March2014

mar 2014

COVER GIRL SEARCH WINNER Alyssa Pisani

celebrating St. Patrick’S Day WeekenD FriDay through MonDay catch all the college baSketball action live MuSic each Day | beaDS & giveaWayS Drink, beer anD FooD SPecialS cornhole tournaMent on SunDay at 12 noon Winning teaM WinS $200 & SeconD Place teaM Pair oF MMa ticketS Meet and Greet appearance from 1-3pm on Saturday Trip For Two To Fripp Island Golf Resort Given Away

366 north caswell • corner of caswell & 7th elevatelifestyle.com

kennedyscharlotte.com

FOR

FLAVORS YOU

AND FOR FRIENDS WITH GOOD TASTE LIKE YOURS

Live a Little...Lot!

AVAILABLE AT FINE ESTABLISMENTS ACROSS CHARLOTTE

LBDVodka.com

iMpact color cosmetics @ Shine Salon 1819 E. 7th St. Charlotte NC 28204 704.334.3211 iMpactcolorcosmetics.com

014 COMING IN APRIL 2 RDS

AWA ELEVATE LIFESTYLE E CITY” “THE BEST OF TH

SPECIAL EDITORIAL ADVERTISING RATES: • Full Page advertisement in the “the Best OF the CitY” issue • FaCeBOOk POsting OF YOur advertisement tO 8,200+ Friends • twitter POsting OF YOur advertisement tO 3,800+ FOllOwers

$700 VALUE | YOUR COST $300 SPACE DEADLINE 3/18 | CAmERA READY 3/21 | ON ThE STREETS 4/4 FOR STRATEGIC ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES IN THIS ISSUE CALL 704.231.9700 OR EMAIL US AT ADV@ELEVATELIFESTYLE.COM

ACN2242301D1 12/13 Printed in the USA

19th ANNUAL

QUEEN’S CUP

Come Experience the Thrill of the ‘Chase® ORDER YOUR TAILGATE SPACE NOW!

visit queenscup.org or call 704.843.7070

SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2014

7

publisher’s note Finally its spring time, it has been a long winter but a very busy one for Elevate Lifestyle. The Elevate team took a little time off around the holidays so everyone could spend some time with their family and friends.

For those who don’t know, Elevate celebrated their Ten Year Anniversary in November at Bubble in the EpiCentre; for those who attended this party it was awesome. Fun was had by all!!

As soon as the New Year started we were all busy giving the magazine a much needed facelift. With the size of our publication there was not a lot of design work that could be changed but you will notice small changes, majority of what’s new is the content.

We have listened to our readers and advertisers and are now focusing more on these specific industries; Fashion, Dining, Entertainment, and Nightlife. Of course we will still have articles on other topics such as Culture and Fitness.

Over the years we have had some excellent Contributing Writers; a few who have been with us since the beginning (Debra Kennedy and Julie Tache) and several from the last two to three years (Stan Owings, Telisha Wheeler, and Angela Han). I would like to welcome the newest members to our team; they are Adam Williams, Bradley Rhyne, Brian DeBrun, and Gregory Lawrence.

Back to the big changes; they will come primarily in the form of content. Here are some of the new columns (some will be monthly, others every so often): “The Trend Report” will be dealing with the trends in beauty and fashion for women coming from Stan. “The Style Guy”, from Bradley and Brian will give us guys the do’s and don’ts in fashion, “The Art Of Grooming” will provide guys the essentials for looking our best and staying healthy. “Inside Dish” by Adam with Charlotte Restaurant Traffic will give you the 411 on all the new restaurants opening in Charlotte or coming soon to our city!

“Dish du Jour” by Angela will give you the hottest tidbits on what new with the Charlotte restaurant scene, “SIP” will keep you updated on the cocktail scene from newest products to dinner pairing with some of your favorites brands and “By The Pint” is all about beer; from beer dinners, to beer festivals, to new breweries and new products hitting your local beer store or nearest pub. “Skyline” by Telisha will keep you updated on some of the hot happenings around town and “Nightspots - The After Dark Scene” will let you know the newest and hottest bars, clubs, and lounges to open up in Charlotte.

With spring weather comes plenty of outdoor events; join Elevate at Kennedy’s on Friday, March 14th through Monday, March 17th for our “Four Days of Green Party” celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Then, in April we will be having a Jimmy Buffet pre-party on Thursday, April 24th for his concert at PNC Music Pavilion, and on Saturday, April 26th we will be taking our annual trip down to Mineral Springs for the Queens Cup Steeplechase.

As always, more details about these events and plenty more are at ElevateLifestyle.com or on Facebook.com/ElevateLifestyle.

Til’ next month, Steve Caldwell

Publisher Steve Caldwell Editor Telisha Wheeler Creative Director Greg Smith Design and Production Greenspon Advertising COVER GIRL Winner Cover and Photo Spread Photography: JMT Photograph; Jim Merrill, JMTFoto.com Model: Alyssa Pisani | Clothing: Lipp Boutique Makeup and Hair Stylist: Angie Cottone Advertising, Sponsorship, Website Sales, and General Advertising Sales Information Christie Hannula, Christi@ElevateLifestyle.com Steve Caldwell, Steve@ElevateLifestyle.com Contributing Writers Adam Williams | Bradley Rhyne | Brandon Russell Brian DeBrun | David Sentendrey | Debra Kennedy Gregory Lawrence | Jay Johnson | Julie Tache Lauren Nguyen | Stan Owings | Steve Caldwell TekaRose | The Squishy Monster | Troy Adams Contributing Photographers: CM Photography, Backprint.com/CMPhoto Green Valley Photography, GreenValleyPhoto.biz Johnny Perez, Jammin JP Production S Ali Photos, SAliPhotos.com TrueBlue Promotions, TrueBluePromotions.ning.com Contributing Videographers: N-Digilabs, NDigitLabs.com

TY R A P S D R A W A E IV MASS IN APRIL Cocktail and Beer Specials | Hors d’oeuvres Silent Auction | Live Music | Fashion Show RSVP@ElevateLifestyle.com TO BE THE FIRST IN THE KNOW

ElevateLifestyle.com

contents march 2014

18

14 18 20

20 44

Eye On Fashion

Interview With… Cover Girl Winner

The Trend Report “The 4 Lipsticks Every Woman Needs”

24 24 32 36 44

32

Debra’s Fashion Buzz Style Guy | Back to the Basics Cover Girl Winner | Alyssa Pisani Interview With…Angie Cottone

48

48 52 60

64 82

Art Of Grooming | Essential For Men

After-Five Fashion | Poffie Girls

Brand Business | The Kovick Process

68 76 82 86

72

By The Pint

Nightspots | The After Dark Scene

Skyline | Hot Happening Around Town

EYE ON FASHION

By Brian DeBrun Spring is just around the corner and now is the time to check out the fashion forecast. We will take a look at trends, travel and some savvy cost savers for the followers of fashion.

Trending for men is a strong continuation of an existing move towards shorter and narrower suits and trousers. That means staying away from the oversized suiting and pleated pants.

Plaids and checks are big and can even be combined for the most adventurous or fashion forward persons of either sex. Colorful and even two toned lace up oxfords with contrasting soles can work with jeans and suits alike. Men can be aggressive with their footwear even while combining them with more conservative office wear.

For the ladies an old favorite of styled blacks and whites in combination are showing strong. Check in the back of your closet for such an item that may be right back in fashion now. For the more adventurous seek out the artist MIA inspired prints that are showing up everywhere from Target to the current Versace Versus collections.

Again you can be fairly aggressive with the combinations or take a more conservative stance; either way, you should take a look at these Pan African styled prints.

Travel is always a great way to get a heads up for current fashion trends in New York or Europe. I have booked my last few trips to NYC to coincide with the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. My wife and I have always gotten an eyeful of celebs and fashionistas wearing their best all over the city and particularly in the Soho area. New York fashion weeks are held each September and February. Last September among the many fashion sightings we made were Elle Fanning, Samuel L. Jackson, Roger Federer and Gwen Stefani to

15

name a few. Also I had a great moment talking with Ethiopian supermodel and women’s healthcare advocate Liya Kebede while having a drink at the always fashionable Standard Hotel. If Europe is in the cards for you, try London, Paris or Milan where fashion weeks are also generally in September and February each year.

Most people have a few articles of clothing that while they are made very well are hopelessly out of fashion. I have recently discovered a reasonably priced tailor who can do magic to reconfigure and modernize just about any article of clothing. That has included taking pleats out of trousers and shortening suits and sports coats. I now have added several suits back into the rotation that previously had been relegated to the very back of the closet. (National Tailoring Shop, 3023 Central Ave, Suite A).

Don’t forget the Mint Museum’s current exhibition of vintage Dior, Balmain and Saint Laurent through May 26th! Enjoy the oncoming spring and don’t go out without looking and being your best!

Brian DeBrun is a Charlotte Attorney practicing in the area of Personal Injury.

16

tt h h ee

N N ii n n ee tt ee ee n n tt h h

aa n n n n u u aa ll

Queen’s Cup S t e e p l e c h a s e

Back By PoPular DemanD

experience Steeplechase the elevate lifestyle Way! Saturday, april 26th, 2014 $95 all IncluSIVe TIckeT IncluDeS: Breakfast, Bloody mary and mimosa Bar, Transportation, catered lunch, Full lIQuor Bar, Ice cold Beers, and Infield creST Tailgate Spots.

Bus leaves at 8:45 SHarP and reTurnS at 4:30pm our eVenT HaS SolD ouT THe laST TWelVe yearS! reserve your Seat now at TicketsSoeasy.com/Qc2014 more DeTaIlS aT eleVaTelIFeSTyle.com

2014 COVER GIRL SEARCH Winner Alyssa Pisani

By Steve Caldwell, Publisher

Elevate Lifestyle: Congratulations on winning the Elevate Lifestyle 2014 Cover Girl Search! We are thrilled to have you represent us, Alyssa.

EL: Are you from the Charlotte Area?

Alyssa Pisani: Lake Norman

EL: If not, what brought you to the Queen City?

AP: After I finished school I knew I wanted to live and work in the city. Charlotte is beautiful and just keeps growing.

EL: What do you do to stay active and healthy?

AP: I love to run and do anything cardio. I’m looking into starting Crossfit soon.

EL: With Summer right around the corner, do you have any exercise tips?

AP: Yea, start with a light jog to warm up then a combination of high knees, crunches, burpees, push-ups, lunges, squats. Be sure to stretch before and after you exercise. Also eat healthy. An apple a day keeps the grumpies away.

EL: What advice do you have for women about feeling good about themselves?

AP: Just be YOU and be confident.

EL: What do you do in your spare time for fun?

AP: Anything adventurous, I love being outdoors. Also I’m very creative and crafty. Hand me a glue gun and Pinterest watch out.

EL: Do you plan on adding any stamps to your passport in the near future?

AP: Yes, I will be adding a few here shortly with a friend getting married this April in Mexico and my older brother living in Germany.

EL: You win $5,000; what do you do with it?

AP: I would take my family on a vacation and finally visit Bora Bora.

Rent one of those huts out on the water. Swim with the dolphins and probably never want to leave.

19

The Trend Report

“The 4 Lipsticks Every Woman Needs”

By Stan Owings There really are no rules when it comes to expressing yourself through your makeup, hair and fashion. This day and time, anything goes. As long as it’s done well and you carry it with confidence, YOU can rock anything!

Express yourself. Love yourself.

Love others. Make an iMpact.

Welcome to my new column, The Trend Report. This is where it’s all about expressing yourself! I’ll be talking trends in makeup, hair and fashion. I’ll also be interviewing some of Charlotte’s brightest stars in the beauty and fashion community. I look forward to sharing with you and you sharing with me.

Contrary to popular belief, a woman really only needs 4 lipsticks TOTAL in her wardrobe. However, most women have at least one drawer full of lipsticks (most of which are never worn). Just as it is important to wardrobe your clothing, it’s also important to wardrobe your lip colors.

This will help you avoid wearing the wrong shades. If you stick to these guidelines, you are sure to always look polished and you still have enough options to switch it up and play around with different looks.

So, here we go...

1st: a NUDE lip color Choosing the right nude lipstick can really be a challenge. Not every nude is going to look good on everyone. It depends on skin tone and depth of skin.

The best way to find the perfect nude is to try it on. Once you find the perfect shade, you still need to partner it with a gloss. Nude lip colors worn alone (without gloss) can give the illusion of a band-aid over the lips offering a “washed-out” look to the lips. A lip gloss over the top will give it life and create a sexier, poutier look to the lips. I love this lip look when partnered with smokey eyes.

2nd: a NEUTRAL (goes with everything) lip color I always describe this type of shade as “your lip color with the volume button turned up just a bit.” This is the perfect go-to color that works with everything.

It can be casual or cocktail. It’s that lip color that’s always in your purse because IT JUST WORKS! You may find yourself with 2 or 3 of these at a time.

One in your purse, one in your makeup bag, and one at your desk. It’s like your AMEX... Well, you know the rest!

3rd: a CLASSIC RED lip color Just like a nude lip color, a red shade can be hard to find as well. Here are a few tips. Select a neutral red. One that is not blue-red or red-orange. Opt for a more brick red type of shade. It is truly complimentary on all skins. The beauty of the perfect red lipstick is that it is the “star of the show” so you can wear less makeup and still have a big WOW factor! Red lipstick is also a teeth whitener and a confidence booster.

It’s THE power lipstick! With that said; if you are feeling down and need a pick-me-up, throw on a red lipstick and feel the power!

21

4th: a METALLIC lip color Metallics continue to be a huge trend in fashion. In fact it’s almost like animal print, it’s becoming a classic. So, that makes having a metallic lipstick a MUST HAVE! The key here is having the right metallic shade.

I recommend more of a bronze-metallic type of shade. I love this because whenever you wear this type of color it looks progressive and modern.

It looks great on a 20 year old or an 80 year old. This is the perfect lipstick for evening and it’s also great to tone down a red lipstick if it’s too bright. This shade over the red will complement it while taking it down a notch. An absolute must have.

Life Trend This month’s life trend is all about inner beauty. As much fun as it is to play in make-up and beautify the outside, it’s more important to beautify the inside. I believe inner beauty is the direct result of loving yourself and others with an unconditional love! When we feel good about ourselves, we treat others better. It is through this process of unconditional love that we learn to let our inner light shine.

Lipsticks recommended: Nude shade: i’M humble crème lipstick Neutral shade: i’M pampered crème lipstick Classic red shade: i’M confident crème lipstick Metallic shade: i’M honorable crème lipstick All can be found at iMpactcolorcosmetics.com or at Shine Salon at 1819 E 7th Street.

Light, Love & Peace, Stan Owings, Creator/Founder iMpact color cosmetics Facebook.com/stanley.owings Twitter.com/stanleyowings

22

TOP

30

UNDER30 FUTURE LEADERS OF CHARLOTTE

IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN WHEN SEARCHES FOR THE “TOP 30 UNDER 30” IN CLT. NOMINATE YOUR FUTURE LEADER AT: ElevateLifestyle.com/Top30Under30

Debra’s Fashion Buzz

By Debra A. Kennedy

Tired of your winter wardrobe? Me too! Spring fashion this year hit the “Platinum Level” for fresh and wearable fashions. New York Fashion Week was full of designer trends and getting into the designer shows at Lincoln Center as well as art galleries in the big apple (designers like Carolina Herrera who wanted a more intimate crowd for their fashion shows) is uber fabulous, but most of us cannot afford the showings on the catwalk.

Pastels in a rainbow of shades are the colors of choice this year with blush pink and greys being the highlights. Crop tops are all the rage; paired with skirts for a trendy look, and jeans for a relaxed look. The midiskirt (length between mida and maxi) may be the ultimate transition piece for 2014. This is my personal favorite and if skirts are not your thing, you can find a dress in this length as well.

Jackets are a staple item as well. The collarless jacket and the Moto jackets are flattering on most body types and you can get the most wear out of them as they can be yearlong items.

The Color-block dress, Feminine style dress in white and accessories (lots of accessories as layering is still a must-do) are items that will wear well for work, parties and vacations. Adding heels or sandals will set the mood for whatever invitation comes your way.

Fashion Cheers to All and I look forward to seeing your Spring Looks as I hit the fashion shows, events and parties right here in the Queen City.

Debra A. Kennedy, Lifestyle Editor DebraKennedy.com

Screen Print Tee $49.00 Stripe Skirt $69.00 Photo Credit: Belk Department Store

25

Vivian Separate Dress $268.00 Photo Credit: Belk Department Store

26

Floral fit and flare party dress $220.00 Photo Credit: Belk Department Store

27

Grace Knit Dress $148.00 Photo Credit: Belk Department Store

28

KATE SPADE JEWELRY Lady Antoinette Graduated Necklace $178.00 Lady Antoinette Studs $58.00 Photo Credit: Belk Department Store

29

get creative web print marketing

A S T E R I S K C R E A T I V E . C O M

The Style Guy Back to the Basics

By Steve Caldwell, Editor Recently, we sat down with one of our resident men’s style experts Bradley Rhyne, the CEO and Chief Editor of Charlotte based gentleman’s clothing company OLE MASON JAR. In this month’s edition, we take a step back and focus on the basic essentials that every man should know and have in his wardrobe.

Elevate Lifestyle: When we first spoke about doing this interview, you mentioned this was the first topic you wanted to really dive into. Can you talk a little about why?

Bradley Rhyne: I really wanted to start things off with a solid foundation. Believe me, I get it, fashion/style for men is something that often takes a back seat to other things in life (as often times it should), and as a result is something that a lot of guys

are any combination of uninterested, intimidated or clueless on. My hope is to break things down in the most simplistic way, giving someone the core items to own or principles to go by when they get dressed everyday.

EL: Who is the ideal man this guide would speak to?

BR: You know it actually is a guide for every man. Sure, we may not all run a clothing company, or work in corporate America, but this translates to every man regardless of his day job or what he likes to do on the weekends. The basics are just that, the items that every man should have, or could benefit from having.

EL: When talking about the basics, what parts of your wardrobe apply and where exactly do you start?

BR: I am actually going to break things down in a couple different categories: Casual attire, business attire, footwear, accessories and outerwear.

Beginning with the most worn category, casual wear, the basics are incredibly simple. White and blue solids for button downs and polos are the building blocks for your shirts and should be the most worn, followed by some additional muted tones or patterns (think a grey check). For pants, some dark denim and khaki chinos can be worn with just about everything.

While every man may not need to dress up for work every day, he likely will have a need to at some point throughout the year (think some form of special event, or hey, even a job interview). For business attire, a grey suit and a navy suit should be in every closet, along with plain white and blue button down shirts. It also makes sense to have a few basic ties that are very simplistic (reds and blues that are either

33

solid or have a very simple stripe or polka dot pattern). These basics will get you through whatever event/interview you may have.

Footwear is one of the most important categories, as while you can get everything else right, if you don’t get the shoes right that is what others will notice. First tip is to keep those chunky sneakers for only your physical activities, and make sure you have something more simplistic for your casual activities (running errands/out to eat/hanging with friends). A causal leather or suede driving shoe or classic desert boot should be the “go to� every time. For dressier occasions you want a pair of basic black and brown oxfords.

Accessories are the items that should accent what you are wearing, not stand out and scream for attention. A stainless steel watch that is a normal size is going to be the most versatile and frequently worn item in your wardrobe along with plain leather black and brown belts.

Lastly, while really only applying when it gets a little chilly outside (and man have we needed this year here in Charlotte), is often times the most overlooked item in the wardrobe due to its seasonality. A grey or tan wool overcoat/pea coat is something that can be dressed up or down and so is perfect for all occasions.

EL: What is the number one style tip a man should follow when looking for these basics?

34

BR: Fit is the absolute most important part of every man’s wardrobe.

Guys usually make the mistake of going a size too large when picking out their shirts and pants. Slim fit does not mean skinny, but actually that it is more fitted to your body. Slim fit items are becoming more and more available today, and shouldn’t scare guys away (even those on the heftier side).

Make sure the shoulder fits (shoulder points should extend to the end of the shoulder but no further) and the waist fits (when buttoned, there should only be up to 4-5 inches of extra fabric). For pants ensure are not too baggy and not too long to where they are dragging the ground. Once you have the basics and the fit down, you are ready for just about anything!

EL: What is the most common misconception about building your wardrobe, or having what is considered good style.

BR: Hands down the cost factor. For both men and women, it is believed in order to dress well you need to spend a lot of money. Honestly, this is absolutely not the case at all. There are a lot of great brands out there that are both very affordable and fit great for you to build your wardrobe around, and so there is absolutely no need to go out and spend a lot of money on any one specific item if you don’t need to. Once you have built your wardrobe with the basics, only then maybe splurge on that extra nice (pricey) shirt or pair of shoes you have had your eyes on!

35

GIRL R E V O C 2 0 1 4 H S E A R C

ani lyssa Pis A r e n n i W

Photography: JMT Photography, Jim Merrill JMFoto.com Model: Alyssa Pisani Clothing: Lipp Boutique Make Up Artist and Hair Stylist: Angie Cottone Wall Art: Angie Cottone

Twenty Top $68 Twenty Sweat Pants $158 House of Harlow Bracelets 1960 $48

Heather Top $106 Level 99 Jeans $129 Lipp Boutique Necklace $50

Riley Cobalt Maxi Outfit $168 Kendra Scott Ring $80 Kendra Scott Earrings $75

Charlie Jade Colorful Maxi Outfit $196 Kendra Scott Earring $65

LIPP BOUTIQUE LOCATIONS Metropolitan: 1111 Metropolitan Ave. S160 Charlotte NC 28204 | 704.370.2440 Birkdale Village: 16836 Birkdale Commons Pkwy. SE Huntersville NC 28078 | 704.655.1243 Langtree: 138 Village Dr. S101 Mooresville NC 28117 | 704.360.5087

Interview with...

Angie Cottone

By Steve Caldwell, Publisher Elevate Lifestyle: I read your impressive professional profile. Your credits are all over! How did you break into the industry?

Angie Cottone: Painting, drawing and creating things. I’ve been an Artist my entire life; Makeup Artistry was never my intended career path, I pretty much fell into the industry and I’ve been addicted ever since!

By Ryan L. Sumner, Fenix Fotography

EL: Is it a competitive industry to get into?

AC: There are definitely Makeup Artists out there who make the Industry way more competitive than it should be.

EL: Do you have a mentor, or do you have someone in the industry that you look up to?

AC: I look up to anyone in the industry who is talented & loves makeup artistry in the same ways that I do... (basically obsessed with it). I guess this is where I name drop?

Renee Smith & Christie Nealis...I’m a part of their Smashbox Cosmetics Team, John Ader & Candace Corey EL: It looks like your career has given you the opportunity to travel all over the country. What are some of your most memorable “on-location” places you’ve worked?

AC: Most memorable would have to be Calgary, Canada with the Travel Channel because it was the first time I’ve ever been outside of the country. My first ever stamp on my Passport was very special to me.

EL: Care to share any diva stories or star struck moments?

AC: My lips are sealed.

EL: You call Charlotte, NC home ... are you from here? If not, what brought you to Charlotte?

AC: Charlotte is my home but South Florida is too, that’s where I’m from. I moved up here with some of my family; my sisters and I all went to school out here. I really like living in Charlotte! It’s a really great “central” location to travel in/out of which makes some work opportunities convenient, accessible and budget-friendly!

EL: The market is flooded with beauty products. What product must-haves would you recommend to our readers?

AC: I literally have 100+ “must haves” but at the TOP of my list is Organic Coconut Oil, I use it for EVERYTHING! Face & body moisturizer, I shave with it, hair mask, dry skin, etc. It’s perfection in a jar! EOS “Sweet Mint” Lip Balm and Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primer, BB Cream, Halo, limitless liquid liner, O-Gloss...and Urban Decay’s “De-Slick” Setting Spray EL: Can we expect an Angie Cottone salon opening in our area anytime soon?

AC: No way...but I do have some creative product ideas sketched out that I’m interested in developing and definitely happening in the near future... Stay tuned!

Instagram @baybee_Cottone For Bookings: Angie.Cottone@Hotmail.com

45

Art Of Grooming Essential for Men

By Gregory Lawrence However much you protest, it cannot be denied that people instantly judge you based on how you look.

You could be a successful professional raking in the dinero but if you are dressed poorly with food stains on your clothes and with two days’ growth of stubble on your face, then you will be judged accordingly.

We’re here to make sure that never happens to you.

Read on and get a grip on how to groom properly for a great first impression.

If you take care of your body, then half of the job is already done when it comes to making a strong impression. Eat regular and balanced meals and get your share of physical exercise. Smoke and drink only occasionally if at all, hard... we know! Cultivating habits like this will go a long way in making you a person with a significant presence, who is sure to make a lasting impression.

Pamper your skin. Make sure you drink at least two liters of water a day. If possible drink at least a beer glass full of water in the morning.

It takes getting used to but does wonders for your complexion. Get enough sleep so that you don’t have puffy eyes and also moisturize regularly to keep your skin nourished.

Close shave. Shave regularly to look your best. If you sport a beard or a moustache then make sure it is trimmed neatly and has no stray hairs sticking out in multiple directions. Also make sure that you shave in the same direction as the growth of the hair and that you soften your facial hair before shaving it. This will ensure that there aren’t ingrowths and also reduces the possibilities of getting nicked while shaving.

Get in the shower. The basic step to staying clean and smelling good even without any cologne. This is a step you are not allowed to miss because it’s as simple as water, shower and towel. So whether you’ve just come back from the gym, woken up, or are going for a party shower!

Keep your hands clean. Cut and file your nails regularly and also make sure that they don’t have any residue of food or dirt stuck in them.

Wash your hands frequently and especially after a meal because smelly and sweaty hands are the biggest turn off. Also use a bit of hand lotion on them to prevent your hands from resembling tough hide.

Don’t be shaggy. Since hair grows regularly, you have to always keep a check on when your ear, nose, chest hair needs a trim. It’s best to trim hair from these parts at least once a week. Also shampoo and condition your hair every day. Of course if you have long hair, maybe alternate days would be fine, but never let your hair look greasy and straggly.

49

Clothes that fit well, which are clean, neatly ironed and smell good are very important. Don’t recycle clothes that have been chucked into your laundry basket because you have run out of clean, ironed clothes. You won’t fool anyone with that trick! The fit also is very important to looking good. It’s no use wearing expensive shirts and branded trousers if you’ve got the fit wrong. People will only notice that your clothes are hanging on you or alternatively, are too tight for you.

Men are judged by their shoes. If you don’t know this yet, you’ve obviously no idea about the typical standards used to judge men. If you are wearing formal shoes, make sure they’re not scuffed and dirty. They should be polished and shiny. Casual shoes should also be clean. And avoid tattered shoes at all costs!

Posture is very important. Do not slouch and always walk straight because it projects confidence and assertiveness in a man. If you have trouble with maintaining your posture, do some posture exercises regularly until it is perfected.

Avoiding eye contact or giving someone a limp handshake is the worst first impression you can create. It reflects a personality that is unsure and insecure. Neither of these makes for a good impression. Make your handshake firm and look them in the eyes and smile.

Sweat is inevitable but can be beaten. Keep a check on whether you are smelling and reapply deodorant. Also wear an undershirt if you tend to sweat a lot. Use foot powder on your feet to keep your shoes and feet from smelling bad.

Looking good and projecting the confidence that comes from it will get you noticed by people, and is sure to create a great first impression for you. Check regularly if your look needs any adjustments and keep these essential grooming tips in mind in becoming a more confident and successful person.

50

GO FROM RENTER

TO HOMEOWNER

Own a hOme fOr less than rent!

• first time homebuyer program with no origination fee options • fast Pre-approvals so you can start looking for your new home right away • Programs with just a 600 CreDIt sCOre • Close within 3 weeKs. • fIXeD rate mortgages, aDJUstaBle rate mortgages and Interest OnlY mortgages.

Since we are a direct lender you cut out the middle man to get the lowest rates and cost available.

NMLSID 3029

Dominic Bologna Senior Loan Officer O (980) 272-2202 C (586) 524-8845 NMLS #391631 dbologna@myccmortgage.com

AFTER-FIVE FASHIONS POFFIE GIRLS

By Debra A. Kennedy

When it comes to fabulous style and after - five fashions, only one store comes to mind, Poffie Girls. The plantation style home that houses the most sought after cocktail dresses, formals and wedding gowns in the South is minutes from Charlotte and a dream come true for all fashion divas.

You may have seen Poffie Girls on national news as owners Syble Latta and Pam Smith (Mother/Daughter) opened their doors one Sunday afternoon to give away forty-four wedding gowns, veils and jewelry as part of the Brides Across America organization. Partnering with an organization that gives military brides the opportunity to achieve their dream wedding that would not have been possible on their own is just the kind of heart this store has.

You may have caught the episode of “Platinum Weddings” that featured a bride selecting her dream wedding gown on film and in front of the world from Poffie Girls. Obviously Poffie Girls is world famous but the customer service and attention to detail is truly what makes customers like me return in search of the perfect after-five gown for any social event.

Immediately upon arrival you will be greeted with warmth and southern charm and whisked away to start the journey to finding “the perfect” gown that will turn heads and make you the “belle of the ball” at your next event.

Poffie Girls has every big day in your life covered including your next social event or gala and the really big day you have been planning for your entire life, your wedding day. Yes, Poffie Girls has it all and you will fall in love at first visit.

Poffie Girls is located @ 512 South, New Hope Road, Gastonia, NC 28054 www.poffiegirls.com Debra A. Kennedy Lifestyle Editor www.debrakennedy.com

LaFemme $372

53

Jovani $449

54

LaFemme $635

55

Jovani $599

56

Partytime $525

57

Voted BEST Limousine Company

61

inside dish

By Adam Williams This is the first article that we have written for Elevate Lifestyle. Instead of focusing on one restaurant opening in town, we decided to take a macro view of the Charlotte dining and entertainment scene. Two areas that have dominated the restaurant landscape outside of Uptown over the past few years have been Montford Drive and Plaza Midwood. We believe the reasoning for the recent popularity of these areas is simplethey both share relatively low rental rates, and give patrons a walkable feel. People love the flexibility to park their cars and drift between an assortment of eating and drinking establishments. While these two areas have been a fixture in Charlotte’s bar and restaurant past, South End is going to be a fixture in Charlotte’s residential and culinary future.

Nan & Byron’s

You can already see a mixture of old stand-by’s gearing up for the coming rush while the new blood plants their flags throughout the district.

Tommy Timmins, who owns an impressive assortment of restaurants and bars in and around Uptown, is remaking Tyber Creek from a bar that happens to serve food into a viable restaurant destination. He is taking the success of his Uptown restaurant Dandelion Market and bringing a similar focus to the menu and atmosphere of his Irish pub in South End. When I asked Tommy about his past and future in South End, he said, “Tyber Creek Pub has been proud to serve the South End and Dilworth communities for the past 15 years. Over those years we have seen steady growth but are truly excited to see the recent South End construction boom take place. We are looking forward to the future, and as more people call South End home, we hope that they can also call Tyber Creek Pub their home away from home.” Another South End staple, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, is stepping up their game as well. Sullivan’s is undergoing a massive renovation that should be ready for a big unveiling within the next 30-60 days (We will give you a behind the scenes tour soon so stay tuned to RestaurantTraffic.com).

Newcomers to the area continue to establish themselves as worthy contenders in South End. Tupelo Honey came out swinging by bringing their Low country / Asheville vibe to South Boulevard and business is doing wellstop by for brunch on the weekend and you’ll find the place is packed. Right next door, The Liberty is serving noteworthy burgers and an elevated craft beer selection. MAP Management, the group behind 5Church Uptown, transformed the old Vinnie’s loca-

65

tion at the corner of South & East Boulevard into a killer Southerninfluenced gastropub called Nan & Byron’s (named after the husband and wife in Grant Wood’s American Gothic painting). They melded casual comfort food and happening nightlife into one space, which is a new concept for bars and restaurants in Charlotte. Revelers looking to stay with a liquid diet should head to libation-focused locales such as World of Beer and Stache House. It is worth noting The Oak Room has expanded All American Pub’s casual sports bar offerings into a full service nightclub more commonly rooted in Uptown or the NC Music Factory. On Sundays in the fall, they are rivaled in attendance only by Bank of America stadium in sheer number of Panther faithful.

What has contributed to this surge of investment into food and beverage concepts in South End? The answer is actually pretty simple and has much less to do with peoples’ palates and much more to do with city planning. The Lynx Blue Line and the subsequent high-density development that was allowed to shadow the light rail line has laid track for a massive influx of residents. All told almost 3,950 residential units

66

will be completed in South End from 2012-2015 and the occupants are going to need options for food and fun. I asked Charlotte developer extraordinaire David Furman why he has chose to focus on South End, “As Charlotte is recovering its pre-recession mojo, the closein neighborhoods have taken on much of the momentum for where the urban demographic desires to locate, especially South End because of the story associated with transit and the LYNX line.� He has doubled down with his vision for South End. Not only did he assemble and design the Camden Gallery residential project, he is in the process of developing a second project in the middle of South End called 1616 Center.

Judging by the recent growth and investment, restaurateurs and real estate developers believe South End will be where more and more Charlotteans eat, live and play in the foreseeable future. As more retail and restaurants open to service the expected surge of residents, there is no telling what the future holds for dining and retail options. But one fact residents of the Queen City can count on is RestaurantTraffic.com breaking news and writing reviews about South End and beyond.

Adam Williams is an entrepreneur in Charlotte primarily focused on retail and restaurant commercial real estate opportunities in the Carolinas. Keep up with the restaurant scene in town on his website RestaurantTraffic.com

67

Dish du Jour great dining experiences

By The Squishy Monster Dish du Jour is the place to find out about all the new food happenings in and around the Queen City. Discover what restaurants are bringing you fresh and delicious bites. If you’re a foodie, you’re in the right place. Be the first in line for all the delicious food that Charlotte has to offer!

Heist Brewery announced their brand new menu created by Chef Rob Masone with ingredients sourced from local and regional vendors.

Filled with inspired tapas, there are now vegan and vegetarian options. There will also be a gourmet brunch offering every Sunday from 10 am – 3 pm with live music every Wednesday.

A sampling of their new menu includes salmon belly sticky bun tacos, chicken and waffle sushi, M&M bacon wrapped meatloaf, and more.

Also join Heist for their “Not So Small Batch” beer releases each Monday at 4 pm with Eric Mitchell.

The Ritz-Carlton welcomes Nathan Volz, a 14 year old restaurant veteran as their newest Executive Sous Chef. In a press release, Volz said, “I love partnering with local growers to create fresh and innovative menu selections, and North Carolina’s bounty is truly inspiring for me. I am thrilled to be in Charlotte, and look forward to bringing many new menu experiences to The Ritz-Carlton Lobby Lounge, Bar Cocoa and Urban Sip.”

Baku, the trendy sushi Japanese eatery is now featuring their happy hour every Monday through Thursday from 4 pm – 6 pm. There’s something for everyone from small plates, to skewers, and sushi.

Cantina 1511 is set to move to the Park Road Shopping Center from their original Dilworth location in early summer. Their second location in the Stonecrest Shopping Center will remain and with this move, they hope to expand and upgrade with a revamped menu. In related news, they will be joining many new businesses in the Park Road Shopping Center, which is said to be undergoing major renovations in hopes to develop it into a destination spot.

Good news for BBQ lovers! The Charlotte Knights announced that Queen City Q will be served at all their upcoming games and events.

Exciting news for our own Cowfish; Universal Studios announced that it will be bringing the Charlotte-based restaurant to their Universal CityWalk next year.

South End is quickly becoming a hot spot for brunch, and Nan & Bryon’s are jumping in… but not with ordinary fare. Crowning their brunch menu is a raw bar. Their buffet also features traditional items as well as twists like meatloaf with Sriracha sauce. It is also where Charlotte’s own “Bachelorette,” Emily Maynard recently celebrated her 28th birthday/engagement party with her friends, family and new fiancée.

The Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend will be celebrating its 25th anniversary during April 22-26. Get your tickets now to enjoy more than 30 events. CharlotteWineandfFood.org Krazy Fish, Plaza Midwood’s funky spot for crazy tacos may be in trouble. Walgreens is trying to buy out their building and they’re currently asking for donations, with a goal of $50,000.

69

If you love food, why not give the Tour de Food a try? There are several local tours available (even a private one if you’d like). There’s the Uptown tour that begins on 7th street and makes its way from Amelie’s to The Sorting Table; sampling everything from farm to table restaurants to local wines. The NoDa tour enables you to eat through this eclectic Arts district. Drink from the local brewery, dine on gumbo, and learn all about how the history of North Davidson began right at the Highland Mill. The Metropolitan tour binds culinary cuisines from all over the world, not to mention it’s located through a lovely Greenway. Here, you’ll find everything from Asian to Italian fare.

If you happen to be a pizza lover, the pizza tour is for you. This tour will guide you through the best pizza in town. There’s even a sweet treat to polish off the night.

Spotlight On: Block and Grinder It’s hard to find a good scotch egg in Charlotte, and Block and Grinder not only created one, but also put their own twist on it. Traditionally, a scotch egg is hard-boiled, nestled in ground meat then plunged into hot oil for a crunchy golden exterior. Here, they elevate the experience by encasing a soft-boiled egg in Pork Confit. Its flash fried before it’s finished off in the oven and served with red pepper jelly and micro greens. 2935 Providence Road Pisces Sushi Bar & Lounge As the brain child of Bob Peters, Head Mixologist at Pisces, the Barrelaged, rosemary, maple duck Manhattan was a year in the making.

It includes Ridgemont Reserve 1792 bourbon “washed” in rosemary duck fat, six-week barrel-aged Madeira, Angostura bitters and organic maple syrup. “I started thinking of possibilities and put technique on top of technique and this is what I came up with,” Peters says. The

70

finished product is a silky-smooth, smoky cocktail with luscious undertones of duck and herbs. 1100 Metropolitan Avenue Olde Mecklenburg Brewery They just released of their “LoSo Ryeder” rye ale for their monthly “Brauhaus Reserve” series. “It is unfiltered and not super hoppy,” says Cam Heiliger, who works in marketing and distribution at Olde Mecklenburg. “A lot of people who drink the (American) traditional rye ale may be used to a hoppy beer. But with this, you get more of a spice.

It’s pretty drinkable, and has a really unique flavor.” In other news, OMB is closing in on a new location, scheduled to open in the spring.

Closing Its Doors: On January 14th, Jo Jo China Bistro closed its doors in Stonecrest.

Their sister restaurant Boading, in South Park will remain. Another Asian themed restaurant is set to fill Jo Jo’s place.

In Uptown, Fox & Hound, Deltas, Karma Café, and Onoki sushi all closed their doors as well. F&H Acquisition Corp. parent company of Fox &Hound and Champps, recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Loco Lime announced that they are closing their doors, effective immediately.

Harvest Moon Grille may have closed their doors but not to fret; The Asbury is slated to take their place with specialty heirloom items on their menus sourced from small local farms.

Angela Kim is a food blogger who creates fun cooking tutorials with Tastemade on her channel at YouTube.com/TheSquishyMonsterTSM and tours local news circuits teaching people how to cook. She specializes in unique fusion dishes and makes everything from cupcakes to traditional Korean food and everything in between with over 250+ original recipes on TheSquishyMonster.com TheSquishyMonster.com Facebook.com/TheSquishyMonster Twitter: ASquishyMonster

71

Little Black Dress Vodka The little black dress is an iconic symbol of simple elegance—every woman’s easy choice for looking good and feeling confident. Just like its namesake, new Little Black Dress Vodka is designed specifically to capture the essence of what women want in a cocktail: fuss-free, burn-free, and flavorful but with an eye toward calorie count.

Little Black Dress Vodka is available in classic and four distinctly delicious flavors.

• Classic: Exactly what it says it is. Unflavored, timeless, allowing the smooth pristine vodka taste to shine.

• Peach Vanilla: An indulgent blend of fresh, juicy peaches and creamy vanilla that finishes with hints of shortbread vanilla and citrus zest.

• Pineapple Honey: A fresh pineapple aroma followed by the taste of juicy pineapple, brown sugar, and honey with sweet brown notes and caramel.

• Black Cherry Vanilla: A chocolate-covered cherry aroma followed by the taste of black cherry and vanilla with creamy chocolate notes.

• Blueberry Pomegranate: The scent of fresh blueberries followed by the taste of ripe blueberry ad pomegranate, yumberry, vanilla, and honey with slight floral notes.

Designed with a woman’s palate in mind, Little Black Dress Vodkas’ smoothness and flavor are achieved by a meticulous, highquality process. The vodka begins as a neutral spirit and is then triple distilled to remove any harsh notes producing an exceptionally smooth vodka. Natural ingredients are then added to the flavored offerings; natural sugars bring the proof to 60. The filtration process ensures a refined and polished vodka for sophisticatedly subtle enjoyment. Little Black Dress Vodka is sublime alone, easily slipping into deliciously casual cocktail mode, or dressed up with one or two readily available ingredients.

Black Cherry Latte 1 oz Little Black Dress Black Cherry Vanilla Vodka 1 oz Kahlua 4 oz Fat-Free Half-and-Half In a shaker filled with ice, add ingredients and shake to mix, then strain into a chocolaterimmed martini glass. Garnish with a cherry.

73

Pineapple Honey Mojito 1.5 oz Little Black Dress Pineapple Honey Vodka 1 oz Agave Nectar 2 Lime Wedges 3 Mint Leaves 4 oz Soda Water2Muddle lime wedges in bottom of shaker.

Add ice, agave nectar, Little Black Dress Pineapple Honey Vodka and mint leaves. Shake to mix. Remove shaker top and add soda water, roll to mix. Pour into highball glass.

Garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Blueberry Fresh Smash 2 oz Little Black Dress Blueberry Pomegranate vodka 1 oz Agave Nectar 1 oz Water 2 Lime Wedges 12 Blueberries Muddle blueberries and lime in a serving glass.

Transfer to shaker filled with ice, add remaining ingredients, shake to mix and pour into a highball glass. Garnish with blueberries.

For more information on Little Black Dress Vodka, please visit www.lbdvodka.com or their visit Facebook page at www.facebook.com/lbdvodka.

74

By The Pint

By Steve Caldwell, Publisher Welcome to “By The Pint”! Each month, we will be bringing you all the news about beer.

From the new brews hitting the grocery cooler or at your local watering hole, the 411 on all the Charlotte area beer festivals, beer dinner’s hosted at local restaurants, to new breweries or restaurants opening up whose focus is on craft beers.

There is a new place that just opened in Plaza Midwood called Pint Central. They are located at 1226 Central Avenue. Their atmosphere will be like no other. Fun times will be had and laughs as soon as you come in. It’s a place amongst drinkers and schmoozers of all kinds, a neighborhood at the bar and a selection of food to tie it all together. Drink up, Eat up, Speak up and have fun.

Whether out for dinner followed by drinks, or drinks and then dinner; Pint Central offers the best location for both. They are not just another place dishing out your average bar food. Their combined cuisine is meticulously crafted from Argentine, European, and American influenced entrees and is sure to satisfy any foodie. There are 28 brews on tap and a selection of craft bottle beers that will make choosing a drink easy for all tastes. Their patio with an outside bar gives you a relaxing break from the busy-paced uptown tempo, but with enough Charlotte skyline to make you feel at home. They will be providing an enjoyable atmosphere. This is their number one priority; and as a bonus, they pride themselves on making every experience affordable. Come check them out for yourself, you’ll be glad you did!

Charlotte’s newest brewery will be having their grand opening up on Saturday, March 1st. It’s called Lake Norman Brewing Company are they are ready to welcome you! At the grand opening you can expect to experience a gorgeous tap room opening its doors to the public for the first time. The tap room will feature eight different beers. Five of the beers they have brewed for you have never been available prior.

The eight beers available will include: Man Overboard IPA, BassAkwards Brown Ale, Dockside Blonde, Outboard Amber Ale, Pontoon Pale Ale, Raspberry Wheat, Coffee Stout, and Oak Aged English Outboard Amber.

A grand opening commemorative souvenir will be available celebrating the big day. A food truck will be on site for people to enjoy. This is a bar at a brewery in an adult setting, 21 years and older only. Their normal hours of operation following the grand opening will be Tuesday and Thursday 4 pm -7 pm, Saturday 2 pm-8 pm. Going forward, the tap room will have a consistently rotating mix of beers. They are located at 159 Barley Park Lane Unit B in Mooresville.

Charlotte Craft Beer Week began in 2010 and will be celebrating its 5th Anniversary from March 14th – 22nd, 2014. With the help of craft beer industry groups and businesses, it offers North Carolina some of the best craft beer events in the state. CCBW also aims to educate new and seasoned participants on the craft beer scene, so there will

77

be plenty of opportunities to sharpen and expand your beer knowledge. Each event is selected and crafted purposefully to incorporate the many facets of craft beer culture.

The committee continues to educate the attendees, on the many craft beer selections that are currently available in North Carolina.

“The 2014 CCBW Committee is working hard to ensure everyone has another memorable year!” said Darrin Pikarsky, the Founder of Charlotte Craft Beer Week. He added; “Every year the event gets bigger with more craft beer lovers from surrounding states coming to enjoy 9 days of the regions’ best craft beer.” Charlotte’s craft beer Week always supports local businesses. Each event has its own pricing and terms, find a list at CharlotteCraftBeerWeek.org.

The Inaugural All Ale to the Queen Beer Carnival will be the “Official Closer of the Charlotte Craft Beer Week” All Ale to the Queen will be held on March 22nd at Silver Hammer Studios at the NC Music Factory in Charlotte and you will sample over 100+ craft beers over 4 hours.

All Ale to the Queen promises to be a one of a kind event and a “must do” for craft beer lovers in the region. Unlike other beer festivals, All Ale to the Queen takes a different approach by focusing on the unique aspects of beer.

For true craft beer lovers, this is the event is for you. Beer and Cheese Pairings, 5 Year Vertical tasting, Queen’s Twin Cloning Challenge, Joker’s Wild (Strain) Brew Off, 10 Station Mixology Bar, Mobile Infusers and more. To purchase your ticket now head over to AllAleToTheQueen.com.

78

Night Spots The After Dark Scene

By Steve Caldwell, Publisher It seems like every time you venture out there are new places opening up; it’s hard to keep track of them all. Well hopefully, now Elevate Lifestyle can keep you in the know. Check back each month to see the newest, hottest, and the coolest places to hang after dark.

Bamboo Sky A new chic Tapas Restaurant and Lounge will be opening late spring, located center courtyard at the NC Music Factory called Bamboo Sky. Bamboo Sky will serve freshly made tapas dishes and specialty drinks. It will also house a separate outdoor hookah lounge, which is surrounded by an Asian garden, cabanas and fire pit.

Upon entry to Bamboo Sky, guests are transported from their normal everyday lives into a wonderland of sensations and entertainment. Bamboo Sky’s Asian inspired Patio garden and lounge secludes guests within a perimeter of bamboo. Crawl into one of their seductive cabanas or enjoy one of their specialty drinks while sitting around the fire pit as the collection of Buddha statues watch over you. Relish the sound of deep house music embracing your ears while you become one with the bamboo gardens. All of this is in addition to their exceptional Tapas menu, which incorporates culinary components from award winning Chef Gene from Blue Restaurant.

As the night grows longer, Bamboo Sky’s main room transforms from a Tapas Restaurant into a DJ driven dance area. As they open the large oversized doors to the exterior, the lounge and the bamboo gardens fuse as one while both venues collide to make the hottest ultra lounge in Charlotte. If it’s just to lounge in conversation with your date in one of the cabanas located within the bamboo gardens, or to dance the night away in the ultra lounge, Bamboo Sky will take you wherever you want to go.

Bamboo Sky can also be offered as a private rental and has the ability to serve corporate functions with state of the art technology to aid clients with presentations.

Facebook.com/ XNightclubclt Chupitos Bar & Restaurant Frank and Pilar Lleras who own Optimum Income Property here in Charlotte, plan to open Chupitos Bar & Restaurant in Uptown Charlotte at 400 S. Graham St. this spring across the street from the BB&T Ballpark. Chupitos will be a little over 2,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor patio space for dining and drinking.

83

Chupito is the Spanish word for “shot,” and these types of bars have opened up all around the world in Barcelona, Singapore, Amsterdam and many other cities. Their menu will feature international flair with small plates and a Ceviche bar.

Red@28th Red @28th opened close to three years ago in NoDa at 2424 N. Davidson Street.

They are described as “Charlotte’s first multicultural literary lounge”; offering hookahs, books, pool table, full bar, outdoor patio, snacks, and free Wi-Fi. They are opening their second location at 9539 Pinnacle Drive

by Wild Wing Café. They host regular events, including live entertainment, book signings, trivia and game nights, artist exhibitions, and karaoke every Thursday.

RedAt28th.com | Facebook. com/red28th

Vault A little over a month ago Vault opened up at the EpiCentre on the third level. They took over the space where Kazba use to be. Vault is an upscale lounge which brings in some of Charlotte’s top and most well knows DJ’s. The place still has some of the Kazba vibe, but they created more space for dancing and VIP sections by knocking down a wall. Vault is owned by Chet Desai, who owns several other nightlife establishments in Charlotte, most notably Stash House Bar & Lounge which opened up in South End last year.

Vault.com | Facebook.com/VaultNC

84

ON OUR MOBILE SITE:

EVENTS

SERVICES COUPONS

PORTALS

VIDEOS SOCIAL MEDIA WEATHER

ACCESSIBLE

BE SEEN

ANOUNCE

CharlotteNow.com is the premier local business city guide and events calendar in the region. We provide listings for all area businesses and events as well as feature local news & sports, weather forecasts, gas prices and much more…making CharlotteNow.com a one stop portal for Charlotte-metro information.

Contact your CharlotteNOW representative (704) 728-4142 • get-featured@charlottenow.com

Skyline hot happening around town

By Telisha “Teka Rose” Wheeler Some of Charlotte’s hottest events will be brought to you every month by Elevate Lifestyle via our new Hot Happenings column!

As always a trusted, go-to source for the Charlotte’s best events; Elevate continues to deliver for our readers with a fresh take on where to go and what to do each month!

From top to bottom, Elevate will keep you in-the-know on where to go!

March 13th Legends Tennis Tournament Watch McEnroe, Lendl, Connors and Cash to Compete in Champions Cup in Charlotte on Thursday, March 13 at 7pm. Charlotte will host tennis legends John McEnroe, Ivan Lendl, Pat Cash and Jimmy Connors at the Champions Cup to be played at the Time Warner Cable Arena. The one-night tournament will feature three matches; two one-set semifinal matches, followed by a one-set championship match. timewarnercablearena.com

NC Half Marathon Charlotte Motor Speedway The NC Half Marathon at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 9 is the most fun running experience in North Carolina! Go for the chase in this once-in-a-lifetime half marathon experience. Start right at the Charlotte Motor Speedway start line with the white flag waving in the air, run through the Speedway, towards the Dirt Track, and the Drag Strip. Finish at the checkered flag right on pit row & share your racing stories in the garage and bask in your glory in Victory Lane. This event is about experiencing the best in racing in the most unique and exclusive of all venues...the Charlotte Motor Speedway...where racing lives. All of our half marathon finishers will receive a HUGE medal with spinner and LED headlights! All 5K participants will get a smaller version of this awesome medal! For registration: NCHalfMarathon.com DeRay Davis at the Comedy Zone A standout on the Cedric the Entertainer Tour and at the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival DeRay Davis won the Comedy Central Laugh Riots Competition which jump started his comedic career after moving to L.A. DeRay has worked on the big and small screen opposite Hollywood’s top Comedians. He has been seen in HBO’s “Entourage”, Comedy Central’s “Reno 911”, ABC’s “My Wife and Kids”, Fox’s “Cedric Presents...”, VH1’s “Love Lounge”, NBC’s “Late Friday”, VH-1’s “Play’d”, Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend” and BET’s “ComicView”.

He will be at the comedy Zone March 13, 14 and 15. For tickets & more info visit: CltComedyZone.com St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Go Green Festival Celebrate The 2014 Charlotte Goes Green Festival 0n Saturday, March 15 will be our best one yet. There will be something for everyone of all ages to

87

enjoy and we will be expanding the festival to accommodate the growing crowds. It’s the place to be after the parade. The Festival is located on S. Tryon St. between 3rd St. & Stonewall St. The festival hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and features Irish music, Irish dancers, bagpipers, Irish/Celtic and other vendors, a large children’s amusement area and plenty of food & beverages.

There is no admission fee to attend. The parade will step off at Tryon and 9th street in uptown Charlotte. It then marches south to 3rd Street where it takes a left and marches down 3rd St. to Caldwell. Visit charlottestpatsday.com for more info!

Rich & Bennett’s 14th Annual St Patty Day Bar Crawl Home of the World’s Largest Pub Crawl, Rich and Bennett has geared up to rival all other bar crawls! Recently featured on the Travel Channel’s Extreme Wild Parties episode of their Extreme series, the annual Rich and Bennett’s bar crawl has proven itself worthy of its “Home of the World’s Largest Pub Crawl” title. Participating crawlers will receive an event t-shirt--if you don’t have it yet--event koozie, and itinerary for the day. The crawl this year will be on Saturday, March 15. For entry fees and more info, visit their site at RichAndBennett.com.

Kristian Bush of Sugarland at Visulite Theatre Kristian Bush, of Sugarland, has been leaving his mark on music for more than two decades. Bush founded Sugarland and he & Jennifer Nettles exploded onto the music scene. Selling over 22 million albums worldwide, achieved five No. 1 singles and won numerous awards, including Grammys, AMAs, ACM Awards, CMT Music Awards and CMA Awards. Bush made his solo debut in March 2013, his first release as

88

a solo act, “Love or Money,” debuted in the UK and Europe and then it was released in the US. See Kristian up close and personal right here in Charlotte at Visulite Theatre on March 28! Visulite.com Russle Peters at the Comedy Zone After selling out arenas around the world and setting attendance records globally with his Notorious World Tour; Russell Peters returns to his club roots as he starts working on new material for his next hilarious global conquest.

Russell Peters latest stand-up special, Notorious was the first Exclusive Comedy Special for Netflix. His other specials, Outsourced, Red White and Brown and The Green Card Tour were also seen on Comedy Central, Showtime and Netflix. He will be at the Comendy Zone March 27 through the 30. For tickets, visit: CltComedyZone.com Queen City Awards Rock Band Competition 15 of the best bands in and around the Queen City will compete for cash, prizes and bragging rights in the Queen City Awards Rock Band Competition. The competition kicks off Sunday, March 30th and will have two more elimination rounds in April and May; winners from each leg will compete June 29th for the top prize! See if your band will be selected with a FREE registration at: QueenCityAwards.com If you’d like to see your event featured in Elevate Lifestyle’s next Hot Happenings Around Town contact us at TekaRose@elevatelifestyle. com

89

CHARLOTTE BARTENDER’S BALL Silver Hammer Studios @ NC Music Factory photography by TrueBlue promotions

cover girl search 2014 City Tavern photography by Jammin JP Production