Earl's Grocery has discovered a little secret. Older adults and young adults can mix in the same spot if the vibe is right. Last night, the vibe was right. DJ That Guy Smitty spun a funky playlist of old school R&B, funk and soul. Here's the key - the music was loud enough to hear, but not loud enough to overpower the conversations. Clusters of people huddled at tables munching on cheese trays, sandwiches and other goodies. The pop-up crew Haunt mixed up a variety of drinks from Old Fashions to Hot Toddies. The fun starts early today. I'm headed to the Queen City's Brewer's Festival this afternoon. It's pretty much sold out, but there are some other things to do jumping off now and tonight. See you in the streets.
For The Family - Stoke your kid's imagination, or indulge yourself at Charlotte Minicon. At least a dozen creators and a variety of vendors will be on hand for Charlotte's longest-running comic convention. Ends at 5 p.m., Grady Cole Center, 310 N. Kings Dr. Parking onsite.
Hear Brazilian, Afrobeat, Latin, South African houseand more at Su Casa, It’s a night for samba, salsa, and whatever else they cook up. DJs Su CASA resident Justice Asaru-Re Uzn + Jay Cooper (aka DJ Vonfunkhauser) and DJ Steel Wheel! 10 p.m. Petra’s Piano and Cabaret Bar. $5 before 11 p.m., $10 after.
Courtney Recommends - It’s never too early to get in the spirit of Mardis Gras. Join Carolina Gator Gumbo and Zydeco Ya Ya. More details on Courtney’s Soundbites. 7 p.m. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St., $8. Bring cash for parking. Limited street parking available. This is an all ages show.
DON'T FORGET
Hip-hop Heads - Don't miss Shawty Lo: The Official Mixtape Release Party. Chest-thumping bass and the typical hip-hop bravado are hallmarks of Shawty Lo's songs. If you are looking to wyle-out like they do in the hip-hop videos this is the party for you. 10 p.m. Republic, 314 N. College St. Free b4 11:30 with RSVP. $20 after.
Hey jazz fans, the Jazz Diva just announced an uptown summer jazz festival. Details are a little vague, but the QC Summerfest lineup includes Najee and Keiko Matsui. Stay tuned for more details next month. If you're looking for a non-traditional game-watch party this weekend, there are quite a few happening. Take a look. Now, let's get this party started. See you in the streets...
Theater In Southend - An ASC grant, and a collaboration by Donna Scott Productions and Historic South End are bringing the staged reading of “Carrie Ann’s Kiss” to the Charlotte Trolley Museum. The play is is a mockumentary-styled comedy about five cosmetic consultants on their way to a national convention It was written by Charlotte playwright Tonya Bludsworth. 8 p.m., Charlotte Trolley Museum, 1507 Camden Road. $10.
For The Family - Giant animals, silly clowns, deftifying feats highlight "The Greatest Show On Earth." Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is here until Sunday. Various times and dates. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 East Trade St. $15 and up.
Don't Forget
Music Benefit - Reverb Fest is a benefit concert for the Chronic Illness Relief Fund. The show features Diarrhea Planet, Bo White's Patois Counselors, Junior Astronomers, Museum Mouth, Serfs and Southern Fernisphere. 7:30 p.m. Neighborhood Theater, 511 E. 36th St. $10/$12.
Food Event - I don't usually equate Whisky River with food, but this is different. Sample food from throughout the world at Taste Your Way Around The World. 8-10 p.m. Whisky River, 201 East Trade St. EpiCentre. $20. Paid and valet parking available onsite. #TJTurnup
Happy Hour – Haunt totally surprised me. A DJ and craft cocktails at Earl's Grocery, 1609 Elizabeth Ave. Judging from my FB friends who are going, this should be a great crowd. 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., Earl’s Grocery.
The big game is Sunday and my Washington Redskins aren't in it - again. Our lackluster season won't stop me from enjoying the game. While trying to figure out where to watch the event, I kept coming across these unusual events everywhere from Plaza-Midwood to Monroe Road. So, I made it a list. See you in the streets...
Get in the competitive spirit with BLT Steak's The Rival Burger contest. Chef Ben Miles created the Seattle-themed Seahawk including a seasoned Angus beef patty, hot dog Links, grilled onion-cream cheese, a steak tomato, leaf lettuce and smoked pepper ketchup. The New England burger, the Patriot, is made from lump crab meat topped with frisee and a spicy-citrus remoulade. Both for $17. Upload your picture of your favorite BLT speciality game burger for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to ESquared Hospitality restaurants. Post the photo to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #BLTSteakCLT and #BLTRivalBurgers. After Sunday's game, five winners will be selected.
On Sunday, start your day with a healthy run at the Super Run 4 Miler starting at Bank Of America Stadium. There's a 100-yard kid's dash. Starts at 9 a.m. Online registration has ended, but you can register onsite.
Super Bowl Crock Rock Happy Fun Time sounds crazy. It has two names! Watch the big game and bring/get your grub on at their "Super Bowl Pot Luck Crock Rockin' Bone Snugs n Harmony Karaoke'n Party!" 5 p.m. Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. #TJsTurnup
Super Sunday is the party where you can watch the Super Bowl on a really, really big screen at Carolinas Cinemas Charlotte, which has a full-service kitchen, draft beers from local breweries and wine. Highland Brewing Company is sponsoring the party and will
have 16oz drafts for $5. Highlands is also bringing along a
keg of its exclusive Kyra's Robust Porter for the night.
The theater, formerly Crownpoint 12, looks gorgeous with ottomans and reclining seats based on photos. 5 p.m. Carolinas Cinemas Charlotte, 9630 Monroe Road. Free.
Pre-Superbowl Brunchlesque show! Enjoy the three B's before the game. This is the “un-un-un-official Katy Perry halftime warm up show." The entire show is football/super bowl themed with new pumped up music and all new acts! 2 p.m., UpStage, 3306-C N Davidson St.
DON'T FORGET
Cute Puppies!!! – See the Playful Patriots and the Slobbering Seahawks square off in Puppy Bowl 2015. 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Dog Bar, 3307 N. Davidson St. #TJsturnup
Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com
Read more here: http://charlottethingstodo.blogspot.com/2015/01/sample-world-flavors-at-whiskey-river.html#storylink=cpy
Looks like I'm starting my weekend early again. Finally checking out Tiki Hideaway tonight, and the scene gets even more fun from Plaza-Midwood to Uptown. Here's a sample of things to do to start planning your weekend. Look for my party roundup for Sunday's big game tomorrow. My big weekend event is definitely the Queen City Brewer's Festival (blurb below) on Saturday. Let's get this party started. See you in the streets...
Thursday
Glam Party - Shiprocked celebrates the one-year anniversary of the Lipgloss party, which is a drag show featuring Bethann Phetamine. Special performances by Bella Jade, Britney Queers, go-go dancers and more. 10 p.m. Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. No cover. Street parking available. #TJturnup
Friday
Music Benefit - Reverb Fest is a benefit concert for the Chronic Illness Relief Fund. The show features Diarrhea Planet, Bo White's Patois Counselors, Junior Astronomers, Museum Mouth, Serfs and Southern Fernisphere. 7:30 p.m. Neighborhood Theater, 511 E. 36th St. $10/$12.
Food Event - I don't usually equate Whisky River with food, but this is different. Sample food from throughout the world at Taste Your Way Around The World. 8-10 p.m. Whisky River, 201 East Trade St. EpiCentre. $20. Paid and valet parking available onsite. #TJTurnup
Happy Hour – Haunt totally surprised
me. A DJ and craft cocktails at Earl's Grocery, 1609 Elizabeth Ave. Judging from my
FB friends who are going, this should be a great crowd. 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.,
Earl’s Grocery.
Saturday
Beer Festival - Try craft beers, enjoy food and stroll through a variety of exhibitors at the 4th Annual Queen City Brewers Festival. More than 2,000 people are expected to sample beers from dozens of regional breweries. Two tastings. 1-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Bojangles Coliseum, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. $40 per session. Cash paid parking on site. #TJTurnup
Hip-hop Heads - Don't miss Shawty Lo: The Official Mixtape Release Party. Chest-thumping bass and the typical hip-hop bravado are hallmarks of Shawty Lo's songs. If you are looking to wyle-out like they do in the hip-hop videos this is the party for you. 10 p.m. Republic, 314 N. College St. Free b4 11:30 with RSVP. $20 after.
Aspiring Mixologists – The Craft
Cocktail Series…Hands On Cocktail Class features full bar stations set up for
guests to make three cocktails. Each cocktail will be paired with apps. Dandelion Market, 118
W. 5th St. $40 and ticket fee.
Sunday
Cute Puppies!!! – See the Playful Patriots and the Slobbering Seahawks
square off in Puppy Bowl 2015. 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Dog Bar, 3307 N. Davidson
St.
I'm back!!! In 2005, I launched the Paid To Party column for the Observer. Now I'm back with a fresh look at Charlotte's entertainment offerings. For the next few months, I'll be testing a new feature, primarily aimed at weekend events and other ways to entertain yourself, your family, your visitors.
Sip + Play is your guide to fun things to do in Charlotte from Food Truck Fridays to bar crawls to events you've never experienced. I still love a party, so there also will be plenty of that.
Sip + Play will take you all over Charlotte and beyond with live event coverage on the weekends and recommendations of where to go and what to do. I'm looking forward to sharing my adventures with you. #cltevents
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