Sunday, May 1, 2016

Do you have a drinking problem?


I've spent most of April highlighting NC Craft Beer month, but ironically, April was also Alcohol Awareness Month. The April issue of Men's Health featured an article that helped me understand my ability to hold my liquor aka drink with the big boys. According to the article in Men's Health, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism calls my ability Alcohol Use Disorder.




Since college, I've prided myself in being able to consume hefty quantities of quality liquor and beer (often simultaneously). I honed the skill even more in my Paid to Party days. Any given week could include free liquor at events not too mention shots with friends, club owners and promoters or drinks at the house. #Realtalk



I've always known that my ability isn't a healthy indulgence, and nullifies much of my fitness efforts. My philosophy was always that I workout to eat and drink. But in February, I vowed to cut out alcohol for three months. My exception was covering specific events such as beer festivals and bourbon tastings, but I limited myself to a couple drinks at these events. No social drinking with friends or at home.




My goal was to bring my tolerance level down to something more normal for a person my size. It worked for a while. I did well in February and March. In the last two weeks, I've bar hopped in New York and now I'm in Amsterdam. I checked out beer gardens and breweries in Belgian. Truthfully, my tolerance is as strong as ever, but so is my determination to practice better moderation.


If you want to self diagnose whether yourself, take this quiz. It may confirm that suspicion in the back of your mind or give you peace of mind.

Holla: Sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Goodbye for now



Sip + Play Charlotte is taking a hiatus. I've enjoyed reconnecting with old friends in the nightlife scene and making new ones for the last year and half. Documenting the city's transformation through the prism of entertainment and nightlife has always been my favorite beat. Since launching Sip + Play, I've said goodbye to the trendsetting Cosmos, reconnected with friends at the Comedy Zone and watched my Irish buddies transform an old barbershop on Central Avenue, among many other discoveries.

It's been fun. It always is.

When I first started covering nightlife more than a decade ago, club owners and promoters aspired to bring Miami and Las Vegas to Charlotte. Clubs like Hom and Phoenix transported us to cooler nightlife vibes. Club goers flocked to neon and club music. NoDa and Plaza-Midwood were beginning to flourish as counterculture hang out spots. 

Today, the nightlife scene is so much more diverse. Craft breweries are new players on the bar scene. The explosion of restaurants has turned eating into a form of entertainment. Promoters no longer simply throw dance parties. There are paint parties, food events and bar fit activities. Charlotte still has fancy clubs, but even more neighborhood bars in Plaza-Midwood and NoDa provide fun alternatives. 

I will continue writing occasional event coverage, especially CIAA, on oldschool1053.com. However, I'm excited to focus more on my other passion - fitness. 

I created several fitness related posts on Sip + Play because I like to marry my passion for working out and partying. My new project is My Workout Buddy, a fun way to get fit. The My Workout Buddy CLT FB page will be more robust in coming weeks. IG and snap chat will follow.

As always, see you in the streets or maybe on a hiking trail...

Dancing allowed, driving isn't

This is my kind of Sunday! Two fitness activities and beer. Yes! See you in the streets...


BeerFit - Take a dance conditioning class and drink beer at Dance.Beer.Repeat. It’s interval training with dance and music. 1 p.m. Unknown Brewing, 1327 S Mint St. Details.



No Cars! - Leave the cars at home for Open Streets 704. It’s a full day of activities from Memorial Stadium in Elizabeth to 36th Street in NoDa. It winds through Villa Heights, Optimist Park, Belmont and First Ward. Bring your bikes or get one from B-Cycle. There are four zones for organized activities: Arts and crafts in NoDa, a Family zone and green zone in Belmont and Optimist Park and a Wellness zone in First Ward. Food trucks will be near the center of the route, with easy access to Cordelia Park and the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Noon - 4 p.m.

FYI:  BIKE! Charlotte starts today and features more than two weeks of bike-related events and promotions to encourage more bicycling in Charlotte.


Saturday, April 30, 2016

Waffle eating contest, bar crawl and more

Don't let rain stop you. There's family fun, waffle eating contests, and a bar crawl calling your name. Answer the call. See you in the streets....

Art Stroll - Head over to the Metropolitan area for the Kings Drive Art Walk this weekend. Peruse works of clay, glass, wood and more by regional artists. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday. Details.



Happy Birthday - Help Fud at Salud celebrate its first birthday at the Fud at Salud Anniversary Party. There will be a waffle-eating contest, special beers and more. 6 p.m. Fud at Salud, 3306 N. Davidson St. Details.

Family Fun - Come out to Hippie Fest featuring hundreds of North Carolina vendors, artists, food trucks and groovy vibes! Fun for the whole family. 11 a.m., Eastland Mall, 5471 Central Ave.




Don't Forget

Tequila & Beer - Time to enjoy great drink specials at Cincofest X Bar Crawl, featuring 7 uptown bars. 4:15 p.m. Checkin at Flight Beer and Music Hall, 300 N. College Street. (Formerly Cosmos). Crawl schedule.



Get Dressed Up! - Hey big spender, breakout your ball gowns and tux for the 3rd Annual Spring Fundraising Gala: Coveted Couture. It’s a celebration of fashion and the Mint’s big fundraiser. 6:30 p.m. Mint Museum, Tent on the Lawn at Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road. Tickets.



Oysters & Rock - iHeart Radio is bringing its party to Charlotte with the Oyster Roast/ Yacht Rock Revue concert. Oysters provided by Hickory Tavern. 5 p.m. Rooftop 210, 210 E. Trade St. $17.40 and up. Tickets.





Taste So Good - Head uptown early today for the  Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend Grand Tasting Tent featuring wineries, local craft breweries, chefs and demonstrations. 2 p.m. today and Saturday, Romare Bearden Park, 300 S Church St. Details.





Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Friday, April 29, 2016

Food truck Friday lineups, Charlotte Wine & Food Festival and more

Great food and music this weekend. See you in the streets!

Food Truck Fridays














Don't Forget

Taste So Good - Head uptown early today for the  Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend Grand Tasting Tent featuring wineries, local craft breweries, chefs and demonstrations. 2 p.m. today and Saturday, Romare Bearden Park, 300 S Church St. Details.




Art Event - 2015 Light Factory winner Michael Joseph will present his street portraiture project, Lost and Found, which examines a youth subculture of transients who abandon home to travel the country hitchhiking and freight train hopping.  6:30 p.m. The Light Factory 1817 Central Ave. Details.


Let’s Dance II - The second part of The New Latino Sound - Part 2 features a concert with Orquesta Mayor, Patabamba, Jahlistic, and Reinaldo Brahn.  6:30 p.m. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E 36th St. Tickets.



Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com


Thursday, April 28, 2016

Roadtrip: Greensboro Breweries

If you still think Natty Greene's is the only local brewery in Greensboro then you haven't have ventured north in a while. The craft beer scene is still way smaller than Charlotte, but it's growing. If you’re headed that way, here are a few spots to try.

First things first,  I never drink on an empty stomach. I started my custom beer crawl with a stop at Hops Burger Bar. We got lucky and found two seats at the bar. According to our Uber driver, the line at Hops often spills down the sidewalk. It’s easy see why, the burgers are delicious. They aren't overly big, but they pack a lot of flavor. There’s the typical custom burger option, but the restaurant’s crafted burgers are creative and tasty.  Don’t miss the fries. We loved the garlic and rosemary, but there are a variety from which to choose.



Now for the breweries.

Pig Pounder
1107 Grecade St


I’m in love with Pig Pounder. It’s not just the name. The name drew me there, but the vibe hooked me. Pig Pounder feels like a polished dive bar (oxymoron alert), not a local brewery. When I visited, a bartender named Chris, entertained us all night with information about the beer and Greensboro. BTW: Chris found his way to Pig Pounder via bartending stints in NoDa’s bar scene. Pounder’s Boarrio IPA is the only IPA that I will drink, but the Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout was my favorite. It was full of flavor unlike most craft stouts. The Barbieswine, a barley wine, which is now on tap, is great for non-beer drinkers. You know there’s story behind the name, but you’ll need to visit to find out. Be sure to ask about the handmade bar stools, made of recycled materials.



Preyer Brewing
600 A-B Battleground Ave

Nichole and her husband Calder Preyer opened Preyer Brewing in May 2015. Drinking local beers on a backpacking trip in the Czech Republicinspired Calder to become a home-brewer. Of course dipping a toe into home brewing lead to opening a brewery. They’ve created a comfortable brewery that feels more like a bar than the typical brewery. It’s dark with dark furniture and a supremely cool staff. Another good aspect is that Preyer's neighbor is Crafted The Art of Street Food.



Gibbs Hundred Brewery
117 W. Lewis

Natty Greene’s is no longer the only downtown brewpub in Greensboro. Gibbs Hundred opened a couple of years ago and provides a totally different vibe than Natty’s. While the veteran brewpub feels more like a big sports bar, Natty Greene’s is more low-key and quieter. It’s also extremely kid-friendly. Gibbs offers the typical range of locally crafted brews as well as seasonal fare.



Holla: Sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Weekend Preview: Latino party, oyster roast, open streets

I'm really excited about Sunday's Open Streets 704 event, but before we get to that hit the streets this weekend for an oyster roast, bar crawl and more. See you in the streets...

Today

Play Time! - Bring it on for some friendly corn hole, life size Jenga, ladder toss and more bar games at the weekly Rooftop Games. 5 p.m. Rooftop 210, 210 E Trade St. Details.




Thursday


Get Educated - The YWCA of Charlotte is hosting a forum on voting rights and voter engagement Community Forum. YWCA CEO Kirsten Sikkelee will moderate a A panel discussion and community forum to explore the impact of the new voter ID law and reasons for low turnout among millennials. #WTFWeVote is the community partner. Complimentary dinner from Jason's Deli will be served. 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at YWCA Central Carolinas, 3420 Park Road. Register.



Let’s Dance - Celebrate the legacy of the Dance Theatre of Harlem at Catch the Dance: An Inspired Movement. Legendary dance pioneers Joan Myers Brown, Founder and Artistic Director of Philadanco! Philadelphia Dance Company and The Philadelphia School of Dance Arts; April Berry, Founder of Arts 'n Community, former Director of Education & Outreach at Charlotte Ballet and BalletMet Columbus, and former lead dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; and Dr. Mel A. Tomlinson former soloist with Dance Theatre of Harlem and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will lead this discussion about the black dance experience. Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon St. $10. Register





Friday

Art Event - 2015 Light Factory winner Michael Joseph will present his street portraiture project, Lost and Found, which examines a youth subculture of transients who abandon home to travel the country hitchhiking and freight train hopping.  6:30 p.m. The Light Factory 1817 Central Ave. Details.


Let’s Dance II - The second part of The New Latino Sound - Part 2 features a concert with Orquesta Mayor, Patabamba, Jahlistic, and Reinaldo Brahn.  6:30 p.m. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E 36th St. Tickets.




Saturday

Tequila & Beer - Time to enjoy great drink specials at Cincofest X Bar Crawl, featuring 7 uptown bars. 4:15 p.m. Checkin at Flight Beer and Music Hall, 300 N. College Street. (Formerly Cosmos). Crawl schedule.



Get Dressed Up! - Hey big spender, breakout your ball gowns and tux for the 3rd Annual Spring Fundraising Gala: Coveted Couture. It’s a celebration of fashion and the Mint’s big fundraiser. 6:30 p.m. Mint Museum, Tent on the Lawn at Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road. Tickets.



Oysters & Rock - iHeart Radio is bringing its party to Charlotte with the Oyster Roast/ Yacht Rock Revue concert. Oysters provided by Hickory Tavern. 5 p.m. Rooftop 210, 210 E. Trade St. $17.40 and up. Tickets.




Sunday
No Cars! - Leave the cars at home for Open Streets 704. It’s a full day of activities from Memorial Stadium in Elizabeth to 36th Street in NoDa. It winds through Villa Heights, Optimist Park, Belmont and First Ward. Bring your bikes or get one from B-Cycle. There are four zones for organized activities: Arts and crafts in NoDa, a Family zone and green zone in Belmont and Optimist Park and a Wellness zone in First Ward. Food trucks will be near the center of the route, with easy access to Cordelia Park and the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Noon - 4 p.m.

FYI:  BIKE! Charlotte starts today and features more than two weeks of bike-related events and promotions to encourage more bicycling in Charlotte.



Holla: Sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Monday, April 25, 2016

Video: jazz fans pack Westin for free jam session




The SoCo bar at the Westin was standing room only on Saturday night as jazz fans gathered to watch musicians from various fans do play in a free jam set. It was fun watching them improvise and play off each other's groove.


Holla: Sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Video: tears, cheers and dance at Prince parties



Prince fans gathered at Petra's for the Su Casa: April Edition which featured a late night Prince tribute. The front room was packed with people singing, dancing and remembering the iconic singer. The scene at Soul Gastrolounge was a little quieter an more intimate as Andy Kastanas and friend gathered to pay tribute to Prince with a vinyl DJ set. Both Justice (at Petra's) and Kastanas played a mix of popular Prince songs and lesser known tracks. It was a night of tribute that fit every Prince fan from the quiet and serene to the all out partier.





  Holla: Sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Two festivals end today and cool pet fundraiser

Hit two great Prince tributes last night. Look for the video later. Meanwhile, great festival are ending today. Don't miss out on the last day of fun. See you in the streets....


Outdoor Festival - A weekend of competitions and live music ends today at Tuck Fest. U.S. National Whitewater Rafting Center,  5000 Whitewater Center Parkway.




Puppy Love - Show your support for our furry friends at the Mutts & Mimosas benefiting the Human Society. In addition to Atherton Market's current vendors, the event will feature other local artisans and mobile boutiques. 1 p.m. Atherton Market,  2140 South Blvd. Tickets.


Film Festival - The 2016 GayCharlotte Film Festival features full-length drama and comedies, documentaries and short films. Various times throughout the weekend. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd, 501 Queens Rd.



Righteous Comedy - Activist and comedian Dick Gregory unleashes his insight and wit on politics, pop culture, race relations and more. One night only. 6 p.m., The Comedy Zone, Suite B3 900 N.C. Music Factory Boulevard. Sold out, but if you have a hook up hit them up.





Holla: Sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Saturday, April 23, 2016

Prince tribute party tonight, festivals and more today

I was all excited about the Charlotte Jazz Festival late night jam and "Schoolhouse Rocks Live!" Adult Night, but now Su Casa's Prince tribute party is a priority. So many events to choose from. Wherever you go, be sure to party like it's 1999! See you in the streets... 

Purple Tears - Bring your grief, your joy and you soul to Su CASA: The April Edition! It’s a tribute to Prince and also features film, live art, face painting and more. Celebrate Prince’s life and music the way he would’ve wanted - party like it’s 1999! 10 p.m.  Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave
Details.



Countdown Party - It’s hard to believe, but AIDSWalk is only two weeks away. Nathan Smith is one of eight hosts for tonight’s party featuring music by DJ Rob Reeves.  Cathode drag headliners Angela Lopez, Bella Jade and Felicia Monet will volunteer for photo ops with the AIDSWALK Jeep. Cathode will donate 50% of door cover and eventbrite sales of VIP lounge to AIDSWALK! Freebies and more. 10 p.m., Cathode Azure Club, 1820 South Blvd, Ste 106. Details.




Pop Up Market - Local vendors Weird Empire, the Daily Press CLT and the Gateau Baking Company are participating in the Cherry Pie - Pop-Up Market. Enjoy an art show, coffee, pastry, and more. Unitl 6 p.m., Union Shop Studio, 5019 Wilkinson Blvd. Details.



Jazz Lovers - This is your weekend with dozens of live jazz events throughout the week ranging from lunch to late night jam sessions. Highlights include tonight’s Charlotte Jazz Festival First Night featuring Sammy Miller and the Congregation with special guest Wynton Marsalis, Friday’s Jazz in the Key of Life featuring Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Orchestra on Friday and a Creole Jazz Brunch on Saturday. Events range from free to ticketed. Various venues uptown. Schedule.




Outdoor Festival - St. Paul and the Broken Bones headline the kickoff concert for TuckFest. It's a weekend of competitions and live music at the 5 p.m. U.S. National Whitewater Rafting Center,  5000 Whitewater Center Parkway.



Film Festival - The 2016 GayCharlotte Film Festival features full-length drama and comedies, documentaries and short films. Various times throughout the weekend. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd, 501 Queens Rd.


‘90s R&B - Need to hear some R&B to set off a romantic night? Don’t miss Jagged Edge.  Hits include “Promise,” “Gotta Be” and “Where the Party At?” They performed to a small, but enthusiastic crowd CIAA weekend, but it was a good show. Food will also be available. 10 p.m. The White House, 4808 Wilkinson Blvd. Details.




Jimmy Buffett Party Bus Events
 Rockhouse

Schedule:
1:00-2:00pm - Check-In (Tyber Creek Pub)
2:00 - Bus Departs for PNC Music Pavilion
7:00 - Concert Starts
*** Bus will depart 30 min. after the show

Elevate

Schedule:
2:00 pm - Meet at Hot Taco, 200 East Bland Street
5:30 pm - Bus leaves for the concert
$20 and fees. Tickets.


I’m Just A Bill - My brother and I always started Saturday mornings with cartoons and “School House Rocks!” I can’t wait, wait, wait for tonight’s "Schoolhouse Rocks Live!" Adult Night No kids allowed for this show. We adults get to join the mosh pit and rock to this childhood favorite. Pre-show reception at 6:30 p.m. with food, beer and wine from Mac’s Speedshop. 7:30 p.m., Children's Theatre of Charlotte, 300 E. 7th Street. $12 and up.


BBQ Competition - The 3rd annual Smoke Off BBQ Competition features 20 amateur teams making yummy food. Teams cook all day. $10 gets you unlimited samples till 5 p.m., which is when the voting begins. There’s also beer and live music. Benefits Purple Heart Homes. 1 p.m., The Unknown Brewing Company, 1327 S Mint St. Details.

Friday, April 22, 2016

Food Friday lineups, jazz and film festivals underway

Food Truck Lineup:














Don't Miss

Outdoor Festival - St. Paul and the Broken Bones headline the kickoff concert for TuckFest. It's a weekend of competitions and live music at the 5 p.m. U.S. National Whitewater Rafting Center,  5000 Whitewater Center Parkway.



Film Festival - The 2016 GayCharlotte Film Festival features full-length drama and comedies, documentaries and short films. Various times throughout the weekend. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd, 501 Queens Rd.



Evening Race - Come out for an evening of running, eating and drinking in FreeMoreWest in the 4th annual FreeMoreWest 5K at FreeMoreWest's 5K on the Greenway. After the race, enjoy food from 2 Chicks & a Truck and Olde Mecklenburg Brewing beer. Benefits Classroom Central. 6 p.m. Uptown Cycles, 1432 W Morehead St.


It’s Back - The occasional Takeover Friday returns. The Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a business expo at Takeover Friday at Le Meridien Charlotte. Music by DJ Little Betty. Le Meridien, 555 S McDowell Street




Happy Birthday - Join the EpiCentre as it celebrates Rooftop 210 Anniversary & Season Opener. VIP Happy Hour 8 p.m. Rooftop 210, 210 E. Trade St.




More Jazz - The monthly edition of New Frequencies returns with Trio Red Space. Charlotte duo Ghost Trees opens.  8 p.m. McColl Center, $10/$12. Details.


Concert Series - Another weekly concert series returns tonight with SouthPark Cocktails & Concerts each Friday featuring live music until May 6.  5 p.m. Piedmont Town Center, 4725 Piedmont Row Drive. Details.


Holla: Sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Review: Orgone brings the funk to NoDa (Video)





I can’t decide which drew my attention more Tuesday night at the Orgone show, the wild-haired guitarist or the tight horn section. The Los Angeles based eight-piece band put on a fun show last night the Neighborhood Theatre. Lead vocalist Adryon de Leon kept the party going with her enthusiastic dancing and magnetic personality. She sounded good, but the real star was the rhythm section. The combination of brass and drums set a funky tone all night long. The crowd was a mix of young and old, but I was dissappointed so few Black people turned out for the show. Orgone is definitely worth seeing next time the band performs here, and be sure to bring your dancing shoes. 



Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Weekend Preview: jazz festival, BBQ cook off and comedy shows

This is going to be a great weekend! Great comedy, tasty food and fantastic music. Let's get this party started. See you in the streets. 

Tonight
Progressive Southern Comedy - We’ve been taking a lot of hits lately from comedians outside of the state thanks to HB 2. Tonight Gastonia native Clifton Cash and fellow comedians Tom Simmons and Steward Huff will offer Southern comics perspectives on the South Sick of Stupid Comedy Tour. Don’t expect Honey Boo Boo and Duck Dynasty stuff. These are progressive Southern comedians offering their take on politics and culture. 8 p.m., The Comedy Zone Charlotte, Suite B3 900 N.C. Music Factory Boulevard. $15. Tickets.



Beer Release Party - Be one of the first 50 people to try the limited edition of the Rail Trail brew by Sycamore Brewery and receive a free pint glass at today’s release party. 704 Shop will be there selling Rail Trail tees. 4 p.m. Sycamore Brewing Company, 2161 Hawkins St.



Thursday
Artsy Party - Herb & Felicia Gray's Happy Hour and the Charlotte Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi are teaming up for this edition of PNC Bank Presents Gantt After Dark. Features host Q. Talley, live music by the Harvey Cummings II Project and a DJ. Free with registration. There’s also Paint & Sip with Cathay Dawkins, which features guided painting and wine-tasting for $25. All Art supplies and a complimentary glass of wine are included. Limit 20 people.  Enjoy samples from Wingzza, winner of "Best Food Truck" in Charlotte and if that isn't enough, visit the Dessert Lounge with sweets by Creative Catering. 6 p.m. Gantt Center, 551 South Tryon St.
Parking: Duke Energy garage (101 W. Stonewall Street entrance) or The Green garage (435 S. Tryon Street) to receive special discounted parking.  Details.



Jazz Lovers - This is your weekend with dozens of live jazz events throughout the week ranging from lunch to late night jam sessions. Highlights include tonight’s Charlotte Jazz Festival First Night featuring Sammy Miller and the Congregation with special guest Wynton Marsalis, Friday’s Jazz in the Key of Life featuring Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Orchestra on Friday and a Creole Jazz Brunch on Saturday. Events range from free to ticketed. Various venues uptown. Schedule.



Friday

Happy Birthday - Join the EpiCentre as it celebrates Rooftop 210 Anniversary & Season Opener. VIP Happy Hour 8 p.m. Rooftop 210, 210 E. Trade St.




More Jazz - The monthly edition of New Frequencies returns with Trio Red Space. Charlotte duo Ghost Trees opens.  8 p.m. McColl Center, $10/$12. Details.


Concert Series - Another weekly concert series returns tonight with SouthPark Cocktails & Concerts each Friday featuring live music until May 6.  5 p.m. Piedmont Town Center, 4725 Piedmont Row Drive. Details.



Saturday
‘90s R&B - Need to hear some R&B to set off a romantic night? Don’t miss Jagged Edge.  Hits include “Promise,” “Gotta Be” and “Where the Party At?” They performed to a small, but enthusiastic crowd CIAA weekend, but it was a good show. Food will also be available. 10 p.m. The White House, 4808 Wilkinson Blvd. Details.




Jimmy Buffett Party Bus Events
 Rockhouse

Schedule:
1:00-2:00pm - Check-In (Tyber Creek Pub)
2:00 - Bus Departs for PNC Music Pavilion
7:00 - Concert Starts
*** Bus will depart 30 min. after the show

Elevate

Schedule:
2:00 pm - Meet at Hot Taco, 200 East Bland Street
5:30 pm - Bus leaves for the concert
$20 and fees. Tickets.


I’m Just A Bill - My brother and I always started Saturday mornings with cartoons and “School House Rocks!” I can’t wait, wait, wait for tonight’s "Schoolhouse Rocks Live!" Adult Night No kids allowed for this show. We adults get to join the mosh pit and rock to this childhood favorite. Pre-show reception at 6:30 p.m. with food, beer and wine from Mac’s Speedshop. 7:30 p.m., Children's Theatre of Charlotte, 300 E. 7th Street. $12 and up.


BBQ Competition - The 3rd annual Smoke Off BBQ Competition features 20 amateur teams making yummy food. Teams cook all day. $10 gets you unlimited samples till 5 p.m., which is when the voting begins. There’s also beer and live music. Benefits Purple Heart Homes. 1 p.m., The Unknown Brewing Company, 1327 S Mint St. Details.



Sunday
Righteous Comedy - Activist and comedian Dick Gregory unleashes his insight and wit on politics, pop culture, race relations and more. One night only. 6 p.m., The Comedy Zone, Suite B3 900 N.C. Music Factory Boulevard. $25. Tickets




Puppy Love - Show your support for our furry friends at the Mutts & Mimosas benefiting the Human Society. In addition to Atherton Market's current vendors, the event will feature other local artisans and mobile boutiques. 1 p.m. Atherton Market,  2140 South Blvd. Tickets.

Holla: Sipandplayclt@gmail.com