Check out the tentative schedule for the 2010 CIAA Tournament - February 23 - 27, 2010 - Charlotte, NC.

• Tuesday, February 23

  • Food Lion Women’s Tournament Begins

    5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m.
    Time Warner Cable Arena

• Wednesday, February 24

  • CIAA Ford Fan Experience

    2010 CIAA Ford Fan Experience
    Bank of America Day
    Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
    Charlotte Convention Center - Hall C

  • CIAA Education Day

    CIAA Education Day 2010
    NASA STEM Education and Career Awareness
    Charlotte Convention Center

  • Food Lion Women’s Quarterfinals

    1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.
    Time Warner Cable Arena

  • Men’s Tournament Begins

    5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m.
    Time Warner Cable Arena

• Thursday, February 25

  • CIAA Fan Hospitality

    CIAA Fan Hospitality - Front Court
    Time Warner Cable Arena
    Noon - 2:00 p.m. (Lunch)
    5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (Dinner)
    Come relax and mingle from Noon -  4:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

  • Food Lion Health & Wellness Symposium

    Food Lion Health & Wellness Symposium
    Hosted by: Nationwide Insurance, Healing Our Village & Laugh 4 Life
    TWCA Practice Court
    11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

  • Yolanda Adams Morning Show

    The Yolanda Adams Morning Show presented by Lowe’s
    2010 CIAA Ford Fan Experience
    Doors open at 5:30 a.m.
    Show starts at 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
    Charlotte Convention Center - Hall C

  • CIAA Ford Fan Experience

    2010 CIAA Fan Experience
    Lowe’s Day
    Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
    Charlotte Convention Center - Hall C

  • CIAA Career Expo

    CIAA Career Expo
    10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
    Charlotte Convention Center
    Ballroom A-D

  • Food Lion Women’s Quarterfinals

    8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m.
    Time Warner Cable Arena

  • Men’s Quarterfinals

    1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m.
    Time Warner Cable Arena
    TV One

• Friday, February 26

  • CIAA Fan Hospitality

    CIAA Fan Hospitality - Front Court
    Time Warner Cable Arena
    Noon - 2:00 p.m. (Lunch)
    5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (Dinner)
    Come relax and mingle from Noon -  4:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

  • UPTOWN magazine presents: the Aristocrat Lounge

    UPTOWN Magazine presents the Aristocrat Lounge
    Fundraiser for the CIAA General Scholarship
    Ritz Carlton – Charlotte
    7:00 p.m.  – 1:00 a.m.

  • Food Lion Health & Wellness Symposium

    Food Lion Health & Wellness Symposium
    Hosted by: Nationwide Insurance, Healing Our Village & Laugh 4 Life
    TWCA Practice Court
    11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

  • Steve Harvey Morning Show

    Steve Harvey Morning Show presented by Ford
    2010 CIAA Ford Fan Experience
    Doors open at 5:30 a.m.
    Show starts at 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
    Charlotte Convention Center - Hall C

  • CIAA Step Show

    2010 CIAA Step Show
    Bojangles Coliseum
    Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
    Show starts at 8:00 p.m.

  • CIAA Ford Fan Experience

    2010 CIAA Ford Fan Experience
    Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
    Charlotte Convention Center - Hall C

  • Food Lion Women’s Semifinals

    1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.
    Time Warner Cable Arena

  • Men’s Semifinals

    7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m.
    Time Warner Cable Arena
    TV One

  • CIAA Women’s Luncheon

    CIAA Women’s Luncheon
    Invite Only!
    Morton’s Steakhouse - Uptown Charlotte

• Saturday, February 27

  • CIAA Fan Hospitality

    CIAA Fan Hospitality - Front Court
    Time Warner Cable Arena
    5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (Dinner)
    Come relax and mingle from 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

  • Food Lion Health & Wellness Symposium

    Food Lion Health & Wellness Symposium
    Hosted by: Nationwide Insurance, Healing Our Village & Laugh 4 Life
    TWCA Practice Court
    9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

  • CIAA Championship Concert

    CIAA Championship Concert featuring En Vogue
    FREE with a CIAA Ticket Book
    Time Warner Cable Arena
    Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
    Show starts at 5:00 p.m.

  • McDonald’s Super Saturday

    2010 CIAA McDonald’s Super Saturday
    Featuring Darrin Henson & Bow Wow
    Time Warner Cable Arena
    Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
    Show starts at 9:00 a.m.

  • Men’s Final

    6:00 p.m. - ESPN U
    Time Warner Cable Arena

  • CIAA Post Tournament Party

    CIAA Post Tournament Party - featuring the Temptations
    Show starts at 11:00 p.m.
    Charlotte Convention Center

  • Food Lion Women’s Final

    9:00 p.m - ESPN Plus
    Time Warner Cable Arena

Get a cool beer thanks to BK's aluminum cans.

By Kia O. Moore (kia@mingleberry.com)

Burgers and beers: a prime example of a true American meal.

Burger King is blending two of America’s favorite taste and serving it up in a matter of minutes. Next month, Burger King plans to open a Whopper Bar in sexy South Beach Miami, Fla. Those in Germany, Singapore, and Venezuela have been enjoying the combination since summer 2009. The Florida location serves as a test-run for the American Whopper Bar franchise. If all goes well, BK plans to launch the next Whopper Bars in Las Vegas, New York City and Los Angeles.

The liquor menu will include: Budweiser, Miller Lite and Budlight Lime. BK will serve the brewskies in specially crafted aluminium cans. The bottleneck-style containers are designed to keep the beers in an optimal chill state. The beers cost $2 when ordered with a value meal (Beer Value Menu Combo $7.99), but without the burger and fries it shoots up to $4.25.

The beverage menu may have expanded beyond carbonated concoctions, but the food menu has dwindled down to the Whopper, TenderCrisp, Angus sandwiches and desserts. (I don’t know about you, but I can’t go to BK without devouring a Hershey’s Pie. So I knew they couldn’t take the sweets off the menu.)

The bitter taste of slumping stock prices prompted BK to implement creative concepts to boost its stock status. Anything dealing with alcohol consumption is always a great solution when a restaurant needs a boost its sales numbers.

But we both know BK’s biggest competitor will not let the regal burger chain dominate the sales pie chart. McDonald’s  plans to launch the McWineCooler Swirl in its South Beach locations in March 2010. The family-oriented restaurant will section off an area titled the McSaloon to delineate their Happy-Meal image and McHappy Hour image. The alcoholic beverages will be served daily during McHappy Hour from 4-7 p.m. In contrast, the Whopper Bar serves their spirited beverages 24/7.

Anytime you are in the mood for brews, burgers and deserts for a fast food price, head over to the Whopper Bar. I hope it gets to the Queen City soon. A queen always loves to eat, drink and be merry with her king.

Find out what the Whopper Bar is all about: http://www.bkwhopperbar.com/

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Questions for the Reader:

• When I think of fast food, I think of drive-thrus. Who’s to blame when BK and Mickey D’s patrons get DUI charges after leaving their food establishments?
• In my mind, McDonald’s equals Happy Meals and play areas. What do you think about McWineCooler Swirls and the McSaloon?
• Who will be serving the beers? I am used to a teenage voice blasting from the white noise-filled drive-thru speaker.

Leave your comments; we want to hear from you!

Kids love living the nightlife too

Why should adults have all the fun? The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center allows children the chance to enjoy uptown’s nightlife in the Queen City. READ MORE

Posted by Kia on 1 January 2010 | 7:48 pm

By Kia O. Moore (kia@mingleberry.com)

Have a night out on the town with the family.

The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, located at 130 North Tryon Street, will host exciting Kids’ Night activities for six upcoming shows this winter. These special events are a wonderful way to permit children ages 14 and younger the chance to enjoy the upscale nightlife that the Queen City has to offer. The Center allows children to become actively engaged in the Charlotte art scene.

Kids’ Night programs typically offer free or reduced-priced tickets for children attending the show and/or pre-show activities. During the pre-show kids can enjoy a participatory experience that will enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the performance their family plans to attend.

The free show tickets for children (with paying adult) are available as long as tickets are available for the performance. Some shows do limit the number of seats designated for the Kids’ Night special.

Please be aware that the educational pre-show programs associated with the Kids’ Night performances are limited based on the number of children who can be accommodated at the activity. Free tickets for the pre-show activity are provided first come, first serve as tickets are ordered. Therefore, purchase tickets early.

See below for upcoming Kids’ Night events.

Kids’ Night at the Blumenthal: BAND OF THE IRISH GUARDS/ROYAL REGIMENT OF SCOTLAND

• Restrictions: Valid on January 12 performance only

• Location: Belk Theater

• Overview: Child Free with Full Price Adult

Kids’ Night at the Knight: The ALUMINUM SHOW

• Restrictions: Valid on January 13 and 19 performances only

• Location: Knight Theater

• Overview: Child Free with Full Price Adult

• Purchase Info: First 60 kids for each show, get admission into a special pre-show activity

Kids’ Night at the Knight: AFRICAN CHILDREN’S CHOIR

• Restrictions: Valid on March 15 performance only

• Location: Knight Theater

• Overview: Child Free with Full Price Adult

• Purchase Info: First 60 kids for each show, get admission into a special pre-show activity

For complete details, call 704.372.1000 or www.BlumenthalCenter.org/Kids.

J. Cole is the first artist signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation label.

By Kia O. Moore (kia@mingleberry.com)

Fayetteville native Jermaine Cole (J. Cole) posses the talent to make the hip-hop world recognize N.C. as the miniature N.Y.C. of the South. With the demeanor and lyrical dexterity of the great Regional Era (’93-’00) MC’s, this fresh faced rap rookie is gunning for the summa cum laude¹ title in hip-hop’s New School Class of rappers.

This magna cum laude² St. John’s University alum was the first artist signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label. He was handpicked by Mr. S. Carter himself, and was featured on the Blueprint 3 album. Jay-Z allowed him to lay a verse down on the track “A star is born.” It is not uncommon for Jay-Z to feature unknown artists and producers on his tracks. In an Associated Press article Jay-Z said that he loves the energy that raw talent brings to his albums. He also loves to give newcomers the opportunity to crossover into the mainstream.

However, Cole’s first encounter with Jay-Z back in September 2007 was vastly different than the day he was ordained the poster boy of Roc Nation. Inspired by the news of Jay-Z’s forthcoming album, “American Gangster”, Cole devised a plan to break into the music industry that year. Within hours of hearing the news of the new album, Cole had composed a CD of beats for Jay-Z. He and a friend stood in the rain awaiting Jay-Z arrival to Roc the Mic Studio, located in N.Y.C. After two-and-a-half hours, Jay-Z’s black Rolls Royce Phantom glided up to the studio entrance. Cole moved shyly toward Jay-Z, muttered something, and placed the CD into Jay- Z’s hand. “Man, I don’t want that,” he said. At that moment, Cole’s impression of Jay-Z went from adoration to detestation. “I thought he was evil at that point — cause it caught me off guard, I had such high hopes, that just one little phrase like that from him [was devastating].”

By November 2008, J. Cole had garnered enough industry buzz and had grown his contact list long enough to get his rap CD to the ear of Jay-Z. As soon as he listened to a few bars of Cole’s song  “Lights Please,” Jay-Z wanted to know who this J. Cole kid was. Cole was a disbeliever when he was informed that Jay-Z wanted to meet with him. He became a devout and very nervous believer once he was sitting in the waiting room outside the business office where he would talk business with Jay-Z.

After Cole played five songs, Jay-Z  non-verbally ordained Cole the trailblazer of Roc Nation. Cole said, “Jay-Z’s reactions are incredible when he’s feeling some shit, ’cause a) He’s Jay-Z, so you’re already gassed, and b) He’s looking dead in your eyes, bobbing his head, intensely in the music. The best part about it is, when he’s feeling something, when there’s a line that he likes, he gives you that, ‘Wooooooo!’ and he’ll let you know that he’s feeling it. It’s a three hour meeting and we only played five songs, so the rest of the time, we’re talking and building [a plan for my music career].”

Before Cole got a deal he already believed he was going to takeover the hip-hop industry. He felt his music had that “je ne sais quoi” that people would be unable to overlook. “Me being from North Carolina with an East Coast flow, but still repping the South and having all the culture of the South in my music, that shit set me apart so much. If I was from New York, I probably wouldn’t have gotten this deal,” said Cole.

Cole predicted he would land a record deal with a major label by 2009. On his “braggadocios” mixtape titled The Warm Up Cole lyrical paints a picture of a young man that knows how talented he is, but has to work overtime to make sure everyone else knows it too.

Since the age of 12, J. Cole knew that hip-hop would be his route to fame and undeniable respect. “I’m not addicted to some idea of stardom, I don’t give a fuck about that. It’s more a respect factor. I’d rather be known as the best, but not just the best to hip-hop fans, I want the world to know.” He continued, “I just want people to know the name and appreciate the music. That’s all it was ever about. There were never fantasies about money or ballin’ out of control.”

________________________________________________________________

Quotes provided by Black Book Magazine writer Nadeska Alexis, Complex Magazine interviewer Damien Scott, Let’s All Just Say Cheese blogger Shauna Barbosa and ABC News writer Stephanie Wash

________________________________________________________________

1.     summa cum luade: the highest praise: used in diplomas to grant the highest three special honors for grades above average.

2.      magna cum luade: with great praise: used in diplomas to designate the next to highest of three honors  for grades above average.

To listen to J. Cole’s mixtape “The Warm Up,” click the pic below.

The mixtape "The Warm Up" features the song "Lights Please", which caught the ear of Jay-Z.

Hip Hop Artist of the Year (Male): Cutty Boy

Hip Hop Artist of the Year (Female): Shelly B

Hip Hop Group of the Year: Tripple Threat

R&B

R&B Artist of the Year (Male): Joe Barrino

R&B Artist of the Year (Female): Neesha

R&B Band: Intertwyne

Gospel

Gospel Artist of the Year (Female): Stacey Joseph

Gospel Artist of the Year (Male): Carey Reid

Choir of the Year: New Birth

Reggaeton

Reggaeton Artist of the Year: Josue F. Baybee

Rock

Rock Artist of the Year (Male): Chad Mackey

Rock Artist of the Year (Female): Christy Johnson

Rock Band of the Year: Avett Brothers

Country

Country Artist of the Year (Male): Jeffery Allen Edwards

Country Artist of the Year (Female): Tammie Davis

Country Band of the Year: OutShyne

Music Production

Producer of the Year: K Figz

DJ of the Year: DJ Flemingo

Sports

Professional Athlete of the Year: Raymond Felton

College Athlete of the Year: Tyler Hanbrough

Entertainment Industry

Radio Personality of the Year: No Limit Larry

Radio Record of the Year: “Dammit I’m Fly”- Bettie Grind

Poetry in Motion Award: Bluz

Model of the Year: Deltonia Cannon

Photographer of the Year: Jonathan Keitt

Best Publication of the Year: Metro Propenent

The 3^rd Annual Queen City Awards, held at club Skandolos (E. Independence Blvd.) on Dec. 12, was a semi-organized event that showered accolades on Charlotte’s entertainment community. This year’s award organizers, TalkofNC.com and CarolinaArtist.net, expanded award categories beyond the urban market. The genres of rock and country had a strong presence this year. Few were in attendance to actually accept awards in all 26 categories, which made the event more local talent showcase than award ceremony.

Those artists who performed at the QCA’s showcased the potential hotbed of local talent that Charlotte has to offer. The QCA crowd was cold, which meant artists had to be true entertainers to solicit any type of reaction from this crowd. Award show hosts Big Pat and Melinda Medina had to continually resuscitate the crowd with witty commentary and eye catching outfits. Their efforts just barely kept the audience in an interactive mood; however, once artist were on stage only the most entertaining survived. Those who held their own were Young Nut, K Riss, S-Dub, King Carter, Revenue, Prodigy GT and Brice.

Young Nut, of East Charlotte, held the crowd’s attention with his Lil’ Boosie channeled vocals and ADHD induced stage performance. He paced and jumped across the stage, while forcing every lyric out of his gut with great intensity. His face winced with aggression every time he stated the line, “I be on the eastside, straight beast mode.” As soon as Young Nut exited the stage Big Pat acknowledged the change in energy level of the crowd.

K Riss and her back up dancers drew noticeable responses from the crowd. As soon as she and her 3 posses dance crew stepped on the stage in all-black, skin-tight outfits, testosterone levels urged many audience members to stand at attention. There song “Drive By” was a catchy tune that had a Beyoncé vibe. Think “Diva” mixed with “Video Phone” interlaced with dance moves from the “Single Ladies” video. All that combined, equals the swagger of K-Riss’s performance.

S-Dub, King Carter and Revenue were already favorites of this crowd. They performed their radio buzz song “Forever.” It is a Queen City take on Drake’s mixtape hit. They intertwined Charlotte references about landmarks like Tradewinds and Eastland Mall. That sat well with this crowd. Many folks were rocking to the beat and lip syncing while the crew of rappers performed.

The band Prodigy GT was a refreshing sound enigma. Big Pat introduced Prodigy GT as a rock band, but they were not. The lead vocalist clarified their musical identity while tuning his guitar. “We are not a rock band; this is just hip-hop with guitars.” The songs had rock overtones with hip-hop drums blended in the background. In the song ,the lead vocalist made it a point to say that he was not like Kayne West. His rap style had a Lupe Fiasco/Pharrell Williams appeal.

The local act that had the crowd awaiting his every lyric was rapper Brice. He and the QCA crew had a bout of miscommunication. Brice did not know he was responsible for supplying the DJ with a CD of his performance songs. To accommodate for the mishap, he kicked an extended freestyle laced with punchlines. He often made comments about his Caucasian ethnicity NOT hampering his lyrical prowess. His high pitched voice and wordsmith abilities caught the ears of many. Brice was so confident in his lyrical skills that he told the crowd his iTunes download would change their lives like that of a Run DMC album.

The only performance that changed the semi-responsive Charlotte crowd into a concert fanfare was former Roc-A-Fella artist Freeway. He was an unexpected but warmly welcomed guest. Big Pat invited Freeway to come to the stage. Freeway performed a verse from his 2003 hit single “Flipside.” The crowd was on its feet, trying to catch a glimpse of the national recording artist.

Overall, the QCA’s were worth attending. The show may have had some organizational flaws, but the idea of honoring local talent and supporting the cancer research non-profit Amped 4-A Cure made-up for the shortcomings. So, for the 2010 Queen City Awards nominees, local artist and entertainment lovers should come out.

To see the list of winners click here

Posted on November 30, 2009 at 11:01 PM

Updated Tuesday, Dec 1 at 7:31 AM

According to a press release, Snoop offers guidance phrases like “Turn around when possible and keep it ‘G’, ya d-i-g?” as well as “Keep left ahead, and you’ll be bonafide.”

Additionally, Snoop’s VoiceSkin comes with a “points of interest” file that includes Snoop Dogg’s recommended locations of interest in Los Angeles.

“Snoop Dogg has one of the most distinctive and recognizable voices in music,” said Chris Hilton, CEO of Locutio Voice Technologies, the parent company of VoiceSkins.com. “We are thrilled to have Snoop’s VoiceSkin available for use on devices made by TomTom, the world’s leading navigation solutions provider. The Snoop Dogg TomTom celebrity voice is the perfect in-car soundtrack.”

Snoop’s VoiceSkin is available for download now.

Wednesday, December 02, 2009 - BlackVibes.com

According to the ABC network Chris Brown will appear on 20/20 for an interview on December 11. Robin Roberts, anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America, conducted the interview which is being described an in-depth interview. Brown will discuss his fight with singer Rihanna last February. Brown’s first interview after the assault was on Larry King Live. He previously expressed his discomfort due to Rihanna’s interview with ABC’s Diane Sawyer, who interviewed the singer earlier in November. The interview coincides with the 20-year-old singer’s third album release, “Graffiti” that drops on December 8th 2009. The album arrives only months after he pleaded guilty to assaulting Rihanna and was sentenced to five years probation, one year of counseling and six months of community service. Chris Brown self titled album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 with first week sales of 154,000 copies an going on to sell over two million copies in the United States-where it was certified two times platinum by the RIAA-and three million copies worldwide. “Exclusive”, Brown’s second album was released in November 2007. The album debuted at number four on the Billboard 200, selling 294,000 copies in its first week. It has sold 1.9 million copies in the United States.