Charlotte Mardi Gras, Valentine Gala, Celebrity Date Auction, and More Feb. 8-10
There are several creative social events taking place this weekend, including a few that will make for a great date night—or a chance to find a date. Get in where you fit in!
Friday, February 8
Charlotte Mardi Gras: Parade of Beads
The EpiCentre and all of its tenants are coming together to offer you some local Mardi Gras fun. The entertainment complex is being transformed into the French Quarter with decorations, special creole menus, hurricane bars, street performers, face painters, local team mascots, cheerleaders, and bands. A DJ will crank up New Orleans Zydeco favorites along with other fitting songs such as the NOLA clap and New Orleans Bounce. Party goers are encouraged to bring beads and they will be on sale at the event as well. 7 p.m.; parade begins 9 p.m. Free (cover charges may apply at participating venues). EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., epicentrenc.com, charlottemardigras.com.
Reggae Rehab (new weekly event)
This new event series kicks off, catering to reggae music lovers. Tonight will also serve as the album release party for Pressure Buss Pipe and as a celebration of Bob Marley’s birthday. Music by Power 98’s DJ Daddy D and DJ Scorpion, playing reggae, dancehall, and a splash of today’s hip hop and R&B. Drink specials and flavored hookahs will be served. 10 p.m. $10 and up; VIP tables available. Societe, 1202 Charlottetowne Ave., societecharlotte.com.
Saturday, February 9
Second Annual Valentine Gala
Treat that special someone to an entertaining night out, featuring a cocktail hour, dinner, live music by the Peace and Love Band, a performance by comedian NuffCed, and close out with dancing to music by DJ DR. There will also be prize giveaways. 6 p.m.-midnight. $60. Embassy Suites, 4800 S. Tryon St., valentinegala2013.eventbrite.com.
11th Annual Jazzin' with Jack & Jill Fundraising Gala
The Charlotte Chapter of Jack & Jill of America is sponsoring their annual fundraising event, featuring Grammy-nominated neo-soul entertainer Dwele. Complimentary food will be served, along with a cash bar. The evening will also feature a silent auction. Cocktail attire is requested. 6 p.m. $100. The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, 201 E. Trade St., ritzcarlton.com/charlotte, jackandjillcharlotte.org.
Lovers & Friends: Sixth Annual Best Date Auction Ever
Place your bid at this auction for a chance to go on a date with participating celebrities, including Olivia Chisholm of ABC’s Duets, Mike of MTV’s Making the Band and Day 26, Kendra James of Oxygen’s Bad Girls Club, Ebony model Cross Thompson, and others along with more than a dozen Charlotte business professionals (click here to watch video promo). Award-winning poet Bluz will host the event, with music by Power 98’s Yasmin Young. Complimentary appetizers will be served along with a cash bar. Proceeds will benefit domestic violence and multiple sclerosis charities. Doors open 7 p.m. $10 in advance. Interior Motives, 2425 South Blvd., interiormotives.ws, metropauction.eventbrite.com.
Kazba’s Three-Year Anniversary Party
The popular and posh lounge at the EpiCentre celebrates three years of party rocking. Guests will be entertained by international DJ and producer Chris Lake, with an opening set by Kevin Focus. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $10 in advance; VIP available, vip@kazbacharlotte.com. Kazba, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., facebook.com/kazbacharlotte, chrislakecharlotte.eventbrite.com.
Sunday, February 10
Indulge
Spend your Sunday with a great crowd, over a festive brunch, at a beautiful lounge. Live music by the Harvey Cummings Project, and a DJ set by Kitch. Presented by Digital Divas and The Sol Kitchen. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission; reservations are encouraged, 704-971-0550. Osso Restaurant and Lounge, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd., ossocharlotte.com, digitaldivasevents.com.
Tim Hartley: Hair Innovator
It’s an intimate evening with a legend in the hair industry, Tim Hartley, who was the global creative director for Vidal Sassoon for more than three decades. 7 p.m. $75. Suite, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., suitecharlotte.com, timhartleycharlotte.com.
SIN Sundays (weekly event)
Party with some of your favorite nightlifers, with music this week by DJ R Wonz and DJ KnighttyM. Drink specials will be served. Presented by Chaz Inc. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. Roxbury Nightclub, 116 W. Fifth St., roxburynightclub.com, twitter.com/chazinc.
Verify dates, times, prices, and other info at the web addresses listed for each event.
Be sure to bookmark www.charlottemagazine.com/Blogs/Dusk-Till-Dawn to stay plugged into Charlotte nightlife. Follow me on Twitter @HollidayInk; email me at jarvish@grownpeopletalking.com.
