Get funky with great music and a special benefit

Don't the let the dreary weather stop you. Plenty of fun today from music to dance parties. See you in the streets. Let's get this party started.

Foundations of Funk - Groove to the masters: James Brown, Fela, Rick James, Prince, George Clinton, D'Angelo, Stevie Wonder and more with DJ Justice Sun Tzulu. Along with music Su Casa Presents: On the One also features film, face painting, photography and more. 9 p.m. Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave, $5 and up.









Don't Miss

Patio Crawl - This takes patio parties to another level with stops at Libretto’s Parktowne Village, Brazwell’s, Maverick Rock Taco, Angry Ale’sl and 10 Park Lanes. It's the Patio Kickoff Party. $5, and includes drink specials, a pair of RockHouse sunglasses, swag from Bacardi and Montej. 2:30 p.m. Libretto's Parktowne Village (check-in).

Tailgating At The Track - If you can’t get to Kentucky next weekend or even if you do, the Queen’s Cup Steeple Chase is the next thing. Thousands will come out to watch horses race more of than 30 miles per hour and party. 10 a.m. gates open, Mineral Springs. There a variety of entrances depending on which parking pass you have.

Party With A Purpose - This event benefits the NC Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The event shares the story of Shelby who has battled leukemia for two years and is nominated for Woman of the Year. Alex's Lemonade Stand for childhood cancer research, Be The Match for bone marrow registry and Charlotte's own Ace & TJs Grin Kids will all be there. There will be food trucks, live bands and a Pumpkin Peach Ale competition. Organizers want to be able to fund one person for an entire year of cancer research.  2 p.m. - 8 p.m., D9 Brewing, Cornelius. D9 is donating $2.50 from every pint they sell to LLS. Details.










Gay Film Festival - The Charlotte Gay and Lesbian Film Festival features a variety of films ranging from a lesbian romance to fan favorite George Takei of “Star Trek.” I’m most excited about the “Out in the Night” screening Saturday. There will also be a special screening of "brocKINGton,” a documentary about Charlotte’s Blake Brockington. Various times and days through Sunday. All screenings at Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. $8 per movie.





Roadtrip

Art of Cool, Durham
Jazz enthusiasts don’t want to miss the Art of Cool festival in Durham. It features Roy Ayers, Snarky Puppy, Charlotte’s Anthony Hamilton and a host of other musicians you’ll be glad you heard. Ends Sunday. Details.





MerleFest, Wilkesboro
This is one of my favorite festivals. I camped, met some great people and discovered some great Americana bands. It’s worth a day-trip. The Avett Brothers headline tonight. Dwight Yoakam performs on Sunday. Details.



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