We Think You’ll Whaley Enjoy This Biscuit Photo Credit: Blumenthal Performing Arts Let’s Give ‘Em Something to Squawk About
Brian Kahn, lawyer/comedy writer, dishes on his creation – Charlotte Squawks“I used to draw political cartoons and was in an a cappella group and musical theater in college … so you can imagine I have always been super cool.” — Brian Kahn, co-creator and writer, Charlotte Squawks
After a 15-year run with the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, COVID canceled Charlotte Squawks last year. But, the virus isn’t stifling the squawking this year. Charlotte’s version of SNL’s Not-Ready-For-Primetime Players have two years’ worth of material to share. Nothing is sacred in this annual send-up of local and national politics, air-conditioning commercials, Charlotte traffic and unintentionally funny scandals. The show (and its creative team) aren’t afraid to dish about anyone or anything in Charlotte. So, we asked Squawks’ co-creator and head writer to dish on Squawks. And, he was happy to oblige. Read more here.
 Photo Credit: Leandra Creative Co Photography HUGs … but make it fashion
Fashion & Compassion gets a Bear HUG“Most of our artisans come to us very broken. They don’t feel capable. Their self-esteem is shattered because of their trauma. Learning a skill helps them envision a brighter future.” – Beth Bell, Fashion & Compassion executive director
This HUG stretches from Dilworth all the way to Africa. Meet Beth Bell of Fashion & Compassion, and find out how she has used her $1,000 Bear HUG grant to better her retail space … and better the world. Read more here.
Charlotte SHOUT! Postponed Until 2022As far as the big Charlotte SHOUT! festival goes, we’re all just going to have to … wait for it … actually wait for it. The festival as a whole has been postponed, but some individual events are proceeding as planned. “We had great plans for Charlotte SHOUT! 2021 that are just going to have to wait a little longer,” said Blumenthal Performing Arts CEO Tom Gabbard. “Count on us to be back when circumstances are right to safely host a great arts festival and community celebration.” In a joint statement Tuesday, Blumenthal Performing Arts and Charlotte Center City Partners announced that, due to the current conditions surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, the Charlotte SHOUT! festival originally planned for Sept. 17 to Oct. 3 has been delayed until 2022. A future date has not yet been determined. The announcement stated that those who have already purchased their tickets would be contacted with details about postponements, cancellations and refunds. In response to questions from the public on social media, the official SHOUT! account has shared: “We are working with each artist and project to determine which may continue as planned, and which need to be postponed. Beyond evaluating safety, some artists are changing their tour plans. We are grateful for everyone’s patience.” The Biscuit has been a content partner for Charlotte SHOUT! For the record, we agree with the decision to postpone an event as large as SHOUT! given the current state of low vaccinations in Mecklenburg County coupled with the current COVID infection rate. We also sympathize with the individual creatives and local groups preparing to be part of SHOUT! Through our social feeds, website and this weekly newsletter, we will be featuring them and posting updates about the festival as they develop.
Even without SHOUT!, we’re heading into a busy fall in the Charlotte area. Here are some arts-related stories we love from our local media friends.  “Even Higher,” part of the “Excelsior” public art project by Stacy Utley and Edwin Harris at Five Points. CREDIT: Arts & Science Council ONE: WFAE reports that the Catawba Library is playing host to “tiny library concerts” inspired by NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts. Hum a few bars here.
TWO: Charlotte Five shared details and new dates for Charlotte Pride events delayed due to COVID-19. Set your agenda with new info. THREE: The Arts & Science Council installed a new piece of public art at Five Points plaza which was inspired by the history of West Charlotte. And, The Charlotte Post puts you in the picture. FOUR: WBTV’s QC Life went on the road to the “sculpture capital of North Carolina” — Caldwell County. Take the trip with them.
Who remembers a giant sign featuring a white whale spouting water on Albemarle Rd.? Our hands are raised. The old Seafarer restaurant was open from 1980 to 2013. As much as we loved the food, it was their incredible sign, featuring — you guessed it — a giant, water-spouting whale, that really stole our hearts. So, we contacted former owner/operator Chris Copsis (via his daughter, Nicole). And, we’re excited to share some fun details with you.
When did the sign go up? 1980 Who came up with the idea? [Chris] came up with the idea & tagline “For a Whale of a Meal.”Who designed and made the sign? Chris designed it on paper and Stavros Chrisotomides from Trojan Sign Company built it. Was there a water feature? Yes, it spouted a 10-foot mist of water into the air. Where is it now? The whale currently lives inside the old Seafarer building, which is now Big Al’s Pub. Did the whale have a name? “Whalen the Whale” What was Chris’ favorite item on the menu? Broiled whole flounder, affectionately known as … “The Whale.”
Growing up in Charlotte, the staff of The Biscuit have happy memories of the East Side, and we love it still. What are your favorite places (past or present) on Charlotte’s East Side, especially the Albemarle Rd. and Eastland area? Tell us what they are and why you love them at hello@charlotteiscreative.com. If we love your answer, you may just win an East Side Exploration pack featuring gift cards you can use at East Side restaurants and businesses! | The Biscuit is proudly sponsored by: |  |
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