CIAA Week 2014 Events: Thursday, Feb. 27
Compiled by Jarvis Holliday, @HollidayInk.
The annual Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Tournament is taking place in Charlotte for the ninth consecutive year, with events scheduled from Monday, February 24 to Sunday, March 2. The tournament includes five days of men’s and women’s college basketball games at Time Warner Cable Arena, and surrounding events and parties create additional excitement and draw tens of thousands of visitors to the city.
The three-day, free CIAA Fan Experience begins February 27 at Charlotte Convention Center, with concerts, celebrity appearances, vendors, and more.
Photo credit: mcdonalds.com/365black
Below is a list of events scheduled for Thursday, February 27.
Please use the website listed for each event to verify information. Advance tickets can be purchased through many of the websites as well.
*Denotes an official CIAA Tournament event
This list will be updated weekly with additional events, so check back soon.
UPDATED: 2-26-14
Thursday, February 27
*CIAA Career Expo
This expo is open to all current college students and alumni who are searching for graduate school opportunities or jobs. Visit the website for a list of participating universities and employers. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission. Charlotte Convention Center, Hall C, 501 S. College St., theciaa.com.
*CIAA Men’s Tournament Quarterfinals
Basketball action continues between the men’s teams. 1, 3, 7, and 9 p.m. All-session passes, $60-$530. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St., theciaa.com.
*CIAA Fan Experience
A full schedule of events and activities for fans, including prize and ticket giveaways, car displays, video games and interactive zones, cooking exhibitions, celebrity appearances, and performances by popular hip-hop and R&B artists. Presented by Toyota. 5-10 p.m. Free admission. Charlotte Convention Center, Halls A and B, 501 S. College St., theciaa.com.
*Fourth Annual Food Lion Teen Summit
Girls and boys, ages 13 to 18, are invited to an evening of “real talk.” This summit encourages teens to have candid conversations and interaction among their peers, and will also include food, a step show, DJ, contests, and prizes. Hosted by Girl Talk Foundation, Inc. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free admission; advance registration required. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St., girltalkfoundationinc.com.
*CIAA Old-School Skate Party Featuring DJ Kool
The CIAA offers a night of roller-skating fun for adults, to the sounds of some of your favorite old-school hip-hop and R&B music played by the legendary DJ Kool. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $20 and up. Kate’s Skating Rink, 14500 Independence Blvd., Indian Trail, ciaaskateparty.com.
Fourth Annual Charlotte Black Film Festival (through March 1)
This festival will include screenings of independent films that express the African-American experience, as well panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and networking events. The schedule also includes the Vision Awards, which recognizes the achievements of emerging actors, composers, screenwriters, and directors. Ticket prices vary. UNC Charlotte Center City, 340 E. 9th St., cbff.net.
Premiere
Touch down, then turn up. This event is for the experienced partygoer who is ready to create memorable experiences. DJ Flash will keep the sellout crowd moving by playing the best in Hip Hop & R&B. Brought to you by Culture19. 9 p.m-2 a.m. $10 and up; bottle service available. Vida Mexican Kitchen and Cantina, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., culture19.com.
The Uptown Swagga Band Live Go-Go Music Show
Get ready for a performance that would make the Godfather of Go-Go proud, especially if you’re from the DMV. Brought to you by Queen-City Omegas. 11 p.m.-2 a.m. $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Omegas Fraternity House, 3301 Statesville Ave., piphiomegas.org.
The Jump Off
This party will run from happy hour to late-night, featuring music from DJ Biggs of Washington, D.C. and DJ Lonnie B of Virginia. Brought to you by Eddietainment Inc., Pearl Vision Group, Eddleton Events, and J&J Entertainment. 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Free admission before 9 p.m. Vapiano, 201 S. Tryon St., thejumpoff2014.eventbrite.com.
Ignition 2014
Party hard on two levels, with three DJs: DJ Bobby Drake from Raleigh, DJ Shogun now in Charlotte by way of Queens, New York, and DJ Chris McGregory of 102 Jamz in the Triad. Brought to you by Eddietainment Inc. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $10 and up in advance. BlackFinn, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., ignition2014.eventbrite.com.
Where the Mature Mingle
Part of Brothers 4 Life Entertainment’s Tournament Weekend 2K14 lineup of five parties. Music by DJ Fatz. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $20 in advance; VIP tables available. Cosmos Café Uptown, 300 N. College St., b4life-ent.com.
Fourth Annual All-Tournament Alumni Mixer
Innertwyned Music, the live band behind R&B stars Anthony Hamilton and Tamia, will provide the musical soundscape along with DJ Rob Stacks from Virginia. You’ll also be able view the new episode of hit television show Scandal upstairs in the hookah lounge. Food and drink specials all night. A portion of proceeds will go to the CIAA Scholarship Fund. Brought to you by TMB Marketing Firm. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. General admission, $20 in advance; VIP, $50. Tanner’s Bistro & Lounge, 505 E. Sixth St., alltournamentmixer.eventbrite.com.
Throwback Thursday with Doug E. Fresh, SWV, and Kid Capri
It’s an old school party with Doug E. Fresh, SWV, DJ Kid Capri, and music by DJ Danny Dee. Hosted by Big Ron Devoe. Brought to you by Digital Divas and Friends. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. $25 and up in advance; VIP admission and cabanas available. Oasis Party at The Tent, corner of Ninth and College streets, digitaldivasevents.com.
CLT Tournament Tip Off
Start your tournament weekend with Charlotte’s young and fabulous, including alumni, fans, and friends of Bowie State, Chowan, Elizabeth City State, Fayetteville State, Livingstone, JCSU, Lincoln University, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine, Shaw University, Virginia State, Virginia Union, and Winston Salem State. The event includes complimentary food from Terrace Café, and free beer and wine. Music by DJ OP. Hosted by Pride Public Relations, WGIV 103.3 FM and JCSU’s Charlotte Alumni Chapter. 5-10 p.m. $10 in advance. Tilt on Trade, 127 W. Trade St., tournamenttipoff.eventbrite.com.
Second Annual We Are Prodigal Son Fundraiser
The Prodigal Son Foundation hosts this event, offering an evening of live music, hors d’oeuvres, giveaways, and more. All proceeds will benefit the Limbs for Life 5K Run. 6-9 p.m. Free admission; RSVP at prodigalson2014.eventbrite.com. Charlotte Trolley Museum, 1507 Camden Rd.
Heaven @ Blue
It’s the eighth consecutive year for this party, this time themed “grown, fly, and backless.” Music by DJ 06 to start off the night, followed by The Let It Flow Band at 11 p.m. Brought to you by Talk of the Town. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $30 in advance. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 206 N. College St. (corner of 5th and College streets), talkofthetownent.com.
Second Annual Tip-Off Spectacular Day Party
WPEG Power 98 FM is getting the day party scene started a day early, with music by Mr. Incognito. 1-7 p.m. Free admission before 3 p.m.; $5 after. Suite, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., wpegsuitethursday.eventbrite.com.
Pink Groove IX: Scandal Edition
The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Rho Psi Omega Chapter, bring you this event once again. It’s become an annual Thursday night tradition during tournament week. Hosted by Nephew Tommy from the Steve Harvey Morning Show, with music by DJ Skillz and DJ DR, and featuring a Scandal episode premiere viewing party on the rooftop and cigar lounge. 9 p.m. General admission, $35 in advance; VIP, $65. Phoenix, 300 N. College St. pinkgroove9.eventbrite.com.
The Wine Down (through March 2)
Explore the area’s wine country during this tour, offered once each day, Thursday through Sunday during tournament week. Acres of lush wine vineyards will be at your footstep, and you’ll have the chance to taste dozens of award-winning North Carolina wines right where they’re made. Brought to you by WineMeDown.com. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $49-$59. Departs from uptown Charlotte, 303 E. Trade St., charlottewinedown.eventbrite.com.
Diverse Thursday: The Reunion
The “Diverse Thursday” brand has been going since 2010, and on this night partiers will reunite, dancing to music from DJ Freedom and DJ Shaun Nyce, enjoying the Jerk Shack’s Caribbean cuisine, and have their memories captured in photos by Eric Sean Media. Brought to you by Dre Brown, Tiffany Hemby, and Troy Veale. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $10 and up in advance. Dharma Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St., dharmareunion2014.eventbrite.com.
The Sol Kitchen and Friends Present DJ Clue
The legendary DJ and radio personality will rock the party. 10 p.m.-2:15 a.m. $20 in advance; VIP tables available. Suite, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., solkitchendjclue.eventbrite.com.
Throwback Thursday Tournament Weekend 2014
The organizers of this annual party invite you to bowl, drink, dance, reminisce, and repeat. Music by DJ C-Robb, who’ll play songs from the golden era of hip hop, 1995-2005. Hosted by Inner Circle Events, Rickmond Media, M. Simmons, and their fellow Nupes. 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. General admission, $10 in advance; VIP admission, $25; VIP lanes also available. StrikeCity, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., eventbrite.com/e/its-tbt-throwback-thursday-tournament-weekend-2014-tickets-10466430375.
Juicy J – The Never Sober Tour
With opening act Project Pat, Juicy J brings his concert tour to town. 8 p.m. $37.50. The Fillmore Charlotte, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd., fillmorecharlottenc.com/event/0E004C2F13AF7EA8.
Welcome Vendor Market (Thursday and Friday)
Vendors will sell baked goods, books, clothing, food, jewelry, Mary Kay, and more. Plus, there will be spoken word, gospel, and R&B performances. Raffle tickets will be sold to benefit scholarships for JCSU students. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free admission. First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 301 S. Davidson St., facebook.com/welcomemarket.
Throwback Thursdays Starring Mint Condition
The legendary R&B band will perform live. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $40. Omni Charlotte Hotel, 132 E. Trade St., mintconditioncharlotte.eventbrite.com.
Throwback Thursday Tournament Edition with DJ Biz Markie
Enjoy Caribbean food and drinks, while partying to music from DJ Biz Markie and DJ Badala B. 8 p.m.-until. $25 and up. Twilight Lounge, 7030 Smith Corners Blvd., facebook.com/TwilightLounge.
Thursday Night Rooftop Tournament Kickoff Party
Kick off your weekend at this party on the rooftop of uptown’s popular entertainment complex. Music by DJ Milliano. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Free admission with RSVP. Pavilion at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St., eventbrite.com/e/free-4-all-thursday-night-rooftop-tournament-kickoff-party-w-dj-milliano-tickets-10752265315.
Liv on Thursday with Meek Mill and Erica Mena
MMG rapper Meek Mill and Love & Hip Hop star Erica Mena collaborate to host this party. 9:30 p.m.-3 a.m. General admission, $35 in advance; VIP admission, $75; VIP tables available. Label, 900 NC Music Factory Blvd., meekmills-erica.eventbrite.com.
Hustle and Flow After-Party with T.I.
T.I. hosts this event with his Hustle Gang family and Boss Management Group. Music by DJ MLK and DJ Whoo Kid. Presented by Obie The Promoter, Grand Hustle, Rubicon, and DTLR. 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. General admission, $30 in advance; VIP admission, $60; VIP tables available. Caviar Nightlife, 300 E. Stonewall St., eventbrite.com/e/tiofficial-hustle-flow-after-party-tickets-10681481599.
