancock to the list. Big Willy plays a superhero with no past and no future, dealing with the problems of alcohol, identity and a tendency for destruction. Can he end up saving the day? Check out Matt Brunson’s review in this week’s issue of CL to find out what our critic thought of Super Will.

And, just for funsies, try this little game that my friend and I have been playing all weekend: In the movie theater, chant, “When I say ‘Hand!’ you say…” and see who answers. Local theaters. www.charlotte.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/Film.

Find more in Film.

Music

Cute Is What We Aim For: Born in the frozen tundra of Buffalo, N.Y., this power-pop quartet with a sentence for a name makes quirky pop that’s warm and toasty around the edges, with a fluffy middle. The young band has been around about three years and has already made inroads into the much-crowded field of power pop bands. They are out touring the new release, Rotation. Also on the bill: Ace Enders, Danger Radio and Powerspace. Tremont Music Hall. www.tremontmusichall.com. Find more in Music.

Arts

Side Show: If you missed reading Kevin Keck’s story on Side Show in the June 11 issue of Creative Loafing, check our archives. You’ll find that these Siamese twins who once walked the Q.C. experienced the ups and, more so, the downs of fame. The media’s and other folks’ curiosity for the sisters was similar to today’s Hilton sisters Paris and Nicky. Similar, but oh so different. Paris and Nicky, despite their personal problems, have never had it hard, while Daisy and Violet’s lives were far from easy. McGlohon Theatre’s production of Side Show tells their story. McGlohon Theatre. www.blumenthalcenter.com. Find more in Arts.

Food

Fourth of July: Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen is hosting a 4th of July barbecue for you and yours to celebrate our independence from British rule. The SouthPark barbecue will feature live music, face painting and magic for the kids. 4 p.m.- 11 p.m. Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen. www.roosterskitchen.com.

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Saturday, July 5

Film

Opening this week: Kit Kittredge: An American Girl. Visit your favorite theater and be one of the first in Charlotte to catch this flick. Local theaters. www.charlotte.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/Film. Find more in Film.

Music

Lou Ford/Buschovski: The Ford boys’ music evidences a finely wrought, pared-down style of songwriting that’s almost Carveresque (or at least Lish-like) in its spareness. Busch’s swirling lyrical worlds are positively Pynchonian, vaguely conspiratorial and often overwhelming in their shit-stirrin’ scope. Lou Ford’s put out three records and an E.P. in the past dozen years. Busch has put out, well, none, officially. Point being, of course, that no matter how you arrive at your voice, you have to find your own road. (Just make sure it leads to Snug tonight.) Snug Harbor. www.snugrock.com. Find more in Music.

Arts

Project Runway: If fashion is your fancy, then The Mint Museum of Art’s Art of Affluence: Haute Couture and Luxury Fashions 1947-2007 exhibition is a must-see. Gaze at top designer fashions (you know, the stuff movie stars wear, tagged with a hefty price). Displaying what is called “haute couture” (French for “high sewing” or “high dressmaking”) and other extravagant fashions from 1947-2007, expect for this exhibition to feature one-of-a-kind, custom-made and fitted garments by top couturiers and designers like Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Versace, Gucci, Armani, Chado Kalph Ricci and a whole lot more. Through August 2. Mint Museum of Art. www.mintmuseum.org. Find more in Arts.

Food

Bricktops: Find comfort in the familiar with barbecue ribs, rotisserie chicken, lobster bisque and key lime pie. 6401 Morrison Blvd. 704-364-6255. Find more in Food.

Sunday, July 6

Film

Retromania!: Ballantyne Village Theater is showing your favorite older flicks – perfect for a summer night out. This week? The neo-classic Pulp Fiction. If you were too young to see this in the theater the first time around (ahem – I say this from experience), now’s your chance to view it on the big screen. Grab a quarter pounder with cheese and catch this crazy gangster flick. Ballantyne Village Theatre. www.bvtheatre.com. Find more in Film.

Music

Black Congo NC: The locals have been steadily upping their benga-flavored game, recently welcoming reeds-man Brent Bagwell (Tenspeed, Project Bluebird) into the fold and adding a touch of Ethiopiques’ soul to a sound that already included two guitars, synth bleats and blurps, looped vocal hollers and animal noises, and in their cut “So Long Seagull,” one of the most massive, cathartic crescendos this side of Califone. Part of the as-billed Pleasurable Fest with Ear Pwr, Abe Vigoda, Kachina and Nat Baldwin (Dirty Projectors). Milestone. www.themilestoneclub.com. Find more in Music.

Arts

Wishful Thinking: Bringing out the genie and dusting off the lamp, Prince Street Players is granting performances of Aladdin (one of the most loved Arabian tales) at CPCC’s Halton Theater. From poor to rich, Aladdin’s good fortune earns him a princess and summons him a helping of trouble. This enchanting performance is a real hit with children — so grab the wee ones and head to the show. $17-$21. Halton Theater. www.halton.cpcc.edu. Find more in Arts.

Food

Beantown Tavern: The hearty, unobtrusive fare does not interfere with the exciting sports at hand. At this Boston bar everyone is invited to come for free hot dogs when the Sox play the Yankees. 130 Matthews Station. 704-849-2023. Find more in Food.