NASCAR Hall of Fame Celebrates Motorsports Month in Charlotte

Just received this release about NASCAR Hall of Fame events next week. Sound like some fun times.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 14, 2015) – Surrounding the 10 days of NASCAR Thunder at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is offering many ways for fans and visitors to fuel up on fun during May, which has been officially declared Motorsports Month in North Carolina by Governor Pat McCrory. From Racing Insiders Tours to the historic announcement of the Class of 2016 to the inaugural PNC Speed Street 5K and Kids 600 Yard Fun Run, guests will find high-octane happenings at the NASCAR Hall of Fame all month long.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame is also celebrating Membership Appreciation Month throughout May with daily giveaways, a chance to win a VIP experience at the Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, special members-only activities like a historian-led tour through the Hall, an exclusive sneak peek of the newest special exhibit set to open this summer, a private autograph session with the Class of 2016, a simulator racing challenge and more. Additional member benefits include annual admission and unlimited simulator rides, member gifts, access to exclusive content, discounts and more. Fans can learn more about becoming a NASCAR Hall of Fame member at nascarhall.com/membership.

And just off the heels of celebrating the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s fifth anniversary, the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2016 and the recipient of the 2016 Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR will be announced live in the Great Hall on Wednesday, May 20 at 6 p.m. ET. The announcement is open to the public (admission to the Great Hall is free after 5 p.m.) and will be broadcast live from the NASCAR Hall of Fame on NBC Sports Network, Sirius XM NASCAR Radio and NASCAR.com. Fans still have time to lock in their vote for the legends they think should be in the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s seventh induction class by submitting a Fan Vote on NASCAR.com/halloffame. Fans have until Monday, May 18 at 11:59 p.m. ET to vote for five of the 20 nominees for the Class of 2016. The top five nominees with the most fan votes will be cast as the final ballot on Voting Day.

See a full list of NASCAR Hall of Fame Race Week activities below:

THURSDAY, MAY 14"Driven" Movie Premiere (Legends and Champions Club Members Only) Legends and Champions Club Members are invited to a special movie premiere of the documentary “Driven” on Thursday, May 14 at 5:30 p.m.in the NASCAR Hall of Fame High Octane Theater. Hosted by Michael Waltrip Racing, the documentary features Patrick Staropoli as a University of Miami medical student racing his way to NASCAR. For more information about becoming a member, visit nascarhall.com/membership.

FRIDAY, MAY 15Racing Insiders Tour: Tour 85 The Racing Insiders Tour is an all-access, in-depth tour in and around Charlotte’s racing community. The Tour 85 itinerary makes stops at the NASCAR Hall of Fame and shops along Interstate 85 including Stewart-Haas Racing, Roush Fenway Racing and Hendrick Motorsports. The tour runs from approximately 9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit racinginsiderstour.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 16 Simulator Racing Challenge (Members Only) NASCAR Hall of Fame members are invited to compete in an iRacing simulator challenge in Race Week on Saturday, May 16 beginning at 9 a.m.for the chance to be crowned the simulator racing champion. For more information about becoming a member, visit nascarhall.com/membership.

MONDAY, MAY 18 Racing Insiders Tour: Tour 85 The Racing Insiders Tour is an all-access, in-depth tour in and around Charlotte’s racing community. The Tour 85 itinerary makes stops at the NASCAR Hall of Fame and shops along Interstate 85 including Stewart-Haas Racing, Roush Fenway Racing and Hendrick Motorsports. The tour runs from approximately 9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit racinginsiderstour.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Day VIP Experience (Legends Members Only) NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends Members will have access to an exclusive area located behind the scenes, just outside the all-important Voting Room at the Charlotte Convention Center. For more information about becoming a member, visit nascarhall.com/membership.

Class of 2016 Announcement (Open to the Public) The NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2016 and the recipient of the 2016 Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR will be announced live in the Great Hall on Wednesday, May 20 at 6 p.m. ET. The announcement is open to the public (admission to the Great Hall is free after 5 p.m.) and will be broadcast live from the NASCAR Hall of Fame on NBC Sports Network, Sirius XM NASCAR Radio and NASCAR.com.

THURSDAY, MAY 21Racing Insiders Tour: Tour 77 The Racing Insiders Tour is an all-access, in-depth tour in and around Charlotte’s racing community. The Tour 77 itinerary makes stops at the NASCAR Hall of Fame and shops along Interstate 77 including Joe Gibbs Racing, Penske Racing and Michael Waltrip Racing. The tour runs from approximately 9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit racinginsiderstour.com.

Circle K and Kangaroo Speed Street Festival Presented by Coca-ColaAs one of the largest street festivals in the Southeast with approximately 400,000 attendees over three days, Speed Street features live entertainment, access to NASCAR stars and interactive activities for the whole family. The Coca-Cola Stage will be located next to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and will feature free live performances by Mike Regan’s All Stars (5:30 p.m.), The Reason You Stayed (7-8 p.m.), Appetite for Destruction, The Ultimate Guns & Roses Experience (8:30 p.m.) and Departure, A Journey Tribute Band (10:30 p.m.). For a full schedule of events, visit 600festival.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 22 Racing Insiders Tour: Tour 85 The Racing Insiders Tour is an all-access, in-depth tour in and around Charlotte’s racing community. The Tour 85 itinerary makes stops at the NASCAR Hall of Fame and shops along Interstate 85 including Stewart-Haas Racing, Roush Fenway Racing and Hendrick Motorsports. The tour runs from approximately 9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit racinginsiderstour.com.

Historian-Led Tour (Members Only) Join NASCAR Hall of Fame Historian Buz McKim for an exclusive tour of the NASCAR Hall of Fame at 11 a.m. Learn more about the history and heritage of NASCAR and how it is preserved through artifacts and exhibits at the Hall. For more information about becoming a member, visit nascarhall.com/membership.

Sneak Peek of New Exhibits (Members Only) NASCAR Hall of Fame members are invited to join the exhibits team in the NASCAR Hall of Fame Legends Room at 2:30 p.m. for a behind-the-scenes look at artifacts included in the newest special exhibit set to open this summer. For more information about becoming a member, visit nascarhall.com/membership.

Circle K and Kangaroo Speed Street Festival Presented by Coca-Cola
As one of the largest street festivals in the Southeast with approximately 400,000 attendees over three days, Speed Street features live entertainment, access to NASCAR stars and interactive activities for the whole family. The Coca-Cola Stage will be located next to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and will feature free live performances by Amy Taylor (6 p.m.), Parmalee (9 p.m.) and Corey Smith (10:30 p.m.) as well as a motorcycle giveaway by the NASCAR Foundation (7 p.m.) and a Q&A with Coca-Cola racing family drivers (8 p.m.). For a full schedule of events, visit 600festival.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 23 PNC Speed Street 5K and Kids 600 Yard Fun Run The inaugural PNC Speed Street 5K will take place on Saturday, May 23 at 8 a.m. in Uptown Charlotte. The start line will be on Tryon Street and the finish line will be located at the NASCAR Hall of Fame as well as the Speed Street Kids 600 Yard Fun Run that will begin inside the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Glory Road and end on the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza. The awards celebration will take place on the Coca-Cola Stage at 9:15 a.m. To register, visit speedstreet5k.racesonline.com.

Q&A with NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2016 Join the recently announced Class of 2016 for a moderated Q&A session in the Great Hall at 10 a.m. (subject to change based on Hall of Famer availability). This event is open to the public. General admission is required.

Class of 2016 Autograph Session (Members Only) NASCAR Hall of Fame members are invited to join the recently announced Class of 2016 for a members-only autograph session in the Hall of Honor from 10:30-11:30 a.m. (subject to change based on Hall of Famer availability). For more information about becoming a member, visit nascarhall.com/membership.

Legends and Champions Club Members Reception with the Class of 2016 Legends and Champion Club Members are invited to a special reception with the recently announced Class of 2016 in the Theater Lobby at11:30 a.m. (subject to change based on Hall of Famer availability). For more information about becoming a member, visit nascarhall.com/membership.

Circle K and Kangaroo Speed Street Festival Presented by Coca-Cola
As one of the largest street festivals in the Southeast with approximately 400,000 attendees over three days, Speed Street features live entertainment, access to NASCAR stars and interactive activities for the whole family. The Coca-Cola Stage will be located next to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and will feature free live performances by School or Rock (4:30 p.m.), Halfway to Hazard (8 p.m.), Craig Wayne Boyd, winner of “The Voice” (9 p.m.) and Dennis DeYoung and the music of Styx (10:30 p.m.). Additional activities at the Coca-Cola Stage on Saturday, May 23include Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest (6 p.m.) and a Q&A with Coca-Cola racing family drivers (7 p.m.). For a full schedule of events, visit 600festival.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 24 Special Charter Member Presentation (Charter Members Only) NASCAR Hall of Fame Charter Members are invited to special ceremony featuring inaugural inductee Junior Johnson in the High Octane Theater at 10 a.m. to honor their commitment and support of the NASCAR Hall of Fame since it opened in 2010.

TUESDAY, MAY 26 Racing Insiders Tour: Tour 85 The Racing Insiders Tour is an all-access, in-depth tour in and around Charlotte’s racing community. The Tour 85 itinerary makes stops at the NASCAR Hall of Fame and shops along Interstate 85 including Stewart-Haas Racing, Roush Fenway Racing and Hendrick Motorsports. The tour runs from approximately 9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit racinginsiderstour.com.

To accommodate the adrenaline-pumping action and thousands of fans coming to town this month, the NASCAR Hall of Fame will also offer special hours beginning May 15:

May 15-17: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
May 18-20: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
May 21-22: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
May 23-24: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
 May 25-31: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

General admission tickets to the NASCAR Hall of Fame can be purchased by calling (877) 231-2010 or at nascarhall.com. Admission is $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors and military, $12.95 for children 5-12 and free for children younger than 5. Memberships are available starting at $125. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is open daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more details, visit nascarhall.com. Updates are available at facebook.com/nascarhall or by following @NASCARHall on Twitter.

Got To Be North Carolina Competition Dining Series

24 chefs compete for best in NC

 The Got to Be NC Competition Dining Series is coming again this year to Bonterra’s Dining and Wine Room located at 1829 Cleveland Ave. in Charlotte NC. The dates for the competition will run from Sunday March 22nd through Tuesday May 19th. Tickets are available now www.competitiondining.com.

Beautiful Bonterra

The objective of this competition is to discover the best chef in North Carolina.

John Fortes last year's statewide winner now presides over
Flipside Restaurant in Fort Mill, SC - next on our list for dining destinations

This is possibly the most important chef competition of the year and the most far reaching for the state of North Carolina. It is sponsored by the NC Department of Agriculture, Pate Dawson Southern Foods, and Certified Angus Beef among others in and for the state of North Carolina.

Jimmy Crippens presented the chefs entered in the series, a total of 24 from all over Charlotte and the North Carolina mountains.

At Joy Bistro: Alaskan king crab with imported cheese and spices served with toasted squares OMG

We had the distinct pleasure of dining in Boone, NC this week at the Joy Bistro owned by Melissa Joy Claude , one of the chefs entered in the series, and her husband Gary. Melissa’s Joy Bistro, located at 115 New Market Center (828 265 0500), was well worth our drive to Boone for dinner. We enjoy tastings and amazing food of every kind in and around Charlotte and beyond, but this was by far the best example of tantalizing, succulent, extraordinary preparation of continental cuisine that I have had anywhere in this area. We predict that Melissa will be the chef to beat in this competition. On Monday, March 30th she will stand against Mike Suppa, chef of Vivace. I will not want to miss that one.

Imported cheese wonton served on avocado mousse at Joy Bistro.
 This its what happens when you don't take the photo fast enough!

There are so many great happenings in Charlotte. It took a lot to plan and orchestrate this event. Charlotteans are truly being treated as royalty in the sense of preparation and service so take advantage of the opportunity and don’t miss it. Reservations are required and available through the Competition Dining website.

10 Ways to Explore Charlotte With Your Family During Spring Break

Received this from the folks at Visit Charlotte, and thought it had a lot of great ideas:

"In recent years, Charlotte has been named one of the top 10 Spring Break getaways for families. And Charlotte is living up to that accolade with a full list of activities for every member of the family during spring break. Here's a few ideas to help you start planning.

1. Become a local foodie.
Take a tour of one of Charlotte's many farmers markets including the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, Kings Drive Farmers Market, and Atherton Mill and Market. Then see and learn how our food goes from the farms to the table at the 7th Street Public Market in Uptown, where the whole family can dine in the heart of Charlotte's food and culture hub. 

2. Start your engines.
NASCAR lovers won't want to miss a visit to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Uptown. The whole family will enjoy a ride in the realistic racing simulators, a run at the fastest time in the Pit Crew Challenge and a look at 18 historic cars that make up Glory Road. And don't miss the first-ever Easter Egg 400 on March 28 for a full morning of activities including crafts, an Easter egg hunt, a showing of the movie "Hop" and more. Rookie Racers Kids Club members will also have an exclusive pancake breakfast with the Easter bunny. 

3. Discover science.
Watch as science comes to life at Discovery Place, a hands-on science museum for all ages. Stretch your imagination and creativity with exhibits like Project Build, which has you building up skyscrapers and KidScience, inspiring the next generation of Einsteins. Kids can also sign up for a Spring Break camp for a full day of interactive fun. 

4. Get moving.
Get moving and explore Charlotte on some of the city's best greenways, hiking trails and parks. Take in the city views on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway and end with a family picnic at Freedom Park. Or enjoy the green spaces in the heart of Uptown at The Green and Romare Bearden Park. Kids will also love learning about nature at the Charlotte Nature Museum, McDowell Nature Center and the Carolina Raptor Center. 

5. Let your imagination soar
Let your imagination soar at ImaginOn, where the excitement about storytelling is contagious. Equal parts library and theatre, ImaginOn invites families to participate in family story time, classes and workshops while being inspired by performances of "Jackie and Me," "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and "Interrupting Vanessa" at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. 

6. Become a chef.
For the chefs-in-training, sign up for a hands-on class with Flour Power, a cooking studio tailored to kids of all ages. They'll be so excited to share what they learned, and you may gain another helper in your own kitchen in the process. 

7. Get your adrenaline pumping.
Get your adrenaline pumping with a visit to the "Thrill Capital of the Southeast.” This spring, Carowinds will unveil the new Fury 325, the world's tallest and fastest giga coaster. Kids and adults can enjoy over 50 rides, shows and attractions as well as Planet Snoopy, a section of the park just for kids. 

8. Take a ride to remember.
Take your explorers on a ride to remember at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Home to the world's largest man-made recirculating river, you can go whitewater rafting, zip lining and kayaking with the whole family while enjoying dining and entertainment options. 

9. Cheer on the home team.
Cheer on the home team at BB&T Ballpark. The Charlotte Knights kick off their second season of family fun and themed baseball games against the Norfolk Tides on April 9. 

10. Dive into Charlotte's culture
Dive into Charlotte’s culture with a visit to the city’s premier museums. Become a Picasso, Jr. at the Mint Museum's family-friendly Sunday Fun Day, or snap a picture with the Firebird sculpture outside of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. Learn about Charlotte's rich history at the Levine Museum of the New South or stroll along Center City's Liberty Walk, where 15 historical markers tell the story of the city's role in the Revolutionary War."

Click here to view the full article about Spring Break Ideas.

2016 NASCAR Hall Of Fame Class Announced

Exciting times at the NASCAR Hall Of Fame announced its Class of 2016 this week. It's the seventh year of the Hall of Fame, and the class includes lots of outstanding drivers as well as Charlotte's own Bruton Smith, founder of Charlotte Motor Speedway. Here's the details from the official press release:

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 20, 2015) – NASCAR announced today the inductees who will comprise the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2016. The five-person group – the seventh in NASCAR Hall of Fame history – consists of Jerry Cook, Bobby Isaac, Terry Labonte, O. Bruton Smith and Curtis Turner. In addition, NASCAR announced that Harold Brasington won the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR. Next year’s Induction Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 22, 2016, broadcast on NBCSN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, live from Charlotte, North Carolina.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Panel met today in a closed session in Charlotte to debate and vote upon the 20 nominees for the induction class of 2016 and the five nominees for the Landmark Award.

NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France and NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton announced the class and Landmark Award winner, respectively, this evening in the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Great Hall.

The Class of 2016 was determined by votes cast by the Voting Panel, including representatives from NASCAR, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, track owners from major facilities and historic short tracks, media members, manufacturer representatives, retired competitors (drivers, owners, crew chiefs), recognized industry leaders, a nationwide fan vote conducted through NASCAR.com and, for the second year, the reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion (Kevin Harvick). In all, 57 votes were cast, with two additional Voting Panel members recused from voting as potential nominees for induction (Jerry Cook and Robert Yates). The accounting firm of Ernst & Young presided over the tabulation of the votes.

Voting was as follows: O. Bruton Smith (68%), Terry Labonte (61%), Curtis Turner (60%), Jerry Cook (47%) and Bobby Isaac (44%).

The next top vote-getters were Red Byron, Benny Parsons and Rick Hendrick.

Results for the NASCAR.com Fan Vote, in alphabetical order, were Buddy Baker, Alan Kulwicki, Terry Labonte, Mark Martin and Benny Parsons.

The five inductees came from a group of 20 nominees that included, in addition to the five inductees chosen: Buddy Baker, Red Byron, Richard Childress, Ray Evernham, Ray Fox, Rick Hendrick, Harry Hyde, Alan Kulwicki, Mark Martin, Hershel McGriff, Raymond Parks, Benny Parsons, Larry Phillips, Mike Stefanik and Robert Yates.

Nominees for the Landmark Award included Brasington, H.Clay Earles, Raymond Parks, Ralph Seagraves and Ken Squier. It is awarded to competitors or those working in the sport who have acted as a NASCAR ambassador through a professional or non-professional role. Anne B. France won the inaugural award last year.

Class of 2016 Inductees:

Jerry Cook

Jerry Cook made his name in modifieds, winning six NASCAR Modified championships, including four consecutively from 1974-77. All the while, he was vying with another driver from his hometown of Rome, New York, nine-time champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Richie Evans, for supremacy in NASCAR’s open-wheel realm. After retiring from racing in 1982, Cook stayed with the sport and helped shape the series known today as the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Cook served as the series’ director when it began in 1985 and remains with NASCAR as competition administrator.

Bobby Isaac

Bobby Isaac’s uncanny skill at drawing speed from a race car puts him on a short list of NASCAR legends. His 49 career poles ranks 10th all time. Maybe more impressive: Isaac captured 19 poles in 1969, which still stands as the record for poles in a single season. Isaac began racing in NASCAR’s premier series in 1961. He finished runner-up in the series standings in 1968 behind NASCAR Hall of Famer David Pearson. In 1969, he finished sixth in the standings after posting 17 wins and those 19 poles. In 1970, Isaac won the championship posting 11 victories, 32 top fives and 38 top 10s in 47 starts. Isaac won 37 races in NASCAR's top series, ranking 19th on the all-time list.

Terry Labonte

Terry Labonte is a two-nickname NASCAR star. Early in his career he was known as the “Iceman” for his coolness under pressure. But his demeanor belied his determination. Later in his career he became known as the sport’s “Iron Man” thanks to 665 consecutive starts in NASCAR’s premier series, a record which stood until 2002. Winning two premier series championships, in 1984 and ’96, is impressive; the 12-year gap distinguishes Labonte further. No other driver has won his first two championships that far apart and Labonte is one of only six drivers with championships in two decades. Labonte’s stellar career is tucked between perfect bookends – his two Southern 500 wins, in 1980 and 2003. His 361 top-10 finishes ranks 10th all time.

O. Bruton Smith

O. Bruton Smith, executive chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc., promoted his first stock car race in Midland, North Carolina at the age of 18. Smith’s early endeavors included operating the National Stock Car Racing Association – seen as an early competitor to NASCAR – and building Charlotte Motor Speedway. CMS became the foundation of Speedway Motorsports Inc., which currently owns eight NASCAR tracks hosting 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events, the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and additional high-profile motorsports activities. Smith took SMI public in 1995, the first motorsports company to be traded at the New York Stock Exchange. He was inducted into the North Carolina Business Hall of Fame and National Motorsports Press Association’s Hall of Fame, both in 2006; and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2007.

Curtis Turner

Called by some the “Babe Ruth of stock car racing,” Curtis Turner was among the fastest and most colorful competitors in the early years of NASCAR premier series racing. Turner competed in NASCAR’s first “Strictly Stock” race in 1949 in Charlotte and was the only driver to win a NASCAR premier series race in a Nash. He posted his first of 17 career victories in only his fourth start on Sept. 11, 1949, at Langhorne (Pennsylvania) Speedway. Although many of Turner’s victories came on short tracks and dirt ovals – much of his career pre-dated NASCAR’s superspeedway era – he won the 1956 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway and the first American 500 at Rockingham Speedway in 1965. He remains the only series driver to win two consecutive races from the pole leading every lap. He also won 38 of 79 races in which he competed in the NASCAR Convertible Division.

Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR:

Harold Brasington

Harold Brasington, a South Carolina businessman, believed in Bill France’s fledgling NASCAR business, created the sanctioning body’s first superspeedway – a one-of-a-kind egg-shaped oval, paved on an old cotton and peanut field. Expecting 10,000 fans to show up at Darlington Raceway’s first competition on Labor Day of 1950, 25,000 spectators showed up for the inaugural Southern 500 – NASCAR’s first 500-mile race. Darlington's success inspired Brasington to extend his reach north -- to North Carolina. He employed his track building and promoting expertise, helping in the creation of Charlotte Motor Speedway and building North Carolina Motor Speedway in Rockingham, North Carolina.

About the NASCAR Hall of Fame

Conveniently located in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, the 150,000-square-foot NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive, entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, opened May 11, 2010, and includes artifacts, hands-on exhibits, a 278-person state-of-the-art theater, Hall of Honor, Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant, NASCAR Hall of Fame Gear Shop and NASCAR Productions-operated broadcast studio. The venue is open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. seven days a week and has an attached parking garage on Brevard Street. The five-acre site also includes a privately developed 19-story office tower and 102,000-square-foot expansion to the Charlotte Convention Center, highlighted by a 40,000-square-foot ballroom. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is owned by the City of Charlotte, licensed by NASCAR and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. nascarhall.com

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States. NASCAR consists of three national series (the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™, NASCAR XFINITY Series™, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series™), four regional series, one local grassroots series and three international series. The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information visit http://www.NASCAR.com and follow NASCAR at www.Facebook.com/NASCAR and Twitter: @NASCAR.

Fourth Ward Christmas Home Tour

As usual the Holiday Home Tour in Fourth Ward was magical and one of Charlotte’s most special Holiday events. I am always amazed when I do this tour how enchanting it truly is.

Somehow every year it has so many delightful visual and sensual sights, sounds and smells in that eight or ten square block area, accessible, walkable and so much fun. Of all the events I cover during the Holiday Season I so look forward to the Fourth Ward Tour.

Art at McKeithen Residence

This year, the new addition to the tour was the McKeithen Residence at 324 West Ninth Street.

Chandelier at McKeithen

In years past the McKeithen home hosted the Charlotte Bronze Handbell Players on the front porch and visitors did not have access. This year however we toured this home in awe of the owners’ extraordinary art collection displayed throughout. The McKeithen family sponsors a gallery at the Mint Museum Uptown Charlotte.

McKeithen parlor

The Phillips Residence, one of the few remaining  residences in its original location in Fourth Ward, was built in 1903 with eleven foot ceilings. Muddy River Distillery was serving rum drinks to visitors on the New Orleans themed third floor. We are invited to tour the distillery and will be reporting on that later in this blog.

Stairway with rum at the top

The Lee Residence at 316 West was moved from Graham Street. It is totally at home in its present location.

Kitchen at the Lee Residence

There were eight fabulous residences and seven restaurants offering tastes and tidbits for your enjoyment, it is truly a beautiful experience to share with family and friends.

So many stories, so much history. Newcomers to Charlotte will love exploring the history of this magical neighborhood that expresses who we are, where we came from, and what we are about even today, giving them an insight into the community they are now a part of. See you next year. www.friendsoffourthward

Roberto Marquez of Mexico at LaCa Projects

I really love this gallery. It’s always an unexpected treat to attend the openings of the amazing artists that exhibit their extraordinary work at LaCa.

Roberto Marquez is no exception. I think what intrigues me the most about the LaCa Projects is the diversity of work and the special personalities of the artists. So wonderful to have access to the artist and have them be so available.

Roberto Marquez

The artist and a patron

After viewing the paintings and having lengthy conversations with the other patrons, including the gallery owner Walter Dolhare, we spoke with Marquez in depth about his life and the inspirations for his art.

Another art-loving patron

For me, the paintings are a combination of religion and eroticism with turmoil, struggle and personal sadness. We spent some time discussing “Dilemma” which I would love to take home with me so I could see it every day.

“Dilemma” 

Our evening was enchanting and as usual the wine and food were perfection as was the gallery director, Neely Verano, with her charming husband by her side supporting her return from maternity leave. She is perfect for the gallery and so lovely in every way.

Director Neely and Husband

If you can, be sure to visit this extraordinary exhibit. Someone needs to buy my favorite painting so we can keep it here in Charlotte.

The Roberto Marquez exhibit has been extended through March 13, 2015.
www.lacaprojects.com 1429 Bryant Street just off west Summit Ave. 704 837 1688

Connecting The World:The Panama Canal at 100 at the Mint

First Dredges Through the Gatun Locks by Alison Skinner Clark: Strolling over the locks

“The Eighth Wonder of the World.” “The Thirteenth Labor of Hercules.” “The Big Ditch.” The Panama Canal deserves all these titles as the exhibit now showing at the Mint Museum through clearly demonstrates. It is intriguing as well as unbelievable what human beings will do to achieve connectedness. 

Steam shovel bucket discovered sunk in mud. Weighing 75 tons it was used to widen the Canal in the 1930s.

Through science, organization, sheer willpower, and massive expenditure of capital, America made the Canal work. When the first ship passed through the Canal on August 15, 1914, history was made.

Dr. Jonathan Stuhlman, curator of the exhibit

Wells Fargo is the lead sponsor for the Mint Museum’s fascinating exhibit and like the Canal has linked the Atlantic and Pacific coast for 160 years.

In the Tropics by Frederick March Church: Artist's depiction of this exotic and wildly dangerous country

Our overall reaction to this exhibit was one of wonder and amazement. It’s a great history lesson allowing the viewer to see into a time without reservation. 

The locks attracted many tourists before completion

Described by some as a “volatile, invasive attack on the earth,” the canal raises many questions.  Can you hear the planet groaning? Do we have the right to invade the earth to such an extent? 

The shear enormity of what man is capable of to further our evolution and bring us closer to one another is depicted in this exhibit.

T.R in Panama by Edward Laning: Teddy Roosevelt visited Panama to see the canal in progress

Connecting the World: The Panama Canal at 100 is on display at the Mint Museum Uptown through Feb. 1, 2015. Visit  www.mintmuseum.org for more information.

Steve Plaxco, Exhibit Chief

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