Get romantic, get irie or get sweaty!

Wow, so many different vibes going on tonight. You can romantic, get irie, or get sweaty. Choose one or the other or roll like me and do all three. Oh and don't forget the Punch Room at the Ritz is scheduled to open tonight. Better head there in the next week since, ironically, it will be closed during the CIAA. Let's get this party started. See in you the streets...

Bob Marley Tribute - Wintersplash is the ultimate Bob Marley tribute. Eight band live bands from throughout the East Coast paying tribute to the man who reggae to the masses. Also bring some money. There will be live art and vendors. Bands start at 8 p.m. ChopShop, 399 E. 35^th St. $10, $5.

Movin' On Up - The monthly music party Release! Classic & Soulful House moves from the intimate Petra's to the larger Phoenix adding a second night to the monthly party. Tonight is a warm up for Release's CIAA throwdown.  Phoenix, 300 N. College St. $10. 

Mardi Gras

11th Annual Mardi Gras Gala - Enjoy a black tie affair sponsored by the Links. The Johnsons are this year’s Mardi Gras King and Queen. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14, Westin Charlotte, 601 South College St. $100.

Don't Forget

Jazz Saxophonist - Have a romantic evening with jazz saxophonist Kim Waters. 8 p.m. Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth Ave. $39.50, $44.50

R.A.I.N. Fundraiser - Enjoy bands and a DJ at the 23rd Annual Johnson Valentine's Bash. This is an annual benefit for the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network.  9:30 p.m. Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St.

Undie Fundaiser - Cupid's Undie Run is a 1 mile-ish run in your underwear. This fundraiser has raised more than $2.8 million nationally for the The Children’s Tumor Foundation. You must register in advance for entry.



Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Mixology, more art and Bob Marley's birthday!

It's a gorgeous day and there are plenty of things to do! The support local movement continues at a couple of events. Bob's mixing up drinks in about an hour at Earl's Grocery. I'm most excited about Cultural Initiative 6: Frames - An Arts and Social Experience tonight. Initially, I was hyped about the art work, but then I read Erin Tracy-Blackwood's piece about the spotlight on ramen noodles - ramen noodles! Details about the event below. Don't forget the Gantt has a new exhibit opening today, and there's a Mardi Gras event tonight. Head out now, take a disco nap and start all over again. Let's get this party started. See you in the streets....

Mixing w/ Bob - Join mixologist Bob Peters for Earl’s Grocery Mixology Lab. Peters will be mixing up love potions. 2:30 p.m. Earl’s Grocery, 1609 Elizabeth Ave.

Buy Local - Sample local goods as local entrepreneurs show their wares and donate a portion of the proceeds to local charities at Queen City Conscious Market. Ends at 3:30 p.m. Heist Brewery, 2909 N. Davidson St. #200.

Get up! Stand up! - Celebrate the life and music of reggae superstar Bob Marley tonight. Marley would've been 70 yesterday, but the celebration continues at with the Bob Marley Birthday Celebration: Red + Yellow + Green Affair. Music by Badala B and guest DJ Soudly.  10 p.m. Da Reggae Lounge at Vanity nightclub (Private entrance for reggae lounge), 500 W. Trade St. Free til midnight. Extremely limited street parking. Cash surface lots available.

Moves Like Jagger - Ok, not quite, but you will see some beautiful moves at A Night at the Oscars-Queen City Ballroom Showcase. World Latin Showdance Finalists, Jake Davies & Alyona Kalinina will perform along with Queen City Ballroom instructors and students. Proceeds to benefit Teal DIva (Ovarian Cancer Charity). 8 p.m. McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square, 130 N. Tryon. $20. Limited street parking and paid cash parking available onsite.

Don't Forget

Gantt Exhibit - Venturing Out of Darkness uses interactive exhibits, mixed mediums and features more than a dozen artists. The exhibit examines the impact of colonialism on societal attitudes that define black culture in America. Opens today. Harvey B. Gant Center, 551 S. Tryon St. Street and paid parking available.

Art Experience – Artists were tasked with finding the perfect frame to match their creative style at Cultural Initiative 6: Frames - An Arts and Social Experience. The event showcases more than 75 regional artists along with bands, DJs, aerialists, interpretive dancers, a photo booth, a merchant market, pop up cafe, and more. 8 p.m., The Chop Shop NoDa, 399 East 35th St. $10. 







Voodoo Light Rail Crawl - Four bars, beer specials and beads. Enjoy a free pint of beer at Icehouse. Get a head start on collecting Mardi Gras beads. Starts at Icehouse and heads to Gin Mill, World of Beer and a surprise final stop. $10, $15 6 p.m. Saturday, Icehouse Southend Bar & Grill, 2100 South Blvd.More Mardi Gras events this month.