Events for the Week: November 17-23

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

Tuesday, November 18

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. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Skandalos, 5317 E. Independence Blvd. 704-890-0771. www.myspace.com/tonexandfriends.

Wednesday, November 19

Pop Life (weekly event)
It’s the most popular social networking event on a Wednesday night. It starts after work but runs late. Music by select DJs. Presented by Creative Loafing and The Sol Kitchen. 6 p.m. Free. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. (South End). www.thesolkitchen.com.

A Westside Story
Enjoy music, drinks, and a complimentary soul food buffet at this networking event held at a historic African-American club. Presented by Digital Divas. 6-10 p.m. $5. Excelsior Club, 921 Beatties Ford Road. www.digitaldivasevents.com.

Thursday, November 20

Third Thursdays: Live Jazz (monthly event)
Enjoy live jazz, light refreshments, and great art during special late hours at the museum. This month’s featured musician is Bill Averbach. Sponsored by V101.9. Mint Museum of Craft + Design, 220 N. Tryon St. Free. 5-8 p.m. (music 6:30-7:30 p.m.) www.mintmuseum.org.

EQ3’s Anniversary Party and Jordanos Fashion Preview
It’s a two-for-one for great design. Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while previewing clothing lines from Jordanos and checking out the swanky furniture at EQ3. Live DJ. 5-9 p.m., fashion show 8 p.m. Free. EQ3, 2137 South Blvd.

Cufflinks and Cocktails (monthly event)
Presented by Charlotte’s Kappas, this event is held at a different bar each month. Come mingle with a group of well-dressed professionals, from 20- to 40-somethings. Free. 6-10 p.m. Bar 10, inside The Westin Charlotte, 601 S. College St. www.cltkappas.com/cufflinks-cocktails.

Can We Talk to Each Other After the Election?
This dialogue is the third offering in the “What’s In The Ground?” Community Conversation Series sponsored by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee, Community Building Initiative, and Mecklenburg Ministries. Panelists include Anthony Foxx, John Lassiter, Dan Ramirez, and Jennifer Roberts. Moderated by Claude Alexander and Moira Quinn. 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 E. Morehead St. RSVP at rthompson@ci.charlotte.nc.us.

Touch One Thursdays (weekly event)
Come and enjoy a live band and spoken word by Charlotte’s slam poets. An after-party follows. Presented by Touch One Productions. 9 p.m. $10. Wine Up, 3306 N. Davidson St. www.wine-up.com.

Friday, November 21

Friday Afterwork Rendezvous (weekly event)
End your workweek on a high note at this networking event, held at a different venue each week. Enjoy live music and drink and appetizer specials. Presented by Talk of the Town. 6-9 p.m. Free. Del Frisco's, 4725 Piedmont Row Dr. in SouthPark.

Raise the Bar: Exceed the Standard
Party with a purpose at this fundraising event. Organizers ask that you bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to Toys for Tots. There will also be live music and free giveaways. Presented by The It Factor. 6-10 p.m. Free. Side Bar, inside Crowne Plaza Hotel Charlotte, 201 S. McDowell St. www.itfactormedia.com.

Fashion Friday: Hollywood Rockstar
It’s your turn to walk the red carpet. See fashions by select area boutiques and independent designers while enjoying music, performances, a runway show, and giveaways. Labels include Ed Hardy, Christian Audigier, Smet, Affliction, Sinful, Tarina Tarantino, Do Denim, Dirtee Hollywood, Alpha, Nation Ltd., and more. Hosted by LA East. Doors open 9 p.m., show begins 10:30. $10 and up. Kiss Lounge, 204 W. Woodlawn Rd. www.kisscharlotte.com.

Saturday, November 22

LL Cool J
The G.O.A.T. is coming. See him perform his hits ranging from “Mama Said Knock You Out” to “Luv U Better” to “Headsprung.” Presented by Black Ice Entertainment and Thomas Washington. 10 p.m. Cost varies, ladies free before 11 p.m. NV Nightclub & Lounge, 20924 Torrence Chapel Road. www.ticketannex.com.

Venetian Suites: A Lock and Key Affair
Each woman will receive a lock and each man will receive a key. Then they’ll have to find their fit. This icebreaker will make it easy for you to mingle and meet new people. Complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served in addition to the cash bar. Dress code is upscale. Presented by Blue Goose. 10:30 p.m. $15 and up. Mimosa Grill, 327 S. Tryon St. www.lockandkeync.com.

Sunday, November 23

Miles & Coltrane: Blue
This work tells the story of Miles Davis and John Coltrane through acting, dance, poetry, music, and visual art. Features production by Concrete Generation (Q, Bluz, CP Maze, Norris Guest, Filmore, Mekkah, Tavis Brunson, Carlos Robeson, and Ocean), God City, The Stephen Gordon Quintet, Jhe Russell, and Randolph Ward. Two shows: 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. $10-$15. Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

CAABJ Year-End/Pre-Holiday Mixer
The Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists is celebrating the end of a momentous year in news and media. Enjoy free hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, music, billiards, and networking. 5-8 p.m. $5 (free admission for CAABJ members and their guests). Wine Up, 3306 N. Davidson St. in NoDa. www.caabj.com.

Anthony Hamilton
Hamilton’s Playin It Cool Tour stops in his hometown. See him perform his hits as well as songs from his upcoming album, The Point of It All. Doors open 7:30 p.m. $30 in advance. Amos’ Southend, 1423 S. Tryon St. www.amossouthend.com.

Ssshh: Sensual Seduction Sundays at Happy Hour (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. $10. Happy Hour Bar and Lounge, 3603 S. Tryon St. www.pinkdiamondpromo.com.