The Rundown of Things to Do: October 17 – October 21

By Shawn D. Allison, II 

What’s the word Brothers & Sisters? Hope you all have had a fantastic week—but here we are with another fun weekend at our disposal and I’ve got some goodies in store for you! There’s lots of music sure to hit your ears and be sure to catch me on Saturday as I cohost the “View The Right Thing: Film & Discussion Series!” For some more surefire hits this weekend, check out the flavor on my “Hot List” just below!

 

  • THURSDAY — Ubuntu Power of Unity Community Building Course
  • THURSDAY – The Jump Off at Crown Station
  • FRIDAY – Science on the Rocks: Cult Classics at The Discovery Place
  • FRIDAY–SATURDAY – JazzArts Charlotte presents The Jazz Room — Ernest Turner plays Thelonious Monk
  • FRIDAY – Hot Gumbo Season Finale feat. Gena Chambers at Dupp & Swat
  • SATURDAY — 27th Annual Hidden Valley Parade & Festival
  • SATURDAY – The Males Place Ceremonial Blessing of the Harvest 2019
  • SATURDAY — View the Right Thing: Film & Discussion Series
  • SATURDAY – Freaquency 360 LIVE: CJ Chatman & Boris “Bluz” Rogers at Tip Top Daily Market
  • SATURDAY — AfroPop CLT Vol. 36 at Crown Station
  • SUNDAY – Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles Sunday Brunch: October 2019
  • SUNDAY – LittleGhost Tour 2019 feat. Moonchild & Devin Morrison
  • MONDAY – Charlotte Black Restaurant Week 2019

 

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, OCTOBER 17——–

Start your weekend off at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art as they host their October installment of their Modernism + Film Series. Tonight’s screening will feature the documentary, “Enough White Teacups.” This documentary explores the Danish non-profit INDEX: Design to Improve Life, an international design competition. It highlights the most innovative INDEX award winners, and shows how design can be used to plan and build affordable housing, prevent blindness, destroy landmines, deliver vaccines and blood to remote places, clean up oceans, prevent infant mortality and much more. Tickets can be purchased here: https://30796a.blackbaudhosting.com/30796a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=59dd20a7-ecf3-4e60-ab23-4f5d0258ee26.  The screening will begin at 6 p.m. The Bechtler is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Learning is a gift which should be applied for the betterment of humanity and for every Thursday of the next few months, the League of Intelligence along with A Sign of the Times and Kemetic Science Institute invite you and your minds to the Ubuntu Power of Unity Community Building Course. In these sessions, come and delve into the concepts and principles of our culture and unlock the power that unites. Modeled after the Kwanzaa principle, “Kujichagulia”, this course is designed to build determination individually and collectively and to utilize our power to accomplish our goals. Filled with history lessons, team building exercises and much more, it’s one class you shouldn’t skip! Admission is FREE. All sessions will be held at JCSU beginning at 7 p.m. 100 Beatties Ford Rd.

B-Boys, B-Girls and all true Hip Hop heads come down to Crown Station for another episode of The Jump Off this evening! Gather your crew and comrades and get down on the good foot as DJ A-Huf rocks out on the 1s and 2s giving you the best of Classic Hip Hop, Soul, Breakbeats, Funk, House, R&B and much more! Admission is FREE and the joint starts at 10 p.m. Crown Station is located at 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

——–FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18——–

Calling all youth – head down to The Gantt Center for the Fine Art Friday: Activate the Image Workshop! Come and flex your creative muscles through creative writing! This is your final chance to experience the exhibits before the grand opening in November, intimately connect with the pieces in Welcome to Brookhill and a Woman’s Work to create a skit, poem, short story, or any written work. Join teaching artist Colena Corbett to develop your skills as a writer, and express your unique writing style! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fine-art-friday-activate-the-image-for-homeschoolers-seniors-and-families-tickets-73608361591. There will be two sessions at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Celebrate the creepiness of Halloween and your favorite underground cinematic novelties as The Discovery Place hosts Science on the Rocks: Cult Classics! Gather all your friends for this evening of spooky science with a ton of spooked-out activities such as skin dissection with the Bride of Frankenstein, face your fears as you spin a wheel to ingest something ghastly, put in a call to the Ghostbusters while making ghost slime and dive into how Jaws’ filmmakers created such a famously scary movie and much more! Costumes are highly encouraged. Tickets can be purchased here: https://15106a.blackbaudhosting.com/15106a/tickets?tab=3&txobjid=1b87ef14-b89d-4a5c-803f-79124cc2bcd8&_ga=2.102717640.831222966.1571249400-1500207314.1571249400.   This event is for persons 21+ with proper I.D. The fun starts at 5 p.m. 301 N. Tryon St. in Uptown. #SOTR

Parents, come and introduce your children to a fresh and unique art experience as Art Kiddo invites to their Art Play Pop-Up this evening! This interactive session will offer a variety of artistic mediums for kids to discover and explore. The mission of Art-Kiddo is to provide children with the necessary tools to discover the world of art through Spanish immersion and bilingual instruction. In their sessions, they strive to work together to enhance social/emotional skills, sensory regulation, motor skills, behavior and plat/leisure skills. Admission is FREE and all ages are welcome to participate. The event will begin at 5 p.m. at Camp North End. 1824 Statesville Ave.

JazzArts Charlotte invites you out to experience some mellow coolness as they proudly present the October episode of their acclaimed series, The Jazz Room — Ernest Turner plays Thelonious Monk! In honor of Monk’s 102nd birthday, award-winning pianist and composer Ernest Turner will perform an ivory-tickling tribute celebration highlighting some of Monk’s greatest and well-known compositions capitalized by Turner’s improvisational and prolific style. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/the-jazz-room-at-the-stage-door-theater-24.   There will be four performances this weekend: Friday (10/18) at 6 and 8:15 p.m. and Saturday (10/19) at 7 and 9:15 p.m. All shows will be held at the Stage Door Theater. Located at the intersection of E. 5th St. and N. College St. in Uptown.

Take a load off and relax with some cool cats and fly girls as Queen’s Coffee Bar hosts Cards & Coffee Night! Bring your friends out for an evening of fun as you engage with community members and try your hand at a variety of games including Spades, Bidwist and Uno while enjoying some delicious, fresh-brewed coffee, wine and a dope playlist to enhance the experience! FREE admission. The games begin at 7 p.m. Queen’s Coffee Bar is located at 1720 Pegram St. in the Belmont Neighborhood.

J Macks is back in action to kick off your weekend and tonight come experience some sonic smoothness at the Hot Gumbo Season Finale! This special musical showcase highlights some hidden talents in the QC. Tonight’s spotlight feature comes in the form of an endearing songstress, the lovely and multitalented Gena Chambers! Ms. Chambers’ voice is both soothing and powerful as she is able to intertwine in a variety of styles and deliver a phenomenal performance every time she sets foot on stage! Don’t miss this! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hot-gumbo-featuring-gena-chambers-tickets-71959142733.   The show will begin at 7 p.m. at Dupp & Swat. 1824 Statesville Ave. inside Camp North End.

Mr. 305 Entertainment invites you to come and “kick it” at Stats Restaurant & Lounge as he proudly presents the first-ever Sneaker Affair – Retro vs. New School! Whether you choose to step on the scene in Retro Jordans, Chuck Taylors, Filas, Nike Cortez, British Knights or with new school standards in Gucci, Balenciaga, KD’s or Yeezys, come and get down on the good foot as a special guest DJ rocks the house with a dope blend of Classic and new school Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, Pop, Reggae and much more! This “toe jam” will be hosted by legendary Hip Hop MC, the fabulous, fearless and fine Yo-Yo! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-sneaker-affair-retro-vs-new-school-tickets-73536911883. The party starts at 9 p.m. Stats is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.

New Era Music House is back with some new flavor for the funk as they proudly present Friday Night Unplugged! Get in the groove as you experience the newest creations from a special guest local producer who’ll be showcased with a live 15-minute instrumental cypher! Emcees be sure to bring the fly rhymes ready to ebb and flow through a river of raucous rhythms giving everyone a taste of your style. Sounds will be provided by DJ Ron Styles and will be hosted by the ever-fine Reecee Raps. There will also be delicious late night brunch menu to satisfy your stomach. FREE admission. The jump off is at 9 p.m. at Burgerim University. 9601 N. Tryon St., Suite “F.”

 

——–SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19——–

Come and celebrate one of Charlotte’s most legendary and beloved neighborhoods at the 27th Annual Hidden Valley Parade & Festival! Bring the entire family out and experience the trueness of this longstanding community with a full parade, food trucks, live entertainment, vendors, games, arts & crafts, music, voter registration and much more! Admission is FREE and the parade will begin promptly at 10 a.m. at Mayfield Memorial Missionary Baptist Church. 700 W. Sugar Creek Rd.

CALLING ALL STUDENTS – The Charlotte Black Film Festival invites you and your friends down for an all-new interactive educational initiative class entitled Digital Saturdays “Movie Making & Coding for the Web”. This monthly in-class and online training series for kids and teens that allow them to create short films and websites in a theater setting. Students will enjoy a variety of interactive activities designed to explore their creativity, and increase knowledge of technology and the digital world in a safe and fun environment. Industry instructors will led students in this empowering digital learning event. Each youth will receive a program notebook, software and forms that will enable them to success beyond the program. If interested, please be sure to RSVP here for the training session: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/digital-saturdays-information-session-please-rsvp-tickets-75725219169.   The event will begin at 11 a.m. at Studio Movie Grille. 210 E. Trade St. in Uptown.

The mighty men and youth of The Male’s Place have been working hard in their organic garden for some time now and today you’re invited out to their Ceremonial Blessing of the Harvest 2019! Come out for a midday adventure of a gardening tour, agricultural education, drumming and dance performances, healthy food preparation and demonstration, and a lecture on the livelihood of Black farming. Admission is FREE to attend and donations are always welcome. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. and will be held at Fred Alexander Park. 1909 McAllister Dr.   #TheMalesPlace

Bring your crew out to Charlotte’s best brunch experience and join Moxie Society as they host another episode of the I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party! Come out for some festive Saturday flavor as one of the QC’s hottest entertainment firms fills your day with some of that cultural coolness with an revamped Southern-inspired brunch menu, mimosas, cocktail specials and fly 90s Hip Hop, R&B, Neo-Soul, Reggae tunes from the lovely DJ Micki Blendz! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-still-love-the-90s-brunch-feat-micki-blendz-tickets-74206298035.   The jump off is at 11 a.m. at Recess Charlotte. 832 Seigle Ave. in the Belmont Neighborhood. #MoxieSociety #TheArtOfTheDayParty

You are invited to explore four floors of art and creativity during Open Studio Saturday at McColl Center! Come through with your family and friends to participate in fun art and craft activities and meet our artists-in-residence—Anna Garner, Lacey McKinney, Jason H. Green, Pablo Rasgado, Sherrill Roland and Brittney Leeanne Williams—in their studios. There’ll be a food truck, drinks, music, and more. Admission is FREE and open to the public. 12 noon. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. College St. in Uptown.

Head down to the Beatties Ford Library for the October installment of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s newest platform View the Right Thing: Film & Discussion Series! In the continuation of the honor of Academy Award-winning filmmaker Spike Lee, we’re going to take you back to class in the 1988 classic “School Daze”. Based upon Lee’s experience at Morehouse, it’s the story of a fiery student activist fighting for social change clashing with a braggadocious leader of a fraternity fighting to maintain a social order. In the midst of it all, one young man remains conflicted as to what path he should choose. Join us as we examine themes of Blackness such as colorism, activism, HBCU experiences, sexism, Black Greek life and more. This film is rated “R”. FREE admission and refreshments will be available. The screening will begin promptly at 1pm. The library is located at 2412 Beatties Ford Rd.

It’s time to rock your blue and gold and cheer on our hometown heroes for the 2019 JCSU Football Season! Come and make some noise and cheer on those brave and bold Golden Bulls against the Fayetteville State Broncos! And of course, you don’t want to miss the halftime show! Tickets can be purchased at the gate or here: https://goldenbullsports.com/sports/2009/12/1/GEN_1201095257.aspx?id=8. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. at Irwin Belk Complex at JCSU Main Campus. 100 Beatties Ford Rd.

Dear Soul Music Co. is ready to strike another chord as they proudly present their newest initiative, The Artist’s Way: Creative Clusters Meet Up Workshop! The ‘Artist’s Way Creative Clusters’ is a 12-week program based off of Julia Cameron’s best-selling book called, “The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity”. The Artist’s Way, originally written in 1992, is an invaluable guide to living the artist’s life. The Creative Clusters serve as a weekly gathering for blocked, aspiring, and emerging creatives of all mediums looking to explore their greatest creative potential. The Artist’s Way is a distillate of forty years of artistic practice. It is an experiential book intended to teach people to process and transform life through acts of creative action, as opposed to through theory. Artists of all creative mediums are welcome. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-artists-way-creative-clusters-meet-up-tickets-65277133664.   The event will begin at 1 p.m. at the Steele Creek Library Branch. 13620 Steel Creek Rd.

Explore your artistic side this afternoon and join INNER’Tainment Productions for a special Mask Making 101 Art Class! Come and be inspired as your hosts and acclaimed artists Micaila Ayorinde and Bunny Gregory guide you on a creative journey to produce your own mask. There will be a wide variety of molds, cutouts, paints, utensils and other creative instruments at your disposal to use. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mask-making-101-tickets-75418261049.   The event will begin at 2 p.m. 3003 Philips Fairway Dr.

Slide out to Tip Top Daily Market for the October installment of the not-your-average networking jam session entitled, Freaquency360 Live! This gathering of creatives will feature some dope music of course, but at the core its main focus is to create a platform for artists and art enthusiasts to meet, greet and collectively share positive vibrations. Today’s focus will feature ½ of the production duo, Geek Squad, CJ Chatman and homegrown multifaceted Renaissance man, Boris “Bluz” Rogers! Hear their stories in the art world, trials, triumphs, outlooks for the future, family life and much more! DJ Luke Stemmerman will be providing the grooves for this session. Hosted by Jah Freedom. Admission is FREE. The event will begin at 2:30 p.m. Tip Top Daily Market is located at 2902 The Plaza Rd.

Fall is in full effect but the fire is still burning as The Bantu Fete Team invite you out to Crown Station for AfroPop CLT Vol. 36! Bring your friends and live it up Mama Africa style style with two of the QC’s hardest working sonic maestros, The Dynamic DJ Kato and DJ Steel Wheel for an unforgettable night of Afrobeats, Afro-House, Soca, Reggae, Dancehall, Latin flavors, Hip Hop, R&B, some live African drumming thrown in the mix and much, much more! Also, be sure to support the various vendors supplying lots of garments, jewelry, accessories, homemade skin and hair products and more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afropop-charlotte-vol36-afrobeats-soca-live-drums-more-tickets-75014190463.   The party starts at 9:30 p.m. Crown Station is located at 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

 

——–SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20——–

The energy from AfroPop still carries on into today as The Culture Cooperative invites you out to the Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles Sunday Brunch: October 2019! Enjoy this tropical spin on your Sunday brunch as sound crafters The Dynamic DJ Kato and friends blend a sonic cocktail of Afrobeats, Hip Hop, House, Soca, Reggae, Dancehall and much more! There will be a special Caribbean-inspired brunch menu, mimosas and other drink specials and lots of other goodies! Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jerk-chicken-n-waffles-brunch-october-2019-tickets-75673695059.   The event will begin at 11 a.m. at Mango’s Caribbean Restaurant. 3112 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

This afternoon, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library invites you out to a community talk entitled Race, Inequality and Affordable Housing: A Talk and Discussion. Join Pam Kelley, a former Charlotte Observer reporter, as she discusses her recent book, “Money Rock: A Family’s Story of Cocaine, Race, and Ambition in the New South,” the story of a former Charlotte cocaine dealer and his family. Pam will also take questions about local inequality issues, including gentrification in the town of Davidson, Charlotte’s affordable housing crisis and a historic black neighborhood in Cornelius that’s fighting to survive. The event will begin at 2 p.m. at the University City Regional Library Branch. 301 E. W.T. Harris Blvd.

Look, I know it’s Sunday and you want to be lazy, right? How about you come out to Petra’s instead and experience Hazy Sunday! This afternoon cool down is a meeting for those who appreciate the finer things in music. Join sound selectors, my man DJ Ray Krol, Probably Will and friends as they cultivate a carefully curated selection of vibes from jazzy instrumentals, Hip Hop, avant-garde frequencies, trippy Deep House music, and whatever else your purveyors of waves care to dig. Admission is FREE and the music starts at 3 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

The Sol Kitchen invites you into a world where color, sound and space co-exist as they proudly present the LittleGhost Tour 2019 feat. Moonchild & Devin Morrison! With a unique style of alternative R&B, soul and new-school jazz that has cemented their spot in today’s music scene, L.A.-based trio Moonchild continues to intertwine lyrical concepts with expansive glistening melodies, harmonies and irresistible interludes. This fondness for experimentation and teamwork follows across the release, particularly through the instrumentation with band members coming together to form harmonies and horn solos showcasing their otherworldly musical talent and respect for one another. Tickets can be purchased here: https://event.etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSale.do?performance_id=6338402&partner_id=240&method=restoreToken&cobrand=amossouthend.   Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show will be held at Amos Southend. 1423 S. Tryon St in Uptown.   #TheSolKitchen

Treat yourselves to some musical delight as The Sol Kitchen and Jazz Around Town proudly presents An Evening With Incognito feat. Maysa! This acclaimed British acid jazz band has maintained an enduring relationship with music with founder Jean-Paul (Bluey) Maunick leading his band Incognito to their 40th anniversary. To celebrate this milestone, Bluey has recorded a brand-new album of songs and instrumentals with the hallmark Incognito sounds both familiar and fresh, encompassing acid jazz, soul, funk, and neo-soul. Joining them is the legendary jazz vocalist Maysa, who’s rich and captivating sound has featured among various musical dignitaries and on some of the most cherished albums in history. Hosted by the Jazz Diva, Ms. Tammy Greene. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/an-evening-with-incognito.   Showtime is at 8 p.m. at The McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.

 

——-MONDAY, OCTOBER 21——-

Brothers and sisters, get ready to fill your stomachs with some soul because it’s time for Charlotte Black Restaurant Week 2019! Gather all of your friends and family and dine at several Black-owned restaurants in the Charlotte area! Discounts will be between 25-50% off at all participating restaurants. Let’s unite and show these wonderful Black-owned establishments that we appreciate their service! Charlotte Black Restaurant Week will run from Monday, October 21 to Sunday, October 27. Please visit: http://www.bboclt.com for additional info. #CLTBLACKRestaurantWeek

 

COMING SOON…

10/23 — On the Table CLT with the Gantt, Crownkeepers & ASC

10/24—10/26 – 2019 JCSU Homecoming

10/25 – Radio Rehab Carolinas presents Hella Collab

10/25 — Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde ft. SlimKid3, Fatlip & DJ Undrkut

10/25 – G-R-A-V-I-T-A-T-E

10/25 – Core’ Cotton: A Woman Evolves

10/25 – Rah Digga LIVE w/ Soul Brother DJ Justice

10/26 — I Still Love The 90’s Brunch “2 Up, 2 Down” Edition Feat. B-Man

10/26 – Su Casa: We Love FELA!

10/26 – Art Block Party

10/26 – Abari Game Bar Monster Bash

10/27 — The 2019 Community Connection Fall Expo

10/28 – WFAE Charlotte Talks Forum on Charlotte’s Proposed Arts Tax

11/1 — Take One! The Gospel Truth w/ Gabby Moore

11/1—11/3 — Nanioubolo African Dance & Drum Conference

11/2 – Off The Wall: Down South Edition—A Tribute To Southern Hip Hop and R&B

11/2 – Maria Howell LIVE at Middle C Jazz

11/7 — CONTRA-TIEMPO’s “joyUS justUS

11/8 – What The Fries CLT presents “What The …. Sammiches?”

11/9 – Sol Afri: All Things Natural Pop-Up

 

“I cannot tell the truth about anything unless I confess being a student, growing and learning something new every day. The more I learn, the clearer my view of the world becomes.” –Sonia Sanchez

 

Everyone have a great weekend!

 

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

 

#WeekendWarrior   #TheBlackFerrisBueller   #EarsToDaSkreets   #CommunityFirst