CIAA 2012: CL's picks of the very best parties 

Welcome to our picks for some of the very best parties happening during tournament week. Please note: price information is subject to change. To see our entire list of parties, visit QC After Dark.

Wednesday, Feb. 29

Pop Life: Tournament Edition 2012 aka Kitchapalooza. Serving as the unofficial kick-off party to the CIAA festivities, this party gets bigger and bigger each year. Six DJs, a tented alley, and free admission. Feb. 29, 9 p.m. Phoenix and RE:Public, corner of 6th and College streets. www.thesolkitchen.com.

Vybe & View: Who's Who Networking Social Launch at Osso Restaurant. With Talk of the Town, The National Black MBA Association Charlotte Chapter, and Mayor Pro Tem Patrick D. Cannon. Advanced RSVP required. $15 donation or more. Feb. 29, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Osso Restaurant, 1000 N.C. Music Factory Blvd. For more information, visit www.cievents2012.eventbrite.com.

Thursday, March 1

Dream: The 100th Anniversary Premiere Event at The Saloon. Hosted by NXL21 Charlotte, M. Simmons, and King Entertainment. $10. March 1, 10 p.m. The Saloon, 900 Seaboard St. To purchase tickets, visit www.thursdaydream.eventbrite.com.

Diverse Thursdays: CI Edition at Dharma Lounge. Music by DJ Shaun Nyce. $5 Absolut Vodka, and jerk chicken. $15 and up. March 1, 9 p.m. Dharma Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. For tickets, call 704 458 8252 or visit www.diversethursdaysci2012.eventbrite.com.

Pink Groove VII at Phoenix. Another annual party that never disappoints, courtesy of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Rho Psi Omega Chapter. Music by DJ Tab D'Bia$$i. $35 and up. March 1, 9 p.m. Phoenix, 300 N. College St. For more information, contact Nicole at 704-750-1252 or Simone at 704-654-5181 or visit www.rhopsiomega.org/pinkgroove7.

Start Something Big Networking Reception: Tournament Edition at Aquavina Wine Room. In benefit of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte and hosted by Parties with a Cause. Live music, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, door prizes, and more. $10 minimum donation for entry. March 1, 6 p.m.-10 pm. Aquavina Wine Room & Lounge, 435 S. Tryon St., Suite 180. For more information, call 704-779-3458 or visit www.startsomethingbig.eventbrite.com.

The 2nd Annual All-Tournament Alumni Mixer at Kalu Restaurant. Presented by TMB Marketing Firm. The mixer invites folks from historic black colleges and universities to mingle to the back drop of live jazz from Shableek and DJ BigMike. Portion of proceeds goes to the CIAA Scholarship Fund. $20 and up. March 1, 8 p.m. Kalu Restaurant, 505 E. 6th St. To purchase tickets, visit www.ez-tixx.com.

The Best of Both Worlds: The Fire and Ice Edition at Privilege. No one parties like The Alphas of Charlotte and the Deltas of Charlotte Foundation. Music by DJ Flemingo and DJ DR. $25 and up. March 1, 10 p.m. Privilege, 223 S. Brevard St. For more info, visit www.charlottesocialscene.com.

The Tournament Warm-Up at Strike City. Pace yourselves this weekend and go bowling at this party presented by Inner Circle Events. $10 and up. March 1, 10 p.m. Strike City, 210 E. Trade St. For more info, call 704-858-3804 or visit www.werunqc.com.

Tip-Off Thursday at Whisky River. Presented by Bestfriendz, Dynasty 5 and Pinkies UP Productions. Music provided by DJ PNut and DJ Cuzin Bee. $10 and up. Ladies free until 11 p.m. with RSVP. March 1, 9 p.m. Whisky River, 210 E. Trade St. Visit www.tipoffthursday2012.eventbrite.com to purchase tickets.

Welcome to Charlotte House Party at Cameo Nightclub. Presented by Worldstar Hip-Hop, with Gucci Mane and Miss Cubana Lust. Music by DJ Lantern Green. $20 and up. March 1, 8 p.m. Cameo Nightclub, 3049 Scott Futrell Drive. For more information, call 301-312-1365 or visit www.nctakeover2012.com.

Friday, March 2

Day Parties

4Play Friday at Whisky River. Presented by Bestfriendz, Dynasty 5, and KB from WSSU. Music by DJ Bro-Rabb and live performance from D.C.'s Let it Flow band. March 2, 12 p.m. $40 and up (Advance tickets are sold out, but you can pay at the door.) Whisky River, 210 E. Trade St. For more information, visit www.4playfriday2012.eventbrite.com.

7th Annual Déjà vu: The Kick-Off Day Party at Blue Restaurant. Year after year, the Digital Divas prove they know how to show the city a good party with their annual kick-off party. Music by DJ Daddy D. $21.60 and up. March 2, 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Blue Restaurant, 5th and College streets. For more information, visit www.digitaldivasevents.com.

7th Annual VSU Legends of Troy Meet and Greet Day Party at Phoenix and Re:Public. One party, two clubs. $30 and up (Advance tickets are sold out, but a limited number are available at the door). March 2, 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Phoenix and RE:Public, 300 and 314 N. College St. To purchase tickets, visit www.vsulegendsoftroy.eventbrite.com.

Midday Madness Day Party at Tempo. Hosted by the Tanglewood Crew and DJ Kool. $20. March 2, 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Tempo, 4809 Wilkinson Blvd. For more information, visit www.tempocharlotte.com. To purchase tickets, visit www.crowntickets.com.

Recess: Tournament Weekend Kickoff Day Party at Howl at the Moon. Recess. Doesn't that just sound like a good time? Music by DJ Complete, the Charlotte Bobcats' official DJ. $20 and up. March 2, 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Howl at the Moon, 210 E. Trade St. To purchase tickets, visit www.pardigras2012.eventbrite.com.

The Official CIAA Greek Day Party at Coyote Joe's. Presented by V101.9. Radio personality Chirl Girl will be broadcasting live with special guest Chubb Rock. $25-$30. March 2, 12 p.m. Coyote Joe's, 4621 Wilkinson Blvd. To get more information, visit www.v1019.radio.com or to purchase tickets, visit www.etix.com.

Night Parties

2nd Annual Ciroc Boyz Celebrity Takeover at Whisky River. Featuring Fabolous, Big Tigger, "Ciroc Boyz" DJ SNS, DJ Quicksilva, DJ Self, and Obie. $40 and up. March 2, 9 p.m. Whisky River, 210 E. Trade St. To purchase tickets, visit www.cirocboyz.eventbrite.com.

2nd Annual "I Luv the 90s" Party at The Omni Hotel. If you prefer to get your groove on the hits from the '90s than the trash that's on the radio now, this party's for you. Hosted by the hardest-working man during CIAA, Doug E. Fresh. $30 and up. March 2, 9 p.m. The Omni Hotel, 132 E. Trade St. To purchase tickets, visit www.eventbee.com/v/iluvthe90s.

An Evening With Hip-Hop Icon Nas at Phoenix. Don't miss Nas's first visit to Charlotte for CIAA. With music by DJ Mars, DJ Skillz and DJ DR. $40 and up. March 2, 10 p.m. Phoenix, 300 N. College St. Visit www.thesolkitchen.com for more information.

First Fridays CI Edition with Common Performing Live at Lux. Presented by Troy Veale & Furious Entertainment. $30 and up. March 2, 9 p.m. Lux, 200 E. Bland St. To purchase tickets, visit www.commonliveciaa.eventbrite.com.

Friday Night Frenzy at Founders Hall. Presented by MAZ Entertainment, this annual party brings thousands of people. Music by DJ Flash. $30 and up. March 2, 10 p.m. Founders Hall, 100 N. Tryon St. For more information, visit www.mazentertainment.net.

Good Times Live with Anthony David at Vida Mexican Kitchen y Cantina. Music by DJ PNut and live performances by R&B vocalist Anthony David and D.C.'s Suttle Thoughts. $20 and up. March 2, 9 p.m. Vida Mexican Kitchen y Cantina, 210 E. Trade St. To purchase tickets, visit www.goodtimeslive.eventbrite.com.

Live! En Vogue and Carl Thomas at Oasis Shriners. En Vogue was Born to Sing — or will Carl Thomas take the spotlight? Hosted by radio personalities Fly Ty and Chirl Girl. $50 and up. March 2, 7:45 p.m. After-party from 11:15 p.m.-2 a.m. Oasis Shriners, 604 Doug Mayes Place. For more information, visit www.grandefinaleent.com.

Maxwell: One Night Stand at Oasis Tent. Yep, we said Maxwell. Music by DJ PNut and DJ J-1. $30 and up. March 2, 9 p.m. Oasis Tent, 514 N. College St. For more information, visit www.partyatthetent.com.

Party in Paradise at LaTorre's. Hosted by model and entrepreneur Keyshia Dior with special guest French Montana. $25 and up. March 2, 10 p.m. LaTorre's Nightclub, 118 W. 5th St. For more information, call 336-655-2473. To purchase tickets, visit www.ciaapartyinparadise.eventbrite.com.

R: Kelly CIAA 2012: Enchanted at The Urban Garden. Is R. Kelly the greatest sex-song artist of all time? Find out during his live performance at The Urban Garden beside the Ritz-Carlton. $60 and up. March 2, 10 p.m. The Urban Garden, 150 N. College St. To purchase tickets, visit www.rkellycharlotte.eventbrite.com.

SlamFest: The Elevation at ReelWorks at the N.C. Music Factory. With special appearances by Juelz Santana and Buckwild. $60 and up. March 2, 8 p.m. ReelWorks at the N.C. Music Factory, 817 Hamilton St. Visit www.slamfest100.com for more information.

Speed II with Biz Markie at Nascar Hall of Fame. A CIAA party at the Nascar Hall of Fame. Gotta love it, right? $40 and up. March 2, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Nascar Hall of Fame, 400 E. Martin Luther King Blvd. For more information, visit www.sixfigureentertainment.com.

The Presidential Suite at The Big Chill and Dilworth Bar & Grill. Featuring The Victor Twins from that guilty pleasure TV show Bad Girls Club, DJ Drama, DJ Louie Vee, Dj-D-Dubb, and other celebrity guests. $30 and up. March 2, 9 p.m. The Big Chill and Dilworth Bar, 911 E. Morehead St. To purchase tickets, visit www.thepresidentialsuitebigchill.eventbrite.com.

Welcome to Charlotte CI 2012 Edition, with So So Def CEO Jermaine Dupri at Privilege. $20 and up. March 2, 10 p.m. Privilege, 223 S. Brevard St. For more information, visit www .privilegecharlotte.com.

Westin Extravaganza: The Premiere. Presented by The A List & Velvet Entertainment. Music by DJ Kool. $30 and up. March 2, 9 p.m. The Ballroom, 601 S. College St. For more information, visit www.alistnextevent.com.

Saturday, March 3

Day Parties

CI Day Extended Day Party at Fox and Hound. Presented by Talk of the Town, LK & R&R Productions. Music by Let it Flow, band a host of DJs. $30 and up. March 3, 12 p.m. Fox and Hound, 330 N. Tryon St. To purchase tickets, visit www.cievents2012.eventbrite.com.

Cufflinks: The Day Party at Enso Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar. Hosted by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Charlotte Alumni Chapter. Music by DJ Moe. $20 and up. March 3, 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Enso, 210 E. Trade St. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cufflinksandcocktails.com.

Master of the Mix Day Party at Phoenix. Live performance by DJ Kid Capri. Music by DJ Rham and DJ Storm. $20 and up. March 3, 12 p.m.-7 p.m. Phoenix, 300 N. College St. To purchase tickets, visit www.ez-tixx.com.

Su Casa Day Party and Cultural Bazaar at Dharma Lounge. Soul, house, latin, downtempo, and Afro-beat music from DJ Fraser and DJ Rsenal. With food trucks and eclectic vendors. $5. March 3, 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Dharma Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St.

Suite Life: Upscale Day Party at Suite. Presented by Blue Goose Entertainment, etc. Music by DJ Quicksilva. $40 and up. March 3, 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Suite, 210 E. Trade St. To purchase tickets, visit www.pardigras2012.eventbrite.com.

The 4th Annual Red Carpet Affair Day Party at Ruth's Chris Steak House. Presented by Heights Entertainment. Music by DJ Paradime. 25 and up crowd. $30 and up. March 3, 1 p.m.-8 p.m. Ruth's Chris Steak House, 222 S. Tryon St. To purchase tickets, visit www.ciaa2012-zvents.eventbrite.com.

The All Male CIAA Day Party at The Bar at 316. First 50 people get free shots. $10-$15. March 3, 2 p.m.-6 p.m. The Bar at 316, 316 Rensselaer Ave. To purchase tickets, visit http://dkkarolina.ticketleap.com.

The Ciroc Lounge Day Party at Aria Tuscan Grille. Hosted by Sheree Whitfield from The Real Housewives of Atlanta with music by DJ Marty Geez. $30 and up. March 3. Aria Tuscan Grille, 100 N. Tryon St. To purchase tickets, visit www.theciroclounge.com.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta's Nene Leakes at 5th Element. Hosted by V101.9FM's Chirl Girl and DJ Chase. $15 and up. March 3, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 5th Element, 500 W. 5th St. To purchase tickets, visit www.5thelementnc.com.

True School: The Day Party at Howl at the Moon. Presented by The Sol Kitchen, G Sharp Ent, Dynasty 5, Roundtable, and True School Corp. With 9th Wonder and DJ Cuzzin B. $10 and up. March 3, 12 p.m.-6 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit www.thesolkitchen.com.

Night Parties

3rd Annual Celebrity CI Bash at Breakfast Club. Hosted by sexy Pooch Hall from BET's The Game, with music by Hot 103.9 FM's Big Gee. $35 and up. March 3, 9 p.m. Breakfast Club, 225 N. Caldwell St. To purchase tickets, visit www.ez-tixx.com.

5th Annual The Reunion at Blue Restaurant. Presented by Digital Divas. Music by DJ Polo and Sounds of Sai Band. $27 and up. March 3, 7 p.m. Blue Restaurant, 5th & College Street. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.digitaldivasevents.com.

The After Party Late Night Breakfast Part 6 at Allure Lounge. Allure Lounge has it covered for you folks who get those late-night munchies with a Southern breakfast buffet. $10 and up. March 3, (doors open at 11:45 p.m.) 1 a.m.-6 a.m. Allure Restaurant & Lounge, 1508 S. Mint St. For more information, visit www.allurecharlotte.com or call 704-890-7436. To purchase tickets, visit www.ez-tixx.com.

CI Celebrity Wrap Up Party at Cosmos Cafe. Music by DJ Young Guru, Jay-Z's official tour DJ. Also featuring MY92.7's DJ Rham. $25 and up. March 3, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Cosmos Café, 300 N. College St. To purchase tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com For more information, call 980-226-8214.

CI Grand Finale: The Official Maybach Music Takeover at Lux. Hosted by Rick Ross. With Power 98's No Limit Larry and DJ Incognito. $40 and up. March 3, 9 p.m. Lux, 200 E. Bland St. To purchase tickets, visit www.rickrosscifinale.eventbrite.com.

Divas Night Out at Oasis Tent. Featuring the combined, ridiculous sexiness of Laz Alonso, Idris Elba and Common, performing live. Music by Biz Markie. $30 and up. March 3, 9 p.m. Oasis Tent, 514 N. College St. For more info, visit www.partyatthetent.com.

Finale at Founders Hall. Presented by MAZ Entertainment, you'll want to get here early. Trust. Music by DJ Paradime. $30 and up. March 3, 10 p.m. Founders Hall, 100 N. Tryon St. To purchase tickets, visit www.mazentertainment.net.

Key to the City at Nascar Hall of Fame. Featuring DJ Drama. $25. March 3, 9 p.m. Nascar Hall of Fame, 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. For more information, visit www.sixfigureentertainment.com.

Late Night Jazz Tournament Finale at Fanz Sports Grill. Performance by saxophonist Dante Lewis. $15 and up. March 3, 9 p.m. Fanz Sports Grill, 3425 David Cox Road. To purchase tickets, visit www.tournamentjazz.eventbrite.com.

Queen City Celebration Finale at The Urban Garden. Presented by Sister 2 Sister magazine and The Sol Kitchen. Hosted by Anthony Hamilton with DJ Jazzy Jeff spinning on the turntables. $50 and up. March 3, 9 p.m. The Urban Garden at the Ritz-Carlton, 150 N. College St. Visit www.thesolkitchen.com for more information.

Revolution II: Occupy Trade Street at Marriot Center City. A party for the people. Tickets start at $10, VIP $25. March 3, 10 p.m. Marriot Center City, 100 W. Trade St. For more information, visit www.cirevolution.net.

Sunset Club Saturday Night Party. Let Sunset's fancy décor draw you to this spot. $30 and up. March 3, 9 p.m. Sunset Club, 1820 South Blvd. To purchase tickets, visit www.sunsetclubcharlotte-zvents.eventbrite.com.

The 100 Anniversary Experience at the Harvey B. Gantt Center. Presented by Six Figure Entertainment. $30 and up. March 3, 9 p.m. Harvey B. Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon St. For more information, visit www.sixfigureentertainment.com.

The Official T.I.A.A Grand Finale at Cameo Nightclub. With "The King of the South" T.I., aka Tip. Music provided by DJ Stylz and DJ Quicksilva. March 3, 8 p.m. Cameo Nightclub, 3049 Scott Futrell Drive. For more information, call 301-312-1365 or visit www.nctakeover2012.com.

The Social: CIAA Edition at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse. With live music, DJs, drink specials, complimentary hors d'oeuvres, and gift giveaways. $20 and up. March 3, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Chima Brazilian Steakhouse, 139 S. Tryon St. For more information, call 843-556-5075 or 704-222-9087.

Westin Extravaganza: The Encore. Presented by The A List & Velvet Entertainment. Music by DJ Bro Rabb. $40 and up. March 3, 9 p.m. The Ballroom, 601 S. College St. For more information, visit www.alistnextevent.com.

Wonderland: A Musical Tribute to the Soulful Sounds of Stevie Wonder at Dharma Lounge. Featuring DJ 2ToneJones and DJ Justice. With songs that are created, influenced, produced, and inspired by Stevie Wonder. $10. March 3, 10 p.m. Dharma Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. C