Events for the Week: September 15-21

Note: If I learn of more events, I’ll update this post throughout the week.

Tuesday, September 16

Tone X and Friends (weekly event)
Enjoy a night of stand-up comedy, live skits, improv, and music, along with a performance by the Hunnie Dipz Dancers. 8 p.m. $15. Skandalos, 5317 E. Independence Blvd. 704-890-0771.

Touch One Tuesdays (weekly event)
See Charlotte’s gifted poets perform—and if you have the courage, join them onstage—during this open mic event. Presented by Touch One Productions. Hosted by Filmore and music by DJ Flemingo. 9 p.m. $10. Wine-Up. 3306 N. Davidson St. (NoDa). www.wine-up.com.

Wednesday, September 17

Wine Day Wednesdays
Stop by the Village at SouthPark and enjoy some new wines while listening to music. A portion of proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. 5 p.m. Free. Corner of Sharon Road and Morrison Boulevard (in front of M5). www.elevatecharlotte.com.

Pop Life
The popular Wednesday social networking event is back after a month-long hiatus and returns at a new venue. Presented by Creative Loafing and The Sol Kitchen. 6 p.m. Free. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. (South End). www.thesolkitchen.com.

Thursday, September 18

Alive After Five (weekly event)
This Charlotte staple is in its eighth year. From spring to fall you’ll find Charlotte’s professionals coming to this outdoor after-work party each Thursday. 5-9 p.m. Free. Wachovia Plaza, corners of Tryon St. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. www.charlottealiveafterfive.com.

Epicentre at Five (weekly event)
Epicentre is the new hotspot, with its new bars and clubs (Whisky River, Suite, Howl at the Moon, BlackFinn, and more to come). This outdoor after-work party competes with Alive After Five and draws its own crowd. 5 p.m. Free. Pavilion at Epicentre, 210 E. Trade St. www.epicentreat5.com.

Business After Hours
Held at a different venue each month, this event offers great hors d’oeuvres and drinks while you mingle with Charlotte’s business leaders and professionals. Presented by the Charlotte Chamber. $15 for non-Charlotte Chamber members, free for members. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Hampton Inn & Suites SouthPark, 6700 Phillips Place Ct. www.charlottechamber.com.

Cufflinks and Cocktails
Presented by Charlotte’s Kappas, this monthly event draws an elite group of well-dressed professionals, from 20- to 40-somethings. Free. 6-10 p.m. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 214 N. Tryon St. (corner of 5th and College streets). www.cltkappas.com/cufflinks-cocktails.

Charlotte African-American Film Festival
This inaugural three-day event (Sept. 18-20) will feature top independent films from African-American filmmakers from around the country. An advanced screening of Universal Pictures’ The Express will also be shown. Check website for times and prices. Ballantyne Village Theater and ImaginOn Theater. www.runandshootfilmworks.com.

Charlotte NC Fashion Week
While more like a half-week (Sept. 18-20), this is the city’s most ambitious fashion event to date. CNCFW will feature runway shows, industry workshops, vendors, entertainment, and designers from Charlotte, New York, Atlanta, and other cities. Visit website for times and prices. Blake Hotel, 555 S. McDowell St. www.charlottencfashionweek.com.

Friday, September 19

Where Is the Love?
The relationship series continues and this installment's topic is “Where are the Black Men in Church on Sunday?” and “The State of the Black Church.” Presented by Not the Average Chicks. 6:30 p.m. Free. Jillian’s, 200 E. Bland St.

Charlotte African-American Film Festival
This inaugural three-day event (Sept. 18-20) will feature top independent films from African-American filmmakers from around the country. An advanced screening of Universal Pictures’ The Express will also be shown. Check website for times and prices. Ballantyne Village Theater and ImaginOn Theater. www.runandshootfilmworks.com.

Charlotte NC Fashion Week
While more like a half-week (Sept. 18-20), this is the city’s most ambitious fashion event to date. CNCFW will feature runway shows, industry workshops, vendors, entertainment, and designers from Charlotte, New York, Atlanta, and other cities. Visit website for times and prices. Blake Hotel, 555 S. McDowell St. www.charlottencfashionweek.com.

Saturday, September 20

International Art Market (weekly event)
Experience art, music, and food from around the world. 4-10 p.m. Free. Area 15, corner of 15th and N. Davidson streets, NoDa. www.areafifteen.com.

Charlotte African-American Film Festival
This inaugural three-day event (Sept. 18-20) will feature top independent films from African-American filmmakers from around the country. An advanced screening of Universal Pictures’ The Express will also be shown. Check website for times and prices. Ballantyne Village Theater and ImaginOn Theater. www.runandshootfilmworks.com.

Charlotte NC Fashion Week
While more like a half-week (Sept. 18-20), this is the city’s most ambitious fashion event to date. CNCFW will feature runway shows, industry workshops, vendors, entertainment, and designers from Charlotte, New York, Atlanta, and other cities. Visit website for times and prices. Blake Hotel, 555 S. McDowell St. www.charlottencfashionweek.com.

Secret Society
Enjoy a fun night out in the venue’s two levels and outdoor patio. Music by V101.9’s DJ Chase. Presented by MingleBerry.com. 10 p.m. Free admission until 11:30 with an email pass.
Presto’s, 445 W. Trade St. www.mingleberry.com/charlotte/secretsociety.html.

Sunday, September 21

Your Voice. Your Vote.
This is the one event you need to attend to learn everything you need to know about the upcoming election. Meet your local, state, and judicial candidates, including those running for county commission, governor, state representative, and U.S. Senate. Complimentary food by Mert’s Heart and Soul. Presented by the Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists-Charlotte, and GenerationEngage. 12-4 p.m. Free. Levine Museum of the New South. 200 E. Seventh St. www.caabj.com.

Ssshh! Sensual Seduction Sundays (weekly event)
Enjoy an infusion of open-mic poetry and jazz over candlelight. After-party and dancing follows. Presented by Pink Diamond. 9 p.m. $5 before 10 p.m. if you RSVP. Happy Hour Bar and Lounge, 3603 S. Tryon St. www.pinkdiamondpromo.com.