Weekend Recap: KRS-One's amazing show (Video)

I can't remember the last time I saw KRS-One live, but I definitely forgot how great he is to see live. Within minutes of taking the stage, he was sweaty and dropping knowledge both old and new. The Whitehouse Nightclub, formerly Tempo Nightclub, was bodies pressed in front of the stage rapping every lyric. This was not one of those grip-n-grin shows. KRS-One performed a full set, and the energy of the crowd was electric. It was just the kind of warm-up I needed for CIAA. Amazing.

Big top fun, cancer benefit and rock music tonight

Whew! I spend the first part of the day lined up with Panthers' fans outside of Bank of America stadium. Now, it's time to get in the streets! Here are few events happening now and this evening.

Worthy Cause - Head out to to see your favorite cover bands at the 4th Annual Let's Dance and be Thankful Presents Peace, Love Rock & Soul. Bands performing including Coconut Grove Band and the Skate Money All Stars. Until 7 p.m., Amos' Southend,1423 South Tryon St. $25.

Local Rock - Support aspiring musicians a the School of Rock Adult Band. Ever wanted to learn to play the guitar, drums or another cool instrument? The members of the School of Rock Adult Band are making their dreams come true. Show them some love. 7 p.m.,  Hatties, 2918 The Plaza.

Big Top Fun - see high-wire wizards, strongmen, BMX trick riders, trampoline daredevils, contortionists, a human cannonball, a skydiving display and more than 100 world-renowned artists at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Circus XTREME. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 East Trade St. 7 p.m. Tickets.

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Big Game parties list, New growler bar, Mardi Gras kick-off and KRS-One

Today's a good day. There's a new growler bar opening and a cool beer festival in Durham. Not a beer drinker? No problem. See what else is happening today below. See you in the streets...

Reminder: If your bar or club is throwing a Big Game party email me the details at sipandplayclt@gmail.com.

Growler Store Opening - Beer fans head south for the grand opening of Growler USA.There will be 100+ taps of local, regional and national craft beers, hard ciders, red and white draught wine and Kombucha. 11 a.m., Growler USA, 12206 Copper Way #124. Free.

Beer Festival Road Trip - Formerly known as at the Raleigh Rare & Vintage Beer Tasting is now the 5th Annual NC Rare & Vintage Beer. The event features 50 different breweries. Each brewer brings between up to four beers each. There’s also expanded outdoor area, but without increasing the number of tickets being sold. There will also be buffet style food options and passed hors d'oeuvres to pair with drinks. 3 p.m., Historic Durham Athletic Park, 500 W Corporation St, Downtown Durham. $75. Details.

Break Out The Beads - Get a headstart on your Mardi Gras celebration at the Mardi Gras Costume Party at Ice Martini Bar. Costumes are heavily encouraged. 9 p.m., Ice Martini Bar, 9525 Birkdale Crossing Drive #102 Huntersville

Music Tribute - The annual Radok Fest 5 is a tribute to photographer Chris Radok, who was murdered in 2011. Featured bands: It’s Snakes, The Husbians, Cadavernous and Fire Marshall. 9 p.m., Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. $6. Details.


Don't Forget
Get Fit! - Try fitness trends such as bootcamps, Zumba, yoga and more at the 4th Annual Greater Charlotte Health & Fitness Expo. There will be guest fitness experts and celebrities. Come dressed to sweat in the cardio dance zone, Burn Boot Camp Fitness and other interactive demos. 9 p.m. The Park Expo & Conference Center, 2500 E Independence Blvd. $5 ticket, $7 parking.

Skateboards For A Cause - The coolest skateboards featuring original pieces of art will auctioned at SHRED for Gabe and Luke Skatedeck Artshow and Auction. It’s a day of skateboarding, art, food and beer and fun. There will be a DJ, live music and live art auctioned in real time by local legend John Burgin. Art signed by Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly. All proceeds go to help families with special needs kids. 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. The Unknown Brewery from 1-7 p.m., 1327 S Mint St. Live auction at 4 p.m. Free. Details.

Rap’s Conscience - KRS-One was one of the first MCs to use rap to educate and raise listeners’ consciousness about social issues with hits such as “Sound Of Da Police.” He coined the phrase “edutainment.” He was known as The Blastmaster and The Teacha. KRS is an acronym for Knowledge Reigning Supreme. 8 p.m. The White House, 4809 Wilkinson Blvd. $27.37 and up.



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Panthers pep rally today, Hamilton is coming and restaurant week extended

We're going live early today because there's so much happening on a Friday during the day. For real. Don't forget the Panthers' pep rally at noon at Romare Bearden Park. See below for Sinfonica, also at noon today. The fun continues tonight. See you in the streets!


BTW: Several restaurants have extended the Queen's Feast Charlotte Restaurant Week beyond this weekend. Check the website to find out which ones.


Oh, and, the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center says Hamilton The Musical, a hip-hop take on the biography of Alexander Hamilton, is coming to Charlotte during the national tour. Dates nor year have been confirmed.

Send me your Big Game party details for the Observer's party list. sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Dance Like Ali - Choreographer Christal Brown, a former dancer with Urban Bush Woman, and a nine member professional dance troupe deliver a tribute to the famed boxer in The Opulence of Integrity: A Movement Odyssey Exploring the Life and Legacy of Muhammad Ali. This multi-media dance theater  incorporates elements of boxing, hip hop, martial arts, and modern dance to explore Ali’s public life and inner-searchings. The performance features an original score by Farai Malianga. Choreographer Brown is an N.C. native. 7:30 p.m. UNCC Robinson Hall, 9201 University City Blvd. $25, $10 seniors, $8 students. Tickets.

Animal Friendly Circus  - Don’t like seeing animals in the circus? Me either. Whisky River Under the Big Top!  is animal free. There will be aerialists, a balloon artist, cotton candy, popcorn and circus-themed drinks. 8 p.m. Whisky River, 210 E. Trade St. $12 includes cotton candy and two drink tickets. Details.

 

Don't Forget
Pop Art Ending - The popular pop-art series at the old Goodyear building at Stonewall and South Tryon is ending. Goodbye to Goodyear is the final showcase and party to celebrate the art created, installed, shown, and performed at the space. This event is open to the public. 6 p.m. Former Goodyear building at Stonewall and South Tryon.

Art & Classical Music - The McColl Center for Art + Innovation and the Charlotte Symphony have come together to create ¡Sinfonica!, a new KnightSounds event. Music Director Christopher Warren-Green will lead the orchestra in a celebration of Latin American and Spanish composers, featuring the works of Moncayo, Ginastera, DeFalla, and others. McColl Center Artist-In-Residence Ivan Toth Depeña will create an on-stage responsive, interactive light installation inspired by the music and Warren-Green’s real-time movements. The fun will continue in the lobby following the concert with authentic tapas from Machu Picchu, as well as displays of Latin American Contemporary Art (LaCa) Projects artist Leandro Manzo’s “Tango” Series. 12 and 7:30 p.m. at Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts,  430 S Tryon St. $12 and up.

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Weekend Preview: Naughty By Nature and KRS-One are coming

The snow is gone and the Panthers don't play this weekend so that means it's time to hit the streets. Don't forget Queens Feast Charlotte restaurant week ends this weekend. All kinds of art-music fusions happening, great hip-hop and more. Go outside and play! See you in the streets.

Thursday
New On Q Play - The soulful theater company brings "The Children of Children Keep Coming" to the stage. It’s based on Russell L. Going’s “GrioSong.” It’s about two slaves running to catch the Freedom Train through fields. In the play the meet imaginary characters such as Frederic Douglass, Billie Holiday and others. Various times tonight through Feb. 6. Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. $28. Tickets.

Down With OPP? - Yeah, you know me! Naughty By Nature brings its 25th Anniversary Tour to the N.C. Music Factory. The ’90s hip-hop group will perform it’s hits such as “O.P.P.” Also expect to hear from the trio’s new EP. The group is also creating a documentary chronicling the group’s career. 7 p.m. Fillmore Charlotte, 820 Hamilton St. $20 and up.


Friday
Pop Art Ending - The popular pop-art series at the old Goodyear building at Stonewall and South Tryon is ending. Goodbye to Goodyear is the final showcase and party to celebrate the art created, installed, shown, and performed at the space. This event is open to the public. 6 p.m. Former Goodyear building at Stonewall and South Tryon.

Art & Classical Music - The McColl Center for Art + Innovation and the Charlotte Symphony have come together to create ¡Sinfonica!, a new KnightSounds event. Music Director Christopher Warren-Green will lead the orchestra in a celebration of Latin American and Spanish composers, featuring the works of Moncayo, Ginastera, DeFalla, and others. McColl Center Artist-In-Residence Ivan Toth Depeña will create an on-stage responsive, interactive light installation inspired by the music and Warren-Green’s real-time movements. The fun will continue in the lobby following the concert with authentic tapas from Machu Picchu, as well as displays of Latin American Contemporary Art (LaCa) Projects artist Leandro Manzo’s “Tango” Series. 12 and 7:30 p.m. at Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts,  430 S Tryon St. $12 and up.

Saturday
Get Fit! - Try fitness trends such as bootcamps, Zumba, yoga and more at the 4th Annual Greater Charlotte Health & Fitness Expo. There will be guest fitness experts and celebrities. Come dressed to sweat in the cardio dance zone, Burn Boot Camp Fitness and other interactive demos. 9 p.m. The Park Expo & Conference Center, 2500 E Independence Blvd. $5 ticket, $7 parking.

Skateboards For A Cause - The coolest skateboards featuring original pieces of art will auctioned at SHRED for Gabe and Luke Skatedeck Artshow and Auction. It’s a day of skateboarding, art, food and beer and fun. There will be a DJ, live music and live art auctioned in real time by local legend John Burgin. Art signed by Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly. All proceeds go to help families with special needs kids. 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. The Unknown Brewery from 1-7 p.m., 1327 S Mint St. Live auction at 4 p.m. Free. Details.

Rap’s Conscience - KRS-One was one of the first MCs to use rap to educate and raise listeners’ consciousness about social issues with hits such as “Sound Of Da Police.” He coined the phrase “edutainment.” He was known as The Blastmaster and The Teacha. KRS is an acronym for Knowledge Reigning Supreme. 8 p.m. The White House, 4809 Wilkinson Blvd. $27.37 and up.



Sunday
The Next Episode - In the next installment of “Order/Fire,” Charlotte’s culinary video, Charlotte Chef Blake Hartwick of Bonterra talks about where he had one of the best meals that he’s ever had. 12:30 p.m. Free Range Brewing, 2320 N Davidson St. Viewing party details.





Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Hang out tonight without going uptown!

Uptown is going to be crazy tonight with the Panthers NFC Championship game. If you're looking to go out and avoid the madness, these are some events that will be fun without the stress. By the way Go Panthers!!!

 

 
It’s Back! - The artist showcase Dammit Fannie returns to spotlight rising artists and musicians. See live painters, musicians, and poets. Dammit Wesley will be whipping up a live piece. Music by DJ Fannie Mae. 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Studio 1212, Uptown 1212 E. 10th St. $5. 

THIS WEEKEND IS ABOUT TO BE LIT!JOIN THE CELEBRATION SUNDAY FOR DAMMIT FANNIE AT STUDIO 12121212 E 10TH ST. CHARLOTTE, NC
Posted by Think Color on Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Great American Roadtrip - Day dream about traveling the U.S. in a RV when you retire? Go window shopping at the Largest RV Show In Charlotte. Until 8 p.m., The Park Expo and Conference Center, 800 Briar Creek Road. $10. Details.

NOLA Rap - Before Lil Wayne exploded, New Orleans based rapper Juvenile helped put New Orleans on the map with hits such as “Back That A— Up.” Also features DJ Holiday and Travis Porter. 10 p.m. Label, 900 NC Music Factory Blvd. $10 and up. Tickets.

TONIGHT AT Label Charlotte!#LABELONSUNDAY FT. #JUVENILE x #TRAVISPORTER x #DJHOLIDAY!21+ TO ENTERTIX: www.juvenilecharlotte.eventbrite.com#WeOwnSundayNight #LabelOnSundays #NightlifeTheWayItWasIntended
Posted by Label Charlotte on Sunday, January 24, 2016

Eat Fest  - The Winter 2016 edition of the Queen's Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week® starts today and ends January 31. The week includes 133 restaurants in the  Charlotte area offering prix fixe menus of three courses or more at dinner for $30 or $35 per person.  To see  participating restaurants' prix fixe menus and make reservations click here.

 

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Cabin Fever? A few spots to wash the boredom away tonight

#‎Snowmaggedon2016‬ is wreaking havoc on the normal nightlife, but there's still fun to be had. Call your local watering hole to see if they are open, but here's a sample of spots and events. Old Mecklenburg Brewery and the Brass Tap are open in Southend. Free Range Brewing and Heist are also open in NoDa. In Plaza-Midwood, Legions Brewing and Pint are open.

Hanging With the Deep - The hip-hop, soul crew come together for the monthly Su Casa party featuring music by resident DJ Justice and DJ Steel Wheel on the Patio. They’ll be spinning afrohouse, afrobeat, downtempo, Latin Soul and more. Live performance Quentin Talley & the Soul Providers. Face painting by Catherine Courtlandt and live painting by Dammit Wesley. $5, $10. 10   p.m. Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave.

R-Rated Coloring - I can’t quite imagine what kind of coloring is going down at the Urban Adult Coloring Class, but it’s rate R for nudity and alcohol. Sounds intriguing. Music by DJ Fannie Mae and featured model Primadonna G. 7 p.m., Dupp & Swat, 2424 N Davidson St #112B $20.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Let it snow! Sledding hills in Charlotte

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Nope, not Christmas - the possibility of snow. To me, snow equals sledding! I've culled a list of the best sledding in Charlotte. 

Tonya Jameson tubing at Hawk's Nest. Not quite, sledding, but you get it.

Sledding Hills
Mid-Charlotte: Latta Park in Dilworth, the hill behind St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dilworth and Cordelia Park in NoDa.

North: Huntersville Athletic Park and Highland Creek Golf Course.

South: The corner of Sedley and Foxcroft Roads in the Sharon Road area, Siskey YMCA, Charlotte Latin School, Raintree Country Club and Sedgefield Middle. 

Need a sled?
Black Hawk Hardware in the Parking Road shopping center has sleds for now, but anticipates selling out by tomorrow.

Renfrow Hardware in Matthews has an assortment of sleds.  

Want To Go Out?

Artists Events - Meet the McColl Center’s Winter 2016 Artists-in-Residence Carlos Alexis Cruz, Carlos Estévez, Hollis Hammonds, and Heather Hart. They will share their personal stories, practices, and residency goals. There will be a special preview and curator’s perspective on the upcoming exhibition People/Places/Exchanges: Art as a Visual Voice. 6 p.m.,  McColl Center for Art + Innovation, 721 N Tryon St.

Come Hungry - Yummy! This sounds delicious - Spiked and spicy beer queso, mussels, Belgian beef stew and more at Dinner At Fran’s. These delicious bites will be paired with Birdsong Brewing. 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., Fran's Filling Station, 2410 Park Rd.

 Source: Observer archives
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Weekend Preview: Alabama Shakes coming, Panthers rally (canceled), restaurant week

Before I jump into this weekend’s events, I have a couple of announcements.

The Alabama Shakes will perform at the Uptown Amphitheatre on April 22. Dylan LeBlanc will open. Tickets on sale Saturday via Ticketmaster, LiveNation and the Fillmore box office.


The Blumenthal Performing Arts is seeking nominees to paint the columns in the Spirit Square Atrium. Eight artists will be selected. Submit a nominee here by Friday, Feb. 5 at 12 p.m. EST.

Now, let's get this party started! See you in the streets.

Wednesday
Brown Liquor & Cigars - This is a great deal. Sample Larceny, Elijah Craig, Famous Grouse, Macallan 12, and more at Bourbon, Scotch and Smokes. Cigars will also be available to purchase to pair. 7 p.m. The Cork and Cask, 9624 bailey road, Cornelius. $20.

Thursday

Artists Events - Meet the McColl Center’s Winter 2016 Artists-in-Residence Carlos Alexis Cruz, Carlos Estévez, Hollis Hammonds, and Heather Hart. They will share their personal stories, practices, and residency goals. There will be a special preview and curator’s perspective on the upcoming exhibition People/Places/Exchanges: Art as a Visual Voice. 6 p.m.,  McColl Center for Art + Innovation, 721 N Tryon St.

Come Hungry - Yummy! This sounds delicious - Spiked and spicy beer queso, mussels, Belgian beef stew and more at Dinner At Fran’s. These delicious bites will be paired with Birdsong Brewing. 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., Fran's Filling Station, 2410 Park Rd.

Friday
Canceled Go Cats - Get ready for Sunday’s NFC Championship game at an Uptown pep rally for the Carolina Panthers. The rally will feature Panthers players, Sir Purr, the TopCats, PurrCussion and the Black & Blue Crew. The event is sponsored by Bank of America and Charlotte Center City Partners. Music starts at 12 p.m. Guest appearances begin at 1 p.m. Romare Bearden Park, 300 S. Church Street. Free.

Whiskey And Bites - Sample a variety of whiskeys, bourbons and scotch at Whiskeys of the World - Tasting and Tapas. There will also be a tapas menu. 7 p.m., The VanLandingham Estate Inn & Conference Center, 2010 The Plaza. $59. RSVP: eventadmin@moreheadinn.com.

Come Hungry II - The Winter 2016 edition of the Queen's Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week® starts today and ends January 31. The week includes 133 restaurants in the  Charlotte area offering prix fixe menus of three courses or more at dinner for $30 or $35 per person.  To see  participating restaurants' prix fixe menus and make reservations click here.

Saturday
R-Rated Coloring - I can’t quite imagine what kind of coloring is going down at the Urban Adult Coloring Class, but it’s rate R for nudity and alcohol. Sounds intriguing. Music by DJ Fannie Mae and featured model Primadonna G. 7 p.m., Dupp & Swat, 2424 N Davidson St #112B $20.

Improv Comedy - The improvisational group the Chuckleheads present the Year of the Monkey Comedy Improv Musical Variety Extravaganza. The performance features unscripted improvisational comedy games, musical games/activities and more. 8 p.m., Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, 911 East Morehead St. $10, $15. Tickets.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Asheville Breweries are being greedy

In my ongoing series exploring the state's growing beer scene, I head to Asheville.

Asheville's breweries are clearly basking in the glory of the nickname Beer City USA, but the fame has gone to their heads. Breweries are popping up in Asheville like kudzu, and so are arbitrary rules about refilling growlers.

Most breweries and at least one Asheville bottle shop that I visited this weekend would not refill my growlers. French Broad Brewing Company and Asheville Brewing Company were the exception.
My growler is adorned with the appropriate state labels. The brewery employees cited state law that prevented them refilling growlers. That's nonsense. The law changed two years ago. Read it here if you're interested.

Several Charlotte breweries also refuse to refill outside growlers, but Asheville breweries are taking it to another level. Not only are the AVL breweries refusing to refill outside growlers, but they also charge a $4 and $5 deposit to purchase a growler. That's greedy. Most of the people hanging in downtown Asheville are tourists like myself. I'm not going to return a growler.

When I was in Asheville this weekend, I met a group of guys from Wisconsin. They were visiting because they heard about Asheville's beer scene. At other breweries and bars, I met several people from Tennessee and others from Georgia. In all of my brewery-hopping,  I never talked to anyone from North Carolina, let alone Asheville (other than employees).

So, why charge a glass deposit on growlers? Greed.

Whatever happened to recycling? Requiring customers to buy a new growler at each new brewery is a waste. Plus, beer fans like myself are stuck with a gazillion empty growlers in my woman-cave.

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MLK Celebrations, debate watch parties and a soul concert

It's only one night, but there's so much going on. After you finish watching the Panthers, head out to one or some of these fun events below. See you in the streets.

MLK Celebrations

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King - 2016 Bridging Musical Worlds
A Sign Of The Times of the Carolinas and UNC-Charlotte students as well as the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra String Quartet performs European Classical music all dedicated to the life & work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 7 p.m. Excelsior, 921 Beatties Ford Road. Details.

Levine Museum Presents 10th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Celebration
Enjoy guided tours at the museum along with performances, craft activities and more.Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E 7th St

Debate Watch Parties:

Vote it Loud: Your Vote = Your Voice

Your Voice is sponsoring debate viewing parties in battleground arenas. Charlotte is one of the cities. These parties will allow minorities to share information on what is important to them and this information will be shared with candidates. 8:30 p.m., Studio Movie Grill, 210 E Trade St #290

First Democratic Debate 2016

Charlotte Drinking Liberally is hosting a debate watch party tonight. 7 p.m. Kennedy’s Premium Bar & Grill, 366 N. Caswell Road

Don't Miss

Stylish Party - Join the Kappas of Rock Hill at The Classic Man 2: Under The Red Hood.10 p.m. Vapiano Charlotte, 201 S Tryon St. $10 and up. Tickets.

R&B Concert - Looking for a different way to celebrate MLK holiday weekend. Skip the parties and see singers Algebra Blessett, Avery Sunshine, and Anthony David at the MLK Soul Sessions. Opening band is The Tempo AllStarz and music by DJ ‘O6. 8 p.m., Coyote Joe’s, 4621 Wilkinson Blvd. Details.

MLK Party - Looking for a traditional three-day weekend party? The Dream IV Annual Holiday Weekend & Zodiac Celebration is for you. Music by DJ Ngenious and Deron Juan. 10 p.m. Suite 210 East Trade St. Uptown Charlotte. Tickets.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

You choose - Erotica or gospel?

Celebrity Comedian - With her famed line “I am such a #?!$ Lady,” Adele Givens continues to be one of the most popular comedians from the Def Comedy Jam era.
Tonight and Sunday. The Comedy Zone, 900 NC Music Factory Blvd, Ste B3. Details.

Big Beats - Get ready for a night of dancing with music by DJ Louie Vee at Play Time. Presented by Blue Goose, Sol Kitchen, Conciertos Latinos and Ultra Entertainment. 10 p.m. Label Charlotte, 900 NC Music Factory Blvd, Ste B6. Tickets.

For Adults Only - As seen on HBO, BET and Playboy TV Jessic Holter’s The Punany Poets continues to blend fantasy, comedy and romance with her erotica cabaret show. Her latest The Perfect Date Night features storytelling and dance interpretations from her book “Verbal Penetration.” 8 p.m., Blumenthal Performing Arts, BB&T Meeting Room, 130 N. Tryon St. $31.74.
Tickets.




Something Different - The Humane League celebrates 10 years at the Humane League's 10th Anniversary Gala. Hear about the organizations efforts to reduce animal suffering while enjoying cocktails, vegan appetizers and deserts. 7 p.m. C3 Lab, 2525 Distribution St. Details.

Rare Grooves - The JETA Team returns with the latest edition of Off the Wall "3 The Hard Way.” DJ Justice & Aking along with The Mighty DJ DR will spin music from the golden era of hip-hop, soul, R&B, rare grooves, pop, reggae and more. $5.  10 p.m. Crown Station, 1425 Elizabeth Ave.

Don't Forget
Gospel Concert - Celebrate Dr. King's Dream at the MLK Gospel Explosion featuring Alexis Spight. Other performers include: Minister Bryan McClain & Friends, Fred Jones Mime, The Park Church (Judah Choir), 4GWL, the Christian School of Dance and PartaKrew Youth Choir and hosted by WBAV’s Tonya Rivens’ will host. 7 p.m. Halton Theater, 1206 Elizabeth St. $15. Tickets.

Family Fun - This is great for the kids. Three days of dinosaur fun at Discover The Dinosaurs. There will be exhibits, a scavenger hunt, rides, mini golf, inflatables coloring station and more. 10 p.m. daily. Ends Monday. Various prices. The Park Expo & Conference Center, 2500 E Independence Blvd.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Panthers pep rally, Katt Williams and film festival

January is Panther Pride month so be sure to wear the blue and black for tonight's Pep Rally. 

Live Jazz - The popular Jazz Room live music series returns with trumpter Brandon Lee performing the music of S.C. native Dizzy Gillespie. Stage Door Theater, 130 N. Tryon corner of 5th and College in Uptown Charlotte. $12, $15. Tickets.

Annual Film Festival - Deltas of Charlotte Foundation (DOCF) present the 13th Annual Legacy of Black Women Film Showcase: Diamonds in the Rough. The festival will feature short films from local and national independent filmmakers primarily featuring black women. 7 p.m., Spirit Square, 345 N College St. Details.


Playtime Returns - Relive the magic of games at Playdate MLK Edition. Games include Twister, UNO, dominoes, Monopoly, Taboo, giant Jenga, Connect Four, Hula Hoops and more. 9 p.m. Venue @ 1801 - 1801 N. Tryon.

Don't Miss
Conspiracy Theory - This is one of those comedy shows that’s strictly for the grown folks. Comedian Katt Williams is known as much for his profanity-soaked comedy as he is for his occasional run-ins with the law. He brings his Conspiracy Theory tour here. 8 p.m. Bojangles Coliseum, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. $45 and up.
 Tickets.

Roaring ‘20s - You know it’s going to be a good night when the drinks are called giggle water and the party is a shindig. Head to Science on the Rocks: Speakeasy which harkens back to the era of prohibition with jazz, fops and flappers. Don’t have an outfit? Don’t worry, you can make a flapper or shirt cuff and there will be swing dance lessons. 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., Discovery Place, 301 N Tryon St. $8 and up. Tickets.

Go Panthers!: The Panthers begin the march to the Super Bowl. Cheer them on at the Miller Lite Panthers Playoff Pep Rally featuring the Topcats cheerleaders and Panthers Purrcussion band. Participants will receive a wristband, commemorative Panthers 2015 Division Champions T-shirt, a chance to win Panther Playoff tickets, no line/cover at participating bars and more. Bars included: Whisky River, Blackfinn, Strike City, Vida, Vida Vida, Bubble, Suite and Rooftop 210.
7 p.m. Rooftop 210, 210 E Trade, 230-B. Details.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Preview: Katt Williams, MLK Parties, Panthers Pep Rally

What a weekend! The Panthers host the Seahawks and it's a three-day weekend. The MLK holidays like many holidays is synonymous with parties, but for those of you looking for events that reflect the intent of holiday here's a list of non-party MLK events.

Thursday

Animation Art - Charlotte’s Tyler Baum is a creative force using video, animation, art, music and cartoons as mediums. The Skyline Visiting Artist Showcase features 25 years of his work. His cartoons have appeared in Hollywood Covered, The Observer and Charlotte Magazine.  The showcase will feature a premiere of his experimental animated/live action, comedy/historical drama, musical/documentary web series "The Muralist.” 8 p.m., Goodyear, 100 E Stonewall St. Free. Details.

Friday
Conspiracy Theory - This is one of those comedy shows that’s strictly for the grown folks. Comedian Katt Williams is known as much for his profanity-soaked comedy as he is for his occasional run-ins with the law. He brings his Conspiracy Theory tour here. 8 p.m. Bojangles Coliseum, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. $45 and up.
 Tickets.

Roaring ‘20s - You know it’s going to be a good night when the drinks are called giggle water and the party is a shindig. Head to Science on the Rocks: Speakeasy which harkens back to the era of prohibition with jazz, fops and flappers. Don’t have an outfit? Don’t worry, you can make a flapper or shirt cuff and there will be swing dance lessons. 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., Discovery Place, 301 N Tryon St. $8 and up. Tickets.

Go Panthers!: The Panthers begin the march to the Super Bowl. Cheer them on at the Miller Lite Panthers Playoff Pep Rally featuring the Topcats cheerleaders and Panthers Purrcussion band. Participants will receive a wristband, commemorative Panthers 2015 Division Champions T-shirt, a chance to win Panther Playoff tickets, no line/cover at participating bars and more. Bars included: Whisky River, Blackfinn, Strike City, Vida, Vida Vida, Bubble, Suite and Rooftop 210.
7 p.m. Rooftop 210, 210 E Trade, 230-B. Details.

Saturday

Gospel Concert - Celebrate Dr. King's Dream at the MLK Gospel Explosion featuring Alexis Spight. Other performers include: Minister Bryan McClain & Friends, Fred Jones Mime, The Park Church (Judah Choir), 4GWL, the Christian School of Dance and PartaKrew Youth Choir and hosted by WBAV’s Tonya Rivens’ will host. 7 p.m. Halton Theater, 1206 Elizabeth St. $15. Tickets.

Family Fun - This is great for the kids. Three days of dinosaur fun at Discover The Dinosaurs. There will be exhibits, a scavenger hunt, rides, mini golf, inflatables coloring station and more. 10 p.m. daily. Ends Monday. Various prices. The Park Expo & Conference Center, 2500 E Independence Blvd.

Sunday
R&B Concert - Looking for a different way to celebrate MLK holiday weekend. Skip the parties and see singers Algebra Blessett, Avery Sunshine, and Anthony David at the MLK Soul Sessions. Opening band is The Tempo AllStarz and music by DJ ‘O6. 8 p.m., Coyote Joe’s, 4621 Wilkinson Blvd. Details.

MLK Party - Looking for a traditional three-day weekend party? The Dream IV Annual Holiday Weekend & Zodiac Celebration is for you. Music by DJ Ngenious and Deron Juan. 10 p.m. Suite 210 East Trade St. Uptown Charlotte. Tickets.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com