The Rundown of Things to Do: Thursday, October 25 – Sunday, October 27

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

By Shawn D. Allison, II

Peace Brothers and Sisters! Happy Thursday to you! Its JCSU’s Homecoming weekend and Charlotte is dripping with all sorts of blue and gold flavor. They have an entire list of goodies going down as well as Charlotte Black Restaurant Week in rotation for its third year. And if you’re looking for some more fun this weekend, check out my Hot List!

 

  • THURSDAY—SUNDAY – 2019 Charlotte Black Restaurant Week
  • THURSDAY–SATURDAY – 2019 JCSU Homecoming Festivities
  • FRIDAY – Black Food Truck Friday at Firehouse Bar & Lounge
  • FRIDAY — Core’ Cotton: A Woman Evolves at The Booth Playhouse
  • FRIDAY – Chantae Cann LIVE at The Evening Muse
  • FRIDAY – Knocturnal presents Bizarre Ride feat. Fatlip & Slimkid3 at Snug Harbor
  • SATURDAY – Flava of the Month at Tip Top Daily Market
  • SATURDAY – Art Block Party at Camp North End
  • SATURDAY – Abari Monster Bash
  • SATURDAY – Su Casa: We Love FELA! at Petra’s
  • SUNDAY – Neighborhood Nature Walk
  • SUNDAY – 2019 Straight-Ahead Jazz Series

 

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 24——–

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

 

 

This afternoon, head over to UNCC Main Campus and join the UNCC Africana Studies Dept. as they host “Black Women & Reproductive Justice: A Lifelong Health Issue.” The esteemed Dr. Keisha L. Bentley-Edwards will give a lecture highlighting the ills, struggles and unfortunate circumstances that Black women face in the world of reproductive and neonatal care. Dr. Bentley-Edwards is Assistant Professor, Duke University’s School of Medicine and Associate Director of Research, Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity. Admission is FREE to attend. The event will begin promptly at 4 p.m. inside the Cone Center. 9201 University City Blvd.

 

 

It’s JCSU Homecoming Weekend and The Sol Kitchen and The Grays is ready to set things off with the Official Mix and Mingle: Homecoming Week Kickoff! Calling all alumni from JCSU, Wingate, NC A&T, Hampton, UNCC, Spelman, Morehouse and ECU – come out, rep your school, colors and pride as DJ Tramare makes things cool with a special soundtrack of Classic Hip Hop, R&B, Top 40, Soul, House, Go-Go and much more! FREE admission. 6 p.m. at QC Social Lounge. 300 N. College St.

 

 

Dapper Street Productions, Inc. returns for the month of October with another installment of its heralded performance series Color of Jazz – Toni Tupponce & Matt Kelly sing Kurt Elling! Two of the QC’s finest vocalists, the lovely Toni Tupponce and Mr. Matt Kelly have teamed up to pay homage to Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Kurt Elling! Kurt’s style is smooth as cognac and the two performers chosen for this special show are sure to serve you a glass of audible excellence. Admission is FREE to attend and all ages are welcome. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Tyvola Senior Center. 2225 Tyvola Rd.

 

 

——–FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25——–

Last year, BBQ pits were smoking, grills were raging and mobile kitchens were super busy. This year, the heat gets turned up a few notches as Black Business Owners of Charlotte invites you out to Firehouse Bar & Grill for the official Charlotte Black Restaurant Week – Black Food Truck Friday! Gather all of your crew, co-workers, colleagues and cousins of all ages and come taste a wide variety of the city’s Black-owned food trucks with cuisines ranging from seafood to soul food, desserts, vegetarian and vegan dishes and everything in between! This is the event you don’t want to miss! RSVPs and ticket purchases can be made here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-food-truck-friday-charlotte-black-restaurant-week-tickets-67407689213. The festivities begin at 2 p.m. Firehouse Bar & Lounge is located at 320 W. Carson Blvd. in Uptown.   #BBOC

 

 

Things get a little spooky at Camp North End this evening as they host the Halloween edition of Potions & Pixels! Bring your friends out for an evening full of multiplayer board and video games from all eras, a costume contest, tons of prizes and lots more! Admission is $5 per person and the fun starts at 5 p.m. 21+ are only admitted and costumes are encouraged. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Ave.

 

 

The lovely Dani Outen of OutenLove Events invites you to an all-new concept this evening as she proudly presents Plates and Playlists: The R&B Dinner Party! Bring your friends out for an evening of cuisine and culture at one of Charlotte’s newest fine dining establishments, Explict Bistro & Lounge with some delightful delectable, creative cocktails and a vibrant soundtrack of R&B grooves from all eras provided by a special guest DJ! And then, be sure to stick around for the midnight snack segment entitled, The Session, which will be full of musical and social surprises! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/plates-playlists-rb-dinner-party-tickets-77250092105. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. Explict is located at 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.

 

 

Add some elegance to your evening and head down to the Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts and come experience “Core’ Cotton: A Woman Evolves.” As a former featured vocalist of the Grammy-winning Sounds of Blackness, this powerful production exhibits the makings of this beautiful and endearing chanteuse as she shares her journey of self-discovery, courage and empowerment to live a life of fullness and completeness — her way. Coré prolifically engages her “travelers” in an up-close and personal journey through her struggle, and ultimate triumph, in merging seemingly competing facets of her life–her dream of practicing law and her passion for connecting with others globally through music. Told through powerful and soulful musical performances; and captivating yet funny stories, this journey resonates with everyone who journeys through her own evolution at any age. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/a-woman-evolves-1. The show will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. The Booth Playhouse is located at 130 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.

 

 

The powers of Raw Substance and Funk-Shun have combined to take you on a spaced-out voyage into the vastness of the galaxy with another episode of their eclectic jam session entitled, G-R-A-V-I-T-A-T-E! Join sound pilots and frequency selectors Steve Howerton, Charles Gatling, Shaanti, Marshall Jones and guest percussionist Claudio Rafael as they blow you into orbit with an eclectic mix of Soulful House, Deep House, Afro-House, Downtempo and much more funky stuff! Admission is FREE and the vibes start flowing at 8 p.m. at Salud Cerveceria. 3306 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

Tis’ the Fall and get ready to fall out laughing in your seats as the Queen City Omegas present another raucous round of Comedy Night! Bring your friends out to get ready for some side-splitting humor from headlining funnyman, the hilarious Sherman Golden and the wildly funny Chuck Lipscomb! Then, be sure to stick around as DJ 06 burns up the speakers with a hot mix of Hip Hop and R&B tunes. The host for the evening is Brother Tito. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-city-omegas-comedy-night-tickets-76018819335. Doors open at 8 and the show starts at 9 p.m. The Omegas of Charlotte Fraternity House is located at 3301 Statesville Ave.

The stage is set, the time is right and get ready for a night of fright as online social groups Truth Be Told and Bearded Brothers of the Carolinas presents the Halloween Costume Party! Head truth seeker Makeshia Ducre-Potts invites you out for an evening of Halloween delight with a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Singles, here’s your chance to step outside the chat room and step into the light, with or without a costume and enjoy an evening of games, cocktails, stogies and much more! Who knows – you just may find a boo under the full moon! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/truth-be-told-halloween-costume-party-tickets-74013808293. The party starts at 8 p.m. at FireWater Restaurant & Lounge. 8708 J.W. Clay Blvd.    #TruthBeTold

Charlotte, get ready to experience some invigorating and inspiring music essence at The Evening Muse and give a warm QC welcome to the beautiful Chantae Cann! Filled with an ultra-charismatic positive aura, this captivating chanteuse possesses a voice that transcends through time which cleverly blends the exploratory sounds of Jazz with the feel good vibes of Soul, which makes for a mixture that is quite a glorious ray of sunshine. It is her heart’s desire to simply inspire, uplift and encourage the lives of others through music. Additional frequencies will be provided by pianist, producer and arranger Ryan Connors who has accrued quite an impressive musical resume. Founding and directing the funk group Dynamo, Connors has had the opportunity to tour with Shaun Martin, TAUK, Forq, Bob Lanzetti among many others has recently formed a solo project showcasing his compositional and arranging skills with new original music for rhythm section, horn section and string section. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chantae-cann-ryan-connors-tickets-69798107017. Doors open at 8:30 and the show starts at 9 p.m. The Evening Muse is located at 3227 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

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 who’ll be spinning alongside a special guest band! The event will be hosted by Reecee Raps and there will also be delicious late night brunch menu to satisfy your stomach’s needs. FREE admission. The jump off is at 9 p.m. at Burgerim University. 9601 N. Tryon St., Suite “F.”

Charlotte Nightlife Entertainment and 5 Boroughs Ent. is ready to rock the QC with some flavor from up top presenting “We Are Hip Hop” featuring Rah Digga! Get in the zone with one of Hip Hop’s most talented and underrated MC’s, Rah Digga as she takes the stage dropping all her classics and spittin’ some new hotness for your ears! Also, Charlotte’s own, Soul Brother DJ Justice will be on the warm-up and providing the sonic dopeness throughout the night. Don’t miss this! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rah-digga-live-club-vibrationswe-are-hip-hip-tickets-72401092617. The experience begins at 9 p.m. at Vibrations Night Club. 5237 Albemarle Rd.

Two of Hip Hop’s most unforgettable voices stops in Charlotte giving the city’s ears a taste of true school flavor with Bizarre Ride performing live at Snug Harbor! Call all your crew and tell them to meet you back in 1992 as legendary MCs SlimKid3 and Fatlip (formerly of The Pharcyde) as they tour in celebration of their of their classic and acclaimed debut album “Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde.” Performing alongside them will be Mic Flont and Khingz of the X President and DJ Undrkut. Tickets can be purchased here: https://snugrock.tunestub.com/event.cfm?id=305088.   The get down starts at 10 p.m. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

——–SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26——–

Bring the entire family out to JCSU for their 10th Annual FestiVille Celebration! In honor of Homecoming 2019, come mingle with the community, students and alumni as you explore the yard filled with lots of vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, music, games and much more! Then, head over towards the stadium as the mighty Golden Bulls take on the Shaw University Bears—and you don’t want to miss the bands throw down at halftime! Admission for the festival is FREE. Tickets for the game can be purchased here: https://goldenbullsports.com/sports/2009/12/1/GEN_1201095257.aspx?id=8. The festival begins at 11 a.m. and the game starts at 1 p.m. JCSU is located at 100 Beatties Ford Rd.

 

It’s time to feel the heat in the streets as Moxie Society rocks out with another “I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party!” Gather your crew, grab some food, enjoy some tasty drinks and get revved up for the day at Recess Charlotte as B-Man spins out the hottest R&B and Hip Hop classics of the 90s, giving those speakers a serious pound along with a special “2 Up, 2 Down” mix of VA’s hottest artists! Admission is FREE to attend and the party starts at 11 a.m. 832 Seigle Ave.   #MoxieSociety 

Local nonprofit Charlotte Caribbean Committee invites you out you their very first Fall Festival Fundraiser this afternoon! Bring the family out for some festive face painting, dancing, vendors, games, arts & crafts, games, raffle prizes, refreshments and live tunes from DJ Mystery! FREE admission but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-festival-tickets-73113485403. The event will begin at 1 p.m. 1701 W. Trade St.

Music takes center stage at Tip Top Daily Market this afternoon as social media music group Flava Shop invites you out to their October interactive meet-up session, Flava of the Month! Come enjoy fat beats, tasty eats, fly treats and cool peeps from guest selector DJ Adagdred giving your ears a variety of soulful sounds ranging from Golden Era Hip Hop, Soul, The Funk, Classic Rock, Nu Wave, R&B, Reggae, House and much more! FREE admission. 2 p.m. Tip Top Daily Market is located at 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

Bring the entire family out to Camp North End for the Art Block Party! Join Charlotte City Councilman Braxton Winston for an artsy afternoon filled with all sorts of creative live entertainment, visual arts, music, vendors and much more! There will also be information available about the upcoming election in November as well as voter registration. Admission is FREE to attend. 4 p.m. 1824 Statesville Ave.

Abari Game Bar wants to add some digitalized fun to your festive Saturday as they host the third annual Abari Monster Bash! Invite your friends for some spooked-out fun, games and fellowship! Also, a list of horror-themed games will be free play. Prizes will be awarded for the best male, female and couples costumes and a special guest DJ will be spinning some dope 80s and 90s tunes and a will be out there to serve your stomach’s needs! The fun kicks off at 7 p.m. Abari is located at 1721 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

Gather your comrades, colleagues, older cousins and break out your Halloween costumes and head down to The Tavern for the Nurse Monthly Mingle Adult Game Night! Hosted by Timothy and Diamond Nurse, bring your skills to the floor and compete in Uno, Twister, Beer Pong, Taboo, Jenga, Corn Hole and of course—Spades! Admission is FREE to attend before 9 p.m. but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adult-game-night-costume-party-tickets-69742366295. The event begins at 8 p.m. The Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.

Powered By GME Is back for some Saturday night delight presenting DJ Cleve’s Official Birthday Bash! All Golden Bulls family come and get in the mix as internet sensation and birthday honoree DJ Cleve rocks the house with a super blend of Hip Hop, R&B and Top 40 from all eras. Plus, get ready for a special guest performance from DJ Unk of the mighty Oomp Camp from Atlanta! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dj-cleves-official-birthday-bash-tickets-74764565829. The party starts at 9 p.m. at Press Box Bar & Grill. 9609 N. Tryon St. in the University Area.

Su Casa returns to Petra’s for one of its most popular editions this Saturday evening—“We Love FELA!” This annual celebration of the life and legacy of Fela Kuti with colorful sounds and grooves set to a funky Afrobeat rhythm! Resident turntablists Soul Brother DJ Justice and DJ Steel Wheel bringing nothing but that pure, raw and uncut Afrobeat, Latin, Soca, Reggae, Dancehall, House, Funk, Brazilian, Salsa and Soul flavor straight to your earholes! Admission is $10 all night long and the party starts at 10 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

 

——–SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27——–

Add some spice in your life and join Herb N’ Spice, LLC along with Nubian Moon for a special Neighborhood Nature Walk! Hosted by Aura Love of Herb’N Spice Wellness and Naomi of Nubian Moon, this interactive journey will take you on a special tour of a local park and showcase the treasures of nature hidden all around us such as natural medicine and wild food. The intent of this tour is to exhibit the beauty of nature as well as increasing our awareness of our local environment together, and uncover their healing secrets just as our African ancestors did. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.herbnspicewellness.com/store/p13/Neighborhood_Nature_Walk_.html. The event will begin at 11 a.m. at Nevin Community Park. 6000 Statesville Rd.

Get ready for some more family fun as The Charlotte Metro HUB invites you out to The 2019 Community Connection Fall Expo! It’s all things community this afternoon as you engage with a variety of local vendors, business owners, professionals, play some fun games, experience live entertainment, hear guest speakers, enjoy arts, refreshments and much more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-2019-community-connection-fall-expo-tickets-70579109015. The fun starts at 1 p.m. 500 W. 32nd St.

Put some soul in your Sunday and head over to CPCC Main Campus for the final installment of the 2019 Straight-Ahead Jazz Series! Hosted and played by A Sign of the Times, come celebrate jazz—the “gift” our culture gave to America. This event will include a free jazz workshop where they explain the basics of playing the ‘Blues and Rhythm’ changes and a special interactive open jam performance. Admission is $5 per person and tickets can be purchased at the door or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-straight-ahead-jazz-series-april-thru-oct-by-a-sign-of-the-times-tickets-60557805025. The event begins promptly at 3 p.m. inside Tate Hall, Halton Performing Arts Building at CPCC Main Campus. 1206 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.

One of Charlotte’s hottest and most beautiful culinary queens is back on the scene with some new seasonings for the new season – join the lovely Chef Joya as she hosts a special Fall Favorites Tasting Social this evening! This intimate event will give you the opportunity to taste some of Chef Joya’s new culinary creations that incorporate the beautiful flavors of Fall. The tasting menu features eight passed courses—and maybe even a surprise or two. Each dish is prepared with 100% vegan and plant-based ingredients. There’ll be cocktails, music and an overall great vibe to celebrate the change in the season. It’s a magical time of the year so gather your friends and join your favorite vegan chef for some of the best vegan food you’ve ever tasted! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chef-joyas-fall-favorites-tasting-tickets-75174275281. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. The location of the event will be provided upon ticket purchase.

End your weekend on a soulful note and join BRAVE Entertainment as they proudly present THE SESSION feat. Tweet this evening! This Sunday cool-down will bring the heat as the stage will be set on fire with opening acts, singer/songwriters/sirens Micki Miller and Tou! 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-75701821185. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at Heist Brewery. 2909 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

COMING SOON…

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

11/1 – Blow Your Head 2nd Anniversary Jam

11/2 – In Livin’ Color: Color + Sip Party for Black Women

11/2 – Maria Howell LIVE at Middle C Jazz

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

11/4 – Revolt Comedy Anniversary Show

11/7 – The Color of Jazz – Nicci Canada sings Dinah Washington

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

11/16 – View The Right Thing Film & Discussion Series: Higher Learning

 

Everyone have a fantastic weekend!

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

#WeekendWarrior   #TheBlackFerrisBueller   #EarsToDaSkreets   #CommunityFirst