Get funky with great music and a special benefit

Don't the let the dreary weather stop you. Plenty of fun today from music to dance parties. See you in the streets. Let's get this party started.

Foundations of Funk - Groove to the masters: James Brown, Fela, Rick James, Prince, George Clinton, D'Angelo, Stevie Wonder and more with DJ Justice Sun Tzulu. Along with music Su Casa Presents: On the One also features film, face painting, photography and more. 9 p.m. Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave, $5 and up.









Don't Miss

Patio Crawl - This takes patio parties to another level with stops at Libretto’s Parktowne Village, Brazwell’s, Maverick Rock Taco, Angry Ale’sl and 10 Park Lanes. It's the Patio Kickoff Party. $5, and includes drink specials, a pair of RockHouse sunglasses, swag from Bacardi and Montej. 2:30 p.m. Libretto's Parktowne Village (check-in).

Tailgating At The Track - If you can’t get to Kentucky next weekend or even if you do, the Queen’s Cup Steeple Chase is the next thing. Thousands will come out to watch horses race more of than 30 miles per hour and party. 10 a.m. gates open, Mineral Springs. There a variety of entrances depending on which parking pass you have.

Party With A Purpose - This event benefits the NC Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The event shares the story of Shelby who has battled leukemia for two years and is nominated for Woman of the Year. Alex's Lemonade Stand for childhood cancer research, Be The Match for bone marrow registry and Charlotte's own Ace & TJs Grin Kids will all be there. There will be food trucks, live bands and a Pumpkin Peach Ale competition. Organizers want to be able to fund one person for an entire year of cancer research.  2 p.m. - 8 p.m., D9 Brewing, Cornelius. D9 is donating $2.50 from every pint they sell to LLS. Details.










Gay Film Festival - The Charlotte Gay and Lesbian Film Festival features a variety of films ranging from a lesbian romance to fan favorite George Takei of “Star Trek.” I’m most excited about the “Out in the Night” screening Saturday. There will also be a special screening of "brocKINGton,” a documentary about Charlotte’s Blake Brockington. Various times and days through Sunday. All screenings at Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. $8 per movie.





Roadtrip

Art of Cool, Durham
Jazz enthusiasts don’t want to miss the Art of Cool festival in Durham. It features Roy Ayers, Snarky Puppy, Charlotte’s Anthony Hamilton and a host of other musicians you’ll be glad you heard. Ends Sunday. Details.





MerleFest, Wilkesboro
This is one of my favorite festivals. I camped, met some great people and discovered some great Americana bands. It’s worth a day-trip. The Avett Brothers headline tonight. Dwight Yoakam performs on Sunday. Details.



Holla:sipandplayclt@gmail.com

New Steeplechase event, free arts today and wrestling tonight

Heads up! Limited tickets onsale today for Frontstretch Fest, a new event debuting at the 64th annual Stoneybrook Steeplechase at Carolina Horse Park in Raeford, N.C. Frontstretch is a  southern celebration of horse racing, quality bourbon and craft beer. Frontstretch Fest will feature artisanal food and drinks, hand-rolled cigars, live music, interactive entertainment and much more. “Bourbon Bend” and “Craft Beer Boulevard” will offer tastings and classes from local and national distilleries and breweries alongside “Cuisine Corner,” which will showcase the best local chefs and food trucks. Saturday, April 4, 2015 from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Rd., Raeford, NC 28376. More details:  frontstretchfest.com

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

Free Arts & Culture - Sample Charlotte's arts scene with the Arts and Science Council's Connect With Culture Day. Choose from a variety of events throughout the area. Cool thing is the performing arts groups are getting out into the community. For example, the Charlotte Ballet will be conducting a class at Siskey YMCA and part of Opera Carolina will be at Steele Creek Library. The weekend also features free admission to area museums. Get the full details.


In Memoriam - Radok Fest 4 returns to celebrate the life of photographer Chris "Kodar" Radok who was killed four years ago. The music community honors Radok with MC Scott Weaver, Greevace, David Childers, gogoPilot and others. 10 p.m., Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. $5.



Burlesque and Wrestling - Fireball’s Grindhouse Wrestling Show combines burlesque dancers, pro wrestling and live music in what they appropriately call the Madhouse. 7 p.m. Tremont Music Hall, 400 W. Tremont Ave. $12.

DON'T FORGET

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.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com