Jazz at the Bechtler Performed at the Knight Theater

Just received this from Pam Davis at the Bechtler. What a wonderful event! Some of our favorite local musicians are playing so we know the jazz will be great.

"Special Concert on January 2, 2015 Commemorates the 5th Anniversary of the Bechtler.
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art will celebrate its 5th anniversary on January 2, 2015 with a special performance of Jazz at the Bechtler in the Knight Theater. For this concert, Blumenthal Performing Arts has generously donated use of the Knight Theater, which is located next door to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art.
Jazz at the Bechtler brings together mid-century art with mid-century music on the first Friday of each month. It has become the museum’s most popular program, with concerts selling out regularly. Concerts are performed by the Ziad Jazz Quartet featuring Ziad Rabie (artistic director and saxophone), Noel Freidline (keyboards), Ron Brendle (bass) and Rick Dior (drums).

To honor the 5th anniversary of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, which opened its doors to the public for the first time on January 2, 2010, the museum is offering an elevated performance of Jazz at the Bechtler. For the first time in the program’s history, it will be performed outside the museum’s walls and on a stage. Offering the concert in the Knight Theater will allow hundreds more music enthusiasts to attend Jazz at the Bechtler and provides the opportunity for the Ziad Jazz Quartet to feature numerous guest musicians throughout the concert.

Joining the Ziad Jazz Quartet on January 2 for this special concert will be vocalist/actress Maria Howell. Best known for her role as the choir soloist in the 1985 Oscar-nominated movie The Color Purple, Gastonia native Howell has appeared in myriad TV shows and most recently was seen in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. She has shared the stage with Ray Charles, George Benson, Nancy Wilson, Marvin Hamlisch and other greats.

Additional Jazz at the Bechtler guest performers are: Al Sergel (drums), Jim Brock (percussion), Jon Thornton (trumpet), Rick Simerly (trombone) and Toni Tupponce (vocals).
Performance
The January 2 Jazz at the Bechtler concert will be performed at the Knight Theater from 7 to 9 p.m. Entrance to the concert is through the Bechtler (420 South Tryon Street, Charlotte 28202), not the Knight Theater. General audience seating will apply. The Bechtler's doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for a cash bar in the museum's lobby.
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Tickets
Tickets for this special performance are $25 for the public and $22 for museum members.
Tickets may be purchased online at bechtler.org, by phone at 704.353.9200, at the admissions desk or at the door the night of the concert.

Parking
Concertgoers receive discounted parking in the Levine Center for the Arts garage at 550 South Tryon Street. Show parking ticket at the Bechtler admission desk to receive discount coupon. 

Sponsor
The presenting sponsor of Jazz at the Bechtler is PNC. 

About the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is dedicated to the exhibition of mid-20th art. It is named after the family of Andreas Bechtler who assembled and inherited a collection created by seminal figures in modernism. The museum is located at Levine Center for the Arts, 420 South Tryon Street, Charlotte. Operating hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.; closed Tuesdays. For museum details visit bechtler.org."

British Invasion at the Bechtler

Roy Lichtenstein

Through Feb. 18, 2015, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art showcases its holdings of artwork created by artists from Great Britain collected by the Bechtler family.

Lynn Chadwick beast vii bronze

David Hockney

This collection reinforces the notion that the Bechtlers collected the art they liked and were not impressed by what was considered mainstream and acceptable. In our opinion, this is what sets the museum apart and enhances the excitement one feels when visiting the exhibits.

 

This exhibition comprises 56 works of prints, sculptures, drawings and paintings. The 11 artists represented in this exhibit are Bridget Riley, Lynn Chadwick, Barbara Hepworth, David Hockney, Alan Davis, Rodney Gladwell, Bernard Meadows, Victor Passmore and William Scott.

One of Barbara Hepworth's most iconic works is part of the exhibit.

Also on the 4th floor gallery is The Firebird Celebrating Five Years in Charlotte. This special exhibition highlights the influence of the Firebird both before and after its installation in front plaza of the museum in 2009.

Firebird in the mountains

 The 17-foot Firebird has been a delight for all of Charlotte to view and is covered from head to toe in pieces of mirrored and colored glass.

Famous Firebird at its Charlotte home

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is located in uptown Charlotte, NC at 420 South Tryon Street. 704 353 9200 / bechtler.org

Statue in the permanent collection on a Bechtler balcony

Luis Machicao Couture Retrospective at LaCa Gallery

Luis Machicao and friends

This lovely space, officially Latin American Contemporary Art Projects, is fairly new to Charlotte. This is our second show to attend there. The choice of artists is exciting, a little unique from most showings we go to. 

[See our article about the Leandro Manzo exhibit here.]

The Luis Machicao Couture Retrospective featured in this article presented fashions created by a noted international designer, now a Charlotte resident. His creations were some of the most beautiful clothes and fabrics we have seen.

Each selection was perfectly displayed on mannequins to give one a feeling of walking through a still life painting of a fashion show in the mid 1900s. Having a personal passion for the style he creates, it reminded me so much of life, well lived.

One of my favorites

When asked about his luscious fabrics, Mr. Machicao said hedesigns each fabric and has it made in New York City.

Luis Machicao, designer

Each piece was also adorned with exquisite jewelry made by Michelle Burnette [Michelle (at) MCC1200.net]. Accessories are a must and gave the entire show that snap we all love.

Jewelry design was the perfect touch

In addition to Machicao’s couturedesigns, the exhibit opening also featured his new perfume line, plus food, wine and many festive touches.

Jackie Marshall, Luis and friends

Keep an eye on LaCa for upcoming shows, always filled with amazing people from just about everywhere. For the openings, there is delicious food and wine a cut above your ordinary fare, catered by Katherine Mejia Alexander, [cm.entertainment (at) earthlink.net] served with theme music and gracious attention from the gallery attendants. See you there.

LaCa's very lovely hostesses

Latin American Contemporary Art Projects
1429 Bryant Street
Charlotte NC 28208

www.lacaprojects.com

lmachicao (at) hotmail.com

Chuy’s: Mexican Food At Its Best

Dilworth Now News was invited to South Park’s newest Mexican food restaurant and we were wined and dined to perfection. Sharon Balas, the manager and gracious hostess, made sure our experience was not only delightful but that we left there complete.

Chili Relleno plate

The food was really special. I had the enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, tried all the sauces, tortilla soup and the very special margueritas. Oh, the chili relleno was so good and authentic Mexican. Having lived in the west for many years I have become accustomed to certain spices and tastes of the old west and truly authentic Mexican home cooking. I have to say this is as close to that as I have tasted in Charlotte.

The sauces are the specialty of course; if they are right then you have true Mexican taste. There is Tex Mex, Ranchero, Green Chili (my favorite), Tomatillo and Hatch Green Chili. All the sauces are made from fresh ingredients. No processed or frozen products are used at the restaurant promising freshness and authenticity.

Desserts

 Now for the desert. Flan, a smooth custard with just enough sauce, but oh, the Flan! If you love Flan you really want to taste this. Of course the traditional Tres Leches cake is melt in your mouth delicious made with very light white cake, moist with white cream and its own special sauce. Don’t miss this on your way to Christmas shop or on your way home from South Park. If you live in Raleigh it is worth the drive.

We were impressed with the décor and the round dining room displaying beautiful art, the lighting and the color gives you the feeling of dining in an art gallery. Chuy’s own in house artist has hand painted the entire restaurant in authentic Mexican and western style that fills up the senses for the total experience.

Chuy’s
4310 Sharon Road
Charlotte, NC
704 364 3959
www.chuys.com
Facebook.com/ChuysCharlotte

Friends of Fourth Ward hosts 37th Annual Holiday Home Tour

This is one of our favorite holiday events. The hospitality and warm welcome of the residents of Fourth Ward is unequaled and always gets us in the Christmas mood. See our article on last year's tour, here.

Below is the press release with the details about this year's tour. Don't miss the history section at the bottom to find out more about this lovely neighborhood and great holiday tradition.

The Friends of Fourth Ward celebrates its 37th wonderful year with a three-day event showcasing the elegant Victorians, urban condominiums, cultural institutions and historic places for which Fourth Ward is famous – all dressed in their holiday finery. The public may tour these luxurious private residences and historic locations on the following dates & times:

2014 Tour Dates & Times

Friday, December 5th: 5:00 – 9:00 pm

Saturday, December 6th: 5:00 – 9:00 pm

Sunday, December 7th: 1:00 – 5:00 pm

This walkable tour includes admission to 7 private uptown homes (including the rarely-seen historic Berryhill House, the flagship Victorian of the neighborhood), free food, beer and wine samples (while they last) at locations along the tour route, plus special holiday surprises at the 7th Street Public Market. On Sunday only, guests may also tour the historic McNinch House restaurant and Victorian home, including the newly renovated private residence upstairs. Throughout the weekend, choirs and hand bell ensembles will perform seasonal music on the porches of neighborhood homes and tour-goers will enjoy free horse and carriage rides throughout the neighborhood, along with complimentary appetizers at participating center city restaurants.

Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour Tickets

Discounted, early-bird tickets are on sale now for $20 at www.fofw.org. Beginning Nov. 10, full price ($25) tickets may be purchased online and at the following retail outlets: Alexander Michael’s Restaurant & Tavern, Park Road Books, 7th Street Public Market, and all area Brixx Pizzas and Dean & Delucas. Tickets are good for all 3 days. During tour hours, ticket-holders must redeem their tickets for tour guidebooks at the tour ticket booth at the corner of 9th Street & Poplar Streets in Fourth Ward, or at the 7th Street Public Market. The Ticket Booth and Market also will be the only location for same day ticket purchases. Additional tour information and group rates: www.fofw.org. 

Tasting Stations & Restaurant Partners

Vendors providing complimentary refreshments and tastings within homes or at official stops along the tour route include: Mert’s Heart & Soul, Rock Bottom Brewery, Allen Tate Realtors, Good Eats & Meets, Skyhouse Uptown and 7th Street Public Market. Center City restaurants offering complimentary appetizers to tour ticket holders who visit during tour hours include: Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, The Asbury and The Wooden Vine. (Tour-goers must present guidebook to receive complimentary selected appetizers.)

7th Street Public Market

As an official stop on the tour, 7SPM will be open during all tour hours, offering complimentary cider & cookies, live seasonal music, multiple tastings, “Gingerbread Houses On Parade”, and terrific holiday gift shopping.

All tour stops are within walking distance of one another. Limited free on-street parking is available throughout the neighborhood. Additional flat fee ($5.00) parking is available in the surface lot adjacent to the 7th Street Public Market at 224 E. 7th Street. FREE horse-drawn carriages will transport tour-goers between the Market and the Holiday

The Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour is presented by Skyhouse Uptown. Supporting sponsors include Allen Tate Realtors, 102.9 The Lake, 7th Street Public Market and Charlotte Center City Partners. Tour proceeds benefit the non-profit Friends of Fourth Ward neighborhood organization.

History of the Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour

Founded in 1977 by neighbors who visited each others’ homes to feast, sing carols and enjoy holiday décor, the Friends of Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour has evolved substantially in 37 years. In 1979, the event opened to the public and quickly became a successful fundraiser for the neighborhood. To this day, all tour proceeds benefit important neighborhood projects such as neighborhood beautification, preservation of historic landmarks, and public art, social and safety programs. The annual home tour is hosted by the Friends of Fourth Ward, a not-for-profit neighborhood organization.

History of Historic Fourth Ward

In the mid-1830s, Charlotte was divided into four political wards. The northwest quadrant was called Fourth Ward – a prosperous area that was home to merchants, ministers, physicians and numerous churches, forming a strong center of social and religious influence.

By the early 1900s, the trolley had expanded beyond uptown Charlotte, making nearby “suburbs” such as Dilworth the neighborhoods of choice. Fourth Ward entered a period of decline that continued until 1976, when the Junior League undertook a restoration program that fired the imaginations of adventurous urban “pioneers”.

Today, Historic Fourth Ward is an active, charming community of grand Victorians, luxury condominiums, urban apartments, parks and businesses, as well as cultural, religious and educational activities – all within walking distance of Charlotte’s thriving uptown business center.

Beyond Craft at the Mint Museum Uptown

Leatrice S. and Melvin B. Eagle, leading collectors of decorative arts and founding members of the Mint’s Founders Circle, assembled this renowned collection over 53 years.

This is truly the most beautiful exhibit I have ever seen anywhere. I actually got cold chills after viewing this collection of beauty, style and grace. 

The pieces are so very different from one another and the visual sensation of the artistry and composition of each piece tantalizes the senses. 

 The collection will be exhibited through February 22, 2015. 

 

On February 6-8, 2015 the museum will host a panel discussion with the Eagles as well as artists represented in their collection. This is part of a weekend long celebration of the Eagles with support from the Founders Circle. See details of these and other events at mintmuseum.org/happenings.

Interview with Will Fisher of the 48 Hour Film Festival

I am sure you heard Will’s name recently in the local Charlotte papers. He was written up several times due to his production of the 48 Hour Film Festival. He participated in this phenomenal event last year. So this year he decided he would take on the job of producing the event.

Will has made it his ambition to make Charlotte the center of local filmmakers creating national and international films. His desire to promote filmmakers here in Charlotte is broad and far reaching.

So next year look for the 48 Hour Film Festival to be even more exciting than this year, and after viewing the quality of the films this year, that is really saying something. If Will has his way, Charlotte will be on the map as one of the most noticed and recognized film communities in the country.

Will moved to Charlotte in 1998 and married Mandy a few years later. They were expecting their first child at the time of this interview, and I am sure the new arrival is here by now. I cannot say whether it was a boy or girl because they chose not to find out before the birth. To us, that says a lot about who they are.

Also I get the impression they are naturalistic in the lifestyle they lead. Will says they hike and love to be outside. They were married on the Appalachian Trail.

Will’s goal is to create seminars for film makers and show the project’s films in different locations around Charlotte during the next twelve months to keep the momentum going before he produces next year’s 48 Hour Film Project. Every year the films presented will be more powerful than the last.

Will Fisher is an amazing young man and really quite brilliant. We expect to hear a lot from him now and in the future. In a transplant to Charlotte, Will is just what we like to see. For more information contact Charlotte@48hourfilm.com 

Charles Randolph-Wright at Actor's Theatre 10/6 - 10/10

Actor's Theatre of Charlotte would like to announce that Charles Randolph-Wright, director of Broadway's MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, and Grammy Award-winning recording artist, BeBe Winans, will be in residence from October 6th through October 10th to develop their new musical, WHERE WE BELONG. With a book by Mr. Randolph-Wright and music and lyrics by BeBe Winans, this will give local actors an opportunity to work with these internationally renowned artists in their efforts to bring this inspiring true story from the page to the stage.

The workshop will rehearse weeknights on Monday, October 6th through Tuesday, October 9th from 6:00 PM till 10:00 PM with tentative plans to present a private, informal reading the evening of the 9th. Note that while we will be looking to cast as close to type as possible, we are most interested in finding local artists who are eager to be part of the development of this new piece. Although WHERE WE BELONG is a musical, the focus of this reading will be script development. We encourage you to submit even if you're not a singer.

If you would like to be considered, please submit your headshot and resume along with your availability the evenings of the 6th through the 9th to our Producer-In-Residence, Martin Wilkins, at martinw@atcharlotte.org. Also, let us know if you have any availability during the day as well. Mr. Randolph-Wright may be interested in doing additional work if schedules permit.

ABOUT THE PLAY:

This world premiere musical tells the story of music star, BeBe Winans who, along with his sister, CeCe, emerged from the gospel music dynasty, the Winans Family, to have their careers launched by Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker on their enormously successful religious television program, "The PTL Club."

ROLES AVAILABLE:

JIM BAKKER (male, white, 40s)

TAMMY FAYE BAKKER (female, white, 40s)



POP WINANS (male, African-American, late 40s to 50s)

MOM WINANS (female, African-American, late 40s to 50s) 

THE WINANS:

MARVIN (male, African-American, 20s)

RONALD (male, African-American, 20s)

CARVIN (male, African-American, 20s)

MICHAEL (male, African-American, 20s)


HOWARD/ALVIN LOVE (male, African-American, 30s)


PTL SINGERS:

PENNY (female, white, 20s)

JIMMY BOB (male, white, 20s to 30s)

JIMMY RAY (male, white, 20s to 30s)

WHITNEY HOUSTON (female, African-American, 20s)

Back to School! Healthy Breakfast, Lunch, and Snack Ideas for Kids

Fruit salad with oatmeal

by Dilworth Now nutrition columnist Marian Bennett

Back to school once again! Sport practices, homework, and study sessions. The learning has begun and the food choices are just as important as all of the studying that takes place.


Starting off with a hearty and healthy breakfast for anyone going back to school is very important for their success. Children’s brains are developing and increasing with new knowledge and information. Being able to focus in the classroom and do class work can be challenging without proper caloric intake and distribution of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Fruit salad with grapes and raisins

Having a hearty breakfast and lunch helps with concentration and studying throughout the day. Having a grab and go breakfast on hand in the mornings is a great idea while waiting for the bus or riding in the car. For those working parents out there, prepping on Sunday can be a great way to make the week easier for getting breakfast on the table and packing lunches.

Waffles

 

Breakfast ideas:

• Scrambled eggs with whole wheat toast and jelly preserves with a glass of milk or water 
• Whole wheat waffles with almond butter topped with smashed banana with a glass of milk or water
• Fruit smoothie including a mixture of frozen berries, pineapple, mango, pineapple, full fat yogurt and some orange juice 
• Blueberry Banana Oat Muffins 

Chicken salad

Lunch ideas:

• Turkey sandwich with lettuce, tomato, mustard and low sodium turkey breast alongside plain or roasted red pepper hummus with whole wheat pita or pretzel chips and carrots or celery 
• Chicken salad with grapes, celery, apples, walnuts, and Greek yogurt coupled with skim string cheese and whole wheat crackers
• Mexican quinoa salad with low sodium black beans, sweet corn, and store-bought pico de galo along with a fruit salad 

Crackers with hummus

Snack ideas:

• Banana with almond, cashew or peanut butter
• Multi-grain crackers with hummus 
• Fruit salad with toasted oatmeal and 2% Greek vanilla or plain yogurt
• 2% plain yogurt as a dip for chopped celery, peppers, carrots, and/or raw broccoli

Come Sit with Me

Come Sit with Me..

There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh.

Forget the bad and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you well, pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. 

Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living.

Quote:

"Today may there be peace within you. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

Jackie Marshall's Birthday at Nolen's Kitchen

Superior Court Judge Nominee Eric Montgomery

@Landmark Forum in action