Whoa! Usually, Sunday is slow, but not today. A few food events and more fun. Let's get this party started. See you in the streets.
Fight Leukemia & Lymphoma - Kelly Floyd and Buck Ranson host A Day Of Giving. Fifteen percent of all food sales proceeds go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Ilios Noche, Quail Corners, 8426 Park Road.
Party Bus - The RockBus Concert Series: Brad Paisley kicks off today. The fun starts at Prohibition and heads to PNC Music Pavilion. $20 and includes transportation to and from PNC Music Pavilion, drinks and drink specials at Prohibition before & after the show. Free at Prohibition. 4-4:45 p.m. – Check-in at Prohibition, 5 p.m. depart for PNC Music Pavilion. Details.
Don't Miss
Beer Festival - The rescheduled Beer Me Brewfest will feature 30 breweries, more than 60 beers, wines, and ciders. Live Music by Time Sawyer & Josey Wails, food trucks, cornhole, giant beer pong, and more. 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., All American Pub Charlotte NC, 200 East Bland Street. $25.
Pool Party - Prive hosts The Sunday Scene for young professionals from the Charlotte area. The event includes a low country crab boil, water gun fights and adult games. 4 p.m. - 10 p.m., Century Resort Pool, 8700 Long Creek Club Drive.
I'll Trade You - Share homemade, homegrown or foraged food at thePlaza-Midwood Food Swap. 2 p.m. Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St.
Monday
NFL Fundraiser - Bonterra teams up with Taste of the NFL to fight hunger in Charlotte. Participants will enjoy a five-course dinner and silent auction. 6:30 p.m., Bonterra Dining & Wine Room, 1829 Cleveland Ave. $60. The menu. 704-333-9463.
Two of my passions are hanging out and working out. My love for working is one of the reasons, you'll often read about 5-K races and crossfit competitions as things to do.
Last night, I had a chance to celebrate my passion for working out and hanging out at the 3rd annual Village HeartBeat Hearts of Champions Gala. The event celebrated a health initiative that pitted area churches against each other in a battle to be the fittest church in Charlotte. As a result of the 10 month wellness program, the members of the participating churches lost a combined 304 lbs at an average of about four and half pounds per person. More than a dozen people quit smoking, blood pressure improved and body fat shrunk.
The fun starts early today with a bike show at the Chop Shop and a beer festival uptown. The fun continues tonight with two erotica events! Let's get this party started. See you in the streets... Beer Festival - Enjoy more than 75 craft, import and specialty beers at the Charlotte 3rd Annual Charlotte Beer Festival. Live music from Early Ray Band! 2 p.m., EpiCentre, East Trade St. $30. #CLTBeerFestival
Cyclemania - This is one of the coolest motorcycle rallies with Mods and Rockers meeting up at the Charlotte Vintage Motorcycle Rally. Classic British, Euro and Japanese motorcycles, customized scooters and mopeds are invited for a day of music, bikes and fun. 1 p.m. Chop Shop, 399 E. 35th St. Full schedule.
Girls Wanna Have Fun - Local ladies tackle each other in the Blondes v. Brunettes football game to benefit the local Alzheimer’s chapter. 5 p.m. Revolution Park, 1225 Remount Road. $35 gets access to the game and the afterparty at Tyber Creek Pub,1933 South Blvd. Afterparty starts at 8 p.m. Details.
Toga Party - Actually, the Mystics Ball: There's No Place Like Rome isn’t your typical fraternity toga party. The Mystics explore erotic world of Ancient Rome. Party features living statues, a Roman bathhouse, the aerial artistry of Satarah, and more. Costumes are required. Wear your own or buy one at the door. 9 p.m. Chop Shop, 399 E. 35th St. $20 individuals, $35 couples.
Beauties Reimagined - If you believe in fairytales Once Upon A Pastie will blow your mind. The Big Mamma’s House Burlesque show features new performances and new fantasy characters. See Mary Poppins, Cruella De Vill, Ariel, Beauty and her Beast, Merida, Cinderella, Snow White and Minnie Mouse like you’ve never seen them before. Visulite Theater, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. $15, $18.
Don't Miss
Soul Music - Hear Charlotte’s own Stephanie Mills, Freddie Jackson, Evelyn Champagne King, El DeBarge and more at The Kinfolks 6th Annual Soulfood Festival. 4 p.m., Rte. 29 Pavilion, 5650 Sandusky Blvd, Concord. $35.
Celebrate Homebrewing - Before there was a craft brew scene, Charlotte enjoyed a robust home-brew culture. The American Homebrewers Association Rally celebrates homebrewing and connects beer enthusiasts from all over North Carolina. Includes a VIP brewery tour, beer samples, gifts, prizes and more. Local homebrew clubs will there. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., NoDa Brewing Co, 2229 N Davidson St. RSVP here.
I love Charlotte, but I also love a good Road Trip. The Carolinas offers a great mix from a free expression festival to a high culture festival to a street party and jazz. Throw a dart at a map and go!
Friday
Neon Weekend - Looking for something totally different? Try the Seventh Neon Music Festival! It’s a free expression of art and music. 2 p.m. Friday to Noon Sunday, Forest City. $80 and up.
In the Round: An Interactive Beer Dinner with Buxton Hall Barbecue - Diners will see 5 stations, each serving a dish by Elliott Moss and Buxton Hall Barbecue and a beer pairing from Burial Beer Co. Two stations will be meat, two will be sides/vegetarian dishes and one will be a dessert. 4 p.m. Burial Beer Co., 40 Collier Ave, Asheville. Each pairing is $12.
Spoleto Festival USA - Week two of the 17 day festival includes Trisha Brown Dance Company, Dianne Reeves, and others. Don’t miss Larry Toppman’s review of the Bank of America Chamber Music Series, which runs through June 7. See the Spoleto schedule.
Saturday
Chuck Loeb's Hilton Head Jazz Festival Launch Weekend - The Jazz Diva is launching the Chuck Loeb Hilton Head Jazz Festival next year with a show this weekend in Hilton Head. Today's event is Dinner and Concert by the Sea on the deck of Hilton Head Marriott Resort and Spa tonight. The concert features Chuck and friends including Alex Bugnon and Paul Taylor!- Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa, One Hotel Cir, Hilton Head Island, SC
Kaleidoscope Cultural Arts Festival - Dancers, musicians, painters, authors, pottery makers, craft makers, poets, clowns, jugglers artists and more bring art and culture to downtown Knnapolis. This is a family friendly street festival. 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., West Avenue, Downtown Kannapolis Inc. Free. Details.
Get out early today for breakfast and exercise then start the fun again at the N.C. Music Factory. Friday
Free Breakfast - During the month of May join Free Wheelin' Fridays for a complimentary breakfast at the Common Market on Commonwealth in Plaza Midwood. Breakfast begins at 7 a.m., then commute into uptown at 8:15 a.m., Common Market, 2007 Commonwealth Ave.
August Wilson Play - Pulitizer Prize winning playwright August Wilson wrote Seven Guitars in 1995. The recurring theme is based in the blues music and tackles a search for our humanity, self-understanding and self-acceptance. Presented by On Q Productions. 7:30 p.m., Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square $10. Available at door. Read Larry Toppman's review.
Friday Live! - Misterwives headlines this weekly afterwork event. 6 p.m. N.C. Music Factory, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. $8.
We have a little bit of a slowdown weekend ahead after a crazy-packed Memorial Day Weekend, but there's still lots of fun. It starts tonight at the Mint Museum.
Tonight
Family Happy Hour - Bring the kids to the front lawn of Mint Museum Randolph for the fourth annual Party in the Park, a family-friendly event, benefitting the Mint's annual fund. Bring snacks or cash for the food trucks and bar. Enjoy an evening outside listening to summer tunes and playing games. The museum will be open. 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road. Free.
Thursday Alive After Five - See Bon Jovi tribute band Slippery When Wet tonight at the weekly Alive After Fiveafter-work party. 5 p.m. Epicentre, 210 E. Trade Street.
Sunset at Metropolitan - Silver Train headlines the weekly Sunset At Metropolitan afterwork party. 6:30 p.m, Metropolitan, 1111 Metropolitan Ave.
Friday
Free Breakfast - During the month of May join Free Wheelin' Fridays for a complimentary breakfast at the Common Market on Commonwealth in Plaza Midwood. Breakfast begins at 7 a.m., then commute into uptown at 8:15 a.m., Common Market, 2007 Commonwealth Ave.
August Wilson Play - Pulitizer Prize winning playwright August Wilson wrote Seven Guitars in 1995. The recurring theme is based in the blues music and tackles a search for our humanity, self-understanding and self-acceptance. Presented by On Q Productions. 7:30 p.m., Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square $10. Available at door.
Friday Live! - Misterwives headlines this weekly afterwork event. 6 p.m. N.C. Music Factory, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. $8.
Saturday
Soul Music - Hear Charlotte’s own Stephanie Mills, Freddie Jackson, Evelyn Champagne King, El DeBarge and more at The Kinfolks 6th Annual Soulfood Festival. 4 p.m., Rte. 29 Pavilion, 5650 Sandusky Blvd, Concord. $35.
Celebrate Homebrewing - Before there was a craft brew scene, Charlotte enjoyed a robust home-brew culture. The American Homebrewers Association Rally celebrates homebrewing and connects beer enthusiasts from all over North Carolina. Includes a VIP brewery tour, beer samples, gifts, prizes and more. Local homebrew clubs will there. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., NoDa Brewing Co, 2229 N Davidson St. RSVP here.
Sunday
Beer Festival - The rescheduled Beer Me Brewfest will feature 30 breweries, more than 60 beers, wines, and ciders. Live Music by Time Sawyer & Josey Wails, food trucks, cornhole, giant beer pong, and more. 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., All American Pub Charlotte NC, 200 East Bland Street. $25.
Pool Party - Prive hosts The Sunday Scene for young professionals from the Charlotte area. The event includes a low country crab boil, water gun fights and adult games. 4 p.m. - 10 p.m., Century Resort Pool, 8700 Long Creek Club Drive.
I'll Trade You - Share homemade, homegrown or foraged food at thePlaza-Midwood Food Swap. 2 p.m. Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St.
Last chance for a quick get away to enjoy the three-day weekend. There's a cool event in Asheville worth checking out. If you're staying in Charlotte, I'm excited about the Charlotte Culture Initiative's Culture Fair at Chop Shop. Details below. Snug 600 in Plaza-Midwood ends tonight with three bands. There are several parties targeting African-American party-goers. Let's get this party started!!! See you in the streets...
Day Trip - Check out Asheville’s even more eclectic and diverse West Asheville Neighborhood at the 2nd Annual Westside Fest. The block party features craft beer and craft cider festival, but it’s really an excuse to visit the less touristy hip district. Music by DJ Kutzu 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.,Urban Orchard Cider Co. Courtyard, 210 Haywood Road. $25. TJ's Pick
Day Party - BlueGoose Eddietainment and Moxie Society present Memorial Day Weekend Day Party. Music by The Blend King DJ Shaun Nyce. 4 p.m. Bubble, 210 E Trade St. $5 and up.
Fireworks - Want to see the sky light up? Head down to theUSNWC Memorial Day Celebration. Roots music, jam bands and bluegrass bands will peform. Big Daddy Love and the Infamous Stringdusters are the main features. Closing fireworks. 4 p.m, US National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Free.
Going To The Go-go - Get your go-go fix with DC’s Let It Flow and Uptown Swagga at the DMV-Charlote GO-GO Invasion. 8 p.m. Cosmos Cafe, 300 North College St. TJ's Pick
Shaken Not Stirred - Charlotte’s Young Black Professionals Present Sunday On The Rocks. Live music by D’yenna Dukes and Soul Exposed. DJ 360 spinning music from the ‘90s and beyond. Hosted by Milton Andrews and Dawud Muhammad. 9 p.m. Studio Movie Grill, 210 E. Trade St. #290. $10.
A New Tradition - It’s what promoters hope to be an annual Pre-Memorial Day White Party. 9 p.m. Vibrations Club, 5237 Albemarle Road. Free.
Don't Forget
Celebrate Art & Culture - The Charlotte Culture Initiative, known for its nontraditional fusion of art and culture presents The Culture Fair. It’s an inaugural celebration of regional culture. Artists and artisans from throughout the region will be selling their goods at the indoor arts market. Vinyl records, comic books, and music equipment resell are just some of many features inside. Outside will hold swap meet lanes where residents can purchase a space to use however they see fit, whether as a yard sale space or to sell their own creations. Beer selected by NoDa’s Salud Beer Shop and there will be a Charlotte Chef Pig Pickin’. 1 p.m. The Chop Shop NoDa, 399 East 35th St East 35th St. TJ's Pick Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com
The Memorial Day weekend fun is underway. Speed Street continues today with the Nathan's Hotdog Eating Contest, and music by "The Voice" winner Craig Wayne Boyd and Dennis DeYoung and the music of Styx. Want to get out of Charlotte, but not travel too far? Head to Cornelius or Mint Hill for some fun. See you in the streets. Let's get this party started....
Caribbean Grooves - Head over to Plaza-Midwood to hear Justice Sun Tzulu and Brian Jopedo Sambula spinning at Su Casa Presents: Afro-Caribbean Bashment.
10 p.m., Petra's Bar, 1919 Commonwealth Ave. $5 before 11 p.m.
Summer Kick Off - Join Kiss 95.1, Ragin' Uptown and Luxury Yacht Charters in LKN's largest floating party, Kiss Anchor Island. Every Saturday until Labor Day. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Mojo's Bar and Grill, 19901 Holiday Lane, Cornelius. $20.
Three-Day Party - The Snug 600 is an alternative to Speed Street. Head to Plaza-Midwood for less traffic and cool crowds to enjoy indie bands Jesse Clasen (formerly of HRVRD), Spirit System, the Nude Party, and 1970s Film Stockon the second night of Snug 600. The celebration ends on Sunday. 10 p.m., Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. $5.
Family Fun - The city of Mint Hill celebrates it’s beginnings during Mint Hill Madness. The three-day festival features music, food, rides, games and fireworks. 4 p.m. Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park, 8850 Fairview Road, Mint Hill. Free.
Speedway All-American Craft Brewer’s Festival features the Beer Haven mobile festival, a self-pour beer sampling station billed as the world's largest mobile bar and brewery. The festival will feature 50 craft beers from Charlotte-regional craft breweries during both the NASCAR Sprint All-Star and Coca-Cola 600 race weekends. It will also include the Bucking Mule Brewery, a mobile brewery with a five-barrel brewing capacity and canning system mounted to a 53-foot-long tractor trailer. Participants can learn the brewing and canning process from brewmasters. Admission includes unlimited sampling. 1-4 p.m., Charlotte Motor Speedway. $39.
It's Memorial Day Weekend and the fun is already underway uptown with Speed Street. Tonight's music includes Parmalee and Corey Smith. If you're looking to avoid the crowds uptown, I've got you covered. Enjoy your weekend, be safe and let's get this party started!
Three-Day Party - The Snug 600 is an alternative to Speed Street. Head to Plaza-Midwood for less traffic and cool crowds to enjoy indie bands No Anger Control, Poontanglers,Viajando and Gore Gore Luchadores on the first night of Snug 600. The celebration ends on Sunday. 10 p.m., Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. $5.
Love Songs - R&B singer Lyfe Jennings unveils new tracks from his upcoming album “Tree of Lyfe.” The album includes the single “Pretty Is.” 8 p.m., The Fillmore, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd., $25. Watch his new video on Courtney Devores' Sound Bites.
Family Fun - The city of Mint Hill celebrates it’s beginnings during Mint Hill Madness. The three-day festival features music, food, rides, games and fireworks. 4 p.m. Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park, 8850 Fairview Road, Mint Hill. Free.
Don't Forget
Acclaimed Animator - The New Frequencies showcase at the McColl Center continues with animator Janie Geiser. Her films use cut-out animations, old children’s toys, and bits of archival Hollywood films. 8 p.m. McColl Center For Art + Innovation, 721 N Tryon St. $5.
On Monday, art lovers, foodies or both got an opportunity to experience the first-ever "Amazing Taste: A progressive Dinner." The experience at The Levine Center for the Arts dinner paired the latest art offerings from The Harvey B. Gantt Center, The Mint Museum Uptown and Blumenthal Performing Arts The Knight Theater with tasty cuisine, signature craft cocktails and locally brewed beer by Birdsong Brewing and Lenny Boy Brewing Company.
First, participants gathered at the Gantt Center for appetizers catered by Something Classic. Offerings included deliciously prepared and generously proportioned bites such as homemade Jamaican style beef patties, spicy beef meatballs and West African chicken kebabs.
After talk over food and the opportunity to view the exhibits, guest were then surprised by West Charlotte’s High Schools Marching Band, who sounded the alarm by playing music to let everyone know it was time to move to the next venue. The popular high school band ushered guests down Tryon Street with instruments in playing tunes that got the crowd moving.
At the Mint, guests were treated to a sit down buffet that included dishes such as melon salad, Bang Bang short ribs made with siracha honey dijon glaze, and squid ink (black) fettuccini made with peppadew pesto and seared scallops. Can you say delicious? There was a lag in time between the dinner as many ate then proceeded to the view the exhibits or just waited.
The evening concluded as the band continued its parade taking guests to the Knight Theater for a live piano performance with desserts of fresh plum tarts with almond cream and individual espresso chocolate cakes.
The event was a delightful take on what art and food can look be when done well. I hope it turns into an annual event.
In October the Breakin’ Convention, an international hip-hop dance theater festival lands in the Queen City. The convention began in London 12 years ago, and pays homage to old school hip-hop dance with shout-outs to MCs, DJs, graffiti artists and poets.
The festival will be held in Charlotte for the next three years. It will showcase performances from dancers from around the world, but a key component will require local artists to step-up and take part.
At a behind the scenes look at the event on Tuesday at The Knight Theater, Jonzi D, artistic director of the Breakin’ Convention, asked participants to spread the word around the community.
“We’re trying to get people to understand and appreciate the culture by taking it back to the essence of its origin,” he said. He also reminded the diverse crowd that this event is an opportunity for lovers of the culture to come together and be unified in a positive way. It's bringing hip-hop back to the streets where it began.
There will be auditions for dancers and DJs today through Saturday. For more information.
This is it! My official birthday weekend. I've been celebrating all month with fitness and adult beverages. That's how I do. I'm headed to Kentucky this weekend to tour bourbon distilleries, but I couldn't leave you hanging. Here's a little guide to your Memorial Day weekend. Let's get my birthday party started!
Wednesday
Atypical Cover Band - This is real cool. Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox reimagines today’s hits with 20s style flavor. The band's remakes often feature voluptuous lead singers and fun takes on some of today’s most ridiculous and catchy hits. Puddles the Clown opens. 8 p.m., Amos' Southend, 1423 South Tryon St. $25.
Thursday
Next GenBiz Leaders- Seven social entrepreneurs unveil and celebrate the results of Queen City Foward’s Impact3 12-week accelerator program at Impact3 Demo Day 2015 5 p.m., Johnson & Wales University, 801 W Trade St. RSVP.
Sultry Standards - If you’ve never heard Robyn Springer perform, this is a great chance to see her as she headlines Gantt After Dark. The artist showcase also features spoken-word artist Creativity, visual artists Brittani George & Monroe Tarver and designer Nyoni Couture. Other entrainment includes The Touch One Suite by Touch One Productions, spoken-word, DJ SPK’s unique music & Black Ink Monks, the student-initiated writers group from Johnson C. Smith University. 6 p.m. Harvey B. Gantt Center, 551 South Tryon St. Free, but RSVP required.
Be Seen - The Charlotte Kappas present The "Original" Cufflinks & Cocktails. It’s one of the most popular networking after-hours events for Charlotte black professional crowd. 6 p.m. Cowbell Burger & Whiskey Bar, 201 North Tryon St.
Fresh Sounds - Private listening party featuring Drea D’nur at the Rare Soul party. Complimentary wine and desserts. 8 p.m. Dupp & Swat, 2424 North Davidson Street #112B. $20.
Friday
Acclaimed Animator - The New Frequencies showcase at the McColl Center continues with animator Janie Geiser. Her films use cut-out animations, old children’s toys, and bits of archival Hollywood films. 8 p.m. McColl Center For Art + Innovation, 721 N Tryon St. $5.
Saturday
Summer Kick Off - Join Kiss 95.1, Ragin' Uptown and Luxury Yacht Charters in LKN's largest floating party, Kiss Anchor Island. Starts May 24 and will be every Saturday until Labor Day. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Mojo's Bar and Grill, 19901 Holiday Lane, Cornelius. $20.
Sunday
Celebrate Art & Culture - The Charlotte Culture Initiative, known for its nontraditional fusion of art and culture presents The Culture Fair. It’s an inaugural celebration of regional culture. Artists and artisans from throughout the region will be selling their goods at the indoor arts market. Vinyl records, comic books, and music equipment resell are just some of many features inside. Outside will hold swap meet lanes where residents can purchase a space to use however they see fit, whether as a yard sale space or to sell their own creations. Beer selected by NoDa’s Salud Beer Shop and there will be a Charlotte Chef Pig Pickin’. 1 p.m. The Chop Shop NoDa, 399 East 35th St East 35th 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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