Birdsong flies high and Easter bar crawls

It's Easter weekend, and there are plenty of Easter egg hunts for the kiddies. See the Observer's list for that, but if you're looking for adult fun start below. Let's get this party started.

Grand Opening - I liked the intimacy of Birdsong's old brewery, but I'm excited about the brewery's expansion to a 17,000 sq. ft facility. Read Daniel Hartis' Observer preview of the new spot. The grand opening is going to be a party today. f you didn’t buy your beer tickets in advance be prepared for a little wait. 1 p.m. Birdsong Brewing Co., 1016 North Davidson.






Smooth Sax - Hear a sneak peek of Boney James’ newest work “futuresoul.” It features Mint Condition vocalist and frontman Stokley on “Either Way.” The disc also features rising-star trumpet player Marquis Hill on “Far From Home.” Jazz guitarist Matt Marshak will open. 8 p.m. Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts,430 S Tryon St. $45-$70.



Don't Forget

Easter Crawl - Celebrate Easter with drink specials and freebies. The Bunny Hop Bar Crawl participating bars: Bubble, Suite, Whisky River, Blackfinn, Howl at the Moon, Tin Roof, Rooftop 210, and Vida Vida. 5 p.m. Rooftop 210, EpiCentre, 210 E Trade St.

Easter Games - Egg hunts are for kids, but these Easter games are for adults. The Bags & Bunnies Cornhole Bar Hop is a different type of bar crawl. Travel to seven different uptown bars while playing one of the signature RockHouse/SportsLink Cornhole Golf courses.  Games include tossing cornhole bags up and down staircases, over obstacles, and even at moving targets. Registration starts at 5 p.m. Republic, 314 North College St.















Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Sipping brew with JP 'The Beer Goddess' and discovering new talent in NoDa

I started Thursday at Birdsong Brewing tasting the brewery's just released seasonal beer, The Pride. JP "The Beer Goddess," aka taproom manger, described the Abbey Dubbel's cherry notes and something about figs. I called it simply delicious, and worth a trip back. It's ABV is 8.4% so it's not for rookies.

Charlotte's Got Talent

I finished my evening at Dupp & Swat in NoDa for the Jambalaya performance showcase. Last night's first inaugural event drew a small, but enthusiastic crowd to the boutique/gallery/performance space. The seven performers ranged from singers doing their renditions of contemporary songs to hip-hop dancers to rappers spitting original music.

The winner was spoken-word poet Bluz, who performed "Turned Down For What."  It was a strong piece reflecting on the beauty of blackness and the senseless killing of young black men. I was also impressed by Immortal. She commanded the stage with her energy and flow, and she has style. She's one to watch.

Winter Brew, jambalaya and a really short film festival

The weekend starts now! Okay, it starts at 4:30 p.m. in NoDa and winds all over town. Tonight's nightlife offerings range from a raucous party to a talent show. It continues over the weekend with a Moonshine Festival, musical performances, a film festival and more. These are my picks for tonight and a glance at the weekend parties, concerts and other entertainment and nightlife.

Thursday

A New Brew - Saturday, I tried sour beers. Today, I'll enjoy one of my favorite styles at Birdsong's Winter Release Party. Birdsong will tap The Pride Belgian Abbey, which according to the company has warming cherry, caramel and bready notes. Yum. 4:30 p.m. Birdsong Brewing Co., 4:30 p.m.  2315 N Davidson St, Cristian Skilone of Dimestore Saints performs at 6 p.





Charlotte's Got Talent - See some of the area's funkiest performers at Jambalaya Joint, a talent showcase, at Dupp & Swat, an art space/performance venue in NoDa.  The cover charge includes beverages and jambalaya by Chef Barry Francois. 7 p.m. Dupp & Swat,  2424 N Davidson St. Suite 112B Charlotte. $10.










Turkey Day Is Coming - Before you head out of town or brave crowded grocery stores, come out for the holiday jump-off, the 20th Annual Red Hot Turkey Bash. This is one of Charlotte's longest running holiday events. 7 p.m. Oak Room at All American Pub, 200 E Bland St. $10.













A Peek At This Weekend 

Friday

 Not Your Uncle's Moonshine - I've tried a few legal moonshines, and I haven't been impressed yet. Hopefully, that will change at the first Moonshine Festival. The event will feature samplings from several distilleries, including Broadslab, Piedmont and Sazerac. 6 p.m. Rooftop 210 Pavilion At EpiCentre.











Love Songs - R&B singer Kem brings his Promise To Love Tour to Ovens Auditorium. He performs songs off his newest album, "Promise To Love." 8 pm. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E Independence Blvd. $37.50 - $85.81.

Saturday

For the Family - Bring the kids out for the annual the St. Jude Give thanks. Walk. Proceeds provide treatment and care for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The walk includes live music, face painting and a kids fun zone. Park Road Park, 6220 Park Rd. 8 a.m. registration. Various prices.



Uno out! - It's okay to be a kid again at PlayDate The Inspirational Edition. Games range from poker to Uno. Don't miss the signature PlayDate takes on Hula Hoops and musical chairs. 8 p.m. Venue @ 1801 South Tryon St. $10/$15.












Keep It Real Short -  I'm really excited about the 100 Words Film Festival. I can't wait to see what these filmmakers do with such a strict word count. Categories are documentary and dramatic. 8 p.m. McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. $10. More details.

Sunday

Disco Chicken - We love to mock it, take pictures with it and brag about it. Now, there's a musical event. Tribute to the Firebird is part of the Bechtler's Music and Museum program. The Bechtler Ensemble will perform. 6 p.m., Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 South Tryon St. $12.


Don't be shy: Tonya Jameson, sipandplayclt@gmail.com