Weekend Preview: Alabama Shakes coming, Panthers rally (canceled), restaurant week

Before I jump into this weekend’s events, I have a couple of announcements.

The Alabama Shakes will perform at the Uptown Amphitheatre on April 22. Dylan LeBlanc will open. Tickets on sale Saturday via Ticketmaster, LiveNation and the Fillmore box office.


The Blumenthal Performing Arts is seeking nominees to paint the columns in the Spirit Square Atrium. Eight artists will be selected. Submit a nominee here by Friday, Feb. 5 at 12 p.m. EST.

Now, let's get this party started! See you in the streets.

Wednesday
Brown Liquor & Cigars - This is a great deal. Sample Larceny, Elijah Craig, Famous Grouse, Macallan 12, and more at Bourbon, Scotch and Smokes. Cigars will also be available to purchase to pair. 7 p.m. The Cork and Cask, 9624 bailey road, Cornelius. $20.

Thursday

Artists Events - Meet the McColl Center’s Winter 2016 Artists-in-Residence Carlos Alexis Cruz, Carlos Estévez, Hollis Hammonds, and Heather Hart. They will share their personal stories, practices, and residency goals. There will be a special preview and curator’s perspective on the upcoming exhibition People/Places/Exchanges: Art as a Visual Voice. 6 p.m.,  McColl Center for Art + Innovation, 721 N Tryon St.

Come Hungry - Yummy! This sounds delicious - Spiked and spicy beer queso, mussels, Belgian beef stew and more at Dinner At Fran’s. These delicious bites will be paired with Birdsong Brewing. 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., Fran's Filling Station, 2410 Park Rd.

Friday
Canceled Go Cats - Get ready for Sunday’s NFC Championship game at an Uptown pep rally for the Carolina Panthers. The rally will feature Panthers players, Sir Purr, the TopCats, PurrCussion and the Black & Blue Crew. The event is sponsored by Bank of America and Charlotte Center City Partners. Music starts at 12 p.m. Guest appearances begin at 1 p.m. Romare Bearden Park, 300 S. Church Street. Free.

Whiskey And Bites - Sample a variety of whiskeys, bourbons and scotch at Whiskeys of the World - Tasting and Tapas. There will also be a tapas menu. 7 p.m., The VanLandingham Estate Inn & Conference Center, 2010 The Plaza. $59. RSVP: eventadmin@moreheadinn.com.

Come Hungry II - The Winter 2016 edition of the Queen's Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week® starts today and ends January 31. The week includes 133 restaurants in the  Charlotte area offering prix fixe menus of three courses or more at dinner for $30 or $35 per person.  To see  participating restaurants' prix fixe menus and make reservations click here.

Saturday
R-Rated Coloring - I can’t quite imagine what kind of coloring is going down at the Urban Adult Coloring Class, but it’s rate R for nudity and alcohol. Sounds intriguing. Music by DJ Fannie Mae and featured model Primadonna G. 7 p.m., Dupp & Swat, 2424 N Davidson St #112B $20.

Improv Comedy - The improvisational group the Chuckleheads present the Year of the Monkey Comedy Improv Musical Variety Extravaganza. The performance features unscripted improvisational comedy games, musical games/activities and more. 8 p.m., Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, 911 East Morehead St. $10, $15. Tickets.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Biketoberfest, International festival and free tickets!

It's a beautiful day. Go outside and play. Multiple festivals and a bicycle scavenger hunt. See you in the streets.

Enter Now!!!

Ticket Giveaway! Sip + Play Charlotte is giving away VIP passes to the Gravediggers Ball. Enter here.

Music and Networking - BLOCtoberFest IX marries networking and music. Malone, The Deep Shallow and Pocketful of Strange will perform. More than 500 business professionals are expected to attend. Benefits The Lotta Foundation. 6 p.m., The Chop Shop 399 E. 35th St. $10, $15.

Retro Party - Go dressed as your favorite characters from “Back to the Future” at the 30th Anniversary of Back To The Future & Halloween Kickoff Party. Music by DJ Bob Lazar.  10 p.m., On the Roxx 19712 One Norman Blvd Cornelius. No Cover & Free Parking!!!  Details.


Fall Festival - Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation presents Fall Festival with a Cajun Flair featuring cajun music from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. and kids activities from noon - 3 p.m. There will also be pumpkin carving and more. Romare Bearden Park, 300 S. Church Street.

Celebrate Diversity - The 40th Anniversary of UNC Charlotte’s International Festival features games, demonstrations, music, dance and more on multiple stages. 10 a.m. UNC Charlotte, James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center. Details.

Tall Tales - The Charlotte Stortellers festival features local storytellers showcasing personal and entertaining stories on the theme of Lessons. 8:30 p.m. 7th Street Public Market.

Don't Miss
Family Fun - Bike, walk, and/or ride transit to a variety of destinations in Center City and South End while collecting stamps in at Sustain Charlotte’s Biketoberfest. The 7 p.m. afterparty at Triple C Brewing features live music, food trucks, and more. $15 and include a 2015 Biketoberfest t-shirt, entry to the after party at Triple C, a beer and more. 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. Uptown Charlotte, South End, and Triple C. Bike, walk, or ride the light rail around town to sponsoring businesses while obtaining stamps in your official Biketoberfest Passport! Passport pick up at Sustain Charlotte office Thursday and Friday or Saturday at Triple C. Registration available on Saturday at 2 p.m. Details.
Note: Rain or shine! No refunds, but registration can be transferred to another participant.

Wine Event -  It's the Southend neighborhood wine festival at the Southend Wine Festival. Enjoy unlimited tastings from 20 different vineyards, live music and food trucks. Proceeds benefit Classroom Central. 1 - 6 p.m., 308 W. Carson Blvd.  $35. Details.

Fundraising Event II - The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Charlotte Chapter presents the 5th Annual Brewer's Ball a beer, wine and food tasting event to benefit cystic fibrosis research. More than 300 guests are expected. Enjoy handcrafted samplings from local microbrewers and restaurants. Guests also get to exploring the exhibits at Discovery Place. 7:30 p.m, 301 N Tryon St. $75 and include unlimited samplings. VIP tickets are $125 and include a one-hour early entry to the event with private tasting, and a pilsner glass for tastings. Details.

Cool Concept - The Neighborhood Living Room opened yesterday and continues through Sunday. Tonight’s events include a Dilworth Artisan Station Gallery Crawl and live music. The concept is to bring the family neighborhood outside so go chill, enjoy live entertainment, drink coffee or whatever (Rated G) that you would do in your living room at home. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. through Sunday. Dilworth Artisan Station, 118 East Kingston Ave. Details.

Ribs and beer at Southern Sauce festival (Photos)

The Southern Sauce festival uptown on Mint Street Saturday was a pork lover's paradise. Add a couple of pints of beer and life was gravy yesterday hanging out uptown. The free festival which spilled into Romare Beardon Park and featured live music. Next door BB&T Ballpark hosted a beer festival.

Weekend Preview: Jazz festival uptown, DJ Jazzy Jeff and booty!!!

So much happening this weekend from an uptown jazz festival to big fundraising events, there's something for the family and the partier. Let's get this party started. See you in the streets...

Wednesday

Young Professionals - Young Affiliates of the Mint are hanging out at Romare Bearden Park's Party in the Park Series. Beach-rock band The Holiday Band will provide the grooves. 5:30 to 9 p.m. Romare Beardon Park, 300 S. Church St. Details.

Thursday
After Work Mixer - Enjoy the sounds of DJ Rowshay and DJ Edward Shouse at Therapy Thursday. 6 p.m. The Vault, 210 E. Trade St.

NewArt & Culture - Enjoy an evening of art and culture with performances by Quentin Talley and The Harvey Cummings Project at Gantt After Dark Summer Sounds.. 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.  Free for members  $10 for non-members.   

Friday
Holiday Fun - Get a headstart on holiday fun at Christmas in July Cocktail Party. Enjoy live music, light apps, cocktails, and more. The dress code is cocktail attire. The event is a back-to-school fundraiser for Classroom Central. Rooftop 210, The EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. $40 with backpack, $60 w/o backpack. Details.

Magnificent DJ - Enjoy DJ Jazzy Jeff. He’s almost like a Charlotte native so you know the music will be incredible. Suite, 210 E. Trade St.  $20 and up.  Tickets.


Sore Bottoms, Big Fun - It’s that time of year for 24 hours of booty. The fun starts tonight and ends with biking Saturday. The event includes live bands, an expo, kid’s zone food and more. Opening ceremony 7 p.m., Myers Park Traditional School, 2132 Radcliffe Ave. There’s an afterparty on Sunday at Sycamore Brewing. A portion of the proceeds from the selected Booty Brew will be donated back to 24 Hours of Booty. Details.

Fighting Angels

Saturday

Car/Bike Show & Concert - Rapper Lil’ Boosie headlines the King of the Streets Concert & Car/Bike Show. Metrolina Expo, 7100 Statesville Road. Details.

Viewing Party - Watch the 2015 Special Olympics World Games and support NC athletes: Cheer on the participating athletes Charlotte’s Katie Degnan, Lexington’s Allison Douglas, Concord’s Starr Kluttz and Greensboro’s Randy Rogers. Kickstand Bar and Grill, 1101 Central Ave. 8 p.m. and opening ceremony starts at 9 p.m. 



Jazz Festival - This is a multi-day jazz festival in various venues at the QC SummerFest uptown. Performances by saxophonist Najee, pianist Keiko Matsui, guitarist Chris Standing and others. Guitarist Nick Colionne will host. Venues include McGlohon Theater and Belk Theater. Details.

Sunday
Working At The Carwash! - Get your car washed and enjoy brunch at Charlotte Pride Brunch & Wash. Proceeds benefit Charlotte Pride. 1-4 p.m., The Bar at 316 Renssalaer Ave.


Jazz Festival Finale - Guitarist Chris Standing headlines the Summerfest Jazz Brunch. 11 a.m. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 206 N College St.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com