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.





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