Chewstick is hoping to get the weekend off to a good start with spoken word artist Samantha Thornhill and a high-energy soca party.But there are a host of other weekend events aiming to get people out of the house and movin’ ’n’ groovin’ in style.Ms Thornhill, from Trinidad, will make her debut appearance in Bermuda tonight, delivering a poetry showcase called Poetic License II.Talented singer Joy T Barnum and aspiring young poets from ChewSLAM will also take to the stage at the Chewstick Neo-Griot Lounge and Cafe at 8pm.Organiser Deidra Lee Bean said the headliner’s presence was “an invaluable addition to the Poetic License series”, designed to highlight the beauty and depth of storytelling through poetry.“With vocalist and poet Joy T Barnum and a group performance by ChewSLAM this will be a night that is not to be forgotten.“It’s all being hosted by Chewstick’s own Tanzaoui who will weave all the beautiful facets of the night into a tapestry of humour, emotion and pure vibes. Each performer has a unique energy and delivery that will be a treat for all in attendance.”After the performances, the venue will be transformed into a soca after-party.Ms Bean said: “Do not miss the opportunity to experience a dynamic performance and celebrate live entertainment at its best. Following the performance everyone is invited to dance into the night with a soca after-party, complete with DJ, madness and palancing.”Entry is free, but donations towards Chewstick’s programmes are welcome.Elsewhere, Bermuda National Trust will host a happy hour at Ferrari Bar on Bermudiana Road from 4.30pm until 9pm.People can sample the roast beef carvery, hors d’oeuvres and drinks at happy hour prices. There will be a raffle, with tickets selling for $2 each or $5 for three — a free ticket will be given for every alcoholic drink purchased.The Beach on Front Street will be having its regular Bistro Fridays, starting at 9pm. Entry is free and there will be drink specials all night; food will also be served until midnight.Entry is also free into Vasco Da Gama’s happy hour at the V Lounge from 5pm until 1am.The St David’s Cricket Club will be the venue for Black Fridayz, starting at 10pm. SupaTone and DJ Sheep will be playing tunes, while drinks will be served up for $5 a cup. Entry is $10 for ladies and $15 for men before midnight; $20 for all after.On Saturday the Clocktower Mall will be the spot for the Dockyard Old School Explosion.From 8pm until 2am, the venue will have a specially laid dance floor where people can dance the night away to ‘old school’ tunes from Working Title, musician James Richardson, DJ’s Ice Man, Malcolm (Lethal Weapon) Smith and Cavon.This free event will also feature special happy hour drink prices.This Sunday, Shine’s House of Entertainment will hold Swizzle Sundays, from 9pm until 2am. Admission is free and swizzles will cost $3 all night. Only people 21 and older will be allowed entry.The weekend is geared to end on a sweet note with the Luther Vandross Tribute Concert.Entertainment group BermudaNightOut have organised the event at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess on what would have been Mr Vandross’ 61st Birthday.The event will be hosted by comedian Bootsie and will feature performances by former American Idol winner Ruben Studdard.Local artists Jamie Zuill, Robert Edwards, Lloyd Holder and Gita Blakeney will take to the stage after 6.30pm.Tickets are $85, and $150 for VIP. They can be purchased at www.bdatix.bm, All Wrapped Up in Washington Mall and Fabulous Fashions at Heron Bay Plaza.