CIAA parties not only ones in town

Last year, I heard about the CIAA parties, but had invitations to none of them. I could see them but couldn't get to them. It was like being in New Jersey and looking at Manhattan.

So I wrote a column asking for invitations. The CIAA came through. I got invitations from heavy hitters such as Congressman Mel Watt and the attorney for Magic Johnson or the attorney for the attorney of Magic Johnson. Either way, the invitation stood. I heard from several schools, from young people and old people, and from a man who was throwing a party that featured Little Tigger.

I have the same number of invitations in 2007 I had before I wrote my column a year ago. But this year, I don't care. Because Charlotte, you see, has become party central even when the CIAA is not in town. Here I am, a regular guy who lives in the suburbs. I'm the one who doesn't drive the SUV, and my dance card is crammed with the usual array of Charlotte suburban festivities. Sorry, CIAA, but there's no time to work you in.

Here's my schedule for Wednesday night alone. Keep in mind, this is just one night.

Throw-down at Cloth World, 5-8 p.m. DJ Khaki K spun the latest Clay Aiken grooves. Although there was no dress code, Levi Dockers were mandatory.

Celebrities? We had a few. I saw a guy who looked just like Jim Utter, who covers the Charlotte 49ers and racing for the Observer.

As it turned out, we partied until 7:15 p.m., after which we all went home and, because we paced ourselves, were able to watch American Idol in its entirety. Hey, CIAA. It ain't bragging if you can back it up.