Party over here! 

Almost 100 parties will sweep through the Queen City this week in celebration of CIAA. But you can't go to all the shindigs, now can you? Well you might try, but you'll probably feel like doo doo by March 3. To that end, we decided to sift through dozens of e-mails and flyers to find the week's best parties. Here's what we came up with:

Wednesday, Feb. 27

What: Creative Loafing & The Sol Kitchen present Pop Life: The Tournament Edition
The Deal: CL and the folks at Sol Kitchen bring back their much-loved nightlife event for one night only. Art, free food, drink specials and the most eclectic blend of music in the city.
The Details: Free admission. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Prevue, 2909 N. Davidson St. 21 and over. For more info, visit www.thesolkitchen.com.

What: Cocktail reception at Ruth's Chris Steak House
The Deal: Ruth's Chris Steak House rolls out the welcome mat for folks in town for CIAA 2008. Complimentary appetizers will be served (Free food. Yummy.) and drink specials will also be offered.
The Details: 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Ruth's Chris Steak House, 222 S. Tryon St. For more info, call Joe Lazar or Sajeedah Jones at 704-338-9444; or e-mail jlazar@rccharlotte.com or sjones@rccharlotte.com.

Thursday, Feb. 28

What: CIAA Unleashed at Grand Central
The Deal: Organizers are calling this event a "VIP pre-party" and the "ultimate CIAA kick-off party." That, of course, remains to be seen. One thing, however, is certain: Folks who check out this party will be able to gulp down appetizers and free beer. Yes, that's right -- FREE BEER. Enough said.
The Details: $15 (advance tickets). 8 p.m. Grand Central, 101 N. Tryon St. For more info, call 704-965-3173 or 704-605-4240; or visit www.luxe-ent.com or www.hardrock-ent.com.

What: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic in concert
The Deal: You won't get too many opportunities to hear live music during CIAA -- especially by big-time talents. So you should definitely make a drive over to NoDa and party with Clinton and his P-funky bunch.
The Details: See Web site for time. $35. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. For more info, visit www.neighborhoodtheatre.com.

What: The Tip Off
The Deal: It's another Sol Kitchen event. And this one -- also hosted by Dynasty5 and CL -- features the sounds of DJ BroRabb aka "Mr Lawd Have Mercy."
The Details: $15 (advance). 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Buckhead Saloon, 201 E. 5th St. For more info, call 704-373-9380; or visit www.thesolkitchen.com or www.dynasty5.com.

What: 15th Annual Old School/New School Party
The Deal: The Tanglewood Crew teams up with the good folks at Tempo for this particular soiree, which according to the title should be good for folks of all ages. Featuring DJ Syd and MC "Oh My God." (DJs have some cool-ass names, eh?)
The Details: $10 (with flyer). 9:30 p.m.-3 a.m. Tempo, 4809 Wilkinson Boulevard. For more info, call 704-391-8909; or visit www.tempocharlotte.com or www.myspace.com/tanglewoodcrew.

What: The Official CI JumpOff
The Deal: Big-time promoters Thomas Washington and FunkLabb bring you this "jump off." And yes, this is one of those "dress to impress" affairs, so leave the leisure suit and pleather jacket at the crib.
The Details: 21 to enter; 25 and up encouraged 10 p.m.-2 a.m. The Sunset Club, 1820 South Boulevard Ladies free before 10:30 p.m. For more, e-mail info@thefunklabb.com or visit www.uptownciparties.com.

Friday, Feb. 29

What: Digital Divas Presents: De Ja Vu @ Blue
The Deal: Digital Divas events usual bring out Charlotte's young black professional crew, so come to this event and party with the city's movers and shakers. Music by DJ Daddy D.
The Details: $5. 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Blue Restaurant, corner of 5th St. and College St. For more info, visit www.digitaldivasevents.com.

What: The Face Off: Celebrity DJ Battle
The Deal: Eddie Owens of The Session reps old-school hip-hop in a turntable war against Power 98's No Limit Larry (repping for the new school). We love Larry, but old school rules!
The Details: $20. 8 p.m. Buckhead Saloon, 201 E. 5th St. For more info, call Rhonda at 704-488-3998 or Tonya at 704-649-5304; or visit www.ciaaevents.com.

What: Dynasty 5 Presents: Friday Night Live featuring Doug E. Fresh & Friends
The Deal: We don't exactly know who the "friends" are, but nobody throws down like Mr. E. Fresh.
The Details: $30-$45 (In advance; Prices will be higher at the door). 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Hilton Center City, 222 E. 3rd St. For more info, visit www.ez-tixx.com.

What: The Sol Kitchen presents The Mix Series with Biz Markie and friends
The Deal: Two words: Biz Markie. If you've never heard him DJ, get ready to party to off-the-wall music (both old and new), sound effects, and even crazy TV theme songs. And better yet, it all goes down at Charlotte's coolest new nightclub, HOM.
The Details: 9 p.m.-4 a.m. 25 and over only. "Dress to kill" is the dress code. HOM, 116 W. 5th St. For more info/tickets, call 704-375-3737; e-mail justin@myhom.com; or visit www.myhom.com or www.thesolkitchen.com.

What: Tank's CI Kickoff Extravaganza
The Deal: For the ladies -- or anyone who likes guys with big muscles and such -- R&B crooner Tank will be hosting this "grown and sexy" affair.
The Details: $25 (advance). 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Sheraton Airport Ballroom, 3315 Scott Futrell Drive. For more info/tickets, visit www.fab5entertainment.com or www.ciparties.com.

What: Digital Divas Presents: 2nd Annual Stogies & Stiletto's
The Deal: More Digital Divas fun ... this time at night. Come get your smoke on with specially priced cigars -- and your drink on with drink specials all night.
The Details: $20-$25 (advance). 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Sunset Club, 1820 South Boulevard. For more info/tickets, visit www.ez-tixx.com.

What: Tanglewood Crew's Tournament Soiree
The Deal: The Tanglewood Crew brings Nephew Tommy from The Steve Harvey Morning Show and electric violinist Ken Ford to the Omni.
The Details: See Web site for time. $25-$45. Omni Hotel, 132 E. For more info/tickets visit www.ez-tixx.com or www.sister-moments.com.

What: 2nd Annual CI Jump-Off
The Deal: OK, here's another "jump-off." But with promoters I.T.S. Promotions and DotCreations behind it, it's sure to have a whole different flavor. Plus, the venue -- Presto -- offers a great view of Uptown.
The Details: See Web site for price and time. Presto, 445 W. Trade St. For more info, visit www.myspace.com/qc22.

What: The Pre-Dawn Go-Go Jump Off
The Deal: Fusion Events Planning presents a party with an old school twist at The Loft, complete with free food and drink specials.
The Details: $20. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. The Loft, 1213 W. Morehead St. For more info, call Cherrice at 704-560-9067,

What: CIAA Meltdown
The Deal: Another Uptown party, presented by MAZ Entertainment.
The Details: $10 advance, $15 before 11 p.m. Doors open at 10 p.m. Ruth's Chris Uptown, 222 S. Tryon St. More info at www.myspace.com/mazent

Saturday, March 1

What: The Day Affair Vol. II
The Deal: Another party at Charlotte's coolest new nightclub HOM. This one features free cocktails and a spades tournament.
The Details: Ladies free before 2 p.m. 12 p.m.-7 p.m. HOM, 116 W. 5th St. For more info, visit www.pinkiesupproductions.com.

What: CIAA Alumni Block Party
The Deal: Carolina Panther player Keary Colbert hosts this all-day event, which includes a step show, a fashion show and non-stop music by DJ Chase.
The Details: $30-$40. 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Rustic Martini, 616 N. Tryon St. For more info, call 704-804-3532; or visit www.rusticmartini.net.

What: Digital Divas Presents: Uptown Saturday Part II
The Deal: This is the sequel to a party started last year, so it must be damn good. Music by DJ Polo and DJ Brown.
The Details: $5. 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Blue Restaurant, corner of 5th St. and College St. For more info, visit www.digitaldivasevents.com.

What: The Good Life, CIAA celebration hosted by Morris Chestnut and Idris Elba
The Deal: Come party with stars of stage and screen Idris Elba (The Wire) and Morris Chestnut (Two Can Play That Game) at this party presented by Eddietainment.com.
The Details: See Web site for price and time. 25 and up. Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon St. For more info, visit www.eddietainment.com or www.charlottevibe.com.

What: King Britt at HOM
The Deal: A consumate purveyor of all things soulful, King Britt brings his funky sound to Charlotte's newest and coolest (and our favorite) club, HOM. Oh, and he'll be joined by local great That Guy Smitty, spinning mellow, vibe-y shit.
The Details: Check Web site for price and time. HOM, 116 W. 5th St. For more info e-mail justin@myhom.com or visit www.myhom.com.

What: Dynasty5 Presents: Saturday Night Live -- The Grand Finale featuring Chuck Brown
The Deal: You can't have a CIAA without partying to the go-go sounds of Chuck Brown.
The Details: $30-$60 (advance). 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Hilton Center City, 222 E. 3rd St. For more info/tickets, visit www.ez-tixx.com.

What: The Saturday Cabaret with Raheem Devaughn
The Deal: Dynasty 5, The Sol Kitchen and Up Top Promotions host this event, which is hosted by soul vocalsit Raheem Devaughn.
The Details: $25 (advance) 9 p.m. Omni Hotel, 132 East Trade St. For more info/tickets, visit www.thesolkitchen.com or www.dynasty5.com.

What: Digital Divas Presents: Dream Part II
The Deal: Digital Divas keeps the party going with DJ Brown and live music by the R&B Band. mature audience preferred.
The Details: $25 (advance). 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Blue Restaurant, corner of 5th St. and College St. For more info/tickets, visit www.ez-tixx.com.

What: The Annual 30-Plus Party
The Deal: DJ Kool (of "Let Me Clear My Throat" fame) throws down at the Blumenthal.
The Details: $20 (Tickets available at all No Grease Barber locations). 10:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. For more info, call 704-548-1494 or visit www.executiveent.com.

All event times, locations, prices and guests are subject to change.

Guide to the CIAA main