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As the headline suggests, here are a few of the best places to find comedy events in Charlotte — from stand-up to improv to sketch comedy and more. For a complete listing of all comedy visit www.CharlotteComedyLIVE.com.

Tuesday, Nov. 3
* Stand-Up Comedy at Lake Norman Comedy Zone at 7 p.m.
Nationally touring headliner Frankie Paul.
Galway Hooker ~ 7044 Kenton Dr., Cornelius ~ 704-895-1782 ~ $10

Thursday, Nov. 5
* NoDa Stand-Up Comedy Showcase at Prevue Music Hall at 8 p.m.
Join host Mike Buczek as he brings you this weekly stand-up showcase featuring Charlotte’s best up-and-coming stand-up talent.
Prevue ~ 2909 N. Davidson St. ~ No Cover

Friday, Nov. 6
* Charlotte Comedy Theater Improv at 8 p.m.
Short form shows similar to Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Prevue ~ 2909 N. Davidson St. ~ $10

Saturday, Nov. 7
* KEM and Friends Def Comedy at 8 p.m.
An evening of def comedy with Kem and his friends.
Ovens Auditorium ~ 2700 East Independence Blvd. ~ Ticketmaster 800-745-3000 ~ $45.50

Sunday, Nov. 8
* Chuckleheads Improv Fundraiser for Victoria Foundation at 7 p.m.
Victoria Martinsen is a 6-year-old who is battling cancer. Money raised by this event goes directly to Victoria and Victoria’s family. For more information, visit www.helpvictoria.org.
Sandtrap Bar & Billiards ~ 1923 Westinghouse Blvd. ~ Proceeds go to charity

To join Debbie’s mailing list (just one e-mail a week, I promise), e-mail DebbieMillwater@Gmail.com with the Subject Line “Subscribe.”

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Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Nov. 2, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.

• Film screening of Psycho at ImaginOn

• Find Your Muse Open Mic at The Evening Muse

• Speak A Latte at PJ’s Coffee & Lounge

• The Monday Nite Allstars at Double Door Inn

• Karaoke at Dixie’s Tavern

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Imagine giving a handful of little chocolates to trick-or-treaters . They thank you.  Then they give you a treat, too! Your treat: a flyer stating that the chocolate you gave them may have been produced by child slaves.  The flyer probably won’t put a smile on your face.  But it might, just might, have you think about how your chocolates were produced.

The flyer is part of a program titled Reverse Trick-or-Treating aimed to build awareness of child labor abuse and move people to think about the source of their cocoa products. Global Exchange, a global human rights protection agency based out of San Francisco created this program. The organization has been around for over 20 years. 2009 marks the 3rd year of the Reverse Trick-or-Treating program.  In addition to passing out the awareness flyers, kids are asked to give adults chocolates that are certified fair trade.

The fair trade certification come from The Fair Trade Federation, an international monitoring and certification system that guarantees a minimum price under direct contracts, prohibits abusive child labor, and promoted environmental sustainability. Farmers receive a minimum or floor price of at least $.80 per pound for non-organic cocoa and $0.89 per pound for organic cocoa.

The U.S. Department of Labor includes cocoa as one of the most common of the goods on its  “List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor” yet Americans spend over $13 million a year on chocolate.

I’m not saying to boycott chocolate.  Just be concerned about how it was produced, under what conditions and by whom.   Ask your coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants and grocery stores to carry cocoa goods that are certified fair trade.  We, as consumers, can drive the growth of a product through our voice and our wallet. Demand creates supply.

To participate in the Reverse Trick-or-Treating program, print a card or flyer from http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/fairtrade/cocoa/reversetrickortreating/reversetrickortreating.html.

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If you’re a regular theatergoer in Charlotte, chances are that you received more than a handful of playbills from Nathan Frenkel. I’ve seen him and his wife, photographer Marilyn Frenkel, at Theatre Charlotte, Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, and Carolina Actors Studio Theatre on innumerable opening nights. Just before Rosh Hashana, I saw the Frenkels among a sparse crowd at an open North Carolina Dance Theatre rehearsal at Belk Theater. More recently, we had exchanged greetings at the
Just Do It season opener at Theatre Charlotte on Oct. 16.

Nathan Frenkel

So it was quite a shock to learn that Nathan Frenkel had died at Carolinas Medical Center on Oct. 22. Nate was beloved throughout the Charlotte theater community, and a memorial will be held at Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, 650 E. Stonewall St., at 3 p.m. this Sunday. Marilyn Frenkel has asked that any donations be made to local theaters.

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When it comes to The Third Annual Runway for the Ballet, think Project Runway meets So You Think You Can Dance, but for a good cause. This event, going down Sunday, Nov. 8, is a fashion and dance affair benefiting North Carolina Dance Theatre and will exclusively feature fashions from boutiques Black & Blue, eMartini, Scout and Molly’s, and ChezElle on the runway. Varied in with the fashion, excerpts from one of NC Dance Theatre’s signature performances, Innovative Works, will be showcased. This year is extra special due to the show only featuring smaller businesses, which provides exposure for them as it supports the NC Dance Theatre. In the words of the beloved (yet heavily accented) Heidi Klum: “You’re either in or you’re OUT.” For tickets or more information, visit www.runwayfortheballet.com/home.htm. $20-$65. Nov. 8. 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000.

— Marian Drayton

Want to know more? Check out this video from last year’s Runway For Ballet.

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Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Oct. 30, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.

• The Haunted Mill at 6325 Wilkinson Blvd.

• Dr. Cornel West at Knight Theater

• Stand-up comedian Johnny Gemini at Alive

• 80’s Fab-O-Ween at Apostrophe Lounge

• Halloween Creep-A-Thon at Scorpio’s

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Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.

Friday, Oct. 30

Dr. Cornel West
Knight Theater
Dr. Cornel West is one heavy thinker, who ponders big issues, usually related to race, democracy, and human rights. Don’t miss him when he addresses the “State of the Union” at Knight Theater.

• Comedy Mitosis, a two-man improv team, presents a special show titled Halloween Eveill at Carolina Actors Studio Theatre tonight. With Crackers and Snackmeat. more…

• Special Event Tonight the Visulite Theatre becomes home of the 2009 Glitterati Masquerade Ball: The Devil’s Last Waltz. Break out your craziest outfit or costume and join DJ Wiiz Kid, George Brazil, The J Studio Dancers, Angela Lopez, Roxy C. Moorecox and more for a night of festive dancing, mingling, and drinking. more…

Saturday, Oct. 31

CarnEvil 2009
Amos’ Southend
CarnEvil 2009 will feature live performances by Lilith Deville and Beth Ann Phetamine, as well as La Petite Mort Burlesque Troupe and music from a variety of DJs. There will also be a “Zombie Fashion Show,” fire performances and more.

• Special Event For a good fright on Halloween, The Haunted Mill comes alive with a staff of scary-looking folks on hand to disturb you and send you home screaming. For the less adventurous, there’s also a game room and mini-golf. more…

• Special Event Danse Macabre at Dammit Janet, – presented by Single Cell Productions – will offer live music from Angels On Acid, S.O.U.L and Grevious, as well as a surplus of DJs (DJ Karma, DJ Torchure and DJ Spider, among others). Also, you can expect drink specials, giveaways and lots of fetish performances. more…

Sunday, Nov. 1

Dia de los Muertos
Levine Museum of the New South
Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, will be celebrated at Levine Museum of the New South today. Those attending can enjoy authentic food and a variety of entertainment, including dancing, art/altar displays, crafts – like decorating a sugar skull with colorful icing and sequins – and more.

• Music Eric Benet may be better known as the ex-husband of actress Halle Berry, but he can also play music. You can expect him to crank out a series of melodic soul tunes when he performs at Ovens Auditorium tonight. more…

• Theater Theatre Charlotte’s latest production The Woman in Black was adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from Susan Hill’s book. It’s a haunting tale about a ghost that no one wants to encounter, as those who see it die shortly afterwards. more…

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Updated.

Here are a few of places to find Halloween events in Charlotte — from costume parties to concerts and more. Look for more events coming soon!

(photo taken at last year’s CarnEVIL at Amos’ by Jeff Hahne)

Thurs., Oct. 29

• Charlotte College Fest at Cans

$500 costume contest. Half-price cover for 21 and under until 11 p.m.

10 p.m. Cans, 500 W. 5th St. 704-940-0200. www.cansbar.com.

• Forbidden Farms

Haunted trail with scare zones that include “Miners Mayhem,” “Cursed Chasm,” “3D Experience,” and “Moonlit Corn Maze.” Continues through Nov. 1.

$15-$20. Oct. 29, 7 p.m.- 10 p.m.; Oct. 30, 7 p.m.-11 p.m.; Oct. 31, 7 p.m.- 11 p.m.; Nov. 1, 7 p.m.- 10 p.m. Carrigan Farms, 1261 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy., Mooresville. 704-664-1450. www.carriganfarms.com.

• Scarowinds

Features scare zones, mazes, and spooky shows. Also, some rides have a dark twist. For more information, visit www.scarowinds.com. Continues through Oct. 31.

$33.99-$42.99. Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd. 704-588-2600. www.carowinds.com.

• The Campground Massacre Haunted House

Haunted attraction features an indoor haunted house (Mina’s Mansion) and the Campground Massacre with three acres of woods.

Continues through Sat., Oct. 31. Oct. 29, 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; Oct. 30, 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m.; Oct. 31, 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Take exit 88 (Gold Hill Rd. and Tega Cay). Turn right off the exit. The event is 1/4 mile on the right. For more information, visit www.the massacre.com.

• The Haunted Mill

For a good fright on Halloween, The Haunted Mill comes alive with a staff of scary-looking folks on hand to scare you away. For the less adventurous, there’s also a game room and mini-golf.

$15-$19. Open Wednesday-Saturday, 7 p.m. Last tickets sold at 11:30 p.m. 6325 Wilkinson Blvd. 704-829-6455. www.thehauntedmillnc.com.

Fri., Oct. 30

• 2009 Glitterati Masquerade Ball: The Devil’s Last Waltz at Visulite Theatre

Break out your craziest outfit or costume and join Dj Wiiz Kid, George Brazil, The J Studio Dancers, Angela Lopez and the Queens of the Masquerade, Simone and her Whipping Booth, and Roxy C. Moorecox for a night of festive dancing, mingling, and cocktail drinking. For more information, email glitteratiball@gmail.com.

$5-$8. 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. Visulite Theatre, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. 704-358-9200 www.visulite.com.

• 80’s Fab-O-Ween at Apostrophe Lounge

This Halloween Party takes a blast from the past with its 1980’s theme. Dancing and costume contest for “Best Outfit of the 80’s. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. 704-371-7079. www.apostrophelounge.com.

• BooWalk Billy’s Halloween Bash at Boardwalk Billy’s Raw Bar & Grill

Costume contest with prizes, games, drink specials and music from DJ Deafrent.

9 p.m. Boardwalk Billy’s Raw Bar & Grill, 1636 Sardis Rd. 704-814-7427.

• Creep-a-thon at Scorpio

Best underwear contest. Hostess Angela Lopez. $5 cover with draft.

Showtime 11:30 p.m. Scorpio, 2301 Freedom Drive. 704-373-9124. www.scorpios.com.

• Fashioween: “A celebrity for one night” at The Forum

Si Revista presents this Halloween celebration of fashion and beauty. Event will feature three rooms with DJs providing Latin and international music. $1,500 in prizes for categories including, “Best Hair Design,” “Best Makeup,” and “Best Apparel.”

18 and up. For tickets, visit www.groovetickets.com. $10. 10:55 p.m. The Forum, 300 N. College St. 704-375-8765. www.thecharlotteforum.com.

• Ghostbusters Boo Bash Costume Party at The Breakfast Club

Come take your picture with the ECTO-1 with Ghostbusters Ambulance. It’s also 1-2-3 night ($1 domestics, $2 imports, $3 mixed drinks).

$7 for members, $8 for non-members. The Breakfast Club, 225 N Caldwell St. 704-608-3081. www.that80sclub.

• Halloween at Comet Grill

Halloween party with live music from the Truchstop Preachers. Drink specials.

Comet Grill, 2224 Park Rd. 704-371-4300. www.cometgrillcharlotte.com.

• Lycan Lust at Luna Lounge

Embrace “LYCAN LUST” with Resident DJ’s Nick Spain, Kaotika, Steven K & Rob Reeves with special guest DJ NVS. Winners of costume contest get 2 bottles of vodka and a VIP table of their choice for the evening.

$5. 9 p.m. Luna Lounge, 521 N. College St. 704-376-8303. E-mail Krystie@lunacharlotte.com for VIP packages.

• Masquerade Halloween Party at Blue Restaurant and Bar

Samba Dance Entertainment, DJ spinning from 10 p.m.- 2 a.m., costume contest, drink and appetizer specials.

Advance tickets for couples $20, at door $30; Advance single tickets are $15; at door $15. 10 p.m.- 2 a.m. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 214 N. Tryon St., Ste. 100.

• Nightmare on 5th Street

5 bars for $5. Costume party, prizes and giveaways, awesome specials. Connolly’s, The Attic Bar, Town Tavern, Phil’s NY Deli, Madison’s. 5 p.m.

• The Hades Incident at Enso Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar

A celebration of supernatural entertainment presented by Inner Circle Events. Your finest costumed attire is requested.

10 p.m.-2 a.m. Enso Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar, 210 E. Trade St. Limited advance tickets available at clubtix.net.

• The Rocky Horror Picture Show Takeover at Dammit Janet

Watch the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show during a live screening of the film. For more information, call 704-906-6531 or email dan@takeoverfriday.com .

$5. 7 p.m.- 10 p.m. Dammit Janet, 319 Grandin Rd.

• The Campground Massacre Haunted House

Haunted attraction features an indoor haunted house (Mina’s Mansion) and the Campground Massacre with three acres of woods.

Continues through Sat., Oct. 31. Oct. 29, 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; Oct. 30, 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m.; Oct. 31, 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Take exit 88 (Gold Hill Rd. and Tega Cay). Turn right off the exit. The event is 1/4 mile on the right. For more information, visit www.the massacre.com.

• Forbidden Farms

Haunted trail with scare zones that include “Miners Mayhem,” “Cursed Chasm,” “3D Experience,” and “Moonlit Corn Maze.” Continues through Nov. 1.

$15-$20. Oct. 30, 7 p.m.-11 p.m.; Oct. 31, 7 p.m.- 11 p.m.; Nov. 1, 7 p.m.- 10 p.m. Carrigan Farms, 1261 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy., Mooresville. 704-664-1450. www.carriganfarms.com.

• Scarowinds

Features scare zones, mazes, and spooky shows. Also, some rides have a dark twist. For more information, visit www.scarowinds.com. Continues through Oct. 31.

$33.99-$42.99. Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd. 704-588-2600. www.carowinds.com.

• The Haunted Mill

For a good fright on Halloween, The Haunted Mill comes alive with a staff of scary-looking folks on hand to scare you away. For the less adventurous, there’s also a game room and mini-golf.

$15-$19. Open Wednesday-Saturday, 7 p.m. Last tickets sold at 11:30 p.m. 6325 Wilkinson Blvd. 704-829-6455. www.thehauntedmillnc.com.

(more…)

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The image of the undead bloodsucker has taken a hit in recent years.  The fact of the matter is, vampires aren’t scary anymore, and they’re not dangerous.  The vampire is lusted after, the Twilight series has all but defanged the vamp.

It came as a surprise to me back in 2005, when I discovered a writer by the name of Charlie Huston. Huston was in the beginning of an epic writing spree, – having published 10 novels since 2004 – with more on the horizon.  Having begun the Hank Thompson series with his debut, Caught Stealing, Huston proved to be a new voice in the world of noir, bringing a rough-hewed, blue collar, razor sharp, direct tone to his writing.

In 2005, his first in a The Joe Pitt Casebooks series, Already Dead, proved him also capable of handling the dried up corpse of the vampire archetype.  Coming out the same year as the first in the Twilight series, Already Dead put readers dead in the center of an original and unique take.  These vampires, or Vampyres as Huston calls them, are similar to the way vampires have been depicted in the past, but not entirely.  Yeah, they need blood, and sunlight kills them in an explosion of tumors, but garlic, holy water and crosses are no threat to them. (more…)

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Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Oct. 29, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.

• Steve Morse Band at Neighborhood Theatre

• The Woman In Black at Theatre Charlotte

• Habitual Ritual Presents Haloweelarious III at Cabo Fish Taco

• Halloween drive-in movie screening of Friday the 13th at Winthrop University

• Discussion and signing of Miracle on the Hudson at Joseph-Beth Booksellers

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