Queen City Nerve - February 7, 2024

VOLUME 6, ISSUE 5; FEBRUARY 7 - 20, 2024; WWW.QCNERVE.COM

CULTURE:

Local pinball community loses a legend pg. 8

FOOD:

LOVE is in the AIR Pizza Baby flops short pg. 14

Local organizers create space for lesbian, sapphic communities amidst lack of bars and clubs

By Annie Keough

2024 Upcoming Special Issues Charlotte residents and visitors look to Queen City Nerve for what’s happening in CLT

Reach a niche readership and Charlotte newcomers with advertisements in our annual Charlotte guides

March 6 • SPRING GUIDE

Charlotte’s annual guide to spring events around the Queen City. Complete with nearly 100 event listings and outdoorsy local content, this is our first big issue of the year!

Summertime in the city feels real pretty with this guide on just about everything to do with another 100 events listed, and a focus on content we’ve all been waiting for during these cold months.

June 12 • SUMMER GUIDE April 3 • CLT BEER ISSUE With all the focus on the local beer and brewing scene, our annual Beer Issue is booze-centric and catered to introducing you to the people that impact the local beer world.

As Charlotte’s only dedicated local music news source, it wouldn’t be right to not publish a paper specifically on what is happening in Charlotte music. Find new tunes and grooves in our annual release.

July 10 • CLT MUSIC ISSUE April 17 • 4:20 ISSUE

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We don’t recommend using the actual paper to roll anything up with, but you can enjoy the cannabis-centric content while you do with approved papers. A lot of research is put in here.

Inclusivity in the CLT rings free in our annual Pride Guide focused on the annual Charlotte Pride festival & parade with all of our content focused on telling the stories of the queer community in the city.

August 7 • PRIDE GUIDE

26 issues published each year with daily content on our wesbite and in our email newsletter. Follow us on social media @queencitynerve. Sign up for our updates at QCNerve.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS & OPINION

4 Make Room by Annie Keough

Local organizers create space for lesbian, sapphic communities amidst lack of bars and clubs 6 Lifeline: Ten Cool Things To Do in Two Weeks

ARTS & CULTURE

8 A Life of Love by Nellie Shortreed

Super Abari Game Bar honors the memory of late pinball director Kevin Shanus

MUSIC

10 Chasing a Feeling by Pat Moran

The Eyebrows do a double take with ‘Say Yeah!’

12 Soundwave

FOOD & DRINK

14 A Major Flop by Timothy DePeugh

Pizza Baby fails its mission to bring NY-style pizza to Charlotte

16 Love & Loss by Courtney Estes

A Charlotte restaurant owner navigates grief after losing her partner in business and life

17 Last-Minute Valentine’s Guide by Rayne Antrim

LIFESTYLE

18 Puzzles 20 Aerin It Out by Aerin Spruill 21 Horoscope 22 Savage Love

Thanks to our contributors: Nellie Shortreed, Grant Baldwin, Katie Grant, Timothy DePeugh, Rico Marcelo, Courtney Estes, Jim Collins, Jenn Mott Redd, and Dan Savage.

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Local date ideas for the procrastinating partner

NEWS & OPINION FEATURE

MAKE ROOM

Local organizers create space for lesbian, sapphic communities amidst lack of bars and clubs

BY ANNIE KEOUGH

In Queen City Nerve’s February 2023 deep dive into the historical and economic reasons for the decline in lesbian-centered spaces in Charlotte, we found that owners and investors had become reluctant to dedicate business models to such a niche community.

With rising rent, gentrification and queer assimilation into cisgender, heterosexual spaces, sapphic organizations have become strategic in how they create and maintain their own dedicated outlets.

In our 2023 story, the Lesbian Bar Project, an organization documenting and celebrating the remaining lesbian bars across the nation, totaled less than 25 lesbian bars in the U.S. Almost a year later, that number has risen to 31.

The addition of six establishments countrywide may not seem like a renaissance to those outside the LGBTQ+ population, but to an entire group of people who have felt displaced within their own community, it provides some sense of hope.

Charlotte, however, has seen no growth in its lesbian-centered establishments. In fact, October 2023 saw the closing of one of Charlotte’s longestrunning gay nightclubs, The Scorpio, to make room for Elevation Church, which has faced accusations of anti-LGBTQ discrimination for years.

Still, Charlotte-area sapphics are far from hopeless, as local organizations and grassroots organizers have spearheaded the preservation and resurgence of lesbian spaces by evolving past the need for permanent edifice and antiquated labels.

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Lesbian vs. Sapphic

The term “sapphic” has become a popular, more inclusive replacement for “lesbian” in recent years.

While “lesbian” has historically defined women who love women, “sapphic” is an umbrella term that encompasses the queer attraction to women and includes nonbinary, transgender and gender-fluid folks.

Lesbians throughout history fought against misogynistic and homophobic rhetoric for the right to proudly claim their identities, but they weren’t

the only ones fighting for visibility.

Alexx Baerwald Simard, founder of UltraViolet Sapphic Night, an event held quarterly at Petra’s Bar, chose the word sapphic with an intent to honor what other folks and communities have experienced and to celebrate the intersectionality of identities.

“While lesbians have had to fight, other people have also had to fight for their identities to be seen as valid,” they said. “It’s hard when everyone in the community is fighting against … attempts to push back on any progress we’ve made.”

Petra’s owners Perry Fowler and Marta Suarez del Real, were aware of the lack of diverse, inclusive spaces within the LGBTQ+ community, specifically for lesbians and sapphics.

They also knew of their own bar’s unique beginnings as a gay-owned space that served as ULTRAVIOLET SAPPHIC NIGHT AT PETRA’S. an LGBTQ safe space for years after its opening in 2007 before eventually evolving into more of a Lesbian spaces weren’t always inclusive of all neighborhood bar that, though still an eccentric bodies, after all. haven for artists and musicians, lost its LGBTQ focus.

In the Lesbian Bar Project documentary, educator Fowler and Suarez del Real approached Simard, Gwen Shockey recalled the discriminatory history of a Petra’s regular, with the idea for a regularly lesbian spaces, particularly for lesbians of color in scheduled sapphic event in August 2023. Together, the 1970s who were invited into lesbian bars on a they provided an answer to what they thought the racial-based quota, allowing only three or four Black community desired. or Latina lesbians in at a time. “[A] theory I have is that because we’re hosting an Lesbian bars have also been instigators of event that’s inclusive to identities beyond lesbian, biphobia and transphobia, leaving sapphic identities that maybe more people feel comfortable walking outside of “lesbian” displaced. in the door,” she said.

In the documentary, sapphic bar owner Lisa Mishi Lear, one of three organizers with the Cannistraci says her New York City bar Henrietta Meetup group Lesbian Friends of Charlotte and host Hudson has survived because it keeps its ear to the of Sapphic Second Fridays at Bar Argon, chose the ground and listens to the community it caters to. name for the latter in hopes that it could be a more “We have to break the cycle of being exclusionary inclusive event under the Lesbian Friends umbrella. within our own communities,” Cannistraci said.

It seems to have worked; Lesbian Friends creator Lez Party, a Black-run Charlotte-based Ayana Burkins said she sees a more diverse crowd at organization focused on women-centric events, has Sapphic Second Fridays than other Lesbian Friends dedicated 2024 to diversifying its programming and meetups. advocating for equal representation and visibility of “I do think that calling it a lesbian night would women and feminine-presenting people. draw a unique and potentially smaller crowd,” “Diversity in LGBTQ spaces is of utmost importance Simard said about Sapphic Night. “I think it carries to Lez Party,” said Lez Party founder Amechia with it kind of a certain expectation or connotation Johnson. “To truly create spaces that support and of some stereotypes of the past.” celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, it is essential to

PHOTO BY MARY BIRD

prioritize diversity and inclusion.

“By embracing diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives, we can create safer, more supportive and stronger LGBTQ spaces that uplift and empower everyone within the community,” Johnson continued.

The Lesbian Friends of Charlotte team created the name on the fly, carrying over the label from the original CLT Lesbian Community Meetup group where the trio were introduced.

Because of the name, Lear and Burkins have seen bisexual and trans women doubting their place within the group, even as the organizers stress their acceptance of identities outside of lesbian.

Lear pointed out that, although “sapphic” is becoming a more popular term within the LGBTQ+ community, people still express confusion around the word and rely on “lesbian” to seek out inclusive women-loving-women events online.

Regardless, lesbian bars are changing, as Jo McDaniel, owner of As You Are Bar in Washington DC, said in the documentary: “We’re not removing the term lesbian, the concept of lesbianism, we are merely adding to it.”

NEWS & OPINION FEATURE Building queer networks in Charlotte

With the decline of brick-and-mortar sites that cater to the lesbian and sapphic scenes, social media has become integral to organizing social events within the community.

Social media platforms create a haven for queer people’s discovery and community when their reality is less than accepting. Heidi Hemphill Samples, manager of the Lesbian Friends Facebook and Instagram accounts, says she discovered her sexuality thanks to a lesbian thirst trap on TikTok. Lears found her partner on the dating app Bumble.

According to Burkins, social media pages allow introverted members a valuable space to create connections and slowly introduce themselves to the community without having to be around large groups of people.

“I feel bad for people who aren’t into social media because I don’t know what they would do,” Samples said. “You kind of have to put yourself out there.”

Samples belongs to numerous communities that center or include lesbians on Facebook and follows lesbian-related hashtags on Instagram. Once you find your community online, it’s a natural occurrence to make long-lasting and deep friendships, she said.

“Platonic or romantic relationships, I think both

organization plans to offer more happenings not centered around alcohol to its over 800 members in the coming year.

Lear, however, still wholeheartedly believes her community needs something more than social media circles and sporadic sapphic nights.

“I think we have no place to go so we don’t know how large our community actually is,” she said. “I am a huge advocate for … a women-centric community center first, and second, the queer community.”

When sapphics don’t rely on social media, they have to rely on the community they’ve built from their close, personal networks made at existing queer-friendly spaces.

Johnson said Lez Party ensures women have safe spaces where they feel represented and are able to network, make new friends, and build supportive connections with others who share similar experiences and identities.

Simard’s UltraViolet Sapphic Night at Petra’s grew from a group of 50 people at the first event, a majority of whom came from her own social circle, to 150 at the third, most of whom were strangers.

Although Simard posts about the events on their personal social media accounts, buzz grows mostly from word-of-mouth promotion within different social networks.

“More of a grassroots approach seems to be working,” they said. “I think that’s how Petra’s

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEZ PARTY

functions, in general. It’s a very word-of-mouth type of venue.”

Looking forward

Sapphic organizations have also expanded the types of events they host.

Lesbian Friends of Charlotte gave Samples and her team the flexibility to plan daytime events centered around different interests other than partying or drinking, which was something she said wasn’t happening anywhere else.

“Not everybody wants to be at a bar, not everyone wants to be at a nightclub,” Lear said. “People have other desires than that.”

Lez Party is working on organizing more events centered around wellness and mental health.

“I’m super excited to have the opportunity to diversify our upcoming events,” Johnson said. “And I think that that’s something that’s going to also help bring more of the community out to be able to fill those spaces.”

Sapphic Book Club, Queer Storytellers and Charlotte Gaymers Sapphic Socials also offer queer, women-centric events tied to non-alcohol-related interests.

Simard’s monthly Big Gay Picnic was created in response to North Carolina’s anti-queer Parent’s Bill of Rights to allow the folks who feel targeted by new legislation experience joy and connection together in public spaces.

“There might be closeted or quieter LGBTQ folks, especially young ones, who are living at home and might not see LGBTQ people publicly in positive ways,” they said. “[I’m] hoping that by us being out and having fun in public in a park together somewhere on a random Sunday that maybe there’s a teenager who hasn’t come out and doesn’t have a supportive family who might see us and feel that there is a community out there and there’s hope for their future.”

Now that lesbian bars and spaces are slowly retreating from the brink of extinction and are allowed to exist in public, they must now find a way to grow and change with the community they serve.

“Culture and language are always evolving,” Simard said. “As does our collective sharing and understanding of identity and the ways in which power and privilege have included some and excluded others. We might not be getting it perfect right now, but I think it’s important to do our best and be open to evolving as we learn and grow, individually and collectively.”

AKEOUGH@QCNERVE.COM

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A LEZ PARTY EVENT IN CHARLOTTE

are important and you can find that with Lesbian Friends of Charlotte if you’re open-minded,” Samples said.

Taking the next step to expand Lesbian Friends of Charlotte’s reach to Instagram and Facebook allowed the team to spread information on their events and connect people across Charlotte.

As late-in-life lesbians, Samples and Lear had a personal mission to unite those with different experiences to form genuine friendships.

“I have a lot of straight friends,” Samples said. “I need people who understood what it feels like to be in the community and as a late-in-life lesbian, that’s very, very different. I think the beautiful thing about our group, to me, is that we have varying ages, races, presentations and … regardless of what they look like, they’re just my friends.”

Lesbian Friends’ support goes beyond the confines of social media, regularly posting a “What do you need?” message within its group, with members helping other members whether it be with a ride to the doctor, a pet sitter or an accountability partner.

“That’s important for our community because people can be very isolated,” Samples said. “A lot of us don’t have family and may be isolated from our friends or even our children.”

Within the past year alone, Lesbian Friends of Charlotte has held 117 events spanning from laser tag to drag brunch to sporting events. The

THUR 2/8

fri 2/9

SUBVERTIGO, MX LONELY, BLUEGILL, MINT 2 MOVE There is lots to celebrate, and Mint Museum aims MOMOPHOBIA to recognize it all in one night of arts, dance and culture. Celebrate the Lunar New Year and Year of the Dragon with a lion dance performance presented in partnership with Manera Foundation, followed by Casa de la Cultura Afro Latinx dance and narrative, plus tributes to Black American music with salutes to Aretha Franklin, Celia Cruz and others with DJ Carlos Lebron as part of Mint Museum’s month-long observation of Black History Month. Group dance lessons with Rumbao Latin Dance Company begin at 9 p.m., with live painting by local artists throughout the night, a cash bar, and complimentary party favors.

More: $10.50-$14; Feb. 9, 7-11:30 p.m.; Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St.; mintmuseum.org

2/14

Tuneful yet heavy grunge-gazers Subvertigo launches its post-punk rumination “1258” with a haunted music box melody that recalls the Factory Records roster (Joy Division, Duritti Column) before exploding into jagged hard-rock shards and shouting into the void. Likewise, Brooklyn’s MX Lonely caps its moody and anxious “Too Many Pwr Chords” with a stomping head-on collision. Greenville’s Bluegill threads fragile tendrils of guitar into a thrashing meat grinder on “Yearning.” Charlotte emo-gazers Momophobia are the outlier here, with soaring poprock melodies like “Orchid Skies” cocooned in a layer of thrash.

More: $12; Feb. 8, 9 p.m.; Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St.; snugrock.com

sat 2/10

SAT-SUN wed 2/14 2/10-2/11

SOFTCULT Promotional photo

TE’JANI Courtesy of Te’Jani

2/15

thurs2/15

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ALL MY HEART STUDIO ART SHOW & THRIFT PONY PINK BUS TOUR SOFTCULT, SUPERBLOOM PINK BEDS, DEAU EYES, TE ‘JANI Thrift Pony is a secondhand and vintage After shutting down galloping pop-punk band If U2’s Bono came down from the mountain and FLASH EVENT

Witness art on and off of your body at All My Heart tattoo studio’s art show and flash event. Artists from the studio will display their artworks while making themselves available for flash tattoos on a first-come, first-served basis. Featured artists include Graham Beech, Adam Barun, Jake Thorsell, Elisa Sanchez, Natalie Gardiner and Will King. Flash sheets will be posted on All My Heart’s Instagram page, @allmyheartstudio, the day before the event for your review, or you could just show up and be truly spontaneous.

More: Entry free, tattoos $130-$300; Feb 10, noon8 p.m.; All My Heart Tattoo Studio, 214 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 100; allmyheartstudio.com

consignment store in Plaza Midwood, but if you’re more of a South Ender, they’ll come to you. The shop is bringing its 1999 pink bus—you may have already seen it traveling around the city picking up clothes to sell in recent weeks—to Norfolk Hall for a big, two-day February consignment event. Thrift Pony will have over 5,000 items of secondhand and vintage clothing, shoes and accessories from quality brands like Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Outfitters and more, all of which will be at fire-sale prices — up to 90% off retail.

More: Free to attend; Feb. 10-11, noon-6 p.m.; Norfolk Hall, 2905 Griffith St.; thriftpony.com

Courage My Love, Canadian twin sisters Phoenix and Mercedes Arn-Horn launched grunge-encrusted feminist shoegaze duo Softcult. Drawing on influences as diverse as Bikini Kill and My Bloody Valentine, the Arn-Horns sing sweetly about sleazy capitalists and soul-crushing jobs on latest single “Shortest Fuse” before lashing out amid a welter of clangorous guitars and heavenly synths: “I’m all over you/ You’re not in the mood/ Just playing it cool/ drawing straws for the shortest fuse…” Brooklyn neo-grunge outfit Superbloom weaves raspy vocals and fuzzed-out guitars into dreamy crunchy tunes like “Velvet Hippo.”

More: $20; Feb. 14, 8 p.m.; Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St.; neighborhoodtheatre.com

fronted indie psych-rock outfit Tame Impala, it might sound like Pink Beds. At the intersection of sophisticated pop, gossamer folk and cerebral prog-rock, the Asheville four-piece weaves sprightly ethereal grooves on tunes like the lush and angular “In My Head.” Richmond, Virginia’s Ali Thibodeau is Deau Eyes, crafting a mix of Americana-tinged arena rock and playful yet soulful pop-rock. Captivating and vulnerable singer-songwriter and producer Te‘Jani continuously proves why he’s a Queen City legend — and a shit-hot guitarist to boot.

More: $10-15; Feb. 15, 8 p.m.; Visulite Theatre, 1615 Elizabeth Ave.; visulite.com

fri

2/16

MYTHOS REUNION

MYTHOS REUNION Photo courtesy of Blackbox Theater

Charlotte DJ and restaurateur Andy Kastanas continues his event series paying homage to the nightclub scenes of Charlotte’s past with a celebration of Mythos, one of the city’s most storied nightclubs of the 1990s and early 2000s. Kastanas, who founded Mythos in the historic Pritchard Paint & Glass factory at East 6th and North College streets in uptown Charlotte in 1993 and served as house DJ until its closing in 2004, aims to revive the Mythos experience. The lineup will include DJ AndyK joined by some of his fellow spinners from the heyday of the Mythos club scene, Poodle Lounge resident Bob Shaffer and Oracle resident Tober.

More: $20-$50; Feb. 16, 9 p.m.; Blackbox Theater, 421 E. Sugar Creek Road; blackboxcharlotte.com/

2/16

mon 2/19

A NIGHT IN RIO

RAATMA, ULTRA DELUXE, TROPHY HUNT, PEACH RINGS

PINK BEDS Promotional photo

2/15

With a stiletto stab of feedback, Raatma launches a rampaging slab of uncompromising punk with “Fuck Ranch,” pushing a Black Flag-style instrumental assault into the avant-garde. Inspired by bandleader Max Narotsky’s stint in a psychiatric facility, Ultra Deluxe’s Intake Occupation LP is a sprawling art-punk manifesto incorporating science fiction and Howard Zinn’s A Peoples History of the United States. NYC grindcore outfit Trophy Hunt unleashes a whirlwind of ecstatic screaming vocals amid a buzzing hornets nest of guitars. Peach Rings’ Ramona Barton delivers chugging anthems that are pro-trans pop-rock perfection.

More: $10; Feb. 19, 9 p.m.; The Milestone, 3400 Tuckaseegee Road; themilestone.club RAATMA Photo courtesy of Raatma

2/19

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2/17

BLACK HISTORY MURAL BIKE RIDE

Charlotte Urbanists and ArtWalks CLT partners to host a two-hour bike ride that begins and ends at First Ward Park, teaching participants the history behind eight to nine Charlotte murals done by Black artists. Organizers ask that you bring your own bike, though electric scooters are also an option for this family-friendly event. We don’t know the itinerary, but knowing the murals of Uptown like we do, we’re guessing you’ll check out works by artists like Abel Jackson, who painted the mural on the side of the former Mecklenburg Investment Company building that was used on the cover of our Legacy: Black History of Charlotte book, as well as Georgie Nakima, Kalin Renée Devone and other.

More: Free; Feb. 17, 2-4 p.m.; First Ward Park, 301 E. 7th St..; artwalksclt.com

SAT 2/17 The 14th annual Brazilian celebration will provide Charlotteans with a taste of Brazilian Carnaval through dancing, live music, delicious authentic food and drinks. You don’t want to be late for A Night in Rio, as the event always kicks off with a winding Carnaval parade that works its way out of the theater and into the streets of NoDa. Following that will be authentic and colorful dance performances and Afro-Brazilian martial arts presentations that combine music and dance by the NC Brazilian Arts Project and Samba Charlotte, plus a live music performance by Tiaguinho RJ and special guest DJ Gabe.

More: $25 and up; Feb. 17, 7 p.m.; Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St.; riocharlotte.com A NIGHT IN RIO Photo courtesy of Carlotan Talents

sat 2/17

ARTS & CULTURE FEATURE

A LIFE OF LOVE

Super Abari Game Bar honors the memory of late pinball director Kevin Shanus

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BY NELLIE SHORTREED

Kevin Shanus was a man whose passion for pinball went beyond flipper and plunger, bright lights and clattering steel.

Shanus, who lived in Concord and had served as pinball director at Super Abari Game Bar in Charlotte as well as North Carolina state pinball representative for the International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA), tragically took his own life in October 2023.

On Feb. 18, Shanus’ former friends and fellow pinball enthusiasts will honor his memory when Super Abari hosts the Kevin Shanus Charity Raffle Pinball Tournament.

Raffle ticket sales and donations will be given to the Mental Health America of Central Carolinas (MHACC) in Shanus’ name.

During the event, the bar will serve up a special cocktail, with each sale adding a dollar to the MHACC donation total.

NoDa Brewing has partnered with Super Abari and crafted a specialty version of the popular Hop Drop and Roll for the tournament — a grapefruit Hop Drop called Hop Bumper, a play on the standard pinball feature pop bumper. One dollar from each Hop Bumper sale during the event will also go to MHACC. While the pinball tournament will likely get intensely competitive, as they often do, Super Abari owner Zach Pulliam said he hopes the event will be fun for everyone and serve as a way for people to come together for the love of pinball while doing something good for the community, just as his old friend would want.

“The main goal is to raise money for Mental Health America, that’s the whole point,” Pulliam said. “I’m hoping that this is going to be something that we can do every year, you know, something that’s a staple here and [is something] that we can use to raise money in Kevin’s name — remember Kevin and just kind of have fun doing it.”

When we spoke to Pulliam weeks out from its launch, the Kevin Shanus Charity Raffle Pinball Tournament had already raised $3,000 for MHACC. Mental health was one of Shanus’ many passions, due in part to his own struggles with it.

“Over the COVID years, which were bad for me and him as well, we really kind of focused on mental health,” said Pulliam. “It’s something that was pretty close to his heart as well.”

Shanus was an advocate for helping others with mental health struggles and wanted people to know that it’s okay to feel this way and to discuss it — whether publicly or privately with a therapist.

He always emphasized the importance of telling others about your problems, Pulliam added.

That was just one of the many passions that drove Kevin Shanus.

A passionate life and a faithful friend

Shanus’ passing left a permanent scar in the pinball community, where his memory lives on today.

He was also a dedicated husband, a loving brother and caring uncle.

“I always look at him as like a big kid with love for laughing”, said Kevin’s sister, Melanie Simmis.

“He was just a caring, loving person and always was ready to make people laugh and have a good time.”

When Shanus wasn’t playing pinball, he was either with his wife, Shannon, or at Cabarrus Health Alliance, where he worked for almost 20 years.

Shanus was passionate about many things; he was an animal lover, for example, and also dedicated much of his free time to raising money for the Adaptive Sports and Adventures Program, which helps young people with physical disabilities develop skills to live an active and productive lifestyle.

Friends of Shanus describe him as one of the kindest, most caring people they have ever met, recalling how he had a way of making everyone around him feel included, cared for, heard and understood, both in and out of the pinball community.

In the lead-up to the Feb. 18 event, we sat down with Pulliam, a longtime friend of Shanus’, to discuss what he meant to the local gaming community.

The two met almost 10 years ago at a retro video game store owned by a mutual friend. Pulliam had

KEVIN SHANUS WITH HIS SISTER, MELANIE SIMMIS.

stopped in to play one of the pinball machines and Shanus came up to teach him some tips and tricks.

They got to talking about the bar Pulliam was opening at the time and Shanus asked if he planned on having pinball machines there. And thus, the nearly decade-old friendship blossomed.

When Pulliam first opened his bar, the first Abari Game Bar location on North Davidson Street, in 2016, Shanus lent a helping hand.

“He had some machines that were his that he let us put on the floor and split profits with him just so that we could have some really good pinball machines when we first opened,” said Pulliam.

Shanus’ machines are still on the floor at Super Abari’s new location, which opened on Seigle Avenue in 2022.

When lockdowns started back in 2020, Shanus was the first to rally support from the community, both emotionally and financially, to help keep Abari’s doors open.

Shanus helped raise $15,500 to keep Abari in business at the onset of COVID, though in the end, Pulliam would be forced out of his original location due to rising rents and COVID-related struggles.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MELANIE SIMMIS

The beginnings of a life in pinball

Growing up, Shanus’ dad ran a side business that involved owning pinball machines and video games located in arcades and pizzerias all around New York.

Melanie recounted that, when they were younger, she and Shanus would go around New York City on the weekends with their dad collecting money from the different machines, sometimes even getting to attend special events for video game releases — every gamer’s dream.

“Whenever there were new games that would come out, there were these big events by these companies, and we would go as kids to these events and play video games before they were even out to the public,” said Melanie.

Pinball was always intertwined with Shanus’ childhood, and as he became an adult, he yearned for the nostalgic feeling of slipping coins into the slot and the rush of keeping the ball up for as long as possible. Perhaps unsurprisingly given his childhood experience, he bought a pinball machine for his house.

Years ago, Shanus visited an arcade in South Carolina, where he met an entire community of pinball players who shared the same enthusiasm for the game that he did. He immersed himself in this subculture, eventually competing in 220

ARTS & CULTURE FEATURE tournaments, winning at least 20 of them.

But Shanus’ love for pinball went further than himself. He made a lasting impact on the pinball community throughout North Carolina, especially in the Charlotte area.

“Kevin grew pinball huge in the state,” Pulliam said. “We went from having probably a handful of competitive players and places to play competitively to now I would say around 20-plus places to do it, and I really attribute that to him.”

Shanus loved sharing his knowledge of pinball with others. Through his infectious enthusiasm for the game and his natural-born leadership skills, Shanus was able to turn many people onto pinball as more than just a game you play while you wait for your friend at the bar.

“A lot of people who played pinball don’t realize that there are rules and there are certain things you are trying to achieve,” said Pulliam. “A lot of people think you hit the ball around and keep it, but he was all about, you know, how to control the ball, teaching you the rule sets for each game and that really helped people click with pinball.”

Shanus helped expand the reach of pinball to communities around Charlotte. According to

Pulliam, anywhere he hung out to have drinks or hang with friends, Shanus would take some time to encourage the owners to put a pinball machine there.

He also helped launch the Charlotte chapter of Belles and Chimes, an international women’s pinball league, as a safe place for women to come together and enjoy pinball while connecting with others.

Representing North Carolina

The International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA) serves as the governing body for pinball as a competitive sport at local, state, national and international levels. It was an organization that Shanus seemed destined to join.

IFPA comprises representatives from every state and district in the United States, all of whom work to increase awareness of competitive pinball in their respective states. Shanus was the perfect fit to serve as IFPA representative for North Carolina, which he did beginning in 2015.

As the NC representative, Shanus ran the state championship tournaments and served as liaison for people seeking guidance on everything pinball.

One year, Pulliam and his crew gifted Shanus a referee shirt with his name on the back, which he wore to every tournament he directed after that.

There were Open and Women’s state championships, with players traveling from Charlotte, the Triangle, the Triad, Wilmington and even a former NC player from West Virginia who made their return for the tournament.

“I think Kevin would have loved to see me move the tournament to Asheville for the first time to support a very active and growing pinball scene over there,” said Campbell.

She hopes to grow the pinball community across North Carolina in an effort to share Kevin’s love and enthusiasm for the game with players from around the state and carry on his legacy.

“Kevin was the local tournament director when I first started playing competitively eight years ago,” Campbell said. “He taught me everything I know about setting them up and running them. Everyone loved to be around him and he loved pinball and sharing his pinball passion.

Entry for the Kevin Shanus Charity Raffle Pinball Tournament is $25. Register at superabarigamebar.com.

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health struggles, reach out for help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available, and you are not alone.

INFO@QCNERVE.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZACH PULLIAM

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KEVIN (IN REFEREE SHIRT) AT A PINBALL EVENT BEFORE HIS DEATH.

Shanus was a strict, play-by-the-rules type of guy; if your ball was stuck, tough luck, you just had to work with it.

“We loved him because he was kind of a smart ass and he was a no-nonsense guy,” Pulliam said. “He wanted the tournaments to run really smoothly.”

In August 2023, Shanus reached out to Kaylee Campbell and asked if she would be willing to take his spot as the North Carolina’s IFPA representative.

The two had met during Abari’s regular pinball tournaments and programming.

“I imagine he wanted to keep it in the Abari family,” said Campbell.

She didn’t expect that she and the rest of the local pinball community would lose Shanus just two months later.

Since becoming NC representative, Campbell has been living out Kevin’s legacy by promoting a welcoming pinball community throughout the state. She encourages community understanding by enforcing proper tournament administration.

She also connects with other NC regional tournament directors to keep the network strong and promote pinball and positivity across the Carolinas, just like Shanus did before her.

In January 2024, Campbell hosted the State Championship Weekend at Level 256 in Asheville.

MUSIC FEATURE

CHASING A FEELING

The Eyebrows do a double take with ‘Say Yeah!’

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BY PAT MORAN

The brightly hued fish were immense, flitting “My initial thoughts were it’s just a dumb rock through the water as if pushed by vibrations from the song,” says Garrigan, assessing his own songwriting. trumpets’ blaring clarion call and the kettle drums’ “But there are some songs that just want to make earth-shaking beats, Jay Garrigan remembers. He you feel good.” was a toddler at the time, sitting beside his father in the family study, immersed in the transformative Playing in the sandbox power of music, long before he could even talk.

Garrigan was an Army brat. His family moved “[The study] was a little nook with a huge fish around a lot, and he sometimes struggled to fit in tank filled with oscars,” Garrigan says, referencing as a new kid at school. Although he learned to read a South American fish also known as a cichlid. “To music and play piano at an early age, he didn’t pick a toddler, an oscar is a huge animal. [My father] up a guitar until he was 16. would blast this reel to reel [tape of] the 2001: A “I played trumpet in school band and … I wasn’t Space Odyssey soundtrack.” very good,” Garrigan recalls.

The tactile, almost hallucinogenic sensation of On the other hand, trumpet taught him valuable blasting trumpets, pounding drums and darting fish songwriting skills, including the use of pointPHOTO BY JIM COLLINS THE EYEBROWS (FROM LEFT): DARRIN GRAY, SHAWN LYNCH AND JAY GARRIGAN. had a lasting effect on Garrigan. counterpoint and harmonies. When he turned to “It [was] this incredible sensation … at a very guitar, Garrigan continued to hone his songwriting Campbell fronted the group, which changed its with a real rock ‘n’ roll rhythm section. There was young age, the equivalent of a Flaming Lips show chops. name to Violet Strange. The group recorded with raunchiness to it.” when you’re a toddler,” Garrigan says. “[I thought], “A lot of musicians work at their precision and legendary producer Ed Stasium (The Ramones, Then, Garrigan heard that Lynch was no longer ‘Oh my god, I have to keep chasing this. I have to articulation. I was more interested in [playing Living Colour) after landing a deal with RCA Records. in Lou Ford. Spying him crossing the street in Plaza keep creating this feeling.’” guitar] as a sandbox,” says Garrigan, who saw the “It was a small deal, but a deal nonetheless,” Midwood one day, Garrigan told his bandmates that So Garrigan went into music, becoming an instrument as an evolution, a way of collecting tools Garrigan says. “For whatever reason, [RCA] decided Lynch would soon become a member of Poprocket. inventive guitarist, inspired songwriter and self- to help write songs.

In the process of making that prophecy come to not to release the work we did. If you measure success described catalyst for indie pop-rock trio The After graduating from Westover High School in terms of music business success, that band did more fruition, Garrigan did more than acquire a bassist Eyebrows, Garrigan’s musical band of brothers. near Fort Liberty, Garrigan attended UNC Charlotte. than any band I’ve ever been in and may ever be in.” who appreciated Garrigan’s prolific songwriting; he The Eyebrows’ latest single “Say Yeah!” may not be Following a peripatetic Army upbringing, Garrigan In the meantime, Garrigan had earned a Masters formed his most enduring and meaningful musical the culmination of Garrigan’s pursuit of his formative wanted to live in a big city. degree in English and started teaching at Central partnership to date. musical feelings, but it’s certainly a bread crumb on “I wanted to live somewhere for a couple of years Piedmont Community College and West Charlotte “At one point, Shawn looked at me and said, ‘Jay, his trail toward rock ‘n’ roll transcendence. and see what it’s like to have friends over time,” High School to make ends meet. He remained active I’m your drummer for life,” Garrigan remembers. “I Underpinned by Shawn Lynch’s thundering drums Garrigan says. “So, I did it — [but] I didn’t leave.” in the Charlotte music scene, playing with beloved said, ‘Holy shit, Are you sure?’” and Darrin Gray’s ricocheting bass, Garrigan’s chugging Garrigan got involved in the Queen City music local band Laburnum.

The friends and colleagues are now approaching rhythm guitar is slashed by a chiming, uplifting riff that scene, where he soon appeared to put himself on “I was at a point where … I really wanted to get 24 years together, Garrigan says, though there have traces its bloodline through Big Star’s “In the Street” a fast track to music industry success. At age 23 my own rock band together,” Garrigan says, “instead been holes in that timeline. Lynch left Charlotte to and Free’s “All Right Now,” to rock ‘n’ roll’s wellspring he joined a band called Second Skin. There, he was of joining someone else’s band.” play music in Virginia, Poprocket disbanded on good in unadulterated nonjudgmental joy. Garrigan’s full- surrounded by top-flight talent, including Fetchin The result was alt-rock group Poprocket. At that terms, and Garrigan signed a deal with Spectra throated vocal is a call to action, urging the listener to Bones alumni Clay Richardson on drums and Danna point, Garrigan became aware of bassist Shawn Records for an ill-fated band called Garrigan. After shed inhibitions and embrace exhilaration.

Pentes on bass.

Lynch, who was then playing with proto-Americana that career misstep, Garrigan struggled with intense “You say Yeah when you wanna lose all control/ So Richardson had graduated from the Berklee outfit Lou Ford. pain from botched Lasik surgery. come my friends let’s find some trouble/ Whoo hoo School of Music and Pentes had learned violin as “I became really uncreative and wasn’t playing “We admired each other,” Garrigan recalls. “[Lou hoo/ Say yeah!/ Say yeah!/Scream yeah!” a kid via the Suzuki method. The dynamic Deanna Ford] had this cool blend of roots music coupled music,” Garrigan says.

MUSIC FEATURE

A Janus-headed rock monster

In contrast, the Eyebrows third and latest album, Double Take, can be seen as a culmination THE EYEBROWS

immediate versions of the Side One songs at his the “Say Yeah!” video on Feb. 8. It depicts the band home studio and band practice space. playing in Garrigan’s backyard. “[The songs] all are done in an entirely different Shot by Garrigan’s wife, photographer Jenn manner from how we did them on Side One,” Chapman, the video pays tribute to Garrigan’s Garrigan says. Side One boasts a song called “Open grandfather, who filmed every family milestone Mic Tuesday” that rides a jangly Velvet Underground- with a battery of cameras before he passed away. by-way-of-Brian Eno riff before transforming into a Chapman emulates the look and texture of those punk-rock Ramones/Misfits groove. The same song’s old family movies, giving the video a shaky, blurry, rendition on Side Two, retitled “”Open Mic Tuesday oversaturated super-8 look. It’s a psychedelic mien II,” sounds like Lou Ford played it — rough-hewn, that complements the tune’s adrenalized adolescent raw-boned Americana. rush.

“There’s a thing we do live [on Side Two] that’s Garrigan says the “Say Yeah!” single is the more totally improvised,” Garrigan says. “It’s a guitar jam polished, Side One version of the tune from the that sounds like something that maybe Bauhaus or album, but it’s still engagingly ferocious.

Love and Rockets would play.”

“If I go back to that initial sensation of hearing Garrigan, who hopes to branch out into recording 2001: A Space Odyssey and oscars floating, how do and mixing material for other artists, feels his work I capture that kind of sensation in a rock song?” on the album’s Side Two will show people what he Garrigan says. “And why do people run around can do with production techniques used by masters screaming, ‘Yeah!’ anyway?” like Stasium and Easter, refusing to fall back on an To its credit, the song doesn’t attempt to answer over-reliance on computer and software settings.

Garrigan’s queries. Instead “Say Yeah!” celebrates the The single “Say Yeah!” drops Feb. 9 to coincide joy of being in the moment. with The Eyebrows’ live gig at Tommy’s Pub. “Take my hand you know what I have to say/ I hope Accompanying the single’s release is the premiere of you dance your broken heart away...”

Garrigan says he improvised the third verse of “Say Yeah!” on the fly at Fidelitorium Recordings, and that he saw Lynch and Easter “having a highfive moment” after hearing the vocal: “You say Yeah ‘cause you’re from outer space/ Spread your wings and save the human race...”

Garrigan explains that the words refer to a key inspiration for the song, the feelings stirred in him from seeing the animated 1981 Heavy Metal film — and hearing Sammy Hagar’s stomping glam metal rendition of the movie’s title tune — when he was 11 years old. That unbridled spirit carries over into the song, which boasts a wailing guitar solo complete with the kind of hammer ons and pull-offs performed by Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley.

“Musically [‘Say Yeah!’ is] a bit of a caveman rock song,” says Garrigan. “It [has a] positive feeling that’s almost unhinged.”

Still, the tune has a holistic, pulled-from-theether quality, Garrigan says.

“Some songs I hear in my head, and sometimes I’m just playing — and by playing I mean playing music like I’m playing in the sandbox,” he says. “It comes from everywhere, like everything I’ve listened to in my life, but it also comes from nowhere.

“Then, after you create it, you feel disconnected from it.”

PMORAN@QCNERVE.COM PHOTO BY JIM COLLINS

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of Garrigan’s formative feelings and obsessions. It’s a concept album where one set of songs is played, tracked and mixed in two vastly different ways.

In the meantime, Lynch had joined muscular Double Take is a two-headed Janus-like rock Charlotte rock band Temperance League. He and monster with five polished studio tracks recorded that band’s frontman Bruce Hazel invited Garrigan and mixed by Easter at Fidelitorium. Those five to play bass. Garrigan subsequently moved over to tracks from Side One are then repeated on Side keyboards before he and Lynch ultimately left the Two, only this time the songs are played mostly live band. on the floor by the band at The Eyebrows’ practice In 2014, Garrigan launched the concept of The space, produced and mixed by Garrigan.

Eyebrows. The idea was for Garrigan and Lynch to “How it came together is we [were] all under a play with people completely unlike them in order to time crunch,” Garrigan says. “Mitch had so many shake up any kind of musical complacency. After a days [and] he agreed to work with us.” few years, Garrigan and Lynch came full circle and The Fidelitorium session yielded four tunes embraced drummer Darrin Gray, a musician with previously demoed by Garrigan in his home studio, similar tastes and background to them. plus an additional track that was composed in the “The Eyebrows ended up, not as an experiment studio. in exploring different styles of band members,” Easter told Garrigan that The Eyebrows are Garrigan says. “[Instead], we ended with someone equally adept live as they are in the studio. So, Easter who’s a bit more like us.” and The Eyebrows planned to reschedule another In 2018, The Eyebrows released their debut session where they would rerecord more immediate album, Volume, recorded at Fidelitorium Recordings and raw versions of the previous material to 4-track in Kernersville with legendary producer Mitch Easter tape with Easter, but the scheduling didn’t work (R.E.M., Let’s Active). The version of the band on this out, so Garrigan re-recorded and mixed raw and album did not yet contain Gray.

Volume collects 10 punchy and emotional tunes that recall the wiry grooves of Nick Lowe and Athens, Georgia’s Pylon. Some of the tunes were written up to 10 years before, Garrigan says, a few before The Eyebrows launched, and others after the group had come together.

“It’s a ‘throw everything that I have up against the wall and see what’s good’ [record],” Garrigan says.

The band’s second album, Fight/Flight, again recorded by Mitch Easter at Fidelitorium, followed in 2021. ‘[Fight/Flight] is more of a personal album about my issue with panic,” says Garrigan, who has struggled openly with bipolar disorder.

Dealing with darker subjects, it’s a more thematically consistent collection than its predecessor.

“Volume was a collection of the best songs I had written in the last 10 years. Fight/Flight was, ‘What am I going through right now?’” Garrigan says.

Unfortunately, the band’s second album was released just when COVID caused a nationwide shutdown. Less commercially successful than Volume, Fight/Flight remains the band’s sidelined masterwork.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7

ROCK/PUNK/METAL Southpaw w/ Biolent Life Violent Death, Heft, Jiu-Jitsu (The Milestone) Once Below Joy w/ Boat Command, Groove Skeletons (Snug Harbor) G. Love & the Special Sauce w/ Jakobs Castle (Visulite Theatre) COUNTRY/FOLK/AMERICANA Veeze (The Fillmore) SINGER-SONGWRITER/ACOUSTIC Long Leaf Duo (Goldie’s) POP/DANCE/ELECTRONIC/DJ Beats @ Birdsong (Birdsong Brewing) PLVTINUM w/ RILEY, Vana, Chris Grey (Evening Muse) JAZZ/BLUES Eddie 9V (Neighborhood Theatre) COVER BANDS Love Songs of Funk (Middle C Jazz) OPEN MIC Singer/Songwriter Open Mic (The Rooster) Open Mic Night (Starlight on 22nd)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8

ROCK/PUNK/METAL Darren Kiely w/ Kyndal Inskeep (Evening Muse) Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (The Fillmore) Blankstate. w/ BetweenTwoTrees, Slothh (The Milestone) Y’all’re w/ The Ruff’tons, Caught Off Guard (The Rooster) JAZZ/BLUES The Chris O’Leary Band (Middle C Jazz) FUNK/JAM BANDS Shana Blake’s Musical Menagerie (Smokey Joe’s Cafe & Bar) Pluto 4 Planet w/ Kyle Cummings (Goldie’s) POP/DANCE/ELECTRONIC/DJ Subvertigo w/ MX Lonely, Bluegill, Momophobia (Snug Harbor) EXPERIMENTAL/MIXED-GENRE/FESTIVAL Prog for Wishes (Visulite Theatre)

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9

ROCK/PUNK/METAL The Lenny Federal Band (Comet Grill) Mo Lowda & the Humble w/ Illiterate Light (Amos’ Southend) Secret Formula Band w/ Council Ring (Evening Muse) Seneca Burns w/ American Theory, Nervous Surface (The Milestone) Alpha Strain w/ Black River Rebels, Cut Throat Suzy, No Falkes Given (The Rooster) The Eyebrows w/ The Cocker Spaniels, The Trick Threat (Tommy’s Pub)

JAZZ/BLUES JD w/ Amanda Hampton, Mandyl Evans (Middle C Jazz) POP/DANCE/ELECTRONIC/DJ Beats @ Birdsong (Birdsong Brewing) Shindig! An Evening Of ’50s & ’60s Music w/ DJ Magic 8 Count w/Nancy Jones, Katie Alling The Deep Shallow Band w/ Matone, Jason Blondzai & DJ HostModern (Tommy’s Pub) (Starlight on 22nd) Scavone (Visulite Theatre) COUNTRY/FOLK/AMERICANA The Maxell 90 (R.E.M. tribute) (Visulite Theatre) EXPERIMENTAL/MIXED-GENRE/FESTIVAL Tophouse (Evening Muse) Alright w/ Ashlyn Uribe, Natalie Carr (Petra’s) OPEN MIC JAZZ/BLUES SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Singer/Songwriter Open Mic (The Rooster) Noel Freidline & Maria Howell (Middle C Jazz) ROCK/PUNK/METAL COUNTRY/FOLK/AMERICANA Cloutchaser w/ Girl Brutal, Litter Kitten, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Chase Matthew (Coyote Joe’s) Demiurge (The Milestone) ROCK/PUNK/METAL Jackopierce (Evening Muse) JAZZ/BLUES Pet Bug w/ The Orderlys, Cursejar, Bourbon Sons w/ Caleb Davis (Goldie’s) Omari & the Hellhounds (Comet Grill) Moderneverything (The Milestone) Chatham Rabbits w/ Erin Rae (Neighborhood Theatre) SINGER-SONGWRITER/ACOUSTIC Daddy’s Beemer w/ Nordista Freeze, Local SINGER-SONGWRITER/ACOUSTIC Jack Lawrence w/ Patrick Crouch (Free Range Brewing) Nomad (Snug Harbor) Dave Desmelik (Birdsong Brewing) Kyle Cummings Duo (Goldie’s) Pink Beds w/ Deau Eyes, Te’Jani (Visulite Theatre) CLASSICAL/INSTRUMENTAL SINGER-SONGWRITER/ACOUSTIC Charlotte Symphony: Remember When Rock MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Leah Marlene w/ Todd Carey (Evening Muse) Was Young (Knight Theater) ROCK/PUNK/METAL COUNTRY/FOLK/AMERICANA HIP-HOP/SOUL/R&B Caligula’s Horse (The Underground) Tanner Usrey (Amos’ Southend) Promise The Gahd w/ Royal City LIF, Been Milah, The Cult of Chunk w/ Jackson Fig, Physical Dylan Marlowe (Neighborhood Theatre) Cozzy (Snug Harbor) Digital, Joules (The Milestone) POP/DANCE/ELECTRONIC/DJ COVER BANDS JAZZ/BLUES The DJaM Collective (Petra’s) Zeveride (Smokey Joe’s Cafe & Bar) The Robert Cray Band (Booth Playhouse) FUNK/JAM BANDS The Bill Hanna Legacy Jazz Session (Petra’s) Shana Blake’s Musical Menagerie (Smokey Joe’s SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10 OPEN MIC Cafe & Bar) ROCK/PUNK/METAL Find Your Muse Open Mic feat. Vicki Genfan & COVER BANDS Stress Fractures w/ The Color Fred, Sinking Sally Barker (Evening Muse) Vinyl Live w/ Walker Taylor Duo (Goldie’s) Season, Rosary, Leaving for Arizona (The Milestone) Brandon Stevens: Songs of Legends (Middle C Woody w/ Daytona, Homemade Haircuts (Petra’s) TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Jazz) Belushi Speed Ball w/ Tongues of Fire, ROCK/PUNK/METAL Telepathetics (Snug Harbor) FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Red Rocking Chair (Comet Grill) COUNTRY/FOLK/AMERICANA ROCK/PUNK/METAL POP/DANCE/ELECTRONIC/DJ Belles w/ Paige King Johnson (Evening Muse) The Lenny Federal Band (Comet Grill) Dark ‘n’ Dirty (Skylark Social Club) Fireside Collective (Neighborhood Theatre) Moon Taxi w/ The Hip Abduction (The Fillmore) SINGER-SONGWRITER/ACOUSTIC POP/DANCE/ELECTRONIC/DJ Den of Wolves w/ Hollow God, Knucklehead, RandyFranklinw/NancyMoore,DavidFrench(3102VisArt) Better Off Dead (Blackbox Theater) Quiet, Winter’s Gate (The Milestone) FUNK/JAM BANDS Requiem: Goth Dance Party w/ DJ Velvetine & DJ True Lilith w/ Oh! You Pretty Things, Patrick Soda City Brass Band (Middle C Jazz) Sanity Ana (Tommy’s Pub) Mawn, Pete Ippolito (The Rooster) OPEN MIC JAZZ/BLUES Michael Haywood w/ Phat Waffle (Smokey Joe’s Open Mic Night feat. The Smokin J’s (Smokey Noel Freidline & Maria Howell (Middle C Jazz) Cafe & Bar) Joe’s Cafe & Bar) CLASSICAL/INSTRUMENTAL Civil Strife w/ Anchor Detail, Hey Richard Charlotte Symphony: Saint-George’s Sword & (Tommy’s Pub) WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Bow (Knight Theater) JAZZ/BLUES ROCK/PUNK/METAL Charlotte Symphony: Remember When Rock Eric Darius (Middle C Jazz) Softcult (Neighborhood Theatre) Was Young (Knight Theater) COUNTRY/FOLK/AMERICANA SINGER-SONGWRITER/ACOUSTIC FAMILY Daniel Donato (Stage Door Theater) Tosco Music: Love Notes (Booth Playhouse) The Jolly Jollies (Camp North End) Randall King (Coyote Joe’s) Kat & Craig (Goldie’s) COVER BANDS Time Sawyer (Evening Muse) EXPERIMENTAL/MIXED-GENRE/FESTIVAL Jam Garden w/ Deta Fire Duo (Goldie’s) Chatham County Line (Neighborhood Theatre) SaxKixAve w/ La Brava, [suspenceful music Poison’us (The Rooster) FUNK/JAM BANDS playing], Harrison Bergamot (Snug Harbor) Electric Dynamite (Smokey Joe’s Cafe & Bar) Jupiter Coyote w/ Gritty Flyright (Visulite Theatre)

COUNTRY/FOLK/AMERICANA SINGER-SONGWRITER/ACOUSTIC Sam Brasko & Saint Logic w/Jim Crosland & the Kyle Dills Band w/ Josh Daniel (Goldie’s) Hypertonics, Bill George (Starlight on 22nd) CLASSICAL/INSTRUMENTAL Charlotte Symphony: Mozart’s Jupiter (Knight JAZZ/BLUES Eric Darius (Middle C Jazz) Theater) POP/DANCE/ELECTRONIC/DJ POP/DANCE/ELECTRONIC/DJ

By George w/ Oceanic, Nolen Durham (Amos’ Jantsen (Blackbox Theater) Southend) Landon Conrath w/ Galloway (Evening Muse) Mythos Reunion (Blackbox Theater) Chelsea Cutler (The Fillmore) Sinetology (Petra’s) KPop Dance Night (The Underground) COVER BANDS CLASSICAL/INSTRUMENTAL Tamra Simone & The Finnas (Bob Marley tribute) Charlotte Symphony: Mozart’s Jupiter (Knight Theater) (Starlight on 22nd) LATIN/WORLD/REGGAE Night in Rio (Neighborhod Theatre) SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17 COVER BANDS ROCK/PUNK/METAL Captain Mike & the Shipwrecked (Jimmy Buffett Chris Taylor & the Rumor w/ Payton & Tommy tribute) (Amos’ Southend) (Goldie’s) The Grateful Dudes (Primal Brewery) Big Backyard w/ Farseek, Funeral Homes, The Bloodworth Project (Smokey Joe’s Cafe & Bar) Convalescent, Rocks for Lizards (The Milestone) Angel Massacre w/ October, Valar Morghulis, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Out of Oblivion (The Rooster) Hot Earth w/ Homemade Speed, Corrupt Faith, ROCK/PUNK/METAL Blackberry Smoke (Ovens Auditorium) Dance of Mephisto (Snug Harbor) Hannah Wicklund w/ The High Divers (Evening Muse) Occult Fracture w/ Mercury Dimes, Castle Black Leaving for Echoes w/ Y’all’re, Audio-Reck, (Snug Harbor) Digital Dolls (The Milestone)

Espericles w/ Encre Noire, Squirter Vile (Tommy’s Pub) JAZZ/BLUES Omari & the Hellhounds (Comet Grill) COUNTRY/FOLK/AMERICANA The Dead South (The Fillmore) Charlie Worsham w/ Jordyn Shellhart (Neighborhood Theatre) SINGER-SONGWRITER/ACOUSTIC Tinsley Ellise & Marcia Ball (Booth Playhouse) David Childers & Friends (Free Range Brewing) Square Roots Duo w/ Tommy Keys (Goldie’s) POP/DANCE/ELECTRONIC/DJ Justin Beiber Night (The Underground) Hazy Sunday (Petra’s) CLASSICAL/INSTRUMENTAL Charlotte Symphony: Mozart’s Jupiter (Knight Theater) COVER BANDS Shira Lissek w/ the Noel Freidline Band (Barbra Streisand tribute) (Middle C Jazz)

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19

ROCK/PUNK/METAL RAATMA w/ Ultra Deluxe, Trophy Hunt, Peach Rings (The Milestone)

JAZZ/BLUES The Bill Hanna Legacy Jazz Session (Petra’s) HIP-HOP/SOUL/R&B Destin Conrad (The Underground) OPEN MIC Find Your Muse Open MIic feat. Dane Page (Evening Muse)

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20

ROCK/PUNK/METAL Adrian Vandenberg (Neighborhood Theatre) Brat w/ Dr. Blood’s Orgy of Gore, Cramped Casket, Victim Complex (Snug Harbor) POP/DANCE/ELECTRONIC/DJ LANY (The Fillmore) Dark ‘n’ Dirty (Skylark Social Club) SINGER-SONGWRITER/ACOUSTIC Lorieann Dalley Trio (3102 VisArt) OPEN MIC Open Mic Night feat. The Smokin J’s (Smokey Joe’s Cafe & Bar) VISIT QCNERVE.COM FOR THE FULL SOUNDWAVE LISTING.

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FOOD & DRINK FEATURE

A MAJOR FLOP

Pizza Baby fails its mission to bring NY-style pizza to Charlotte

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BY TIMOTHY DEPEUGH

For most of Dry January 2024, I kept my mouth shut.

Please do not mistake this for my jumping onto that ghastly trend of (gasp!) not drinking adult beverages for an entire month after Santa Claus comes to town and then complaining about it the entire time on social media.

New year, new me? You’ll certainly see a new me if I am denied drink, whether by myself or by TikTok. That doesn’t make me an alcoholic. That makes me a realist.

That also makes me a better person, which is what I tell myself to rationalize that decision to wait. Why start a new year with negativity? Let the temporary teetotalers take care of that. Their online whining will be loud enough to drown out even the most internal, crying and desperate need of mine to admonish.

New year, new me? Well, at least until February rolls around. And even then it’s always a coin toss at what happens next: will he or won’t he? I mean the groundhog, of course. And in case you all missed it, the furry little beast awoke from his long winter slumber this year to inform the world of an early spring, as for once he did not see his shadow.

Which works out well for me, you see, as I’ve kept my mouth shut all this time, and I am here to bring shade. Please do not mistake this relief for pleasure.

Does the oncologist take pleasure in telling a patient that they’re terminal? Does the officer on duty enjoy knocking on a door with news of a terrible crash? Does the food critic (hi, that’s me!) relish in finding just the right turn of phrase to explain why a certain food is just no good?

You have three months to live. There were no survivors.

Had Justice Samuel Alito tried the pizza at Pizza Baby in Wesley Heights, then he may have steered the court to rule differently. Information, nevertheless painful to convey, but all the more important for you to hear. The Charlotte pizza scene is a treacherous one, dear readers. For your own safety, you must read on.

New York state of mind

From the outside, at least, Pizza Baby makes sense.

At first glance, it is an industrial brick block of a building sunken in along Thrift Road, presenting like Wesley Heights’ version of the Parthenon, visible at all times from any of that neighborhood’s most popular haunts.

A few hours at the brewery and looking for the next stop? Had enough twee tapas from overpriced tasting menus and in need of something more substantial? So over wedding reception planning and desperately on the lookout for carbs?

Just walk outside and turn toward the light: Pizza Baby beckons.

But like most new places in Charlotte, a new restaurant can’t just simply exist; it has to have a story to go along with it.

The story at Pizza Baby, or so I’m told, has something to do with wanting to bring authentic NY-style pizza to Charlotte; marvel how the owners worked their way through countless iterations of dough recipes until they found just the one that would result in the floppy slices of NY-style pizza dreams.

In my mind, there are two problems with this.

One, Pizza Baby’s so-called concept is inherently flawed. NY-style pizza is many things to many people — both to bona fide New Yorkers and to the tourists who like to say they have lived there — but it is not, for the love of all things sacred in the world of food, floppy.

Not for nothing, I spent part of Dry January in New York with friends, and I certainly didn’t squander the chance to confirm my thesis.

At lunch one day at Stretch Pizza, legendary American chef Wylie Dufresne’s new pizza joint near Madison Square Park, I asked the staff what they thought of someone describing NY-style pizza as “floppy.” None of the answers I got are suitable for print, and it’s only with some luck that I made it out of there alive.

But, to be fair, there is always the OG-version of

NOT A STURDY SLICE FROM PIZZA BABY

what something should be, and another version, that of an outsider looking in, of short-term memory, of trying to recapture something that was so perfect just a moment long ago.

Memory is a tricky thing, though. I certainly don’t remember NY-style pizza as floppy, which is why I fly to the source to ask. Pizza Baby co-owners Trey Wilson and Steven De Falco, on the other hand, apparently do, so they opened a restaurant.

This, in case it wasn’t clear, is me trying to give Pizza Baby the benefit of the doubt: “floppy,” oh yes, but have you achieved or failed at what you set out to do when the dough is so floppy that diners question whether or not it’s raw?

The other problem, which I find to be far worse and much more offensive to the good sense average diners bring to new restaurants along with wallets ready to be emptied and stomachs to be filled, is this: Charlotte diners deserve better than places that push concept over taste.

It’s bad enough that diners in this town are at the mercy of influencers and rogue PR pros who live for the easily digestible and retweetable sound bites. Throw in an “authentic” and a harrowing COVID-19 subplot and you’re guaranteed to go viral.

But when did letting the food speak for itself stop

PHOTO BY RICO MARCELO

being enough to create buzz in Charlotte? At around the same time, I think, as the reel took the place of everything real.

More to the point, if you’re going to use social media to trick Charlotteans into thinking that you’re serving something as sacred as NY-style pizza, then at least make it taste good.

From the menu

There’s no reason that the “Fun Guy” couldn’t have done more for the palate than just let it down.

Topped with roasted mushrooms and mushroom cream as well as thin slices of mortadella, it was a pizza poised for pizzazz — had it not been so woefully under seasoned.

Only at Pizza Baby have I found it impossible to tell the difference between mortadella and a mushroom.

“Mother,” in an unfortunate Hitchcockian way, is worse. It’s wearing its ingredients as a costume: mozzarella with tomatoes and parmesan that might resemble the real thing but taste like papier-mâché.

Worse yet, the globs of cheese just sitting there in the sauce have the uncanny resemblance of faces sliced off and thrown on the ground as the good Christian kids in the ’80s horror movies of yore were

FOOD & DRINK FEATURE

PHOTO BY RICO MARCELO

PHOTO BY RICO MARCELO

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and yet concentrated. Under the right light or mobile phone flash, red onion and pistachio pesto make the entire pizza appear like the height of couture from wont to do after losing their virginities in a log the House of Gucci.

But then you have to eat it, which by that point, cabin. This is a costume, yes, from the worst B movie you’ve learned to forgo the crust and just scrape imagined.

And it’s not just the pizzas. But it’s mostly the off the toppings, but have you noticed how truly cheese. Fonduta is a ghastly creation, one that I’ve difficult it is to scrape things off cheese?

Worst case scenario, I’d suggest downing a few suffered through thrice just to make sure I wasn’t being a dick. It presents as a fondue might be cocktails from the list to wash away the memories expected to, but then again so does, to some extent, you had of the time right before entering Pizza Baby, when you were still hopeful that NY-style wallpaper paste.

In fact, as tasteless and oddly textured as it was pizza could at last be enjoyed here in the QC, but not (squishy, and when is melted cheese ever described because they’re impeccably made.

No, because between the margarita and the with that adjective?) it would better be used as wallpaper paste in the dining room should the classic “Last Word,” there is so much lime juice in owners ever decide to cover up those cold concrete both that the acidity works like an industrial solvent to strip the pain away. walls.

They made my tongue hurt. The pizzas, well, they If that weren’t bad enough, then there is also burrata. Again, if Charlotte social media were to be made my soul hurt.

Don’t we get to expect more from a restaurant believed, the burrata at Pizza Baby is the dish du jour omg #hashtag. Instead it is a rather puzzling thing serving pizza that can cost $30 after tax?

There used to be a time when the answer was yes. indeed.

Hell, there used to be a time when the question was It looks like something someone might be inclined to eat, adorned on the plate as it is with unthinkable.

Something is rotten in the city of Charlotte, pistachio pesto and tomatoes, but I defy you to tell that it’s come to this — pizza that is an affront PIZZA BABY SELECTIONS me that you can taste any of those ingredients.

Day-old chewing gum has more complexity to common sense. Maybe we’re growing way too and certainly more flavor. But worse than day-old fast for our own good and the resulting economic chewing gum, the burrata here feels curdled, nay turmoil is making us all collectively forget that $30 gritty, in the mouth. It is altogether unpleasant to pizza should also be edible.

My rent just increased 20%, so I’m in the eat.

Even the stronger pizzas on the menu are no unfortunate position of no longer being able to take match for cheese with textures that shouldn’t be food gambles. And perhaps this is the weakness that influencers in this town exploit — follow me for found in cheese.

Newer to the menu is “Smokin’ Kale,” the rare more awesome food recs, I have 30,000 followers, pizza here that lives up to social media hype. The how could I be wrong? Start with requiring them to kale, mind you, was an afterthought, but one I could attest that they’ve actually eaten the food, and just ignore because of that wonderful calabrian cream. like that, the influencer population is cut in half.

Because how else to describe the mere existence It was so smoky that it was almost metallic, giving off heat in all the right ways, but damned if it wasn’t of a place like Pizza Baby? A social media star whose let down by cheese that had melted down into a food no one in social media has apparently ever tasted. bubbly, unctuous and most unfortunate texture.

It’s a disservice both to Charlotte and to her diners, Which is to say nothing of the floppy crust – I was lucky to get a single bite before everything flopped so much so that I’m left questioning everything new on the restaurant scene. What’s your motive? What off onto the table and into oblivion.

To an even greater degree, I loved the “Rosemary” are you tricking me into buying now? Hashtag sus.

This is a far gentler way of saying, “Burn it all because the flavors were so alive and even ravishing.

The pure taste of rosemary here hits instantly, in a down,” or better yet, and certainly more apropos, “Throw this baby out with the bathwater.” shock, like amphetamine, though like a good bottle Then again, bathwater might be exactly what the of poppers, it lingers long and hot.

This is thanks to hot honey and pecorino, which dough at Pizza Baby really needs. knock about rosemary into sweet, spicy, and then INFO@QCNERVE.COM savory and earthy directions. It is multidimensional, BURRATA

FOOD & DRINK FEATURE

LOVE AND LOSS

A Charlotte restaurant owner navigates grief after losing her partner in business and life

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BY COURTNEY ESTES

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the city embellishes itself in shades of red and pink, celebrating love in its myriad of forms. Yet, for those of us who have experienced the profound loss of a partner, this holiday can evoke a complex array of emotions.

Michael Shortino was my partner.

For the last decade, many in Charlotte have only known Michael as the creator of Futo Buta. To me, he was my person. To describe our connection, words would and should fall short. It was complex, multifaceted and filled with grace.

While others search for love and companionship on social apps, with the promise of a ring and baby, I was lucky and fully content to have found someone who was excited at the opportunity to carve our own path — one that led me to a person who loved all versions of me as I continued to evolve and change.

Our daily conversations centered around imagining new restaurant concepts and creating new dishes. Our favorite pastimes were dining, laughing and dreaming. Our restaurants were the backdrop of our lives, and Charlotte was the backdrop of our love.

The death of a partner leaves an indelible imprint on the heart, altering the terrain of one’s emotional landscape in ways that defy articulation.

Grief is trauma. I would be lying if this story ends on a happy note. I am very much still in this process — a process that is not linear — and I often find myself circling back to ground zero (Grief Day Number One).

In the aftermath of Michael’s passing, being as close to our “stomping grounds” as possible was my only solace. Not just our home, but Charlotte as a whole.

I can remember every milestone, every fight, every crazy adventure and every location. Like when Michael first told me he loved me, 30 days into meeting each other, in my run-down mold infested apartment in Oakhurst; or the upstairs lounge of SouthPark’s Baku, where I first grabbed Michael for a sake-intoxicated makeout session

before asking him to come home with me.

Then there’s the Motorhead show at The Fillmore, where he surprised me with tickets a month before Lemmy passed. There’s the patio of Futo Buta, where we snapped a selfie to remember the day we received the keys to our space — recollecting the group of guys that laughed at us earlier in the day for picking this location.

There’s the hidden meander of Little Sugar Creek at Freedom Park where we taught our dog, Otis, how to swim; the countless bars we bellied up to throughout the years to engage in cheeky conversations with our favorite bartenders; Pho Hoa on Central where we had our first date; and the since-demolished OG Common Market on Camden Road, where we nearly peed our pants, overjoyed at the sight of a Gandalf doppelganger singing songs about the universe on a ukulele. The list goes on...

In the quiet moments of grieving, memories become both a sanctuary and battleground. Like our first big fight, getting ready to carve into a prime rib sitting for dinner at Beef and Bottle. Or the chaos that ensued throughout countless spots around South End from operating restaurants during COVID. There’s the regrets, the possibility that if you chose another route, or had the introspection, would you have taken the same road, knowing the outcome? Did I do everything as best I could? Did I love the right way? Could I have loved him better?

A poignant reminder of a grieving love’s paradoxical nature — its capacity to both uplift and wound. Not only have I grappled with feelings of failure as a partner, but I swing like a pendulum from time to time to the other side with full acceptance of our love story… only to be met with sheer anger of how limited our 10 years together were.

If you are also dealing with grief, you know very well the emotion of envy. I now sit at coffee shops with disdain for others who are older than Michael was when he passed. Why do they get one more day, one more year? What makes them more

COURTNEY ESTES (RIGHT) AND MICHAEL SHORTINO.

deserving to be here?

The thoughts continue. Why does our love and loss have to be the example for others to appreciate their partner more? Why were we picked to be the reminder that it’s all temporary? I’m not ashamed of these thoughts.

As much as I welcome the physical spaces that remind me of our love story… I allow myself the willingness to embrace the full spectrum of human emotion. I give you permission to do the same. I have no regrets for being angry or feeling jealous; they are rooted in the expansiveness that is my love for Michael Shortino and the recoil of the car-crashing shock of his death.

I have no regrets for being angry or feeling jealous; they are rooted in the expansiveness that is my love for Michael Shortino and the recoil of the car-crashing shock of his death.

This story and process is very much ongoing. In these last several months, confronting grief headon, I confront the complexity of love itself — its ability to transcend boundaries and the confines of mortality. My person is no longer here, but my love for him, and the memories we created throughout Charlotte, still are. If I’m here to remember

PHOTO COURTESY OF COURTNEY ESTES

them, those locations still hold the echoes of our relationship.

I wish I could say I’m on the other-side and can lend you a road map for how you can navigate the loss of your partner. I can’t. But what I can leave you with is a small Valentine’s Day story that took place in Charlotte.

It starts with two people freshly in love. It’s February 2014 and the city has just had its biggest snowfall in several years. The couple just dug themselves out of the driveway with an IKEA bake tray and a spatula.

Everyone else in the neighborhood is hunkering down for the storm, but these two lovebirds insist on heading out to Elizabeth Billiards, where they’ll annoyingly play Steely Dan on the jukebox for hours, sipping on bourbon, playing pool, and eating bags of Doritos. They’ll most certainly annoy the seasoned bartender with an overwhelming amount of PDA, and they have no idea yet that they’re about to open a tiny ramen shop in a little sliver of South End. They’re madly in love, and they’ll stay that way for quite some time.

INFO@QCNERVE.COM

FOOD & DRINK FEATURE

The Crunkleton

LAST-MINUTE VALENTINE’S GUIDE Local date ideas for the procrastinating partner

BY RAYNE ANTRIM

February 14 is approaching quickly, and if you don’t have plans yet but are feeling some side-eye from your partner, we’ve highlighted a few spots below that could be helpful. As of the time of this writing, they all had space remaining for the big date night, but we can’t make any guarantees by the time this paper makes it to racks. Best of luck.

This spot is hailed as one of Charlotte’s finest cocktail bars thanks to their unrivaled collection of curated spirits and talented mixologists. And yet there’s no judgment from the bartenders if you decide on a Miller High Life for your drink of choice, but you can also pick the brains of the incredibly knowledgeable bartenders on staff about how to make the perfect old fashioned. With only two locations in Charlotte and Chapel Hill, the restaurant’s reputation stems from word-of-mouth.

More: 1957 E. 7th St., MARIPOSA thecrunkleton.com/locations/charlotte

Mariposa at The Mint

Tree has five dining rooms, expansive seating on the veranda and patio, as well as grand fireplaces and a full-service bar. Even when it’s packed, the intimate space can make it feel like it’s just you and your partner. You both can enjoy escargot, an artisan cheese plate, and elk chop paired with their exceptional wine choices.

More: 1601 E. 7th St.; charlottefigtree.com

FIVE ROMANTIC SPOTS TO HAVE A Sophia’s Lounge VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER Customshop

Customshop screams intimacy with its mood lighting, candle-lit tables and delicious cocktails.

The chef-driven restaurant showcases local farms to support local businesses and cultivate community.

They make weekly menu changes to accommodate the seasonality of food from North Carolina and grab inspiration stylistically from Spain, Italy and France.

Indulge in pasta dishes like the blue crab ravioli and saffron canestri and incredible grilled prime NY strip.

More: 1601 Elizabeth Ave.; customshopfood.com

On the ground floor of The Ivey’s Hotel, Sophia’s Lounge is a mix between a modern cocktail lounge and an old-timey speakeasy. While one room has a sparkling chandelier, another features industrial lights. The couches are pillowy and the vibe is inviting. With its relaxed atmosphere, there is no need to yell at the person right across from you, so intimate conversation is welcome. The lounge is known to have some of the best-tasting cocktails in Uptown, accompanied by their delicious shareables.

More: 127 N. Tryon St., Suite D; theiveyshotel.com/dining/sophias-lounge

The Hobbyist

COURTESY OF BLACK WEDNESDAY

The Fig Tree Restaurant

Also located in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood, The Fig Tree is located inside a 1913, pre-WWI home. Known for its decadence and charm, The Fig

OYSTERS AT THE CRUNKLETON

COURTESY OF THE CRUNKLETON

Experience one of the most romantic nights of the year with an intimate dinner followed by a free walk through the adjoining Mint Museum from 5-9 p.m.

Mariposa offers a small plate, duo of roasted oysters small plate; large plates of whole roasted fish; and petit Wagyu tenderloin topped off with their curated cocktails like Cupid’s Forbidden Love Elixir, a riceinfused Oaklore gin base with raspberry liqueur and raspberry hibiscus foam.

More: Prices vary; Feb. 13-15; 5-10 p.m.; Mariposa; 500 S. Tryon St.; mariposaclt.com/reservations

Table and Twine’s Valentine’s Day EXCLUSIVE VALENTINE’S DAY MENUS Special Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen Take-Home Meals

Celebrate V Day within the comfort of your own home while still experiencing a classy dinner by ordering a Valentine’s take-home meal from Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen. Revel in grass-fed beef tenderloin with red wine sauce or lemon thyme-braised half chicken with sides of maple glazed sweet potatoes.

Top the night off with a chocolate strawberry gâteau.

More: Prices vary; Feb. 9, 10, 13, & 14; times vary; online ordering available; chefalyssaskitchen.com/valentines/

Gallentine’s Wine & Chocolate Pairing

Who says your relationships with your friends aren’t as important as your significant other? USVI Wine Co. hosts a Gallentine’s Wine & Chocolate Pairing to celebrate the love you share with your closest gal pals. Sip on five fine wines paired with five decadent chocolates, as you unwind.

Anyone is welcome to attend.

More: $20; Feb. 13; 6:30-7:30 p.m.; USVI Wine Company; 167 Union Street South; Concord; tinyurl.com/gallentines-wine

For the introverts and homebodies out there who would rather stay in to watch a movie while not giving up on the extra sprinkle of romance, order a Valentine’s Day dinner from Table and Twine. Choose from a filet mignon dinner, a lobster carbonara dinner, a four-course dinner for two bundles, a DIY cookie decorating kit, and Cupid’s Arrow Cocktail mix. Menus are available for delivery/pickup Feb. 13-16 while supplies last.

More: $11.99-$149.99; Feb. 13-16; times vary; 2600 Youngblood St.; tinyurl.com/table-and-twine

Valentine’s Day Dinner at El Thrifty

Residing in Optimist Hall, El Thrifty Social focuses on fresh ingredients and traditional techniques for their tacos, platas, especials and sides. The cantina/event space will host a romantic evening with a specially curated menu for Valentine’s Day. Enjoy delicious food, drinks and a cozy atmosphere with fun arcade games on the side to celebrate the day of love with your partner and/or loved ones.

More: $100-$140; Feb. 14; 6-10:30 p.m.; El Thrifty Social; 1115 North Brevard St., #100; tinyurl.com/el-thrifty-social INFO@QCNERVE.COM

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CUSTOMSHOP

For you non-alocholic drinkers out there, The Hobbyist is the perfect place to sip on a warm cup of coffee and tea. Located in the Villa Heights neighborhood right outside of NoDa, the unassuming cafe is cozy with warm lights and plenty of seating for a low-key date night. You can play card games or read a book whilst enjoying the company of a loved one right by your side. For those who love coffee and wine, the café doubles as a wine bar at night with a vast selection of reds and whites.

They also recently implemented a cocktail program, offering up espresso martinis, margaritas and more.

More: 2100 N. Davidson St.; thehobbyistclt.com

COURTESY OF MARIPOSA

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LIFESTYLE PUZZLES

TRIVIA TEST

BY FIFI RODRIGUEZ

1. MOVIES: Which movie has the tagline, “May the odds be ever in SUDOKU

BY LINDA THISTLE your favor”?

2. GEOGRAPHY: Which country possesses Baffin Island?

3. AD SLOGANS: Which company’s slogan is, “You’re in good hands”?

4. LANGUAGE: What is a common saying for the Latin phrase “lapsus linguae”?

5. MUSIC: What country was home to reggae singer Bob Marley?

6. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is an example of a macropod?

7. TELEVISION: Gordon, Percy, James, Toby and Emily are characters on which children’s show?

8. MATH: What is 1/60 of a degree?

9. LITERATURE: Who wrote the book series “The Chronicles of Narnia”?

10. ACRONYMS: What does the PLACE A NUMBER IN THE EMPTY BOXES IN SUCH A WAY THAT EACH ROW acronym SPF stand for?

ACROSS, EACH COLUMN DOWN AND EACH SMALL 9-BOX SQUARE CONTAINS ALL OF THE NUMBERS ONE TO NINE.

CROSSWORD

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STORYBOOK SENTIMENT

©2024 King Feautres Syndicate, Inc. All rights reserved.

LIFESTYLE COLUMN

THE SEEKER

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

Jenn Mott Redd practices photography as a form of therapy

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BY KATIE GRANT

In the dynamic landscape of Charlotte, certain parts of the city combine to form a foundation for the thriving artist community. Theaters, museums, music venues, and other creative hubs form the sacred pillars that serve as the inspiration for future generations — outlets for expression.

Local artist Jenn Mott Redd embodies this creative spirit. Redd’s artistic journey began at the age of 8 during a symphony performance at which she felt her first spark of inspiration — not from what was happening onstage but off, rather, sketching the profile of a woman she saw in the audience, an apparent doppelganger of Madonna.

Fast forward several years, over which Redd’s portraiture talents have evolved from pencil, charcoal and pastels to photography.

If you’re a regular at The Milestone, chances are you’ve spotted Jenn capturing candid moments with her camera. It was in the unpredictable atmosphere of live music that her photography business truly found its stride, driving her professional growth.

It was during a punk show at the iconic venue that she felt her perspective shift, changing her trajectory and directing it at the music industry, further rounding out her already diverse portfolio.

Jenn Mott Redd’s photography style is a testament to her imaginative prowess, steering away from the norms of conventional photography. Her portfolio encompasses a bit of both whimsical and rock ‘n’ roll, reflecting emotional depth.

At the core of her creative vision is the pursuit of that fleeting moment — the one that she can capture, conveying the raw emotion and energy present in subjects and their environments.

She is dedicated to fostering a sense of originality through thought-provoking imagery that resonates with the transformational power of love.

Redd loves being behind the lens, but the editing

supporting trauma survivors, ideally incorporating art therapy at its core.

According to the Art Therapy Association, the practice “effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns. Art therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change”.

Redd envisions the establishment of a nonprofit designed exclusively for trauma survivors. At the core of this endeavor are therapeutic practices that played a pivotal role in her own journey.

Personal development aside, Jenn views the expansion of her business as a critical path for community development. This commitment reaches beyond therapy and further into the nonprofit realm — charity events, sponsorship opportunities, and more.

The expressive mediums of art, music, and writing, which profoundly contributed to her personal healing and self-discovery, now inspire her to extend a helping hand to the community. Her goal is to cultivate a collective connection through the shared human experience.

process is also a passionate quest for her, enabling the creation of artistic and contemplative images, including abstract art.

Redd finds fulfillment in the positive impact her work has on individuals, instilling a sense of beauty and intrigue. She takes pride in crafting inspirational pieces that not only boost clients’ confidence but serve as motivational catalysts for their musical career.

Photography isn’t the only outlet through which Redd expresses herself. She has stuck with the A JENN MOTT REDD SHOT OF JAY GARRIGAN WITH THE original forms of visual art she practiced as a child, You can stay up to date with Jenn Mott Redd, her EYEBROWS. and somewhere along the way picked up poetry, art, and her work in the community through her chasing the same goal of capturing moments in a Instagram, Facebook page or her portfolio. candid way, whether through her words or her lens.

INFO@QCNERVE.COM But her place in the art world did not come without its challenges. Redd admits to overcoming numerous obstacles throughout her life, including five distinct and separate traumas since the age of 4. Despite their lingering effects, she now channels her pain into her work, finding healing through selfexpression, art and writing.

By adopting a meditation and mindfulness practice, she has discovered positive modalities for managing anxiety and depression. It is through this personal development, along with her renewed sense of purpose and almost two years of sobriety, that Redd has found a profound sense of peace at this conjecture in her life.

Redd’s personal story now highlights a triumphant chapter of overcoming substancerelated challenges, which has deeply influenced her steadfast commitment to helping others navigate the tumultuous waters of trauma recovery.

In addition to her personal journey, Jenn finds solace and healing through goal-setting.

Her overarching life vision encompasses the establishment of a nonprofit dedicated to

LIFESTYLE

HOROSCOPE

FEB. 7 - 13

2024 KING FEATURES SYND., INC.

PUZZLE ANSWERS

FEB. 14 - 20

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Taking some time out of your usually busy social life could be just what you need.

You can focus on putting some finishing touches on those plans for a possible career change.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You might feel bolder as each new success falls into place. However, caution is still advised throughout the end of the week. Taking it stepby-step is the best approach.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) A misunderstanding about a colleague’s suggestions could create a delay in moving on with your proposal. But by week’s end, all the confusing points should finally be cleared up.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) The cooperation that you request could come at too high of a price. Since few can beat the Bovine at being clever and resourceful, why not see what you can do on your own?

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Finishing a current project CANCER (June 21 to July 22) The concerned Crab will act NEWSLETTER ahead of schedule leaves you free to deal with other to resolve workplace misunderstandings before they get GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Aspects favor a quieter time to get closer to the people who are especially important to you. There’s always much more to learn and appreciate about each other.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A state of confusion early in the week is soon cleared up with explanations from the responsible parties. Don’t waste time chastising anyone. Instead, move forward with your plans.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Be more patient with those who seem unwilling to accept your version of what’s right. The fact is, there’s a lot more to learn on all sides of this issue.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) You might feel obligated to help work out a dispute between family members. But this is one of those times when you should just step aside and let them work out their problems on their own.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) It should be easier for you to assess the facts and make an important decision. But don’t commit if you still have doubts. There could be more you need to know.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Your ability to resolve an on-the-job problem without leaving too many ruffled feathers earns you kudos from co-workers. You also impress major decision-makers at your workplace.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Your excitement level remains high as you continue working on a new project. Expect some setbacks, but on the whole, all will move pretty much on schedule.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Newly made and long-held friendships merge well, with one possible exception. Take time to listen to the dissenter’s explanations. You could learn something important.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) It might be wise to be more prudent with expenses right now.

But your financial situation should soon clear up, and you could be back shopping as happily as ever.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Be prepared to be flexible about your current travel plans. Although you don’t have to take suggestions, at least consider them from experts in the travel business.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) You might prefer sticking with your current schedule, but some newly emerging information could persuade you to consider a change. Keep an open mind.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A problem with a recent financial transaction could lead to more problems later on unless you resolve it immediately. Get all the proof you need to support your position.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) You might want to reject a suggested change, but it could be wise to go with the flow, at least for a while. You can always return to your first plan if you like.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Daydreaming makes it difficult to stay focused on what you need to do. But reality sets in by midweek, and you manage to get everything done in time for a relaxing weekend.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You’re bolstered by both the practical and poetic sides of your nature as you maneuver some unsettled emotional situations. Things ease up by week’s end.

BORN THIS WEEK: Your ability to reach out to those in BORN THIS WEEK: People respond to your generosity need of spiritual comfort makes you a much-revered and and wisdom. They consider you a treasured and trusted much-loved person within your community. friend.

Get our community reporting delivered straight to your inbox every Mon., Wed. & Fri. BIT.LY/NERVENEWSLETTER

UPCOMING SPECIAL ISSUES MARCH 6 | SPRING GUIDE APRIL 3 | BEER ISSUE APRIL 17 | 4:20 ISSUE JUNE 12 | SUMMER GUIDE JULY 10 | CLT MUSIC ISSUE

Trivia Answers

LEO (July 23 to August 22) What the Big Cat might see as a disturbing act of disloyalty might just be a failure of communication on both sides. Take time for mediation rather than confrontation.

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LEO (July 23 to August 22) Turn that fine-tuned feline sensitivity radar up to high to help yourself uncover any facts that could influence a decision you might be preparing to make. Devote the weekend to family activities.

6. Kangaroo.

7. “Thomas the Tank Engine.”

8. A minute.

9. C.S. Lewis.

10. Sun Protection Factor.

upcoming situations, including a possible workplace out of hand and cause serious problems. Coworkers rally change or a demanding personal matter. to support your efforts.

1. “The Hunger Games.”

2. Canada.

3. Allstate.

4. A slip of the tongue.

5. Jamaica.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You might feel overwhelmed by all the tasks you suddenly have to take care of. But just say the magic word — “Help!” — and you’ll soon find others rushing to offer much-needed assistance.

LIFESTYLE COLUMN

SAVAGE LOVE

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QUICKIES

7. I’m getting mixed signals from someone who runs hot and cold, and I don’t know how to interpret some of the things he does. He used to want sex all the time; now he doesn’t as much. He doesn’t initiate much, save for hugs.

How do I get him to be clear about whether he wants to be with me or cut me loose?

Cutting him loose yourself will make something clear to him — namely, that you’re not thrilled with the trajectory of the relationship — and his

BY DAN SAVAGE reaction to being cut loose will provide you with the 1. How do you tell the difference between your vulva, your clit, your vagina — before acting on clarity you need from him. when someone says they love you in a Platonic anything with your would-be lover. And by, “explore way and when someone says they love you in that area solo,” what I mean is, “masturbate like crazy, 8. I’m in a sexless but otherwise wonderful a romantic way? using toys and lubes, and discover what feels good marriage. Hubby knows about and supports and works for you now so you can share that with your my outside sex life. Recently, to my dismay, Ask a direct question: “That’s nice — but do would-be lover when the time is right.”

I contracted herpes. What are your thoughts you mean that platonically or do you mean that about my obligation to tell potential sex passionately? Like, do you just wanna hang out or do 4. what does it mean if you straight and partners? Most of them won’t wear condoms. you wanna hang and fuck and hang out some more you gay friend seduces you and you like it that Does your answer change if I’m on meds? Does and fuck some more?” means you gay too right your answer change if I’m with one person as opposed to a sex club? The two people I did tell 2. What is the best body-safe material for could mean you gay or could mean you bi or ran for the hills. Your thoughts? pegging toys that’s compatible with silicone- pan or flex but doesn’t mean you can’t still identify based lube? as straight if straight feels like it comes closest to People who have casual sex with multiple reflecting your usual desires, erotic targets, romantic partners — one at a time or one right after the “Normally my top choice for pegging is 100% interests, etc. other in a sex club — are volunteering for herpes. silicone toys but we usually recommend only using And while I think you should disclose, I can certainly them with water-based lube,” said Searah Deysach, 5. I recently began dating a man who likes understand why you might hesitate, given the the owner of Chicago’s sex-toy shop Early to Bed. choking me as much as I like being choked. irrational reactions you’ve received from people who “But silicone-lube-compatible toys like glass, hard A few days after some rough choking, I should know better. plastic, and steel are not ideal for pegging with a developed a severe sore throat. Could this harness as they have no flexibility. So, you have have been caused by the choking or is it a 9. My boyfriend comes in me frequently, two options if you’re wedded to the idea of silicone coincidence? Additionally, what are the risks but I’m not concerned about that. I have an lube. You can roll an unlubricated condom over if I let him choke until I pass out for a second? IUD. However, I love to cum before and after your silicone toy to protect it from the lube or you penetration, and he will not finger me after can do a small patch test of your preferred lube on The risk for you: not waking up. The risk for him: he comes in me, fearing he will “push the your silicone toy to see if it affects the surface. But going to prison. Look, choking is dangerous and sperm in deeper” and increase my chances of be warned! Some toy warranties are void if you use choking “play” should only involve simulated or pregnancy. Can you help clear this up for us? silicone lube on them!” symbolic choking. The kind of throttling that leaves you with a sore throat days later — to say nothing I don’t think your boyfriend is actually worried 3. I have a would-be lover. We’ve talked. of being choked out — is extremely dangerous. about your IUD failing — IUDs have very low failure We’ve texted. But we haven’t acted on Please stop. rates (you could’ve Googled that yourself) — I think anything. It’s been so long that I’ve had a your boyfriend, like many men, not only rapidly chance to do anything like this — I spent 6. Young couple with two kids, married five loses interest in sex after he comes, he’s a little decades in a sexless marriage — that I’m years, now talking divorce. Will opening up grossed out by the same fluids and activities that afraid I don’t know how to do this anymore. the marriage help? were turning him on immediately before he came.

And given that I’m in menopause, things don’t Maybe instead of asking him to put his fingers quite feel the same in that area. Any tips to If opening up the marriage is the only other option back inside you, you could ask him to use a toy on get me back in the saddle? on the table — if it’s open or over — then opening you instead. up the marriage is obviously the better choice. But if I think you would benefit from reading Dr. Jen opening up the marriage doesn’t resolve a key conflict Gunter’s invaluable book The Menopause Manifesto. in the marriage (say one person is done with sex and Also, I would urge you to explore that area solo — the other person isn’t), divorce is probably inevitable.

10. My boyfriend likes to be tied up and left alone. I’m happy to do it for him. But he also likes to be tied up and left alone when there are other people in our apartment who don’t know he’s tied up in another room. Is this a consent violation?

Yes, but it’s a minor one, and I will allow it. To have a clearer conscience, let your friends know your boyfriend is in the apartment but he’s working on something and in the zone or not feeling well and under the covers — either way, he won’t be coming out to say hello. (For the record: Leaving someone alone in bondage is dangerous. If you’re going to do this dangerous thing — and I’m officially advising you not to do this dangerous thing — please follow any and all safety tips you can find.)

11. MM spanking. I want it. I know other boys are getting it, as I see their pics and videos all over Twitter. Why can’t I find it?

“There’s a great app geared toward the MM spanking scene called Whappz that I’ve had some luck with,” said The Spanking Boy, a gay spanking enthusiast who’s had a more luck finding play partners than you and posts the proof on Instagram and Twitter (@thespankingboy on both) . “But I’ve personally had a lot of luck just using Grindr and with the ‘spanking’ tag, a hot profile pic, and a bio that’s straight forward about what I’m looking for. A lot of men are into spanking and don’t even realize it — so, you just have to bring it up and see where it goes. With spanking and other kinks, it helps to be direct with what you’re looking for. And when I’m lucky enough to be talking to a real dad, I’ll say something like, ‘So, as a dad, do you think I deserve a spanking for showing off my bare bottom on Grindr and Twitter?’ The answer is almost always yes.”

12. What do you search for when looking for domination and submission?

Take Spanking Boy’s advice and ask for what you want. If you’re a gay or bi man seeking D/s play, get on Recon. If you’re straight or bi woman seeking D/s play, get on Fetlife or Feeld. But you can be out and kinky on “normal” dating apps, too, and being honest and direct with people you meet offline is a good strategy. (Remember: The people you meet in normie spaces assume you’re vanilla … and you’re not. They might not be either.)

Got problems? Everyone does! Send your question to mailbox@savage.love; podcasts, columns and more at Savage.Love.

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