Toni Baker-Tyson describes herself as a social butterfly and writes about the Qcity's grown-folks nightlife. Her entertainment picks are published each Thursday. Opinions expressed are solely her own. Email her at toni@qcitymetro.com.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Thank goodness. I am finally able to enjoy a much-needed vacation. And, UPS has already made a special delivery from Santa to my house — a gift from Michael Kors, so I'm off to a great start! 

I'm looking forward to spending a wonderful holiday with family and friends. Speaking of wonderful, last weekend I finally had the opportunity to stop by The Carriage House @ Wadsworth Estates for smooth jazz with Andrew Williams and friends. The band was incredible, and special vocalist guests Juanita Word and Tina Surgeon were so hot they nearly melted the paint off the walls. Make sure to stop by next month for "Girls Rock.” I will keep you posted. 

Also last weekend, pianist David Benoit performed a special Charlie Brown Christmas concert at the Halton Theater. Selina Albright, daughter of Gerald Albright, stole the show with her amazing vocals. It's clearly obvious the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. By the way, if you haven't heard, tickets went on sale that night for guitarist Stanley Jordan’s April 2012 show at CPCC. You may want to take advantage of the early bird special. 

I then managed to stop by the Jingle Bell Jam at the University Hilton Hotel. Folks were on the dance floor jamming to the "Wobble," and as we say from back in the day, dressed to the nines. (For the younger generation, that means dressed in the most fashionable attire.) I also made it to Fanz Sports Grill. If you are not familiar with Dante Lewis, you don't know what you are missing. Dante and the band had the crowd "popping" to an old school jam called “Fire” by the Ohio Players. Yes, it was smoking in Fanz. I did manage to stop by the Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists' Christmas party; it was a festive meet-and-greet with tasty desserts. I'm still thinking about what to make of Qcitymetro’s own Glenn Burkins in a Christmas hat! 

I know it's early, but mark your calendar for the January 20 release of the movie "Red Tails.” I was able to attend the premier a few nights ago, (thank you Mr. Lewis) based on the exploits of the Tuskegee Airmen. You don't want to miss this film. Finally last night I took it down a notch and enjoyed a lovely Christmas service concert at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, getting my praise on for the reason of the season. 

I would like to take the time to wish each and everyone of you Merry Christmas! Be safe in your travels and as always be kind to one another …

Check out my weekend picks:

FRIDAY
The New House of Jazz: Performing live is Buff Dillard, Charlton Taylor, Arnold Whitley and Brian Houze. Come check out the new spot (the old Amos' at the lake spot). Catering to adults 35 and up crowd, this is the sister club to the House of Jazz in the Charlotte University area.

Location: 19501 Catawba Ave. Cornelius, N.C.
Cost: Free
Time: 8 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

SATURDAY
Guitarist Terence Young at Fanz Sports Grill: Terence opened for Kirk Whalum earlier this year; if you were able to attend the show, you know he rocked the crowd. Get there early! Folks will be arriving with out-of-town guests. It's also Christmas Eve, and grown folks need their fun too before Santa's arrival.

Location: Fanz Sports Grill (3425 David Cox Road)
Cost: Free
Time: 9 p.m. 
More info: www.fanzsportsgrill.com

SUNDAY
Beatties Ford Saints: Looking to give back to the community on Christmas Day? Stop by The Beatties Ford Saints “give back to the community” event. The Beatties Ford Saints is a youth academic and athletic association nonprofit organization founded in 2004 to help youth 5-15 years old overcome obstacles they may encounter on their road to achieving goals.

Location: Mr. Charles Chicken and Fish (3100 Statesville Ave.)
Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: Free 
For info: 704-449-7898

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