The smoother side of jazz takes the spotlight tonight at the Uptown Jazz Fest, featuring music by The Rippingtons, Norman Brown, Mike Phillips, Maysa, Alex Bugnon and more. $43-$103. 6 p.m. Road Runner Amphitheatre (formerly Uptown Amphitheatre), 820 Hamilton St. 704-365-4587. www.uptowncharlottejazzfest.com.