A funk cancer benefit and a hospice soup benefit today

Today offers a chance to support two worthy causes incorporating my favorite passions: food and music. Below are two events that should get you up and out of the house early. See you in the streets.

From Helen - Soup on Sunday benefits the 15th for Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., CPCC Culinary Arts Center, 425 N. Kings Drive.  Includes soups from area restaurants, such as 300 East and Global. $40 includes handmade potter bowl, food and beverages. Read Helen Schwab's blog for more details.

Courtney Recommends -  The  funk cancer benefit concerts have raised more than $15,000 for brain tumor research at Duke University. This year’s Let's Dance And Be Thankful lineup includes Pat Walters and Steve Stoekel of the Spongetones joining the Coconut Groove Band for a set of Beatles’ covers. Coconut Groove plays Steely Dan and Chicago covers. Read more in CourtneyDevores Soundbites. 3 p.m. Amos' Southend, 1423 S. Tryon St. $20.

CD Release - National Recording Artist saxophonist Eric Darius is showcasing his new work at a CD release party. Two shows. 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sydney’s Martini and Wine Bar, 401 N. Tryon St. Parking tip: Validated for TransAmerica Parking Deck.

Look ahead

More Than Magic - Seven illusionists perform tricks and stunts that will leave you scratching your head. They have names like the Conjurer and the Escapologist. The Illusionists: Witness The Impossible tour comes here. Starts Tuesday. Various times and dates. Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. $20 and up.