Events for the Week: March 2-8

Your best weekly list for parties, nightlife, social, and cultural events in Charlotte. If I learn of more events, I’ll update this post throughout the week.

Wednesday, March 4

Pop Life (weekly event)
It’s the most popular social networking event on a Wednesday night. Starts after work but often runs past midnight. This edition will be a listening party for R&B singer J. Holiday, who will be stopping by. Sponsored by Creative Loafing and The Sol Kitchen. 6 p.m. Free. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. (South End). www.apostrophelounge.com.

Afterwork Showcase (weekly event)
Enjoy neo soul jazz; R&B, and poetry, with music by DJ Stacey Blackman and a live performance by Malakia Janelle. Drink specials include $7 martinis. Presented by Preston Kelly. 6 p.m. Free. Rustic Martini, 616 N. Tryon St. www.rusticmartini.net.

Thursday, March 5

Dress in the Queen City
This charity fashion show will showcase top bridal fashions from Hayden Olivia boutique and feature the famous Vivienne Westwood gown worn by Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. Proceeds will benefit Dress for Success Charlotte. 7-10 p.m. $30-$40. Suite, 210 E. Trade St. (inside the EpiCentre). www.haydenolivia.com.

Touch One Thursdays (weekly event)
Enjoy live music by The Hot Damn Band featuring Shableek and spoken word by Charlotte’s slam poets. Hosted by JC the Poet. An after-party follows with DJ Flemingo. Presented by Touch One Productions. 9 p.m. $10. Wine Up, 3306 N. Davidson St. www.wine-up.com.

Friday, March 6

South End Gallery Crawl
Tour seven art galleries throughout historic South End during this monthly gallery crawl. Participating galleries are Charlotte Art League, Ciel Gallery, DoMa Gallery, Elder Art Gallery, Hidell Brooks Gallery, McColl Fine Art, and Siskate Gallery. Presented by The Silos at South End. 6-9 p.m. Free. Begin the crawl at Charlotte Art League, 1517 Camden Road. www.historicsouthend.com.

Before It Hits Home
This award-winning play shows sides of homosexuality not often discussed in the black community. Playing two days only. 7 p.m. $12. Afro-American Cultural Center, 401 N. Myers St. www.aacc-charlotte.org.

Free Fridays
The first Friday of the month means free admission at one of Charlotte’s swankiest lounges. Featuring DJ C-Rob playing the best in hip-hop, R&B, and reggae. On this night, the club often reaches capacity by 11:30 so get there early. 10 p.m. Free. Kiss Lounge, 204 W. Woodlawn Rd. www.kisscharlotte.com.

First Fridays Charlotte
It’s touted as the number one urban event and after-party, and it draws a large crowd each month at a different venue. Presented by Dee Autry, Troy Veale, and Thomas Washington. Jillian’s, 200 E. Bland St. 10 p.m. Cost varies; ladies free before 11. www.1stfridayscharlotte.com.

Saturday, March 7

Before It Hits Home
This award-winning play shows sides of homosexuality not often discussed in the black community. Playing two days only. 7 p.m. $12. Afro-American Cultural Center, 401 N. Myers St. www.aacc-charlotte.org.

Elton John and Billy Joel: Face 2 Face Tour
It’s two music icons on one stage. 7:30 p.m. $53.50-$179. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. www.timewarnercablearena.com.

Sophisticated Saturdays
It’s a party for the mature and well-dressed. Q92.7 broadcasts live from 10 p.m.-midnight. Ages 25 and up. 9:30 p.m. $10 and up. Ladies free before 11. Tempo, 4809 Wilkinson Blvd. www.tempocharlotte.com.

Swag Like Me Saturdays
If you’re looking for an all-out hip-hop party, this is the place. Hosted by Power 98’s No Limit Larry and music by DJ Buttafingaz. 10 p.m. Everyone free until midnight. Club Ice (formerly Club Crush), 300 E. Stonewall St. www.clubicenc.com.

Sunday, March 8

Special Blend @ PJ’s
Special Blend presents genres of artistry, music, visual, and humor in the spirit of good times and good people. Come experience it while relaxing in a trendy lounge. 6 p.m.-midnight. Free. PJ’s Coffee & Lounge, 210 E. Trade St. (inside the EpiCentre). www.pjscharlotte.com.