Last week I was pretty exhausted after a busy workweek. I was on the fence about seeing the jazz group Acoustic Alchemy at  McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square, but I decided a few hours prior to the show to buy a ticket. It was money well spent.

From the moment the band began playing their legendary hit, ā€œMr. Chow,ā€ the audience was swaying and finger-popping down memory lane. I’m extremely animated with any type of live music; and I think a little of my excitement rubbed off on the gentleman seated beside me.

This was an amazing concert, and I hate it for you if you weren’t in the house.

I’m not much of Halloween person, but I love film, so I attended the Queen City Cinephiles independent film screening at Petra’s. It was an intimate evening of various genres — love, drama and horror — followed by discussion and feedback from the audience. Charlotte has an amazing variety of film events around the city. If film is your passion, you’re definitely in luck, and I’ll keep you in the loop for monthly events.

Check out my weekend picks.

FRIDAY

Profound Gentlemen Presents: Soireeā€˜ ~ Join Profound Gentlemen as this organization celebrates three years of serving male educators of color. This year, the Soiree’ will be at the  Profound Gentlemen House (2701-C Freedom Drive). Guests will enjoy live music from Vance High School, tasty treats and get inspired by Red Rubber Ball stories from our community. Time: 6 pm-8 pm. Cost: $25. More info.

SATURDAY

Comedian Drew Thomas ~ Thomas is coming back to Charlotte, and guess where he’s showing up? Pangea Tapas Bar & Grill (13016 Eastfield Rd). Thomas is based in Atlanta and has appeared on a variety of shows. After being fired from his job as a car salesman, he followed his dream of comedy and has been winning ever since. Come out for a gut-splitting good time. Time: 10 pm Cost: $15. More info.

SUNDAY

Intro to Locks ~ Want to learn the basics of locks and how to maintain them? The King of Locks will be conducting a four-hour watch and learn class. You will learn how to do a consultation to determine if your client is a good candidate for locks and also to determine what type of locks would be best. Refreshments will be served. Location: The Lion’s Den (1107 Beatties Ford Road). Time: 1 pm – 4 pm. Cost: $40. More info.

Toni Baker-Tyson is an entertainment columnist for Qcitymetro.com. She enjoys being a social butterfly out on the town, loves live music, the arts, and foreign films. Her passion is volunteering with the...