Weekend Preview: jazz festival, BBQ cook off and comedy shows

This is going to be a great weekend! Great comedy, tasty food and fantastic music. Let's get this party started. See you in the streets. 

Tonight
Progressive Southern Comedy - We’ve been taking a lot of hits lately from comedians outside of the state thanks to HB 2. Tonight Gastonia native Clifton Cash and fellow comedians Tom Simmons and Steward Huff will offer Southern comics perspectives on the South Sick of Stupid Comedy Tour. Don’t expect Honey Boo Boo and Duck Dynasty stuff. These are progressive Southern comedians offering their take on politics and culture. 8 p.m., The Comedy Zone Charlotte, Suite B3 900 N.C. Music Factory Boulevard. $15. Tickets.

Beer Release Party - Be one of the first 50 people to try the limited edition of the Rail Trail brew by Sycamore Brewery and receive a free pint glass at today’s release party. 704 Shop will be there selling Rail Trail tees. 4 p.m. Sycamore Brewing Company, 2161 Hawkins St.



Thursday
Artsy Party - Herb & Felicia Gray's Happy Hour and the Charlotte Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi are teaming up for this edition of PNC Bank Presents Gantt After Dark. Features host Q. Talley, live music by the Harvey Cummings II Project and a DJ. Free with registration. There’s also Paint & Sip with Cathay Dawkins, which features guided painting and wine-tasting for $25. All Art supplies and a complimentary glass of wine are included. Limit 20 people.  Enjoy samples from Wingzza, winner of "Best Food Truck" in Charlotte and if that isn't enough, visit the Dessert Lounge with sweets by Creative Catering. 6 p.m. Gantt Center, 551 South Tryon St.
Parking: Duke Energy garage (101 W. Stonewall Street entrance) or The Green garage (435 S. Tryon Street) to receive special discounted parking.  Details.

Jazz Lovers - This is your weekend with dozens of live jazz events throughout the week ranging from lunch to late night jam sessions. Highlights include tonight’s Charlotte Jazz Festival First Night featuring Sammy Miller and the Congregation with special guest Wynton Marsalis, Friday’s Jazz in the Key of Life featuring Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Orchestra on Friday and a Creole Jazz Brunch on Saturday. Events range from free to ticketed. Various venues uptown. Schedule.

Friday

Happy Birthday - Join the EpiCentre as it celebrates Rooftop 210 Anniversary & Season Opener. VIP Happy Hour 8 p.m. Rooftop 210, 210 E. Trade St.

More Jazz - The monthly edition of New Frequencies returns with Trio Red Space. Charlotte duo Ghost Trees opens.  8 p.m. McColl Center, $10/$12. Details.

Concert Series - Another weekly concert series returns tonight with SouthPark Cocktails & Concerts each Friday featuring live music until May 6.  5 p.m. Piedmont Town Center, 4725 Piedmont Row Drive. Details.

Saturday
‘90s R&B - Need to hear some R&B to set off a romantic night? Don’t miss Jagged Edge.  Hits include “Promise,” “Gotta Be” and “Where the Party At?” They performed to a small, but enthusiastic crowd CIAA weekend, but it was a good show. Food will also be available. 10 p.m. The White House, 4808 Wilkinson Blvd. Details.




Jimmy Buffett Party Bus Events
 Rockhouse

Schedule:
1:00-2:00pm - Check-In (Tyber Creek Pub)
2:00 - Bus Departs for PNC Music Pavilion
7:00 - Concert Starts
*** Bus will depart 30 min. after the show

Elevate

Schedule:
2:00 pm - Meet at Hot Taco, 200 East Bland Street
5:30 pm - Bus leaves for the concert
$20 and fees. Tickets.


I’m Just A Bill - My brother and I always started Saturday mornings with cartoons and “School House Rocks!” I can’t wait, wait, wait for tonight’s "Schoolhouse Rocks Live!" Adult Night No kids allowed for this show. We adults get to join the mosh pit and rock to this childhood favorite. Pre-show reception at 6:30 p.m. with food, beer and wine from Mac’s Speedshop. 7:30 p.m., Children's Theatre of Charlotte, 300 E. 7th Street. $12 and up.

BBQ Competition - The 3rd annual Smoke Off BBQ Competition features 20 amateur teams making yummy food. Teams cook all day. $10 gets you unlimited samples till 5 p.m., which is when the voting begins. There’s also beer and live music. Benefits Purple Heart Homes. 1 p.m., The Unknown Brewing Company, 1327 S Mint St. Details.

Sunday
Righteous Comedy - Activist and comedian Dick Gregory unleashes his insight and wit on politics, pop culture, race relations and more. One night only. 6 p.m., The Comedy Zone, Suite B3 900 N.C. Music Factory Boulevard. $25. Tickets

Puppy Love - Show your support for our furry friends at the Mutts & Mimosas benefiting the Human Society. In addition to Atherton Market's current vendors, the event will feature other local artisans and mobile boutiques. 1 p.m. Atherton Market,  2140 South Blvd. Tickets.

Holla: Sipandplayclt@gmail.com