Last weekend I attended the 17th Annual Speed Street festival in uptown Charlotte. Old-school was in the house, dancing away to Rolls Royce. Folks were line dancing and really enjoying themselves. Unfortunately, due to severe weather, the remainder of the show was canceled prior to Midnight Star's performance.

If you were able to arrive early, did you hear the band Black and Blue? Their performance captured my attention so much I danced to every song they played. I paid the price the following day as I lay on the couch, realizing old-school was not a spring chicken. But it was fun while it lasted, and after all, isn't that all that really matters?

If you haven't made plans, check out my weekend picks.

FRIDAY
Jazz at the Bechtler ~ Tribute to Monk: The Ziad Jazz Quartet performs the best of Thelonius Monk. The North Carolina native is considered one of the giants of American music. Monk had a unique improvisational style and is the second most-recorded jazz composer after Duke Ellington. Come out and listen to some of his greatest hits: “Straight, No Chaser,” “Monks'” “Mood,” “Ruby My Dear” and “Epistrophy.”
Location: Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Time : 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Free with Museum admission of $8.00. Call 704-353-9200 for additional information or visit CharlotteCultureGuide.com.

SATURDAY
The First Grader (Movie) ~ In 2003, the Kenyan government introduced free primary school for all. It was a surprise when 84-year-old village elder Kimani Nganga Marauge saw this as an opportunity of a lifetime to receive the education he had always wanted but could never afford. With the help of Jan Obinchu, the principal of Maruge's village school, Kimani battles the opposition at a governmental level in his quest for an education.
Location: Regal Manor Twin (609 Providence Road)
Cost: Matinee $7.50; later shows $10.00.
Time: 2 p.m., 4:20 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9:20 p.m.
For more information, call 704 334-2727.

SUNDAY
Terror at Home: Domestic Violence in America ~ Hosted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., this documentary film features women from all walks of life who have endured the trauma of domestic violence.
Location: Levine Museum of the New South (200 E.7th Street)
Cost: Free
Time: 2 p.m.
For more information, call 704 333-1887 or visit www.musemofthenewsouth.org.

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