Talking About Nightlife on The Charlotte Podcast

I was the guest on this week's episode of The Charlotte Podcast with hosts John and Miller. The guys had me on to talk about Charlotte nightlife. And because I have a tendency to give backstories, a lot of our discussion focused on how far the city's nightlife scene has come during the decade I've lived here; plus, where I feel it's headed and what we need more of. They also had me recommend a bachelor party night out in Charlotte, which was a fun, on-the-spot question.

During our conversation, I pretty much gave a walk down memory lane on "nightlife" in Charlotte, to the lonely days before there was an EpiCentre or Music Factory in Uptown, or bars and breweries all over NoDa, South End, and Plaza Midwood. Back when the most there was to look forward to in the nightlife and social scene was Alive After Five. (Not knocking AA5, though, which returned for the season last week, and runs each Thursday through August; it's a rite of passage for newcomers, and is still a great social event to meet people.)

If you haven't lived in Charlotte very long and/or you feel the current nightlife scene leaves a lot to be desired, you should listen to this podcast discussion because it will: 1) Cause you to realize how good you have it here now compared to before; 2) Help you understand the positive momentum and growth the scene is continuing to experience, which bodes well for the future. And, it's just fun to talk about "going out" even if you don't do so often, but we all have FOMO from time to time.

I've gone to Red Clay Ciderworks a couple of times, which is an extension of Charlotte's craft brewery scene

I enjoyed talking to Miller and John, and I appreciate them for having me on. I first "met" Miller through Twitter (@MillerYoho), maybe a couple of years ago, and we've since gotten to know each other through our day jobs. And this was my first time meeting John in person, since I'd only previously known him through his Twitter alias (@TheTrolleyWalk).

Listen to the episode in the embed below or directly on Soundcloud or iTunes (episode 015).

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Eating My Way Through Charlotte During a Busy Week

Charlotte has a lot of great restaurants. I do a pretty good job of keeping up with what's what, what's hot, what's new, and so on within the dining scene. But because there are so many great choices nowadays, it often takes a long time for me to make a return visit to a restaurant that is absolutely worthy of repeat visits.

This past week was a busy one for me, but fortunately, among other things, a few of the appointments on my calendar included dining spots.

On Tuesday, I met a friend for lunch at The Liberty. I love the burgers there, but prior to a few days ago, I don't think I'd eaten at The Liberty in more than a year. Well, it's about to get high again on my radar after the meal I had. I started with the fried pickles--the decision inspired by my radio show appearance the day before in which the topic of who has the best fried pickles in Charlotte came up. And my entree was The Carolina Pig Burger, made of Berkshire pork and black Angus beef with pepper jack, candied smoked bacon, chipotle aioli, and tomato jam.

Wednesday was highlighted by the second installment of the Dusk Till Dawn Social Series, which is Charlotte magazine's new monthly event. It took place at Eight Sushi and Asian Kitchen, a new restaurant and bar at NC Music Factory. We had a great time that evening, and even though I didn't eat, I enjoyed drinks there.

Thursday was another great day, kicked off with some exciting morning meetings. And after attending a private reception that evening for the new Microsoft store opening at SouthPark Mall, I had the pleasure of joining friends of a friend for dinner at Del Frisco's. I ordered the pan-roasted chicken breast, served with lemon rice and Provencal sauce. And the sides we had (prepared in sharing-size portions) were cabbage and chateau potatoes. I was in the presence of some esteemed guests, so I didn't take any pics of my food. You know, as Childish Gambino rapped, "We don't take pictures. When you're rich, you just see it again."

And last but not least, my lunch on Friday was amazing. I had the privilege of sampling several of the items on Nan and Byron's new fall menu. I had the "Cutting Board," which is an array of artisan cheeses and meats, the Burrata salad, Porcini mushroom ravioli, sushi grade tuna tartare, and braised pork belly.

I haven't gone into much detail about each of the menu items here, but just rest assure that everything was delish! Certainly worth writing home about (or blogging about). And frankly, I just wanted to take a little time to tip my cap to these great restaurants that I, coincidentally, ate at this past week. Trust me, my typical week of meals doesn't look like this.

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Ideas to Take Shape at TEDxCharlotte 2013

TEDxCharlotte will bring together innovative, creative, and thought-provoking people and ideas for the third year, Friday, February 15 at Silver Hammer Studios at NC Music Factory. Tickets for the all-day event are $50 and can be purchased at tedxclt2013.eventbrite.com.

For TEDxCharlotte 2013, themed "Unlimited: Ideas Take Shape," presenters and artists include:

• Patricia Shafer, philanthropist and founder of Mothering Across Continents
• Cassie Parsons, chef/owner of Grateful Growers and Harvest Moon Grille
• Dale Mullinex, executive director of Urban Ministry Center
• Molly Barker, founder of Girls on the Run
• Robin Emmons, founder of Sow Much Good
• Chad Henderson, brewmaster at NoDa Brewing Company
• Karla Williams, author, philanthropy expert, and principal of the Williams Group
• JD, Buck, and Jackson Lewis, founders of Twelve in Twelve Foundation
• Valaida Fullwood, author, and Charles Thomas, photographer, of Giving Back, A History of Black Philanthropy
• Jocelyn Ellis, singer/songwriter

Behind the scenes of TEDxCharlotte promo featuring Red Jesse and Jocelyn Ellis.
Photo by Deborah Triplett.

I'm familiar with more than half of these presenters/artists and their work, so I know they're some of the leading professionals, entrepreneurs, and creative thinkers in their fields. Plus, I attended TEDxCharlotte in 2011 and can attest to this being a well-organized event (I don't think there was a conference last year).

This year's event takes place on a Friday--9 a.m. to 4 p.m.--which means many of you would probably have to miss work to attend. Just tell your boss that it will be a career-enhancing and personal development seminar, of sorts, that you should be given the time away from work to go to. Also, this year, there was no application process to attend--simply purchase a ticket. An after-party will follow at VGBG Beer Hall & Garden, which is also at NC Music Factory.

For more details, visit tedxcharlotte.com.

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Kendrick Lamar Brings Out J. Cole During BET Music Matters Tour Stop In Charlotte

What happens when Compton, California and Fayetteville, North Carolina connect over hip hop? See the video below (NSFW: explicit lyrics). Kendrick Lamar brought out J. Cole for a surprised appearance Tuesday night during the BET Music Matters Tour stop at The Fillmore Charlotte. In addition to performing "Nobody's Perfect," my favorite song off of Cole World: The Sideline Story, J. Cole also launched into a freestyle.

Speaking of J. Cole and BET, the Fayetteville native/Roc Nation star has been nominated for six BET Hip Hop Awards: Best Collabo ("Nobody's Perfect" featuring Missy Elliott), Best Live Performer, Lyricist of the Year, Producer of the Year, MVP of the Year, and CD of the Year. The BET Hip Hop Awards show airs Tuesday, October 9 at 8 p.m. on BET.

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Next Charlotte Restaurant Week—January 20-29, 2012

The semi-annual Queen's Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week returns for its Winter 2012 edition, taking place Friday, January 20 through Sunday, January 29. The CRW website, www.charlotterestaurantweek.com, went live today with the updated info and there are a record 101 restaurants participating.

Charlotte Restaurant Week began in 2008 and since then has been held each January (winter) and July (summer). I remember the first time I blogged about it here on Grown People Talking was in the summer of 2009, in which was its third installment--it featured a then-record high 71 restaurants and also marked the first time it spanned 10 days. Clearly, CRW has grown—the last one featured 92 restaurants—and it's now solidified as a culinary tradition in the city.

It's the same deal you love: participating restaurants offering a prix fixe, three-course dinner for $30 per person (not including tax and gratuity). Many restaurants will throw in a fourth course or glass of wine for the deal.

Fern, Flavors from the Garden is one of a dozen first-time participants in restaurant week.

Restaurant owners love the promotion because it draws in diners during what is typically slow periods, and brings them a lot of first-time customers whom they hope will become regulars. And we, patrons, love it because it's a chance to enjoy a great meal and evening out at a reduced cost. Hensley Fontana Public Relations & Marketing, which owns and executes Charlotte Restaurant Week, reports that the summer edition in July 2011 generated approximately 90,000 dinners and an estimated economic impact of more than $4 million in revenue.

While nearly two-thirds of the participating restaurants are located in the Uptown, Dilworth, SouthPark, and south Charlotte areas—understandably so because those areas have the most restaurants period—the list spans the entire Charlotte area. The Lake Norman/North Mecklenburg/Iredell County section of the list has grown the most, now featuring 17 restaurants.

There are also a dozen first-time participants, including Bernardin’s at Ratcliffe in Uptown; Campania Cafe in Davidson; Fern, Flavors from the Garden in Plaza Midwood; Waldhorn Restaurant in Pineville; Yama Asian Fusion in SouthPark; Jeffrey’s Restaurant in Mooresville; Osso Restaurant & Lounge at N.C. Music Factory (opened just last week); La Paz in the Metropolitan; and several others.

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Anthony Hamilton Goes 'Back To Love' December 13

Grammy Award-winning, platinum-selling recording artist Anthony Hamilton is releasing his next album, Back To Love, on December 13. It'll be the Charlotte singer's fourth studio album and he's putting it out exactly three years after his last album, 2008's The Point of It All.

The first single from Back To Love is "Woo", which finds Anthony in awe of a woman he meets, singing in his usual soulful tone. "Ooh girl, you're so bad. [Woo woo ooh ooh.] But it feels so good," he croons on the chorus. He shot the video for "Woo" on Friday and posted a couple of camera phone photos to his Facebook page.

Anthony Hamilton on the set Friday for his new music video, "Woo".

Back To Love features songwriting and production by industry legends Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Salaam Remi, Dre & Vidal, and Anthony himself. You can pre-order the new album by clicking here, which includes an instant MP3 download of “Woo”.

And you can see him in concert when he brings The Woo Tour home to The Fillmore Charlotte on November 30. Tickets are $45 to $55. His website, www.anthonyhamilton.com, is currently raffling off tickets to select concert dates. Click here to see photos, by my friend and colleague Jon Strayhorn, from when Anthony last performed at The Fillmore in March.

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Wiz Khalifa's Bringing 'Rolling Papers World Tour' Concert to Charlotte with Big Sean

Charlotte's 2011 concert season keeps getting better. It's recently been announced that Wiz Khalifa is bringing his "Rolling Papers World Tour" to Charlotte on July 20 to Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheatre (the latest corporate-sponsored name for the amphitheater located at NC Music Factory). Tickets go on sale to the general public on April 20, as in 4/20, thanks to the Mary Jane-loving Wiz.

Wiz is certainly the hottest rapper to break onto the scene in the past year and a half, thanks largely to his monster hit/tribute to Pittsburgh, "Black and Yellow." He also built a large following before he attained mainstream success. The Taylor Gang, as his loyal fans are known, have been riding with him for a while due to his social media prowess, and the grind that keeps him traveling to perform in cities large and small almost every night of the week. This tour, however, represents his growing star power since he'll be playing medium-size to large venues. Members of the Taylor Gang Fan Club are able to buy pre-sale concert tickets beginning tomorrow.

I can't say I've jumped on the Wiz Khalifa bandwagon just yet (it doesn't matter--Amber Rose did). I like some of his songs, but it hasn't propelled me to download any of his mixtapes or buy his album. Once I'm a fan of an artist, I buy every CD he/she puts out (which is sadly becoming fewer and farther between).

I am excited about one of his guests on the tour, though: Big Sean. In case you aren't familiar, Big Sean is the G.O.O.D. Music (the record label run by Kanye West) artist that's bubbling now after years of hard work. His new single, "My Last" featuring Chris Brown, is currently one of my favorite songs (I've posted the video below). I respect his lyricism and the fresh air he's bringing to hip-hop. I'm anticipating that he'll have a breakout year this year.

The opening act for the tour is Chevy Woods, a fellow Pittsburgh rapper and member of Wiz's crew. I'm not that familiar with him though. This will actually be Wiz's third show in Charlotte in little more than a year. He performed at Amos' Southend last June, but that was before "Black and Yellow" catapulted him. And he was here just last month at Club 935 during the mass-load of events that were going on while the CIAA Tournament was in town. But as I mentioned earlier, this is pretty much Wiz's first real tour. And playing the high-as-a-kite character like he did at Amos and other similar-sized venues and nightclubs isn't going to translate well to the large stage at the amphitheater. He's going to need to show that he can command a stage that size.

Of the 27 dates announced for the tour, three are in the Carolinas: July 18 at House of Blues in North Myrtle Beach; July 20 at Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheatre here in Charlotte; and July 21 at White Oak Amphitheatre in Greensboro. For more details, visit www.wizkhalifa.com.

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Style Week Charlotte Kicks Off

Style Week Charlotte begins today and runs through next Saturday, April 16, highlighting the Queen City's ever-growing style and fashion scene. Charlotte Style Magazine and its publisher Bridgette West have created this nine-day celebration, inviting several businesses and event planners to participate, and elevating it from what was typically a one-day event. For the past few years, the magazine has crowned the 25 Most Stylish People in Charlotte with both an issue of the publication and a signature event. This red carpet affair takes place tomorrow at Mercedes Benz of South Charlotte.

There are plenty more events going on over the next week. It all kicks off this evening with Say Red: Cocktails and Conversations, 7-9 p.m. at BluPrint Restaurant, a new restaurant located at 227 W. Trade St. (in the same building as Morton's Steakhouse). This networking social is sure to draw Charlotte's fashionable community and will feature complimentary appetizers and giveaways. Admission is free, however a suggested donation of $5 is requested to go towards supporting Team Red Pump-Charlotte for the May 7 AIDS Walk.

Other notable events on the Style Week Charlotte schedule include the Tailored Tuesday mixer on April 12 at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse; a Spring Fashion Crawl and Wine Tasting on April 14 at Morrison Place; then it all culminates with a big event, Passport For Fashion, on April 16 at Reelworks Movie Studio at NC Music Factory.

For more details, ticket prices, and the full schedule of events, go to www.styleweekcharlotte.com.

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Comedy Zone to Open at NC Music Factory

I just checked my email a few minutes ago and saw that I'd received a press release from Charlotte Center City Partners tonight. They often forward releases from companies who make announcements concerning openings in center city. In this one, The Comedy Zone will be returning to Uptown Charlotte with a new location at NC Music Factory.

This is big news for fans of comedy. Heffron Talent, the company that owns The Comedy Zone, which has dozens of locations around the country, is headquartered in Charlotte. There used to be an Uptown location on College Street, but that closed at the end of 2007. The other area locations are in Lake Norman and Fort Mill, but having it return to the heart of the Queen City has been something people have been wanting for a while.

This could also prove to be a great fit for NC Music Factory, which is keeping its momentum going with the opening of another venue (there's a huge vacant space on the backside of Wet Willie's; I wonder if it's going there). Being able to boast a comedy house gives it one more bullet in the chamber for its shootout with big gun the EpiCentre. Rumor has it, Crobar, the internationally renown nightclub that had supposedly been "coming soon" to NC Music Factory for the past couple of years, has changed course. Crobar is no longer listed on the Music Factory's website, and whisperers are saying that it could instead open at the EpiCentre (Crobar still lists Charlotte on its website but no further details).

But the success of this new Comedy Zone isn't guaranteed. People are cutting back buying tickets to shows--this past summer's music concert season took a beating. Though laughter is often what people are looking for during tough times.

Below is the press release.

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Denny Hamlin: 'All He Do Is Win'

I guess this personalized license plate is true.

Yesterday, Denny Hamlin won his seventh NASCAR Sprint Cup series race of the season and second during the Chase. He's now just six points behind leader and four-time champion Jimmie Johnson with only four races remaining. If Denny was to win the championship, you can expect a ridiculous party next month at Butter NC, the popular nightclub he co-owns.

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Fashion's Big 'Night Out' at NC Music Factory, Butter

Thursday night I attended what is likely one of the largest fashion shows Charlotte has ever seen. To kick off Fashion’s Night Out, a global shopping initiative, Butter NC and Effie Loukas (owner of Lotus boutiques) hosted a fashion show in the courtyard at NC Music Factory. The fashion show featured 16 boutiques, 17 salons, and dozens of models.

I’ve been to several fashion shows in Charlotte and because there's usually fewer than a handful of boutiques/labels featured, the actual runway portion of the fashion show typically only lasts a few minutes. But because of the large number of boutiques participating in Thursday’s show, models strutted back and forth for more than 30 minutes, creating a thorough showcase of what local boutiques have to offer.

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Events for the Week: August 11-15

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. Use contact/website info listed to verify event details.

Wednesday, August 11

Pop Life
It’s still the city’s most popular Wednesday night event. Starts after work but runs late. Complimentary food 7-9 p.m. from Sadie’s. Music by DJ DR. Presented by Sol Kitchen. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. Luna Lounge, 521 N. College St. www.lunacharlotte.com or www.thesolkitchen.com.


Thursday, August 12

The Beautiful People Event
This stylish event offers an evening that includes photo shoots and a Glam Bar. Mingle with tastemakers from Charlotte's fashion scene. For guest list consideration, send an email including your name and occupation to stylemayvinpr@gmail.com. 7-11 p.m. Free. Chima Brazilian Steakhouse, 139 N. Tryon St. www.stylemayvin.com.


Friday, August 13

The Art of Body
This artistic event is poised to get your weekend off to a great start. Enjoy Gentleman Jack and other drink specials in a posh lounge, while listening to music by DJ Shogun. And the treat of the evening will be models wearing body paint. Presented by Team Takerz. 7 p.m. Free. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. www.apostrophelounge.com.


Saturday, August 14

5K Rock 'N Run/Walk Event
North End Partners invites you to run (or walk) this 5K event to support four non-profit agencies: Crisis Assistance, Hope Haven, Historic Rosedale, and Uptown Men's Shelter. Immediately following the run will be a concert. 6:30-7:30 a.m. registration; 8 a.m. 5K begins. $25-$30. NC Music Factory, 820 Hamilton St. Register at www.ncrockandrun.com.

Back to School Bash
Celebrate back to school time during this event presented by The Prodigal Son Foundation, an organization that provides education assistance and mentoring to youth. There will be free food, games, school supply giveaways, prizes, moon bounce, music, new student registration, and more. 4-7 p.m. Free. Nathaniel Alexander Elementary School, 7910 Neal Rd. www.prodigalsonfoundation.org.

Le Reve II
Upgrade your nightlife experience at one of Charlotte's most luxurious sceneries. This party caters to the classy and sophisticated. VIP includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, complimentary champagne, and private massages. Presented by Blue Goose Entertainment. 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. General admission $15, VIP $25. M5 Modern Mediterranean, 4310 Sharon Rd. www.bluegoosenc.com/lereve.

Antawn Jamison's 2nd Annual All-White Party
Wear your best white attire and join the Cleveland Cavalier and Charlotte native along with his NBA friends. Hosted by Columbia radio station Hot 103.9's Neek. 10 p.m. Members and ladies dressed in white free until 11 p.m. Advance tickets: general admission $15, VIP $30. Club 935, 935 S. Summit Ave. www.club935.com; tickets at www.ez-tixx.com.


Sunday, August 15

So Fancy Yacht Party
“I'm on a boat” is what you can be saying during this party on the water. Special birthday celebration for the Leos. Music by DJ Polo. Presented by SDE Marketing & Promotions. 8-11:30 p.m. $30 and up. Kingspoint Marina on Lake Norman. sofancy.eventbrite.com.

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Kourtney Kardashian Blogs About Her Weekend in Charlotte

Kourtney Kardashian and her fiancé Scott Disick were in Charlotte during Memorial Day weekend, and Kourtney has written about it today on her website. They partied at Butter NC that Friday night where it was advertised that Scott would be celebrating his 27th birthday. The couple brought their five-month-old son on the trip (not to the club, of course) and among the highlights Kourtney notes is eating at Chick-Fil-A. "We were all dying over the chicken sandwiches with pickles...yum!"

Click here to read about the Kardashians' experience and see photos from their night.

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'A Day in the Life of Charlotte'

One minute and 40 seconds is all it takes to show what that the Charlotte area has to offer. But there's a lot.

Visit Charlotte and its marketing division, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), have created a new video for its "Charlotte's got a lot" campaign. Titled "Welcome to Charlotte," this is one of the best visual portrayals of the city I've ever seen. If you've never visited Charlotte, it'll make you want to plan a trip ASAP. If you live here, it should remind you how lucky you are.

While the video starts off with an alarm clock going off at 7 a.m.--something we all dread--it rapidly takes you through dozens of passing scenes of attractions in Charlotte and the surrounding area: the airport, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Convention Center, light rail, restaurants, several theaters and museums, Billy Graham Library, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Lake Norman, Carowinds, U.S. National Whitewater Center, The Golf Club at Ballantyne, Carolina Panthers fans inside Bank of America Stadium, and nightlife at both the EpiCentre and NC Music Factory. Plus, there are formal greetings from Winston Kelley (NASCAR Hall), Mayor Anthony Foxx, Tim Newman (CRVA), Richard Childress, and Michael Jordan.

See the video below.

For more, visit www.charlottesgotalot.com.

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Events for the Week: May 20-23

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. Use contact/website info listed to verify event details.

Thursday, May 20

Business After Hours
The Charlotte Chamber of Commerce presents this event each month at a different venue around Charlotte. Mix, mingle, and network with other professionals--bring your business cards. Complimentary food and drinks will be served. 5:30-7:30 p.m. $15 (free for Chamber members). Drury Inn and Suites, 6920 Northlake Mall Drive. www.charlottechamber.com.

Cufflinks and Cocktails
This monthly after-work event brings out plenty of well-dressed, professional people. Presented by the Charlotte Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. 6-10 p.m. Free. M5, 4310 Sharon Road. www.cufflinksandcocktails.com/cc/May2010.htm.

Strike and the City
Each Thursday, enjoy half-price martinis, specialty “skinny” menu items, free shoe rental, and “increased level of attention and pampering” at this trendy bowling alley. This week, media darlings Brittney Cason, Jacinda Garabito, and Dianne Gallagher will be giving away designer shoes and four VIP passes to the upcoming Sex and the City 2 screening. 8 p.m. Free. StrikeCity, inside the EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. www.strikeandthecity.com.

Friday, May 21

Fridays at the Factory
It’s a new Friday event that sees the NC Music Factory transformed into a tropical escape. Enjoy entry into Black Bear Saloon, Butter NC, Halo, and Wet Willie’s. Cabanas and day beds available by reservation. Drinks served at multiple cash bars around the plaza. Sushi by Nikko served 7-9 p.m. Come dressed comfortably—shorts, bikini tops, and flip-flops allowed. Featuring a DJ and live bands. 5-11 p.m. Free. NC Music Factory, 1000 Seaboard St. www.ncmusicfactory.com.

Gauntlet Slam
This edition of SlamCharlotte’s monthly slam will be a great evening of poetry, improv, and comedy. 8 p.m. $10. McGlohon Theatre, at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. www.slamcharlotte.com or www.blumenthalcenter.org.

PlayDate Charlotte
Bring out the kid in you. Play card games, checkers, dominoes, Connect Four, Twister, Monopoly, old-school video games, and more while enjoying music, food, and drinks. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Tyvola Marriott, 5700 Westpark Dr. www.playdatecharlotte.com.

Customer Appreciation Night
Hang out at one of Charlotte’s most popular lounges and enjoy the beautiful outdoor patio. $5 Gentleman Jack specials. Music by DJ C-Rob. 10 p.m. Free all night. Kiss Lounge, 204 W. Woodlawn Rd. www.kisscharlotte.com.

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GPT Video: Lotus Fashion Show at Butter

I attended the Lotus in Wonderland Spring Fashion Show Thursday night at Butter NC. About 30 ladies modeled Alice in Wonderland-inspired clothing, hair, and makeup in front of a large crowd. The show was put on by Lotus, the Charlotte boutique that has four locations around the city. Below is a five-minute video I captured of the scene.

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Charlotte Singer On '106 & Park' Today

Charlotte singer D. Blake is appearing on BET's 106 & Park this evening, competing in the "Wild-Out Wednesday" competition. The show airs at 6 p.m. and throughout the episode viewers will be asked to vote via text message for their favorite performer. See the YouTube video below of D. Blake introducing himself, talking about the upcoming 106 & Park appearance, and singing "My First Love."

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Events for the Week: May 5-9

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. Use contact/website info listed to verify event details.

Wednesday, May 5

Cinco de Mayo!

Find Your Center Jazz Series
It’s the kickoff of this new monthly, lunchtime jazz series (taking place the first Wednesday of the month until August). Bring your lunch or pay $5 for a great box lunch (catered by McCormick and Schmick’s), and enjoy music by John Alexander’s Band: Big Octave. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free. Fifth floor terrace, 201 South Tryon. www.findyourcenter.com.

Cinco de Mayo Party at La Paz
It’s Charlotte’s largest and longest-running Cinco de Mayo celebration. Several drink specials ranging from $1 tequila shots to $4 margaritas, and music by a Red Bull DJ. All day and night. Free. La Paz, 1910 South Blvd. www.lapazcharlotte.com.

Cinco de Mayo at The Bear
Charlotte’s newest bar is looking to create a holiday tradition. Drink specials include $2 Coronas and $3 tequila shots. All to give you the liquor courage for karaoke beginning at 9:30 p.m. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. Black Bear Saloon, at NC Music Factory, 900 Seaboard St. www.blackbearcharlotte.com.

Pop Life – Cinco de Mayo Edition
It’s still the city’s most popular Wednesday night event. Starts after work but runs late. Complimentary food 7-9 p.m. from Sadie’s. Music by DJ DR. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. Luna Lounge, 521 N. College St. www.lunacharlotte.com or www.thesolkitchen.com.

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NC Music Factory Cranking Up; My Mea Culpa

It's getting busy at the NC Music Factory. Not only did the hottest new nightclub in Charlotte, Butter NC, open a few months ago, but Black Bear Saloon opened earlier this month and Wet Willie's is set to open there any day now. Plus, Halo nightclub is still going strong, and the two live music venues, Uptown Amphitheatre and The Fillmore Charlotte, are lining up an exciting spring and summer concert schedule.

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You'll Like Butter, Baby

If you're looking for somewhere to go tonight, you might want to try Butter NC (also known as Butter Charlotte), Charlotte's hottest new nightclub. You've likely heard about it since it held its grand opening in February--and you've probably also heard how it can often be difficult to get in.

Butter NC was the latest venue to open at NC Music Factory until BlackBear Charlotte opened this week (Wet Willie's is also finally scheduled to open there in a few weeks).

You can read about the Butter experience in the article I wrote for the May issue of Charlotte magazine, "Butter Up." And click here for the club's website. Also, one quick update, when I interviewed NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, an investor in Butter NC, he said they were looking to add a fourth night to their current operating schedule, which is Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I've learned that they will soon be open on Tuesdays.

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