Winter Brew, jambalaya and a really short film festival

The weekend starts now! Okay, it starts at 4:30 p.m. in NoDa and winds all over town. Tonight's nightlife offerings range from a raucous party to a talent show. It continues over the weekend with a Moonshine Festival, musical performances, a film festival and more. These are my picks for tonight and a glance at the weekend parties, concerts and other entertainment and nightlife.

Thursday

A New Brew - Saturday, I tried sour beers. Today, I'll enjoy one of my favorite styles at Birdsong's Winter Release Party. Birdsong will tap The Pride Belgian Abbey, which according to the company has warming cherry, caramel and bready notes. Yum. 4:30 p.m. Birdsong Brewing Co., 4:30 p.m.  2315 N Davidson St, Cristian Skilone of Dimestore Saints performs at 6 p.





Charlotte's Got Talent - See some of the area's funkiest performers at Jambalaya Joint, a talent showcase, at Dupp & Swat, an art space/performance venue in NoDa.  The cover charge includes beverages and jambalaya by Chef Barry Francois. 7 p.m. Dupp & Swat,  2424 N Davidson St. Suite 112B Charlotte. $10.










Turkey Day Is Coming - Before you head out of town or brave crowded grocery stores, come out for the holiday jump-off, the 20th Annual Red Hot Turkey Bash. This is one of Charlotte's longest running holiday events. 7 p.m. Oak Room at All American Pub, 200 E Bland St. $10.













A Peek At This Weekend 

Friday

 Not Your Uncle's Moonshine - I've tried a few legal moonshines, and I haven't been impressed yet. Hopefully, that will change at the first Moonshine Festival. The event will feature samplings from several distilleries, including Broadslab, Piedmont and Sazerac. 6 p.m. Rooftop 210 Pavilion At EpiCentre.











Love Songs - R&B singer Kem brings his Promise To Love Tour to Ovens Auditorium. He performs songs off his newest album, "Promise To Love." 8 pm. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E Independence Blvd. $37.50 - $85.81.

Saturday

For the Family - Bring the kids out for the annual the St. Jude Give thanks. Walk. Proceeds provide treatment and care for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The walk includes live music, face painting and a kids fun zone. Park Road Park, 6220 Park Rd. 8 a.m. registration. Various prices.



Uno out! - It's okay to be a kid again at PlayDate The Inspirational Edition. Games range from poker to Uno. Don't miss the signature PlayDate takes on Hula Hoops and musical chairs. 8 p.m. Venue @ 1801 South Tryon St. $10/$15.












Keep It Real Short -  I'm really excited about the 100 Words Film Festival. I can't wait to see what these filmmakers do with such a strict word count. Categories are documentary and dramatic. 8 p.m. McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. $10. More details.

Sunday

Disco Chicken - We love to mock it, take pictures with it and brag about it. Now, there's a musical event. Tribute to the Firebird is part of the Bechtler's Music and Museum program. The Bechtler Ensemble will perform. 6 p.m., Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 South Tryon St. $12.


Don't be shy: Tonya Jameson, sipandplayclt@gmail.com