By Shawn D. Allison, II
Greetings family! It has been a mighty long week with lots of trials and such, but now it is time for “The Rundown!” Fall is in the air and the weekend is here with all sorts of cultural flyness for your senses to dig. Festivals, parties, culture jams and all the dancing your feet can handle lies below in this week’s installment. As usual, I’ll be busy in the streets, but if you want to hang with yours truly, just check the method where I’ll be on my “Hot List!”
- THURSDAY – SATURDAY – Charlotte Film Festival
- THURSDAY – Drip Classics, Vol. 1 at Apostrophe Lounge
- FRIDAY – Black Food Truck Friday at Firehouse Bar & Lounge
- FRIDAY – Mosaic Live presents “Mosaic on the Lake”
- FRIDAY – Radio Rehab Carolinas presents “A JAM CALLED WHATEVER”
- SATURDAY – Black Men Appreciation Brunch at Thee Lit House
- SATURDAY – 28th Annual Latin American Festival
- SATURDAY – UNC Charlotte International Festival 2018
- SATURDAY – Celebrating Life Fashion Show
- SATURDAY – Radio Rehab Carolinas presents “JUSTICE 4 ALL: A Soulful Dance Experience”
- SUNDAY – Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles Sunday Brunch/Southern Fried Kickback: The Summer Finale
- SUNDAY – Open Streets 704
- SUNDAY – A Vibe Called Fresh at Camp North End
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, SEPTEMBER 27——-
Everyone get your cinematic peepers ready for a weekend of fun at the Charlotte Film Festival! Come out for a cornucopia of feature films, shorts, documentaries, workshops, seminars and much more! For all info regarding show times, locations, film schedules, etc., please visit this link: http://www.charlottefilmfestival.org/.
Charlotte comedy fans come and enjoy a whole weekend of laughs, courtesy of some of America’s hottest comedians plus Charlotte’s own comedic talent at The Queen City Comedy Experience! Co-produced by Queen City Comedy, The Comedy Zone and Blumenthal Performing Arts, this one-of-a-kind event will highlight several dozen local and national acts from a wide variety of comedy genres. Much of The Queen City Comedy Experience’s focus will be on local acts, like the popular sketch comedy group Robot Johnson and the long-running Improv Charlotte. Festival headliners include SNL alums Jay Pharoah and Rob Schneider, YouTube sensation Randy Rainbow, film and television comedic actress, Janeane Garofalo and many more. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.blumenthalarts.org/queen-city-comedy-experience/. The laughs begin at 5 p.m. at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
This evening, head down to The McColl Center for Art + Innovation for a special creative workshop entitled “Iconographic Ideations.” Take your innovative ideas to the visual level. Alumnus artist-in-residence Marcus Kiser shares his expertise in graphic design, classic comics, and graffiti art to teach you how to think creatively, simplify complex ideas, and then, visually communicate refined ideas to create your own logo or symbol. Adult class, all materials are provided. Tickets can be purchased here: https://53393.blackbaudhosting.com/53393/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=8eb21b43-1e28-4c88-9cb1-46d730929e7e. The event will begin at 6 p.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Join Mr. Daniel Smith at The Unknown Brewing Company as he invites you to the Green Energy Lifestyle social this evening. In a world where “Going Green” is concerning topic, we would love for you to join us as we bring our thoughts about the future of the Carolinas. Solar Panels: Learn how by installing solar is good for the environment, increase property value and reduces America’s independence on gas and oil. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.meetup.com/Charlotte-Environment-Meetup-Green-Energy/events/254215603/?_xtd=gqFyqTE1NTc0ODkxMqFwp2FuZHJvaWQ&from=ref&_cookie-check=P4R3Oy_Va86pkv_a. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Unknown Brewery Co. is located at 1327 S. Mint St. in Historic South End.
Thursdays are for relaxing, entertainment, food, drinks and time well spent with your friends and tonight, slide down to Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar for the That’s My Jam! Open Mic session! Join host El Lambert events as they set the mood for you and your crew of professionals as you enjoy some local talents extend their skills of vocals and instrumentals in R&B, Soul, Jazz and spoken word. Admission is FREE all night long and there will be plenty of drink and meal specials available. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thats-my-jam-open-mic-sydneys-uptown-tickets-50546905154. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Sydney’s is located at 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Get in the groove and feel the energy of local creativity as Dav Baynga and Climate Ctrl proudly presents Drip Classics, Vol. 1! It’s a new season with some new flavor to hit the streets and tonight, slide down to Apostrophe Lounge to catch a gander at the new flock of artists from around the Carolinas poised to grab your attention and make you boogie! Featured artists include: LiF, Iconic, June Dior, Jaycanrap, Jonny Stapes, Princeton, Anna Mae, Big C, Fais, and Best Friends. Additional music will be provided by DJ Ed E. Kane and this event will be hosted by the ever-fine Saran Almond. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drip-classics-vol1-tickets-50307066791. The event will begin at 8 p.m. Apostrophe Lounge is located at 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
——-FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28——-
Put those walking shoes on and get your taste buds ready because it’s time for the 9th Annual Sip N’ Stroll Art & Wine Festival! Artists will set up booths displaying and selling artwork, additionally over 40 wine vineyards will be present allowing for wine tasting and enjoying local live music. Throughout the day guests will also have the opportunity to experience many different and unique wine seminars that are held all throughout the EpiCentre. Ticket purchases and additional info can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/9th-annual-sip-and-stroll-art-wine-music-festival-tickets-49099109759. The Epicentre is located at 210 E. Trade St. in Uptown.
Black Business Owners of Charlotte (BBOC) has been on a serious roll with recycling our coins back into our community and tonight, get your stomachs revved up at Firehouse Bar & Lounge for another round of Black Food Truck Friday! Bring all your friends and family out for an evening of fun as you dine from some of the city’s finest and most delicious Chocolate culinary chariots, scoop up some cool fashions and trinkets from local vendors, have chances to win cool prizes and get down on the good foot to the sounds of “The Force” aka DJ Heff! Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 6 p.m. Firehouse Bar & Lounge is located at 320 W. Carson Blvd. in Uptown. #BBOC
Jazz N’ Soul Music invites you out to Loft & Cellar for the return of BreakOn’Em Davis! Spearheaded by one of Charlotte’s baddest rhythm masters, Mr. Ocie Davis, Jr., come and experience a night of progressive, straight-ahead jazz with an all-star band! If you dig The Roots, The Robert Glasper Experiment, Esperanza Spalding or anything with a Neo-Soul/Hip Hop groove, this is the jam session for you! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-n-soul-music-breakon-em-davis-fri-sept-28th-9p-the-loft-and-cellar-tickets-50121502764. Showtime is at 8 p.m. Loft & Cellar is located at 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
Gather your friends and come experience an evening of poetic mystery at “Words, Wine & …” The stage is set and your host, the beautiful Latricia Penny invites you to become invigorated with a creative collection of words and observations through her warm brown eyes. Where she will take you? Come and see, hear, feel, taste and think for yourselves. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/words-wine-tickets-49780855880. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at Dupp & Swat. 2521 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
It’s time to set sail for an evening of fun on the cool, calm waters of Lake Norman as the good people of Mosaic Live proudly presents “Mosaic on the Lake!” Gather all your friends and ease away those work week blues as you live it up yacht-style with DJ Mad Flexx powering the atmosphere with a wide variety of music to jam to! And to keep the energy high, the ultimate host himself, NuffCed will be in the house making sure everyone gets up on their feet and gets to dancing! There will also be hors d’oeuvres, live painting and giveaways. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mosaic-at-the-lake-tickets-36367294557. Directions and parking instructions will be provided once payment is verified. #MosaicLive #TheAgenda
Get ready to cut loose this Friday as OutenLove Events, Mr. 305 Events and High Society CLT proudly present Karaoke Game Night this evening! It’s some new flavor with a funky twist as you try sing your sober or sloshed hearts out with karaoke songs, play a wide variety of games and party into the night with a special guest DJ rockin’ out all the dope tunes of today and yesteryear! Admission is FREE with RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/karaoke-game-night-tickets-47953473129. The event will begin at 9 p.m. at Recess CLT. 832 Seigle Ave. in the Belmont Neighborhood. #OutenLoveEvents
This weekend get yourselves a double dose of funk as the coolest crew, Radio Rehab Carolinas rocks out with not one, but TWO dope culture jams for your senses to dig! Tonight, we take Hip Hop back to the essence with the DJ and the MC presenting “A JAM CALLED WHATEVER!” Come and get your fix of fly rhymes, stanzas, bars and other colorful colloquialisms from the homie Rapper Big Pooh and my man whizzing his wicked wizardry on wheels of steel, Fin the DJ pushing out the sonic dope with his extraordinary turntable skills! If you love true, unfiltered Hip Hop that speaks to the soul, you need to be at this joint! Cop your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-jam-called-whatever-tickets-49780158795. The jump off it at 9pm at Crown Station. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District. #RadioRehabCarolinas
——-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29——-
Bring the entire family out to UNCC Main Campus for the UNC Charlotte International Festival 2018! This festival is a celebration of people, places and culture vibrantly displayed through exhibition booths staffed by UNC Charlotte international students and members of Charlotte’s international community. Art, crafts, costumes, food, music, dance, and games combine to create the experience of traveling the globe in one day. Admission is FREE to attend and all ages are welcome. The festival will begin at 10 a.m. in the Barnhardt Student Activity Center. UNCC Main Campus is located at 9201 University City Blvd.
Moxie Society is ready to start your Saturday off the fun way with the I Still The 90’s Brunch & Day Party! Come and kick it with your crew as my guys B-Man and DJ Shogun spin an incredible arsenal of classic 90s Hip Hop, House, R&B, Soul, Reggae and Go-Go joints! The kitchen is ready to rock with a delicious Southern brunch menu and the bar is fully stocked with all sorts of drink specials, including $5 mimosas. Get there early and get ready for Charlotte’s best brunch experience! The party starts at 11 a.m. at Sports One Bar & Lounge. 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
Join The Premier Foundation, Premier Pharmacy and Wellness Center, and their clinical partners Premium Direct Medicine for the 2nd Annual Wellness Fair. The Wellness Fair provides something fun and exciting for everyone whether you want take advantage of our free health screenings, learn more about services/resources, represent an organization, shop our retail vendors or just enjoy the complimentary food and games. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/premier-pharmacy-health-and-wellness-fair-tickets-48072188209. The event will begin at 11 a.m. 3010 Monroe Rd., Suite #101.
Brothers and sisters, come out to Symphony Park this afternoon to mingle with thousands of culture and music lovers at one of Charlotte’s largest cultural events, the 28th Annual Latin American Festival! There will be an incredible lineup of musical artists and dance performances, a diverse selection of Latin American food, handmade crafts, visual artists, and an interactive street festival environment with activities for the whole family. Admission is $5 for adults and FREE for children. The festivities commence at 12 noon. Symphony Park is located at 4400 Sharon Rd. in the South Park Area.
Gentlemen of Chocolate complexion, you’re invited to Thee Lit House for a very special Black Men Appreciation Brunch this afternoon! Join your lovely host, BasicallyiBlog Tah and the ladies of BasicallyiServe as they prepare a delightful afternoon brunch menu all for showing an abundance of love and appreciation for being extraordinary Black men. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-men-appreciation-brunch-tickets-50653364577. All ticket purchases are donations and will go toward BasicallyiServe for future community givebacks. The event will begin at 12 noon and the address of Thee Lit House will be provided upon ticket purchase via e-mail.
Everyone put the pedal to the pavement and cruise over to Sports One Bar & Lounge for Happy Hour: Maintenance and Mingle CLT! This happy hour aims to create a space for black cyclist, people of color, and those who support the communities, issues, and interests specific to us. Sip, eat, vibe, find ride partners and get information about activities, social rides, and events that cater to casual recreational riders, entry-level cyclist, commuters, or people who want to connect with other cyclist off the road. This social is brought to you by Bike & Brunch Tours. All are welcome. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/happy-hour-maintenance-and-mingle-clt-tickets-49819995949. The event will begin at 2 p.m. Sports One Bar & Lounge is located at 521 N. College St. in Uptown.
Hey kids, I’ve some something cool for you this afternoon! Gather all your friends and parents and head down to the Beatties Ford Library Branch for the ASC Culture Blocks: Visual Art Workshop! The Arts and Science Council will provide a visual art workshop series geared toward enhancing community youth creativity. Accompanying the art-making experience will be live music performed throughout the workshop. These two-hour workshop experiences will be intended for families and appropriate for all ages. Please be sure to RSVP here: http://events.cmlibrary.org/eventsignup.asp?ID=312541. The event will begin at 2 p.m. 2412 Beatties Ford Rd.
Sisters With Crowns wants to incite some style in your Saturday as they proudly present the Soulful R&B and Hip Hop Paint n’ Sip! Gather your friends and come color up the canvas and the dance floor with a guest artist guiding your hands along a blank canvas and a special guest DJ rockin’ out some classic Hip Hop, R&B and Neo-Soul tunes for you to boogie to! Wine will be provided and there will be drink specials available too. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soulful-rb-and-hip-hop-sip-and-paint-tickets-49484546611. There will be two sessions today at 3 and 7 p.m. The event will occur at Banquet 49. 4949 Albemarle Rd., Suite “B”.
Jazz Undaground Int’l and Sole Sisters, Inc. have teamed up to bring to you the Celebrating Life Fashion Show! Geared towards the horrific subject of domestic violence, survivors will feel renewed empowered and determined, by turning anger and fear into something positive. Even those who we have lost to this cause, we continue to advocate and fight on their behalf while celebrating life. There will be celebrity guest appearances, speakers, live performances, refreshments, a silent art auction and more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrating-life-fashion-show-tickets-395796839. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at NoDa @ 28th Creative Arts Studio. 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
The power of poetry platforms into literature this evening as The Empowerment Duo proudly presents The Empowerment Authors Showcase: Published Poets Edition! This very special showcase is featuring poets who have published their amazing poetry and want to share it with the world. Spoken word artists from all walks of life to hear the heart and soul that reminds us we are more alike than we are different. Poetry truly is food for the soul and the language of the universe connecting us through our various human experiences. Authors/artists include: Sporty King, Jah Smalls, Belinda Houston, Nickole Williams, Precious Pauling, Ron Roseboro, Bob Sokol, and Hakeemah Ahmed. Mrs. Subrina Sturgis Hough will emcee this event and comedienne Tina Marie Davis will provide a variety of intermissive comedic chops. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-empowerment-authors-showcase-published-poets-edition-tickets-50172554461. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Advent Coworking. 933 Louise Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
This evening, come witness some classic movie magic relived on stage as the Academy of the Gifted proudly presents Dem Lean On Me Boys – The Musical! 25 years ago, it all begin with five childhood friends who were caught singing in the bathroom by Principal Joe Clark, not realizing they possessed the gift of song. The group was formed and soon gained fame and fortune, but as time passed things slowly begin to change along with several challenges turning into turmoil that affected their personal and professional lives. This reunion will leave you on the edge of your seat, invested in their survival and encouraged by their story. Featuring an all-star cast, including the star of “Lean On Me”, Jermaine Hopkins as “Sams” and anti-bullying activist Chloe Olivia. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dem-lean-on-me-boys-the-musical-tickets-48523352654. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Biddle Hall at JCSU Main Campus. 100 Beatties Ford Rd.
Rock n’ Roll hits your soul this evening at Visulite Theater and experience the musical magic of LeAnna Eden & The Garden Of, The Veldt, Phatlip and Deion Reverie performing LIVE! IF you want to experience some fresh, organic and funky musicianship in the QC, then I suggest you need to be here! I’ve seen ALL of these bands and artists and they will not disappoint you! Get your tickets here: https://www.visulite.com/cart.cfm?AddShowID=2888. The funk starts at 7 p.m. The Visulite Theater is located at 1615 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.
NBOC Entertainment and Africana Connections is ready to rock the house with one of the longest running events in Charlotte – The 15th Annual Nigerian Independence Celebration! Get ready to party Lagos style with a fly mix of African music, fashion, dance, food and fellowship! Music will be provided by DJ Breezy, DJ Unique and The Dynamic DJ Kato. Also, be sure to get some dancing fuel in your system with some authentic jollof rice, suya meat and other African delicacies. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nigerian-independence-day-clt-2018-a-night-in-lekki-tickets-49629394856. The event will begin at 10 p.m. at Bakadi Lounge. 4205 Monroe Rd.
For your Saturday night steeze, Radio Rehab Carolinas wants you to please bring your face down to Brooklyn Grace and lift your hands in this musical altar call entitled “JUSTICE 4 ALL”! Gather your crew, colleagues, comrades, compadres, companions and older cousins and get ready for a night of conceptual dance designed to break the confines of seclusion and embrace the community of a multicultural camaraderie! Join my good friend, big brother and the QC’s best kept secret DJ Justice as he gives a sermon in Soul music ranging in multiple flavors, flows and frequencies patterned with his trademarked and specially-crafted spins taking your mind, body and soul far beyond the reaches of your imagination and will transport you into a kaleidoscope of euphoria leaving you not speechless, but feeling free! Grab your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/justice-4-all-tickets-49730363857. The get down starts promptly at 10pm. Brooklyn Grace is located at 219 S. Brevard St. in Uptown.
——-SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30——-
Everyone rise, shine and stand tall with pride as Friendship Missionary Baptist Church cordially invites you to partake in their African American Heritage 5th Sunday Children & Youth Event. Share in a worship experience for children and youth ages K-8th grades. Learn how the ingenuity of enslaved Africans brought to the United States help make America great, with a wide variety of innovations and inventions. Please be sure to RSVP at: http://www.friendshipcharlotte.org. Admission is FREE to attend. Services start at 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. 3400 Beatties Ford Rd.
The Culture Cooperative is ready to add a double dose of flavor in your weekend as they invite you out to the Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles Sunday Brunch and the Southern Fried Kickback: The Summer Finale! Enjoy this tropical spin on your Sunday brunch as sound crafters The Dynamic DJ Kato, DJ Heff and DJ Steel Wheel blend a sonic cocktail of Afrobeats, Hip Hop, House, Soca, Reggae, Dancehall and much more! There will be a special Caribbean-inspired brunch menu, a dinner menu with delicious deals mimosas, other drink specials and lots of other goodies! Please be sure to RSVP here for both events: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jerk-chicken-n-waffles-sunday-brunch-sept-30-18-tickets-49889906052 and https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-southern-fried-kickback-the-summer-finale-tickets-50357823606. The brunch will begin at 11 a.m. at Mango’s Caribbean Restaurant. 3112 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District. The Southern Fried Kickback will begin at 6 p.m. at The Peculiar Rabbit. 1212 Pecan Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Everyone come and make your sweet tooth do the happy dance as Love Desserts proudly presents CupcakeFest! CupcakeFest is a festival showcasing all things cupcakes! Local bakeries will have cupcakes available for purchase. Enjoy great cupcakes, photo opportunities, cupcake eating contest, frosting bar and more. Bakeries will compete for “Best Cupcake” bragging rights. You may purchase individual cupcake entries at each bakery’s booth. Tickets to the event can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cupcakefest-tickets-47694141461. The event will begin at 12 noon at the Oasis Shriners Building. 604 Doug Mayes Place.
Once again it’s on – everyone hitch a ride by bike, scooter, light rail or pound the pavement with your two feet and come out to Open Streets 704! This day of car(e)-free streets aims to build a better, healthier, connected community by encouraging Charlotte and Mecklenburg area residents to walk, bicycle and experience the city together in a way that’s just not possible in a car. Today, all the creative stops are being pulled out as the people of BOOM Charlotte proudly present a multisensory art exhibition entitled “Echoes” this afternoon. Come and experience the sonic, verbal and visual stylings of John Hairston Jr., Eric B. Ndelo of ART NDEKO, Jay Ward, Taproot CLT, Bluz, Dammit Wesley, JCSU Repertory Dance Company, Kia Flow, Rome D’ Carlo, Luvleeh Poetiklocks and many more! Admission is FREE to attend and the festivities begin at 1 p.m. Open Streets 704 will be held in areas from Historic South End to the Historic West End Corridor. Please visit this link for a more detailed map of the highlighted pathway: http://openstreets704.com/route/.
Back for another year of Black-on-Black fun, bring the entire family out to Camp North End for a second helping of A Vibe Called Fresh 2018! It’s all things unified with an afternoon of nonstop fellowship, music, dance, fashion, food and culture! You’ll get to witness a live fashion show, a culture dance mashup, a variety of vendors with some dope services, threads and trinkets, fly sounds from DJ Buttafingaz and much more! Admission is $FREE.99. The jump off is at 2 p.m. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Ave.
This afternoon, NC State Senator Joyce Waddell invites you out to The International House for a Tribute Concert for the Queen of Soul. Come and witness some of the city’s brightest talents as they pay homage to the late, great Aretha Franklin through song, performing a myriad of her greatest hits. Donations can be made here: https://www.joycewaddell.com/. The show will start at 3 p.m. The International House is located at 1817 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
COMING SOON…
10/1 – 10/5 – New Era Music House presents “The Elements: Music Production Courses”
10/6 – 7th Annual Literary Festival of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
10/6 – The Charlotte UNITE Festival
10/6 – Rock the Runway: Brown Girl Edition
10/6 – Off The Wall: A Tribe Called Quest/Native Tongues Tribute, Vol. 6
10/6 – Everything Is Love Adult Prom
10/11 – West End Talks
10/13 — South Africa – Land of Beauty and Splendour
Everyone have a great weekend! Love & Light to you!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst