The Rundown of Things to Do: Thursday, July 4 – Sunday, July 7

By Shawn D. Allison, II

 

What’s good everyone! We are in the second half of 2019 with a fresh

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

new month at our disposal. What better way to kick off a four-day weekend with this episode of “The Rundown” jam-packed with all sorts of weekend goodies! If you want to know where I’ll be kicking it this weekend, check out my “Hot List” just below!

 

  • THURSDAY — The 19th Annual Plaza Midwood Pig Pickin’
  • THURSDAY – The Jump Off at Crown Station
  • FRIDAY—SATURDAY – Jazz at The Bechtler presents Maria Howell
  • FRIDAY – Jazz N’ Soul Music presents Band Definition at Loft & Cellar
  • FRIDAY – Blow Your Head – July Edition at Snug Harbor
  • SATURDAY — The Gift Way Up in the Closet: The Musical
  • SATURDAY – Viva Venezuela Festival at The International House
  • SATURDAY – FLLS and Peculiar Hippie presents “A Day In Da’ Country”
  • SATURDAY — OFF THE WALL — 8 YEAR ANNIVERSARY at Petra’s
  • SUNDAY — Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles Brunch: Independence WKND Edition 2019
  • SUNDAY — “Work, Mix, & Chill” Launch Party for The iNCubator at Dupp & Swat

 

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, JULY 4——-

Bring the family over to the Plaza-Midwood area as various restaurants and bars proudly host and present “The 19th Annual Plaza Midwood Pig Pickin’!” Come slop around and try various sandwiches, meals, drink specials and more! From Pint Central to Snug Harbor, there will be lots to choose from. There will be vegan and vegetarian options available as well. Also, be sure to stick around as local bands Female Gibson, Mannish Boys and Lipstick on a Pig will be performing LIVE. Prices on food and drink will vary. The event begins at 4 p.m. and will be headquartered at Pint Central. The address is 1226 Central Ave.

Come one come all down to Crown Station for The Jump Off! B-Boys, B-Girls, Hip Hop Heads, Backpackers, Music Nerds gather all your crew, comrades & cousins and get down on the good foot as A-Huf Stetler rocks out on the 1s and 2s giving you the best of Classic Hip Hop, Soul, The Funk, House and R&B jams all night long! The jump off is at 10 p.m. $5 admission. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

 

——FRIDAY, JULY 5——-

This weekend, The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art invites you out for a very special edition of “Jazz at the Bechtler” as vocalist/actress Maria Howell reunites with the Ziad Jazz Quartet for a special two-night performance! Maria has been on several stages and featured in a number of films showcasing her classic artistry. She also has been known to leave audiences mesmerized with her powerful, sultry, smooth voice, mixing R&B, gospel and soul into her renditions of jazz classics. This is a rare performance that you do not want to miss! Tickets can be purchased here: https://30796a.blackbaudhosting.com/30796a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=f859f1fb-8943-4a60-ab5f-06279e5f75fe. There will be two shows this weekend – Friday (7/5) and Saturday (7/6) at 6:30 p.m. The Bechtler Museum is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Test your knowledge of Black music & culture and come out for Black Music Bingo at LaWan’s Soul Food this evening! Gather your friends and get ready to enjoy this fun and funk-filled fast-paced take on traditional bingo. You will be given a free bingo card where traditional bingo board numbers are replaced with song names, artist names, music titles or a mixture. There will be a number of categories and four rounds with a winner from each round. FREE admission. The event will begin at 7 p.m. 2600 Clemson Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

Join my friends at Jazz N’ Soul Music as they welcome you to experience a fresh, new sound this evening – Band Definition! This hot collective of musicians is poised to deliver a delightful night that takes you on a journey through the world of music from Contemporary Jazz, Inspirational, smooth rhythms, The Blues, Funk and much more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/band-definition-a-electric-night-of-soul-defining-music-fri-july-5th-730-and-10p-the-loft-and-cellar-tickets-63446255458. There will be two performances this evening at 7:30 and 10 p.m. at Loft & Cellar. 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.

Any spellers in the house? Head out to Mooney’s Lounge for the Drunken Spelling Bee tonight! Libations and lexicons collide tonight as contestants try their best to compete against other wordsmith warriors while drinking shots for a chance of bragging rights and cool prizes! Come and get your spell on for FREE with RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drunkin-spelling-bee-fridays-tickets-62323722933. The event will begin at 8 p.m. Mooney’s Lounge is located at 2525 N. Graham St.

OutenLove Events and Mr. 305 Entertainment have teamed back up for their weekend party jam, Reggae vs. Hip Hop – First Friday Edition! Step in the zone and rep your sonic flavor with DJ Heff making your whine and rock with the finest of Dancehall and Reggae mixes and get in your stance and head bob yourselves into a trance as DJ Shaun Nyce gives you the best of classic and modern Hip Hop and R&B! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reggae-vs-hip-hop-1st-fridays-edition-tickets-62031780726. The party starts at 9 p.m. at Stats Restaurant & Bar. 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.

If you want to experience some different sonic flavor this Friday night, come out to Snug Harbor for Blow Your Head – The July Edition! My good brothers of Blow Your Head, Flock of Slagles and Jah Freedom will be spinning an entire vinyl set of Funk, Soul, Boogie, Garage, House and Rare Grooves for your listening pleasures! Admission is FREE to attend and be ready to dance! The event starts at 10 p.m. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

 

——-SATURDAY, JULY 6——-

Parents, gather your kids and their friends and head over to Fullwood Theater for a special performance of The Gift Way Up in the Closet: The Musical! Young Melody loves to sing—constantly! If she could, she would rather sing than talk! One day, Melody’s grandmother tells her that she has a gift, and she sets off to find it. After searching high and low, she discovers the gift in a place she never expected! Join Melody’s hilarious, musical journey to locate her special gift! This musical is based upon the book written Dawn Anthony with music and lyrics by S. Kristi Douglas and Dawn Anthony. Tickets can be purchased here: https://seethegiftmusical.ticketleap.com/thegiftmusical/. There will be two performances beginning promptly at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Fullwood Theater is located at 100 W. McDowell St. in Historic Downtown Matthews.

Calling all expectant mothers and mothers with young infants – join WISE Community Doulas as they proudly present the It Takes A Village Community Baby Shower this morning! This is an amazing opportunity to learn more about local community resources and how to create a safe and nurturing environment for your soon-to-arrive bundle of joy. There will be raffles, light refreshments, mommy/ parent circle, gifts and opportunities to learn about things like breastfeeding, nutrition in pregnancy, staying grounded in labor, infant care and more. Come and let them shower you with love! Admission is FREE but you must RSVP here: wisecommunitydoulas@gmail.com – no walk-ins are allowed. Monetary donations can be made via CashApp: $WISECD as well as necessary infant items for families in need. The event will begin at 10 a.m. at NoDa @ 28th Creative Arts Studios. 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

This afternoon, experience the vibrancy of South America at the Viva Venezuela Festival! Bring the entire family out and immerse yourselves in Venezuelan heritage and culture with some live music from renowned bands, authentic Venezuelan cuisines, dancing, interactive activities and much more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.paypal.com/webapps/shoppingcart?flowlogging_id=26f476a7c6973&mfid=1562194105296_26f476a7c6973. The event will begin at 3 p.m. at The International House. 1817 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

Black Singles in CLT is making some weekend moves as they invite you out to Firehouse Bar & Lounge for the Dapper Day Party! Step out in your flyest Summer threads and enjoy an afternoon of socialization, cocktails and the hottest music from Charlotte’s own DJ Phalse ID! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-dapper-day-party-tickets-64635560702. The party starts at 4 p.m. Firehouse is located at 320 W. Carson Blvd. in Uptown.

Take a ride down the old road down to Mooresville and join local musician FLLS and Peculiar Hippie as they proudly present A Day In Da’ Country! It’s a country celebration of music, culture and fellowship with live performance from a number of local singers, MCs and producers. Gear your ears to the stage and get ready to experience the musical energy from Cuzo Key, Spacedad 20XX, Autumn Rainwater, Jah-Monte and Matrix P! DJ sets will be provided by Simon SMTHNG, FLLS and many more! Admission is $10 per person. There will also be food and drink provided (one FREE plate and beverage with admission). You are welcome to bring your own beer. The jump off is at 5 p.m. The address is 142 Reid Black Ln. in nearby Mooresville.

Enjoy some fun and laughter this evening and come out to Heist Brewery for A Night With the Bryan’s Brian’s Comedy Showcase! Whether you spell it commonly with a “y” or “I”, get ready for some raucous comedy from a host of “Br(y-i)ans in the QC! Your funnymen for the evening are Brian O’Neil, Bryan Penn, Brian Briscoe, Bryan Li and Brian Long aka “Bourbon Bardot!” Admission is $5 per person. The jokes start at 7:30 p.m. Heist Brewery is located at 2909 N. Davidson St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

Create Amazing LLC wants you to experience an amazing Saturday as they invite you out to Jerk & Jokes this evening! As quoted, “they say the best comedians are jerks so why not add some jerk chicken.” And this evening, you get a healthy dose of both with featured comedians: Chavis Lipscomb, Jiwan Kapp, Tre Pose and Austin Cook. There will also be a live masseuse on hand with a chair, raffle tickets and prizes and the kitchen will be fired up giving your taste buds the essence of Caribbean culinary delight! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jerk-jokes-tickets-58719338121. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at Negril Social Restaurant & Lounge. 3428 N. Tryon St.

First 2 First Ent., LLC wants to add some spice to your Saturday night as they proudly present Shine A Light On Em’! Get in the groove as world-renowned remix king DJ Ted Smooth provides a myriad of global rhythms in a night of energetic music, dancing and fellowship! The dress code for the evening is “clean up nice”. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shine-a-light-on-em-tickets-63652642768. The party starts at 9 p.m. at Press Box Bar & Grill. 9609 N. Tryon St. in the University Area.

This sophisticated Saturday continues to get more sultry as Moxie Society invites you to Professionals Night Out! Enjoy a breezy and warm Summer night in a debonair atmostphere with your friends, delicious cocktails, tasty eats and some funky treats from DJ Loui Vee spinning the hottest of classic Hip Hop, R&B, Top 40, Pop and much more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/professionals-night-out-presented-by-rontatejr-and-louiveemydj-tickets-63400180647. The event will begin at 9 p.m. at Explict Restaurant & Lounge. 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.

This Saturday, come and celebrate 8 years of Charlotte’s longest-running testament to true Hip Hop Culture as The JETA Team invites you to OFF THE WALL — 8 YEAR ANNIVERSARY! Remember the days of way back when and make some new memories as four of the QC’s finest — Chief Rocka Aking Allah, Soul Brother DJ Justice, The Mighty DJ DR and the ever-fly, funky & fine DJ DK hit the decks giving your ears the business of the best of Classic, Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, Pop, Rock, The Funk, House, Downtempo, Nu-Wave and much more! Admission is $5 before 10pm and $10 after. The jump off is at 9 p.m. at Petra’s. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

 

——-SUNDAY, JULY 7——-

Charlotte’s fastest growing brunch experience is back for some solstice action for your four-day weekend as The Culture Cooperative proudly presents Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles Brunch: Independence WKND Edition 2019! Join The Dynamic DJ Kato and friends for an afternoon of nonstop Afro-Caribbean flavor featuring the vibrant sounds of Soca, Reggae, House, Soul, Hip Hop, Afrobeats, R&B and much more! The kitchen will also be fired up with all sorts of delicious meal & drink specials. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jerk-chicken-n-waffles-brunch-…. The jump off is at 11 a.m. at Mango’s Caribbean Restaurant. 3112 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

Brothers and sisters, we have a brand new co-working space in the city and this afternoon, bring everyone over to Dupp & Swat for the “Work, Mix, & Chill” Launch Party for the iNCubator! As Dupp & Swat continues to expand their vision and purpose, come experience this interactive information session about their new co-creating, maker space, “The iNCubator”. The iNCubator is an urban laboratory for innovators and creatives in Charlotte and surrounding areas. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, writer, musician, artisan or any flavor of creative professional, you’re invited to come work and create in a safe and affordable space! Today’s activities will include an introduction into the co-arting experience, exclusive membership incentives, giveaways and much more! Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/work-mix-chill-a-co-art-launch-party-for-the-incubator-tickets-63488238029. The event will begin at 12 noon. Dupp & Swat is located at 1824 Statesville Ave. in Camp North End.

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 Party Dad 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.

Moxie Society invites you out to Firehouse Bar & Lounge as they proudly present, Sippin’ On Sundays: Independence Weekend Finale! Relax in this fly Uptown QC venue with delicious food, drink specials, hookah, music from DJ Puff and a patio to enjoy your fresh and fat-rolled stogies. Admission is FREE but if you’re interested in VIP seating, please register and pay here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sippin-on-sundays-feat-independence-weekend-finale-feat-dj-puff-tickets-63182951910. The event begins at 4 p.m. Firehouse Bar & Lounge is located at 320 W. Carson St. in Uptown.

For your Sunday night coolout, head over to Petra’s for Bill Hanna’s Jazz Sessions! Charlotte jazz legend Bill Hanna brings his famous jazz session live and in living color for your enjoyment featuring a who’s who of Charlotte’s finest musicians in an intimate setting. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bill-hannas-jazz-sessions-tick…. The band strikes at 8 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

 

COMING SOON…

7/10—7/20 – The Legacy Theatre Production Co. presents “A Long Time Since Yesterday”

7/12 — King & Queen Social: Vision for Success

7/12 – CLT DJ Battle

7/13 – Van Hunt 15th Anniversary Concert

7/13 – Devin the Dude performing LIVE

7/14 – Single Fathers & Homelessness Forum

7/14 – Satire Sunday Book Club Meeting

7/18 – JazzArts Charlotte presents Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues plays Muddy Waters

7/18—7/20 – 3rd Annual CineOdyssey Film Festival

7/19 – RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party feat. Ramon Rawsoul

7/19—7/20 – JazzArts Charlotte presents THE JAZZ ROOM: Dawn Anthony Sings Nancy WIlson

7/20 — Face It: Anatomy & Figure Drawing 2-Day Workshop

7/20 – AfroPop Charlotte Vol. 33 – 3-Year Anniversary Fete

7/21 – 2019 Charlotte Peruvian Festival

7/21 – Vegan Vibe Music Series

7/22—7/26 – Young Icons Recording Arts Camp

7/22—7/26 — Hip Hop Tech Camp: The Roots and STEM of Rap – A Writing & Technology Workshop

7/26 – Radio Rehab Carolinas presents HELLA COLLAB

 

Enjoy yourselves, be careful with all of the fireworks and do not drink and drive. Love & Light to each of you! Peace.

 

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

 

#WeekendWarrior   #TheBlackFerrisBueller   #EarsToDaSkreets   #CommunityFirst