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.

This week in the Queen City

Spring is in full bloom and so is the city of Charlotte. Starting May 4th at 10:00 a.m. is the Ignite Spring Job Fair. This is taking place at Southpark Mall. This is intended for sales representatives, nurses, RNS, engineers, software developers, logistics, accountants, finance, and banking. The job fair is targeting the professional crowd –the exhibiting employers represent some of the most recognized and highly regarded companies in Charlotte. Most positions will pay in the $50K plus range and do not represent 'work from home' jobs. Get your resume and look together and come out to Ignite Job Fair. For more information: http://www.ignitespringjobfair.com/.

Book Signing of Foxy Brown’s new book, “Foxy: My Life in Three Acts” is taking place at Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts at 551 South Tryon Street. Learn all about her past and present with her new tell-all memoir. Tickets are $25 dollars in advance and $35 at the door.