Weekend Preview: Soul music, Latin grooves and happy hour

What a crazy weekend. The Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity convention is in town and we have our usual bevy of parties to choose from. See you in the streets... Let's get this party started!


Wednesday 

Latin Movie Night - The Cinemas Latino Film Series presents “Feriado” (Holiday) presented in collaboration with the Latin American Coalition and the Mint Museum. These films are considered some of the the best of contemporary Latin films. $5. 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road. Details.

 


Happy Hour - Rock House Events takes On The Rocks: Summer Happy Hour Series uptown. It’s a chance to experience Ri Ra’s Irish Whiskey Room if you haven’t been there yet. The newly remodeled whiskey room features more than 130 whiskies and $5 Guinness. Don’t be intimidated by the brown liquor. Whiskey Room also features some yummy whiskey punches. $5 specialty cocktails, $5 Guinness and 130+ whiskies to choose from (In addition to a full bar) 6 - 8 p.m Whiskey Room, Ri Ra Irish Pub, North Tryon St.



Meet the Future - Queen City Forward’s ImpactU Demo Day is one of the coolest events in Charlotte. It’s a chance to meet eight young visionaries whose ideas will shape this city. ImpactU Demo Day is the culmination of Queen City Forward’s 10-week accelerator program for college level entrepreneurs. 5 p.m. reception. 6 p.m. pitches, UNC Charlotte Center City
. Details.

Thursday

Bye, Bye, Bye - The Light Factory’s Member’s Show closes tonight. This is your last chance to see these local works. Noon - 6 p.m. The Light Factory, 1817 Central Ave.

Bye, Bye, Bye II - Join Charlotte Drinking Liberally for a night of cocktails and laughs. The group will watch the first Republican Presidential Debate and Jon Stewart’s final “Daily Show.” 7 p.m. Thursday Ri Ra, 208 N. Tryon St. 

 Friday

New SouthPark Event- Hear one of my favorite Charlotte DJs, That Guy Smitty, spin at the debut of Under the Lights, a new Friday night series at Village Tavern in SouthPark. Features beer and drink specials as well as bites. This will be held on the restaurant’s gorgeous patio. Should be fun, especially with friends. 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Village Tavern, 4201 Congress St.

Jazz Uptown - Ziad Jazz Quartet performs a tribute to John Coltrane in Coltrane Revisited at this edition of Jazz at the Bechtler. 6 p.m. Bechtler Museum, 420 South Tryon. St. $14. Details.

   

Saturday

Shake Something - Put your salsa and tango lessons to work at the Latina American Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte Summer Fiesta & Fundraiser. Ricardo Diquez & the Tropic Orchestra will perform salsa, merengue and tropical music. DJ Khriz will spin reggae ton, bachata, club and more. 9 p.m. LaCa Projects, 1429 Bryant St. $50 and must be purchased in advance. Tickets. 

Silky Soul - It’s not summer in Charlotte without a concert by Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. The soul singer headlines the Soulmatic Music Festival which also features SWV, Jagged Edge, Whodini and others. 4 p.m. Metrolina Expo, 7100 Statesville Road. $35 and up. Details.

Get Artistic - This isn’t a sip and wine event, but you can explore your inner artists at Open Studio Saturday at the McColl Center. This will be the last Open Studio Saturday for Summer Affiliate Artists Charles Williams, Caroline Rust, Erik Waterkotte, Endia Beal, Matt Horick, and Taproot. Free. 12-4 p.m. Details

Sunday 

Get Your Fill - Enjoy bottomless mimosas and bellinis, a brunch, big games and more at Prive Brunch. Music by Power 98s DJ LP. 11 a.m., Slate Billiards/Oak Room, 200 E. Bland St.


Get Dressed Up - Think you have what it takes to scare the crap out of people? Take your talents to Carowinds for Scarowinds Haunt auditions. Must be age 16 and up. Auditions are Sundays and Thursdays from 5 – 8 p.m. through October 15. Must apply online before attending an audition. Carowinds Employment Office 14523 Carowinds Blvd. 

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com