By Shawn D. Allison, II
Greetings everyone! I hope you all have had a wonderful week so far. The weather is still somewhat nice but what’s even better is that the activity in the QC has picked up some more! This weekend, there’s all sorts of community initiatives to get involved with as well as some joints to let your spirit be free at. While I won’t be too active this weekend, be sure to check out my “Hot List” so you know which will be the best moves to make!
- THURSDAY – Wilson Oasis Center presents “Black Men We Need You…”
- FRIDAY – “Tarmac” Opening Reception at The McColl Center for Art + Innovation
- FRIDAY – PLAYER MADE at Snug Harbor
- SATURDAY – 2020 HBCU College Fair
- SATURDAY – In Livin’ Color: Sip + Color Party for Black Women
- SATURDAY – Serving The Culture presents The Bad Boy vs. Death Row Dinner
- SATURDAY – The Sound + BLAST + Hymnz & Metaphors Showcase
- SATURDAY – Repainted Tomorrow feat. Electrobro at Tip Top Daily Market
- SUNDAY – Classic Black Cinema Series screening of “Paris Blues” at The Gantt Center
- SUNDAY – Second Sunday House Jam at Crown Station
- SUNDAY – The SESSION 1st Anniversary Jam at Heist Brewery
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, JANUARY 9——–
This evening, local mental health advocacy firm Wilson Oasis Center invites you out to a special mental health forum entitled “Black Men We Need You…” This forum is designed to gain insight on what do Black men want and need in regards to psychological well-being. Wilson Oasis Center founder Ayana Davis has opened the floor for this intimate and inclusive platform I order to understand what works for men as you talk together about ways to break down the barriers that men experience daily and how to improve access to mental health services. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-men-we-need-you-tickets-86247483545. The event will begin at 5 p.m. at the Beatties Ford Regional Library. 2412 Beatties Ford Rd.
The Queen City Chapter of the Nat’l Coalition of 100 Black Women invites you out for a special program entitled, “Your Legacy Begins Now” this evening. Bring all your friends and family as you digest the documentary “Legacy Lives On”, a film that explores the economic challenges facing Black America and how we can create legacies of financial wellness. There will be a community-style fireside chat following the screening. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/your-legacy-begins-now-tickets-86288323699. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Calling all aspiring filmmakers – Do you have a desire to create cinematic art and learn some techniques? This evening, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library invites you out to a special workshop entitled, “Make a Movie Film Sprint: Free Resources for Filmmakers.” In the past year, the library has ordered over 100 filmmaking books, set up 10 cell-phone video kits (gimbal, boom, zoom recorder) and podcast kits that can be checked out with a library card, sponsored over two dozen filmmaking classes and subscribed to magazines such as American Cinematographer. If you are serious about making low budget, local movies, here’s your chance to gain some insight and acquire knowledge about shooting film. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.meetup.com/Charlotte-Independent-Filmmaking-Meetup/events/thmdmrybccbmb/. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Sugar Creek Library Branch. 4045 N. Tryon St.
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, its one class you shouldn’t skip! Admission is FREE and open to the public. All sessions will be held at JCSU beginning at 7 p.m. 100 Beatties Ford Rd.
——–FRIDAY, JANUARY 10——–
Explore the power of art at The McColl Center for Art + Innovation as they invite you out to a special opening reception of the center’s Resident Residency project, “Tarmac.” It’s an exhibition by incumbent artists-in-residence—Dammit Wesley, HNin Nie, Helms Jarrell, MyLoan Dinh and Marlon Morrison. The exhibition, curated by Community Curatorial Fellow Janelle Dunlap, showcases the artwork of these five Charlotte artists who are building power in their communities to resist and reimagine our collective identity. FREE admission but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/opening-reception-of-resident-residency-tarmac-tickets-87733213403. The event will begin at 6 p.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The South got somethin’ to say in 2020 as local crew Permanent Vacation hosts the first 2020 country-fried episode of PLAYER MADE! This is the jam session that celebrates Southern Hip Hop from all eras ranging from The Geto Boys, The Hot Boys, UGK, Nappy Roots, Little Brother, DJ Screw, T.I., The Dungeon Family, Future and a lot more! Your host is local MC/DJ Elevator Jay along with DJs Jaboi B Rab and A-Huf and a live performance from Cuzo Key giving you the funk! Admission is FREE for everyone 21+ and $5 for persons 18-20. Doors open at 9 p.m. at Snug Harbor. 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——–SATURDAY, JANUARY 11——–
This morning, Sustain Charlotte and Building Community CLT invite you down to UNCC Center City for a special forum entitled “Building a Charlotte for All: The Summit.” With the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the 2040 Center City Vision Plan, and the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation 10-Year Master Plan all underway, it is essential that we understand how we can work together to advocate for generation-shaping policy that leads to true equitable development in Charlotte. As fellow practitioners, city leaders and interested citizens this broad collective will honor and be inspired by everyone’s respective work in the space as well as work to develop common tools and language to help accomplish equitable development goals for everyone in Charlotte. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-a-charlotte-for-all-the-summit-tickets-85584889709. The event will begin at 9 a.m. UNCC Center City is located at 320 E. 9th St. in Uptown.
Calling all Charlotte area high school students — The Queen City Chapter of the Nat’l Coalition of 100 Black Women invites you, your friends and families out to West Charlotte Senior High School as they host the 2020 HBCU College Fair! Here’s a great opportunity to learn about HBCU enrollment from designated college reps, have your questions answered and much more! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hbcu-college-fair-tickets-83752137899. The event will begin at 10 a.m. West Charlotte Senior High School is located at 2219 Senior Dr.
Ladies, start 2020 off exhibiting your love of literature as Ms. Resha Kochon of Little Brown Girl Group, Inc. hosts Books, Brunch & Brown Girls this morning! Enjoy a delightful brunch as you engage with each other and gather some insight from local radio personality and girls’ empowerment advocate Janine Davis. If you have a love for literacy and an appreciation for the works of renowned African American female writers then this event is for you! If you’re ready to indulge in the knowledge, please purchase your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lbg-publishing-presents-books-brunch-and-brown-girls-w-janine-davis-tickets-74920028823. The event will begin at 11 a.m. at Level II Venue. 10210 Berkley Place Dr. in the University Area.
This afternoon at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, you’re invited to be part of a unique gathering of minds as they proudly present A Community Conversation – Finding Home: Where Do I Belong? Join librarian Pam Turner and poet Kia Flow as they lead this exercise to reflect on the idea of home and invite you to share your individual experiences verbally and written. Writers of all experience levels are welcome to join. There will be discussion prompts and writing, with an opportunity to share your work. Please be sure to register here: https://www.cmlibrary.org/event/124428-community-conversation-finding-home-where-do-i-belong. The event will begin at 2pm. The library is located at 1623 Central Ave in the Plaza-Midwood District.
This year, many have their minds set to delve into the world of homeownership but still harbor a few wary feelings about the process. This afternoon, join noted veteran real estate agent and realtor Dagmar Damour as she invites you to the aptly-titled, Your Carolina’s Agent Book Release Party! With over 20 years in the real estate industry, Ms. Damour felt the need to expound her knowledge to the masses in a series of books that will guide you through the process. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or starting your life over after a divorce, her books are guaranteed to put you on a better path and in a better home. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/your-carolinas-agent-book-release-party-tickets-80968140889. The event will begin at 2 p.m. at Sage Restaurant & Lounge. 505 E. 6th St. in Uptown.
Sisters, Sistas and Queens, throw on your fly threads and head down to Dupp & Swat for some throwback fun at In Livin’ Color: Sip + Color Party for Black Women! Celebrate the vibrancy of your souls this afternoon as you mingle with other Chocolate comrades over cocktails, eats, treats while creating, curating and coloring images that exhort and edify the essence of you! Hosted by lifestyle blogger #SHYFCLT. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.workwithtierany.com/get-s-done-productivity-power-pack/shyf-presents-in-livin-color-color-sip-arty-for-black-women. The event will begin at 2 p.m. Dupp & Swat is located at 1824 Statesville Ave. inside Camp North End.
This afternoon, get ready for the ultimate battle of dope beats and dope eats as Serving The Culture proudly presents “The Bad Boy vs. Death Row Dinner!” Gather your crew and rep your set at the table as a host of Charlotte’s finest culinary MCs and mixologists rhyme it out in this kitchen rivalry based upon the infamous East Coast/West Coast Hip Hop Wars! The menu is just as potent at the feud and you’ll be sure to feel it even more with my good man B-Man rockin’ the hotness of these two legendary labels adding fuel to the flavor! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-bad-boy-vs-death-row-dinner-tickets-80867985321. The event will begin at 4 p.m. at Sage Restaurant & Lounge. 505 E. 6th St. in Uptown.
Come out for some cinematic magic at Camp North End this evening and get ready for the Cine Casual Film Series Kickoff! The Cine Casual Film Series is a brand new social platform presenting recent, internationally-acclaimed and award-winning Latin American films, specially curated for the Queen City. Tonight, you’ll be treated to a special screening of the film “Matar a Jesús (Killing Jesus).” This film centers around Paula, a young Colombian student, witnessing the cold-blooded murder of her father. After suffering the police’s ineffectiveness, she accidentally encounters the hitman responsible for the job. Driven by anger, frustration and pain, revenge seems to be her only possible choice. Inspired by true events. The film will be followed by a panel discussion on gun violence with guests Dr. Gerald Brown (IC Counseling) and Margaret Murphy (March For Our Lives: UNCC). Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cine-casual-film-series-matar-a-jesus-killing-jesus-tickets-73769234767. The event will begin at 6 p.m. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Ave.
This evening, get ready for a creative explosion of praise, worship and art at The Sound + BLAST + Hymnz & Metaphors Showcase! Gear your ears to the stage and experience the spiritual flyness of super poets Cutright, Valentina Moore, Monica Marie, Lady Apollos, Sharlene Alice Provilus, Curtis Lavon, Marisha and Kezia Snipe. Hosted by the great Charles McMurray. Admission is $5 per person and can be purchased at the door or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-sound-x-blast-x-hymnz-metaphors-spoken-word-event-tickets-87679554909. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at The Movement School. 2701 Freedom Dr.
Everyone come and gather ‘round the campfire for a night of soulful sentiments as Muddy Turtle Talks presents “Here For Good.” Come enjoy and get engaged in this time of storytelling, eats, treats, music, networking and community curated and voiced by the lovely Hannah Hasan of Epoch Tribe. There will also be a special live performance from the songstress herself, Ms. Dawn Anthony. Muddy Turtle Talks was created to document and share the stories of Enderly Park, a Charlotte community that is dealing with the personal impact of gentrification and displacement. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to leave a donation at the door or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/muddyturtle-talks-here-for-good-tickets-86599691007. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Missiongathering Church. 420 E. 15th St. in the Belmont Neighborhood.
Join my friends Diggers Delight and the Vacation Pay crew as the proudly present the January installment of Repainted Tomorrow this evening! This half beat show/half live painting hybrid showcase will feature the sonic stylings of local talents Electrobro along with visual vibrations provided by Kamo. Additional sonic frequencies will be provided by resident musicians Axnt and Simon SMTHNG. Hosted by Peculiar Hippie. Admission is FREE but donations will be accepted. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at Tip Top Daily Market. 2921 The Plaza Rd.
End your weekend on a soulful note and join BRAVE Entertainment as they proudly present THE SESSION 1st Anniversary Jam! This Sunday cool-down will bring the heat as the stage will be set on fire with opening acts, singer/songwriters Chantae Cann, Blanche J. and Brik.Liam! Then be sure to stick around as the gorgeous multi-award-winning Tweet gives a live soul-stirring performance! You don’t want to miss this! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-session-tickets-79982201919. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at Heist Brewery. 2909 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
——–SUNDAY, JANUARY 12——–
This afternoon, give your palates a taste of life as local Renaissance wonder woman Jasiatic invites you to “The Offering: A Plant-Based Brunch Experience.” Enjoy a variety of savory eats, engage in creative dialogue and digest some culture in an atmosphere of love! Menu items include: Creamy Polenta w/ Roasted Vegetables, Cinnamon Caramel French Toast, Tofu Scramble, Batata Harra and Banana Bellinis. If interested in attending, please send an email to: jasiatic@gmail.com.
This afternoon, join Mr. Felix Curtis at The Gantt Center for the first 2020 installment of the Classic Black Cinema Series! Today’s feature is the 1961 classic “Paris Blues.” Starring Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Sidney Poitier and Diahann Carroll, Newman plays Ram Bowen, a trombonist, composer and jazz devotee and Poitier is Eddie Cook, a talented saxophonist who left the U.S. years ago to seek refuge in Paris. The musician buddies meet two American tourists, Lillian (Woodward) and Connie (Carroll) and the ensuing romances put into question their future in the City of Love. The screening is FREE with Gantt Center admission and will begin promptly at 2 p.m. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Need some more House music in your life? Don’t worry, I got you! Bring all your friends and fellow House heads down to Crown Station for the Second Sunday Jam! Join Raw Substance DJs Steve Howerton, Charles Gatling along with Mike Brown and special guest Futuro Sounds’ DJ Jason Brooks as they send jolts of sonic juice with a vibrant mix of House grooves ranging from Classic, Soulful, Afro-Latino, Deep and much more! Admission is FREE. 3 p.m. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
This afternoon, head over to Dupp & Swat as local wellness advocacy collective The Sanctuary in the City hosts a special Grant & Scholarship Info Session. This event will highlight information about grant acquisition for Black and Indigenous people of color who have programs in the areas of food justice, health & wellness, neonatal care and other community empowerment initiatives. There will also be information on scholarships for people who are prospective/current students or those who are looking to participate in retreats, classes and workshops. Additional info can be found here: https://www.thesanctuaryinthecity.org. Admission is FREE to attend. The event will begin at 4 p.m. Dupp & Swat is located at 1824 Statesville Ave. inside Camp North End.
COMING SOON…
1/17 – JazzArts Charlotte presents The Jazz Room: Philip Whack Plays John Coltrane—The Impulse Years
1/17 – Fine Art Fridays Collage Workshop
1/17 — Camp Lo LIVE
1/18 – 2020 MLK Parade
1/18 – Media Maven Connect
1/18 – Freaquency360 LIVE
1/18 — 17th Annual Legacy of Black Women Film Showcase
1/18 — Up Close & Personal w/ J. Holiday
1/18 — View The Right Thing Film & Discussion Series
1/18 – AfroPop CLT Vol. 39
1/19 – Cooking With Joya presents Soulful Sundays “Big Easy Brunch”
1/20 – MLK Day Celebration at The Gantt Center
1/20 — Necessary Conversations: The Condition of Black Business in CLT
1/20 – 2020 Bridging Musical Worlds MLK Celebration
1/23 – Son Little LIVE
1/25 — Voices Of Life Fellowship Chorale presents Turn Your Pressure Into Praise—The Musical
1/25 – Su Casa: The January Edition
1/31 – Children’s Theatre of Charlotte presents “Akeelah & the Bee”
1/31 – To Be Seen & Celebrated Art Exhibition
2/1 – Off The Wall: New Jack Swing Edition feat. The Infamous JETA Team
2/5 – Raphael Saadiq’s Jimmy Lee Tour
“History shows that it does not matter who is in power or what revolutionary forces take over the government, those who have not learned to do for themselves and have to depend solely on others never obtain any more rights or privileges in the end than they had in the beginning.”
–Carter G. Woodson
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst