WEDNESDAY, AUGust 1 As far as hip-hop prophets go, Talib Kweli is basically royalty. He’s stopping in for one of only two Carolina appearances, and the performance will include hits from his latest Ear Drum (drops Aug. 21) including the first single, “Listen!!!” plus others like “Country Cousins,” “Say Something” and “More or Less.” For those unfamiliar with his sound, Kweli’s sound is kin to that of longtime hip-hop top underdog Mos Def (the two formed a spoken word pair called Black Star), Madlib, and newcomer will.i.am. Word on the street is that real hip-hop is returning to Charlotte. Who wants to miss that? 8 p.m. $25. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. www.thesoulmovement.com
THURSDAY, AUGUST 2 You wanna be down with the mighty men of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated? Luckily, you don’t have to go far since their 93rd International Conclave will be held here in Charlotte. Lately, the QC’s been flooded with fraternity men, but there’s something about a man rockin’ the blue and white. Anyway, the first BIG event will be An Intimate Evening of Jazz & Song featuring Sigma man Everette Harp with special guest Howard Hewett. 8 p.m. $45. Spirit Square, McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. www.carolinatix.org.
Saturday, AUGUST 4 Of course, there will be plenty of parties thrown in for good measure, but this is the conclave’s main event. The East Coast Step Show will feature all-star teams from around the country to compete including the Charlotte Deltas and Alpha Phi Alpha (Greensboro) and Alpha Kappa Alpha repping North Carolina. If you used to step, just crossed or just wanna watch the action, come out and see who goes home with the $6,000 grand prize. 6 p.m. $15/$20. Cricket Arena, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-522-6500. www.ticketmaster.com.
“Are you ready for some football?” Seems like that question haunts the residents of Charlotte who act as though the Carolina Panthers were the only sports team in town. Funny how that happens when you didn’t really want an uptown arena in the first place, huh? But, anyhoo, fans can rejoice at the Carolina Panthers Fan Fest which is sure to get you pumped up for football season. Bring the whole family unit out for music, games, Panther-themed camo, and a visit from Sir Purr and those naughty Top Cats. 11 a.m. Free. Bank of America Stadium, 800 S. Mint St. 704-358-7800.
This article appears in Jul 25-31, 2007.
