After the holiday weekend, it's time to get back into the gym to work off my holiday leftovers and prep for Christmas? While you get mentally prepped for another work week, here's a look at a couple of early week events.
Tired of Turkey? Here are a few Sunday Brunch suggestions:
Dogwood Southern Table & Bar - I'm well overdue for a visit. I remember the Maw Maw Biscuits, but the menu has expanded and looks incredible.
Bistro La Bon - You can't go wrong at one of Sip & Play's favorite spots. Great brunch buffet, and I typically don't do buffets. Ooh, I order the pecan pie for Thanksgiving and it was ridiculously good.
Block & Grinder - Don't miss the duck hash and the Bloody Mary.
Monday Charlie Sheen’s announcement will
hopefully bring renewed attention to the virus that still
disproportionately affects Black and Latino women. The Voices Project
tells the story of everyday people living with or affected by HIV/AIDs
in Mecklenburg County. These are our neighbors and friends. Their story
doesn’t make national headlines, but they are just as powerful. 6 p.m.
reception, 7 p.m. showtime. Wells Fargo Auditorium, 430 S. Tryon St.
Free. Details.
Tuesday How time flies! Sip & Play's favorite tree-huggers, Sustain Charlotte, celebrates its five-year anniversary. The celebration will stories and photos showcasing past events, projects, and accomplishments. Food from Twisted Eats food truck. Bikers, walkers and other sustainable travelers get a free, small first pour of beer. Wooden Robot Brewery, 1440 S Tryon St. Details.
I love this concept on the comedy open mic. Remember the Apollo’s
Sandman Simms? Well, Santa will be checking the audience to determine
who gets the boot and who gets to stay at this comedy open mic at Bad Santa Comedy Show presented by CrowdPlay.Events. 7 p.m., The Comedy Zone Charlotte, 900 Nc Music Factory Blvd, Ste B3. $15. Details.
I love it! Southend is making Small Business Saturday a party, and I love a good party. Today is a great day for the family with a circus and a carshow. Of course, I've got your parties for tonight. See you in the streets...
Shop Local - Southend has some special happenings for Small Business Saturday.
The Vendor Village returns with more than 60 vendors inside a pop-up
shop. Music, raffles, the Sugar Donut truck and craft beer. Triple C
Brewing, 2900 Griffith St.
Unknown
Brewing teams up with Wilson’s World for the second edition of
Dudeapalooza. We've also teamed up with Wilson's World to bring a second
rendition of Dudeapalooza.
Of course there will also
be vendors at Atherton Mills. Chef Alyssa of Chef Alyssa's Kitchen will
be holding a free cooking demo inside of her kitchen space at Atherton
Market. Live music by The Thompson Brothers.
There will
be two trolley's offering a free shuttle to each venue. A trolley stop
will be every 15 minutes. All three locations will have food trucks all
day.
Monthly Party - Don’t miss DJ Sun Cee, DJ Justice, DJ Steel Wheel and a live performance by Joi James at this month’s edition of Su Casa. Live painting by Dammit Wesley, photography, face-painting, film, vendors. $5, $10.
Oh! Oh! Oh! - In the mood for some fish-fry soul music? Head to An Evening Of Classic Soul: Lenny Williams & Ann Nesby. These classic soul artists will take it way back with hits such as Williams’ "Cause I Love You” and Nesby’s "I Believe.” This will be one of those shows in which the audience does most of the singing because every song is going to be somebody’s jam! 8 p.m. McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square, 345 N College St. Bring cash for parking onsite and in surface lots. 7th St. parking deck accepts credit cards. $25 - $45. Tickets.
All Black Everything - It’s time for another one of those color-themed parties. It’s the All Black Attire Affair. Beats by DJ Loui Vee. 10 p.m. Westin, 601 S. College St. Tickets.
I Wanna Do This! - Discover Uptown Charlotte and surrounding neighborhoods: NoDa, Plaza-Midwood, Southend and the NC Music Factory on the The Funny Bus. Bring your own beer and wine and enjoy comedians who will share history and stories of Charlotte on a 90-minute tour. Every Fri through Sunday. $25 tickets need to be purchased in advance. 8 p.m. Levine Museum of the New South. 200 E 7th St.
Family Fun With Cars - Bring your cool cars to Ray Evernham’s 3rd Annual AmeriCarna Live Car Show. The event benefits the IGNITE program operated by Autism Society of North Carolina. It’s open to all cars. 10 a.m., Ingersoll Rand's North American Corporate Headquarters, 800 Beatty St. Davidson. $5. Details.
Family Fun At The Circus - If you loved those #Thanksgivingwithblackfamilies memes then you can’t miss the last weekend of The UniverSoul Circus’ A Big Top Christmas. The usual acts are back, such as stilt walkers, and there’s some new ones as well. Don’t miss the figure skaters at the beginning and the infamous Soul Train line. Various Times today and Sunday, Metrolina Expo, 7100 Statesville Rd. $15 and up. Details.
The food coma has worn off, and it's back to work for some people. Whether you spent the day shopping or taking REI's advice and exploring nature, you deserve a play tonight. Don't forget the Hornets play the LeBron James and the Cavaliers tonight! After the game, see you in the streets!
Tonight Music Festival -See 20 bands and support local vendors at Hippie Fest: An Experimentation In Rock Music.
The two-day event features local indie, experimental, folk, garage and
punk rock. Bands include Wormholes, Cuzco, Middleasia. $10, $15. 6 p.m.
tonight and 5 pm. Saturday. 5028 South Boulevard - Charlotte, NC (tan building next to Pep Boys) Details.
Guest DJ - The DJ formerly known as Mick Boogie who know is only uses one name - Mick. He's an international DJ who's played for everyone from FLOTUS to Diddy. Opening set by DJ 360. 10 p.m., Suite 210, EpiCentre, East Trade St. Tickets.
Chicago House - If you like soulful Chicago style house then you won’t want to miss international DJ and producer Julius Mad Thinker. He headlines tonight’s edition of Bassment. 10 p.m. Label Ivory lounge, 900 NC Music Factory Blvd.Suite B6 $5, $10. Details.
Latin Dancing- Burn off the sweet potato pie and corn pudding at Noche de Sabor! Thanksgiving Edition! Special workshop by Steven Messina at 9 p.m. $10 for the workshop, $10 for the social. Infinity Ballroom Charlotte, 4038 Old Pineville Road. Details.
November Madness - Rapper Future is know for his big collaboration “What A Time To Be Alive” with Drake earlier this year. He’s also know for his hits “March Madness,” “F—— Up Some Commas” and “Trap Ni—.” 8 p.m. Bojangles Coliseum, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. $40 and up. Details.
80s Dance Party - Take it back in the day at Geektopia IV: Retrorama Totally Tubular 80s Party featuring music by The Graveyard Boulevard. This is dubbed Charlotte's original geeky, nerdy theme party. Appearances by The South Carolina Ghostbusters fan group, The Ecto-1 movie car, The "Back to the Future" Delorean time machine and the KITT car from "Knight Rider.”
The party is on tonight. Dance off all of that turkey and mac-n-cheese. See you in the streets...
Monthly Gathering - The monthly live music showcase R&B Live returns with an open mic. Hosted By D'Yenna Dukes Music and Promis Hugee. $10 and up. Details.
Party & Food Drive - Bring a non-perishable food donation and then party that mac-n-cheese off at SHIPROCKED!'s Annual Thanksgiving Party & Food Drive! 10 p.m. Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St.
Birthday Party - It's the Saggitarius Birthday Bash and Thanksgiving Party hosted by Old School 105.3's Eddie Owens and featuring Stacey Blackmon. 10 p.m. The White House, 4809 Wilkinson Blvd. Free.
If you’re looking to get out and about for Thanksgiving your options range from live music to bar crawls to parties. Let’s kick this holiday weekend off right!
Note: The full weekend preview returns on Thanksgiving night after the Panthers beat the Cowboys.
Tonight Pre-Thanksgiving Bar Crawl - Before the big feast barhop at Tommy Timmins’ spots in Tommy T’s Turkey Spree XI. Check in at Timmins first bar Tyber Creek Pub then head to Plaza-Midwood for the Workman’s Friend and then the Fifth Street hub of the Dandelion Market, Connolly’s and Prohibition. 7 p.m. Tyber Creek Pub, 1933 South Blvd. $15 and includes cover charges, drink specials, transportation, fun giveaways and a few complimentary beverages on the RockHouse tab along the way.
Pop Life Returns - The free weekday party Pop Life returns for Kitchgiving Eve: Pop Life Annual Thanksgiving Eve Edition. Music by The Mighty DJ DR & DJ SKILLZ. 10 p.m. Bubble 210 East Trade St. Free.
Folk Concert - Begin Thanksgiving with Harry Taylor & Charlotte Folk Society’s Folk Jubilee. Three performances include bluegrass, folk, blues & jazz. Performers include Erika Olson and Julie Dean, 12-year-old bluegrass phenom Liam Purcell & his band Cane Mill Road follow; and Rick Spreitzer & The Antique Babies will close. Evening Muse, 3227 N Davidson St.
Pre-Thanksgiving Go-Go & Jazz Set - Looking for R&B groove to get you ready for the holidays then try a go-go music and live jazz with Diverse Groove featuring Lamar Brace. 6:30 p.m. WhiteHouse NightClub, 4809 Wilkerson Blvd.
Thursday Thanksgiving Parade - NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Richard Petty is the Grand Marshal Petty of the 68th Novant Health Thanksgiving Parade. It features a 120-unit line-up with musical performers, marching bands from throughout the region, floats and balloons. 9:30 a.m. route begins at Stonewall Street and travel north along Tryon St. to 10th St.
Monthly Gathering - The monthly live music showcase R&B Live returns with an open mic. Hosted By D'Yenna Dukes Music and Promis Hugee. $10 and up. Details.
Party & Food Drive - Bring a non-perishable food donation and then party that mac-n-cheese off at SHIPROCKED!'s Annual Thanksgiving Party & Food Drive! 10 p.m. Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St.
Birthday Party - It's the Saggitarius Birthday Bash and Thanksgiving Party hosted by Old School 105.3's Eddie Owens and featuring Stacey Blackmon. 10 p.m. The White House, 4809 Wilkinson Blvd. Free.
Wine fans can explore Yadkin Valley wineries with a Winter Wine Passport. The sixth annual Winter Wine Passport expands this winter. It begins Friday and continues through Sunday, April 3, 2016.
Wine lovers who purchase a passport receive a tasting at 10 Yadkin Valley wineries, a commemorative trivet to fill with corks from each stop, and discounts at 18 area businesses, including restaurants, shops and lodging.
Get Ready For the Holidays with a headstart on holiday shopping an fun in the mountains. First, there’s Food-and-wine weekends take once a month in January, February and March. During these weekends, select wineries prepare a dish that either incorporates their wine as an ingredient or pairs well with a certain wine. Guests receive recipes for the featured dishes.
Participating wineries: Adagio, Brushy Mountain, Carolina Heritage, Elkin Creek, Grassy Creek, Herrera, Round Peak, Skull Camp, Slightly Askew and Stony Knoll.
Passports are on sale now through the end of the program. Buy one before Nov. 27 receives the early-bird rate of $50 for an individual or $85 for a couple. Buy online.
Today my beloved Redskins take on the Panthers. I'm dripping maroon and gold. So to get you ready for the game, I strongly suggest a stop at Tupelo Honey for the Queen Mary Bloody Mary made with Dixie's Black Peppered Vodka. Mixologist Tiara Coleman demonstrates how to make this delicious Bloody Mary. It was my favorite out of their two Bloody Mary's.
Today's To do: Food Competition - It’s chilly outside, and nothing warms better than grilled cheese and tomato soup. At the A Chance...A Grilled Cheese Competition and Beer Tasting participants get 10 tasting and 3 judging tickets and a cup of homemade tomato soup. Until 4 pm., Fonta Flora Brewery, 317 N Green St, Morganton. Details.
Family Skating Fun - Watch area skaters join the Charlotte Roller Girls for the SLAMSgiving scrimmage-a-thon. It features themed 30-min scrimmages throughout the day. 12 p.m., Shark Tank, 3701 N Davidson St. $5. Details.
Family Car Fun - The Charlotte Auto Show ends today. Drool over hundreds of vehicles in nearly six football fields of display area. Demo rides are also available. Until 6 p.m. $8. Details.
Drag Pizza - Yep! Enjoy free pizza and drag performances by Angela Lopez,
Satine Allure, Tatianaat and other at Sunday Funday. 4 p.m. Cathode Azure Club, 1820 South Blvd Suite 106.
Whew! Where did the time go. Several events are already underway and there's even more tonight. Get and enjoy the beautiful day. See you in the streets!
Oysters & Beer - My favorite things are being consumed at the inaugural Sycamore Oyster & Beer Festival. There will also be snow crab, shrimp, wine and cider. Live music by Late Nite Special. Fresh Seafood provided by South East Crab Feast. Tickets available at the Door. Ticket gets you entry and a free beer. Until 8 p.m. Plates are $8-$12.
Happy Birthday! - Congratulations to Sugar Creek Brewing on their One Year Anniversary. Today’s party includes Sugar Fish Hot Air Balloon Photo Booth, live music until 3 p.m. live artists and food from the Plated Palatte food truck. The party doesn’t end until 10 p.m. Sugar Creek Brewing, 215 Southside Dr.
Artisan Market - Shop goods from local vendors while you enjoy craft beer from Birdsong and live music by Sinners & Saints and Bless These Sounds Under the City at the Southend Bazaar. Until 8 p.m. C3 Lab, 2525 Distribution St.
Don't Forget Family Fun - Historic South End will kick off the holiday season with the Historic South End Holiday Tree Lighting
featuring holiday performances, winter treats and an appearance by
Santa Claus. Dessert by Cloud 9 Confections, Dunx Coffee, hot chocolate
and cider, and music. The tree lighting 6 p.m.. Expect a few surprises
and free holiday goodies on hand. 5:30-7:00 p.m., Atherton Mill, 2140
South Blvd. Details.
Jazz Greats - This is a perfect date night. See smooth jazz guitarist Norman Brown and saxophonist Gerald Albright. Trish Andrews opens. 8 p.m., Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. $45 - $75. Tickets.
Beer Festival - If you’ve ever wanted to try sour beer or if you love sour beer then you already know that 3rd Annual Sour Fest Release the Funk 3: Funkonia
is a can’t miss beer event. It features breweries spanning from
throughout the world. Until 4 p.m., Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte, 511 E
36th St. Beer list. Parking.
It's Friday!!!! Let me start with a congratulations to the 2nd Annual Moonshine Festival ticket winners: Patricia Carter, Brianna Meurer, Billy Banks, Scooter Abrams, April Himel, Roberta Robbins and Tytus Terrell.
Now, let's start tonight's parties! Wine Festival - The 22 Annual Beaujolais festival returns to Charlotte to celebrate the first grape harvest season. Along with tasting six different wines there will be jazz, a men’s choir, a silent auction and a raffle. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Queens Universit, Burwell Hall, 1900 Selwyn Ave. $30, $45. Details.
Walk In Their Shoes - Using poetry and visual art, the OBRA Collective explores what it means to be an immigrant in Charlotte. OBRA (Observe, Bridge, Respond Art) Collective is a group of Latino, immigrant, and ally artists. Their examines the immigrant experience in North Carolina and celebrates Latino culture. Featuring live music by local South American quartet Patabamba. 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Union Shop Studio, 5019 Wilkinson Blvd. Free.
Paint Party - Brush N Beats brings hip-hop flavor to the sip and paint theme with live music by Ron Mull. Enjoy open painting, wine and good peeps. Bring a canned good to be donated to the local food bank. 7 p.m. Charlotte Art League, 1517 Camden Road.
Don't Forget Love This - It's not a bar crawl, but it kind of is. Visit bars along Fifth Street for drink specials, apps and fun at Fridays on 5th. 8 p.m. Fitzgerald's, 201 E. Fifth St.
Last Weekend! - The Carolina Renaissance Festival ends its run of jousting, belly dancing and more. The festival features more than 500 costumed characters, 12 stages of music, comedy and circus entertainment, and more. There are more than 100 vendors in the Village Artisan Marketplace. 16445 Poplar Tent Rd Huntersville. Tickets.
Get Your Shine On! - Last year's inaugural Moonshine Festival was a blast. Who knew Moonshine could be so tasty? I’m ready for round two tonight. This isn't your father's moonshine. 7 p.m. -11 p.m. Rooftop 210, 210 East Trade St. Tickets.
Adult Nerd Fun - Science on the Rocks returns with ‘Back to the Future’ presented by Discovery Place and Google Fiber. Attractions include Food Pills and Flying Cars, a show about the realities of futuristic ideas and technology. Back to the Future costume contest at 8:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for best decade costumes and best film character look-a-like
5 – 9 p.m., Discovery Place, 301 N Tryon St.
Jewelry Sale & Party - The McColl Center for Art + Innovation hosts a Open House + Jewelry Jubilee, formerly Palate to Palette, sponsored by Bank of America and Red Ventures. The event features regional jewelry artist market and the celebration of an exhibition opening. Music by Miami Dice, artist-inspired bites by Xenia Hospitality and a cash bar. Featured jewelry artists include Kate Allen, Eliana Arenas, Claudia Griffin, Anne Fiala, Chelsea Arthur, Tara Locklear, Tabitha Ott, Katie Poterala, Laura Wood, Anna Johnson, and more. 6 p.m. McColl Center, 721 N. Tryon St.
It's the weekend before Thanksgiving. Time to get ready for family, friends and fun. Thursday Getting Hot In Here - Gantt After Dark presents Latin Night with music by A Sign of the Times and their salsa dancers. They’ll be giving lessons. There will also be an Artisan Marketplace. ($25, $20) $10 for non-members, free for members. There will also be a Paint & Sip party. 6 p.m. Gantt Center, 551 S Tryon St. Parking: Park in the Duke Energy garage (550 S. Tryon Street /enter on Stonewall Street) or The Green (435 S. Tryon Street) to receive your special rate of $5.00.
Worthy Cause - Enjoy apps and drink specials at Friendsgiving to benefit Safe Alliance Victim Center. 6 p.m. Passion, 1523 Elizabeth Ave.
Friday Love This - It's not a bar crawl, but it kind of is. Visit bars along Fifth Street for drink specials, apps and fun at Fridays on 5th. 8 p.m. Fitzgerald's, 201 E. Fifth St.
Last Weekend! - The Carolina Renaissance Festival ends its run of jousting, belly dancing and more. The festival features more than 500 costumed characters, 12 stages of music, comedy and circus entertainment, and more. There are more than 100 vendors in the Village Artisan Marketplace. 16445 Poplar Tent Rd Huntersville. Tickets.
Get Your Shine On! - Last year's inaugural Moonshine Festival was a blast. Who knew Moonshine could be so tasty? I’m ready for round two tonight. This isn't your father's moonshine. 7 p.m. -11 p.m. Rooftop 210, 210 East Trade St. Tickets.
Adult Nerd Fun - Science on the Rocks returns with ‘Back to the Future’ presented by Discovery Place and Google Fiber. Attractions include Food Pills and Flying Cars, a show about the realities of futuristic ideas and technology. Back to the Future costume contest at 8:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for best decade costumes and best film character look-a-like
5 – 9 p.m., Discovery Place, 301 N Tryon St.
Jewelry Sale & Party - The McColl Center for Art + Innovation hosts a Open House + Jewelry Jubilee, formerly Palate to Palette, sponsored by Bank of America and Red Ventures. The event features regional jewelry artist market and the celebration of an exhibition opening. Music by Miami Dice, artist-inspired bites by Xenia Hospitality and a cash bar. Featured jewelry artists include Kate Allen, Eliana Arenas, Claudia Griffin, Anne Fiala, Chelsea Arthur, Tara Locklear, Tabitha Ott, Katie Poterala, Laura Wood, Anna Johnson, and more. 6 p.m. McColl Center, 721 N. Tryon St.
Saturday Family Fun - Historic South End will kick off the holiday season with the Historic South End Holiday Tree Lighting featuring holiday performances, winter treats and an appearance by Santa Claus. Dessert by Cloud 9 Confections, Dunx Coffee, hot chocolate and cider, and music. The tree lighting 6 p.m.. Expect a few surprises and free holiday goodies on hand. 5:30-7:00 p.m., Atherton Mill, 2140 South Blvd. Details.
Jazz Greats - This is a perfect date night. See smooth jazz guitarist Norman Brown and saxophonist Gerald Albright. Trish Andrews opens. 8 p.m., Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. $45 - $75. Tickets.
Beer Festival - If you’ve ever wanted to try sour beer or if you love sour beer then you already know that 3rd Annual Sour Fest Release the Funk 3: Funkonia is a can’t miss beer event. It features breweries spanning from throughout the world. 12 p.m., Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte, 511 E 36th St. Beer list. Parking.
The partiers at the Young Affiliates of the Mint's Fall Ball: Moulin Mint have me sold. I'm already putting it on my calendar for next year. The partiers were fun and unreserved. You know how sometimes, people attending galas are too cute to dance? The women don't want to mess up their dress and the guys are just too stiff.
It wasn't like that at Mint on Friday. Everybody danced. How could they not when the cover band, 5 On Sunday performed their version of "Trap Queen!" Loved it. Oh, and did I mention the food. Yes! There was a sausage tray. Not those silly wieners, but brats and peppers and so many yummy bites.
The Panthers face the Tennessee Titans in their request to remain undefeated! It's a great Sunday. We have something for the gospel heads, the holiday shoppers and the lovers of all things queer. See you in the streets...
This Sounds Hilarious - Drag queenMiss Rylee Hunty hosts a trashy game party. This week: Queens Against Humanity - The Hilarious Party Game For Horrible People! Participants should expect fun music and dance numbers. Audience participation is expected. 7 p.m. Dirty Hippie, 5028 South Boulevard (tan building next to Pep Boys, behind Larry's Salon Suites). Free.
Don't Forget
Winter Market - Get a start on holiday shopping by purchasing hand-crafted local goods at the Vintage Charlotte 4th Annual Winter Market. The Daily Press CLT will provide coffee, Yelp Charlotte is supplying shopping bags for the first 500 customers, King of Pops Charlotte, Juan Taco Truck and Roots Farm Food will also be there. 11 a.m. The Fillmore, 1000 North Carolina Music Factory Blvd.
Hip-hop Gospel Star - Inspiration singer Kirk Franklin is back with a new album, “Losing My Religion.” He’ll be giving a special performance and signing copies of his CD. 4 p.m. FYE Concord Mills, 8481 Concord Mills Blvd.
Time Is Running Out!
Sip and Play Charlotte is giving away tickets to the Moonshine Festival at the EpiCentre on Nov. 20. Click here to enter.
Jazz and blues fans rejoice! Charlotte has a new live jazz and blues restaurant. BluNotes, on David Cox Road off W.T. Harris in the University area, opens tonight with a sold out reservation list. Seating at the bar is first come, first serve. KingFish headlines tonight's grand opening party.
The restaurant and club features a heated outdoor patio, a VIP area with a premium cocktail and food menu and New Orleans inspired food. The menu ranges from Po Boys to chargrilled oysters to gumbo. If the menu sounds familiar, it's because Bite Your Tongue's Martine Johnson is the head chef. There's also a late night menu, basically two hours before close, and a jazz brunch on Sundays.
BluNotes features live music every night and daily dinner themes.
The soft grand opening on Thursday reached capacity earlier and didn't thin until well into the night.
Don't Forget
Sip and Play Charlotte is giving away tickets to the Moonshine Festival at the EpiCentre on Nov. 20. Click here to enter.
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