Events for the Week: April 6-12

Your best weekly list for parties, nightlife, social, and cultural events in Charlotte. This isn’t intended to be a complete list of what’s going on, but instead are the events GPT recommends. More events may be added throughout the week.

Monday, April 6

Charlotte Energy Summit
Leading the Charlotte region out of the recession by creating new jobs and economic opportunities in the area’s fast-growing energy sector will be the focus of the first-ever Charlotte Energy Summit. Sponsored by Duke Energy, the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, and Charlotte Regional Partnership. 2:30-8 p.m. Hilton Charlotte Center City Hotel, 222 E. Third St. www.duke-energy.com.

Tuesday, April 7

Public Forum: Judicial Reform
Learn about the inner-workings of Mecklenburg County’s judicial system and discuss ways to make needed changes. Judicial panelists will discuss their experience running for and serving as a judge and talk about the greatest challenges facing the Mecklenburg criminal justice system. Panelists will also provide a hands-on perspective and discuss ideas on how the public can get more involved to advance needed changes. Presented by GenerationEngage, the Urban League Guild of the Central Carolinas, and Democracy NC. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free, but please RSVP. Urban League of the Central Carolinas, 740 W. Fifth St. www.generationengage.org/state/chltt.

Tone-X and Friends (weekly event)
Come laugh at the jokes and skits by Power 98’s Tone-X, Chris “Funnyman” Robinson, and other comedians. Music by DJ Stacey Blackman. 8 p.m. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Skandalos, 5317 E. Independence Blvd. www.myspace.com/tonexandfriends.

Wednesday, April 8

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. Sponsored by Creative Loafing and The Sol Kitchen. 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Free. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. www.apostrophelounge.com.

I Got Status Wednesdays
If you come for nothing else, come for the half-price appetizers and half-price drinks. And mingle with young professionals at the bar and lounge of this beautiful restaurant. Presented by Red Carpet Affairs. 6:30-10:30 p.m. Free. Chima Brazilian Steakhouse, 139 S. Tryon St. www.redcarpetaffairsnc.com.

Thursday, April 9

Rythemology and After-work Social
Enjoy live jazz during happy hour then hang around late for DJ Daddy D. 6 p.m. Free. Utopia Restaurant, 10210 Berkeley Place Dr. www.utopianc.com.

Top Notch Thursdays (weekly event)
It’s billed as a party for “local celebrities, young professionals, ordinary people, and superstars.” Sounds like it’s for everyone. Plenty of drink specials. Hip-hop and R&B spun by DJ Elementz. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. Tilt, 127 W. Trade St. www.tiltcharlotte.com.

Friday, April 10

Friday Afterwork Rendezvous (weekly event)
End your workweek on a high note at this networking event, held at a different venue each week. Enjoy drink and appetizer specials while mingling with young professionals. Presented by Talk of the Town. 6-10 p.m. Free. Ruth's Chris Steak House, 222 S. Tryon St.

Boney James in Concert
See the acclaimed saxophonist perform live. This is the first installment in the Carolina Smooth Jazz Friends concert series. 8 p.m. $35 and up. Dale F. Halton Theater, 1206 Elizabeth Ave. www.thejazzdiva.com or click here to buy tickets.

Amateur Night at the Soul Café
Enjoy an evening of amateur entertainment and you’ll get to pick the winner. After the competition will be a performance by The Company Band while DJ DR will close out the night on the turntables. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served the first hour. Presented by The Underground Soul Station. 8 p.m. $5. Wine Up, 3306 N. Davidson St. www.wine-up.com.

I Love the QC
Mingle and party with the trendsetters and tastemakers of Charlotte. “I Love the QC” T-shirts will be given away throughout the night. 9 p.m. Free before 10:30 p.m. Kiss Lounge, 204 W. Woodlawn Rd. www.kisscharlotte.com.

Saturday, April 11

Nappy Luv 7.5
It’ll be a night of creative hip-hop and R&B, hosted by MTV2’s Amanda Diva, who will also perform. Additional performances by Median, Jocelyn Ellis, and Quill, plus DJ DR and That Guy Smitty on the turntables. Open bar. 9 p.m. $30 in advance. Hart Witzen Gallery, 136 E. 36th St. www.nappyluv.com.

Inner Circle Events Turns Five
The popular planners of “premium professional nightlife” celebrate five years of throwing parties in Charlotte. 10 p.m. $15 in advance, more at the door. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 214 N. Tryon St. (corner of Fifth and College streets). www.innercircleevents.com or click here to buy tickets.

Ron Browz CD Release Party
The hitmaker behind "Pop Champagne" and "Jumping Out the Window" hosts this party and will also perform. 10 p.m. $20 in advance, more at the door; members free until 11 p.m. (visit website for membership). Club 935, 935 S. Summit Ave. www.club935.com.

Sunday, April 12

Easter Jazz Brunch
Featuring a great brunch menu with everything from shrimp and grits to Utopia Style Sweet Chicken. Hosted by Mellanie Clark of Praise 100.9 and live jazz by the John Dillard Trio. Free admission. 12-3 p.m. Reservations recommended. Utopia Restaurant, 10210 Berkeley Place Dr. www.utopianc.com.

SSSHH: Sensual Seduction Sundays at Happy Hour (weekly event)
Enjoy an infusion of open-mic poetry and jazz over candlelight. Hosted by poet Bluz. After-party and dancing follows. Presented by Pink Diamond. 9 p.m. $10. Happy Hour Bar and Lounge, 3603 S. Tryon St. www.pinkdiamondpromo.com.