Monday, May 11, 2009

Events for the Week: May 11-17

Your best weekly list for parties, nightlife, social, and cultural events in Charlotte. This isn’t intended to be a complete list of everything that's going on, but instead are the events GPT recommends.

Tuesday, May 12

United Way Young Leaders Breakfast
“The Economic Crisis and Its Impact on the Charlotte Community” is the topic of this first event in the United Way Young Leaders Breakfast Seminar Series. The keynote speaker is Matthew Martin, senior vice president of the Charlotte Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. 7:30-9 a.m. $7. AT&T, first floor auditorium, 300 S. Brevard St. www.uwyl.org.

The Equation of Entrepreneurship with Omar Tyree
The bestselling author introduces and signs his new book, The Equation: Applying the 4 Indisputable Components of Business Success. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. Sponsored by the Charlotte Black Chamber of Commerce. 7-9 p.m. $10. Blake Hotel, 555 S. McDowell St. www.cmbcc.org or www.omartyree.com.

Wednesday, May 13

NASCAR Rev’d Up
It’s a free event for race fans, celebrating the 25th running of the NASCAR Sprint Cup All Star race this weekend. 4-6:30 p.m.: Interactive displays, show cars, and giveaways. 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Performance by Simplified. 7:30-8:30 p.m.: NASCAR driver appearances. 8:30-10 p.m.: Headlining band O.A.R. perform. Uptown Charlotte, corner of Third and Mint Streets. www.nascar.com/promos/allstar.

Pop Life (weekly event)
It’s the most popular social networking event on a Wednesday night. Starts after work but runs past midnight. Music by select DJs. Presented by Creative Loafing and The Sol Kitchen. 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Free. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. www.apostrophelounge.com.

Thursday, May 14

Alive After Five (weekly event)
The newly combined Alive After Five is now at its new home, the EpiCentre. Enjoy live music by this week’s bands, Deja Vu and Satisfaction (Rolling Stones tribute band). Both levels will be rocking and there’ll be plenty of drinks from cash bars scattered throughout. Wristbands get you into Blackfinn, Whisky River, Suite, and StrikeCity. 5-9:30 p.m. Free. The EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. www.aliveafterfiveatepicentre.com.

Chocolate and Wine Tasting
Girl Talk Foundation, Inc. presents its annual fundraiser. Proceeds benefit programs to help young girls. In addition to featuring great wine and chocolates, the event will also offer a silent auction, music, and celebrity guests. 5:30-8:30 p.m. $40. Morton’s Steakhouse, 227 W. Trade St. www.girltalkfoundationinc.com.

Best Of the Best Awards
Charlotte magazine presents its annual BOB Awards at this event, which coincides with its May issue. Meet some of the winners chosen as the best in shopping, dining, nightlife, sports, and more. Admission gets you food samplings from winning restaurants, complimentary cocktails, a bid number for the silent auction, and you're treated to live music performances. 6-9 p.m. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Circle Court at SouthPark Mall, 4400 Sharon Rd. www.charlottemagazine.com.

NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge
This annual pre-All Star Race event gives you the chance to see pit crews compete head to head for the fastest pit times. 7 p.m. $15-$25. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. www.pitcrewchallenge.com.

RSVP Thursdays with Jamal Woolard
The rapper known as Gravy who starred in Notorious last year at the Notorious B.I.G. hosts this party tonight. Free food and drink specials. Music by Power 98’s Danny Diaz. 8 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Free before 11 p.m. if you RSVP to decor.rsvpthursday@gmail.com. Décor 1202, 1202 Charlottetowne Ave. www.decor1202.com.

Snoop Dogg
The Doggfather performs his biggest hits. 8 p.m. $38 and up. Amos’ Southend. 1423 S. Tryon St. www.amossouthend.com.

Friday, May 15

Friday Afterwork Rendezvous (weekly event)
End your workweek on a high note at this networking party, held at a different venue each week. Enjoy drink and appetizer specials and live music by electric violinist Ken Ford. A DJ spins afterwards. Presented by Talk of the Town. 6-11 p.m. Free. Utopia Restaurant, 10210 Berkeley Place Dr. www.utopianc.com.

SlamCharlotte Poetry Slam
Witness Charlotte’s own two-time defending national championship team of spoken word poets (2007 and 2008 winners) do what they do best at this monthly event. SlamCharlotte’s current Slammaster, Bluz, is the 13th ranked individual poet in the world. Show contains adult language and content. 8 p.m. $10. McGlohon Theatre, 345 North College St. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

Drinks @ Kiss
This monthly cocktail mixer attracts great crowds to one of the city’s trendiest lounges. Featuring $3 Kiss shots, $5 apple martinis, and $5 pinot noir. DJ DR will be playing the best in R&B, hip-hop, and reggae. 9:30 p.m. Free before 10:30 p.m. with RSVP. $10 and up after. Kiss Lounge, 204 W. Woodlawn Rd. www.mingleberry.com/drinks.

Saturday, May 16

For Sisters Only
This 10th annual event is the largest, annual African-American entertainment and empowerment expo in the Carolinas, featuring musical performances, shopping, speakers, financial seminars, cooking demonstrations, and more. CNN commentator Donna Brazile will be the keynote speaker. Performances by Case, Mary Mary, K'Jon, Urban Mystic, and Ginuwine. Presented by V101.9 and Power 98. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Blake Hotel, 555 S. McDowell St. www.v1019.com.

AACC Art Auction and Fundraiser
The Afro-American Cultural Center hosts its annual fundraiser and silent auction, featuring 50 works by Charlotte artist Nellie Ashford as well as the works of other artists. Refreshments will be served. 2-6 p.m. Free. Afro-American Cultural Center, 401 N. Myers St. www.aacc-charlotte.org.

NASCAR Sprint Cup All-Star Race
This annual all-star competition features a unique four-part format that produces the sport’s most intense race. Only the top drivers are eligible to compete, with the winner guaranteed at least $1 million. 7:30 p.m. $10-$75. Lowe’s Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy. South, Concord. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

PlayDate Charlotte
Charlotte has joined the network of more than 30 cities that offer this alternative to typical partying and nightclubbing. It premiered last month to a sellout crowd. Enjoy music and drinks while playing card games, checkers, dominoes, Connect Four, Twister, Monopoly, and more. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $10. Venue 301, 301 E. Ninth St. www.playdatecharlotte.com.

Rick Ross
The Boss (or bawwsse as he says it) celebrates his new album, Deeper Than Rap. Music by DJ Buttafingerz and hosted by No Limit Larry. 10 p.m. Cost varies. Club Ice, 300 E. Stonewall St. www.clubicenc.com.

Sunday, May 17

Chocolate Sundays
Touted as “a sexy soiree geared strictly towards Charlotte’s young, astute professionals,” this event gives you a great opportunity to unwind on a Sunday night. Proper dress is required (sexy preferred). Presented by Savoir Faire and Jane Doe Marketing. 8 p.m.-midnight. PJ’s Coffee & Lounge, 210 E. Trade St. (inside the EpiCentre). www.savoirfairemarketing.com.

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