The Rundown: Things to Do Thursday, Feb. 8- Sunday, Feb. 11

By Shawn D. Allison, II

What’s happening family? I hope you all have had a wonderful

Shawn Allison shares all the places you’ll wanna be in the Queen City.

week. But now, it’s time to relax and have fun because there’s all sorts of goodies in “The Rundown” this weekend! Over 35 items to choose from and there’s something for everyone! As usual, I’ll be pretty busy being engaging with the community, but if you want to know what’s really poppin’, check out what I got on my “Hot List!”

THURSDAY – Thirsty Thursday Brewery Tour at Three Spirits Brewery
THURSDAY – The “Honestly” Tour featuring Lalah Hathaway at Spirit Square
THURSDAY – “Off Beat: A Journey Thru the B-Sides” at New Era Music House
FRIDAY – Black History Month presentation of “King Liz” at the Main Library Branch
FRIDAY-SUNDAY – Children’s Theater of Charlotte presents “And In This Corner: Cassius Clay”
FRIDAY – Headphone Glow Party at Dirty Martini Lounge
SATURDAY – African Fashions Pop-Up Tour at Marriott Charlotte South Park
SATURDAY – “Let the Good Times Roll Mardi Gras Seafood Bash” at Three Spirits Brewery
SATURDAY – Screening of “Bringin’ in Da Spirit” at Grier Heights Community Center
SATURDAY – Pre-Valentine’s Day Singles Mixer at Fusion Lounge
SATURDAY – Signature Saturdays DJ Kato Born Day Edition at Vapiano
SUNDAY – Classic Black Cinema Series screening of “Black Orpheus” at The Gantt Center
SUNDAY – Diggers Delight Pop-Up Record Swap at Tip Top Daily Market
SUNDAY — Couples & Canvas Pre-Valentine’s Day Soiree at Venue @ 1801

If you would like your event to be listed in “The Rundown” please send a detailed e-mail to me at: sdallison85@yahoo.com

——-THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8——-

The Charlotte Museum of History will host a free lecture by Dr. Janet G. Hudson entitled “Black Soldiers Mattered: Black North Carolinians, Camp Greene and the Great War.” Dr. Hudson is a professor at the University of South Carolina at Columbia and has studied the role of black soldiers from North Carolina in World War I. This lecture will focus on the black soldiers who trained at Camp Greene. The lecture is part of a year-long series of free events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the U.S. entering World War I. The series is presented by the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, The Charlotte Museum of History and UNC-Charlotte. Please register for this free lecture by calling the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room at 704-416-0150. The event will begin at 6 p.m. 3500 Shamrock Dr.

Join BriGGsing this Thursday at Three Spirits Brewery for the Black History Edition of the Thirsty Thursday Brewery Tour! You’ll get to see the inner workings of this recent Charlotte-planted staple and see how their craft is crafted, learn the history and enjoy some fresh brews! This tour is also a great way to connect with the community and meet new and exciting people. Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Three Spirits Brewery is located at 5046 Old Pineville Rd.

The esteemed Gerald Johnson, chairman of The Charlotte Post invites everyone out to the Booth Playhouse for a special community discussion entitled, “Medicaid in North Carolina: Expansion or Reformation?” this evening. The state has refused to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act which would raise income limits to cover more people, including more childless adults. However, the state is moving forward with a managed care Medicaid Reformation plan to take effect in 2019. You will get to hear a distinguished panel to learn more about the future of Medicaid in North Carolina and the impact it is going to have not only on those who qualify for Medicaid, but on you. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/medicaid-in-north-carolina-expansion-or-reformation-tickets-42293606315. Doors open at 6 and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Booth Playhouse is located inside Founders Hall. 130 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.

If you’re like me and don’t have a Valentine to drool over this year, Abari Game Bar invites you out to the very special Anti-Valentines Movie Night this evening! Instead of playing the usual sappy movies for Valentines Day, they have decided to show films where love takes an awful turn. They will be screening the awesome soon-to-be classic “Get Out” along with “Fatal Attraction” as the double feature. There will be FREE pizza and certain pinball games on FREE play all night long. Admission and membership is only $1. 7 p.m. 1721 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

Start your weekend off on a soulful note and head down to Spirit Square to spend an evening with Grammy Award-winning vocalist Lalah Hathaway! She is on tour for her newest project, “Honestly”, which is an invitation to join Lalah on a personal journey, a testament to the human experience: it’s intimate, disruptive and, time-appropriately, honest. The colorful palette of this album recalls a feeling of child’s play, powerfully juxtaposed with hard-hitting beats and cut with the songs’ piercing subject matters. Presented by Jazz Around Town and The Sol Kitchen. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/the-honestly-tour-with-lalah-hathaway. Doors open at 7:30 and the show starts at 8 p.m. in the McGlohon Theater. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.

Get ready to be geeked out with laughter as Theatre Charlotte proudly presents, “The Nerd!” By the author of The Foreigner, it brims with funny bits and pieces inspired by “The Man Who Came to Dinner”, “Arsenic & Old Lace”, “George Washington Slept Here”, and even “The Three Stooges.” The play is free from any purpose other than reducing the audience to laughter. “The Nerd” is the stuff of one-liners, non-sequiturs and lots of physical comedy, but with a heartwarming storyline. Thirty-four year old Willum Cubbert is at a crossroads. He is not exactly failing at life, more like going through the motions. But things get exciting when an old army buddy arrives uninvited at his doorstep just as he is hosting a dinner party for an important business client. With suitcase and bad manners in tow, his friend not only crashes the party, but throws Willum’s life into complete chaos. And as might be surmised, hilarity ensues. To see all performance times and dates and to purchase tickets, please visit this link: http://theatrecharlotte.org/1718thenerd.shtml. Theatre Charlotte is located at 501 Queens Rd. in the Cherry Neighborhood.

New Era Music House is ready to take you off the main track and steer your ears to another platform as they proudly present another mind-bending installment of “Off Beat: A Journey Thru the B-Sides!” Join beatsmith and my good friend Ron Styles along with the lovely DJ SPK as they pay an honorary sonic tribute to one of the most gifted lyricists in Hip Hop, Nas! Come experience Nas’ legendary verses merged with B-side remixes and original beats cooked up fresh in front of your being! There will a special prize pack given away in a trivia contest courtesy of local QC artists and clothiers and the kitchen will be open with some tasty treats! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/off-beat-a-journey-thru-the-b-sides-feat-nas-tickets-42661498691. The subway leaves Queensbridge at 9 p.m., sharp. New Era Music House is located at 5814 Old Concord Rd. #NewEraMusicHouse

——FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9——-

Anchor’D Events strives to set the mood on this Friday evening as they proudly present “Grits & Soul—The Love Jones Edition: A Poetry and Paint Event!” This cult classic has won the hearts of many and tonight, come experience the magic from the film as you create a special image on canvas, hear some original spoken word pieces including a select few from the film and enjoy some complimentary wine and appetizers. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grits-soul-love-jones-edition-a-poetry-and-paint-event-tickets-41507191126. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at FLO Bar & Lounge. 440 E. McCullough Dr. in the University Area.

Come celebrate Black History Month at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Main Library Branch for a special presentation with select scenes from the upcoming stage play “King Liz.” King Liz examines the alarming under-representation of black female agents in major league sports, and the formidable social, political, and economic obstacles they have to overcome to swim in the company of those sharks. The event will be hosted by my beautiful friend Angel Truesdale. Admission is FREE and the screening will begin at 6 p.m. The library branch is located at 310 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.

The Children’s Theater of Charlotte invites you out for a very special stage performance from Idris Goodwin entitled “And In This Corner: Cassius Clay” this weekend. At the sound of the bell, young Cassius Clay Jr. takes his first step into the ring and starts becoming the man the world will one day know as Muhammad Ali. This vibrant historical drama takes the audience through the iconic boxer’s early life in Jim Crow-era Louisville, Kentucky. And in This Corner: Cassius Clay goes an extra, exhilarating round by exploring how remarkable communities inspire people to greatness. There will be three performances this weekend: Friday (2/9) at 7:30 p.m., Saturday (2/10) at 3 p.m. and Sunday (2/11) at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.ctcharlotte.org/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=shows-and-in-this-corner-cassius-clay&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=. All performances will be held at the McColl Family Theater inside the museum. 300 E. 7th St. in Uptown.

The weekend has arrived and now it’s time to relax as Buck Long & Friends proudly presents an evening with Willie Walker & Conversation Piece! Come experience one of Charlotte’s finest instrumental collectives filled with rousing melodies and pulsating grooves guaranteed to make you feel good! There will be drink and meal specials available to enhance your experience. Admission is $10 per person. Doors open at 8 and the band strikes at 9 p.m. The show will be held at ROC’s Jazz Bar. 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. near Uptown.

Do you desire to have fun in a different light this Friday night? If so, head down to the Dirty Martini Lounge in Fort Mill and come out for the Headphone Glow Party! The lights will be out, the fluorescent glow will be abroad—but there will be no music blasting—only through your specially channeled headphones! Bust a move out to one of three channels with three different DJs spinning the cuts. Hip Hop and R&B, House or Reggae. The party starts at 9 p.m. Dirty Martini Lounge is located at 940 Market St., Suite #116 in Fort Mill.

——-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10——-

Ladies, swing those hips and move those curvaceous honey dips down to NoDa@28^th Creative Arts Studios for Curvy Fitness Class — Dance2fit this morning! Get your groove on and get in shape as your host and motivator Ms. Tee guides you along a fun and funky workout routine set to a fly soundtrack of your favorite jams of today and yesteryear! Call your crew, co-workers and older cousins and come get in shape in rhythm! Ticket purchases and RSVPs can be made here: https://www.curvyjam.com/book-now. The class begins at 9 a.m. 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

Calling all young scholars, the good folks over at Digi-Bridge invite you out to Hygge Coworking – West for their #STEAMSaturdays workshop! In this series of workshops, your youth will learn exciting ways to apply STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) to their educational and social futures! Today’s session will focus on “Emphasis on Coding” – Scholars will choose a pre-built LEGO WeDo robot and program the tilt and motion sensors, using Scratch, to automate robot movement. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here: http://digi-bridge.org/events/hygge-2018-winter-steamsaturdays/. The workshop will begin at 9 a.m. Hygge Coworking – West is located at 2128 Remount Rd.

Brothers and sisters, bring the entire tribe out to Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte SouthPark for the African Fashions Pop-Up Tour! Sift and scour through several booths containing authentic African fabrics, outfits, ensembles, jewelry, accessories and lots more! Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/african-fashions-pop-up-tour-charlotte-nc-tickets-41371403983. The event will begin at 10 a.m. 6023 Park South Dr.

The spirit of Mardi Gras is in the QC and the good people of Southeast Crab Feast and Three Spirits Brewery invite you out for the “Let The Good Times Roll Mardi Gras Seafood Bash!” This enchanting and festive event will feature ocean fresh oysters, Alaskan Snow Crab legs, shrimp & grits, crawfish, gumbo, fish & chips, Three Spirits Brewery craft brews and select wine and ciders. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/let-the-good-times-roll-seafood-bash-mardi-gras-tickets-41717606484. All meals will have separate pricings. The event begins at 12 noon. Three Spirits Brewery is located at 5046 Old Pineville Rd. Laissez le bon temps roule!

This afternoon, join best-selling author, relationship guru and radio host Dominique Clark for a very special event, “CheMinistry: A Relationship Platform & Social Hour.” Enjoy an afternoon of creativity and collective conversation featuring a who’s who of local notables and national talents. CheMinistry, created by Chanel Scott, is a relationship platform created to bridge the gap between purpose driven men and women who desire to progressively move their love life to the next level. Tickets options are $35 with a three-course meal, all-inclusive. VIP Tickets are $50 for the meal, premier seating, including a meet and greet with celebrity panelists. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cheministry-a-relationship-platform-and-social-hour-tickets-39375858252. The event will begin at 12 noon at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in South Park. 6000 Fairview Rd.

JCSU invites everyone out to celebrate Black History Month as they proudly present the Divine Kingship Celebration! You will get to examine the groundbreaking book, “Divine Kingship of Asante: A Model For Sustainable Development of Self and Community,” with Dr. Ur Aua Hehimetu Ra EnKamit. The author spent years compiling a work that studies the ways in which the traditional Asante Kingship of Ghana offers a sustainable model to improve the quality of leadership for disenfranchised communities worldwide. You don’t want to miss this powerful presentation on how our history can provide a pathway to our future! There will be food, an African-style marketplace for cultural jewelry and other items, African drumming, dancing, and jazz music by A Sign of the Times. Admission is $10 and the event will begin at 2 p.m. in the JCSU library. 100 Beatties Ford Rd.

Attention teenagers! Are you having a rocky start in your 2018? I’ve got something for special for you this morning! Bring yourselves, your friends, goals and dreams out to the Plaza-Midwood Community Library Branch for the 2018 Teens Together Vision Board Party! Join Firm Foundations Youth & Family Outreach, Inc. for this interactive goal-setting event! In life, it’s important to set goals, or “refresh” some of our past goals, and what better way to do it than with others in a fun group setting. They are inviting middle and school aged youth to join us for what should be a fun and motivating event! Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teens-together-vision-board-party-tickets-41321823687. The event will begin at 10:30 a.m. The library is located at 1623 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

Everyone, gather your tribes together and head on down to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art for “Family Day!” Today, can explore the art and artists in the Bechtler collection through special hands-on art activities and family-focused museum tours. Several hands-on art activities await art enthusiasts of all ages at Family Day. Think outside the box by creating Picasso portrait collages in the famous Spanish painter’s cubist style in the Bechtler lobby. Continue one of the great art traditions of the season by creating your own Valentine’s Day cards with a modern art flair in the second-floor classroom and lots more! Admission is FREE for youth under 18 and $8 for adults. 12 noon. 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

The good people at Liberate Your Palate CLT return with another midday banger as they proudly present the Brunch Cocktail & Pairings Class! Gather all of your friends and get a hands-on cocktail-making opportunity with the featured drinks: Morning Margarita, Moscow Mule with a fresh twist and a Coffee Julep. Also, Chef Jamarr will be on hand serving up some delicious and light brunch bites for you to enjoy. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.liberateyourpalate.com/passbook/charlottecocktailclass-9tm6t-nxwzl-32j9x. The session will begin at 12 noon at Nest Restaurant & Bar. 505 E. 6^th St. in Uptown. #LiberateYourPalateCLT

A Woman’s Way and My Darling Doula have once again teamed up to present a special presentation of the documentary “Bringin’ In Da Spirit” this afternoon. This inspiring film highlights the unsung and rich history of Black midwives in the United States. Through the use of first person narrative and rare archival images, this documentary provides a moving glimpse of the women who have skillfully brought scores of children across the threshold of existence. Narrated by Phylicia Rashad, this evocative and passionate film celebrates the women who have committed themselves to holistic answers, amidst powerful misconceptions about the practice of midwifery and virulent opposition from practitioners of Western medicine. Following the screening will be a panel discussion featuring local Midwives, Doula’s and Birth Advocates including Sakina O’Uhuru (CNM), who is featured in the film. Admission is FREE but $5 donations are acceptable. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bringin-in-da-spirit-documentary-tickets-42416176927. The event will begin at 3 p.m. at Grier Heights Community Center. 3100 Leroy St.

Moxie Society is switching up the day party favor this Saturday as they collaborated with Eli Simone Matchmaking & Coaching to bring you “A 90s Kind Of Love Day Party!” Gather your crew and enjoy an afternoon full of great food, fellowship and funk DJ Weatherman will set the mood spinning the hottest of 90s R&B and Soul classics! There will be drink specials available including $20 Rose bottles. Who knows—you might just meet someone new! Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 4 p.m. at Sports One Bar & Lounge. 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety

Black Singles in CLT invites you out to the all-new Whitney Austin Gallery of Art for “The Art of Love” this evening. View the ravishing Whitney Austin’s radiant and colorful art collection and fill the remainder of your senses with with live music, poetry from a special guest, free giveaways and complimentary wine & food! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-art-of-love-tickets-42624053692. The event will begin at 7 p.m. 10720 S. Tryon St. #BlackSinglesCLT

Everyone get your taste buds ready to explore some Lowcountry delight this evening as Kardea’s Kuisine proudly presents The New Gullah Supper Club Charlotte! Acclaimed kitchen maestro Chef Kardea Brown aims to unite people from different walks of life with one common interest, to enjoy good food with great people. Chef Kardea will prepare her spin on Gullah inspired Southern dishes with a contemporary twist. The menu will consist of a welcoming smorgasbord, small plate, salad, main entrée, and dessert. All food items are fresh, seasonal, and local; therefore the menu is subject to change based on availability. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-new-gullah-supper-club-charlotte-tickets-35991089317?aff=efbevent. The time and location of the event will be delived via e-mail upon ticket purchase.

Everyone bring your comrades, co-workers and older cousins down to The Morehead Tavern for “School Daze Adult Game Night!” Hosted by Timothy and Diamond Nurse, bring your skills to the floor and compete in a variety of games including Uno, Twister, Beer Pong, Taboo, Jenga, Corn Hole and of course—Spades! Be sure to rock your HBCU, Divine Nine or PWI apparel and represent! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adult-game-night-school-daze-tickets-41859234096. The games begin at 8 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.

Attention couples, do you want in on some knowledge that’ll help build and sustain your marriage? If so, head down to the Kappas of Charlotte Foundation Hall for the Love That Lasts Valentine’s Day Gala! This sophisticated evening includes live jazz, urban ballroom dance, red carpet, wine and hors d’oeuvres. The host for the evening, Natasha Oates, MA, EdS, LPC will coordinate the gala’s themes of “Legacies of Strong Families, Wealth Building & Influence.” Tickets can be purchased here: http://upretreats.com/index.php/product/love-lasts-valentines-gala/. The event will begin at 8:30 p.m. 5409 Beatties Ford Rd.

SociaLight is back for the month of February and they have collaborated with Fusion Lounge to present to you the Pre-Valentine’s Day Singles Mixer! It’s cold outside and while you don’t have a boo thang to snuggle up with, come and enjoy an evening of conversation, cocktails and specially crafted sonic concoctions from 92.7 The Block’s very own DJ SPK! Drink specials include Love Potion #9, Valentine Martinis and Cupid’s Cocktail. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pre-valentines-day-singles-mixer-tickets-42697651826. The mixing and mingling will begin at 9 p.m. Fusion Lounge is located at 6432 E. Independence Blvd. #SociaLight

Everyone put glide in yo’ stride, a dip in your hip and come on down to the Mothership at the Fillmore this evening and swing on that sweet and funky chariot with George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic performing live! You know the songs. You know the groove. You know the funk. Come and see the Atomic Dog and his posse get down on the good foot on stage with all their classic hits and a few surprises in between! Tickets can be purchased here: https://concerts1.livenation.com/event/0E005358C2543435?f_PPL=true&ab=efeat5787v1. Doors open at 7:30 and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. The Fillmore is located at 820 Hamilton St. in the NC Music Factory.

SoMo Entertainment proudly presents the official “Pre-Valentine’s Day Party Traffic Light Party!” This social soiree is designed to help those in the QC to mingle and explore some beautiful and handsome possibilities. But there’s a catch–wear your color to represent your dating status. Red = taken, yellow = maybe or green = available. Sounds will be provided by Power 98’s very own Danny Diaz. Drinks specials will also be available. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pre-valentines-day-traffic-light-party-tickets-41759178828. The party starts at 9 p.m. at Kanvas Gallery & Lounge. 525 E. 6^th St., Suite #117 in Uptown.

Put some African spice in your Italian entrée this Saturday night and head down to Vapiano for Signature Saturdays! Eddietainment and Africana Connections have joined forces once again to bring you a tropical twist as one of the QCs hardest working DJs and birthday honoree, The Dynamic DJ Kato spins a delightful and energetic arsenal of Hip Hop, Afrobeat, House, Soul, R&B, Reggae, Dancehall, Soca and more! Also, get your picture game on with a fun Selfie Photo Booth provided by The Selfie Spot. For birthdays or group celebrations contact eddietvip@gmail.com to reserve. Admission is FREE before midnight. The party starts at 9 p.m. Vapiano is located at 201 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

——-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11——-

When combined, what does Hip Hop and food equal? A good time! This morning, head up I-77 N to the town of Cornelius and slide over to Cork & Cask for the “Old School Hip Hop Brunch!” Your stomach will be filled with culinary goodness while your ears will be filled with the flyness of Golden Era Hip Hop. It’s a head-bobbing and hand-raising experience like no other! Admission is FREE to attend and the funk starts at 11 a.m. Cork & Cask is located at 9624 Bailey Rd. in Cornelius, NC.

Join Mr. Felix Curtis at The Gantt Center this afternoon for the February edition of Classic Black Cinema Series. Today’s screening is the 1959 classic “Black Orpheus.” In the heady atmosphere of Rio de Janiero’s carnival, two people meet and fall in love. Eurydice, a country girl, has run away from home to avoid a man who she believes wants to kill her. She arrives in Rio to stay with her cousin. Orfeo works as a tram conductor and is engaged to Mira – as far as Mira is concerned. As Eurydice and Orpheus get to know each other they fall deeply in love. Mira is mad with jealousy and when Eurydice disappears, Orfeo sets out to find her. Admission is FREE with museum membership and $9 for nonmembers to attend. The film will start promptly at 2 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #CBCS

If you love music like I love music, spin yourselves over to Tip Top Daily Market for another rotation of the Diggers Delight Pop-Up Record Swap! Whether you’re fiending for some Funk, Jazz, Soul or some totally outer-worldly sonic frequencies, local cultural enthusiasts and activists Flock & UNTAMD are ready to rock the spot and deal out some dynamite dopeness! Also, be sure to check out the crates from Premium Sound with more musical madness for your minds and grab a bite to eat from a fresh batch of Pepperbox Doughnuts. Admission is FREE to attend and the event starts at 2 p.m. Tip Top Daily Market is located at 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

Everyone gather at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church this afternoon for a very special interactive historical discussion entitled “McCrorey Heights: History Along the Beatties Ford Corridor.” JCSU President Dr. H.L. McCrorey invites you out to hear about ongoing research on the McCrorey Heights neighborhood. McCrorey Heights is home to dozens of African American institution -builders and civil rights activists whose stories need to be shared and preserved for posterity. Renowned Charlotte historian Dr. Tom Hanchett and filmmaker Ken Koontz is partnering with the McCrorey Heights Neighborhood Association to do a house-by-house history of this important neighborhood featuring oral history videos of current and former residents of the neighborhood. Admission is FREE to attend and all ages are welcome. The event begins at 3 p.m. inside the Conference Center. The church is located at 3400 Beatties Ford Rd.

Brush N’ Brunch CLT invites you out to Venue @ 1801 for the Couples & Canvas Pre-Valentine’s Day Soiree this afternoon! Enjoy this sophisticated gathering with your significant other as Chef Tamara Allen prepares a delectable three-course meal, complimentary red or white wine and a few sweet selections from the dessert table. For the creative portion of the event, the surprise featured artist will guide you and your hands along to create a special Black Love design. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brushandbrunchclt-presents-couplescanvas-the-pre-valentines-soiree-tickets-42300597225. Art supplies will be provided upon ticket purchase. The event will begin at 4 p.m. Venue @ 1801 is located at 1801 N. Tryon St.

Enjoy a unique multisensory experience this evening and head out to New Era Music House for the second installment of “The Menu Series!” Hip Hop Culture and fine cuisines collide as Pride R.O.C.K. hosts an evening of creative energy guaranteed to have your mind in pure astonishment. There will be live music provided by Africanus Romanticus and other special guests. There will also be some poetry delivered by Rome D’Carlo and C Four Black. Food and beverages will also be available for sale. Admission is $5 per person. The event will begin at 9 p.m. New Era Music House is located at 5814 Old

COMING SOON…

2/15 – Intergalactic Soul

2/16-2/18 – The Blackest Weekend Ever & “Black Panther” Premiere

2/23 – Taste After Dark

2/24 — The Males Place: All Black Tie Dinner & Gala

2/24 — 2018 Queen City Black Heritage Festival

2/26 – 3/3 – 2018 CIAA Tournament Celebration

3/9 – “The Livest One” 7th Annual Notorious B.I.G. & Bad Boy Tribute

Enjoy your weekend family! Peace & Blessings to you.

Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.

#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #CommunityFirst

By: Shawn D. Allison, II

What’s happening family? I hope you all have had a wonderful week. But now, it’s time to relax and have fun because there’s all sorts of goodies in “The Rundown” this weekend! Over 35 items to choose from and there’s something for everyone! As usual, I’ll be pretty busy being engaging with the community, but if you want to know what’s really poppin’, check out what I got on my “Hot List!”

THURSDAY – Thirsty Thursday Brewery Tour at Three Spirits Brewery
THURSDAY – The “Honestly” Tour featuring Lalah Hathaway at Spirit Square
THURSDAY – “Off Beat: A Journey Thru the B-Sides” at New Era Music House
FRIDAY – Black History Month presentation of “King Liz” at the Main Library Branch
FRIDAY-SUNDAY – Children’s Theater of Charlotte presents “And In This Corner: Cassius Clay”
FRIDAY – Headphone Glow Party at Dirty Martini Lounge
SATURDAY – African Fashions Pop-Up Tour at Marriott Charlotte South Park
SATURDAY – “Let the Good Times Roll Mardi Gras Seafood Bash” at Three Spirits Brewery
SATURDAY – Screening of “Bringin’ in Da Spirit” at Grier Heights Community Center
SATURDAY – Pre-Valentine’s Day Singles Mixer at Fusion Lounge
SATURDAY – Signature Saturdays DJ Kato Born Day Edition at Vapiano
SUNDAY – Classic Black Cinema Series screening of “Black Orpheus” at The Gantt Center
SUNDAY – Diggers Delight Pop-Up Record Swap at Tip Top Daily Market
SUNDAY — Couples & Canvas Pre-Valentine’s Day Soiree at Venue @ 1801