Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
Neighborhood Theatre
It's time for local artists of all sorts to come together for NoDaRioty's All Arts Market. The indoor marketplace features handmade goods/arts and crafts, including jewelry, photography, clothing, paintings, bags and more. Finish your holiday shopping at this hot spot for cool finds.
Nightlife What type of mark would you get on Santa's list, naughty or nice? King Ent. and JRK Ent. have teamed up for the Naughty or Nice party at Alley Cat tonight. My prediction is that more people will fit into the first category, unless that is, this party doesn't weigh in on any kind of judgment. DJ Pyro will provide the music. Wear red to get in. more...
Benefit Head over to Butter tonight for its White & Gold Gala. Just bring a toy or donation (to benefit Levine Childrens Hospital) to get inside, where you can enjoy music, dancing and holiday cocktail specials. more...
Ovens Auditorium
Its been a little over 30 years since Grease made its claim to fame. With a dramatic story line that consists of star-crossed lovers in high school cliques that are at opposite ends of the spectrum, its a step down (meaning, no one dies) from the harsher nature of say, a classic like Romeo & Juliet. But the 1950s-based flick does feature an electrifying assortment of hit songs - Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin, We Go Together, Hopelessly Devoted to You, Youre the One That I Want - that may have you wishing you had a dagger after they repeat in your head for the millionth time. Today, you can put a twist in your poodle skirt during two performances at Ovens Auditorium. Laverne & Shirleys Eddie Mekka (Carmine the big ragu Ragusa) stars as DJ Vince Fontaine.
Comedy Local sketch comedy troupe Robot Johnson is celebrating the holiday season with its own special Christmas Show at Carolina Actors Studio Theatre. Expect a round-up of the years best takes, as well as some naughty or nice (well, probably just naughty) extras. Robot Johnson is described as an equal-opportunity offender, taking shots at Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa and John Fox. Prepare to either laugh or be offended. more...
Nightlife For the last two years, the local organization known as Culture Initiative - consisting of Arthur Brouthers and Joel Tracey have been treating the city to a slew of events designed to showcase music and art. And tonight, this dynamic duo will celebrate their anniversary by hosting a multimedia party dubbed Cake + 2 in Charlottes South End. The shindig promises to feature 100 pieces of art (displayed on panels measuring 2-feet by 2 feet) and music by a cadre of DJs (Cement Stars, Kev Kev, B Willackers, and the C.I. boys). Be sure to be on hand and help these dudes mark this momentous occasion. more..
ImaginOn
Childrens Theatre of Charlotte is known around town for producing enjoyable shows for those in a one-digit age bracket. That said, it doesnt mean that adults cant find pleasure in its shows - which are minus the R-rated material. During its production of Scrooge - a musical version of Charles Dickens holiday tale A Christmas Carol - you wont hear any foul four-letter words, but you will get an earful of Bah humbug! from one of the nastiest Ebenezer Scrooges around (see photo). And on a creepy - and much needed - note, youll see his haunting encounter with three ghosts of the past, present and future.
Special Event Fans of anime and manga can rejoice. During the Carolina Anime Day at Holiday Inn Charlotte Airport Hotel, a marketplace of vendors will be selling a range of related items. In addition, there will also be a raffle and giveaways. Dress as your favorite character from anime/manga for a costume contest. more...
Special Event Nothing says the holidays like lights. The more the merrier, well at least until the power bill arrives. Luckily, Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens goes all out with its Holiday Lights at the Garden, so you dont have to. During the seasonal event the garden is decorated with more than 600,000 gleaming lights. But, thats not all. Visitors can also enjoy carriage rides, holiday carols, baked treats, hot cocoa/cider and more. And, remember to be nice, because you might also bump into that jolly old man known as Santa. more...