Q: Khart, I'm driving up to Charlotte from Ohio to kick it at the parties down there. I didn't attend last years festivities but I went to the Raleigh-Durham Tournament three times in the last six years. I lived in Durham years ago so i had no problem getting around there but now that it's in Charlotte I hope I don't miss the livest parties. I must confess I have never seen one basketball bounce or the arena at the tournaments but don't tell my wife that. I'm bringing the crew and at least 4 first timers so if you know about a Diddy party or a celebrity smash, let me know where it's going to be between Mar 1st-3rd. I'm like you, I need that long drive back to Ohio to get my mind right. Counseling is in order. Any info you provide I'd apprciate. MC
A: First of all, Uncle Merle, I know that's you. But I won't tell Aunt Edna. Anyway, I'm glad you're coming to the show this year, but if you haven't seen any of the games, you don't know what you're missing. There's some major talent in the CIAA. It's produced NBA players such as Charles Oakley, Ben Wallace and Ronald "Flip" Murray, to name a few.
In fact, just this week an ACC alum who went to last year's tournament was telling me how surprised he was at the skill level. However, he decided not to buy CIAA tickets this year. He said he'll wait till the losing teams' fans leave and just buy their tickets for cheap. Sorry, dude, this isn't the ACC. Nobody leaves till the weekend's over.
But if it's parties you want, there are way too many for me to list for March 1-3. So I'll just list a few that I'm planning to hit. The rest you can find on www.charlotte.com:
March 1
- '80s R&B: Coca-Cola presents Showtime At The Apollo with special guests Boyz II Men. 10 p.m. Charlotte Convention Center, $30. http://www.ticketmaster.com/, 704-522-6500.
- HAPPY HOUR: The Alphas host the 2nd Annual Phrozen Hour with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and free draft beer while it lasts. The place is small, and the party was packed last year. Get there early and grab a table. 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Brevard Court Sundries, 145 Brevard Court. Free.
- KAPPA HOUR: Joins the Kappas for Kappa Kocktail Hour. Drink and appetizers specials. Speciality drinks are: The Diamond Martini, Krimson Punch and The HurriKane. 4 p.m. Zink. Free.
March 2 - RISE AND SHINE: Steve Harvey Morning Show featuring guest performer Anthony Hamilton. 6 a.m.-10 a.m. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College Street, 704-339-6000, http://www.charlotteconventionctr.com/. Free.
- LEGENDS OF HIP-HOP: EPMD kicks off its reunion tour in Charlotte. After-party hosted by "The World's Greatest Entertainer," Doug E. Fresh. Sponsored by Sol Kitchen, Crown Royal and VH-1. 9 p.m. Amos Southend, 1423 S. Tryon St. $30. 704-377-6874; http://www.charlottevibe.com/, www.amossouthend.com.
- CELEBRITY PARTY: NFL players, Grammy nominated artists, actors and models are expected for the Supreme Clientele party. 10 p.m. Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, corner of McDowell and Morehead. $20. 800-807-7602. http://www.revolutionaryentertainment.net/.
March 3 - OLD SCHOOL R&B: Maze featuring Frankie Beverly will perform at Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd.{confirmed}, 704-335-3100. $50-$60. www.ticketmaster.com.
- LIVE MUSIC: Digital Divas presents a jazz and R&B trio at their party Dream. Sponsored by Jack Daniels. 10 p.m. Blue restaurant. (corner of Fifth and College.) $10-$15. 201-304-2933,{confirmed} or tiffany@digitaldivasinc.com.
- GO-GO GREAT: Dynasty5 presents the 2nd Annual Chuck Brown After Party & Show. Wind-me-up Chuck did his thing last year. Don't miss it this year. 9 p.m., Hilton Charlotte Center City,. 222 E. Third Street, 704-377-1500. $30-$60. http://www.dynasty5.com/.
5 comments:
Thousands of people attend the tourney every year; "Thousands More" come just for the parties. What those "Thousands More" don't realize is that the parties outside the arena are only half the experience. The "real" party is inside the arena. In the arena you've got the games, the cheerleaders and bands going at it, the vendors, the halftime and timeout entertainment shows and of course the people watching. I encourage everyone who comes to town to try to make it out to at least one session. If you've never been, you'll be totally surprised and hooked forever.
What that person said above. If someone comes to town and doesn't make it inside the arena they've missed the real show. The CIAA tournament is succesful because its a very high quality event.
Lets just hope the CIAA tourney doesnt bring in the same crowd from the NBA ALLSTAR game.
Our people are funny. We need to enjoy all aspects of what the CIAA can bring to Charlotte. The games, the people, the parties and the bonding of people.
I went to Vegas for the All Star game and the issues faced were no more than normal issues we face in any city USA if 400,000 peope come in for anything. Don't always let the media shape your opinions.
The knuckleheads are here daily and crime happens anyway.
Next year when the ACC arrives, no one will question who is in attendance.
Take the blinders off.
Executive Entertainment welcomes the WORLD to Charlotte.
YOU ARE THE STAR!!!
Checkout the lineup this year.
Events for all adults including the 30 Plus crowd.
www.executiveent.com
www.myspace.com/executiveent.com
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