The highly anticipated CIAA Week in Charlotte is here. There are more than 100 parties going on this week, and to help you narrow them down I've picked the best ones (in my opinion) and listed them below. Use websites listed for the events to verify information, and you'll be wise to purchase tickets in advance, if they're still available. For a complete list of CIAA parties and events going on this week, click here.
Men and Women's Basketball Tournament
February 23-27
Remember, there's a basketball tournament in town this week. Teams from eleven CIAA schools will battle it out as they try to advance to Saturday's championship game. Women's tournament starts Tuesday; men's starts Wednesday. Only tickets remaining for purchase online are the upper level multi-game package, $100. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. www.ciaatournament.org.
Monday, February 22
5th Annual CIAA Media Mixer
The Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists (CAABJ) presents this networking event each year during CIAA Week to bring together professionals working in media and communications. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served along with a cash bar. 6-9 p.m. Free, but RSVP is required by emailing rsvp@caabj.com. Tutto Mondo, 1820 South Blvd. www.caabj.com.
Tuesday, February 23
CIAA African-American Heritage Segway Tour of Charlotte
Explore Charlotte's African-American history on a Segway. Price includes museum fees and lunch. Tour will be going on all week. Presented by Charlotte NC Tours. $80. www.charlottenctours.com/CIAA_Tournament.html.
Wednesday, February 24
CIAA Ford Fan Experience
A full day of events for fans, including car displays, video gaming zones, cooking exhibitions, and live performances by slam poets (7:30 p.m.) and R&B singer Joe (9 p.m.). Wednesday is also CIAA Education Day. 4:30-10 p.m. Free. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. www.ciaatournament.org.
Pop Life: Tournament Edition
It’s the most popular social and networking event on a Wednesday night and it’s amped up this week with the CIAA Tournament in town. Free food 6-8 p.m., provided by Sadie's. Special appearance by Grammy Award-winning producer 9th Wonder. Music by DJ Skillz. 6 p.m.-until. Free. Luna Lounge, 521 N. College St. www.thesolkitchen.com.
Thursday, February 25
CIAA Ford Fan Experience/Yolanda Adams Morning Show
The syndicated radio host and singer gets the day stared early, followed a full schedule of events for fans, including car displays, video gaming zones, cooking exhibitions, and more. There will also be a career expo (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) and live performances by K'Jon (7 p.m.) and Melanie Fiona (9 p.m.). 5:30-11:00 a.m.; reopens 4:30-10 p.m. Free. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. www.ciaatournament.org.
Celebrity NBA Day Party
Portland Trailblazer Greg Oden and Power 98's Ms. Ivory host this party at one of the city's trendiest lounges. Music by DJ Tab D'Biassi and DJ Ampz. 2-7 p.m. $20. Crave Dessert Bar, 500 W. Fifth St. www.cravedessertbar.com.
Heaven 3
This popular party returns for a third year. Featuring drink specials, a late-night menu, and valet parking. Music by DJ 06 and D.C.’s Let It Flow Band. Presented by Talk of the Town. 8 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Free before 8:30 p.m.; $20 in advance. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 214 N. Tryon St. (corner of Fifth and College streets). www.talkofthetownent.com.
Pink Groove 5
The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Rho Psi Omega chapter, present this annual party, which usually reaches capacity. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Rho Psi Omega Scholarship Fund. Music by DJ Stacey Blackman. 9 p.m. $35 in advance; $50 at the door. The Forum, 300 N. College St. www.rhopsiomega.org/pinkgroove5.
Purple Passion
It's a chance for you to party and check out one of Charlotte’s newest venues. And it's Tiffany L. Jones's annual birthday celebration. Presented by Digital Divas and The Queen City Omegas. 10 p.m. $20 and up. The Liberty, 1812 South Blvd. www.digitaldivasevents.com.
The Best of Both Worlds 3
The Alphas and Deltas of Charlotte present this annual party. Music by DJ Flemingo. 10 p.m. $25 in advance. Grand Central Events, 1000 Central Ave. www.charlottesocialscene.com.
Friday, February 26
CIAA Ford Fan Experience/ Steve Harvey Morning Show
The syndicated radio host and comedian gets the day stared early, followed a full schedule of events for fans, including car displays, video gaming zones, cooking exhibitions, and more. There will also be live performances by Laura Izibor (7 p.m.) and Ginuwine (8 p.m.). 5:30-11 a.m.; reopens 4:30-9 p.m. Free. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. www.ciaatournament.org.
JetSet Series: Day Dreams - The CI Edition
They kept the day parties going throughout the summer and are back for CIAA Week. Music by DJ DR. 12-6 p.m. $10 in advance; more at the door. Mez, inside the EpiCentre, 20 E. Trade St. www.thesolkitchen.com.
The Pre-Game Day Party
They're suggesting you party here before you go to any party that night. Featuring live entertainment. Presented by NXL21 Charlotte. 2 p.m. Cost varies. Aquavina, 435 S. Tryon St. charlotte.nxlevelent.com.
The Aristocrat Lounge
It's a sophisticated party set in Charlotte's newest and most elegant hotel, and it's happening Friday and Saturday night. Hosted by UPTOWN and VIBE magazines CEO Len Burnett, Seattle Seahawks' Deon Grant, actor Lamman Rucker, St. Louis Rams' Leonard Little, and Charlotte Bobcats' D.J. Augustine. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the CIAA General Scholarship Fund. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. General admission, $50; VIP, $100. The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, 201 E. Trade St. www.blumenthalcenter.org/ciaa.
H.I.M.
It's "History in the Making" at this celebration with music by celebrity DJs Shogun and Mars. Presented by Eddietainment. 9 p.m. $20 in advance. BlackFinn, inside the EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. www.eddietainment.com.
CIAA Extravaganzas
This party is taking over the 25,000 square-foot ballroom. So big they're doing it Friday and Saturday night. Music by DJ Bro Rabb (Friday) and DJ Kool (Saturday). Hosted by The A List. 9 p.m. Cost varies. The Westin, 601 S. College St. www.alistnextevent.com.
History
It's a party set in the city's new African-American cultural center, comprising all three levels and the rooftop patio. Music by Boogie Down Productions' DJ D-Nice. 9 p.m. General admission, $10 in advance; VIP, $30 in advance and includes an open bar and buffet. Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, 551 S. Tryon St. www.historyciaa.eventbrite.com.
Swank II
Dress your best and party with an elite crowd. Event will also feature a fashion preview. Hosted by former NFL player Terry Cousin. Presented by Talk of the Town and L.K. and R&R Productions. A portion of the net proceeds will go towards the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. 10 p.m. Cost varies; register online to receive complimentary admission before 11 p.m. Chima Brazilian Restaurant, 139 S. Tryon St. www.talkofthetownent.com.
The Brown Eye Geisha Experience
Come party with a mature crowd (25 and up preferred). Hosted by So So Def's own DJ Shakim. Presented by Q and NoGrease. 10 p.m. $30 and up. Nikko's Japanese Restaurant, 1300 South Blvd. www.ez-tixx.com.
The Signature Event with DJ Khaled
This party sells out every year and returns with another celebrity DJ. Presented by Inner Circle Events. 10 p.m. $30 and up. The Forum, 300 N. College St. www.innercircleevents.com.
Saturday, February 27
McDonald's Super Saturday
Featuring the Miss CIAA Pageant, a cheerleading exhibition, battle of the bands, dance show by celebrity choreographer Laurie Ann Gibson, and a performance by Bow Wow. 9 a.m. Free. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. www.ciaatournament.org.
Uptown Saturday
This day party usually reaches capacity within a couple of hours. Part of Digital Divas' Welcome to Charlotte Weekend. Music by DJ Polo. 12-6 p.m. Cost varies. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 214 N. Tryon St. (corner of Fifth and College streets). www.digitaldivasevents.com.
The Day Affair Vol. 4
It’s billed as "The Best D#mn Day Party…Period" and returns for another year. Includes an open buffet. Presented by BestFriendz. 12-7 p.m. $25 and up. Whisky River, inside the EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. thedayaffair.eventbrite.com.
C.I. Day Party Headquarters Part 2
It’s one of the largest day parties, spread over two days. Encompassing three levels with 40 TVs, 10 pool tables, and card games. And featuring five DJs as well as live performances by BlacCatt. Presented by Talk of the Town, L.K. and R&R Productions, and Pinkies-Up Productions. 12-7 p.m. $10 in advance; free before 1 p.m. Fox and Hound, 330 N. Tryon St. www.talkofthetownent.com.
Diddy Presents The Event
Hosted and including a performance by the hip-hop music mogul. VIP packages available, including a meet-and-greet with Diddy. Presented by Taylor Massey Entertainment. 9 p.m. $60 and up. Ramada Hotel, 212 W. Woodlawn Rd. www.ez-tixx.com.
The Colossal Finale
This is night two of Maz Entertainment’s takeover of one of the city’s tallest buildings. Party on marble floors as you gaze at the city’s skyline through a three-story glass ceiling. Plus the escalators will lead you to the large VIP section located on level two. 9 p.m. $30 and up. Bank of America’s Founders Hall, 100 N. Tryon St. www.mazentertainment.net.
The Tournament Extravaganza
They're giving you the CIAA's first theater party. DJ BroRabb will be spinning in the main room, while DJ Tron will play in the theater with music videos on the big screen. 9 p.m. $20 in advance; more at the door. Presented by Sol Kitchen. Mez and EpiCentre Theaters, 210 East Trade St. www.thesolkitchen.com.
Drake’s CIAA 2010 Grand Finale
He’s the hottest new rapper of the past year, and you can see him in person as he hosts this party. 9 p.m. $40 in advance. Club 935, 935 S. Summit Ave. www.club935.com.
Sunday, February 28
Panache – It's Just Brunch
Enjoy good food as you say good-bye to the CIAA Tournament during this annual brunch. Presented by Digital Divas. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Ruth's Chris, 222 S. Tryon St. www.digitaldivasevents.com.
Jazzy Sundays Farewell Party
Get one more party in before the weekend concludes. Hosted by V101.9's Chirl Girl and music by DJ '06. 2-7 p.m. Cost varies. Tempo, 4809 Wilkinson Blvd. www.tempocharlotte.com.
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