Earlier this week, I attended the Charlotte Chamber of of Commerce Economic Development. I realize this isn't my usual Sip + Play adventure, but it was held at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. The subject was beer. How could I resist.
The panel included: Center City Partners' Tobe Holmes, NoDa Brewing Company's Todd Ford and OMB's John Marrino.
I knew the craft beer industry was growing exponentially here, but there's a lot I didn't know. The industry is doubling in the state and growing four-times as fast in the city. North Carolina has the largest number of breweries in the south. The industry's impact on Charlotte is undeniable. It's certainly enhanced our entertainment options, but it's also impacting the economy.
Courtesy of Charlotte Chamber of Commerce
The shop local movement is fueling the growth, especially among the millennials. By the way, did you know Sam Adams is the largest American-owned brewery?
Interesting nuggets: Ford of NoDa said when he started six years ago start-up breweries couldn't get a Small Business Administration loan. Today, that's not issue.
The next movement will likely be distilleries and cideries.
I've been looking all over for a fight party to watch Mayweather v. Pacquiao fight on Saturday. Below are my suggestions ranging from what will likely be low-key gathering to what will probably be shoulder-to-shoulder gatherings.
Updated: Nan and Byron’s Fight Party
Premium Buffet featuring prime NY Strip, grilled lobster tail, Alaskan king crab legs, shucked oysters, roasted beef tenderloin, poached shrimps, and more. Table reservations, HD Televisions and two giant projector screens with audio. $100 includes food/drink credit, tax and gratuity. Doors open at 5 p.m. Nan and Byron’s, 1714 South Blvd
Fight & Soulful House Music After Party
Go for the fight, and stay for the after-party. It features three DJs, and doesn’t stop until 6 a.m. Food will be served. The WAREHOUSE, 7226 Harrisburg Rd. 8 p.m., $10. Deets.
Release! + The Big Fight + Allan's 50th BDay Party/Taurus Bash
The fight will be shown on a 10-foot screen. This is presented by SSMG and Petra’s Bar. The after-party will feature DJ Badala and the Deep House Providers. 8 p.m. Petra's Bar 1919 Commonwealth Ave. $5 b4 9 p.m., $10 after. Deets.
The Word - Boxing Edition: Baddest Superfight Party Ever
This party is presented by the crew that does the the Baddest Superbowl parties. Fight will be shown on a 100-foot screen surround sound and there will be “comfortable” viewing angles and food. 3549 Enfield Road. Deets.
Live, Local Boxing and Mayweather v. Pacquiao
Enjoy some local boxing before the onscreen action at this party by Fight Lab 47 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Watch the main event on indoor and outdoor TVs or a big screen projector! 6 p.m. Maverick Taco, 1513 Montford Dr. $30 and up. Deets.
Fight Night
Enjoy food and drink specials all night. All undercard fights will be shown. There are more than 13, 50'-70' TVs. 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. Sports One Charlotte, 521 N. College St. $30. Deets.
Mayweather v. Pacquiao
Ticket guarantees entry, not a seat. Must print ticket. Standing room only unless table purchased in advance. 9 p.m. Fitzgerald’s Irish Pub, 201 East 5th St. Limited Menu. $20 and up. Deets.
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.
Charlotte Center City Partners' annual Vision Awards is one of the best parties for the city's movers and shakers. I haven't attended in a couple of years, but it the fun hasn't changed. The opening reception was outside on the patio of the Charlotte Convention Center. Once we moved inside, the program recognized the growth. Honorees were: developer David Furman, the Charlotte Ballot, Crisis Assistance Ministry and Southend stalwart Phat Burrito.
Dope fun at the Dax party at the Neighborhood Theater on Thursday. DAX was a collaboration event with Blank Canvas, Black Sheep, Joint on 36th and others. A few photos from the event.
Yesterday was pretty much a washout, but I did see a couple of films in the Gay Charlotte Film Festival. One of those films was "BrocKINGton," the documentary about Blake Brockington. The short documentary gives a glimpse into the life of the transgender youth who committed suicide last month. The documentary is a starting point for a much needed community effort to make our place where we stop losing our transgender youth.
Art Walk - More than 50 artists using a variety of media will be exhibited during the Kings Drive Art Walk. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Little Sugar Creek Greenway-600 South Kings Dr.
Tableside Cocktails - BLT Steak Charlotte launched its Spring Into Brunch with a tableside Bloody Mary, Mimosa and Bellini bar cart. Food features include Shrimp and Stoneground Grits, BLT Popover and more. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. BLT Steak, 110 N College St. Don't Miss
Celebrating Leadership - The YBM leadership will recognize 2015's 100 Young Black Men. 1:30 p.m. UNCC Mcknight Hall.
All You Can Eat - Yummy! All you can eat oysters, live music, food and beer specials. at the Oyster Roast 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Growler's Pourhouse, 3120 N Davidson St. $35, $40.
BrocKINGton- The Charlotte Gay and Lesbian Film Festival wraps up today. There's a special screening of "brocKINGton,” a documentary about Charlotte’s Blake BrocKINGton, followed by a panel discussion. 2 p.m. "The Dog" and 4 p.m. "Boy Meets Girl." All screenings at Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. $8 per movie. 6 p.m. "BrocKINGton" screening followed by discussion. The movie is about 15 minutes so don't late.
Roadtrip (Final Chance)
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. Avery Sunshine performs today. 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 headlined last night. Dwight Yoakam performs tonight. Details.
Do not, I repeat do not let the rain stop you from hearing some great music. Art of Cool Fest is a great way to see a bunch of different cool jazz and soul bands. Tonight's lineup includes Charlotte's Anthony Hamilton and Snarky Puppy. I'm heading back to the city for the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, but here's some of the acts that I saw last night.
My favorite, not based on singing, was Jesse Boykin III. His energy magnetic. He looked like he was having spasm on stage. Plus his hair is more memorable than Al Sharpton's do. My next favorite, also not based on singing ability, was Moonchild. Lead singer Amber Navran either had laryngitis or singing isn't her strengh. It's ok, the trio is tight and she plays a mean sax. Plus, listening to the older guys drool over her was almost as much fun as the show. This was my first ear attending the the festival and I met new faces from Washington and old friends from Atlanta (what up @goodlook72 aka Thomas Washington?) and places in between. I travel to Durham often for work, but I usually stay a couple of blocks around my hotel. Last night, I discovered the area around Motorco and the bar Pinhook. Unfortunately, the headline acts performed in the Durham Armory, which had terrible sound and bad lighting. The shows in the bars such as Motorco and Pinhook were better. These venues were more intimate and were live music spaces.
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.
Oh yeah, it's Friday and the fun begins. There are several events to celebrate this beautiful spring weather so be ready to hang outdoors. There's even an evening 5K!
Paint Party - Support local artists at the "Now Is Fireworks" exhibition and sale. Proceeds from the art sale and raffle will go towards the painting of a mural that includes the poem “Now is Fireworks” on the side of the Studio K building. Featured Artists: Nancy Albert, Amy Bagwell, Byron Bagwell, Graham Carew, Stephanie Chesson, John Eft, Rebecca Jones, Matthew Myers, Terry Shipley, Kris Solow, Karen Thoune, Kate Vasseur, Christina Welsh, Amy Wyckoff. 6 p.m. Studio K, 2024 E 7th St.
Get Running - The 3rd Annual FreeMoreWest 5K on the Greenway benefits Classroom Central. Experience the burgeoning FreeMoreWest (named for Freedom, Morehead and West Side) which has a great skyline view. After the race, enjoy food trucks and beer. 6 p.m., Uptown Cycles, 1432 W. Morehead. Details.
Don't Miss
Get Your Costume - Break out your masks, capes and whatnots for the 1/2 Way to Halloween Costume Party. 9:30 p.m., On The Roxx Cornelius, One Norman Boulevard.
Patio Fun - The Peculiar Rabbit and OMB are celebrating the official opening of Peculiar Rabbit’s two patios at the Patio Party. It's also the release of OMB's Hornets Nest Hefewiezen. Enjoy $4 OMB Drafts, food and live music. 4 p.m., The Peculiar Rabbit, 1212 Pecan Ave.
The first weekend is May is going to be crazy. Kentucky Derby parties and Cinco de Mayo. Let's start with this list of Derby Parties. If you have a Derby Party email me the details: sipandplayclt@gmail.com.
Derby Days
The Young Affiliates of the Mint have one of the longest-running Kentucky Derby Parties. Ladies wear your hats and fellas rock the bow ties. Food trucks: Chrome Toaster and Sticks and Cones. Enjoy lawn games and Maker’s Mark Mint Juleps. 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road. $40 and up.
Kentucky Derby Party The Bluegrass Brothers present its annual Kentucky Derby Party. This is one of the most popular Derby parties on the low-low. Enjoy jazz music by Shableek, Derby watching, a hat contest, food and drinks. This is an adult party. The party is rain or shine and is held under a big tent. 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. Rolling Hill Park Grove, 4340 Rolling Hill Dr. off Sugar Creek Road. $20.
University of Kentucky Alumni Association Derby Party
If you dare to hang out with the Big Blue Nation #BBN then you don’t want to miss this Derby party. It’ll feature Mint Juleps and an infamous bourbon slushy. Partiers will enjoy authentic Kentucky Derby Festivities? 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. South Park area. It’s a public party, but held at a private residence. Email chad.baker@experis.com for more details. $20
The Second Annual Talk Derby To Me
If you’re looking for a more traditional Charlotte gathering head uptown for some Derby fun. The usual party games: corn hole, giant Janga, beer pong, flip cup and more.
Derby Competitions include:
Cutest and Biggest Hats for the Ladies, Best Bowtie for the Gentlemen, Best Dressed Couple, “Run for the Roses” a human horse race!!
Tickets Include- 2015 "Talk Derby To Me" T-Shirt and Koozie, and drink specials. Rooftop 210, 210 E. Trade St Suite B320. $15. #TalkDerbyToMe
Art of Cool, Durham
Jazz enthusiasts won’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. Friday - Sunday.
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 on Saturday night. Dwight Yoakam performs on Sunday. Thursday - Sunday, Wilkesboro. Don't miss Courtney Devores look at MerleFest.
Brewgaloo 2015, Raleigh
Shop Local Raleigh presents the NC Craft Beer Festival Brewgaloo in downtown Raleigh. This is billed as the largest North Carolina craft beer festival featuring N.C. Beer, food trucks, live music and more. Beer can be sampled by the pint or the pour. 2 p.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday, Downtown Raleigh
What a 20th anniversary celebration! Charlotte’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry raised more than $117,000 at Wednesday’s event. More than 500 people attended the annual event at Two Wells Fargo Center Atrium. It featured Charlotte’s top restaurants, chefs, culinary schools, sommeliers and mixologists.
Food Network personality and New York Times best-selling cookbook author, Melissa d’Arabian and Share Our Strength Co-Founder, Debbie Shore, helped the Charlotte chapter celebrate the milestone. Since 1994, the Charlotte event’s proceeds are $1.7 mil excluding this year's totals. Don't miss Kathleen Purvis's round up of winning dishes and restaurants from last week.
Harper Group's Tom Sasser, was named “Humanitarian of the Year” by Share Our Strength, in a ceremony in Washington earlier this month. Sasser deserves the award and more. I joined the Taste of the Nation board several years ago. I've watched as he tirelessly works to make this event a success each year.
This year's Taste is over, but the fight to end child hunger continues. You can continue your support of Charlotte’s Taste of the Nation, which locally benefits Second Harvest Food Bank and Community Culinary School of Charlotte. The Charlotte No Kid Hungry Dinner is Sept. 12 at Mimosa Grill.
Use the code TASTENC for $10 off your individual tickets until May 15!
Here we go! Charlotte boast its diversity this weekend with Latin art, Brazilian music and gay films are just a few of the events going down this weekend. See you in the streets. Let's get this party started.
Wednesday
Are You Ready For Football - Get ready for the NFL season with Pro Football Draft Round Table. Event features Kevin Weidel, Chris MacLain, Chris Kroeger, Frank Garcia, Clinton Portis, Muhsin Muhammad. Ruth Chris, SouthPark, 6000 Fairview Rd.
Latin Art Project - The Young Affiliates of The Mint will join the LaCa Projects for a guided tour of Charlotte's premier Latin American art gallery. Viva Chicken will provide light apps. 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. LaCa Projects, 1429 Bryant St.
Brazilian Jazz - The New Frequencies at McColl Center features Rob Mazurek’s Black Cube São Paulo. The band creates a mix of adventurous jazz, Brazilian rhythms, and electronic beats. 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. New Frequencies Brazilan jazz, McColl Center, 721 N Tryon St.
Thursday More Than Words - Moving Poets 6/15: An Exploration of Humanity and Nature features dance-theater company Alban Elved, Moving Poets Berlin, Moving Poets Charlotte, Hardin Minor of Omimeo, Jacqueline White of Open Door Studios, and dancer Wooguru. Various times, The Chop Shop is at 399 E 35th St. Tickets: $30 and various prices. Various times today through Saturday.
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.
Dope Fun - DAX is a collaboration event with Blank Canvas, Black Sheep, Joint on 36th and more! The event will consist of a variety of vendors, 3 DJ's and pop-up performances. 8 p.m. Neighborhood theatre, 511 East 36th St. $10.
Friday
Get Your Costume - Break out your masks, capes and whatnots for the 1/2 Way to Halloween Costume Party. 9:30 p.m., On The Roxx Cornelius, One Norman Boulevard.
Patio Fun - The Peculiar Rabbit and OMB are celebrating the official opening of Peculiar Rabbit’s two patios at the Patio Party. It's also the release of OMB's Hornets Nest Hefewiezen. Enjoy $4 OMB Drafts, food and live music. 4 p.m., The Peculiar Rabbit, 1212 Pecan Ave.
Saturday
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.
Sunday
Celebrating Leadership - The YBM leadership will recognize 2015's 100 Young Black Men. 1:30 p.m. UNCC Mcknight Hall.
All You Can Eat - Yummy! All you can eat oysters, live music, food and beer specials. at the Oyster Roast 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Growler's Pourhouse, 3120 N Davidson St. $35, $40.
Treat your taste buds and your ears today. It's rainy, but don't let that keep you in the house.
Rollercoasters And Bites - Carowinds is elevating its food experience at Taste of the Carolinas. If you’re headed to the park today, check out their new culinary event that launched Saturday. It’s every weekend. There’s a line up of demonstrations each week. Details.
Jazzy Sunday - Hear some smooth jazz at the CD release concert for Saxophonist Dante Lewis and vocalist Kevin Whalum, 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sydney’s Martini and Wine Bar, 401 N. Tryon St. (Parking Validated for Trans America Parking Deck). $20 and up. Don't Forget
Help Girl Rockers - Join family, friends and supporters of girl musicians at Cover Me: A Girls Rock Charlotte Friendraiser. Learn what the organization is all about, and hear some cool bands. 2 p.m. Hattie’s Tap and Tavern, 2918 The Plaza. $5.
Beer Festival - Celebrate National Beer Day a day early with samples from local and regional breweries. Organizers have even added ciders this year. Live music, cornhole and other games, enjoy grub from food trucks and more! 1:30 p.m. All American Pub Parking Lot, 200 E Bland St. $30 an up.
The amount of events going down today is crazy. Here's my suggestion: pet owners, definitely start your day at Pet Palooza then make your way to Louisiana Spring Fest for the crawfish boil. Everyone else start at the Healthy Home Market Health Fair and then take it from there. See you in the streets. Let's get this party started!
OMB Louisina SpringFest - The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery for its fifth consecutive Louisiana Spring Fest! Listen to live bluegrass music and enjoy Cajun food. 12 p.m. Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 4150 Yancey Rd. $25 tickets includes a 17 oz. mug of beer and plate of food.
Pet Fun - Bring your beloved pets out for a day at the park at Pet Palooza. There's a dog walk, vendor fair, live music, fashion show and a beer and wing garden. Read Helen Schwab’s story to see how this event benefits the Humane Society of Charlotte. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Independence Park, 300 Hawthorne Ln. Be sure to read the parking links.
Goodbye Party - The Latin American Coalition celebrates the departure of executive director Jess George at Muchas Gracias Jess! Read Mark Price’s story about George's lasting impact on the LAC. She's taking her skills to Google Fiber. George is a young leader to watch. Cash Bar and hors d'oeuvres. 7 p.m. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St.
Don't Forget!
For The Family - Curious about how to live a healthy lifestyle? Start with the Healthy Home Market Fair. There will be practitioners from the Community Wellness Center, food vendors, vitamin educators and more. 1 p.m. - 4 p.m Plaza Midwood, 1330 Central Ave. Free.
Brew Beatdown - The annual Battle of the Brews puts Charlotte's local breweries against each other. Each of the 10 breweries will bring three kegs. There will be eight food truck and live music from 5 on Sundays. 3.m.m - 6 p.m. Southend’s Food Truck lot, 100 W. Park Ave. $40
420 Fest - Tyber Creek is hosting a 420fest on Saturday April 18th. Start with a FREE Fun Run/Walk at 11 a.m. There’s a Kan Jam Tourney at 2 p.m. and live music all night. Tyber Creek,1933 South Boulevard. Free entry.
Art Gala - Studio Party 15: Upcycled Gala, presented by Bank of America, is the McColl Center for Art + Innovation annual celebration and contemporary art sale, with complimentary cocktails, gourmet tapas, and an Art Showcase featuring exceptional works for sale from current Artists-in-Residence and Alumni curated exclusively by Renee McColl and Brad Thomas. 7 p.m. McCoy Center,721 N Tryon St. $150.
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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