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The Deal: Friday night, Feb. 11, I joined the stage along with 14 of Charlotte’s hottest bachelors and bachelorettes at Whisky River for the Ace and TJ’s Auction of Love. The festivities started just after 10 p.m. with all the proceeds benefiting Ace and TJ’s own charity: The Grin Kids.

The Good: The event required a dynamic crowd with an upbeat atmosphere — and as usual, Whisky River delivered full force with a packed house, and beautiful people to boot. Ace and TJ were joined on the stage by singles from bartenders to the Whisky Girls —  not to mention one real life auctioneer whose fast-paced dialogue made my head spin. If watching WSOCFm radio personality, Big Sexy, shed layers of clothes on the catwalk wasn’t enough to keep it interesting, each bachelor and bachelorette came equipped with his or her own extravagant prize package. Packages included, but weren’t limited to: Autographed memorabilia, ski passes, V.I.P. access to the Flogging Molly show tonight at the Fillmore, and weekend passes to Carowinds combined with complimentary reservations at one of Charlotte’s top hotels. Not to worry though — as Ace and TJ assured the crowd, just because you were the highest bidder didn’t mean you had to snuggle up in a four-star hotel with Crash and Otis, 95.1’s own most eligible bachelors. As the night wore on, each package got better, the bids grew higher, and thanks to a few cocktails to calm our nerves prior to showtime, dance moves down the runway got a little more entertaining.

The Bad: My only feasible protest is that Ace and TJ themselves weren’t up on the auction block. Who wouldn’t want the chance to bid on that rowdy duo?

The Verdict: It was the picture perfect way for all those unattached in this bustling Queen City of ours to celebrate Valentine’s Day; and with all the money raised in support of the Grin Kids, you could let loose for a good cause.

The Deal: Reggae Central (the long-running retail shop in Plaza Midwood) hosted Reggae at the Lake with a live performance from the band Jah Creation at Amos’ at the Lake last Friday, Feb. 11.

The Good: This was my second time going to a Reggae at the Lake party, and I was thoroughly entertained. Jah Creation did a fantastic job performing and engaging the diverse crowd with its live roots reggae music. The band performed songs from its own repertoire, along with covering numbers from other popular bands (including a cool Sade cover). They even did a little birthday shout-out for a woman in the crowd; there was definitely a friendly island vibe flowing through the venue. Some people danced. Some people sat back and watched the band while others mixed and mingled at the bar. In other good news — this is a monthly event and there are two more parties scheduled for March and April. (March 18 features music by Chalwa, and on April 15 Crucial Fiya takes the stage.)

The Bad: Parking can be a little tight. You definitely want to get there early.

The Verdict: If you are looking for a nice live reggae set, you should definitely keep up with Reggae Central’s parties at this venue.

For more information visit: Reggae Central, 1506 Central Ave. 704-377-2782. www.reggaecentralstore.com. www.facebook.com/reggae.central.

Venue info: Amos' at the Lake, 19501 West Catawba Ave., Cornelius. 704-895-6875. www.amosatthelake.com.

— Tiffany Hill

The Deal: Boardwalk Billy’s Raw Bar and Ribs finds its third home in historic Dilworth, nestled among the many restaurants and bars East Boulevard has to offer.

The Good: The drinks are cheap, and the atmosphere inviting — whats not to love? The famous “$2-you-call-it” Thursday nights have found their way into the heart of Dilworth … and the people are pleased. The Boardwalk on East is the answer to all those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the college mass at the University location, and the slightly older crowd in Matthews. This new location attracts the vivacious in-between circle of Charlotte’s residents. The rooftop patio is a promising haven for both summer days and nights fully equipped with good food and live music. Not to mention the Dilworth sidewalks are almost always brimming with locals on foot, giving the new location that same neighborhood vibe most venture to NoDa to find.

The Bad: There may be a good reason for all the sidewalk traffic, as it happens the parking on East Boulvard is brutal. Across the way Cantina 1511 survives with Valet services on their busy nights, but for the rest of us, the spaces are far and few between.

The Verdict: The well-known sports bar is exactly what Dilworth needed. The new spot is already a late-night hit with the local service industry, and the 9-to-5 bunch is discovering a new retreat for a post-work drink. If you’re in search of a new bar, with a laid-back feel, make your way to the new location. The Boardwalk Billy’s tradition continues.

— Jordan Bullington