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seen publisher TJ Larsen TJ@SeenUptown.com www.MyTownhome.com
editor Scott Lindsley Scott@SeenUptown.com www.LiveInWilmore.com fashion editor Joey Hewell Joey@SeenUptown.com www.JStudioSouthend.com art editor Sharon Dowell Sharon@SeenUptown.com www.sharondowell.com Music editor Shuffle Magazine brian@shufflemag.com www.shufflemag.com Fotography director Ryan Sumner/Fenix Fotography FenixFoto@SeenUptown.com www.fenixfoto.com design wrangler Little Shiva shivita@mac.com www.littleshiva.com
cover photo by Fenix Fotography photo this page by Dagney Helms
collaboration [kuh-lab-uh-rey-shuh'n] – noun (often followed by on, with, etc.) 1. the act of working with another or others on a joint project 2. something created by working jointly with another or others This issue of Seen Uptown Magazine is one of collaboration. While we’ve always sought reader input, whether in words or images, we now have two new partners who provide both. Fox Charlotte (WCCB Channel 18) became a partner in September with the launch of Seen on the Edge.This on-air version of Seen Uptown airs on Thursday nights as part of the Fox News Edge broadcast, and like Seen Uptown, covers life and culture in and around center city. Many of these segments end up both on-air and in print like the NoDa All Bikes Night, Xanadu, and the Chow Down Uptown Food Truck photo spreads in this issue.To see the video counterparts, join us on Facebook at Seen on the Edge or visit www.FoxCharlotte.com. Our next new partner is Shuffle Magazine. Shuffle is a quarterly music magazine focused on independent music in the Carolinas.To learn more about Shuffle, visit www.ShuffleMag.com or pick up one of their current issues. As always, send your ideas, stories, and especially photos to info@seenuptown.com. I hope everyone has a great holiday. See you next year! —Scott Lindsley seen uptown – 5
Build Modern Charlotte Build Modern Charlotte is a group of designers, architects and fans of modern living and architecture who want to create conversation, blogs and interest in modern design of all eras. Their site, www. BuildModernCharlotte. com, is a resource for people who want to build modern, live modern, and be modern in the Carolinas. This month they bring us the “Aero House,” an amazing renovation / transformation located in the heart of Charlotte.
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Joey Hewell Joey Hewell was the first graduate of the Aveda Institute in Charlotte and has been immersed in the Charlotte fashion scene ever since. He owns his own styling boutique and salon, J Studio, in SouthEnd, hosts “Fashion Fridays” each week on Fox News Rising, and is our Fashion Editor. His work can be seen on runway and print and often is of his own design or re-design for vintage clothing. Find Joey at JStudioSouthend.com.
Lauren Blake Lauren Blake is a recent graduate from UNCC where she earned a degree in Communication Studies and Journalism. She returned to UNC Charlotte this year to obtain a second degree in English, continuing to explore Charlotte as a freelance writer, dabbling mostly in fashion, shopping, and lifestyle. She hopes to pursue a career in the field of journalism and entertainment, whether it’s writing or on television. Her latest project is a children’s book series, which she hopes to publish in the near future. Contact her at Labb1@aol.com.
Ryan Sumner As creative director of Fenix Fotography, Ryan specializes in eye-catching advertising images for businesses–from gastroenterologists to ghost hunters. His fashion and editorial work has appeared in numerous local and national publications and on the websites of MTV, Maxim, VH1, SMET, and Ed Hardy (when Ed Hardy was cool). He’s also written five books combining his love of history and photography. More at www.fenixfoto.com.
Scott Lindsley Scott is a born and bred Charlottean. “Charlotte is an exciting and diverse place that has grown exponentially during my lifetime. It's an exciting growth that I’ve thrived on.” That’s his description of the changes he’s seen and as publisher and editor of Seen Uptown he strives to show the varied lives and lifestyles found in the Queen City. He lives and works in the historic Wilmore neighborhood in SouthEnd where his garden, dogs and friends are his passion.
photomontage: Little Shiva
Sharon Dowell Sharon is a painter, public art creator, curator and was director of the muchmissed Center of the Earth Gallery. She will be a summer affiliate at the McColl Center for Visual Art starting this month and welcomes you to visit her in her studio there. She exhibits nationally and can be found at art-centered events throughout the city. To learn more and see her work visit www. SharonDowell.com.
Shuffle Magazine Shuffle Magazine covers grassroots and independent music in the Carolinas. Founded in Charlotte in 2006, it has since grown to become the region’s largest music publication as well as the leading voice for independent music culture in the Carolinas. Contributors in this issue include founder/ publisher Brian Cullinan, chief editor John Schacht, assistant editor Jordan Lawrence, photo editor Enid Valu and contributing photographer Daniel Coston. For more information on Shuffle Magazine: www. shufflemag.com
TJ Larsen When TJ first moved to Charlotte in 1998, he was set on becoming a graphic designer and copywriter. His passion for the creative is voiced through marketing with his day job, owner of My Townhome Realty, which provides unique opportunities to get knee-deep in all things creative. Publishing Seen Uptown Magazine adds yet another creative outlet. His fuel and inspiration for the content is Uptown life, arts, fashion, music and culture. After selling that way of life in real estate for 13 years this is the perfect new vehicle for his creative side. More at www.tjlarsen.com
Timothy McCollum Tim grew up in Charlotte and has thirsted for adventure since childhood. He risks his life daily on the open road for the joy of the ride. For the last 8 years, he’s been supporting his cycling passion by helping people purchase real estate. He lives in Wesley Heights with his smokin’ hot wife and Sadie, a Great Dane/ Lab mix. Follow him on twitter at tim_mccollum.
Thomas Carrig Thomas Carrig graduated from Johnson & Wales with degrees in culinary arts as well as culinary nutrition. After amassing some great experience and earning a unique set of credentials in the worlds of nutrition and wine, he recently moved to Charlotte to open “Chef Thomas LLC,” a personal chef business. Chef Thomas provides in-home services such as weekly meal plans, dinner parties, cooking classes and wine classes.
contributors
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What: Xanadu – The Musical! /// Where: Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square /// Who: Queen City Theatre Company /// Late October brought roller disco to Char lotte as the Queen City Theatre Company opened “Xanadu – The Musical!” from Broadway to Spirit Square. The colorful swirl of disco, roller skates, Greek mythology and 1980’s satire ran from October sixth through the 22nd. To see upcoming shows by QCTC visit www.QueenCityTheatre.com and to see the Seen on The Edge broadcast of the last rehearsal before opening night check out Seen on The Edge on Facebook.
photos courtesy Shannon Routh
ride free
story by Timothy McCollum, photos by Fenix Fotography
Uptown Charlotte hosted the 8th annual invitational criterium, which is a circuit race for a set period of time. A crit, as they’re called, provides all the excitement of a road race but takes place in a compact course, usually around an urban location with a course distance between .6mi and 1.2mi. Every year, tens of thousands of fans come to the streets of Uptown to see professional bike racers fly through the city at speeds in excess of 30 mph for nearly two hours.The individuals who compete are truly special athletes with both explosive power and impressive endurance. As far as spectators are concerned, racing seems fairly straightforward: the first person across the line on the last lap wins. Yet understanding the tactics, physiology, and machinery that makes bike racing possible is far more complicated. I'm not a professional cyclist, and I don’t think I ever could be, but the motivations behind cycling and racing have lessons for us all, professional or otherwise. There’s a great cliché we use to talk about things we never forget how to do that goes: “It’s like riding a bike.” Have you ever wondered why bike riding is the reference point for actions we always remember? Scientists researched why people never forget how to ride a bike, and they came up with “sensory-motor memory,” a term used to explain the unforgettable nature of cycling. It’s science-lingo for saying that joy from riding the bike is what makes it unforgettable.
Not only is riding a bike something that brings joy, but as a child it's also a rite of passage. Getting a bike symbolizes a new level of development, a special time in each child’s life. A bike provides newfound freedom to go places that were never possibilities before. Many people ride their bikes until they get cars and forget all about their bikes. By now, I’ve had a car for a long time. I’ve been able to go where I want, when I want for years. There’s something about cars that doesn’t feel very free to me though. Maybe it’s because I’m supposed to stay between the lines. Maybe it’s because a car doesn’t really require anything from me. Maybe it’s because sometimes in a car I arrive at a destination without remembering a thing about how I even got there. On a bike, things are different. Whether I’m riding for leisure, training for a race, or participating in a race, cycling both offers and requires something special and provides an opportunity for freedom. I can basically go as far as I want in any direction, and, unlike a car, a bike requires something of me. To date, I’ve never found myself on my bike at a destination and wondered how I got there. As a teen, I would never have imagined that a bike would again become an important part of my life, but as an adult I’ve come to realize that riding a bike is a mirror to life.There is a process and a methodology that is both trying and rewarding. The reward can only be realized seen uptown – 13
after the trial. Getting over a hill or speeding down the road requires effort that is very real and personal. Getting to the top of a hill only happens pedal stroke by pedal stroke, one at a time. Each pedal stroke takes a little bit out of you and returns that effort with distance covered. The fact that you made progress because of your effort is reaffirming that yes, you can do it. In cycling, just like in life, the questions “Can I do it?” and “Do I have what it takes?” are asked more regularly than we might expect. Most of the time, we aren’t even aware that we’re asking the questions, but still they linger out there, often unanswered. Facing an unanswered question is scary. Whether it’s about a relationship, a project at work, or pursuing a goal, places with unanswered questions feel very dangerous. On the bike, the question is asked and answers are sought through moments like seeing how fast I can go up the biggest hills or how fast I can go down them (my favorite). For several years, I’ve been one of those guys who risks life and limb for the chance at a moment of glory. It’s an entirely different thing to be tested amongst other
men. It can be discouraging to enter a race and not finish well, or not even finish at all. I’ve raced a lot. I’ve come in first place, last place, and just about every place in between. Each race was a test, a trial, an opportunity to prove to myself in a new way, to prove that yes, I have what it takes to make it through. In fact, I recently did a criterium. Notice that the verb I used was “did”, not “dominated” or “won”, just “did”, and sometimes just doing a race is an accomplishment. Crits are fast races that are fun to watch and even more fun to race. Crit racing is my favorite type of bike race, and that’s what I do the majority of time. Chad Andrews, a local cycling coach and race commentator, emceed last night’s race. As he explained the nature of bike racing, Chad said something profound: “Bike racing is a series of frustrating disappointments that is occasionally interrupted by moments of glory.” Racing offers moments of glory, but the cost can be high. Racing bikes is fairly dangerous. On the danger spectrum of sports, I’d say it ranks between football and skydiving. In cycling, there is a chance of breaking bones
or something worse. In football, athletes can definitely break bones, but I can’t think of the last time I heard of a football death (except from dehydration, which doesn’t count). Skydivers seldom break bones, but if there’s an accident, it won’t be pretty. In cycling, taking a spill at 30 mph hurts. If you want to know what it’s like, strip down to your underwear and jump out of a car going down the road at 30 mph. Sometimes a spill just causes “road rash” (scrapes and bruising), but occasionally it’s fatal. Personally, I’ve known people who were killed while cycling. It's tragic to lose people that way. From what I’ve seen each time, bike racers around those lost have kept facing the risks and continued to pedal on because there’s something so rewarding about riding a bike. For those non-cycling people out there (and maybe even some of the cyclists), it might be hard to understand why something fraught with danger can be freeing. On the surface, it doesn’t make much sense, really. How can something inanimate – which provides nothing on its own yet requires you to put something into it – be freeing? In the most basic sense, cycling is freeing because it allows you to go wherever you want. Whether it’s closed roads or no roads, up that steep hill, over that ledge, or down that trail, the options are limitless. You are free to go wherever you want as fast or as slow as you want. In a more meaningful sense, cycling provides an opportunity for the heart to step back into freedom.The default position of the heart’s design is towards freedom. When freedom is taken away, a hunger burns inside. Inmates realize this longing well.They are haunted by the memory of freedom because that’s their true design. We all sell out our hearts’ freedom daily through a long list of heart-destroying thoughts and behaviors. One of the most prominent is listening to the critical voices that attack the core of who we are.You know the voice; it’s the one reminding you that “you’re such an idiot.” Another way we give away our freedom is through unsettled emotions that get tucked away and ignored. We also, with phones, music, TV, and the internet, sacrifice the peace that comes from silence, most of the time because we aren’t comfortable in silence. In our core, we convince ourselves that life would be good if we were just busier, richer, or more popular. All the while, we're angry and don’t know why. It’s because we’re living only a fraction of the lives we were designed to live.
If riding a bike alone solved all of the above, then cyclists would be the most balanced and emotionally healthy individuals out there. Unfortunately, riding isn’t the solution to all the problems of life. But one of the things I love about cycling is that it provides an opportunity to step away, shut off all the noise, and find refreshment. There is great joy in riding, but it’s also where I go to sort out the hurts of life and to lay to rest all the accusations that have been coming against me. The other week a very kind woman asked me why I ride when there’s a chance I could become roadkill (my words, not hers). As I thought about the risks and tried to explain what I enjoy, I stumbled through my answer, and I’m sure I did a poor job of painting a compelling picture. As I thought about the question in the weeks that followed, I remembered something I heard a few years ago: “People need to have opportunities to be courageous. A soul that lacks opportunities to be courageous will shrivel up and die.” Courage is like a muscle. The more you work it, the stronger it gets. There’s no doubt about it: it takes a lot of courage to take on a testosterone-driven pack of 60 bike racers bombing into a corner at 30 mph. Some days it takes a lot of courage to go out on the roads and take on the pack of cellphone-talking, angry motorists. Sometimes it takes as much courage to race a bike as it does to take on all the thieves and robbers of the joy and freedom your heart was designed for. I’ve found that doing one makes the other easier. seen uptown – 15
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One of Charlotte’s longest running Hump Day parties happens every Wednesday night in Southend. Fixed-wheel bikes, Vespas and stickered cars flock to Dharma Lounge, drawing hipsters from across the Queen City like moths to a porch light. Free beer and great music beckon, with the first keg provided gratis by host Buckmaster, who also spins tunes with various guest DJ’s. Drink specials including Tall Boy PBR and $4 well drinks coax the crowd into a night on the dance floor and the outdoor patio. Looking for a laid back spot to spend a mid-week evening? This is it. Dharma Lounge is at 1440 South Tryon Street. Suite 105, Charlotte, NC 28203. www.DharmaCharlotte.com
E G D E S W FOX NE
It’s not just the news. It’s
Ramona Holloway Matt Harris
Weeknights @ 10:35
Joey Hewell
Ashley Anderson
ON THE EDGE
catwalk seen on the
story by Lauren Blake, photos by Fenix Fotography
S
easons are changing and thanks to boutiques who participated in Fashion’s Night Out at the Metropolitan, our wardrobes are bound to also. The ultimate FNO initiative was to support the retail economy but there’s no doubt its purpose served local fashionistas too. A plethora of trends emerged during the fashion show which featured twenty-six local boutiques. A popular trend FNO attendees saw repeatedly was fur. Whether faux or real, multi-colored or black, fur appeared all over in vests, jackets and accessories. And, sequins and lace haven’t made their way out yet, either. Many of the boutiques paired these two popular materials to create ultra feminine yet fun outfits for any occasion. Whatever your style or taste, one of these boutiques has something to offer your fall/winter wardrobe. Charlotte citizens really did their part for Fashion’s Night Out – a huge turnout came to support our local retail economy. In turn, the boutiques are ready to help shoppers create their best looks ever for the upcoming season. Though we can’t mention each boutique and their seasonal collections, here’s a peek at the looks that are sure to make an appearance on the streets of the Queen City this fall.
Scan with a smart phone or visit fenixfoto.com to view every look by every boutique!
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sloan:
This SouthPark boutique brought burgundy to the runway, and for good reason. A huge trend this season, it’s a versatile color that looks great on most skin tones. And, not to mention, its deep hue is rich and classic. Another trend Sloan took on was the task of monochromatic color blocking. Not for the shy fashionista, color blocking is a trend that works only if it’s done right. And if it is, the look can even be extremely figure flattering. This silver sequin dress with darker hued silver fur does just that. With the glitzy stilettos and jewelry, the look takes color blocking to a new level of glam.
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revolution:
In addition to women’s fashion, Revolution showed us that even the male population of Charlotte can be fashionable. An irresistible look for men this season: mixing the informal with formal, i.e. pairing a suit vest, jacket, and tie with rolled jeans and leather booties. But, it’s not just leather booties that are in this fall. Revolution showed us that men’s espadrilles, usually a summer shoe, can be worn straight into fall. And guys should take advantage of this trend because as Esquire Magazine pointed out, classic style icons such as “Bogie (Humphrey Bogart), Picasso, Hemingway...(who were fans of the casual shoe) couldn’t all be wrong.”
vivian b:
Neutral-colored tights have been in for years. This season, though, Vivian B knows tights are taking a walk on the wild side. The boutique brought tights to the runway in the form of hot pink, red and blue and paired them with seemingly neutral colored outfits. This trend, not for the faint of heart, brings color and liveliness to some of the neutral colors of fall/winter.
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k.k. bloom: This
stylish boutique hit the nail on the head with another big trend for this season: nude. KK Bloom made the ultimate statement that nude isn’t drab, it’s fab! We saw flirty party dresses in not just nude, but sequins and gold, and statement jewelery too.
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Joey Hewell:
Leather won’t be confined to standards this season. That’s right, if you’re not a motorcycle chick, you can still flaunt one of the season’s most seductive fabrics. Hewell’s segment gave us fashion etiquette on the somewhat mysterious material. From head-to-toe black leather looks to a little black leather dress, or even just a taste via leather gloves or a trim of a skirt, leather rocks. And once again, Hewell’s models walked the runway in artistic footwear. Sky-high “stilts” in leopard, red, fur and studs only added to the drama of this leatherinspired collection.
scout & molly’s:
Shades of orange and mustard are other big color trends this season. The looks from Scout and Molly’s surely gave the color the justice it deserves. The tricky shade doesn’t always have be worn boldly in the form of color blocking. Instead, Scout and Molly’s showed onlookers how to incorporate the color in small doses. A bohemian dress with a pop of orange in accessories, such as a purse or Hunter rain boots, can do the trick.
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fresh: Feathers aren’t only meant
to be worn as hair extensions this season. Navajo-inspired looks are in. Fresh touched on this trend with their very wearable collection of tribal print blouses, pops of turquoise and rust and feather accessories.
lotus: This go-to
boutique for everything fashion forward summed up the night for what’s in this season. Lotus followed the color blocking trend of the season in all shades, from a winter wonderland white (yes, even after labor day), to a daring, bright yellow.
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A capacity crowd filled Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on September 9th for an interfaith vigil in opposition to the proposed amendment to the North Carolina Constitution–legislation that would ban recognition of same sex marriage (which is already prohibited by state law), prohibit civil unions, and strip benefits for thousands of public employees and legal protections for domestic partners (even for unmarried straight couples). Despite opposition from the governor and with only 35% of North Carolinians opposing recognition of same-sex marriage, lawmakers placed the amendment measure on the May 2012 ballot with the Republican Primary– when large numbers of highly conservative voters will be overly represented at polls. That lawmakers are working on a redundant and discriminatory re-write of the State Constitution seems especially strange at a time when 95% of North Carolinians polled have indicated the highest priority for the legislature should be creating jobs, boosting the economy, and dealing with the budget. (Public Policy Polling, April 2011). Equality NC has argued that the amendment will actually harm job growth in North Carolina – visit http://equalitync. org/truth to read and evaluate their position. story and photos: Fenix Fotography
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NoDa is known as “The Ar ts District,” a name derived from the large population of artists, galleries and studios that found their way to the neighborhood starting in the late 1980's.Though many of the galleries have closed shop, giving way to cafes and retail spaces, and many of the artists have moved on to less expensive areas of town following the rising values and popularity of the neighborhood, the artistic spirit lives on. Street art has long been a ground level form of artistic expression. While many of the neighborhood businesses serve a second use as space for artists to show their work, the neighborhood as a whole has as well. Outdoor public work can be found throughout NoDa, possibly in more abundance than when galleries outnumbered cafes.
www.flickr.com/photos/chefking
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story by Sharon Dowell
photos courtesy Women Center Art Co-Op
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LAYOUT: PAUL CRISTINA
Imagine if you woke up one day and said to yourself “I want to be a farmer.” How would you go about making that happen? If you want to be a doctor, the path is pretty clear: undergraduate degree followed by medical school followed by internship, and then voila! Obviously the path is not easy, but it is known. The same is true for becoming a lawyer and nearly all other professions. Likewise, the trades and crafts have well-known educational and experiential requirements. The same cannot be said for farming. For someone not born into a farming family, the challenges of becoming a farmer are many: learning how to farm the land, learning how to run a business, and acquiring a big chunk of land. Charlottean Joe Rowland found himself in just such a position, with a desire to farm but without the skills and knowledge to make that dream a reality. And then he discovered the Elma Lomax Incubator Farm up the road in Concord. The farm is owned and operated by Cabarrus County and located on land donated by Elma Lomax. The idea is pretty simple, very much in need, and yet so rare: aspiring farmers are provided with a small plot of land to farm and given the education and mentorship to develop the skills necessary to succeed.
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The average farmer in North Carolina, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), is 57, which is also the national average. This average has been creeping up as more family farms are sold off and the younger generations seek their fortunes in more glamorous professions that do not involve dirt, bugs, and manure. If no interventions occur, the average age of farmers will continue to increase until there are very few farmers left, and in a world with an increasing population the resulting scenarios are pretty scary. Remember the movie Soylent Green? At 30, Rowland is a relative kid in the farming world, but the farm allows applicants even as young as 18. This is his first year in the incubator project and he's learning, sometimes the hard way. Even though the farmers are provided with land and training, the incubator concept does not go as far as “hand holding,” according to David Goforth, who oversees the operation for the county.The chunk of land provided to each farmer is quite a bit larger than a typical garden, and by design is “a little bit more than they can handle, between about a quarter to three quarters of an acre, depending on what they're growing and who's growing it,” notes Goforth.“They need to learn from mistakes, and if someone isn’t cut out for farming
they need to learn that as soon as possible.” Indeed, the concept of any business incubator is to provide a launching pad for good ideas and a screening process for bad ones. All farmers decide what to plant on their land as dictated by a business plan, which also serves as their application to the program. So before they even turn over their first chunk of dirt, prospective incubator farmers must put their ideas on paper, covering what they will grow, how they will sell it, how they will manage expenses, what the competitive landscape (pun intended) is like, and what their future plans are. There are currently 16 budding farmers (soon more plots will be available and a new class will begin), and most of the time each farmer operates independently. However, there are times when they work as a group. For example, Lomax Farms has a multiple-farmer stand with a wide array of produce and fresh eggs at the Atherton Mills Farmer’s Market in Charlotte’s South End.
THE Elma Lomax
Incubator
The diverse offerings are the result of several farmers combining the produce they’ve harvested. Collaboration is a key element at the farm. Goforth notes that while they want people to succeed and move on, “we like to have successful farmers stick around a little while to teach the newer ones coming in,” which can be more beneficial than any classroom education.The goal is to have farmers develop their agricultural and business skills over a two to three year period and then be in a position to move on to their own land and grow from there. As the Lomax incubator farm is only three years old, Goforth is proud to have one “graduate” who has successfully moved on, even if several others have called it quits. The future is promising, as several people are renting land in addition to their incubator plots and using that approach to grow in a manageable, sustainable manner. While Cabarrus County allows farmers to grow the crops they choose and operate their businesses as they
Farm
story by Thomas Carrig, photos by Fenix Fotography
see fit, all farmers must meet one very important criterion.The Elma Lomax Farm is a USDA Certified Organic farm, and everyone who tends land there must abide by those USDA rules. The health of food consumers depends on a strong community of small family farms that grows crops and raises animals in environmentally sustainable ways, so this requirement is a significant part of the farm’s agricultural education. In addition to his desire to farm, Joe Rowland wants to be a rock star and plays in the popular southern rock band Evelynn Rose. Rowland is in his first year of farming at the Lomax incubator farm, and slowly but surely he is becoming a rock star there, too. “I'm doing much better with the fall vegetables than I did with the spring ones, and I expect to be much better next year.” Joe is already thinking about renting some farmland while he's still within the Lomax incubator farm and slowly expanding his operation until one day in the next few years he has a large, successful, organic farm of his very own. As more Joes are developed, maybe, just maybe, we can reverse the trend of the big factory farm dominating our food supply, and we'll all be better for it.
< program participant Joe Rowland
50 – seen uptown
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Seen NoDaUptown All Bikesspanned Night weekly Tryon Street event spun in Uptown off fromCharlotte, “Two Wheel a taste Tuesdays,” of Central a bicycle America ride from and the Dolce Caribbean Vita in NoDa, engulfed through Bankthe of America city, and back Stadium for a in post-ride Third Ward. beer. The The reinvented Central Amerig event emerged Gold Cup as champion a means of inviting team all from two-wheeled Mexico squaring vehicles. off Thewith event’s Cubamission at 9:00.is Most “to beofthe thelargest, fans were most clearly inclusive for the bikeMexican gatheringteam, in Charlotte, but others if not were the state. well”represented.The stalls outside Shawn Gentry sold tortas, is quick to tacos pointand out other that one “South of the of the primary Border” reasons fare, while for the beer event stands is toinside showwere that converted many centerover city neighborhoods to Dos Equis, Pacifico, don’t have anda Corona. parking problem, as people believe; they have a car problem, a point made clear with the event’s parking arrangements. For All Bikes Night, Tuesdays from 7 until midnight, the group reserves the on-street parking along North Davidson Street for two-wheelers. In the eight car parking spots between 35th and 36th Streets, 60 to 70 motorcycles are parked! When we visited for Seen on The Edge that’s exactly what we found. Bikes of all types lined the streets: European sport bikes, crotch rockets, vintage Vespas, modified classic mopeds, Harleys, and bicycles.
photos by Shawn Gentry
seen uptown – 53
Compared globally, we here in the United States are really not big wine drinkers. According to The Wine Institute, the largest advocacy group for California wines, the U.S. ranks 57th worldwide for per capita wine consumption – just behind Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Over in Luxembourg, the average man, woman, or child will finish off a bottle of wine every five days (burp).Yet, in spite of my personal contributions, that same bottle in the hands of an average American will last about four and a half weeks. But that rate changes dramatically when we hit the fall and winter holidays. Wine seems to pop up everywhere this time of year, and it is not just my imagination. In 2009, for example, October’s retail wine sales ran about $300 million but then jumped to $375 million in November and $400 million in December! The number of parties held during the holiday season clearly accounts for much of this surge in grape sacrifice, bolstered by the giving of wine. Father’s Day may have the iconic “ugly tie” gift, but the holiday season has its own gift tradition. If a neighbor is having a holiday party, you’ll see a parade of guests toting festively wrapped gifts in the shape of a bottle. And while nobody wants an ugly tie, the same goes for bad wine. Wine shops and large wine outlets are swarmed with shoppers who haven’t bought a bottle of wine since last holiday season, and have little information, other than price point, to go on when selecting a bottle. “The Smiths are worth a $30 bottle of wine, don’t you think, honey?” says one half of the gift-seeking couple in the grocery store wine aisle.“No way! That bastard took Fred to the Panthers
56 – seen uptown
game instead of me. I say $15 max,” retorts the other half. Personally, I’m pretty wine savvy, but mostly in an academic way. I’ve passed tests and know my stuff, but I do not work in the wine industry on a daily basis, nor am I in constant contact with the amazing juice of fermented grapes (which is actually different than fermented grape juice, but that is one of those academic things). So even though I am a Certified Specialist of Wine, I am neither embarrassed nor afraid to ask for guidance from the people who know best when it comes to selecting the right bottle from a retail shelf – and you shouldn't hesitate to ask either. In preparation for the coming holidays, I went to some experts for advice, which I am pleased to share with you, our loyal readership. The experts are Brian DuBois, Manager of The Wine Shop on Park Road in Dilworth; Chris Woodrow, CSW, Proprietor of Vin Master Wine Shop in Atherton Mills on South Boulevard; Briana Lyn Cohen & Nicole Bagby of Sonoma Group & Press Wine/Food on Trade Street; James Porter, Wine Manager at Total Wine & More on Park Road in South Park. Question 1: What wine, under $25 per bottle, would you be thrilled to receive as a gift? The answers here were all over the board, which give us a lot of ideas. The answers also highlight the fact that what makes a truly great gift is knowing the recipient and putting some thought into the gift, regardless of price. Since the Vin Master Wine Shop specializes in organic and natural wines, Chris went with such a wine in the Valle Unite “Il Brut and the Beast,” which he describes
as a white blend for a co-op in Italy. He adds, “it’s an easy drinking wine with a little bit of bubbles, and who doesn’t like bubbles?” The rest of our panel went with red wines they feel are great values. James stayed domestic with a Chateau Chevalier Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley since “it drinks like a $50 bottle.” I’ve never had it, but it is now on my list. Briana and Nicole headed for Argentina and the Achaval Ferrer Malbec, a “complex, smooth, great food wine that’s easy to drink anytime – a superb value.” Malbecs are popping up on many wine lists these days, and I can vouch that these young ladies are right on the money with this one. “Anything from the 2010 vintage from the southern Rhone” in France is what Brian would like as a gift. “This vintage will be legendary, and the value from this region is unmatched,” he adds. I have to admit that, for the very reasons Brian cites, whenever I go wine shopping it is rare for me to leave the store without at least one bottle of wine from the southern Rhone. Question 2:You walk into a party, and they're pouring an inexpensive wine that makes you jump with joy – what wine would that be? It was almost unanimous in terms of wine style, but Briana and Nicole broke from the pack and picked a big red wine in the Hill Family Barrel Blend. “A big wine for the money, always juicy, with balanced acid and tannins,” and indeed such a wine will make some rosy cheeks on a December night. The rest of the group went for sparkling wines: James chose a Rondel Cava Brut from Spain and Cava, their version of champagne at a much better price. “It’s festive, fun, and a great palate cleanser to get you
story by Thomas Carrig, photo by Wes Peck
wine
holiday
ready to enjoy holiday food.” While not picking a specific bottle, Brian DuBois also picked Cava, adding, “nothing says party like bubbles, and Cava is cheap but good bubbles. And no headache the next morning.” A very important point when it comes to holiday parties. Chris had the same idea, going with Prosecco from Italy, another inexpensive alternative to champagne. “It’s easy to drink, works with lots of food, and doesn’t your palate.Carrig, ” storyoverload by Thomas pictures This year, you won’t be the giver of ugly ties or bad bottles. Get out there and buy some great wine for the holidays!
by Wes Peck
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seen uptown – 59
What is Uptown Charlotte living? As with fashion, ask that question to ten people and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll hear ten different answers. The variety of housing in center city is a microcosm of the city itself.
Build Modern Charlotte
Aero House Mill House Turned
photos: Liquid Design
by Liquid Design
The downturn in the economy might have slowed construction of new homes, but for Liquid Design, it has led to an increase in homeowners looking to renovate their existing homes to be more tailored to their preferences. It’s a familiar story:“I have this house, I love the neighborhood, I want to renovate, but I don’t want to knock it down and start over.”Thus began a total home makeover for the Aero House. It arose as a Dilworth blue-collar workforce house in 1948 and had been abused by multiple misguided renovations since then. The current owners Andy Baxter and Susan Gover were looking for a contemporary and modern vernacular so they enlisted the help of Liquid Design to provide them with a design vision and to oversee construction of their renovation. Throughout the design process the one overriding theme for the project became “Simple and clean; green modern.” Liquid Design believes that good design has always been efficient and eco-friendly, so rather than pursuing certifications, the homeowners and their architects implemented an intentionally sustainable focus for the project.This resulted in features such as methodically placed operable windows to optimize cross breezes (hence the name Aero House), daylighting tubes, a bioethanol-fueled fireplace, materials with a high air quality
index, and sun shading overhangs. All of these features blend seamlessly with the overall look and feel of the space which is decidedly clean and refreshing. The Aero House finished at just over 2,400 square feet but feels and lives in a way that is much larger than that. A central covered and screened courtyard doubles the living environment with the simple opening of large glass patio doors, allowing you to take in the view of the entire back yard as well as the sounds of the fountain just outside. The master wing stretches out to the left for added privacy and the ability to capture the rising sun as it streams through clerestory windows. The master bath features a walk-in shower (no door needed) with a soaring ceiling above high windows and a skylight that bathe the occupant in natural light as well as water. The additional two bedrooms are located on the far right of the lot and each has a separate bath outfitted with simple vanities and ample surface area for teenager-friendly space. Susan favored natural daylight over wall cabinet space in the kitchen, leading Liquid Design to incorporate a large island design where the majority of storage is in drawers, based loosely on European kitchen design principles.A large single stainless steel pot sink preserves as much work space as possible and offers an uncluttered look to the
island. Whole-house renovations typically generate a tremendous amount of landfill waste so the original shell structure of the house was preserved and resulted in savings due to re-use. The addition tucked neatly behind the simple original gabled roof shape, giving only small hints of the surprisingly open space and volumes behind it. The construction process saw the installation of new insulation, a sealed crawl space and other provisions for thermal envelope continuity. These measures were provided as insurance against rising energy costs leaving the homeowners with the peace of mind that they have the same energy efficiency and quality level of a newly constructed house. In spite of its “behind the scenes” advanced technology, the Aero House provides Andy and Susan the opportunity to live a simpler life, to take a breath of fresh air and enjoy the lifestyle they knew was possible, it just took some good design and careful planning with help from Liquid Design. BuildModernCharlotte.com is a place were real estate agents, architects, interior designers, artists, or anyone interested in modern architecture and design can connect and share ideas.
seen uptown – 61
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64 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; seen uptown
above: Gospelshout / below: Low Anthem, photos by Daniel Coston // right: Yardwork, photo by Enid Valu
Seen uptown magazine welcomes our new music contributor, shuffle. They've established themselves as the Carolina'a independent music source, and we're happy to have them on board. Find 'em online at www.shufflemag.com or pick up a free copy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they're all over town.
ELONZO
I
story by Brian Cullinan photo by Danny Oakes
t’s 11 A.M. on Sunday morning in Uptown Charlotte when I realize that I should have checked the magnetic Panthers’ schedule that keeps falling off my refrigerator. If I had, it would have foretold of the car and pedestrian traffic I’m now encased in. As 60,000 people descend on the stadium, you’re reminded of the reverence so many Charlotteans pay to this form of entertainment. Witnessing the throngs clad in Panthers blue, you may also be reminded of this city’s more neglected entertainment forms -- notably, a vibrant grassroots music scene that’s grown to encompass a personality and sound
that’s distinctively Charlotte. I’m headed against the traffic to meet Jeremy Davis of the band Elonzo, who is waiting for me at a table outside a bagel shop in Dilworth. He’s already started in on his food and coffee, so I feel a little less guilty about being held up in game-day traffic.The 30-year-old Jeremy is polite and laid-back in a way that people from outside this region often mistake at their own peril for casual indifference. But his amicable demeanor belies the intensity and work ethic that’s been instrumental in producing one of Charlotte’s most promising bands.
As we chat, a beautiful Fall morning develops into an even more beautiful Fall afternoon.The usual cast of Dilworth’s Sunday outdoor set surrounds us. A guy in a cycling unitard combing over the financial section of the Observer; two women whose giggles and hushed tones seem to indicate a piecing-together of the previous night’s festivities; a family of likely churchgoers adorned in their Sunday best piling out of an SUV; kids chasing kids, chasing a dog. With the influx of Panthers fans, we’re present at a quintessential Charlotte moment, and a fitting backdrop for a conversation with a songwriter whose work embodies much of the city before us. “My songs are a personal story of a life in Charlotte,” Jeremy explains. Like many Charlotteans, that life did not begin here. Originally from Summerville, S.C., Jeremy grew up with an appreciation for music passed on from his mother, one that would also be shared by his younger sister and band-mate, Maggie. Family is a recurring theme for Elonzo, in their makeup as well as their music. Even the band’s name comes from the father they lost at a young age -- an idea proposed by Maggie’s husband and Elonzo drummer Dan Bourdeau. Jeremy left Summerville for Atlanta when an internship opportunity arose at an established music studio there. He picked up many useful skills he would later employ while recording with Elonzo, but the anonymity and isolation of Atlanta’s sprawling suburbs was not an ideal fit. “Atlanta didn’t work for me,” he recalls, and he was soon on his way to rejoin Maggie and Dan, who had since moved to Rock Hill. Jeremy says he returned with the express idea of starting a band, and as with a growing number of aspiring
musicians, Charlotte’s overall livability and pool of music talent appealed to someone avoiding more traditional regional destinations such as Nashville or Atlanta. “The music scene here is accessible to bands like us,” Jeremy says. “It may be challenging sometimes to get people to come out, but ... it’s easy to book shows.You just have to be willing to put in the work…and Charlotte is a place where people come to work. It’s what we do here.” His words echo those of other Charlotte musicians. The city can be a great place to live and create in provided you’re willing to work in a town whose appetite for home-grown music is still evolving. The foundations for what would become Elonzo were formed when Jeremy moved in with his sister and brother-in-law. Although both siblings played music -- Jeremy, guitar and Maggie, piano -- they had never done so as a team.The first time the siblings shared a stage at an Evening Muse open-mic night in 2008, Jeremy pushed his reluctant sister into it, just as you’d expect an older brother to do. Soon the trio would be playing regular gigs in Rock Hill and Charlotte to support their first record, 2008’s All of My Life, a 12-song offering that, although rough in spots, served notice of the group’s potential.The LP’s melodic, often folkish Americana overtones illustrate a musical style that has increasingly found root and resonance in this part of the country – not surprising, really, given that much of it was born here in the Piedmont and next door in Appalachia. Over the next year and a half, the band’s touring and fan base would grow steadily. 2010 saw the release of a wellreceived but limited EP, creatively titled Extended Play. Soon they were back in
the studio recording their second fulllength, A Letter to a Friend, this time with the addition of bass-player Stephen Narron. The 10 songs were recorded earlier this year and released in August, and their blend of lush arrangements and tight songwriting represent a huge step forward A Letter to a Friend is a wonderful expansion and an inspired reconstruction of the band’s core sound, stretching from catchy lo-fi pop rock to soulful twang, all by way of a modern and creative sensibility that makes Elonzo a standout among the growing number of area bands tapping in to this rootsy sound. As you weave through the individual stories – or “letters” as Jeremy describes them – the record’s central themes emerge. Ideas of family, a life well-lived, restlessness, and character-building toil combine with a rootsy Americana style to produce a record that just seems to fit its locale. Jeremy is pleased with the record, but like all musicians worth their creative salt, still sees room to grow.“We haven’t really scratched the surface of our potential” he says with an earnestness that stems from a work ethic that’s hard to miss, and even harder when a moment later his phone starts vibrating. As he glances down, he’s mindful of the interruption and offers an apology. He’s on call, it turns out, because when Jeremy’s not writing songs or practicing, booking shows or touring, he works a day-job as a medical courier.This is the life of a grassroots band in Charlotte, where real life concerns inform music that – in the right hands -- benefits from that authenticity. “Charlotte has been good to me,” Jeremy says, “and it’s only getting better.”
seen uptown – 67
Brain F≠ Sleep Rough Sorry State Sleep Rough, the debut LP from Charlotte's Brain F≠ (pronounced Brain Flannel) is undoubtedly a punk record. Feeding off the intensity of Nick Goode's caustic riffs and the jeering back-and-forth vocals of Goode and Elise Anderson, the band's songs rocket through sneering social commentary in short, breathless bouts. It's not just a punk record, it's one of the best punk records that North Carolina has seen in quite some time. But you don't have to be a genre devotee to enjoy it. Brain F≠'s instrumental core is an unstoppable dynamo. Bobby Michaud's explosive drumming meets the unstoppable momentum of Eddie Schneider's bass while Goode's jagged riffs build up a blustery front that's damn near inescapable. The vocals sweeten the deal as Goode and Anderson circle each other in fascinating patterns, piling hooks on top of hooks in a deceptively catchy assault. On “Fall Apart,” the record's last and best song, the band pushes everything to the breaking point. The instrumentalists sprint through a rigged attack that just seems to build and build. Fighting through the noise, Goode and Anderson chase each other with lines that yearn for apocalypse. “One day I'll see it all collapse,” they sing together in the chorus. It's noisy and irresistible; everything a rock song – punk or otherwise – should be. — Jordan Lawrence
photo: Jim McGuire
On The Seen
If you’ve ever woken up after a wild night in Charlotte with a slight hangover, big grin, and one of the heels worn off your dancing shoes, there’s a good chance Scott Weaver was to blame. In addition to his singing duties with local bands Babyshaker and Snagglepuss,Weaver’s been putting together some of Charlotte’s best club events for years. So when we heard he was launching a new event at Phoenix, we decided to catch up with him to see what it was all about: seen: What is ID Saturdays and what separates it from other Charlotte dance music events? SW: The night offers three different music experiences in one beautiful, multi-level club. We offer a variety of genres in underground electronic music. It's a music-driven night in the sense that local, regional and national DJs, live electronic acts, and dancing are encouraged and celebrated. The distinguishing factor would probably be that the emphasis is on new club music and not Top 40. seen: What’s the significance of the name “ID”? SW: It's a back-to-basics concept.The name came about after discussing how we wanted this night to be about the music and the people. The individuals who make up the crowd give a night its Identity. Underground beats and your presence – that's the ID of Saturdays at Phoenix. seen: You have an interesting mix of DJs contributing and they look to be spinning from a pretty wide-open and progressive well – what can we expect to hear? SW: Anything and everything with a beat, focusing on the new but with respect for the past. seen: You’ve had a great deal of success producing interesting and eclectic club events around Charlotte. What’s keeps people coming out? SW: I think that people know when you do something that comes from a real place. I only do things that I would enjoy and find interesting if I were going as a patron. In this particular project, working with someone like Andy Kastanas, who is a pioneer in nightlife and underground dance music in this city, helps ensure the quality of a night like this. People who know the history of the dance club scene in Charlotte know that, and I felt that it contributes to their desire to check it out, as do our efforts to work with new talent. I am happy and appreciative of the people who've had fun and supported all of these endeavors. I plan to keep doing it for as long as I feel inspired to do so, and hopefully, they'll continue to enjoy it! seen: As someone who’s embedded in Charlotte’s music community, what are your hopes for the future of events such as this and for the Charlotte music scene in general? SW: Continued growth, diversity, creativity, cross pollination, community support and fun. ID Saturdays takes place Saturday nights at Phoenix, which is located at 300 N. College Street, Charlotte.You can find out more by visiting their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/idphoenix
(980) 219.6007
CHAPEL WATCH 548 N Church St. 2 Bedrooms & 2 Baths
THE VILLAGE @ SOUTH MAIN 605 Soocow Ln. 3 Bedrooms & 2.5 Baths
DILWORTH 2048 Atherton Heights Ln. 2 Bedrooms & 2 Baths
BELMONT RESERVE 304 Rosemont Way 2 Bedrooms & 1.5 Baths
AVENUE CONDOMINIUMS 210 Church St. 3605 2 Bedrooms & 2 Baths
CELADON 373 Viburnum Way Ct. 3 Bedrooms & 3.5 Baths
FOXRIDGE LOFTS 201 S Hoskins Rd. 325 2 Bedrooms & 1 Bath
FOURTH WARD SQUARE 529 N Graham St. 3E 2 Bedrooms & 2.5 Baths
AVENUE CONDOMINIUMS 210 N Church St. 2508 1 Bedroom & 1 Bath
SELWYN FARMS 768 Marsh Rd. 2 1 Bedroom & 1 Bath
DILWORTH 1320 Fillmore Ave. 100 2 Bedrooms & 2.5 Baths
$450,000
$149,900
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COURTSIDE 505 6th St. 708 2 Bedrooms & 2 Baths $229,000
ADARE TOWNHOMES 2416 Oak Hill Village Ln. 2 Bedrooms & 2.5 Baths $99,000
TOWNHOMES AT AYRSLEY 2001 Cambridge Beltway Pkwy. 2 Bedrooms & 2.5 Baths $188,000
$194,900
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THE ARLINGTON 315 Arlington Ave. 1803 2 Bedrooms & 2 Baths $334,900
AVENUE CONDOMINIUMS 210 Church St. #3605 2 Bedrooms & 2 Baths $371,990
$169,000
$599,900
$209,800
$249,900
LEGACY VILLAGE 120-D Village Green : 704-237-4938 1 Bedroom & 1 Bath $89,000-$189,000
HILLSIDE EAST 1088 Hollyheath Ln. 4 Bedrooms & 3.5 Baths $297,900
story by Ryan Sumner photos by Fenix Fotography
72 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; seen uptown
One of my favorite parts of town for â&#x20AC;&#x153;windshield archeologyâ&#x20AC;? is the Central Avenue area. Although much is made about Plaza-Midwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birth as a wellto-do street car suburb, there are several layers of history on the boulevard that centrally bisects the neighborhood, including extant evidence of a radical transformation in the built environment brought on by Southerners taking to automobiles in large numbers in the middle of the last century. In the post-World War II era, bulldozers leveled many of the grand mansions along Central in favor of a new brand of commercial building that eschewed main street-style parallel parking for easy-access surface lots and garish neon signs designed to ensnare the attention of passing motorists.
74 – seen uptown
In the 1990s, the Central Avenue area became home to many new Charlotteans arriving from Asia and Latin America, many of whom have embraced and continued the area’s strong association with neon signage on commercial buildings. The Diamond (left page), newly-renovated with a fresh menu, first opened it’s doors in 1945. House of Pizza began serving pizza, subs, and Greek food in 1979.
seen uptown – 75
76 – seen uptown
The food truck craze has been sweeping the countr y, and Charlotte is no exception. Food trucks are no longer just the simple taco stand variety: those are still around, but higher-end stands offering gourmet and unique eats have taken to the streets with these newer incarnations. Vegetarian, farm fresh, burgers and cupcakes can all be found in various locales and streets around town. Once a month, Center City Partners brings many of them together for the Chow Down Food Truck Rally. Seen on The Edge covered the uptown rally in August. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve since been held at North Carolina Music Factory and in SouthEnd. Check in at FindYourCenter.com to find these roaming dining caravans.
(980) 219.6007
THE ARTS DISTRICT 820 E 36th St. 3 Bedrooms & 2.5 Baths
GREENTREE 3110 Providence Rd. 4 Bedrooms & 3 Baths
SEDGEFIELD 1040 Guilford Rd. 3 Bedrooms & 2 Baths
CHESHUNT 4916 Benthaven Ln. 4 Bedrooms & 2.5 Baths
ECHO HILLS 651 Mayview Dr. 2 Bedrooms & 1 Bath
SELWYN FARMS 3415 Selwyn Farms Ln. 3 Bedrooms & 2.5 Baths
MADISON PARK Waterbury Dr. 3 Bedrooms & 2 Baths
ROCKY CREEK FARMS 6530 Foothills Ln. 5 Bedrooms & 3.5 Baths
CHANTILLY 2500 Chesterfield Ave. 2 Bedrooms & 2 Baths
WYNHAM PLACE 2517 Waters Vista Cir. 4 Bedrooms & 2.5 Baths
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CHAPEL WATCH 548 N. Church St. – 2 bed, 2 bath List Price $450,000
COLONIAL VILLAGE 3613 Trent St. – 3 bed, 2 bath List Price $234,900
AVENUE 210 N. Church St. – 1 bed, 1 bath List Price $209,800
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