Believe the hype. “The Butler” will make you laugh, cry, relive family memories and truly recognize the resilience of Black people in the face of years of institutional racism. Unlike controversial movies like “Driving Miss Daisy” and “The Help” this is a film where the Black characters are central and the white ones are peripheral. It’s all-star cast alone is worth your entertainment dollar. There are also concerts galore this weekend with road dawgs Frankie Beverly and Maze and Mint Condition headed to a city near you. Here’s what else is going on this weekend.
HOT ON TV:
All Times Eastern
Friday, August 16
“NFL Football” – Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New England Patriots
Fox, 8 p.m.
The NFL gears up for a new season with the first of the pre-seaon games
Saturday, August 17
“Scandal Marathon”
BET, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
The second season continues; the last two episodes of Season 2 air on Wednesday, August 21
“Scandal Any Questions?”
BET takes on TV’s most addictive show
BET, 9 p.m.
Gymnastics: P&G Championships
8 p.m. NBC
McKayla Maroney and Kyla Ross, two of the Fierce Five Olympic gold medal team are scheduled to compete
Sunday, August 18
“NFL Football” Baltimore Ravens vs. NY Giants
Fox 7 p.m.
The reigning Super Bowl champs are back on the gridiron
“Oprah: Where Are They Now?”
OWN, 8 p.m.
Todd Bridges is one of the celebs featured
“Tia and Tamera”
Style, 8 p.m.
Tia and Corey talk about having another baby
SEE IT:
“The Butler”
Lee Daniels directs a star-studded cast in a view of American history from one Black family’s perspective
PG-13
READ IT:
“Shake Down the Stars” by Renee Swindle
A woman struggling to cope with her daughters death finds some healing with new friends
IN CONCERT/EVENTS:
Friday, August 16
LAS VEGAS, NV
Sinbad
The Orleans Hotel and Casino Orleans Showroom
JACKSON, MS
Jackson Rhythm and Blues Festival w/ Mint Condition, Leela James, Urban Mystic and more
5 p.m.
HOUSTON, TEXAS
Bounce Summer Soul Music Tour with Maze f/ Frankie Beverly, the Isley Brothers and Kem
Toyota Center
7 p.m.
WASHINGTON, DC.
Howard Theater
Howard Hewett
8 p.m.
Saturday, August 17
BOSTON, MA
Katt Williams
Wilbur Theater
7 p.m.
BATON ROUGE, LA
Mo’Nique
8 p.m.
Baton Rouge River Center Arena
COLUMBUS, OH
Grown and Sexy Affair with Donnell Jones, Lyfe Jennings and Joe
Palace Theater
8 p.m.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.
J. Anthony Brown
The Horizon Ballroom at Resorts Casino
8 p.m., 10:30 p.m.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Fantasia
Mural Theater at Olde International Center
8 p.m.
DETROIT, MI
Toni Braxton
Chene Park
8 p.m.
Sunday, August 18
PHILADELPHIA, PA
Keith Sweat, Johnny Gill and Avant
7:30 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS, LA
Eric Benet
House of Blues New Orleans
7 p.m.
