Cityscape

Hope Amidst Despair

Charlotte Humanitarian David Johnson of Silent Images documents Burmese refugees – read the amazing story here in Creative Loafing.

$1.6 Million – A load of lettuce!

Just exactly what will that buy you in Charlotte real estate? Cam Newton found out recently with his Uptown condo and I wanted to know what he passed up. Here in the Charlotte Observer.

Metropolitan Opera Star is a different type of Diva

She’s a Dixie Diva – Honey and don’t y’all forget that. Here is my profile on the one and only Vickie Livengood at the Charlotte Observer.

60s Iconoclast Danny Lyon – Images from another era

Danny Lyon is a self taught photographer form the 60s whose work came to define the era of New Journalism. Read my profile on him here in the Charlotte Observer.

que-OS – Organized, Democraticratized Art

Manoj P. Kesavan & Faron Franks have started it now. Read my piece at Charlotte Viewpoint on their latest collaborative project here.

Dance. Draw. Pushing new technology in field of Dance.

Check out my preview of this fascinating new technology here in the Charlotte Observer.

Chicks in the city

Urban chicken ranchers are more prevalent than you may think – they might even be in your own back yard. Read my piece in Lake Norman Magazine.

Steve Crump Finds Niche in Revealing African American History

Charlotte news anchor, reporter and filmmaker Steve Crump shares his thoughts on documentary film making, storytelling and his latest work, Sojourn of the Strings.

The film explores the journey of the banjo from slave cabins on the plantation, through the minstrel era, into Appalachia and eventually into the hands of folk legend Pete Seeger, North Carolina’s Joe Thompson, and the Carolina Chocolate Drops.

Profiled here at Charlotte ViewPoint.



City Block project showcases urban landscape.

One hundred or more photographers. 24 continuous hours. One square city block location, like the NC Music Factory and you have City Block, the Light Factory’s annual urban photography fest and competition. Check out my piece in the Charlotte Observer here.

Violins Of Hope Provides Inspiration

This fascinating restoration project has captivated an entire community. Read the back story, here in Charlotte’s Creative Loafing.

Dialect Coach to the Stars is Star in His Own Right

Voice coach and distinguished professor, Dr. Charles Hadley has worked with a galaxy of stage and screen stars including Vivien Leigh, Charlton Heston, Nick Nolte, Jason Robards, Scarlett Johansson and many more. Read about his incredible career here.

Self made baker recreates Long Island taste

Mark Blumberg missed NYC bagels when he moved from Long Island to Charlotte. He took matters into his own hands with some very tasty results. Here in SCN.

The Simpsons Producer Dishes

Mike Reiss gets to the core of what makes the long running animated series so successful in my interview with him. Here at the Charlotte Observer.

No Room For Bullies

Local filmmaker Bev Penninger produces an outstanding documentary – a must see with your kids. Read my preview here in Charlotte ViewPoint.

The People’s Convention

Charlotte Magazine profiles me and my crew as we have some big plans for the 2012 DNC in Charlotte.

Arts patron – Dr. Kim Blanding

Nine out of ten Charlotte dentists support the arts in the QC just like Dr. Kim. Read my tiny profile on her here in the Charlotte Observer.

Charm is never out of style

Etiquette it seems is not a dying art at all. Read my piece on a local “charm school” instructor here in the Charlotte Observer.

First Woman Globetrotter in 20 Years

Hoopster TNT Maddox dishes with me about what it is like to play with the legendary Harlem Globetrotters. Here in the Charlotte Observer.

Million Dollar Quartet Author Shares Back Story
Million Dollar Quartet tells the story of an incredible one night jam session with Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. The show opens in Charlotte on Tuesday and I spoke one on one with  co-author, Colin Escott. Here at Charlotte Viewpoint.
All Bottled Up – History in a bottle

This local craftsman really knows how to work in tiny spaces. Here in my piece at the Charlotte Observer.

UNCC Gallery Director Connects

Read about UNCC Gallery Director and curator Crista Cammaroto here in SouthPark Magazine.

Button Pusher

Read all about an irreverent graphic Designer and her tongue-in-cheeky buttons poking fun at Charlotte neighborhoods here in the Charlotte Observer.

Aprons in new staring role


Out of the closet and into the kitchen, aprons are hip again. Here in my piece at the Charlotte Observer.

Pop Culture Phenoms The Maccabeats Serenade Charlotte

Check out this profile on the all male, Jewish a capella singing group from New York City’s Yeshiva University, here in my piece at the Charlotte Observer.

Steamer Trunk Seniors Pick Charlotte Sight Unseen

Check out my feature on the couple who chose to retire to the QC without ever setting foot here.  In the Charlotte Observer, Here.

Film Festival Comes Into Its Own

The Charlotte Jewish Film Festival has matured significantly after eight years, read my preview here at Charlotte Viewpoint.

Son shares stage with dad who is deaf

A great father and son story hear featuring a dad who has overcome his hearing impairment right up onto the stage. Here in the Charlotte Observer.

Lost In The Trees – Orchestral Folk??

Chapel Hill Based Lost in the Trees forge a new musical style all their own. My interview with front-man Ari Picker is picked up in an abbreviated version here in the Raleigh News & Observer.

New CRVA CEO sounds off on DNC legacy, Charlotte’s future

Read my interview with Tom Murray here at Charlotte Viewpoint.

Memphis Star Discusses Race, Chemistry & Touring

Read my interview with Bryan Fenkart, the lead in the national touring performance of Memphis, the Musical. Here at CLT Blog.

Holocaust era violins serenade New South city

Violins of Hope is a compelling story of perseverance and one man’s desire to restore voice to musical instruments who saw unimaginable horrors. Read my story here at Charlotte Viewpoint.

Cheese Monger Knows Her Stuff

Read my piece on a local cheese monger and how she plies her trade. Here at the Charlotte Observer.

Charlotte Arts & Science Council Public Art Walking Tour & Podcast Helps Define Uptown

The Charlotte Arts & Science Council has developed a public art walking tour and podcast showcasing some of the finest public art in  our region.

Read my piece about it here.

Charlotte man uses photography as passport to new world

Read my profile on local freelance photographer Greg McMurray here in the Charlotte Observer.

1902 Society Tackles Social Issues
Read my piece here in South Charlotte News about a local philanthropic group that gives time, talent and treasure in service to the community.
Perfect Pizza is Quest for this Master Chef

Follow Celebrity Chef Peter Reinhart as he sets off in search of the perfect pizza. Here in my story at the Charlotte Observer.

Learning Disabled Find Support, Concern and Care

This special Charlotte School makes a huge difference in kids lives. Read about them here in my piece in South Charlotte News.

Internationally Acclaimed Sculptor Shares Backstory Behind Charlotte Art

Ray Kaskey may be best known for his work on the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. but few Charloteans know about his significant contributions to the Queen City. Read the back-story behind the most iconic works in Uptown Charlotte here.

Reinvention leads to success – Part two

Read my story of high powered lawyer turned entrepreneur here in the Charlotte Observer.

Visual Artist’s Work Is Not Always What it Seems

Charlotte Painter Barbara Schreiber’s work is part whimsy, part mayhem. Read my profile here.

Ten Finance Tips Going Into The New Year

I talk with local financial gurus on savvy moves coming into the New Year - here at Lake Norman Magazine.

Olympic Silver Medalist, Skater Paul Wylie Talks About Cancer & Hope

Read my interview with Olympic Medalist, Paul Wylie here.

Heralded Artist Documents History

Chas Fagan is at home with Presidents, Astronauts and Landscapes. Read my profile on this fascinating artist here.

Garden Volunteers Make All The Difference

Read my profile on the Wednesday Wingers, Wing Have Garden’s group of volunteers who make it all happen. Here at South Charlotte News.

McColl Center Hosts New Residents

Read my overview on the new artistic crew at Charlotte’s McColl Center for Visual Art. Here in the Charlotte Observer.

Nobel Laureate Aaron Ciechanover Inspires Charlotte

2004 Nobel Prize winner for Chemistry, Dr Aaron Ciechanover, entertained several hundred area high school children in a dialogue sponsored by the Echo Foundation. read what he had to say here at Charlotte ViewPoint.

McColl Center For Visual Art Captivates

Charlotte visual arts Mecca, The McColl Center, offers one of the most unique artist-in-residence programs in the country. And that’s just the beginning.

Read more about this community treasure in my piece  here.

What Charlotte Isn’t

Why not enjoy your own city on its own terms? My opinion on comparing apples and oranges, here at Charlotte Viewpoint.

Silent Heroes Heard Loud & Clear

Read my piece in the Charlotte Observer about an incredible project focusing on local, unsung heroes.

A Conversation With Avenue Q’s Rick Lyon

Rick Lyon has  worked on Sesame Street and on television and film projects for Columbia Pictures, New Line Cinema, ABC, CBS, The Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, VH1, and Fox. In addition to performing, Lyon also designs and builds custom puppets, including the puppets for the Tony Award-winning musical Avenue Q on Broadway, where he was also a member of the original cast.

Read my interview with him here at Charlotte ViewPoint.


New Year’s Evolution – Fianace Tips To Start The New Year On Track

I speak with local finance guru’s on how to plan for the new year. Here in the region’s premier lifestyle magazine, SouthPark Magazine.

My 1st Suit – Building Self Esteem

A Charlotte man with a big idea is inspiring young men and helping them gain self confidence through a character development program and custom made threads. Read my story on him here, in the Charlotte Observer.


Testicles Put Brakes On SC Woman’s Joy Ride


Yes, you read that correctly. Check out my humorous reporting of this very real occurrence here at Like the Dew, Journal of Southern Culture & Politics.

Urban Ministries nourish Homeless in more ways than one

Urban Ministries provide so much more than meals and referrals for our city’s homeless – they nourish their souls as well. Check out this innovative photography program in a piece I wrote for the Charlotte Observer here.

BRAVO! patron shares why she supports the opera

Read my Patron Profile on Laura Collinge – Opera Carolina Supporter.

NC Orchestral Folk Band – Lost In The Trees – Making Their Mark

Read my interview with LIT front-man Ari Picker here at Charlotte ViewPoint.


Historic Wesley Heights Turns 100

Historic Charlotte neighborhood Wesley Heights celebrates their 100 year anniversary. Read my piece covering this cool event here in the Charlotte Observer.

Digging for History

Armchair historian Walter Klein wants to set the record straight on Mec Dec, the other Declaration of Independence, once and for all. Read my piece here in the Observer.

Late is Not Early – What I Think About Your Being Late

My lament at being chronically on time. Here in the Charlotte Observer.

Anime Voice Actor Vic Mignogna Uses Platform to Share Significant Message

Watching Vic Mignogna address a packed ballroom of screaming anime fans, I couldn’t help but be impressed at how he connected with each of the 400 or so mostly-teenage girls in a personal and almost visceral way.

Mignogna was in Charlotte  as a headliner appearing at Ichibancon, Charlotte’s  anime and manga convention.

Read my profile here.

Giving Back Comes Naturally

The new generation of philanthropists looks very much like the old, generous and giving. Read my story here in the Charlotte Observer.

Yes, I Have No Tomatoes

The summer of 2010 was very bad for my usually bountiful tomato crop. Was it me or the weather? Read my thoughts here.

Art/Wine Pairings Star in This Event

Palate to Palette is the signature contemporary art event at the McColl Center for Visual Art. Read about its origins here.

Greir-Rea House is Living History

Read the story of this remarkable historic Federal-style plantation home in south Mecklenburg  County here.

Local PBS TV Battles for Survival

Read my interview with WTVI president, Elsie Garner here at Charlotte Viewpoint.

Green Maven Terri Bennet Talks Eco


For more than 16 years, Terri Bennett provided nightly weather forecasts to the Charlotte, NC, television market as a meteorologist and station scientist. From 2004 to 2007, she also penned a daily newspaper column, “Earth, Stars and Skies,” in the Charlotte Observer newspaper where she answered readers’ questions about all things science. After leaving the television business in 2007, Terri’s passion for the environment created the Do Your Part® idea and its core mission. Terri wanted the world to know that going green is easy, economical, and important. In 2010, DoYourPart.com was launched due to a growing demand for consumer-friendly eco-content.

I interview Terri here.

Storyology Helps Build Community

Read how two women helped recent immigrants to Charlotte connect to their community through story. Here in the Charlotte Observer.

Discovery Place on Its Way To National Prominence

Charlotte is making the national map because of our science museum. Really. Check out my piece at Charlotte Viewpoint on Discovery Place here.

Late Movie Fridays
When my pals, Copez & Emiene Wright couldn’t find late night haps in  the QC, they  took matters into their own hands. Read my piece here in the Charlotte Observer.
Treasure Trees Delight Urbanites

Learn about the special gems with leaves that grow in our city – fabulous Treasure Trees. Here in the Charlotte Observer.

New Generation of African American Philanthropists


Valaida Fullwood and Charles W. Thomas’ new book, Giving Back; A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists is a remarkable achievement. Read my preview here at Charlotte Viewpoint.


BarCamp is Ultimate Geek-fest, Un-conference

What is BarCamp you ask? Find out here in my piece at the Charlotte Observer.

Opera Carolina Season Opener Il Travotore Glows

Read my review of OC’s 2011/2012 Opener with Denyce Graves here at CLT Blog.

Independent Media Hosted at 2012 Democratic National Convention

The PPL, a media and culture house concept hosting independent and unaffiliated bloggers, filmmakers, journalists, activities and others is taking root in Charlotte, NC the DNC 2012 host. Read about the innovative concept and the people behind The PPL here in my piece at the Charlotte Observer.

Project Conversion Lands In Charlotte

Read about the unusual tourist agenda as my virtual pal came to the QC. Here in the Charlotte Observer.

Nothing Foreign About This Exchange


Read a heart warming story about a foreign exchange student and the family that hosted her – still connected after 40 years. Here in my piece in the Observer.

Anne Frank Exhibit Strikes Chord Close to NC

An amazing NC connection is revealed in the back-story of this special Anne Frank Exhibit on display here in Charlotte. Read my Faith feature here in the Observer.

It’s Not Your Grandfather’s Rotary Any Longer

Rotary is still making a huge difference, almost 100 years after its inception. Read my story here in the Charlotte Observer.

NASA Tweetup is a Dream Come True For Local Blogger

Read how local blogger Desiree Kane her #1 bucket list item fulfilled. Here in the Charlotte Observer.

Charlotte inspired by Bearden

All things Romare Bearden roar into high gear in the QC. Read my homage to our native son here at Charlotte Viewpoint.

Date Night in Charlotte

When dinner and a movie feel uninspired, forget the overpriced popcorn bucket and explore these choices in Crown Town – oh, and tell the babysitter you’ll be home late.

Read my feature here.

Street Magazine Give Homeless Voice, More

Read my piece in the Charlotte Observer about how one man gives area homeless a hand up instead of a hand out.

Echo Foundation is Catalyst for Compassion

The Echo Foundation is a nonprofit humanitarian organization whose mission is to sponsor and facilitate those voices that speak of human dignity, justice and moral courage. Read about founder, Stephanie Ansaldo and the incredible work being done in Charlotte and beyond here.


Miami poet’s words reside in Charlotte

P. Scott Cunningham is a cool cat who has his way with words. Read how The McColl Center for Visual Art showcases this literary artist in Charlotte. Here in  my piece at Charlotte Viewpoint.

Japanese Anime/Manga Are Number One At Ichibancon

Charlotte is quietly becoming a destination city for lovers of comics, animation, superheroes, and cartoons. The Queen City is hosting an expected 1000 attendees for an anime and manga related convention on January 7-9 with Ichibancon 2011. The third such national convention in the past seven months, Ichibancon is the most recent entrant to the growing list of conventions held in Charlotte that specifically target enthusiasts of comic books and related products.

Read my preview here.

Artist is Man in Motion

Kit Kube is a Kinetic Master Craftsman – Check out my piece in the Observer that tells his story here.

NEA’s Rocco Landesman Talks Arts, Community
The National Endowment for the Arts chair, Rocco Landesman, was in Charlotte recently. Read my profile on his visit here in the Charlotte Observer.
Ships-in-Bottle Take Dedication

One of only a handful of such experienced and established artisans nationwide, Goodwin was contacted last year by the property manager for the upcoming DreamWorks film production of Alice Sebold’s novel, “The Lovely Bones.” The film needed 50 ships in bottles in just over three months.

Goodwin was more than up to the task, and his work so impressed the film’s director, Peter Jackson, that he asked Goodwin to create some special pieces for his personal collection.

Read this profile here.

Film-Maker Finds Historic Treasures

Charlotte film-maker Donald Devet has a knack for capturing history with a contemporary twist – all in our own back yard. Read my piece here.

Clayworks Helps People Get Their Hands Dirty

How can you not love an organization that hosts a monthly event called Muddy Fun Day? Read my piece in the Charlotte Observer here.

Harnessing the Power of the Latina Community

Read my piece on this mother/daughter combo that is harnessing the power of the Latina community. Here in the Charlotte Observer’s South Charlotte News.


Urban Beekeepers Buzz With Enthusiasm

What could be more pure and local than honey from your own back yard? Check out the buzz from this urban beekeeper whose bees may just have been in my yard not that long ago.

Read my piece here in the Charlotte Observer.

Grier-Rea House A Tribute Rural Heritage
One of the oldest plantation houses surviving in Mecklenburg County, the house stands in tribute to the rural heritage of this part of the county. The commission has designated the Grier-Rea house a local landmark. It’s one of a number of historically significant properties in the county with such a designation.

Read my piece here.

“Geek” Event Taps Those With Passion For Ideas

Ignite Charlotte takes off with a program built upon the notion of : Enlighten us- But make it quick. See what they mean here.

Spokes Group Delivers Joy On Two Wheels

Charlotte-based nonprofit Spokes Group will distribute more than 2,100 new bicycles and helmets this year to disadvantaged youths, with the majority of those bikes going to kids in Mecklenburg County.

Read this heartwarming story of generosity here.

Charlotte’s Sister Cities Expand In Number

Just what exactly is a sister city and what is the back story behind the QC’s filial relationships? Read more here.

Charlotte DNC 2012 – A Sense of Place

I wrote this piece about Charlotte hosting the 2012 DNC Convention for India’s largest youth newspaper, The Viewspaper. Read how I describe our sense of place here.

Cirque Du Soleil’s Totem Haunts, Twirls, Thrills

Thursday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway there were more thrills, high speed turns and tension than is typically found at the Coca-Cola 600. It all took place under the Grande chapiteau where close to 2200 attendees were spellbound for nearly three hours with Totem, the latest performing arts feast from Cirque Du Soleil.

Read my review @ CLT Blog here.

The Varied Face of Black Film


The Classic International Black Cinema Series at the Gantt Center for African American Art & Culture shows the depth and breadth of Black film. Read my profile here.

Shalom Park – Cultural Crossroads


Standing as a vibrant cultural crossroads in the Charlotte community for the past 22 years, Shalom Park is a unique contributor to the texture and fabric of urban life in the Queen City. Heralded through-out the city as a signpost of interfaith relations and a cornerstone to the community’s diverse religious and cultural heritage, this cooperative effort provides the Charlotte metro area with an array of educational, religious, recreational, entertainment, cultural, and community service offerings.

Read more of my piece here.

Jazz Guru Hunts Down Obscure Music

Jeff Jackson’s site, Destination:Out finds all that  (out of print ) jazz. Check out my piece here in Lake Norman News.

Opera Carolina Navigates Through Difficult Economic Times


Read how Opera Carolina reaches well beyond the stage and into the community to connect with and build their patron base.

Find my profile here.


America’s Toothfairy is Right Here in Charlotte, NC

Read my profile on the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation, America’s Toothfairy – Here in South Charlotte News.

Engage Charlotte Connects Area Young Professionals


Engage Charlotte is a vehicle for young professionals to connect to the QC. Check out my piece in Charlotte Viewpoint here.

No Such Thing As Too Young When It Comes To Theater

Theater for very young targets tots from six months to three years. There is plenty for the kid in all of us As I recently discovered at PlayPlay! Charlotte’s answer to the European Baby Theater craze. My piece at Charlotte ViewPoint is here.

Charlotte Jewish Film Festival – Preview

While the likelihood of Charlotte overtaking Cannes as a premier Film Festival destination is remote, area movie buffs are licking their chops nonetheless for ten days of fine films come March; that is when the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival kicks off with a compact but eclectic and inviting selection of cinema in a format that offers one huge advantage the big festivals typically don’t have: accessibility.

See my entire preview here.