QC Exclusive - No. 23 - Jan / Feb 2015

The Landscapes Of

ANDY BRAITMAN

Amy Blumenthal On

ARTS & CULTURE

Unionshop Studio &

THE COLLECTIVES

Queen City’s Best Bands

AND MUSICIANS

QCEXCLUSIVE GET FIT 2015 Charlotte’s Guide To The Good Life | QCExclusive.com

Vol. 4 | No. 1 Jan/Feb 2015

IN

Chris Bryan’s Carolina Sweat and 10 of the best places in Charlotte to get fit. PLUS: Healthy diet tips, fitness apps, exercise alternatives, resolutions, and more.

Arts&

Culture

Chris Bryan of Carolina Sweat headlines our list of the best ways to get fit in Charlotte in 2015.

pg. 92

Charlotte’s best cultural events, exhibits, instrument makers, painters, musicians and more.

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Exclusives JA N /F E B 2 0 1 5 F E AT UR E S

Charlotte musician Jocelyn Ellis, one of our top 25 musicians in the city, is featured in our Exclusive “Music City” article on page 72. Photo

by Kenneth Quiller II.

72

MUSIC CITY The Queen City’s music scene is exploding with talent and these are the 25 local musicians you have to hear.

80

THE FLUTE PLAYER World class flutist Amy Blumenthal on her favorite performances, supporting the arts, and the evolution local arts and culture.

84 BRAITMAN & CO. Andy Braitman leads the Charlotte arts scene to national recognition.

PLUS...16 local painters to watch.

92

GET FIT IN 2015 Chris Bryan and Carolina Sweat are taking fitness to a new level this new year through encouragement, charity, and community involvement.

Contents

84

JA N / F E B 2 0 1 5

92

COVER PHOTO OF CHRIS BRYAN BY JAMEY PRICE

The Good Life 37

The Supper Club

HANDMADE Patrick Heavner’s Pisgah Banjos

42 WELLNESS

AIR Aerial fitness

46 ADVENTURE

Wild Letters features interesting

travel stories and playlists.

50 HERO

Medal of Freedom winner and

Charlotte native, Charlie Sifford

52 COLLECTIVE

Shared Work and Art Spaces

37 14 • qcexclusive.com • JAN/FEB 2015

57

RECIPE Fahrenheit’s Ahi Tuna Crisp

62

DESSERTS Charlotte Pie Authority

65

PURVEYORS 15 decor shops to visit in 2015

60

COCKTAIL Carriage House Apple Brandy

Home & Design 68

ART GALLERIES Ten best Charlotte galleries

80

60 46

Note

YEAR IN REVIEW What a year 2014 was for our city and for our magazine. We feel so honored to have been able to cover so many amazing people and share so many interesting stories with our readers. There were countless memories, from a delicious holiday feast prepared by the lovely Claudia Teague; to meeting Sonia and Isaac Luski who sat with us more than a handful of times to share a lifetime of art collecting; to experiencing an exhilirating fly fishing adventure for redfish with Charlotte native Caroline Smith. We truly cherish each one of these unique and enduring experiences and we will keep them with us forever.

It is quite obvious that 2014 will go down as a brilliant year for us, however, the show must go on. Around the QC Exclusive offices we are so excited about 2015 and what the future holds. And so, we once again enthusiastically renew our yearly resolution: we resolve to continue to improve our magazine by sharing the stories of the talented people of our great city through better design, photography, and prose in the hopes that we will entertain, inform, and enlighten our loyal audience.

To start the year off right, we give you our Arts & Entertainment issue. In it you can read about the accomplished artists in our area, from the very best painters like Andy Braitman to the most gifted musicians like the young and up-and-coming Charlie King. You can also read about the top cultural events of the season, capable craftsmen, Black History Month exhibits, collectives that are changing the way our creators work, getting fit with trainer Chris Bryan, and plenty more. We hope you enjoy it and we want to thank you for being a devoted reader for yet another amazing year. Without you we would not be here!

Sincerely, Jon-Paul Grice Brett Barter Publishers

16 • qcexclusive.com • JAN/FEB 2015

Jan/Feb 2015 Vol. 4 | No. 1

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18 • qcexclusive.com • JAN/FEB 2015

Jan/Feb 2015 Vol. 4 | No. 1

Credits

PUBLISHERS Brett Barter Jon-Paul Grice SALES Barbara Herd Fern Howerin CONTRIBUTORS Melissa Justice Kit Mackie Kasey Murray PHOTOGRAPHERS Jamey Price Lunahzon Photography Taken By Sarah Photography Thien La

Feedback

We welcome commentary. If you have any comments or questions about any articles featured in the magazine or on our website, QCExclusive. com, please email them to qcexclusive@gmail.com.

20 • qcexclusive.com • JAN/FEB 2015

®, and The Diamond. The Promise.™ are Trade Marks used under license from The De Beers Group of Companies. © Forevermark 2014. Forevermark®,

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Jan/Feb 2015 Vol. 4 | No. 1

Contact Us EDITORIAL

Contact Jon-Paul Grice by phone at 828-773-4922 or by email at QCExclusive@gmail.com.

ADVERTISING Contact Brett Barter by phone at 704-219-9088 or by email at BBarter2@gmail.com.

INTERN OPPORTUNITIES We are always open to interns with a desire to gain experience in advertising, graphic design, copy writing, and more. Please contact us at 704-268-9497 or email us at QCExclusive@gmail.com EVENTS If you would like to post an upcoming event that you are hosting in an issue of QCExclusive or online at our website please contact us at 704-268-9497 or email us at QCExclusive@gmail.com. If you are interested in having QCExclusive as an event partner or media sponsor please contact us at 704219-9088 or bbarter2@gmail.com

22 • qcexclusive.com • JAN/FEB 2015

Contributors

JAMEY PRICE

LAYNE OWENSBY

KIT MACKIE

Jamey Price is an award winning motorsport photojournalist based in Charlotte. His work has been published by Road and Track, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, Southern Living, The Washington Post, and more. View his work at www.jameypricephoto.com.

Layne is a Charlotte based makeup artist specializing in bridal, print, and beauty.

Check out her blog for beauty tips, inspiration, and more. www.BlushCharlotte.com

As a food writer, Kit has an appetite for the written word. Having spent over ten years cooking in the industry, her passion for food and drink is only exceeded by her love for telling stories.

KASEY MURRAY

MELISSA JUSTICE

TAKEN BY SARAH

A College of Charleston graduate and massage therapist, Kasey loves to paint and travel. She specializes in pet portraits and commissions. View her work at artbykaseymurray.blogspot.com.

A displaced Yankee, Melissa has embraced the south. After teaching for over a decade, she now spends her time sitting on her porch, lazily reading, writing, and drinking ice tea.

Taken by Sarah Photography is a husband and wife team photographing weddings and editorials with a love for timeless, artful photography. They photograph in both film and digital to bring your vision to life..

24 • qcexclusive.com • JAN/FEB 2015

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Eventist THE GOINGS-ON AROUND CHARLOTTE | JAN/FEB 2015

EDITOR’S CHOICE

QUEEN CITY BREWERS FESTIVAL - 1/31/15 - Queen City Brewers Festival is coming to Bojangles’ Coliseum. Experience the very best beers made in and sold on tap in Charlotte. Proceeds benefit the event host, ACEing Autism. | www.qcbrewfest.com Don Quixote 1/16/15 - 1/17/15 – Part of the Classics Series, Don Quixote will feature Gerard Schwarz conducting, and Julian Schwarz on the cello. This sensational can’t miss performance will take place at the popular Belk Theater.

• www.charlottesymphony.org Mind Into Clay 1/21/15 - Join co-sponsors, The Delhom Service League and Friends of the Mint, at a free and public lecture by potter and ceramic trompe l’oeil artist, Eric Serritella. This inspiring presentation depicts “how life’s influences impact the creative process and manifest themselves in a body of work.”

• www.mintmuseum.org

Chef Alyssa Date Night 1/23/15 – Chef Alyssa will have you chopping, dicing, sauteing, and cooking the night away at her healthy, sustainable, and fun cooking class located in Atherton Mill right in the heart of South End. To add a little romance to the evening, while you cook, listen to the beautiful music of violinist Kathy Jerrell, a member of the Charlotte Symphony.

• www.chefalyssaskitchen.com Royal Winter Ball 1/24/15 - Be The Reason Presents the first annual Royal Winter Ball Dinner & Dance. Parents enjoy a wonderful evening of unforgettable moments with your little princes and princesses. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and a delicious dessert

selection will be provided as well a complimentary photo of the evening. A special guest from the royal kingdom will also be in attendance so be sure to get your tickets!

• www.bethereasonforit.com New Modern 1/25/15 - The Bechtler’s Music and Museum program presents New Modern: Music Inspired by the Bechtler Collection. The Bechtler Ensemble performs new compositions by local composers Bove, Allemeier, Park and Larkin.

• www.bechtler.org Queen’s Feast 1/11/15 - 1/25/15 - Charlotte Restaurant Week® returns for its Winter 2015 outing featuring over 100 upscale restauJAN/FEB 2015 • @qcexclusive • 27

EVENTIST

JAN/FEB 2015

prince wishing to seek her hand in marriage must first answer three riddles. The price paid for a wrong answer is execution before a bloodthirsty mob. Over the years, Turandot mercilessly claimed many a man’s head... until she finally met her ultimate match. This was Puccini’s final opera. In fact, he passed away before the completion of the final duet.

It ultimately took almost two years and two different composers to finish Turandot.

• www.operacarolina.org The Illusionists 1/27/15 - 2/1/15 - Direct from Broadway, the world’s best selling magic show is coming to Knight Theater. This mind blowing spectacular showcases the jaw dropping talents of seven of the most incredible Illusionists on earth. The Illusionists has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzled audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on stage.

• www.blumenthalarts.org

EDITOR’S CHOICE SUPER BOWL SPREADS - 1/29/15 -In this particular Chef Alyssa’s kitchen class the students will prepare four dishes that will surely kick up the typical Super Bowl fare. These unique, but crowd pleasing dishes with tons of flavor, will truly get you in the spirit of the game (or the commercials and conversation)! | • www.chefalyssaskitchen.com

rants in the metro Charlotte area offering three courses or more at dinner for just $30 per person. Visit the Queen’s Feast website beginning in late December to peruse participating restaurants’ prix fixe menus and reservation information.

• www.charlotterestaurantweek.com Black Violin 1/22/15 - Black Violin is the blend of classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and bluegrass music. Live, they are accompanied by their crack band, featuring ace turntable whiz DJTK (Dwayne Dayal) and a drummer. Named one of the hottest bands 28 • qcexclusive.com • JAN/FEB 2015

at SXSW in 2013, Black Violin’s groundbreaking collaboration has seen them play their music for everybody from the troops in Iraq to both the official President’s Inaugural Ball and the Kids Inaugural in Washington, DC, where Barack Obama himself gave each a hearty hand-shake.

Individually and together, Black Violin has collaborated with the likes of P. Diddy, Tom Petty, Aerosmith, and The Eagles.

• www.blumenthalarts.org Turandot 1/24/15 - 2/1/15 - A prince risks death for love. Turandot is a woman of power. Any

Super Bowl Spreads 1/29/15 - In this particular Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen class the students will prepare four dishes that will surely kick up the typical Super Bowl fare. These unique but crowd pleasing dishes with tons of flavor will truly get you in the spirit of the championship game (or the commercials and conversation).

• www.chefalyssaskitchen.com Innovative Works 1/30/15 - 2/21/15 - The always popular Innovative Works series features former company dancer David Ingram, who returns with a world premiere integrating technology and ballet. Choreographers Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Mark Diamond, Sasha Janes and Dwight Rhoden are all creating new works to be showcased. Join the dancers for dessert and coffee after the performance.

• www.charlotteballet.org

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EVENTIST

JAN/FEB 2015

Phantom Of The Opera 2/4/15 2/15/15 - Following an acclaimed sold-out tour of the United Kingdom, Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s phenomenal musical, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, comes to Charlotte’s Blumenthal Theater.

• www.blumenthalarts.org Jazz For Lovers 2/6/15 - Petite powerhouse vocalist Toni Tupponce joins the Ziad Jazz Quartet for the annual Jazz for Lovers concert.

Bring your sweetie and celebrate an early Valentine’s Day with jazzy love songs.

Things are bound to get heated as Tupponce, voted “sexiest voice in Charlotte”

by Charlotte Magazine in 2006, croons romantic tunes. Song selections include “You Don’t Know What Love Is”, “Just Friends”, and “Please Send Me Someone to Love.”

• www.bechtler.org

EDITOR’S CHOICE Queen’s Feast - 1/16/15 - 1/25/15 - Charlotte Restaurant Week® returns for its Winter 2015 outing featuring over 100 upscale restaurants in the metro Charlotte area offering three courses or more at dinner for just $30 per person. Visit the Queen’s Feast website beginning in late December to peruse participating restaurants’ prix fixe menus and reservation information. | • www.charlotterestaurantweek.com

Queen City Brewers Festival 1/31/15 - Queen City Brewers Festival is coming to Bojangles’ Coliseum. Experience Charlotte on tap with proceeds benefiting the event host, ACEing Autism.

• www.qcbrewfest.com Uptown Chic 1/31/15 - On the Uptown Chic Behindthe-Scenes Walking Food Tour, guests will go in-depth with Executive Chefs and General Managers to learn the restaurants’ history, see cooking demonstrations, tour some kitchens, get wine pairing advice, and sample their undiscovered specialties.

• www.feastfoodtours.com 30 • qcexclusive.com • JAN/FEB 2015

Remembering The Artistry And Times Of Romare Bearden and Maya Angelou 2/4/15 - In recognizing February as Black History Month, local visual and performing artists will salute in memory two African-American legends with strong North Carolina ties: Charlotte-born artist Romare Bearden and Winston-Salem’s Maya Angelou with works on easel, the spoken word, digital imagery, a theatrical excerpt and jazz music. Guests will also be able to tour Conversations: Romare Bearden and Richard Hunt and the Contemporary Art Gallery.

• www.mintmuseum.org

A Symphonic Valentine 2/13/15 - 2/14/15 - Roger Kalia and the Charlotte Symphony will take you on a romantic journey Valentine’s weekend.

The Symphony, joined by special guests, will perform romantic orchestral favorites and timeless love songs from your favorite Broadway musicals and films. Fall in love all over again to the sounds of the Charlotte Symphony.

• www.charlottesymphony.org Southeastern Wildlife Expo 2/13/15 - 2/15/15 - The South’s biggest wildlife expo features fine art, sporting demos, conservation exhibits and so much more. With hundreds of featured artists and exhibits sure to please, Charleston’s Southeastern Wildlife Expo is a can’t miss.

• www.sewe.com

JAN/FEB 2015 • @qcexclusive • 31

EVENTIST JAN/FEB 2015

First Annual Ballantyne Ball 2/14/15 - This event promises the romance of Valentine’s Day, coupled with the intrigue and fantasy of a masquerade ball. For their inaugural ball, they are teaming up with the Isabella Santos Foundation to fight children’s cancer.

• www.ballantyneball.org Jewish Film Festival 2/14/15 - 3/1/15 - Charlotte’s Jewish Film Festival provides an illuminating and entertaining cultural opportunity by bringing together a diverse group of film lovers to enjoy stories, characters, and themes with universal appeal, viewed through the unique lens of the Jewish experience in America and around the world.

• www.charlottejewishfilm.com Harry Connick Jr. 2/17/15 - Harry Connick Jr.’s meteoric rise in the world of music was only a prelude to a multi-faceted career. This pianist, vocalist, composer, band leader, actor, and philanthropist has received awards and recognition for his live and recorded musical performances, and for his achievements on screens large and small as well as the Broadway stage.

• www.blumenthalarts.org Mozart, Strauss & Brahms 2/20/15 - 2/21/15 - Christopher WarrenGreen conducts and Lukas Vondracek is on the piano as the Charlotte Symphony plays Mozart’s The Impresario Overture, Strauss’ Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, and Brahm’s Piano Concerto No. 2.

• www.charlottesymphony.org Komen Laugh For The Cure 2/21/15 - Laugh for the Cure® is a grassroots breast cancer charity event that was 32 • qcexclusive.com • JAN/FEB 2015

EVENTIST JAN/FEB 2015

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Laughter is the best medicine and the PG comedy shows have universal appeal to all audiences. Laugh for the Cure® is an Affiliate Event of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and is dedicated to furthering the Komen mission by combining comedy and charity.

• www.laughforthecure.com American Woman 2/21/15 - Take a fantastic voyage back through time to the 70’s! Check out what’s going down at the Harris Unisex Hair Salon in a tale of love, friendship, betrayal and seduction set to the songs and sounds of the grooviest decade.

Velle Harris Productions and Dyehard Entertainment presents “American Woman - The Musical,” the must-see show of the year. This musical show is full of bright colors, colorful characters and funky dance numbers that are sure to enchant and entertain you!

• www.ovensauditorium.com Mardi Gras Gala 2/21/15 - Celebrate the golden tradition of New Orleans at the Ninth Annual Mardi Gras Gala. This event has become the ultimate Mardi Gras Celebration in Charlotte because of its electrifying dance floor, flavorings of the creole, fortune telling, and Gala King & Queen Coronation, all in the name of lupus. You’ll step out of your car in downtown Charlotte and onto the glimmering streets of the French Quarter. In keeping with Mardi Gras tradition, you’ll help unmask lupus in the spirit of the Krewe of Oshun, the goddess of love, known for healing the sick and answering the cries of the needy.

• www.lupus.org

34 • qcexclusive.com • JAN/FEB 2015

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Good Life CHARLOTTE’S GUIDE TO LIVING WELL

THE BANJO MAKER

BY MELISSA JUSTICE

Open-back banjos, hand-made

in the Appalachian mountains with

native hardwoods by Patrick Heavner.

PHOTOS BY TERRI CLARK

GOOD LIFE TABLE OF CONTENTS :: HANDMADE • p.37 | WELLNESS • p.42 | ADVENTURE • p.46 | HERO • p.50 | COLLECTIVE • p.52

e

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G OOD L IFE

HANDMADE

Patrick Heavner of Fairview Valley, North Carolina’s very own Pisgah Banjo Company creates some of the best handmade open-back banjos using the finest native hardwoods.

O

BY MELISSA JUSTICE | PHOTOS BY TERRI CLARK

ld-time music is a genre of North American folk music that has its roots in a variety of cultures.

Encompassing ballads and other folk songs, old-time Appalachian music was influenced

by Welsh, Scottish, English, Irish immigrants, and Africans. The mountain dulcimer, fiddle, and banjo are the primary instruments enhanced by other homemade mountain instruments. The banjo is of African origin, and with its unusual lilt added an interesting sound to the mix.

Located in the Fairview Valley, just outside Asheville, NC in western Appalachia is the Pisgah Banjo Company. Originally started by Patrick Heavner, the company has grown to include artisan/musician Adam Sacora, a Kentucky native, and Topher Stephens who hails from Sylva, NC. As a young man growing up in Morganton, NC, Heavner had “woodworking experience working with his father.” While attending Appalachian State and playing old-time music, he decided to build a banjo over Thanksgiving and Christmas break. After visiting several banjo builders around western NC, he met a man named Charlie Glenn who inspired him to make his own rather than buy one. Glenn’s

38 • qcexclusive.com • JAN/FEB 2015

first task was to teach Heavner how to make a banjo rim. His lesson didn’t stop there. Heavner went back several more times for further instruction and advice, eventually succeeding in building his first banjo. Since that day, he hasn’t looked back; it’s been 10 years.

Before opening the Pisgah Banjo Company, Heavner worked in the solar industry as a maintenance technician and quality controller. He developed deeper roots in folk culture and music along the way as a musician, a host at the John Campbell Folk School, and by hiking the Appalachian Trail. It was after this that PATRICK HEAVNER OF PISGAH BANJO COMPANY on an appalachian overlook with a custommade banjo. THE NECK AND HEADSTOCK OF HIS BEAUTIFUL HANDCRAFTED BANJOS.

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HANDMADE

“First and foremost, a love and respect for the music is key. If you don’t play the instrument you BUILD, you will have no idea how it feelS or soundS” - Patrick Heavner tween us and a factory shop. We only use parts made in the USA and are not interested in importing anything from China.”

According to Heavner, any instrument that was invented and played in the USA should only have materials and parts that come from the USA. Predominantly a self-taught banjo maker, Heavner’s technique of banjo making has changed since the beginning. “First and foremost, a love and reJAY LICHTY spect for the music is key. If The Tryon, NC guitar you don’t play the instrument builder’s work embodies you are building, you will his passion for music and woodwork. have no idea how it should ARI LEHTALA feel or sound...I am happy to play any model we build, and An extraordinary talent, Lehtala builds some of I am constantly testing the the most unique instrunew banjos that we come out ments in the area. with. Since starting Pisgah, BOB RIGAUD not only produces a beautiI have never built a banjo for One of the legendary ful and distinctive sound, myself...this allows me to builders in NC, Rigaud’s but is also made from the always test our products not guitars have been featured in Guitar Player. native woods of Appalachia. only on myself but for who What better way to continue JACK COOBS ever I might meet at a jam.” the folk heritage and rich “The beauty about old-time When it comes to acoustic guitar construction it musical culture of the south music is that it’s for everydoesn’t get much better than by creating a stunning one.” Simple folk gather tothan Coobs.

5 string open back style old gether and play foot tapping time banjo handcrafted of music handed down through “tone woods” sourced from “local and the ages, singing ballads new and old. regional saw mills and suppliers!”

The Pisgah Banjo Company is proud to High musical quality and affordability produce beautiful handcrafted banjos; its is a prerequisite. “Each banjo we build main purpose is to carry on the authenticis handmade so an attention-to-detail and ity of the great Appalachian folk culture. quality is inherent in this kind of work.

For further information or to purchase a We are able to control the environment in custom instrument visit Patrick Heavner which they are made. The use and quality and Pisgah Banjo Company online at of materials is also a huge difference bewww.pisgahbanjos.com.

N C Luthiers

Heavner decided to open the Pisgah Banjo Company with a specific mission in mind.

Running the company is a full time endeavor; however, Heavner has also started another business called Balsam Banjoworks which designs and manufactures reproduction banjo hardware. “All of the hardware is made in the USA and is the first comprehensive source for affordable, quality, made in the USA banjo parts. The online store will be up and running this fall.”

Creating a sustainable company was a priority. With his past experience in solar energy Heavner succeeded in building a company that is powered by 100% sun.

By using all native hardwoods - persimmon, maple, walnut, and cherry - Heavner is hoping to lessen the demand for exotic woods by producing an instrument that

40 • qcexclusive.com • JAN/FEB 2015

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What draws people to Air? AIR® sculpts and tones faster than any fitness program on the market. AIR® ties in elements of the common, everyday workouts like yoga, pilates, ballet and high intensity interval training, but puts a unique twist on the exercises to make them challenging, different and fun. That’s the great part, you’re getting the best pieces of every workout, integrated with silk hammocks and each instructor’s unique teaching style, which makes for a killer workout that is super effective.

What makes Air different from other fitness businesses in Charlotte?

Fresh Air

Shama Patel’s AIR® Aerial Fitness has literally turned Charlotte’s fitness community upside down. Combining yoga, pilates, ballet and high intensity interval training, AIR® puts a unique twist on more traditional exercises to make them challenging, different and fun.

INTERVIEW WITH KERRI FLANIGAN OF AIR® | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY AIR®

Who FOUNDED Air, how did they start this business AND When did Air open?

Shama Patel is the owner/founder of AIR®. AIR® opened its first location in Chicago in September 2013. Since then, we’ve opened four additional locations including two more in Chicago, one in LA and one in Charlotte. Charlotte opened in August 2014.

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AIR® is a one-of-a-kind workout. Each class is different, and our elite instructors each have a unique style and skill set. By providing variety and intensity, our clients leave feeling exhausted, challenged to their fullest, but wanting to come back for more. We pride ourselves in excellent customer service, knowing each client’s name when they walk in the door, and we provide a community they consistently want to return to.

What are the benefits of participating in Air? There’s the obvious- weight loss, a toned and sculpted physique, and increased energy level. Then there’s the sense of accomplishment, whether it’s overcoming a fear or mastering a new trick. We give our clients something to work towards, and once they hit that goal, we continue to challenge and motivate them.

How did the concept of aerial fitness come about?

AIR® began when Shama left her career as an attorney and opened Flex + Fit in Uptown Charlotte in 2011 (now sold).

Flex + Fit offered specialty workouts and healthy cooking classes; there, Shama created an aerial program having been inspired by aerial silks traditionally used in circus performances.

Shama Patel, founder of AIR®

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offer their products/services, we serve light bites and wine, and invite our members and non-members alike to come in and try it out. It gives our new potential clients who may otherwise be afraid to try it a chance to come in, sit on a fabric, talk to the instructors, and see what it’s all about.

How has AIR been received IN THE QUEEN CITY? So great! Charlotte has a great fitness community, and AIR® has been very well received as people are always looking to try something new.

What HAS BEEN the biggest challenge AND GREATEST SUCCESS in Charlotte?

How does an Air class work from beginning to end?

Here’s what you can expect for your first class: a quick introduction from the instructor (this includes making sure no one has any specific injuries, etc.) which leads into a warm up stretch. Sometimes you get a little yoga, sometimes it’s mat stretching. Then we move into the core work which usually involves AIR® planks, AIR® crunches, you name it. Instructors provide step-by-step instruction along with modifications so each client is working to their own ability. We build in cardio bursts in order to get the heart rate up and calories burning, mix it up with some barre work either at the ballet barre or on the fabric, of course throw in some more core work, and finish up with a stretch at the end. Clients always stick around for a few minutes after class to snap photos or work on tricks.

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Air looks intimidating because the aerial moves appear very complex. How do you get people to try such a NEW AND UNIQUE exercise?

Great question. We constantly have to remind potential clients that we are a fitness based workout incorporating exercises from your everyday workout (ie. planks, push ups, squats, jumping jacks) with the use of the fabric as a prop. We recommend all first timers start with AIR® Foundation, and arrive 15 minutes early for their first class so the instructor can spend some one-on-one time with them and make sure that they are comfortable and understand the basic modifications.

In addition, we’ve started offering a monthly event called AIR® Social (free!) every second Thursday from 6:30pm-8pm. Our partner businesses come in and

[On challenges] To get people out of their comfort zones of Yoga and Barre and rather, to take their fitness to the next level with something that looks very intimidating at first glance but in reality, is actually pretty easy to pick up.

[On successes] Results for our clients.

This is why we exist - to make a difference in the lives of our clients.

HOW CAN SOMEONE GET STARTED? We offer the first class free with promo code AIRCHARLOTTE, and we offer a unique option for private events. All private events are customizable, whether it’s bachelorette, birthday or corporate team building. We also offer a New Client Special: 1 month of unlimited classes for $100.

For more info contact Kerri Flanigan by email at kflanigan@flexandfit.com or by phone at 312-288-9614 or 704-249-6757. Visit Air www.airfitnow.com or stop by their location at 1043 Providence Road, Charlotte.

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ADVENTURE

The

Letters WILD

PHOTOS BY JAMEY PRICE

I

t’s been over a decade since Facebook and MySpace turned the world upside down. Social media, which started years before with AOL instant messenger and websites like Classmates, had finally come of age. Wall posts, messaging, and online interaction enamored and intrigued the world, making a huge amount of information, from the likes of national news to intimate details of your friends’ lives, easily accessible. As a witness to this social explosion, it was truly a sight to behold, a fun undertaking, and such a new and vibrant experience. Now, however, after ten years, the newness and intrigue has faded. Along with

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Jason Yarborough’s The Wild Letters is an online collection of interesting travel stories and playlists.

Facebook, popular sites and apps like Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and a ton of others often clutter our lives with an overload of information, some of which is extremely valuable, but most, useless. It’s a mindfield of noise as users try to avoid a bombardment of selfies, political opinions, Candy Crush invites, copyright reposts, silly polls, memes, and so on. “With all the noise that’s out there in social media, now you have to sort through it, and what better way to make your content stand out than to simply provide people with killer images and stories,” says Jason Yarborough of The Wild Letters.

Jason Yarborough, or Yarby as his friends have aptly nicknamed him, is one of Charlotte’s biggest social media gurus and one of the organizers of the popular Social Fresh conference. Yarborough has set out on a personal venture to get social media back to its meaningful glory days by sharing interesting, provocative stories. He is doing this through his growing brand, The Wild Letters, an intriguing concept that involves both his own personal story telling from his own adventures, as well as the tales of his friends’ travels, and stories from other contributors within the social media realm and what he calls “influencers.” The site also incorporates

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a weekly contributed playlist for readers to enjoy during their own personal travels and experiences.

The story telling offered on the site is a random amalgamation of life lessons, unique people, beautiful travel destinations, and much more. Told eloquently and accompanied with images that are photojournalistic rather than staged and styled, the site and its stories are far from contrived like most out there. The authenticity abounds, like Yarby says on The Wild Letters, “Let’s escape the ordinary. Explore new experience. And share the stories that unravel before us. Create a moment that is forever brought to life.

Live. Travel. Write.”

Recently partnering with friends at Mashable, one of the most popular sites

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ADVENTURE

“With all the noise out there what better way to make your content stand out than to simply provide people with killer images and stories.”

The Wild Letters is to tell stories on behalf of brands, for them to send us out on the road and do solid photojournalism and storytelling for them.” By telling meaningful and enjoyable stories through various influencers in interesting locales with beautiful photography, The Wild Letters can help the brands that it promotes separate themselves from all of the clutter.

Yarby is currently on the road, meeting interesting people, experiencing new things, sleeping on friends’ couches and Kerouacing around the country. You can check in on his new posts at TheWildLetters.com or follow him on social media at @TheWildLetters.

in the world, Yarby’s future goals for the site are lofty. “What I do with social media is I tell stories and I always encourage people to tell short form stories. So the FOR INTERESTING STORIES, TRAVEL PLAYLISTS, AND LOTS MORE bigger picture with VISIT JASON YARBOROUGH’S WWW.THEWILDLETTERS.COM

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HERO

< PAINTING BY OF CHARLIE SIFFORD BY KASEY MURRAY

Medal Of Freedom

Charlotte native Charlie Sifford played an integral role in the desegregation of professional golf in America, and for his actions was recently awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

C

harlie Sifford is an American hero, plain and simple, and after a lifetime of breaking barriers, finally was recognized with the highest civilian honor in our country. In November of 2014, President Obama awarded the Medal of Freedom to the legendary golfer, a well deserved reward for a lifetime of excellence.

Charlotte born Sifford began his golf career at an early age like so many others, as a caddy, and excelled at the game. He spent much of his twenties playing competitively in tournaments that were strictly for black golfers. At that time there were no African American golfers on the PGA tour. In 1952, Sifford attempted to qualify for the PGA’s Phoenix Open. This was met with major pushback from much of the golf community. Sifford encountered harsh racism during this time, but that did not stop him from playing the game he loved and entering more tournaments.

In 1957, amongst a field of some of the world’s most famous golfers, Sifford won the Long Beach Open getting the attention of golf enthusiasts and followers nationwide. Just several years later, Sifford became the first African American to join the PGA Tour. Nearly 16 years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier of professional baseball, Sifford had done the same for the sport of golf, a truly significant moment in the history of sports as a whole and civil rights in general. Over the course of his professional PGA career, Sifford won three illustrious events and tallied up innumerable awards, the most important are his induction in the Golf Hall Of Fame in 2004 and The Old Tom Morris Award, an award presented to the most dedicated to the sport of golf and to those whom have had the most impact on the game.

Mecklenburg County honored their beloved native son in 2011 when they changed the name of Revolution Golf Course to Dr. Charles L. Sifford Golf Course at Revolution Park.

BLACK HISTORY CALENDAR The events and exhibits in the Queen City that you must see this February.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS 2/8/15 - The Levine Museum Of The New South will host a Freedom Forum to discuss the state of educational equality in America.

ARTS OF AFRICA 2/25/15 - Explore the art of African masks and other art with a special viewing of the Arts of Africa exhibition at the Mint Museum.

BEAUTY IN TRUTH

AND THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES

VENTURING OUT OF THE HEART OF DARKNESS

Starts 2/14/15 at the Levine Museum. This exhibit showcases the role of the SLLC following the Civil Rights Movement.

Opens 2/7/15 at the Gantt Center and examines the impact of colonialism on societal attitudes that define black culture.

2/6/15 - Celeberate at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library with an installment of American Masters from PBS, featuring Alice Walker.

STORIES FROM THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

CHARLES FERRAR

SELMA TO MONTGOMERY

Until 2/23/15 - The art of Charlotte wood turner Charles Ferrar is on show at Cape Fear Studios for his Black History Month Exhibit.

Until 2/22/15 - An exhibit from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute featuring the work of Spider Martin held at the Levine Museum Of The New South.

2/8/15 - Go on an odyssey at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and decode the secrets of the Underground Railroad.

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Collaborations

Jeffrey Barninger’s new Union Shop Studio along with five other Queen City shared work spaces are encouraging creation and collaboration that is sure to engage the community.

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COLLECTIVE

n 2014, Jeffrey Barninger founded a 7500 sq. ft. space and called it Union Shop Studio, a place where artists could come together in a collaborative manner to brain storm, design, and create works of art and unique pieces of furniture. Because our living space is meant to be a refuge from the stresses of daily life and the rigid designs allotted to most office space, it is essential that the items surrounding us are well suited and bring meaning to our lives.

The goal of Union Shop Studio is to impact each client creatively. The five local artists who share space at the studio are artistically diverse having experience in a variety of different mediums. Bouncing ideas off one another, the group works collaboratively, engaging the client in order to design and create a work of art or a piece of furniture that both complements the intended space and enriches the client’s life.

It is the goal of Union Shop Studio to create pieces of a unique nature none of which are mass produced.

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PHOTO BY JAMEY PRICE

PACKARD PLACE

With nothing but community growth taking place in Charlotte, the Packard Place offers a centralized location where entrepreneurs can meet, share, and receive one-on-one assistance allowing their business goals to come to fruition.

• www.packardplace.us CIEL GALLERY Ciel Gallery is a haven for 27 local artists. With such a diverse group of artists within the Charlotte area, the exhibits are set up on a rotating basis. This allows those who visit the gallery the opportunity to return time and again or better yet, sign up and take a class.

• www.cielcharlotte.com

W W W. I K E B E H A R . C O M

The World of Ike Behar N OW O P E N AT 67 0 6 B P H I L L I P S P L AC E C T 704-552-8841 CHARLESTON -

C H I C AG O - WA S H I N G TO N - C H A R LOT T E - M I A M I

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Industry Charlotte is a space specifically designed for the freelancer, the remote worker, the small business owner, or for that person needing a change. Here individuals can link with others just like themselves in order to talk, to create, or to simply relax.

• www. industrycharlotte.com ARTSPACE 525 Artspace 525 is a multipurpose space shared by artists Dowell and Bagwell. Used not only as an art studio, the space serves as a gallery, workshop and incorporates the Wall Poems of Charlotte, a project-in-residence where students and property owners can brainstorm and get involved.

COLLECTIVE

WINGMAKER ARTS COLLECTIVE The Wingmaker Arts Collaborative is a unique place that offers studio space to both writers and artists. With a variety of workshops, literary readings, and other events, this is the place to find your inner artist as you paint, journal, or collage.

• www.wingmakerartscollaborative.com FOUNDATION FOR THE CAROLINAS The Foundation for the Carolinas is a community foundation and a gallery whose focus is to bring together the collective: individuals living in the area, businesses, and other organizations who share the goal of building the philanthropic needs of the Carolinas.

• www.fftc.org

FOUNDATION FOR THE CAROLINAS

NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK. It’s a new year, and you’ve probably made some resolutions to improve your quality of life. How about improving the quality of your home? There’s no better place to start than our Winter Sale. Save storewide on Stickley and other famous makers and turn your decorating dreams into exciting rooms that enhance your lifestyle and fit your budget.

Chicago Sofa & the new Gatering IslandTM from Stickley

Patent Pending

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7215 Smith Corners Blvd. (I-77 and Harris Blvd.), Charlotte 704.597.0718 complimentary interior design service stickleyaudi.com

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For YOUR HOLIDAY Gifting

SIT DAIL VI

IT DAIL

Supper Club THE QUEEN CITY’S GUIDE TO FOOD & DRINK

The

AhI

TUNA

CRISP byFahrenheit Fahrenheit Charlotte Chef Dave Feimster turns up the heat and taste this season with his Spicy Ahi Tuna Crisps and shares the recipe with our readers so you can make it in the comfort of your own home.

RECIPE BY DAVE FEIMSTER photos by jP GRICE

CONTENTS RECIPE • p 55 COCKTAIL • p.59 DESSERTS • 61

SUPPER CLUB

RECIPE

Turn The Heat Up RECIPE BY DAVID FEIMSTER | photos by jP GRICE

F

ahrenheit Chef David Feimster has created a real winner with his Spicy Ahi Tuna and Shrimp Crisps, a cohesive, delectable dish that will warm you up during the cold winter ahead.

Out of the kindness of his heart, Chef Feimster has shared the secret ingredients and method to making this tasty tuna treat with our readers and we encourage you to give it a try. Your guests will surely appreciate it.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

• 1/3-cup Mayonnaise • 2 tsp Hot Chile Paste • 1 tsp Hot Chile Oil • 1/2 tsp Toasted Sesame Oil • 1 box Shrimp Chips • 1/2-pound Sushi-quality Fresh Tuna (cut into ¼ inch cubes) • 2 tbsp Finely Sliced Scallions • 2 tbsp Finely Chopped Cilantro • 3 tbsp Toasted Black Sesame Seeds

In a small bowl combine tuna, mayonnaise, chile paste, hot chile oil, green onions and sesame oil and stir to combine. Heat up saucepot with one quart of peanut oil to 400 degrees. Add shrimp chips 2 to 3 at a time. They will expand immediately. Set aside on a plate with a paper towel to absorb the excess oil. Salt and pepper to taste and let cool. After the chips have cooled scoop 1 tablespoon of spicy tuna mix on each chip. Sprinkle with black sesame seeds, garnish with cilantro, and enjoy!

FOR MORE INFO OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION AT FAHRENHEIT VISIT CHEFROCCOWHALEN.COM

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SUPPER CLUB

COCKTAIL

Carriage House PHOTOS BY JAMEY PRICE

Carolina Distillery’s single-barrel Apple Brandy makes for two delicious cocktails.

Hot Toddy CAROLINA DISTILLERY’S

This new year, warm up with an apple brandy classic cocktail.

INGREDIENTS

Old Fashioned

• 1 Tsp Cloister honey • 2 ounces apple brandy • 1/4 blood orange • 1 cup boiling water • 1 tea bag

CARRIAGE HOUSE APPLE BRANDY

A take on the classic Old Fashioned, this remixed cocktail made with Carriage House is the perfect drink for wintertime.

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INGREDIENTS • 1 sugar cube and 1/2 oz of simple syrup • Dash of Angostura bitters • 2 oz. apple brandy • Blood Orange slice • Apple slice

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ith Cloister Honey, coat the bottom of a an iced coffee glass. Add the two ounces of Carriage House Apple Brandy and the juice of the blood orange. In a tea kettle boil water. When water is ready, pour into a cup, add tea bag, and make a cup of tea.

When tea is ready, pour the hot tea into the coffee glass with the other ingredients. Stir and serve the Hot Toddy to your guests.

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lace sugar cube in the bottom of a rocks glass. Add dashes of bitters.

Muddle well, then add simple syrup.

Add apple brandy and stir well. Cut slice of apple and blood orange and place in drink. Garnish with blood orange twist.

SUPPER CLUB

Authority

DESSERTS

The Pie

PHOTOS BY JP GRICE

Detra Denay Davis of Charlotte Pie Authority has shared this delicious dessert recipe with us. Enjoy creating and tasting one of her most popular pies, the Cranberry Apple Pie with Crisp Oat Topping.

INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup salted butter • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 1/4 cup water • 1/2 cup granulated sugar • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar • 6 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and sliced • 2 cups fresh cranberries

METHOD

let simmer 2 minutes. Pour cranberries and apples, in sugar mixture and continue simmering for 5-6 minutes. Cranberries will start to pop. Turn off heat and allow to mixture to sit for 10 minutes. Pour cranberry and apple mixture into crust. Gently top with apple crisp. Bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, until cranberries bubble and apples are soft.

Crisp Topping INGREDIENTS Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Melt the butter in a saucepan.

Stir in flour to form a paste. Add water, granulated sugar and brown sugar, and bring to a boil. Reduce temperature and 62 • qcexclusive.com • JAN/FEB 2015

• 1 cup brown sugar • ¼ cup granulated sugar • 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

PHOTO OF DETRA DENAY DAVIS OF CHARLOTTE PIE AUTHORITY SELLING HER DELICIOUS CREATIONS AT THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY MARKET.

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/2 cup cold butter (salted)

METHOD Mix granulated and brown sugars, oats, flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a separate bowl. Use a pastry cutter or 2 forks to mash cold butter into the oats mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs; spread over the cranberries and apples to the edges of the pie pan. Pat the topping gently until even. Bake and enjoy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ORDER A PIE VISIT charlottepieauthority.com

Home & Garden THE QUEEN CITY’S GUIDE TO DESIGN & DECOR

Fifteen in 2015

15 home design and decor purveyors that can help renew your home in 2015.

Isabella

Specializing in fine bedding and bath linens, Isabella provides customers with an inviting space to shop, create, or get advice from design experts. www.isabellastyle.com Sleepy Poet 55,000 square feet where you can find everything you need to decorate your home, plus everything you didn’t know you needed. www.sleepypoetstuff.com Slate

PHOTOS BY PLUSONE

NEW YEAR, NEW HOME! FOR MORE HOME AND DESIGN PURVEYORS THAT CAN HELP YOU RENEW OR REDESIGN YOUR HOME

This one-of-a-kind shop features a daily changing collection of art, handmade furniture, and unique accessories.

IN 2015 VISIT US ONLINE AT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.QCEXCLUSIVE.COM

www.shopslateinteriors.com

Home & DESIGN TABLE OF CONTENTS :: PURVEYORS • p.65 | ART GALLERIES • p.68

HOME&DESIGN Vintage Charlotte With so many vendors, at Charlotte’s best Pop-Up market Vintage Charlotte, you are never sure what you will find. You are assured however of a great selection of individual, handmade pieces, and custom decorations. www.vintage-charlotte.com Cottage Chic This cozy cottage is filled to the brim with treasures that are sure to delight. Offering a plethora of wonderfully unique items ranging from bedding and linens, furniture, baby necessities, and handmade gifts and accessories you are sure to find what suits your space. www.chicgoodness.com Front Door Fabrics This inviting space is filled with an exquisite selection of fabrics, trim, wallpaper, furniture, and accessories. Whether you’re looking for dazzling window treatments, sophisticated sofas, or new pillows and lamps, Front Door’s team of talented, creative designers can help. www.frontdoorfabrics.com Classic Attic With many one-of-a-kind items including rugs, furniture, and accessories you are sure to find the perfect item to finish or start your room transformation. Their large collection of elegant consigned curtains featuring the best patterns, frabics and colors is a must see. www.classicattic.biz

discount furniture at highly affordable prices, Good’s has something to fit every budget. You can decorate any room in the house from start to finish with one stop at Good’s. www.goodshomefurnishings.com

tion is paid to quality glass and viewing angles ensuring your terrarium is beautiful from all sides. The terrariums created

by Linda truly are exceptional and are sure to bring joy to any home. www.exceptionalterrariums.com

DUTCHMANS CASUAL LIVING

Worley’s lighting

The third Dutchmans Casual Living location is right here in Cornelius and features an amazing selection of the finest brands and styles including bramble furniture, Rowe upholstery, shabby chic upholstery, SURYA Rugs, and a wide variety of home accessories. Visit their 8,000 square foot warehouse today. www.dutchmansdesigns.com

With an emphasis on high quality materials and minimalist design, the handcrafted lights available at Worley’s Lighting are second to none. The eye catching designs will transform any room they are in and instantly become a conversation piece. www.worleyslighting.com

Stickley, Audi & Co.

With unsurpassed industry knowledge and customer service Majestic Kitchen and Bath can help make client’s dreams a reality. Whether you’re remodeling or building a new home the value and selection available will make your project easier. They are there for their customers from beginning to end with delivery and follow up services available. www.majesticbath.com

One of America’s most historic furniture makers, Stickley Audi & Co., has been making some of the finest furniture available for over 100 years. With an emphasis on quality materials, functional design, and superior craftsmanship, Stickley offers some of the most beautiful high quality furniture available in the city and beyond. www.stickleyaudi.com Premiere Home Theatre Premiere Home Theatre only sells and installs the highest quality sound and video equipment providing customers with a custom home theater experience like none other. www.phtcustoms.com Exceptional Terrariums

Good’s Home Furnishings With high quality, brand name furniture for every room in the house as well as

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PURVEYORS

Each of Linda’s handcrafted terrariums are custom made with a special idea for a special environment in mind. Extra atten-

Majestic Bath/Hughes Kitchen

Lantern and Scroll Lantern and Scroll creates exquisite interior and exterior lighting made from copper, bronze and glass. The timeless look provided by a Lantern and Scroll light adds taste and sophistication. www.lanternandscroll.com

NEW YEAR, NEW HOME! FOR MORE HOME AND DESIGN PURVEYORS THAT CAN HELP YOU RENEW OR REDESIGN YOUR HOME IN 2015 VISIT US ONLINE AT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.QCEXCLUSIVE.COM

HOME&DESIGN

ART GALLERIES ART OF CHRIS HAYMAN ON DISPLAY AT SHAIN GALLERY

iting regional and nationally well- known artists that work in a contemporary narrative. Tucked in the Southend steelyard, Hidell Brooks rotates solo and group exhibitions every six to eight weeks.

• www.hidellbrooks.com Picture House

The Top Ten

Charlotte’s art scene is the best in the South and these ten galleries are responsible for showcasing the finest talent around.

SONIA & ISAAC LUSKI GALLERY

SHAIN GALLERY

Located in uptown Charlotte at the Foundation For The Carolinas, the Sonia and Isaac Luski Gallery showcases one of the biggest and best collections of museum pieces in the entire South and perhaps the whole country. On showcase in the gallery are amazing pieces by some of the finest glass artists in the country including Chuck Close, Richard Jolley, Carlos Estevez, John Kuhn and other renowned artists. While visiting be sure to experience the vertical garden by Patrick Blanc.

• www.fftc.org

Shain Gallery, located on the booming Selwyn Avenue offers some of the most classic and timeless pieces available in the city from the best artists in Charlotte and beyond. This relaxed and welcoming gallery prides itself on finding its customers art that fits their home, their personality, and pieces that they truly enjoy.

• www.shaingallery.com

Picture House has been around since 1974 providing a full service art gallery experience. From start to finish, Picture House makes sure you get the perfect piece of art that fits you and your home. From consultations to appraisals, they have their clients taken care of. Located on East Fourth Street in uptown Charlotte, Picture House offers a variety of traditional and contemporary art in a variety of medias from oil paintings to ceramics and sculpture to lithographs and fine poster art.

• www.picturehousegallery.com Twenty-Two Located in the trendy neighborhood of Plaza Midwood, Gallery Twenty-Two is a contemporary setting with a hip bar serving beer, wine and sake. The best part though, is the rotating monthly art exhibitions. Regional and National artists are featured in solo and multi artist exhibitions in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

• www.facebook.com/pages/twenty-two

Hidell Brooks Hidell Brooks prides themselves on exhibSHAIN GALLERY

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HOME&DESIGN

ART GALLERIES

Mona Gallery

JERALD MELBERG GALLERY

Located right outside of uptown Charlotte on Brevard Street, Mona features the best regional, national, and international artists.

There are bimonthly exhibitions, private events, and Pour+Paint art classes for private parties only.

• www.monacharlotte.com

For 30 years Jerald Melberg Gallery has been showcasing some of the finest art in the city. As a nationally and internationally renowned gallery the Jerald Melberg Gallery is a member of the Fine Art Dealers Association and the only gallery from North Carolina to be consistently invited to participte in international art fairs.

• www.jeraldmelberg.com

LARK AND KEY GALLERY The Queen City is home to many types of galleries, each different in their own right. The Lark and Key located in the historic South End is a good example.

Opened in February of 2008, co-owners Sandy Snead and Duy Huynh work hard to create a gallery featuring local, regional, and national artists. Showcasing approximately forty artists and artisans,

LARK & KEY GALLERY

the Lark and Key offers curated artwork, pottery, and jewelry.

• www.larkandkey.com LACA PROJECTS Uptown Charlotte’s LaCa Projects is truly becoming an acclaimed and international resource for Latin American culture while supporting and promoting Latin American art and artists in our city and around the world.

• www.lacaprojects.com.

Be our guest.

Plan your next getaway, and experience a fun-filled stay packed with amazing amenities, including complimentary access to the Charlotte Athletic Club, as well as fine dining and much more!

704-377-0400 • omnihotels.com/charlotte

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ELDER GALLERY

Elder Gallery brings in high-quality artwork at an affordable price. His recipe for success is based on “appealing to a broad spectrum of tastes,” understanding your audience and acknowledging that art must have “staying-power.”

• www.elderart.com

The Winter Sale All our luxury brands on sale Going On Now...

goodshomefurnishings.com 11735 Carolina Place Parkway, Pineville NC 704.910.4045

Mon - Sat 10 am - 7 pm Sun 12 - 5 pm

JAN/FEB 2015 • @qcexclusive • 71

MUSIC CITY Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music scene is exploding with a plethora of talent and frankly itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to give the city and its musicians their due. Here are the Queen City artists and Carolina acts that you have to hear today.

TheNEW FAMILIARS

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE NEW FAMILIARS

CharlieKING

CHARLIE KING ••• The Charlotte native and singer-songwriter, Charlie King, released his debut LP in early January at NoDa’s The Evening Muse. Path Of The Moon, produced by Patrick Boyd at Sioux Sioux Studio, is a melodic ten track musical voyage that culminates with a whimsical, beautifully written title track. Along the journey, explore love and truth through an oceanic lens. The LP, inspired by the vastness of the beach and saltwater, is nothing more than authentic, a combination of King’s well written prose and magical vocals reminiscent of the Fleet Foxes.

• www.charliekingmusic.com SAINTS AND SINNERS ••• The duo of Perry Fowler and Mark Baran are an amazing concoction of strong vocals and harmonies reminiscent of young Avetts, guitar, harmonica, upright bass, and banjo. One of our favorites in the city and growing in popluarity in the regional and national music scene daily.

• www.sinnersandsaintsmusic.com

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lthough Charlotte is known for a lot of things, a great music scene has not typically been one of them. That’s not to say that there haven’t been a lot of great musicians and bands that have come from Charlotte, it’s just that most of them have not typically stuck. Without a true musical identity like other cities have had i.e., Detroit/Motown, Seattle/Alt Rock, Chicago/Blues, etc it’s been hard for homegrown artists to find a foothold here in the past. But times they are a changing! With the arrival of so many transplants from across the country, and with them, many musical backgrounds and talents, it seems that this is becoming the identity of the Charlotte scene. Artists like Jocelyn Ellis, Sam The Lion, and Maddie Shuler are doing a mashup of different genres and the result is a whole new sound. In addition there are countless bands like Saints and Sinners and David Childers who are still carrying on the regional genres bluegrass and Americana that the Carolinas originated. There is a lot of great music and artists coming out of Charlotte and North Carolina and these are the best of the best.

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THE NEW FAMILIARS ••• This band that brings in the nitty gritty sounds of Appalachia and the drum rhythms of rock and roll has made a splash in the music scene throughout the Southeast. Their version of ‘Americana Rock” has allowed them to play some of the best music festivals and venues around the region and has caught the attention of some of the greats, such as the Allman Brothers Band and the New Grass Revival.

• thenewfamiliars.com.

5th AND YORK ••• Originally formed in Charlotte in 2006, this ensemble of versatile artists are still going strong and continue to evolve. Some would label them as urban jazz, others would call them a contemporary or smooth jazz band.

We just call them plain good. They are able to seamlessly meld influences of R&B, funk, jazz, hip hop and rock into a sound that is all their own. With two full length al-

PHOTO BY JAMEY PRICE

5th

bums, and a laundry list of accolades, they are great ambassadors of the Queen City jazz scene.

• 5thandyork.com BO WHITE ••• White is a Rennaissance man of sorts that has been blazing the trail for the Charlotte Indie and Underground music scene since he started his independent record label, Kinnikinnik Records in 2004. He started this as a way to showcase his own as well as other “underground’ bands that other established labels weren’t willing to take a chance on. Although he is the head of his own label, he is first and foremost an artist with a wide range of talents as a multiinstrumentalist, composer, lyricist, and producer. Over the years he has been in several bands including: Calabi Yau, Black Congo, NC, and currently The Bo White Orquestra.

• bowhiteorquesta.wordpress.com PULLMAN STRIKE ••• Crashing onto the scene in 2010 bringing their alternative country and indie rock

PHOTO PROVIDED BY 5th AND YORK

sound, Pullman Strike has staked a claim in Charlotte’s music scene. Cultivating their own genre, they have a loyal following and play some of the best venues in the Queen City. They recently released their latest album “Silver Lining” and they had their album release party at the acclaimed Neighborhood Theatre.

• www.pullmanstrikenc.bandcamp.com.

ELONZO ••• Coming out of Rock Hill, this alt-country band brings the meaning of being southern to the forefront. Their music tells stories of the easy way of life and also the tragedies and losses that affect us all.

Formed in 2008 by brother and sister, Jeremy and Maggie, this group has become a staple in the South Carolina music scene.

• www.elonzo.bandcamp.com.

BENJI HUGHES ••• Benji Hughes has definitely made a name for himself since coming onto the music scene in 2008. From Charlotte, he as had several songs featured on successful

& YORK

The CAROLINA BANDS To SeeLive

KICKING GRASS BAND

The 5 piece band of Jamie Dawson, Hank Smith, Patrick Walsh, Pattie Hopkins, and lead vocalist Lynda Dawson is one of the state’s young and up-and-coming Bluegrass Americana bands that you must see live. + www.kickingrass.com HOLY GHOST TENT REVIVAL An absolutely raw and energetic Carolina Rock N’ Roll show you have to see, Holy Ghost Tent Revival is a six piece band with a unique sound that incorporates aspects of Bluegrass, Southern Rock and a lot of brass. + www.holyghosttentrevival.com MINT JULEP JAZZ BAND The Mint Julep Jazz Band has everyone in Durham and beyond dancing and swinging to their hip 1930s sound, a sound achieved with a three piece rhythm section, four horns, and Laura Windley, a talented vocalist. + www.mintjulepjazzband.com

JocelynELLIS

GIGI DOVER AND THE BIG LOVE ••• Based in Charlotte, this husband and wife duo are a local product, but their sound draws from influences and genres from across the globe. At the root, their sound is very much Americana or folk/rock, but with their use of more obscure instruments like the sitar and rebab among others, various rhythmic structures and tempo coupled with Gigi’s unique and playful vocals, the result is a unique sonic cocktail that will appeal to a wide variety of audiences.

• www.gigidover.com

television shows as well as feature films.

He has also worked with artists such as Meshell Ndegeocello and Jeff Bridges.

With his unique approach, his music and style spans many different genres.

His debut album, The Love Extreme, was widely accepted and praised for its uniqueness. Now on his third studio album, you can catch Benji playing shows across the US. • www.benjihughesmusic.com.

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JOCELYN ELLIS ••• Debuting on the Queen City music scene in 2008, Ellis’ angelic voice is reminiscent of Heather Headley and Vivian Green. Combining that sound with soulful lyrics and synthpop arrangements has helped her develop quite the following on the East Coast from Georgia to New York City. Her arrangements and dynamism is all her own.

• www.jocelynellis.com

double door

THE FILLMORE

EVENING MUSE

Since 1973, the historic venue has hosted some of the most famous acts that have ever come to Charlotte.

The large, open NC Music Factory venue is an amazing space to see some of the great names that come to our city.

It doesn’t get more intimate than NoDa’s famed venue. Get to know some of the best up-and-coming artists at The Evening Muse.

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SOUTHERN FRIED JAZZ BAND ••• Band leader, Don Edwards and his ensemble of talented musicians offer up audiences a musical recipe that is sure to put a smile on your face and get your toes tapping. While paying tribute to the traditional style of Dixieland Jazz complete with the brass, rhythm and percussion that is synonymous with this genre, their performances are as much educational as they are entertaining by using the music as a backdrop to help explain how the genre developed and is known as the only original art form that America has given to the world. They have put their own Southern fried spin on the classics by sprinkling in some invigorating vocals, playful showmanship, and anecdotal humor that the whole family will enjoy.

• www.southernfriedjazz.com ZIAD QUARTET ••• Saxophonist, Ziad Rabie has been the driving force and Creative Director of The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art’s wildly popular series, Jazz at The Bechtler, since it’s inception in 2010. On the first Friday of each month, Ziad and his quartet perform themed sets that typically compliment or reflect the current exhibit, season or era that is being highlighted at the museum. Through his pursuits with Jazz at the Bechtler, Ziad and his quartet have almost singlehandedly revived the fading Charlotte Jazz scene where quality options and venues for jazz enthusiasts to see live jazz had become few

PHOTO BY KENNETH QUILLER II

Holy Ghost Tent REvival

and far between. So much so that even after adding two shows per event, they still sell out every month.

• bechtler.org SAM THE LION ••• Lead vocalist Lindsey Horne, Chris Lonon, and Chris Waldorf (all former bandmates in The Sea of Cortez) have teamed up with guitarist David Driscoll to create a moody synthpop vibe that will lull you into what can only be described as an aquatic abyss of sound. Reminiscent of Portishead or Mazzy Star, Horne’s soothing and whispy voice will captivate you in that it is equally as endearing as it is eerie. Their unique sound is probably the closest thing to an out of body experience that we will experience.

• reverbnation.com/samthelion SIMPLIFIED ••• What started off as an acoustic duo, founders Clee Laster and Chris Sheridan decided to put a full band together

in 2003. Fusing influences of rock, reggae, island, roots, with just a touch of funk, this Charlotte based band has a feel good sound that has garnered them mass appeal and acclaim both regionally and abroad. They are the definition of a “working band” playing local venues as small as The Rusty Rudder or as big as Time Warner Arena or out touring across the US. Even if you don’t love the music itself, you have little choice but to have fun at their shows because their enthusiasm and love for the music is infectious.

• www.simplifiedmusic.com MADDIE SHULER ••• At the ripe old age of 19, this Providence High School product has already released a full length album called Roots and Wings (produced by legendary percussionist Jim Brock), made live appearances at local venues and on television, and is currently enrolled at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston studying guitar. Maddie is a singer/songwriter with a diverse back-

The CAROLINA BANDS To SeeLive CONT. FROM PG. 73

CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS Not exaclty a secret anymore, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, an old time string band hailing from the heart of the Carolinas, won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album with their truly authentic sound, featuring a little bit o’ twang and a lot of banjo, fiddle, and jug. + www.carolinachocolatedrops.com DAVID. B. DOLLAR Another rising star from Durham, NC David B. Dollar has an interesting indie quality achieved with interesting guitar and keyboard sound and strong, deliberate vocals and poppy, sing-a-long lyrics. + www.davidbdollar.com JONATHAN SCALES FOURQUESTRA

PHOTO PROVIDED BY HGTR

The Asheville, North Carolina band Jonathan Scales Forquestra is a jazz rock band that truly entertains

MATRIMONY of Charlotte that you have never heard of. Kenny started his illustrious music career at the age of 6, right here in Charlotte playing shout music at his local church. Shout is a kind of worship music typically associated with African American Pentecostal churches featuring brass instruments, with roots stemming from Dixieland Jazz. As an adult Kenny formed his band, The Tigers, and today, he is widely recognized as one of the premiere soulful jazz trombonists and shout artists in the world, and has toured the world while playing alongside the likes of the late Ray Charles, Al Green, Ramsey Lewis and Gladys Knight just to name a few.

• www.kennethcarrmusic.com

ground of influences ranging from folk and Americana to Celtic and bluegrass, whose sound is reminiscent of legendary singer/ songwriters, Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell among others. She plays a myriad of instruments including acoustic guitar, piano, mandolin, bass and electric guitar, percussion and virtually anything else that she can get her hands on. It will be interesting

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to see what her musical career has in store for young Maddie but based on her current trajectory, the sky is the limit.

KENNETH CARR ••• “Kenny” Carr is a world renowned jazz trombonist and is arguably one of the most successful musicians to come out

AMOS’

THE COMET

VISULITE

This concert hall has been packing in big names of late and is the premier music destination for those in South End.

The Comet is for those that enjoy great food and drink with live local music without a cover. It doesn’t get better than that.

One of our favorites, the Elizabeth Ave venue is a great space to watch upand-coming bands and enjoy a drink.

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MATRIMONY ••• Fronted by lead vocalists and husband and wife duo, Ashlee Hardee Brown and Jimmy Brown and accompanied by Ashlee’s brothers, Jordan and CJ Hardee, their chemistry and deep connection to both the music and one another are evident when you listen to their music. Their sound has many influences with elements that draw from Jimmy’s Celtic and Irish folk roots and love of rock and roll, as well as the Americana and Bluegrass roots that have long been a part of the Hardee family tradition. They recently released their first debut album entitled Montibello Memories through Columbia Records that marries all of their influences into a folk pop sound that features intricate harmonies, and arrangements and meaningful lyricism that details their musical journey. www.matrimonync.com BLESS THESE SOUNDS UNDER THE CITY ••• The dynamic duo of Derrick Hines and Albert Strawn got together in 2013 to form Bless These Sounds Under The City. Drawing from their wide variety of mutual interests and influences of artists like Radiohead, St. Vincent, Bob Dylan, and Grizzly Bear, Bless These Sounds Under The City features amazing songwriting, compelling vocals and arrangements, and an experimental synthesized

PHOTO BY THEIN LA

Cameron FLOYD

Bless These Sounds UNDER THE CITY

sound that uses progressive rhythms and loops and undulating tempos that can best be described as indie or electronic folk.

• facebook.com/BlessTheseSoundsUnderTheCity CAMERON FLOYD ••• This acoustic quartet based out of Charlotte is fronted by Cameron Floyd and is made up of a group of friends that got together to make heartfelt, feel good music whose influences include Jason Mraz, John Mayer, and Gavin Degraw among others.

• facebook.com/cameronfloydband REEVE COOBS ••• Although her sound is rooted in artsy folk pop, over the years, her musical palate has evolved to include influences of rock, pop, and even soul. Coobs is a gifted songwriter and her soulful yet sensitive voice is able to take you along with her on her musical journey, often detailing her life experiences of love, heartache, and sometimes just blind fury. Her current album, Acoustic Home Demos From

What Love is All About is available to download free on her website.

• www.reevemusic.com DAVID CHILDERS ••• The Gaston County born songwriter has been writing and performing around Charlotte and the Carolinas for almost two decades, and has been referred to by some as “the most prolific North Carolina songwriter alive today.” He is credited with paving the way for todays generation of artists and performers in the region. In his early years he was known for writing provocative music that spanned from gritty punk music to folk. After an almost ten year hiatus from writing and performing, David was coaxed out of retirement by Avett Brothers, bassist Bob Crawford to collaborate in a new band called the Overmountain Men where David explores gospel themes of redemption, salvation and forgiveness, while creating a hybrid sound of folk, blues, electronic, country and other influences.

• davidchilders.com

PHOTO BY TROY TOMLINSON (LEFT) PHOTO BY DARREN HUMMEL(RIGHT)

The CAROLINA BANDS To SeeLive CONT. FROM PG. 77

through their interesting sound.

Incorporating a unique steel pan sound adds a special flair. Because of this people are starting to take notice with the Fourquestra gaining popularity nationally. + www.jonscales.com SHANNON WHITWORTH Her passionate performances and strong vocals make her one of the fastest growing names in the Carolina music world and beyond. + shannonwhitworth.net BOMBADIL Daniel Michalak, James Phillips and Stuart Robinson of Bombadil are releasing a new album, this year that you should be very excited about.

This unique band from Charlotte harmonizes with the best of them and their songs feature well-thought haunting lyrics and insteresting vocals and instrumentals. + bombadil.squarespace.com

Flute Player The

The world-class flutist and successful businesswoman, Amy Rice Blumenthal has devoted her life to supporting the arts.

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PHOTOS BY JAMEY PRICE

very arts and culture enthusiast in Charlotte is familiar with the name Blumenthal, but not many of them can match the name with a face or story. Amy Rice Blumenthal has many stories, before and after the name Blumenthal had any significance in her life.

A huge supporter of the arts in Charlotte, Amy entered this world with humble beginnings. From the start, music was an ever-present force. Growing up in the wild landscape of Cheyenne, Wyoming, she started piano lessons at the young age of five. Just like any other subject you study in school, music in her family then and now was just as important. Her mother was a church organist and taught piano lessons from home. Her father, an insurance salesman, loved to play as well. Encouraged at a young age to pursue her musical interests, she decided to focus on the flute simply because her aunt had an extra one laying around. This gift changed Amy’s life forever.

Amy played the flute throughout her childhood, developing her style and personality on the instrument.

Then, when Amy was a junior in high school, she applied and competed for a national scholarship against forty-nine other applicants in Central City, Colorado. She performed excellently, winning the Spence Primrose Scholarship and a full ride to college. However, this was more than a scholarship. This was the pivotal moment when she fully realized her potential; it was the moment she gained the confidence to pursue her passion and turn it into a lucrative career.

Throughout college, Amy worked fervently on perfecting her craft. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado, she went on to earn two masters from the University of Michigan in flute performance.

In her professional life, Amy “was an early pioneer in the development of flute choirs, and ensembles, having coordinated chamber music for master-classes with William Bennett, Trevor Wye, and a variety of others. She has presented clinics internationally, has conducted the National High School Flute Choir, the NFA Professional Flute Choir, and numerous reading sessions for the NFA.” [cont. pg 82]

“We have a certain responsibility as requested to share information and experiences to teach and educate in any way we can.”

“The biggest challenge groups have is to understand how they can be better.

If you are not getting better and striving for the best, then you aren’t working hard enough.”

While teaching and leading flute ensembles, Amy noticed there was a lack of new and interesting flute music for her groups, so she started to write her own. This eventually led to her own sheet music company, ALRY Publications, a business that allowed her to share her many arrangements for this genre with the numerous emerging flute ensembles. Being literally the only female in this field, she was not taken seriously at first. This proved to be one of the hardest challenges in her professional life.

“There was an unbelievable amount of prejudice towards women in the sheet music business because it was an all male dominated field. At the time, I was fearless, which still surprises me but it ultimately helped, because I was the only publisher that could play all of the sheet music I printed.”

No matter the challenges, Amy pushed on, overcoming doubters and turning ALRY into a successful publishing house. ALRY published and promoted the woodwind and chamber music of over 400 composers and arrangers, and eventually produced and published over 5,000 musical works.

During this time she also traveled the world performing in ensemble groups for thousands of people. This was an environment in which she absolutely thrived. She attributes her touring success to her love of performing in front of people, something that many touring musicians find difficult. Although she relished in the memories of a huge stage, bright lights, and roaring applause, Amy still prefers a small venue for entertaining.

“My favorite venue is the living room. In a big concert hall you can not see anyone. You can’t focus and watch people or their expressions to see how they are responding to you. In a smaller venue, it becomes a very personal conversation with your audience.” This conversation with her audience is very important to Amy. “You are not on stage to play music for yourself. You have an obligation to your audience. These people have paid to hear you play and they need to be entertained.”

In between her travels, Amy was invited to teach a workshop at the beautiful Wildacres, a conference center retreat located in the mountains of North Carolina. Wildacres was set up to support and educate people in music, art, science, religion, lapidary, craft and writing. While on the Wildacres campus, Amy fell in love with both the stunning scenery and the many goals of Wildacres. But that was not all she fell in love with. Here, she met her husband, Philip Blumenthal.

The day she made Charlotte her home was the day she began to work tirelessly to support the arts in Charlotte, not just music,

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but all arts. It is no secret that Amy is blessed with a strong will and determination that can fulfill most goals she puts her mind to.

She has been on too many boards to count and has pretty much mastered the art of raising money for worthy causes. Though she realizes how important raising money is for these local groups, she believes it is not the most important resource she can offer.

“What I really want to do is effect procedural change. I want people to really think about who they are, what they do and why and how they can be better. I don’t always just want to raise money. The biggest challenge groups have is to understand how they can be better. If you are not getting better and striving for the best, then you aren’t working hard enough.”

Amy still loves to perform and play the flute. In the most recent years, her favorite event she participates in is with the Choir School at St. Peter’s. Every Christmas, over one hundred kids perform for the public in several different choirs. It is Amy’s favorite event for many reasons but primarily she loves the enthusiasm that the kids bring to the concerts.

“They love being there. They sing their souls out and their enthusiasm is contagious. Everyone is charmed with these concerts and there is never an empty seat.”

Amy Blumenthal’s passion for the arts has lasted the test of time and shows no sign of slowing down. Her sheet music business that she founded and ran for 32 years, was sold three years ago, giving her more time to focus on her charitable pursuits.

There are many things that are important to Amy Blumenthal and throughout the years she has managed to pursue her dream, start and sell a business, break the glass ceiling, fall in love, raise a family, and help her community. So when looking to the future she understands that we live in a different world and with these differences there need to be changes for the arts to thrive in these changing times. Luckily we have people like Amy Blumenthal to pave the way with these new ideas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a certain responsibility as requested to share information and experiences to teach and educate in any way we can.â&#x20AC;?

For more information on Amy Blumenthal and Wildacres visit www.wildacres.org.

BRAITMAN & Co. PHOTOS BY JAMEY PRICE

Artist and instructor Andy Braitman leads the way for our city, guiding Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art scene toward the national recognition it truly deserves.

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lmost thirty years ago, Andy Braitman came to North Carolina to participate in a visiting artist program. Considering himself a true visitor, Andy had no intention of staying in the city. Luckily his plans didn’t get in the way of his fate as an artistic staple in Charlotte’s art community. We can all thank Carol, Andy’s wife, for drawing Andy into Charlotte and making him a proud, permanent resident. If you aren’t familiar with Andy’s art, you are most likely familiar with the artwork of one of his many students, whose portfolios are sprinkled all over our city’s studios and galleries. It almost seems, that to be a well known artist in Charlotte, you must take a class at Andy Braitman’s art studio.

Andy Braitman Studios currently has 150 or so enrolled students ranging from teenagers to adults. Class subjects are expansive, from landscapes to the nude figure and student levels ranging from beginner to expert. Just as art is subjective, so is the way in which it can be taught. Just because you take a lesson from Andy Braitman, doesn’t mean you will produce paintings

exactly like that of Andy Braitman. Instead, he gives you the tools and instruction to paint exactly as you were born to, in your own individual style. Andy believes that people come to him to learn and it his job to match their personality with a style or painting approach that fits because your emotional approach to the world is directly related to your individual approach to painting.

“I think your artwork comes from where you are naturally going anyways, as opposed to something that is forced. None of us know where we are going to go. We kind of fall this way or that.”

Andy’s artistic path has spanned over forty years, has taken him all over the world, and has been recognized with countless awards and accolades. His successful career, and his desire to create art, began in a very unexpected place right before enrolling at the University of Maryland, where art became a part of his daily life. It all began at a blues club Andy frequented, where, there on the wall hung a painting by Clyfford Still.

“

I think your artwork comes from where you are naturally going anyways, as opposed to something that is forced.

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“

There are very few straight lines in nature, so when you see them it is likely that they are man made. It seems that those straight lines always fail in the face of nature. I like to find that place where straight lines begin to erode and try to play with the random chaos of nature and the attempted control when man takes hold of it.

“I suppose that painting was my real introduction to the art world. It wasn’t long after, that I stopped going to the blues club and started going to the Phillips Museum to spend my time.”

Andy Braitman claims that at first, painting wasn’t his strong suit. In fact, a professor of his encouraged him to stick to drawing and printmaking. Andy didn’t listen and continued on his artistic course. Only the artist can point themselves in the direction that they intend on going. In the beginning of his career, Andy painted non-representational art. Something, at the time, that spoke to his artistic voice. He realized soon how difficult it was for the viewer to connect organically with a subject matter that they didn’t necessarily “get”.

“I know that no one cares about the art as much as the artist does and I’ve learned how to accept that and tailor my work so that the audience can see what I see, rather than trying to force the audience to care as I care.”

His current artistic inspiration can be traced to the very beginning. Born in Casper, Andy had an early exposure to the beautiful back country of Wyoming. Jokingly claiming that he learned to fly fish before walking, Andy’s connection to nature has been a huge inspiration throughout his life. Luckily for us, North Carolina provides an abundance of beautiful outdoor subject matter for Andy to explore.

“I am fascinated by Man’s relationship to Nature. There are very few straight lines in nature, so when you see them it is likely that they are man made. It seems that those straight lines always fail in the face of nature. I like to find that place where straight

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FINEST PAINTERS in Charlotte +P

Windy O’Connor Though visually, Windy’s paintings are non-representational, she always starts with a thought, feeling, or emotion to set the tone of her painting.

With color, texture, and movement, she tells a story through

the energy of her brushstroke.

Her compositions are a combination of color blocking, lines, and rhythm with color. Vibrant and on a large scale, Windy is able to share her passion with everyone that comes in contact with her work.

•windyoconnorfineart.com

kasey murray

josh brown

ALEXANDRA LOESSER

Her colorful, subjective mixed media commissions and pet portraits feature some of the most amazing linoleum stamped backgrounds.

• artbykaseymurray.blogspot.com

His bold minimalist painting style and graceful sculptures capture the energy and attitude of his subjects creating joy, magnetic characters and curiously subtle movement.

• joshbrownfineart.com

Art doesn’t impact Alexandra Loesser’s life. It is her life; one that is dedicated to capturing the nuances of people and the untapped depth of wild animals in her colorful paintings.

• www.alexandraloesser.com

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CONT. FROM PAGE 88 duy hyunh

Duy Hyunh, Vietnamese born, local Charlotte artist creates imaginitive, colorful acrylic paintings that are dreamlike and whimsical yet fragile. You can find his work at Lark And Key Gallery.

• www.duyhuynh.com victoria schweizer Painter Victoria Schweizer paints insanely colorful abstracts and incredibly cool pop art of some of the most famous Hollywood faces including Steve McQueen or Mick Jagger. She has sold her paintings all over the world and much of her proceeds go to charity.

• www.victoriaschweizer.com jane schmidt

lines begin to erode and try to play with the random chaos of nature and the attempted control when man takes hold of it.”

Andy’s landscapes are not a direct interpretation of the natural subject but a loose one. He has found a way to explore the theory that interests him while appealing to the audience, an aspect of his painting that has taken him forty years to perfect. He uses a lot of paint and medium to create movement and texture. His brushstrokes are seemingly effortless but at the same time direct and purposeful. He perfectly describes his current art as Aggressive Impressionistic Landscapes.

“I’ve been in this career for 40 years and things have changed greatly along the way.

I feel like I’ve found a a way to create the work that I love without alienating the viewer. The delicate dance to create within the bounds of my interests and the bounds of an ever-changing world is a strange thing, and I hope that I am doing it well.”

Art by Andy Braitman can be found at Shain Gallery or on his website www.andybraitman. com. To learn more about his studio and classes or to see some of his work visit Andy online at www.braitmanstudio.com.

“

I know that no one cares about the art as much as the artist does and I’ve learned how to accept that and tailor my work so that the audience can see what I see, rather than trying to force the audience to care as I care.

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A natioanlly recognized artist Jane Schmidt is known for her colorful landscapes that weave in and out between abstraction and representation and stem from her own personal connections with the natural world.

• www.janeschmidt.com ryan kirby A wildlife and sporting lifestyle artist, local Charlotte, NC oil painter Ryan Kirby specializes in realistic wildlife and nature scenes including incredible duck, deer, and turey scenes and much more.

• www.ryankirbyart.com KENT YOUNGSTROM Kent is a no frills, go-getter kind of guy with a raw unadulterated passion for what he does. A self-taught painter who paints from sun up till sun down, Youngstrom started painting one day because he simply wanted to. After several orders and new opportunities arose, he woke up one day and realized that he was a full time painter. Youngstrom is abstract in that he paints what he feels. He is not defined by a genre, he just does what he loves to do, and he is happy and eager to share with whomever will listen.

• www.kentyoungstrom.com

MURRAY

O’CONNOR

LORRAY sharon dowell Sharon Dowell explores many concepts in her works. She is especially interested in changing environments, man versus nature, and abandoned structures or spaces.

So while she starts with a specific idea or place, she alters it to capture the energy it exudes. Her compositions are partially abstract: some images within her works are representational or recognizable to the viewer.

• www.sharondowell.com

SCHWEIzer

MCDOWELL

ARTHUR BROUTHERS Recently taking a break from founding and co-founding local artist promotional groups like Aspyr Productions in Charleston and Culture Initiative in Charlotte, Arthur decided to take a break from creative event planning to focus on his one-of-a-kind abstract pieces. His art is inspired by natural formations, are organic but aren’t referenced by anything specific. With a background of mindful meditation practices, the viewer can pick up on the influence of spirituality in his works.

• www.arthurbrouthersart.com

SCHMIDT

KIRBY

BROUTHERS

ROBERT LANGFORD Influenced by the world around him, abstract artist, Robert Langford, is drawn by the energetic use of color. Not knowing all the motives that drive him are important to his artistic process that are both simple and complex.

• www.robertlangfordstudio.com CHARLOTTE FOUST An abstract artist in the truest of forms, Charlotte Foust is an intuitive explorer. She enjoys creating non-objective art because she finds the process honest and satisfying.

Mostly experimenting with mixed media on canvas or paper, Wendy starts with a line or a brush stroke and explores the surface resulting in an idea or image that has never been seen or discovered.

• www.charlottefoust.com

BROWN HYUNH

LOESSER

Set a goal, work toward the goal, finish the goal. It really is that simple, and that is why I always say ‘Know the goal!’”

- Chris Bryan

Know

THE GOAL

Chris Bryan, founder of the comprehensive fitness program for women, Carolina Sweat, helps his clients reach their goals through mental preparedness, a positive atmosphere, intense physical fitness, personalized diet, and community service.

PHOTOS BY JAMEY PRICE

“The key to success in many areas of life starts with positive affirmation and a proper mindset, especially when it comes to our health.”

C

hris Bryan, master mind and creator of Carolina Sweat and the Mind Body Motivation system, knows his goal. The first part of his career was in the corporate world, helping people set their financial goals and working with them to find a path to help his clients reach them. He loved his motivational role in the lives of his clients but firmly believed he could help people on a broader scale. Trading his suit in for

Alternatives To The Gym Paddleboarding

Climbing

SUP Charlotte can get you a total body workout.

Reach inner peace and gain strength at Inner Peaks.

Mountain Biking

AIR

The USNWC has one of the best trail systems in the state.

Unconventional aerial fitness can help with confidence.

94 • qcexclusive.com • JAN/FEB 2015

sweats, Chris Bryan decided that health and fitness was a better platform for motivating people to live better lives.

This sudden change in his career did not come without consequence though.

“At first some thought I was crazy to leave behind such a great career but I am blessed to be surrounded by great family and friends, and they always support me so once I was officially in, they were one hundred percent on board.”

Self doubt was not an option for Chris as he set his goals and filled in the blanks between. After quitting his corporate job, he became a Yoga instructor, a Certified Personal Trainer, and studied Advanced Nutrition. Using his motivational techniques from his previous job in combination with his health and fitness knowledge, Chris was able to create his Mind, Body, Motivation system.

“IT management allowed me to be a leader, a motivator and someone who can identify with what people need to make them tick. What works for one person won’t always work for another, and when it comes to fitness and nutrition, its important to customize my philosophy to my clients needs, to ensure they’re getting what they need to be their best.”

Chris Bryan’s philosophy and approach to health is more then just good nutrition and physical fitness, his system starts with mental preparation. What sets his system a part from most exercise programs, is that the basic principles of Mind Body Motivation can be applied to any and all life goals, not just health and exercise.

“My passion for leading people and helping them transform into their absolute healthiest is what led me to develop the Mind Body Motivation system. The key to success in many areas of life starts with positive affirmation and a proper mindset, especially when it comes to our health. Set your goals high, create a plan, approach every action with intention and don’t let anything stop you from achieving it.”

This Mind Body Motivation philosophy was what inspired and created Charlotte’s own Carolina Sweat, a place dedicated to help its participants achieve their best health.

Apps Argus

Track your daily activity and exercise progress.

Moves Track your steps and calories burned in an easy to use app.

A supportive fitness community with social media aspects.

Calorie counter and enthusiastic workout coach in one.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CHRIS BRYAN

Carolina Sweat offers a comprehensive and effective fitness program for women in three Charlotte locations.

“My greatest achievement is definitely launching Carolina Sweat. It incorporates all my beliefs about healthy living and the response has been unbelievable. I attribute the quick start to the real results and success stories people have seen from working with the my program.”

Chris Bryan tries to get his clients to understand that it is not about losing weight, or building muscle. Its about seeing what the body is capable of doing, and then pushing it further. Within time weight loss and muscle gain happens without it having to be the constant focus.

“The positive vibe and motivation is what I’m all about. I believe people are capable of being amazing every day and I enjoy being able to help them down a path that can get them there.”

The first Carolina Sweat was first opened a little over two years ago off

THE BEST PLACES IN CHARLOTTE TO GET FIT There are countless ways to get in shape this new year and we’ve got nearly all of them covered, no matter if you want to get your yoga on or peddle your way to a healthy body. Along with Chris Bryan’s Carolina Sweat, this is our Top 10 fitness list.

Kadi- Lifestyle Design Studio

JCC

Walk into a fitness studio that looks nothing like your typical gym, because it’s not, it’s a Lifestyle Design Studio. Most of us are never more empowered in our day more than we are right after a workout; it’s the ultimate feeling of reckless abandon. At Kadi, they believe that the inspiration that you get from your workout, should be applied to all facets of your life. By also infusing in art, music, culture, and inspirational speakers, they take the mundane out of life, and live life the way it was designed.

• www.kadifit.com

The facilities at the Jewish Community Center are second to none. Its expansive campus has state-of-the-art equipment, countless fields and courts for athletes to take advantage of, and the David Silverman Fitness & Wellness Center that offers a wide variety of training.

• www.supcharlotte.com

Yoga One

This just may be fitness for the future. Koko Fitness uses state-of-the-art technology to deliver you your very own automated personal trainer.

This technology takes the best of exercise science and customizes your own workout that incorporates high-efficiency cardio and strength training.

Yoga helps with so many things in a person’s life, from flexibility to vitality and energy. It also improves your balance and harmony with your surroundings. At Yoga One the instructors and staff inspire and empower each individual to seek and follow their journey to the alignment with their true and Higher Self, with their world around them and with the divine. This journey leads to freedom, transformation, love, and joy, all of which you need to improve your overall wellness this year.

• www.kokofitclub.com

• www.y1now.com

Koko Fitness

JAN/FEB 2015 • @qcexclusive • 95

of South Boulevard. Since then, Chris has opened a location in Pineville, Matthews, and plans to open three more locations within the year. When asked why he decided to start a fitness program exclusive to women, Chris focuses on the big picture.

He wanted to create a comfortable, non-competitive space conducive for a fitness community to form. Chris knows and understands that this is important for the program to succeed. “ Every woman I train wants to see the women next to them succeed just as much as they want themselves to succeed. It’s a really special place, hard to describe, but it has turned into way more than just a place to workout. It has been awesome to watch the camaraderie and morale develop.”

From the beginning Chris and Carolina Sweat have been heavily involved in the Charlotte community, creating Sweat For A Cause program and supporting local groups anyway they can. Raising money and collecting food and clothes for Second Harvest Food Bank, Project Coats and various children’s cancer foundations to name a few.

“We have been put in a position that allows us to create awareness to many different causes. We view our position as a blessing and also a responsibility. My training programs first and foremost build confidence, and confidence builds leaders, and leaders help those in need, so that is what we do, because that is who we are.”

To learn more about Chris Bryan, his Mind Body Motivation system, and all of his personal endeavors, visit www.chrisbryan. com. To learn more about Carolina Sweat, group classes, one on one training, and nutrition counseling, visit www.carolinasweat. com. Carolina Sweat offers a free 10 day trial for all first time clients so that they can see if its for them.

“My clients often hear me say, ‘If you want more for your life personally, professionally, physically or mentally, it doesn’t matter how you start, just take the first step and start something.’ It doesn’t matter how you finish just as long as you finish the job. You’re not in it alone, we will do it together. Set

THE BEST PLACES IN CHARLOTTE TO GET FIT

Diet

Snack Healthy

Carbs

Ditch the potato chips and opt for healthy options like fruits and vegetables and reap the many rewards.

Don’t give up on carbohydrates. Good carbs give you energy you will need to exercise at your best.

Drink Veggies

Proteins

The old diet adage drink your veggies, eat your fruits is great diet advice that can help you reach your goals.

Enjoy the muscle building benefits of healthy proteins like chicken and fish and other lean proteins.

“

The positive vibe and motivation is what I’m all about. I believe people are capable of being amazing every day and I enjoy being able to help them down a path that can get them there.”

a goal, work toward the goal, finish the goal. It really is that simple, and that is why I always say ‘Know the goal!’”

For more information about Chris Bryan and Carolina Sweat or to sign up for your first workout visit Chris online at www. carolinasweat.com or www.chrisbryan.com.

Cont. from pg. 95

Om Spa

Charlotte Athletic Club

Greg Ott Physial Therapy

If you think about it, all forms of natural healthcare focus on balancing the body, whether it is chi for acupuncturists, muscle balance for massage therapists, or pH, diet, stress levels, toxin levels, and probiotics for digestive health professionals. At Om Spa, a recommended medical grade detox is a good start to removing heavy metals, restoring pH balance, and detoxifying your liver, all of which can help your body become more balanced.

Charlotte Athletic Club is an exclusive, upscale fitness center providing its members with the tools to maximize their health and wellness and achieve their own personal goals.

They offer a wide variety of services to do so, including personal training, group exercise, massage therapy, golf, nutrition programs, and much more.

Physical therapy’s main goal is to get you back to your normal state, free of pain and suffering. The staff at Greg Ott Physical Therapy and Sports Performance are eager to tackle their clients’ resolutions. From offering ASTYM, a manual technique that regenerates healthy soft tissues to Dance Medicine and TPI Golf Assessments, clients looking to rehab and get their life back need to look no further.

• www.omspa.net

96 • qcexclusive.com • JAN/FEB 2015

• www.charlotteathleticclub.com

• www.gregottphysicaltherapy.com

Commitment

Resolutions

Form good habits with a consistent workout schedule.

Start Your Day

Proper Gear

Early morning exercise can set the tone for the entire day.

Purchase the right gear so you are prepared and motivated.

CROSSFIT S3

Fly Wheel

Operated in a group atmosphere that breeds accountability and comraderie, Crossfit S3 specializes in improving your strength, speed, and stamina through all of kinds of exercises including running, jumping, lifting, and throwing. The goal of crossfit is to help you become stronger and perform better both in sport and in your normal life and Crossfit S3 can help you achieve this goal.

Indoor cycling has never been this advanced, nor has it ever been this fun. At Fly Wheel you can measure your performance and customize new goals as you reach old ones.

• www.innerpeaks.com

• www.flywheelsports.com Lewis Fitness Sometimes you just need your own personal trainer to accomplish all of the fitness aspira-

tions you have for yourself. Preston offers one-on-one and group sessions for his clients, who, with his encouragement and knowledge can achieve their health and wellness goals.

• 704.975.3507 or @lewisfitness on Twitter FIT TO FIGHT Strengthen your body and gain knowledge in self defense at Fit to Fight, Charlotte’s leader in Krav Maga instruction.

• 704.975.3507 or @lewisfitness on Twitter

JAN/FEB 2015 • @qcexclusive • 97

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