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Axios
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
Live music: 10 concerts coming to Charlotte in June, including Modest Mouse and 311
Charlotte live music fans, here's a quick list of the 10 biggest concerts coming to the city in June. June 5: Disco Biscuits Formed in 1995, the "World is Spinning" jam band from Philadelphia is known for its vibrant live shows and its creative blend of "trance-fusion" tracks. Location: Neighborhood Theatre Time: 8pm Tickets: $62.01 June 6: Dispatch with John Butler Known for hits like "The General" and "Only the Wild Ones," Dispatch, whose new album"Yellow Jacket" also comes out June 6, joins American-Australian singer and songwriter John Butler for a show at the outdoor amphitheater near Uptown. Location: Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre Time: 6pm Tickets: $30 June 7: Barenaked Ladies The "One Week" rock band stops in Charlotte as part of its "Last Summer on Earth" tour. Location: Skyle Credit Union Amphitheatre Time: 7pm Tickets: $30 June 10: Adeem the Artist A native of Locust, a rural North Carolina town east of Charlotte, Adeem the Artist is known for creatively blending country, folk and Americana music — and sprinkling in social commentary. Location: Evening Muse Time: 7:30pm Tickets: $26.44 June 13: Kaitlin Butts Butts, known for her powerful vocals and soulful storytelling, is a rising star in the country/Americana scene who hails from Oklahoma. Location: Evening Muse Time: 7:30pm Tickets: $26.44 June 14-15 Chandra Currelley A celebrated singer with an extensive theater background, Currelley is known by many for her collaborations with Tyler Perry. Location: Middle C Jazz Time: 6:15pm and 8:45pm Tickets: $50.65 June 15: Modest Mouse The Grammy-nominated "Float On" rock band returns to Charlotte for a performance that's sure to be high-energy. Location: The Fillmore Time: 8pm Tickets: $62 June 17 - Brand New The Long Island rock band that formed in 2000 is back together for a reunion tour. Location: PNC Music Pavilion Time: 8pm Tickets: $56.05 June 24: 311 The beloved rock band, known for hits like "All Mixed Up" and "Amber," is back in Charlotte as part of its Unity Tour 2025. Location: Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre Time: 7pm Tickets: $30 June 28: Three Dog Night Big in the late 1960s and 1970s, the Three Dog Night might be best recognized by their hit "Joy to the World," with its famous "Jeremiah was a bullfrog" opening line.
New Statesman
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Statesman
Mission: Impossible 8 – the return of the sexless show-off
Photo by Paramount James Bond has appeared in seven different incarnations so far. His scion, Ethan Hunt, however, has only taken one form over the last 30 years: Tom Cruise. Cruise was 33 when the first Mission: Impossible appeared in 1996. Now, in this eighth outing, he is 62, remarkably little altered after three decades. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, clocking in at 169 minutes, is a direct sequel to 2023's Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (163 minutes). In the previous film, Ethan is attempting to get hold of a key, which is the only way of stopping a malevolent kind of self-aware AI, called 'the Entity', taking over the world. Ethan pursues this wee key in the Arabian Desert, Abu Dhabi International Airport, Rome, Venice and then, in a bravura, vintage-style action sequence emulating Buster Keaton's The General, on the Orient Express. Sadly, Ethan's fetching sidekick from previous episodes, Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), dies in the first film, but she is capably replaced by alluring pickpocket Grace (Hayley Atwell) and exotic assassin Paris (Pom Klementieff), both won over by his charm and decency. This new film picks up the story a few weeks later. The Entity, 'a godless, stateless, immoral enemy', is rapidly commandeering all the nuclear weapons in the world, planning to eliminate humankind altogether. Ethan has the crucial key, but he refuses to hand it over to the US government, because he knows they want the Entity as a weapon, whereas he is determined to 'kill' it, such power being too much of a temptation for any person to wield, save one so thoroughly decent, so selflessly devoted to his friends, as himself. So the stakes are high. There are just hours, minutes, milliseconds to go, and Ethan is the only possible saviour of all humanity. 'The whole world is in trouble, Ethan. You're the only one I trust to save it. So what's the play?' says Grace, straightforwardly. As before, events proceed in a peculiar combination of static, verbose exposition and hectic, wordless action sequences that contribute surprisingly little to the narrative. Sometimes you suspect they are there just to show off. One big set-piece is aerial, another submarine. Ethan dives deep into Arctic waters to retrieve the kit the key operates from a sunken Russian sub, rolling around on the ocean floor. For the climax, he battles a human villain in the skies above South Africa, wing-walking over a vintage Stearman biplane (the explanation being that since the Entity controls everything digital, only analogue antiques can be relied upon). These exploits go on far too long and seem more to serve Cruise's determination to be the most prodigious daredevil in the movies than any audience demand. Once again, Cruise has no doubt performed these stunning stunts himself – but hundreds of CGI and special-effects artists are credited too. The film's production budget is said to be some $400m, a stretch even for this franchise to recover. Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe And Peter Pan has finally aged a bit. Cruise sports longer, darker hair – 'You know, I like the longer hair,' says Grace – to set off an older countenance. At first I couldn't think who the new look reminded me of and then it came: Ronnie Wood. The energy is still there, though, including another demonstration of his slash-handed, knee-pumping running, as he races over Westminster Bridge and right through London to reach his imperilled bestie, Luther (grizzled colossus Ving Rhames) – an eccentric transport choice, especially when he's old enough for a 60+ Oyster. He gets his kit off as much as ever, too. Ethan has a nasty knife-fight wearing just his pants, and then, in the sunken sub, boldly strips down to his trunks to squeeze through a torpedo tube. Cruise may be in spiffy shape for his age: quite the reassurance for fellow boomers. But can cinema-goers 40 or more years younger sincerely relish so senior a torso? For how long? Cruise has said that he doesn't see why he should not go on as long as Harrison Ford (82). He may. It is noteworthy that Ethan's team includes spirited women but never any other challengingly attractive young men. Vast Luther and nerdy Benji (Simon Pegg) do not offer much competition for Ethan. Nor, for that matter, does the prime villain here, Gabriel (Esai Morales), said to be a 'dark messiah' but is more like a tetchy maître d'. So Tom Cruise has produced yet another thumping vehicle for himself, our great action hero, the would-be saviour of marquee cinema and the world. Yet he remains peculiarly unrelatable, sexless, strange. 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' is in cinemas now [See also: Modernity has killed the private life] Related
The Sun
10-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
From building a wildlife pond to rabbits in hot weather – your pet queries answered
HE is on a mission to help our pets . . . and is here to answer YOUR questions. Sean, who is the head vet at tailored pet food firm has helped with owners' queries for ten years. 4 Q) I WANT to create a wildlife pond this summer. Someone told me not to have fish in it, is that true? Should I buy tadpoles to start, and is there anything you recommend to make it a success? JOHN BARRATT, Sheffield Sean says: A wildlife pond is a wonderful thing! Definitely no fish as they tend to eat smaller creatures, therefore damaging the precious ecosystem that develops in a small pond. You don't need to introduce frogs, newts or their tadpoles. If the habitat is right to support them, they will arrive under their own steam in time. It can take a few years, but putting them into an unestablished pond is not a good idea. It may not be able to support them, but also amphibians are threatened by disease. Moving frogspawn around can introduce disease. Make sure you have shallow sides, a gravel 'beach zone' and plenty of places where animals can climb in and out. Use native aquatic plants only. Half of pet owners believe animals are hidden support network Q) MY daughter Chrissie keeps being woken up in the early hours by her four cats. They sleep in the kitchen at night, but one, The General, is a Maine Coon who can open doors, windows and even get treats from a cupboard. At 4am he opens the kitchen door and he and the other three go up to Chrissie's bedroom and jump on her to let them out for a while. If The General can't get the door open they all headbutt it. All the cats are healthy. Any advice to help her get some sleep? GINA MCFEETERS, Newtownards, Co. Down Sean says: My first suggestion is to limit their access to her bedroom and door. That could be by locking the kitchen door at night, or any other doors in between. Let's not just think about preventing such behaviour, but about what's motivating it. It could be boredom, or a routine to get outdoors early. Another solution is a cat flap so they can come and go as they please from kitchen to garden, or into an outdoor cat aviary, or 'catio'. Q) AS the weather gets hotter, should I shield my rabbits from the sun? Fluffy and Whiskers love basking in it. They have their hutch for shade but should I give them additional shade too? They have a run at the end of the garden, which is secure, and they freeflow during the day. But I put them into their hutch at night in case of foxes. SARAH CASTLE, Bridgwater, Somerset Sean says: I often watch wild rabbits soaking up the sun. It's natural because, despite being in Britain for thousands of years, rabbits are not native. They are native to the sunny Iberian peninsula, Spain and Portugal. As long as they have plenty of shade, clean water and food, you can let them decide for themselves when to get out of the sun. Q) MILO, my one-year-old rescue Labrador, chases his tail constantly. Is this just playfulness or is it a sign of stress? LIZ CARTER, Newcastle upon Tyne Sean says: It's something I can see a young Labrador doing, but more so out of boredom rather than stress. Tail-chasing can become compulsive, sometimes leading to problems. Dogs can use it to release endorphins, and become so obsessive about it that they bite their tail, causing physical damage. I'd ask if Milo is getting enough exercise, company and stimulation. I'd encourage a behavioural modification programme be put in place with the help of an animal behaviourist. Star of the week SWEET natured Tia was found abandoned, starving and losing her fur, but now she is learning to trust again. Birmingham Dogs Home saved the two-year-old Malinois on March 9, as Crufts Best In Show was broadcast, highlighting the stark contrast in how people care for their dogs. Fundraising Manager Rachel Frost said: 'I wish this was an isolated case but, unfortunately, we are seeing a heartbreaking rise in welfare cases this year – dogs neglected, discarded and suffering through no fault of their own.' She added: 'Tia is learning how to trust – treats really help her to feel a little braver.' See all the dogs that needing rehoming at WIN: Five £50 vouchers for Jollyes TO celebrate Jollyes' 'Big Cat Takeover' – where the pet store will be filled with cat essentials at great prices – we are giving away five £50 vouchers to spend there. Jollyes has more than 110 stores nationwide, selling pet food, treats, toys and more. To enter, send an email headed JOLLYES to sundaypets@ by May 25. See T&Cs apply. Gen Z love their dogs more than their family 4 DOGS really are our best friends, with 83 per cent of Gen Z and 73 per cent of millennials saying they love their pet more than family. The study by pet marketplace Pets4Homes also revealed that more than 80 per cent of 13 to 28-year-olds regard themselves as parents to their pets. It's a big cultural shift as only 25 per cent of baby boomers, born before 1964, reckon their animal is equal to a family member. Pets4Homes CEO Axel Lagercrantz said: 'Many pet owners rely on their pets for comfort in times of stress. 'This became even more apparent during the pandemic when there was a surge in pet adoption.' A study by Kent University economics experts agrees. Their research even puts a price on pets' impact on our wellbeing, estimating our cats and dogs to be worth up to £70,000 a year. Dr Adelina Gschwandtner, who carried out the study, says: 'This answers the question whether, overall, pet companions are good for us with a resounding yes. "Pets care for us and there is a significant monetary value associated with their companionship.' But Axel sounds a note of warning: 'It's important to remember that humans are complex and pets are unable to provide the emotional support we sometimes crave.'
Irish Examiner
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
In pictures: Lenny Abrahamson and others in Cork for launch of Fastnet Film Festival
The spotlight will be on Schull this May as the Fastnet Film Festival returns with a stellar line-up from May 21 to May 25. The Fastnet Film Festival's programme was recently unveiled at a launch party at Crane Lane in Cork city. The Fastnet Film Festival launch party recently took place at The Crane Lane. Picture: Gerard McCarthy. This year promises a mix of Hollywood stars, screenings, panels, masterclasses, and special guest events in the stunning village of Schull. Eoin O'Hannrachein, James Browne and Cian O'Hannrachein from Cork at the Fastnet Film Festival launch party at The Crane Lane. Picture: Gerard McCarthy. The Fastnet Film Festival is a short film festival without a cinema, providing those who attend with many alternatives, from screenings on Cape Clear, the village hall, local hotel, cafés, and numerous local pubs and restaurants in town. The Fastnet Film Festival programme was unveiled at a launch party at The Crane The Festival focuses on the craft of filmmaking, hosting seminars, workshops, and masterclasses with industry experts on all aspects of the film industry. Tom McCarthy ,Fastnet Film Festival Committee and Cllr Deirdre Kelly, Deputy Mayor of County Cork at the Fastnet Film Festival launch party at The Crane Lane. Picture: Gerard McCarthy. Fringe events include a film quiz, live music, and family entertainment. Hilary Lane, Alper Hackett and Jo Lyons at the Fastnet Film Festival launch party at The Crane Lane. Picture: Gerard McCarthy. Over 500 short films from over 40 countries are entered into competition each year for a share in the cash prize fund of €45,000. Liz Flatman and Gene Griffin, Film Festival Design Team, at the Fastnet Film Festival launch party at The Crane Lane. Picture: Gerard McCarthy. As part of this year's celebration of film, stars including Maria Doyle Kennedy, who has starred in more than 50 films and TV series including The General, Wolfwalkers, The Tudors, Downton Abbey, Orphan Black, Outlander, Kin, and Father Ted; Barry Keoghan, multi-award winning actor revered for his intense and versatile performances; and Domhnall Gleeson, whose career spans critically acclaimed films such as Star Wars, Ex Machina, Brooklyn, and The Revenant, will join in the festivities in Schull. John Kelleher film producer and Jean van Sinderen la,w UCC at the Fastnet Film Festival launch party at The Crane Lane. Picture: Gerard McCarthy. Irish film director Lenny Abrahamson was among the guests in attendance at the Fastnet Film Festival launch event in Cork city last week. Stephanie Power, Jack and Martin Levis from Ballydehob at the Fastnet Film Festival launch party at The Crane Lane. Picture: Gerard McCarthy. The festival will take place from Wednesday, May 21 to Sunday, May 25.
Express Tribune
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Guns N' Roses part ways with longtime drummer Frank Ferrer after 19 years
Guns N' Roses have officially parted ways with drummer Frank Ferrer after nearly two decades together. The band confirmed the lineup change in a statement released on Wednesday (March 19), calling the departure amicable. 'Guns N' Roses announce the amicable exit of Frank Ferrer, the longest-serving drummer in their storied run,' the statement read. 'The band thanks Frank for his friendship, creativity and sturdy presence over the past 19 years, and they wish him success in the next chapter of his musical journey.' Ferrer joined the band in 2006, replacing Bryan 'Brain' Mantia, who had been with the group since 2000. His tenure made him the longest-serving drummer in Guns N' Roses history, surpassing Steven Adler, who was behind the kit from 1990 to 1997. His recording contributions began with five tracks on Chinese Democracy, the band's long-awaited 2008 album. He also appeared on the live portion of 2022's Hard Skool EP, while former drummer Brain played on the studio tracks, as well as Guns N' Roses' 2023 singles 'Perhaps' and 'The General.' Ferrer's final performance with the band took place at Mexico's Hell & Heaven Metal Fest in November 2023, which remains Guns N' Roses' most recent live show. The group is set to resume touring soon, kicking off their Because What You Want & What You Get Are Two Completely Different Things Tour in South Korea on May 1. The tour will continue through the Middle East and Europe, wrapping up with a July 31 show in Germany. No replacement for Ferrer has been announced. Beyond his time with Guns N' Roses, Ferrer performed with The Beautiful and later joined future GNR bandmate Richard Fortus in both Love Spit Love and The Psychedelic Furs. In 2019, he co-founded the rock band PSSR, which has released several singles in recent years.
