Sipping brew with JP 'The Beer Goddess' and discovering new talent in NoDa

I started Thursday at Birdsong Brewing tasting the brewery's just released seasonal beer, The Pride. JP "The Beer Goddess," aka taproom manger, described the Abbey Dubbel's cherry notes and something about figs. I called it simply delicious, and worth a trip back. It's ABV is 8.4% so it's not for rookies.

Charlotte's Got Talent

I finished my evening at Dupp & Swat in NoDa for the Jambalaya performance showcase. Last night's first inaugural event drew a small, but enthusiastic crowd to the boutique/gallery/performance space. The seven performers ranged from singers doing their renditions of contemporary songs to hip-hop dancers to rappers spitting original music.

The winner was spoken-word poet Bluz, who performed "Turned Down For What."  It was a strong piece reflecting on the beauty of blackness and the senseless killing of young black men. I was also impressed by Immortal. She commanded the stage with her energy and flow, and she has style. She's one to watch.