Four festivals and a gazillion parties this weekend

This weekend is like the perfect spring storm of parties. It's all coalescing on Saturday. The pre-Cinco de Mayo parties, fight parties, Kentucky Derby parties and three community festivals. Stay tuned for my fight and Cinco de Mayo parties.

Wednesday 

Hip-hop Wordsmith - This is going to be heck of a party. Sir Abstraxxx and Sunshine Anderson in one night. 8:30 p.m. Dupp & Swat, 2424 N. Davidon St. 112B



Thursday 

Southend Festival - The South End Art and Soul Festival kicks off today with marquee events throughout the weekend. The celebration of local arts starts tonight with Pecha Kucha at Amos’ Southend, Carolinas Got Art on Friday and South End Art and Soul on Saturday. Full lineup here.

Ladies Night - It’s girls night out at the 7th Street Market Spring Sip & Shop. More than 40 local artisans will participate including Queen Charlotte’s Pimento Cheese Royale and more. 7:30 p.m. 7th Street Public Market, 224 E 7th St.



Salute The Duke - The Jazz Arts Initiative Presents: Jazz Room Delfeayo Marsalis plays Duke Ellington. Hear trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis’s reworking of Ellington classics and more. 7 p.m. McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. $25 and up.




Friday 

Bass Beatdown - Get ready for a night of pounding beats at the Downlink w/ Dieselboy & KJ Sawka "Blood, Sweat, & Bass" Tour. 9 p.m. The Chop Shop, 399 East 35th St. $20.

Burlesque and Metal - This sounded so odd that I couldn’t resist. Big Mammas House of Burlesque - "Metal May" features burlesque performances to heavy metal. Performers include: Ophelia Pop Tart, Meredith Sparkles, Veronica Broadchest, Rebel, Jackson Heels, Pepper La Rouge & Big Mamma D 10 p.m. UpStage, 3306-C N Davidson St. $15 and up.

For the Family - Enjoy Fort Mill’s spring kickoff at the Fort Mill Strawberry Festival. The event features entertainers, food, a wing eating contest and more. Free. 4:30 - 11 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Walter Elisha Park, 345 N. White St. Fort Mill, SC.









Saturday

PM Party - Plaza-Midwood struts its stuff in the annual Midwood Maynia and Home tour. The weekend event featuers a home tour on Friday and a neighborhood party on Saturday at Midwood Park. There's a road race, pet parade, live music and more. Details.

Chocolate Fundraiser - The annual Sweet Escapes Fundraiser features more than 500 lbs of chocolate prepared in a variety of tantalizing desserts. The event benefits the Community Links, which helps families find affordable housing . Cocktail attire. 7 p.m. CPCC Harris Conference Center, 3216 CPCC Harris Campus Dr. $75 and up.

 

NoDa Arts - Head over to NoDa Day for a free street festival with more than 40 artists and vendors. Food trucks will be on scene. House DJ's from the MOVE & Bassment Crew will spin. 1 - 7 p.m. Corner of 35th and McDowell.














Sunday 
Jazz Keyboardist - Start the week with a a little jazz by national keyboardist Brian Simpson. 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sydney's Martini and Wine Bar, 401 North Tryon Street #104. $15 and up.




 

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com