Threat of the Week: Part 1
Friday, July 24th, 2009Ripped straight from our popular regular crime column “The Blotter” — written every week by Ryan Pitkin — we bring you an in-the-flesh adaptation of the Threat of the Week. Enjoy:
Ripped straight from our popular regular crime column “The Blotter” — written every week by Ryan Pitkin — we bring you an in-the-flesh adaptation of the Threat of the Week. Enjoy:
The Atlanta-based singer Algebra is in town tonight; she’s set to play Tempo’s 4th anniversary party (9 p.m. 4809 Wilkinson Blvd.)
Never heard of Algebra? She’s dope. Trust me. Just take a look at these videos of her in action and judge for yourself. (Oh and Joi is hosting the show!)
Dunno if you heard the news, but Michael Jackson is dead. I write that with a lot of sarcasm because by now, everybody has heard the news. And it is sad news.
Now, from a musical perspective, the saddest aspect of his death is that the guy died being known as a weirdo.
I mean, if you’re 25 years old, or even 30, and under you probably only know Mike as an eccentric, alleged child molester with bleached skin and an addiction to plastic surgery. But back before all that shit, Mike was really one of the most incredible soul/R&B performers ever.
I’m talkin’ back before even Thriller.
I was born and raised in Jackson’s hometown of Gary, Ind., so growing up I heard a lot about the guy. We’d drive by his house and kind of laugh at the weirdness that such a legendary icon was from our town. Him appearing on shows like Soul Train and Motown 25 was a big deal for folks in the city. And, taking a look back at some of those old performances, you can see that Jackson’s vocal skills and dancing abilities were — even today — ahead of its time.
I guess I can’t describe how amazing the dude was with words, so I found some video clips — arranged in no particular order — to illustrate my point. Forget the cheese of his later years, and listen to the vocals and arrangements. Fuck “pop.” This is real soul music:
And here’s the last one live from Gary. Rest in peace Mike:
So, you may know that RuPaul is coming to Charlotte this week. But you may not know that everyone’s favorite drag queen got her start starring in bizarre made-for-TV movies that aired on public access. Check out a few of said films right here:
Whatchu know about Billy Jack? Hippie/Native American/kung fu cinema at its best!
Evil Dead: The Musical hits the Actor’s Theatre stage tomorrow (June 11). Today, however, take a gander at a scene from Evil Dead 2 — on of the sick-ass films that inspired the off-beat stage play:
Before you check out Jessica Lea Mayfield at the Visulite Theatre tonight, take a look at her here singing “Kiss Me Again”:
New shit from Kanye. This one’s for you Jeff:
The smooth soul vocalist Dwele is coming to Charlotte Sunday, May 24 to host a party sponsored by McDonald’s, Firm Events, Fred Massey and Thomas Washington. Check out the flyer:

For more info, call 877.993.8499.
And in case you never heard of the dude, check out this music video:
Funny shit: