It's a slow, slow Saturday, but you can catch the Hornets play the OKC Thunder or hit up a couple of events tonight.
Charlotte DJ Premier - Popular Charlotte DJ Justice makes his Release Classic House music party. DJ Kelly Kel will also make her Charlotte debut. New Jersey DJs Jamie Hodges and DJ Kemetik will also spin along with Release residents DJs Gary Wallace, Marcus Wade and Tony Gray. 7 p.m., Petra's Piano Bar and Cabaret, 1919 Commonwealth Ave.
Challenge! - Blayr Nias hosts the Adult Spelling Bee featuring a variety of words. It’s open to anyone brave enough to hop onstage. 8 p.m., UpStageNoDa 3306 N. Davidson St., Suite C. $5 to participate, free to watch. Details.
Nutcracker With A Beat - The traditional Nutcracker puts me to sleep, but the the Hip Hop Nutcracker is a still a family-friendly version, but it features breakdancing instead of ballet, a DJ, MC, hip-hop choreography and digital effects. 8 p.m. Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St. Details.
It's a gorgeous day! It doesn't get any better than this - ACC football, a winter market, and a pseudo-beer crawl. Go outside and play. See you in the streets.
I’ll House You - The monthly Release! Party is getting into the holiday spirit with a coat drive. Bring new or worn clean coats and jackets along with a non-perishables and grocery store gift-card donations. Tonight’s DJs: Tony Smith (NYC) and Dale Wallace (Baltimore) and residents Tony Gray (NJ), John Cromer (NYC) and Deep House Providers Hall of Fame Gary Wallace and DJ Marcus. 7 p.m., Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave.
Fighting AIDS - Congratulations to Hannah Stutts, this year’s Red Pump Project honoree. The benefit gala commemorates World AIDS Day by fusing fashion and philanthropy. The gala includes live entertainment, cocktail reception with a silent auction, runway show and more. Co-hosted by Special Ed Archer and media personality Kendra James. 7 p.m. UNC Charlotte Center City, 320 9th St.
ACC Festivities - Head uptown for live music, interactive games, contests and novelty stations, ACC mascot appearances, Corporate Champion attractions, giveaways and sampling, autograph opportunities with ACC Legends, food trucks and more family fun at the ACC Football Championship Fan Fest. Event features live music from country music artists Tucker Beathard, Dustin Lynch & Tyler Farr. All activities take place outdoors (rain or shine) adjacent to Bank of America Stadium along Mint, Graham and Stonewall Streets at Noon.
4 p.m. pre-game hospitality party, BB&T Stadium, $85. Details.
Christmas Beer - Drink beer and help the Levine Children’s Hospital and the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte (DSAGC). Bring a new, unwrapped toy to any or all of the six participating Southend area breweries and receive special discounts and access to the free hop on/hop off trolley. Free music, free swag and specials. Beer schedule.
Jazz Concert - See jazz saxophonist David Sanborn live at the 7th Annual Carolina Jazz Concert Series. 8 p.m. Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon S. Tickets. $45.
Scary Christmas - You've seen the movie trailers. Now, experience the Charlotte Krampus tradition at the NoDa Krampus Krawl is a don’t miss event. See St. Nick & many Krampuses (fearsome creatures from Alpine folklore with long horns, shaggy fur, sharp fangs, and a long lolling tongues) will be roaming the streets of NoDa looking for naughty and nice children of all ages. Starts at Heist Brewery at 5:30 p.m. and winds through NoDa. Expect costumes, story tellers, free face painting, and free swag. A concert of twisted carols at JackBeagle's after 10 features Evergone and Radio Lola.
Winter Market - Another chance to by gifts and baked good from 30 local vendors at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery's 6th Annual Weihnachtsmarkt. This is the opening weekend of the German-inspired Christmas Market. Winter seasonal beers include Dunkel, Bauern Bock, and Yule Bock and OMB’s homemade Glühwein: a spiced red wine served hot.
Weihnachtsmarkt is every Friday and Saturday through the Dec. 18-19. 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Fridays, 2 p.m. - 9 p.m. Saturdays. 4150 Yancey Road.
This was not a weekend to sit around the house. The Panthers went to 8-0 and of course the Release: Classic and Soulful House Party featuring Atlanta DJs.
Here we go again, but I'm not going to let it get me down. Too many great events today to stay home. See you in the streets!
Bond Style - Feel like a superstar at Starry Blockbuster’s “James Bond Spectre” Red Carpet Movie Premiere. There will be a Bond car show, a red carpet and of course a movie screening. 2 p.m. Cine Barre, 8008 Providence Road.
Family Fun - Bring the kids out to EpicFest: A Literary Festival for Kids of all Ages. The free literary festival for children, young adults and families includes LEGOs, robotics, an author meet and greet and more. Ends at 4 p.m., ImaginOn, 300 E. 7th St. Free.
ATL Takeover - The monthly house music party Release! will feature Atlanta’s DJ Be, DJ Ireful and Steve Chiprofess at tonight’s gathering. This is one night to miss. 7 p.m. Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave.
Don't Miss Fashion Show Benefit - Fashion Street is an outdoor fashion show features 22 local models, seven boutiques and celebrity models. Guest are encouraged to bring canned good to benefit the Harvest Center. The event is free. Boutique owner LeMond Hart is hosting this event. 6 p.m. at East 15th Street between Caldwell Street and Davidson St. Details.
Hit The Streets - Sustain Charlotte is promoting healthy lifestyle with the Walk Your Neighborhood kick off event in Plaza-Midwood. Participants are encouraged to walk from their residence to the Pizza Peel on Central Avenue. There will be a table for residents to check-in, log their miles, and receive a wristband, which qualifies for discounts at area restaurants and shops. 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., The Pizza Peel & Tap Room, 1600 Central Ave. Details. #WalkCLT
Music Festival - The North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue and Birdsong Brewing Co. are teaming up for music festival. Bands: Tina Crapsi, Dane Page and Jennifer Millis. Admission gets you a pint glass, beer, flight of beers, Koozie an more. 5 p.m. Birdsong Brewing, 1016 N. Davidson St. $25. Details.
Another rainy weekend, but that won't stop the fun. Plenty of good music events tonight. See you in the streets! Beer Crawl - The EpiCentre hosts a Craft Beer Crawl featuring Rooftop 210, BlackFinn, StrikeCity, Vida Cantina, Vida Vida, Bubble, Whisky River, SUITE, and more. Each bar will feature craft favorites. General admission includes a commemorative glass. 6 p.m. EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. $20. Details.
Debate Watch - See Rachel Maddow moderates the second Democratic debate at Winthrop. Watch the event with Drinking Liberally at The Second Democratic Debate Watch Party. 8 p.m. Kennedy’s, 366 N. Caswell St. Free. Details.
Lights & Beats - SPENT Entertainment presents DR3AM 6 Carnival Lightshow featuring Danny B, Dylan Deekay and a host of other DJs. 9 p.m. Chop Shop, 393 E. 35th St. $20. Details.
House Music - The Underground Sessions features DJ Dan.
His house music style blends funk and disco. 10 p.m. Label Ivory Lounge, 900 NC Music Factory Blvd. $20.
Don't Miss Buy Art - The Light Factory hosts its auction this month, but you can get a sneak peek at the Auction Preview Party. Light hors d’oeuvres and a casual discussion about featured auction artwork. 6:30 p.m., The Light Factory, 1817 Central Ave.
Film Festival - The 100 Words Film Festival expands to an entire weekend of film premieres, parties, and a panel discussion. The festival features 35 films from award-winning professionals and student filmmakers will make their world premieres. $10 per show, $24 for all three events. Screenings are Nov. 6 and 7 at 8:00 p.m. at the McGlohon Theater, 345 N College St. After-parties immediately following at the 7th Street Market (tonight) and Rooftop 210 (Saturday). Details.
Alt Hip-Hop - Fresh off their fifth studio album, The Foreign Exhchange: Phonte + Nicolay continue to challenge hip-hop and R&B with their blend of electronica, jazz and hip-hop. 8 p.m. Amos’ Southend, 1423 S. Tryon St. $25. www.amossouthend.com
Looking forward to a dry weekend? Me to. So, I'm getting you ready with free tickets to next weekend's CiderFest at the EpiCentre. Contest closes on Monday soEnter herefor your chance to win.
Now, the despite the rain, the parties are still going on. Grab your umbrella, rain boots and let's gooooo!!!!
Fourth Annual Fox Rocks for Pink
The race didn’t go on, but this party will. Fox Rocks for Pink is a post Susan G. Komen race party. The race was cancelled but Team Dolla Dolla Bills, Team London and the Leroy Fox family will still be partying to raise money to fight breast cancer. pink carpet event with paparazzi, and a silent auction with enticing prizes. DJ SK will be kicking off the dance party while the charming Lindsay, of the Ace & TJ radio show, will be emceeing. 8 p.m. Leroy Fox, 705 S Sharon Amity Rd.
House Music Party - My favorite house music event is going down tonight. RELEASE! Party featuringSteve Steve ChiProfess (Soul Syneregy / Chicago-ATL) and DJ BE (Tambor & Celebrate Day Party / ATL). 7 p.m. Petra's Bar, 1919 Commonwealth Ave. Saturday. $10. Details.
Gospel Event - Join Tasha Cobbs, William Murphy & Kevin LeVar live performance in the One Place Live Tour. Cobbs is a three-time Stellar and Dove awards winner. She’s also a Grammy winner. 7 p.m., Victory Christian Center, 7228 Kings Ridge Drive. $20 and up. Tickets.
Original Beer Festival - In the summer months, there’s seems to be a beer festival every weekend, but Charlotte OktoberFest was one of the first. The 17th Annual Charlotte Oktoberfest features more than 95 craft breweries and cideries. 2 p.m. NC Music Factory, 1000 North Carolina Music Factory Blvd. $45. Details.
It's Friiiidddayyyyy! The party starts now. Here are my highlights for tonight, and check out my list of fave Pride events. Something Different - This sounds so cool - a dance festival themed after the movie "Dirty Dancing." The Dirty Dancing Festival starts with a movie screening tonight and events including dance lessons and games on Saturday. 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Morse Park Meadows, 2948 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure. Free today. Details.
Don't Miss
Last Chance - Experience Prison Zoo, a multimedia exhibition by artist Alix Lambert, and say goodbye to Summer 2015 artists Charles Williams, Caroline Rust, Erik Waterkotte, Endia Beal, Matt Horick, and Taproot. There will be live music, appetizers and a cash bar. 6–9 p.m. Free and we’ll have music, light hors-d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. Details.
Dance Party - Love Mint to Move! Afro-Cuban and Latin-American music with DJ Carlos LeBron, Jerry Giraud, Angel Delgado, and Brandon Nater. This a fun, diverse dance event. Rumbao Latin Dance Company dance lessons starts at 8:45 p.m. 8 p.m. Mint Museum, 500 S Tryon St. Details.
House Music Party - House music fans come out tonight for House Wars, a FREE event featuring UK DJ Chris Sterio of Gravity. Other featured DJs are Sean McClellan and Chad McNeely. Stew Art will also be doing live painting throughout the course of the night! 9 p.m. Crown Station, 1425 Elizabeth Ave.
Get ready to laugh as comedy veterans take over Time Warner Cable Arena this weekend, and the fun continues with a Latin dance party, adult games and more. See you in the streets. Let's get this party started...
Wednesday
For Teens: Looking for something to do for your teen? Bring them to NexGen, a night at the museum for teenagers. 5-8 p.m. Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S Tryon St. Free for teens. Details.
Friday
Last Chance - Experience Prison Zoo, a multimedia exhibition by artist Alix Lambert, and say goodbye to Summer 2015 artists Charles Williams, Caroline Rust, Erik Waterkotte, Endia Beal, Matt Horick, and Taproot. There will be live music, appetizers and a cash bar. 6–9 p.m. Free and we’ll have music, light hors-d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. Details.
Dance Party - Love Mint to Move! Afro-Cuban and Latin-American music with DJ Carlos LeBron, Jerry Giraud, Angel Delgado, and Brandon Nater. This a fun, diverse dance event. Rumbao Latin Dance Company dance lessons starts at 8:45 p.m. 8 p.m. Mint Museum, 500 S Tryon St. Details.
House Music Party - House music fans come out tonight for House Wars, a FREE event featuring UK DJ Chris Sterio of Gravity. Other featured DJs are Sean McClellan and Chad McNeely. Stew Art will also be doing live painting throughout the course of the night! 9 p.m. Crown Station, 1425 Elizabeth Ave.
Saturday Comedy Titans - National comedians Cedric The Entertainer, Eddie Griffin, DL Hughley, George Lopez, and Charlie Murphy will headline The Comedy Get Down. Their resumes ranges from talk show hosts to TV show characters and more. This evening will be gut-busting fun. 8 p.m., Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 East Trade St. Details.
Outdoor Jazz - Bring your blankets and chairs for an evening smooth jazz eating keyboardist Oli Silk and flutist Althea Renee at Jazz Under The Stars. Lake Norman. 6 p.m. Queens Landing, 1459 River Highway, Mooresville. Details.
Adult Games - Tired of the same ol’ bar scene? Enjoy playing over-sized Connect Four, Jenga and more at Play Clothes: Adult Fun, Games, and Drinks.
4 p.m. VBGB 920 Hamilton St.
Sunday
Que & Brew - Slow Food Charlotte and Birdsong Brewery partner to present Brew & Chew BBQ to benefit 10,000 Gardens in Africa. The food features local pork from A Way of Life Farm and local vegetables. 3 - 7 p.m., Birdsong Brewery, 1016 North Davidson St. $20. Details.
Let's try this again. The Bon Odori is today so don't miss it. Plus there's a cool arts market in NoDa and more parties tonight. Let's get this party started. See you in the streets...
Japanese Festival - Celebrate the 31st Annual Bon Odori Japanese Festival with dancing, food, crafts, origami, calligraphy and more. 11 a.m. Wells Fargo Atrium 301 South Tryon St.
Special Release - This is a special tribute at RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party. The DJs to celebrate the life of friend and International DJ/producer Jason Brooks who is in hospice care. Brooks will be DJing and so will Andy K. Come out and help the Release crew celebrate Brooks. 7 p.m. Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave.
Get Wet - The 5th Annual Charlotte Pride Splash Day moves to Carowinds. 14523 Carowinds Blvd. Details for discount tickets.
Charity Soccer - The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department play the Charlotte Fire Department in a charity soccer match after the Charlotte Independence USL soccer match. 7 p.m. Ramblewood Soccer Complex, 10200 Nations Ford Rd. Tickets.
NoDa Arts Market - More than 60 artists will everything from pottery to paintings. 2 p.m. – 11 p.m., Neighborhood Theatre, 511 East 36th St. Details.
Gospel Concert - Erica Campbell, of MaryMary fame, brings her solo tour to Charlotte. Her new single is “I Luh God.” Other performers include Janice Gaines, Brian Courtney Wilson, 7 p.m. The Fillmore, 820 Hamilton St.
This is shaping up to be another busy weekend. The party starts tonight for beer lovers and it doesn't stop. Let's get this party started. See you in the streets! Wednesday Brew News - Learn about pending legislation that could impact the craft brew industry at Strange News and Strange Brews. 5:30 p.m. Carolina Cinemas, 9630 Monroe Rd. $10 includes a 16 oz beer, a warm soft pretzel from Local Loaf, and a free screening of “Strange Brew” at 7 p.m.
Thursday Get Wet - SHIPROCKED! presents the monthly Drag Cabaret LIPGLOSS with a special twist. It’s a Drag Pool Party and benefit for Joe Borruso. The party features Bethann Phetamine, special guest Shirley Sweet and the debut performance of Anna Yacht and more. No set cover, but cash donations will be accepted for Borruso. All performers and dancers are donating their tips. There’s also a raffle featuring items and gift cards from local businesses for Barruso. Get the details. 10 p.m., Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. Details.
Friday Hometown Hero - Join community activist, Bree Newsome, Columbia rally speaker Michaela Pilar Brown, literary scholar Qiana Whitted of UNC and artists as they discuss current events in Columbia at The Confederate Flag: A Symbol Divided Featuring Activist Bree Newsome. They will also examine history of the Confederate flag, and community responses to the on-going debate. 6 p.m. Gantt Center, 551 South Tryon St. $10 non-members, free for members (cost includes museum admission). Tickets.
New Carowinds Series - Carowinds continues to offer more than roller coaster rides and kids activities. Starting Friday, the amusement park will launch its end of summer party featuring bands, beer and BBQ. Bands, Brews and BBQs will be held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from July 31 through August 16. Food booths will be open beginning at 11 a.m. • Guests will be able to visit various booths that will serve smoked beef, pork and poultry. Two smokers were custom built just for this event. • A dedicated booth featuring regional BBQ sauces will offer 24 different flavors. • The craft beers selection features approximately 10 brands.
Friday’s live music is: Natty Boh Duo (12 p.m. to 4 p.m.) and Tony Barnes (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
www.carowinds.com.
Free Bar Crawl - Head uptown for The Blue Moon Walk to celebrate the Lunar Blue Moon. Crawl start at Fitzgerald’s, then Connolly’s, TILT, and BlackFinn before ending at Rooftop 210. The official Lunar Blue Moon Toast will be at midnight. RSVP for a chance to win a ski trip.
Saturday Special Release - This is a special tribute at RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party. The DJs to celebrate the life of friend and International DJ/producer Jason Brooks who is in hospice care. Brooks will be DJing and so will Andy K. Come out and help the Release crew celebrate Brooks. 7 p.m. Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave.
Get Wet - The 5th Annual Charlotte Pride Splash Day moves to Carowinds. 14523 Carowinds Blvd. Details for discount tickets.
Charity Soccer - The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department play the Charlotte Fire Department in a charity soccer match after the Charlotte Independence USL soccer match. 7 p.m. Ramblewood Soccer Complex, 10200 Nations Ford Rd. Tickets.
NoDa Arts Market - More than 60 artists will everything from pottery to paintings. 2 p.m. – 11 p.m., Neighborhood Theatre, 511 East 36th St. Details.
Gospel Concert - Erica Campbell, of MaryMary fame, brings her solo tour to Charlotte. Her new single is “I Luh God.” Other performers include Janice Gaines, Brian Courtney Wilson, 7 p.m. The Fillmore, 820 Hamilton St.
Sunday Jazz Cruise - The Sunset Jazz Cruise on Lake Norman features The Saxtress, Pamela Williams. The cruise will leave from Queens Landing on the "Lady Of The Lakes Yacht.” The cruise is limited to 125 people. Pamela will perform for about an hour and participate in a meet and greet. A Cash Bar will be available. 6-9 p.m. Queens Landing, 1459 River Highway, Mooresville.
$60 sold out, but there is a wait list. Wait List.
Oh man, the Spent & Happening Mad Hatters Ball at Petra's Piano Bar was crazy. At first it felt like a rave, but the music, the outfits and the entertainers made it much more. I'm still working on the videos. Now, let's get this party started. See you in the streets.
Tapout! - "Somebody's getting punched in the eye!" Their words not mine, but that's how it's going down at Fight Lab 43: MMA Cage Fights. 6 p.m. Grady Cole Center, 310 N. Kings Dr. $30 and up.
For The Family - I love Chibs, real name Tommy Flanagan,of “Sons of Anarchy.” He’s going to be here
along with bike builders John Shope and Paul Yafffe of Bike Battleground
Phoenix at the 2015 Easyriders Charlotte Bike Show. Also enjoy bike vendors and the bike show competition. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. Kids $10, Adults $20. #TJTurnup
Courtney Recommends – Mike Silverman uses metal, strings and
electronics to create music on what he calls the Magic Pipe. Read Courtney’s take on That1Guy. 10 p.m.,
Double Door Inn, 1218 Charlottetown Ave.$12.
Don't Forget! House Music Vocalist - Julie McKnight’s ex-husband is famous, but McKnight made a name in house music. The international recording artist makes a guest appearance at this edition of Release! Classic and Soulful House. The show features DJ DHP, DJ Kneeka, DJ Mr. Harlan. 7 p.m. Petra's Piano Bar, 1919 Commonwealth Ave. $5, $10.
Readers often ask me where to go to hear live jazz. On Saturday, the spot was Strike City in the EpiCentre. Trombonist Buff Dillard set the mood for an evening of bowling and jazz at Jazz Alley presented by Carolina Jazz Friends. The vibe was laid back in the private room. A few groups of four bowled while pockets of men shot pool. Others sat by the bar listening to Dillard and the band.
After leaving Strike City, I tried to check out the new reggae lounge at Vanity, but they were camera shy. It was too early to end my evening, so I headed over to Petra's Piano Bar & Cabaret for Release! Classic & Soulful House. The party didn't disappoint.
My Alabama Crimson Tide were vanquished. My Washington Redskins were terrible - again. So, the Carolina Panthers are my only hope. Good luck Panthers! After today's game, celebrate or commiserate out on the town. Here's my line up for tonight. See you in the streets.
Jazz and Bowling - Enjoy trombonist Buff Dillard at the Carolina Jazz Series' Jazz Alley party at Strike City in the EpiCentre. 9 p.m. Strike City, 210 E. Trade St. $35 includes bowling.
Courtney Recommends- The Boston-based Dillon N’ Ashe/Giant Squid Squad, with Asheville roots, perform jam-friendly rock with reggae and funk infusions. 9 p.m. Evening Muse, 3227 N Davidson. $6.
House Music - I had a great time at the last Release! Classic & Soulful House Party. I've been looking forward to RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party - New Year's Weekendever since it popped up on FB. Tonight's music is a tribute to legendary house clubs Paradise Garage, Zanzibar and The Warehouse. 7 p.m. Petra's Piano Bar, 1919 Commonwealth Ave. $10.
Reggae Grooves - Uptown Saturday Nights takes a new turn this year. It's the grand opening of The Reggae Lounge at Vanity nightclub. Two floors of different music and hookahs will be available. 10 p.m. Vanity, 500 W. Fifth St. Free until midnight. $10.
I'm back!!! In 2005, I launched the Paid To Party column for the Observer. Now I'm back with a fresh look at Charlotte's entertainment offerings. For the next few months, I'll be testing a new feature, primarily aimed at weekend events and other ways to entertain yourself, your family, your visitors.
Sip + Play is your guide to fun things to do in Charlotte from Food Truck Fridays to bar crawls to events you've never experienced. I still love a party, so there also will be plenty of that.
Sip + Play will take you all over Charlotte and beyond with live event coverage on the weekends and recommendations of where to go and what to do. I'm looking forward to sharing my adventures with you. #cltevents
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