Plenty of Entertainement

Who wants to get out and enjoy the first weekend in June? If you do then there is plenty to keep you entertained this weekend.

Each Friday from 5-11 p.m. is Fridays at the N.C. Music Factory. The factory transforms into a lush tropical escape. If you had a rough work week then this is the place to come relax and mingle. DJ Ahuff is there making music and drink specials galore. Outdoor cabanas, private bands, and two live bands perform. Nikko, the famous Sushi bar off of South Blvd. will be serving sushi from 7pm-9pm. Please check out www.NCMusic Factory.com for more information.

MEZ presents famous French producer/ DJ Stan Courtois and Saxophonist Felly will be performing live on Saturday, June 5th. If you are interested in hearing a different taste on music then this is an event to attend. For tickets call: 704-971-2400

Elder Art Gallery presents Stephanie Neely: Bigger than Life. Giant flowers and unusual still life paintings by North Carolina artist, Stephanie Neely, will adorn the walls of Elder Gallery during the month of June. 1427 South Blvd.

Flying Saucer 8th Anniversary Celebration is taking place on Saturday, June 5th. This is an event no one should miss. Flying Saucer is known to have over 100 beers on tap. Pint specials will be offered all day. 9605 N. Tryon Street.

Gallery and Wine Crawls

It is the first week in June and how could you not want to go out and be seen? South End Home is hosting a Gallery Crawl, Friday June 4th at 6:00 p.m. Come and meet new artists, designers, and see what is new in the interior and art field. Light food, wine, and beer will be served. This is a great way to socialize and meet others in the Charlotte area.

Friday, June 4th starts Symphony in the Park at Symphony Park in Southpark. Bring your wine, food, and blankets and come sit out and listen to sounds of the Charlotte Symphony under the stars. The event starts at 7:00 and will last until after dark. This is great for all ages and families.

Wine Tastings will be held through the Southpark Mall at a number of different stores. Come sample wine and try on new Fashions. This is perfect for a Girls’s Night Out. This will take place, Friday June 4th.

Beer, BBQ, and Good times

The unofficially start of summer has begun. Get your shades and sundresses on and head out this weekend to a number of different events. Dharma Lounge is hosting their first BANG barbeque, Saturday May 29th. It is free for 21 and older and live music will be playing. Drink specials and a good atmosphere is something that should not be missed. http://www.dharmacharlotte.com/

Speed Street is happening all weekend on Tryon Street in Uptown. Live bands such as Everclear and Pat Benetar will perform. There will be plenty of concessions, drink and food specials at the local restaurants all around the street.

Butter the hot new club located at the NC Music Factory is hosting, Scott Disick’s birthday is party Friday May 28th. If you do not remember who he is just think of Kourtney Kardashian’s beau. Doors open at 9:00 p.m. and the music will not end until 2:00 a.m. It is a birthday celebration, Scott’s way!

Charlotte Hemp Fest is a festival which features speakers, comedians, hemp samples, food, beer, and live music by three bands. This will take place, Sunday May 30th at 2:00 p.m. 3746 N. Davidson Street.

This weekend should keep you busy. Let me know what you all think! Have a great Memorial Day!

Get up and Dance!

It is almost the end of May. Can you believe it? Social events just keep coming through the Queen City. If staying in the Epicentere is your thing on the weekends then you do not want to miss Benji Madden’s DJ set at Mez. This is going down Saturday, May 22nd. For tickets call: 704-971-2400. Madden is in the band, Good Charlotte and has been a DJ for over ten years now. This event will be widely publicized and one you will not want to miss!

Wicked is flying through Charlotte. It started on May 19th and is staying until June 13th. The musical is going to be held at Ovens Auditorium. Wicked is a Grammy and three-time Tony Award-winning Broadway production. The musical takes a sweep through the past-years before Dorothy of Kansas’ arrival in Munchkin land-and a closer look into the lives of the out casted Wicked Witch of the West and her sister, Glinda the Good Witch of the North. Tickets start at $40. http://www.blumenthalcenter.org/

Mint Museum on Randolph road is hosting, The Art of Affluence: Haute Couture and Luxury Fashions. This exhibition features custom-fitted luxury garments from the top of designers of the late-20th and early-21st centuries. Continues through June 30.

5K Run for Clean Air is taking place at the beautiful McAlpine Creek Park. On Saturday, May 22nd come out and run for clean air and raise awareness about Charlotte’s poor air quality. The event starts at 8a.m. www.cleanaircarolina.org

Be sure to tell us what you think about Sex and the City 2.

Guest Charlotte Morris Shares a Few Words

Charlotte Morris is a 2006 graduate of Meredith College receiving her BA in Interior Design. She then moved to Arlington, VA where she worked for Interstate Hotels and Resorts. "This is where my work improved. This is where I learned and understood the industry even more." After two years with Interstate she came back South to Atlanta, GA and worked for Monolith Hospitality. Still presently working there she has worked on a number of hotels from choosing colors, fabric, lighting, and placement. She has been kind enough to share what is going on in the Interior and Fashion field now.

A VARIATION ON PURPLE

While a deep, saturated hue of Purple made it's comeback on the fashion scene last season, it has taken a slight variation to make it more suitable in the home. The Interior version could be called more of a "wine" or "maroon", which is also much easier to pair with the hot color of Grey that has been making it's rounds. The mood ranges from serene and tranquil to royal and glamorous and combination of greys & grapes is charming and mysterious. The most sensitive & wisest of colors, Purple allows modernity to marry tradition. Purple has rich history and has long been associated with both nobility and spirituality. With a huge emphasis being put on "Green" building in the home nowadays, it's no surprise homeowners are leading their eye towards more simple or traditional color schemes rather than the loud, trendy colors used in the past years. The new hue of Purple also lends itself to be much more lasting in the home than the deep, dramatic tone being used in fashion. The fact that it lends itself more towards the red variation should also be mentioned, since red is a favorite in many homes already and is much easier to introduce to an existing palette. Good job color forecasters; saving money and introducing new color schemes is almost as difficult as reinventing the wheel nowadays.

Have nothing to do? Here are a few options for the weekend...

It is the weekend and who is ready to venture out and see the surroundings? Local filmmaker, John Schwert debuted his impressive film, Among Brothers in 2005. His fellow up effort, In/Significant Others is already causing static in the air since it premiered on the film-festival circuit last September. The film will be screened May 14-20^th at Regal Park Terrace. This movie is already picking up a handful of awards. Go and check it out and meet other individuals along the way.

Historic downtown Concord is kicking off the spring with Spring Into Arts Festival. Showcases art from local artists. The event includes children’s activities, live music, and a variety of food and a beer and wine garden. It is free to the public. This event is happening May 15^th and starts at 10:00 a.m.

The 2^nd Annual Chili Cook-off and block party is taking off on Saturday, May 15^th. The Good Eats and Go Social Club presents this event featuring unlimited chili tastings, as well as barbecue and beer. It is $12 at the door and is from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Jackalope Jacks on East 7^th Street.

The 6^th Annual Carolina Folk Art Festival will feature a variety of art exhibiting and selling works including paintings, pottery, and jewelry. This will be held “on the green” in Birkdale. Saturday, May 15^th 10-6 p.m. and Sunday, May 16^th 11-6 pm.