Weekend Preview: Tree lightings, bar crawls and SourFest

It's the weekend before Thanksgiving. Time to get ready for family, friends and fun. 

Thursday
Getting Hot In Here - Gantt After Dark presents Latin Night with music by A Sign of the Times and their salsa dancers. They’ll be giving lessons. There will also be an Artisan Marketplace. ($25, $20) $10 for non-members, free for members. There will also be a Paint & Sip party. 6 p.m. Gantt Center, 551 S Tryon St.
Parking: Park in the Duke Energy garage (550 S. Tryon Street /enter on Stonewall Street) or The Green (435 S. Tryon Street) to receive your special rate of $5.00.

Worthy Cause - Enjoy apps and drink specials at Friendsgiving to benefit Safe Alliance Victim Center. 6 p.m. Passion, 1523 Elizabeth Ave.

Friday

Love This - It's not a bar crawl, but it kind of is. Visit bars along Fifth Street for drink specials, apps and fun at Fridays on 5th. 8 p.m. Fitzgerald's, 201 E. Fifth St.

Last Weekend! - The Carolina Renaissance Festival ends its run of jousting, belly dancing and more. The festival features more than 500 costumed characters, 12 stages of music, comedy and circus entertainment, and more. There are more than 100 vendors in the Village Artisan Marketplace. 16445 Poplar Tent Rd Huntersville. Tickets.



Get Your Shine On! - Last year's  inaugural Moonshine Festival was a blast. Who knew Moonshine could be so tasty? I’m ready for round two tonight. This isn't your father's moonshine. 7 p.m. -11 p.m. Rooftop 210, 210 East Trade St. Tickets.

Adult Nerd Fun - Science on the Rocks returns with ‘Back to the Future’ presented by Discovery Place and Google Fiber. Attractions include Food Pills and Flying Cars, a show about the realities of futuristic ideas and technology. Back to the Future costume contest at 8:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for best decade costumes and best film character look-a-like
5 – 9 p.m., Discovery Place, 301 N Tryon St.


Jewelry Sale & Party - The McColl Center for Art + Innovation hosts a Open House + Jewelry Jubilee, formerly Palate to Palette, sponsored by Bank of America and Red Ventures. The event features regional jewelry artist market and the celebration of an exhibition opening. Music by Miami Dice, artist-inspired bites by Xenia Hospitality and a cash bar.
Featured jewelry artists include Kate Allen, Eliana Arenas, Claudia Griffin, Anne Fiala, Chelsea Arthur, Tara Locklear, Tabitha Ott, Katie Poterala, Laura Wood, Anna Johnson, and more. 6 p.m. McColl Center, 721 N. Tryon St.

Saturday
Family Fun - Historic South End will kick off the holiday season with the Historic South End Holiday Tree Lighting featuring holiday performances, winter treats and an appearance by Santa Claus. Dessert by Cloud 9 Confections, Dunx Coffee, hot chocolate and cider, and music. The tree lighting 6 p.m.. Expect a few surprises and free holiday goodies on hand. 5:30-7:00 p.m., Atherton Mill, 2140 South Blvd. Details.


Jazz Greats - This is a perfect date night. See smooth jazz guitarist Norman Brown and saxophonist Gerald Albright. Trish Andrews opens. 8 p.m., Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. $45 - $75. Tickets.

Beer Festival - If you’ve ever wanted to try sour beer or if you love sour beer then you already know that 3rd Annual Sour Fest Release the Funk 3: Funkonia is a can’t miss beer event. It features breweries spanning from throughout the world. 12 p.m., Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte, 511 E 36th St. Beer list. Parking.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Grave Diggers Ball winners and going doggie style tonight

I was so excited about Catch On's Low Country Boil today, that I made one Tonya style earlier this week. But today is the real thing! After you finish stuffing your faces there get ready for the biggest costume party of the Halloween season.

But first! Congrats to our Grave Diggers Ball Ticket winners. Thanks to everyone who entered the contest. Don't forget to tag #sipandplayclt from the party tonight!

VIP Winners: Jerry Fehlman and Lindsay Ellis
 General Admission: James Seller, Kimberly Cole of Chattanooga, Natividad Lewis, Darrell Mullins, Lisa Walker, Gracie Ponjuan, John English, Katherine Richard, Marie Bannister and Shederick Mathew.  

Our next giveaway is tickets to the Moonshine Festival on Nov. 20.

A Worthy Cause -  The Queen City Gala benefits charities for our most vulnerable citizens. Come out for an  elegant evening, featuring music by U-Phonik, an open bar with a signature drink, heavy d’oeuvres, a wine pull and a silent auction. This evening benefits the Men's Shelter of Charlotte, Lydia's Legacy & Samaritan's Feet. 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., LaCa Projects Art Gallery, 1429 Bryant St. $65 single, $125 per couple. Details.

Doggie Style - Bring the pooch out for a party just for them. Barktoberfest 2015 features a 1-mile Dogwalk, followed by a fall festival. Doggie treats and ice cream will be provided for each dog at Canine Cafe. Don’t mess the doggie Howl-o-ween Costume Contest and more. Proceeds benefit Murray's Fund and Paws 4 People. The ticket price is for adults. No charge for dogs or children.  10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Triple C Brewing Company, 2900 Griffith St. $20. Details.

Felabration - It’s time for Su Casa: We Love Fela 2015!, the annual tribute to the life and music of Fela Kuti. Resident DJ Justice Sun Tzulu, and Steel Wheel, live Afrobeat sounds by Kenya Templeton. face painting by Catherine Courtlandt, and live painting by Dammit Wesley. There will also be vendors, film, photography and more. 10 p.m. Petra’s,  1919 Commonwealth Avenue $5 and up.

Regional Art Extravaganza - Nearly 100 regional artists will exhibit works in the FREE for ALL in a massive collection. Art will be everywhere. 7 p.m. - 11 p.m., Hart-Witzen Gallery, 136 E 36th St.

Don't Forget
The Halloween Party - Flo Rida headlines this year’s Grave Diggers Ball. It's a screamfest with the largest costume contest, DJs and live music performances. 6 p.m. Grave Diggers Parking Lot, 500 North College St.

Art & Fitness - This is an odd pairing, but I’m all about fitness. The Gantt center is hosting its Inaugural Art of Living Fit + Well celebration. It’s a full day featuring healthy eating cooking demonstrations, interactive dance classes, fitness and wellness expert advice, Zumba, yoga and more. There will also be guest appearances. Register and learn more. 10 a.m - 3 p.m. Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon St. Details.

Costume Cruise - Pre-Halloween festivities continue with the Inaugural Costume Cruise. Ticket includes party bus to and from Lake Norman with drinks, drink specials on the 90’ two-story Ragin’ Uptown Party Yacht. There will be DJ, costume contest, and free cover afterward at Prohibition. 6:45-7:45 - Check-In at Prohibition, 200 N Tryon St. Details.

Farmer’s Market On Fleek - The #SustainableSaturday - Local Produce & Artist Market is more than farmer's market. It will feature produce from Windcrest Farms, Bush-n-Vine & more. Not Just Coffee will be crafting pour over & espressos. Joe's Doughnuts is on site making your favorites! 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., The Barn @ Pure Pizza , 1911 Central Ave.

Seafood Boil - Catch On Seafood and Pizza Peel are teaming up for another   Lowcountry Boil and Oyster Roast. Enjoy fresh South Carolina Shrimp and all the usual fixings in a Low Country Boil. There will be oysters, beer and more. There will be live music and art. 3 p.m. Pure Pizza, corner of Thomas Ave and Central Ave. $30. Details.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

It's Friday!!! Gospel festival, Breakin' Convention and Cider Festival

The party resumes tonight. The weekend is here with a little outdoor fun and other events that you don't want to miss. 

Congratulations to this week's CiderFest ticket winners: Courtney Gaston, Antanea Mitchell, Sara Silavent, scott warren, Alan Glenn, Carol Towne, Nicole Macenka, Ray McCormick, Inge Stepp
Daniel Yeboah. Next contest for VIP tickets to GraveDiggers Ball will launch next week. Check back!

I have to say a fond farewell to Charlotte Observer Features editor Mike Weinstein. He was my boss in my Paid 2 Party days. He had my back when I angered the big bosses on more than a few occasions - something about strip clubs and OJ Simpson. He also spanked for my occasional misdeeds. Readers will miss his keen editing eye. Good luck Weinstein!

Celebrating #hiphop Thursday night with friends including @tonyajameson, whose Instagram name escapes me. @blumenthalarts getting ready for @breakinconventionclt

A photo posted by Mark Hames (@northlaurelstudio) on Oct 8, 2015 at 7:48pm PDT

See you in the streets. Let's get this party started....



Pet Fundraiser - Help our furry friends at Art Unleashed featuring artists, food and fun. Beneficiaries include: Spay Neuter Charlotte, Chapman's Daschund Rescue and FurBabies Animal Rescue. 5:30 p.m. 528 North Brevard St.

Gospel Fest - The Festival of Praise Tour features multiple Grammy, Stellar, BET Award Winning artists Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin and Kim Burrell. 8 p.m. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. $55-$65. Details.

Don't Forget

Break Dancing - The Breakin’ Convention is in an international festival of hip-hp dance theatre Friday and Saturday. Don’t miss the Street Jam, a free family festival at Spirit Square from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  The Obey Your Verse Stage returns at 5 p.m. Saturday. Details.

Cider Festival - This isn’t your grandma’s apple cider. The 2nd Annual Charlotte Cider Festival features the good stuff - hard ciders. Along with sampling hard cider cocktails, participants will also learn how to make cider drinks. 6 p.m. Rooftop 210, 210 East Trade St. $15. Tickets.

  


Night At The Museum - Spend the evening at the Mint. Start with Festive Nights on Broadway featuring professional ballroom and amateur dancers. 6 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. $11. Then stay for Mint to Move Cultural Dance Event featuring Afro-Cuban and Latin-American dance music. Live musicians and a spoken-word artist will also perform. Dance Lessons by Rumbao Latin Dance Company. Guests can salsa, bachata, merengue, cha cha, and step to other dance forms relative to various global communities as well as enjoy visual art by local artists. 8 p.m. Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S Tryon St.

Jazz Concert - The New Frequencies jazz series returns with a performance by Erb/Baker/Rosaly Trio. 8 p.m. McColl Center, 721 N Tryon St.

Preview Night - See a preview screening of Steve Crump’s documentary "I'm Walkin' For My Freedom: The Selma March And Voting Rights." It honors the 50th anniversary of the Martin Luther King’s historic march on Selma. 6 p.m. Gantt Center, 551 South Tryon St. $10 for non-members, free for Gantt Center members.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Wine and dance, Queen City Music Awards and more this week

I planned to be in recuperation mode this week in preparation for the upcoming MLK three-day weekend. However, I couldn't resist tipping out last night to Growler's Pourhouse for Beer Education night. It was crazy packed thanks to Urban Adventurers and Good Eats & Meets meetup groups. Look for the video from that later this week. In the meantime, here's a little preview of things to do this weekend. See you in the streets....

Thursday

Sigmas Happy Hour - Join the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity for the Founder's Day pre-celebration at Thursdays Shenanigans. Enjoy drink specials. 6 p.m. Kanvas, 525 East 6th Street #117. Free. Limited street parking. Bring cash for nearby surface paid parking.

Friday

Wine & Dance - Enjoy a wine tasting and a professional dance concert at the annual Wine and Dance presented by Charlotte Choreographers. Featuring: Audrey Baran, Juliana Tilbury Carson, Sarah Emery, Eric Mullis, Amy Tynan of Aerial CLT, Camerin Watson, and Arlynn Zachary. 8 p.m.  Friday and Saturday. $20 and up. The Chop Shop, 399 E. 35th St. Parking onsite.

Classic Soul - Nod your head to classic soul, jazz, funk and R&B spun by DJ DR at Collure: Network, Taste, Listen 2015 Kick Off at Vinmaster Shop, 2000 S. BLVD Ste. 610. Free entry and free parking onsite.

Saturday

Local Music Awards - Celebrate local Charlotte musicians at the 8th Annual Queen City Awards. Fly Ty will host the event, which recognizes country, hip-hop, rock and other musical talent. Don't miss your chance to walk the red carpet. 7 p.m. Halton Theater, 1201 Elizabeth Ave. $20 and up.









LGBTQ Discussion - Josh Burford and Malu Fairley, in partnership with the Charlotte Business Guild, host LGBTQ Perspectives. It's a final community forum discussing LGBTQ issues and perspectives. Free and open to the public. 1-3 p.m. Levine Museum of the New South, 300 N. College St.

Gift Exchange - Exchange your unwanted Christmas gifts for something you may want, need or simply like better at the Third Annual Flip Gift Party presented by Honey Bee Gifts. Gifts must be registered by 11:30 a.m. to participate in the exchange. You'll can also shop the pop ups. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Hydrate Medical, 228 East Blvd. Ste. 200. Free. $10 VIP.

Sunday

Film Screening - "I Learn America" documents five immigrant teenagers at New York City’s International High at Lafayette. 2:30 p.m. Levine Museum of the New South, 300 N. College St.

Black Cinema Classic - See Dorothy Dandridge in "The Decks Ran Red." This was re-released for the first time in 40 years in 2013. Watch this thriller on the high seas. 2 p.m. Harvey B.Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon St.












Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com