Happy Thursday, Qcity. Four down, and one to go until the weekend is officially here. If you work in Uptown or plan to be in the area today, switch it up for lunch with a free tour of a Levine Center for the Arts institution as part of Art Break. Click here for details. Here’s a look at what else is happening around the Qcity this weekend:
MUSIC + COMEDY
THE JAZZ ROOM – Friday, 6 p.m. @ Blumenthal Stage Door Theater: Charlotte’s Jazz Arts Initiative’s monthly series—The Jazz Room @ The Stage Door Theater – is swingin’ through the summer with a tribute to the legendary trumpeter Chet Baker played by the acclaimed Jon Thornton. (Details)
AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH JENNIFER HOLIDAY – Saturday, 7 p.m. @ McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square: Join Different Roads Home for a live performance from Broadway legend and recording star Jennifer Holliday. Her show-stopping, heart-wrenching performance of the torch ballad “And I am Telling You, I’m Not Going” in the 1981 smash hit, “Dreamgirls,” is considered one of the all-time best performances in a Broadway musical. (Details)
GARY OWEN LIVE – Sunday, 7 p.m. @ The Comedy Zone Charlotte: Known from a variety of hits from “Think Like a Man,” “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” and “Ride Along,” Owen returns to his standup roots when he hits the stage this weekend in Charlotte. (Details)
ARTS & CULTURE
BECHTLER BY NIGHT – Friday, 5 p.m. @ Bechtler Museum of Modern Art: Gather friends and view the extensive Bechtler collection under the cover of the night sky. The museum will offer complimentary gallery tours from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The tours are designed for guests who can’t go to the museum during normal hours. (Details)
SCIENCE ON THE ROCKS: BACK TO SCHOOL – Friday, 5 p.m. @ Discovery Place: If you’re nostalgic for the smell of freshly sharpened pencils and the sweet rush of hall pass privileges, don’t miss out on this unforgettable adults-only night at the Museum, featuring: The Dirty Spelling Bee, Field Day Activities, Arts & Crafts, Killer Chemistry, and much more. (Details)
QUEEN CITY URBAN ART SHOWCASE – Saturday, 12:30 p.m. @ Advent: The Queen City Urban Art Showcase is a networking event for the creative community anchored with art exhibits from the top talent in the area. Meet and greet your fellow creatives and build relationships that further your creative efforts. (Details)
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
CMBCC CONNECT BUSINESS AFTER HOURS EVENT – Thursday, 6 p.m. @ Imani’s Fusion Cafe: Join Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce for an evening of professional networking and good food. Chef Imani serves up soul food like meatloaf, fried flounder and fried okra along with sandwiches, salads and other classics. (Details)
PLAZA PATIO PARTY – Friday, 5 p.m. @ Healthy Home Market: Spend your Friday hanging out at one of the best patios in Plaza Midwood and enjoy live music, games, beer, food samples and more. (Details)
SALSA WITH JENNIFER – Sunday, 3 p.m. @ Harvey B. Gantt Center: Learn the fundamentals of New York style Salsa dancing and explore the cultural history of Salsa music. You can pick up some techniques to use the next time you’re out dancing socially. (Details)
THE DUKE MANSION HOME & GARDEN TOUR – Sunday, 12 p.m. @ The Duke Mansion: Enjoy a free self-guided tour of this historic landmark home, including the exquisite overnight rooms and more than four acres of gardens. This year’s tour includes new gardens installed this spring. (Details)
For more events in the Qcity, check out www.WhatsHappeningCharlotte.com, where you’ll find something to do every day of the month!
