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