With so many great entertainment options last weekend, I found myself having to choose. It was my birthday weekend, and I knew I definitely I had to see the sensational French harmonica player, Frederic Yonnet, who joined the Ziad Jazz Quartet for their monthly series Jazz at the Bechtler. And then there was jazz pianist Alex Bugnon, who was in South Carolina for the 3rd Annual Columbia Winter Jazz Fest.
Somehow, I managed to see both.
At the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the crowd was in awe as Yonnet practically blew the roof off the building with a spectacular performance. I had the pleasure of meeting him last November while he was in town to perform with Stevie Wonder. Suffice it to say, if you were not at the Bechtler last Friday, you certainly did yourself an disservice.
I later traveled to Columbia to see Bugnon, my favorite Jazz artist. Giddy like a school girl, and thanks to “Jazz Diva” Tammy Greene, I had the pleasure of sitting up close and personal for Bugnon’s magical performance. I’m now off my natural high and ready for more excitement.
Here are my weekend picks. I hope to see you on the town.
FRIDAY
Charlotte R&B Music Festival — If you enjoy the music of Keith Sweat, Mint Condition, K-C and JoJo, and Avant, then Bojangle’s Coliseum has just what you are looking for. Tickets are still available. The fun starts at 8 p.m. More info.
SATURDAY
Moonlight — Don’t miss this independent film by African American filmmaker Barry Jenkins. Moonlight is the powerful story of a young man who deals with his dysfunctional home life while struggling with his sexuality during the war on drugs in Miami. Moonlight opens this weekend at the Regal Manor Twin and the Regal Ballantyne Village Stadium 5. More info.
SUNDAY
Veteran Employment and Education Fair — The Carol Hefner Center (610 East 7th Street in uptown Charlotte) is hosting an event for military veterans. Admission is free, and the center will feed homeless vets, along with those in need. This event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 704 712-7516.
To see a larger listing of local events, visit the Qcitymetro events page at www.qcity2021.flywheelstaging.com/events.
Toni Baker-Tyson is a social butterfly. Her entertainment picks are published each Thursday on Qcitymetro.com. Email Toni attoni@qcity2021.flywheelstaging.com, or join her Chocolate Social Network, a group for the mature (40-plus) but young at heart.
