Real heroes, Latin dancing, pin-up girls and youth poets headline tonight

It's Friddaayyyyy! I can't wait to get started. There's so much to do this weekend. I mentioned a few events in Wednesday's Sip + Play, but that was only a taste. I will post weekend picks today, Saturday and Sunday. Don't forget, I'll be tweeting and blogging live throughout the day on Saturday, starting with the Thunder Road Marathon festivities. And look for my Saturday event picks Saturday morning.

Tattoo Is Art - Whether you're tatted or not, it's hard to deny that good ink is a work of art. East Meets Zest is a gallery installation by Matt Terry and Hans Drost of Fu's Custom Tattoo (I have two Fu's tattoos). The opening reception is tonight and the exhibit runs through Dec. 7. 6 p.m. Baku Art Gallery, 3200 N. Davidson St.










War Documentary - I've always been fascinated by Vietnam war movies. Today, documentaries such as "KORENGAL: This Is What War Feels Like," cover the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. These are my generation's wars. I have family and friends who have fought both. "Korengal" details the Battle Company 2/503 of the 173rd Airborne Brigade in the remote Korengal Valley. This area was the epicenter of the U.S. war effort in Afghanistan from 2007 to 2008. It includes unseen footage and post-deployment interviews with the soldiers. Don't miss KORENGAL: THIS IS WHAT WAR FEELS LIKE; A screening and conversation with filmmaker Sebastian Junger. 6 p.m. Wells Fargo Auditorium, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 South Tryon Street. $10.

 


I'll House You - Fans of classic house music don't want to miss the monthly Release! Classic&Soulful House Party. Grooves by That Guy Smitty, Gary 'Jackmaster' Wallace, DJ Badala B and more. 7 p.m. Petra's, 1919 Commonwealth Ave. A little snippet.

Dancing Uptown -  Art and dancing unite at Mint To Move Cultural Dance Night. There will be Afro-Cuban and Latin-American music by DJ Pepito and live musicians. Featured performances: Café Amaretto Music with Ana Lucia Divins and Rumbao Latin Dance Company. 8 p.m. - Midnight. Mint Museum Uptown.






Models, Makeup and Photographers - This isn't your #IG selfie. The cuties in the Charlotte Seen hosts its 2015 Calendar Preview Cover Contest Party have the runway look. Vote for your favorite pinup. 8 p.m. Automatic Slims, 820 Hamilton Street (Next to Fillmore)

For The Family

Text this! - I swear using emoticons and text messaging are ruining the English language. Inked Uprising Youth Poetry Slam shows teens still love real words. This slam is open to all students ages 13-19 years old.  8 p.m. Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square, 130 North Tryon Street. $5. Tickets and info.




Wolverine, Iron Man & Storm! - Am I the only adult without kids who wants to see this production? So many of my favorite characters will be  saving the world under one roof for Marvel Universe Live!. It's going to be so great. Various times. Tonight through Sunday. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E Trade Street. Tickets available through Ticketmaster.




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

Sour Beer, Latin Dancing And Running In The Streets

Welcome to Sip + Play: Things To Do In Charlotte. Each week, I’ll be your online guide to things to do in Charlotte, especially on the weekends. On Wednesdays, I'll give you a preview. Think of it like entertainment tapas. A taste of what happening this weekend in restaurants, nightlife, music, art and more. Basically, if it sounds fun, I’ll share it with you in Sip + Play. On the weekends, look for live coverage from events as well as more things to do and of course - a party or two!!! Let’s have some fun. I’m starting tonight with the Charlotte Bourbon Club for Bourbonista’s Bourbon & Babble.

  Tonight

Beer and Adventure - Two of my passions come together - hardcore fitness and beer - at the Whitewater Race Series Party, 6 p.m., NoDa Brewing Company, 2229 N Davidson St. Grab a NoDa Brewing's newly released Ashley's Love Potion, a Saison, and see what’s in store for the 2015 race season.

For The Naughty - After a six-year hiatus the Suicide Girls return with their popular Burlesque Tour. Suicide Girls Blackheart Burlesque, 9 p.m.,  at Fillmore Charlotte, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.

Fresh Beats - Rapid rhythms, live instrumentals and a fancy drum machine have made DJ AraabMuzik a rising star on the DJ scene. He's worked with ASAP Rocky, Azealia Banks, Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent and Eminem and more.  Doors open at 10 p.m., Suite.

  Friday

Dancing Uptown -  Art and dancing unite at Mint To Move Cultural Dance Night. There will be Afro-Cuban and Latin-American music by DJ Pepito and live musicians. Featured performances: Café Amaretto Music with Ana Lucia Divins and Rumbao Latin Dance Company. 8 p.m. - Midnight. Mint Museum Uptown.

Saturday 

 Running and Partying - It’s the Thunder Road Marathon and the fun begins at 8 a.m. at Romare Bearden Park. Don’t feel like going uptown? The race will likely come to you with live music performances or a DJ at various mile markers along the way. Here's the line up. I'll be live-tweeting from some of the neighborhood block parties along the route. Follow me at this link or grab your bike and join me.




Sour Beer Lovers - If the name doesn’t entice you, the beer will. It’s Release The Funk 2: The Electric Funkaloo presented by Salud Beer Shop & New Belgium Brewing. 1 p.m. - 5 p.m, Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E 36th St. More than two dozen breweries are expected to participate. Get tickets here.








 Sunday 

For the Family - Don’t miss Art & Soul at Latibah Collard Green Museum, 720 Tuckaseegee Rd. Enjoy music by A Sign of The Times Band, live music and art auction and of course soul food. 980-206-1768.


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