Top Parties to attend for this year's CIAA 

Yes, the annual CIAA basketball tournament is primarily a sports event, but what it's really known for is its legion of world-class parties. Dozens and dozens of parties are scheduled to pop off in and around Uptown Charlotte from Wednesday through Sunday. Here are our picks for the week's most scintillating soirees:

Feb. 25

Pop Life, the "CI Edition" Part 2 -- Once again, Pop Life -- the funky nightlife event sponsored by Creative Loafing and The Sol Kitchen -- is serving as the "totally unofficial" kick-off party for CIAA 2009. (If you missed last year, wow, you missed one hell of a party.) This year, the event goes down at Apostrophe Lounge and features two separate party rooms with two DJs spinning the most eclectic blend of music in the city -- everything from soul to hip-hop to Afro-beat to Brazilian, house and more. Oh and it's free. Start your CIAA off the right way at Pop Life. Free. 6 p.m.-until. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. (across from Amos' Southend). www.thesolkitchen.com.

FEB. 26

"The Official Welcome to Charlotte Bailout Day Party" -- Hosted by V101.9's Chirl Girl with music by DJ Chase. Also, offering drink specials and a buffet. 21 and up; 25 and up preferred. Dress code is casual. Everyone free all day long with flyer or e-mail pass. 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Venue, 301 E. 9th St. For more information, call 704-965-9610 or visit www.cihottestparties.com or www.ajentertainmentinc.com.

The Recession: C-I Jumpoff Part 2 -- Starring legendary hype king DJ Kool. Presented by Thomas Washington, Funklabb and Fred Massey, with DJ Chase of V101.9 on the wheels. $10 (in advance). 9 p.m. Amos' Southend, 1423 S. Tryon St. www.amossouthend.com. 21 and up; 25 and up preferred. For advance tickets, call 877-993-8400 or visit www.ez-tixx.com. For more information, call 704-819-3558 or e-mail info@thefunklabb.com.

The Essences of Purple & Gold Tournament Tip-Off Event -- Presented by Omegas 11. Complimentary VIP includes hors d'oeuvres and drinks. 21 and up. 25 and up is preferred. $20 (in advance). 9:30 p.m.-2:30 a.m. The Westin, 601 S. College St. 704-375-2600. For more information, call 1-877-993-8499 or visit www.ez-tixx.com.

"A Peace Of Jazz" CIAA 2009 -- With Nephew Tommy from The Steve Harvey Show. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Hosted by Jaye and Monica Delai. Kiss Lounge, 204 W. Woodlawn Ave., Ste. H. Visit www.jayeandmonica.com for more information.

FEB. 27

Fish Fry Friday Day Party -- Presented by The Tanglewood Crew. Features a cash bar and music by DJ Syd and MC Oh My God. Free with flyer or party agenda. 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Tempo, 4809 Wilkinson Blvd. 704-391-8909. www.tempocharlotte.com.

The Official Friday C-I Perfect 10 Day Party -- Hosted by Power 98's No Limit Larry with music by DJ Magic. Also, offering drink specials and a buffet. 21 and up; 25 and up preferred. Dress code is casual. $10. 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Venue, 301 E. 9th St. For more information, call 704-965-9610 or visit www.ticketannex.com, www.cihottestparties.com, or www.ajentertainmentinc.com. You can also purchase tickets at the following locations: Flava Factory, 1519 Central Ave. and 2041 South Blvd.; Chicken Box, 3726 N. Tryon St.; La'Wans Soul Food Restaurant, 7705 S. Tryon St.

The Kick-Off Day Party "déjà vu" Part II -- Presented by Digital Divas. Featuring music by DJ Daddy D. 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Blue Restaurant, corner of 5th and College streets. 704-927-2583. www.bluerestaurantandbar.com. For more information, call 201-304-2933 or e-mail digitaldivasinc@gmail.com.

The Official Black Out Party -- Hosted by vocalist Sunshine Anderson and Carolina Dymes with music by DJ magic and entertainment by hip-hop architect Doug E. Fresh. 21 and up; 25 and up preferred. Dress code: grown and sexy. $20-$45; Ladies get in free until 10:30 p.m. with flyer or e-mail pass. 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Venue, 301 E. 9th St. For more information, call 704-965-9610 or visit www.ticketannex.com, www.cihottestparties.com, or www.ajentertainmentinc.com. Or you can purchase tickets at the following locations: Flava Factory, 1519 Central Ave. and 2041 South Blvd.; Chicken Box, 3726 N. Tryon St.; La'Wans Soul Food Restaurant, 7705 S. Tryon St.

The Official Best of Both Worlds CIAA Edition -- Starring comedian Mo'Nique and hosted by Tone-X and No Limit Larry. $25. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Kiss Lounge, 204 W. Woodlawn Ave., Ste. H. 704-561-9919. www.kisscharlotte.com. For ticket information, call 704-890-0771 or 704-241-8447. 23 and up.

The Official Before & After Spot -- Check out the cool, loungy feel of Apostrophe Lounge before and after you hit up the party or concert. Drink specials all night long. Free before 9 p.m. ($10 after) 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. (across from Amos' Southend). www.apostrophelounge.com.

The 4th Annual "Stogies & Stillettos" -- Presented by Digital Divas and Alize. Featuring a late-night menu, complimentary cigars and music by DJ Stretch. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Zink, 201 N. Tryon St. 704-444-9001. www.harpersgroup.com/zink.html. For more information, call 201-304-2933 or e-mail digitaldivasinc@gmail.com. You may also visit www.digitaldivasevents.com or www.ez-tixx.com.

The Sol Kitchen presents The Royal Affair Afterparty aka True School Experience -- Powered by Simmons Media Group, this event features music by Grammy-winning producer and DJ 9th Wonder. 21 and up but 25 preferred. Dress code: chic and sophisticated. For specially priced advance tickets and VIP, visit www.thesolkitchen.com. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Mez in Epicentre, 210 E. Trade St. (corner of Trade and College streets).

The Sol Kitchen presents G-Unit's DJ Whoo Kid (50 Cent's DJ) -- Powered by Simmons Media Group, this is a 21-and-up event. Chic and stylish dress -- but come ready to party. For specially priced advance tickets and VIP, visit www.thesolkitchen.com. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Alley Cat, 314 N. College St. (corner of College and 6th streets).

The Sol Kitchen, Dynasty 5 and Firm Events present "The Official Grammy Award and Album Release Party" -- Hosted by the Q.C.'s own Grammy-winning soul singer Anthony Hamilton. Food menu available. For specially priced advance tickets and VIP, visit www.thesolkitchen.com. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Cans, 500 W. 5th St. (corner of 5th and N. Graham streets)

"The 1st Annual Midnight Brunch" -- Includes all-you-can-eat buffet and beverages. Serving cocktails and wine until 2 a.m. In walking distance from the Blake Hotel. Breakfast buffet provided. $20. 11 p.m.-4 a.m. Kokomo's Coffeehouse, 4th & McDowell streets. 704-375-3460. For more information, visit www.digitaldivasevents.com or www.kokomoscoffeehouse.com.

Midnight Breakfast -- Hosted by Tone-X and featuring live entertainment. Ages 18 and up. $10 (no buffet); $25 (with buffet). 2 a.m.-6 a.m. Lola's Restaurant, 300 S. Brevard St. 704-353-3545.

FEB. 28

Saturday Style Day Party -- Featuring a fashion show and music by DJ Rsenal. A portion of proceeds to be donated to To Serve With Love Ministries. Drink specials include specialty martinis and half-price appetizers. Dress code is casual chic. No athletic gear. $10 (before 1 p.m.). 11 a.m.-4 p.m. PJ's Coffee & Lounge, 210 E. Trade St. For more information, call 704-965-3297 or e-mail events@jswmediagroup.com.

C-I Day Party -- Presented by Thomas Washington, Fred Massey and UrbanProfessionals.com. Two levels to party and music from DJ Koolsheed and DJ Cool V. VIP includes complimentary Diddy's Ciroc. 21 and up; 25 and up preferred. Free for everyone before 1:30 p.m.; Free for ladies before 2 p.m. $10 (in advance). Cans, 500 W. 5th St. www.cansbar.com. For advance tickets, visit www.ez-tixx.com.

The Official Queen City Cookout -- Presented by Loose Tie. Day party featuring food, drink specials, a DJ and an indoor trolley. 21 and up. Also offering all access passes to all five events presented by Loose Tie for $60. For more information, call 980-205-0829 or visit www.loosetie.biz or www.groovetickets.com. $10. 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Charlotte Trolley Museum, 1507 Camden Road. 704-375-0850. www.charlottetrolley.org.

"Pardi Gras" The Grown & Sexy Weekend -- Day and night party presented by Emma Allen Enterprises and Java Ice 1. Featuring a VIP area, three bars, food and music by DJ Stacey Blackman and Tony Outlaw. For more information, call 704-996-6476 or 704-492-3146. Ladies get in free until 10 p.m. 12 p.m.-5 p.m. and 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Latta Arcade/French Quarter, 320 S. Tryon St. and 321 S. Church St.

"Uptown Saturday" Part III -- Presented by Digital Divas and Alize. Featuring music by DJ Polo. For more information, call 201-304-2933, e-mail digitaldivasinc@gmail.com or visit www.digitaldivasevents.com. 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Blue Restaurant, Corner of 5th and College streets. 704-927-2583. www.bluerestaurantandbar.com.

Idris Elba: Level Three Party/VIP Backstage Party -- Hosted by actor Idris Elba. Presented by Unique Endeavors. $25-$50. 9 p.m. Belk Theater Lobby, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org or www.ciparties2009.com.

The Sol Kitchen presents The Green Lounge Afterparty with The Magnificent Jazzy Jeff -- Highly recommended. This is Jeff's first time rocking the CIAA. And don't be confused by his appearances on the Fresh Prince TV show -- Jeff is a world-class DJ who digs deep in the crates. For specially priced advance tickets and VIP, visit www.thesolkitchen.com. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Mez in Epicentre, 210 E. Trade St. (corner of Trade and College streets).

Dynasty 5 in assoc. with Firm Events & The Sol Kitchen present Doug E. Fresh & Friends -- Food menu available. For specially priced advance tickets and VIP, visit www.thesolkitchen.com. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Cans, 500 W. 5th St. (corner of 5th and N. Graham streets).

MARCH 1

"Panache" -- 3rd Annual Farewell Jazz Brunch, presented by Digital Divas. For more information, call 201-304-2933 or e-mail digitaldivasinc@gmail.com. You may also visit www.digitaldivasevents.com or www.ez-tixx.com. $20. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Utopia Restaurant, 10210 Berkeley Place Dr. 704-295-0655. www.utopianc.com.

For a complete, comprehensive list, visit www.charlotte.creativeoafing.com and click on our "CIAA 2009" graphic.