By: Shawn D. Allison, II
Family! Good to see you all again! I hope you are ready for another amazing weekend because once again there’s A LOT happening in the QC! BOOM is back bringing the noise with all sorts of artistry and energy, family festivals, film screenings and more! But don’t wait for my intro to see what all is in store, check out what I have below and be sure to peep my “Hot List” to see what trouble I’ll be getting into this weekend!
- THURSDAY-SUNDAY—BOOM Charlotte (various events)
- FRIDAY-SATURDAY—Charlotte Startup Weekend at JCSU
- FRIDAY—Stage Lights 3 at Project 658
- SATURDAY—Kick Jam Community Cookout
- SATURDAY—Art & Soul of South End
- SATURDAY—Culture Collision Saturdays at Mooney’s Lounge
- SUNDAY—SSS Church Appreciation Meet & Greet at Imani’s Fusion Café
——-THURSDAY 4/27——-
Start your Thursday off with the last day of the work week as The Unknown Brewing Co. proudly presents the “Rye Felicia Taproom Release & Movie Screening Night!” This is poised to be one of the greatest taproom releases ever as they will showcase their all-new fermented beverage titled, “Rye Felicia.” Also, in honor of the new brew, they will be screening the classic comedy, “Friday” along with DJ Yeti rockin’ out some classic Hip Hop. This is one taproom release that you can’t miss—and you know this, man! Admission is FREE to attend and the fun starts at 4 p.m. The Unknown Brewing Co. is located at 1327 S. Mint St. in Historic South End.
Everyone come and get all 360 degrees of your being filled with art at the April Uptown Crawl! All of Uptown Charlotte’s art treasures will be open for the general public this evening and you’ll get an opportunity to scour and scope art at The Gantt Center, Mint Museum Uptown, New Gallery of Modern Art, Sozo Gallery, The McColl, UNCC Center City, Goodyear Arts and The Levine Museum of the New South. You’ll be able to begin the tour at any of the featured institutions, then travel freely between the stops by foot, trolley, or bike. Each stop on the tour will feature a special look at the art held within. Admission is FREE! All venues and museums are in the Uptown area and will begin at 6 p.m.
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art screens the film, “Precise Poetry of Lina Bo Bardi” as part of their Modernism + Film series. On the eve of Lina Bo Bardi’s 100th birthday, colleagues and close friends recount personal events and the sociopolitical constrictions that would build and be written into the timelessness, precision, and perfections of her work. Spoken in Portuguese with English subtitles, this film is based on the famous Italian-Brazilian architect Lina Bo Bardi and how she created poetry through architecture. Tickets can be purchased here: http://30796a.blackbaudhosting.com/30796a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=68b7fe9c-8cf1-4eac-a782-b98a5e102ea7. The opening reception begins at 6 p.m. and the film will start at 7 p.m. The Bechtler is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
This evening head out to Petra’s for the Sound Blanket Music Club–a community of individuals who love music (that means you) who align upon establishments to take over their tunage systems with the sounds you provide. Bring out your vinyl and nerd out among friends and make new friends. My good friends Diggers Delight will be on hand with a few crates of wax for you to choose from—trust me, they have a great selection! Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 7 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
There’s going to a rather loud noise coming from Plaza-Midwood this weekend—and for good reason! Everyone come out for the second annual BOOM Charlotte! This multisensory arts festival and showcase will feature a wide range of talents, performances and positive energy! Tonight, step out to The Rabbit Hole for the BOOM Preview Party. Get yourselves in gear for an amazing weekend with Quentin Talley, The World Famous Tampones and DJ SPK. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2918776. The showcase starts at 7:30 p.m. The Rabbit Hole is located at 1801 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Are you young, Black and business fly? If so, join Iz-Real the Poet at the all-new Mooney’s Lounge as he hosts S.L.S. Thursdays Black Business Social! Brothers and sisters, loosen those neckties, strut in those nighttime pumps, bring plenty of your business cards, flyers and friends and enjoy an evening full of music, community building and fun! Sounds will be provided by DJ Double A. Tickets can be purchased here: The event starts at 8 p.m. Mooney’s Lounge is located at 2525 N. Graham St.
This evening, feel the love that once was…or maybe is still there at The Comedy Zone. Get ready for “The Ex Games” starring comedienne Blayr Nias and comedian Ryan van Genderen. These two former laughable lovebirds take the stage to co headline this bizarre and hilarious evening of comedy about love, relationships, and what happens after. The duo will take the stage together after the show for a few more jokes and to answer questions tweeted at us throughout the night. Come join them for a cathartic and comical adventure! Admission is $12 and can be purchased here: https://www.cltcomedyzone.com/buy-tickets/. The jokes and jabs start at 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone is located at 900 NC Music Factory Blvd. near Uptown.
Everyone put glide in yo’ stride, a dip in your hip and come on down to the Mothership at the Fillmore this evening and swing on that sweet and funky chariot with George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic performing live! You know the songs. You know the groove. You know the funk. Come and see the Atomic Dog and his posse get down on the good foot on stage with all their classic hits and a few surprises in between! Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.bandsintown.com/event/13973566/buy_tickets?affil_code=fb_152543812610_event&artist=George+Clinton+%26+Parliament+Funkadelic. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. The Fillmore is located at 820 Hamilton St. in the NC Music Factory.
Get a taste of some sweet tunes from some of the hottest up-and-coming musical talents at the Hard Candy Music Showcase! Join the lovely Gena Chambers and crew as they host an evening of live music and performances from indie artists who possess the vibes of Soul, R&B, Pop, House, Jazz and more feel good music. Acts for tonight include Tiffany Taylor, Vanity, Thomas Robinson, Murcier and Nia Zhane. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/april-hard-candy-tickets-33365036723. Showtime is at 8:30 p.m. and will be held at The Morehead Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
——-FRIDAY 4/28——-
BOOM Charlotte continues into the weekend with a lineup CHOCK FULL of amazing performances, showcases, impromptu get-downs and a lot more! If you want to see the full list of events, please visit: http://boomcharlotte.org/schedule/. #BOOMCharlotte
If you’re in the travelling mood, slide on up to Durham for the Art Of Cool Fest 2017! This remix of a Black American Music festival taking place in downtown Durham for three days of forward thinking Jazz, alternative soul, mature Hip Hop, workshops, seminars . Performers include Common, George Clinton & the P-Funk All-Stars, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Theo Croker, Goapele, Pharaohe Monch, Kindred the Family Soul and more! The mission is to expand the audience for jazz as well as champion innovative thought. Ticket purchases and additional info can be found here: http://aocfestival.org/.
Ever thought about starting a business but not sure about the first steps, or how to discover your customers, or what support system Charlotte has for entrepreneurs? Charlotte Startup Weekend is the place for you! Surrounded by smart, passionate people and with the best tools and approaches at your disposal, you’ll take giant leaps toward creating a business, becoming a founder, and connecting with the right people and resources. The event begins at 5 p.m. on Friday (4/28) and will continue through Sunday (4/30). Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-weekend-charlotte-9-tickets-32744017237. All events will be held at STEM Hall at JCSU. 100 Beatties Ford Rd.
Charlotte Nightlife Entertainment & BluNotes have teamed up to bring you quality, live Go-Go entertainment every month with another rousing jam session of “Go-Go 4th Fridays!” Get your feet busy as the sounds of Uptown Swagga rocks the stage with their high-energy musicianship. Then stick around as DJ CK pumps out the hottest joints from multiple eras! Admission is $10. The fun starts at 8 p.m. BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the Northlake Area.
Get ready for a battle of words unlike any other this evening—it’s time for the BreathINK Youth Poetry Grand Slam! This is the slam you’ve been waiting for! All year the BreatheINK youth poets have been slamming and the top two poets from each slam have been entered into the Grand Slam for the opportunity to make the Brave New Voices slam team. This is a night filled with amazing verbal wizardry from local Charlotte teens and I guarantee you will be changed by this. Admission is $7 and will begin at 8 p.m. at The McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
The good people of Jazz N’ Soul Music are back with their First Friday Edition and tonight, please give a warm QC welcome to The Instigators! Prepare for a night of hot Chicago Blues and Southern Soul as this Blues quartet loves and plays the blues that grew out of the heat of the Mississippi Delta all the way up the windy streets of Chi-Town. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-instigators-a-night-of-chicago-blues-and-southern-soul-tickets-34023836210. Performance starts at 9pm and it’ll be held at The Morehead Tavern located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
The creative forces of Hip Hop Orchestrated and FUNK SHUN have combined to bring you, the BOOM kickoff after-party entitled, “BLENDED!” This party filled with electrifying musical mash-ups and harmonic rhythms that cause bodies to move in time with the beat as they move in time with each other. Hip Hop Orchestrated will take over the front room, where radio hit vocals will harmonically collide with new and unexpected instrumental tracks. FUNK SHUN will take over the back patio and it will become the dominion of the B-side Bangerz. Admission is $5 to attend. The vibes start at 10:30 p.m. at Snug Harbor. 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #BOOMCharlotte
——-SATURDAY 4/29——-
It’s National Herb Day and what better way to celebrate than heading out to the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market this morning! Herbs are used to add flavor to meals, snacks and even desserts. Many can be grown easily in a well-lit kitchen or small container garden. will be passing out free recipes that require fresh herbs. Stop by to pick up fresh basil, thyme, oregano, mint, rosemary, and more from our Certified Nursery vendors. Also for the brothers, please pick up some beard balm from the Pollynation Apothecary table—it has truly worked wonders for me! The market opens up at 8 a.m. 1801 Yorkmont Rd.
Get ready for a day of nonstop high-octane action at the 1st Annual Kick Jam Community Cookout! Presented by MARS, Streetz 103.3, Meck Co. Parks & Rec this a family-fun day full of cookouts, fellowshipping and of course—kickball! Come and see eight teams battle it out for diamond domination, food and drinks, carnival rides, health and wellness education, games and a live DJ rockin’ out the hottest tunes! Admission is FREE to attend and all the action starts at 9 a.m. The event will be held at the Methodist Home Recreation Center. 3200 Shamrock Dr. #MARS
Want some insight on healthy eating lifestyle? Come out to The Park Expo & Conference Center for Charlotte VegFest! This celebration of healthy, sustainable, and compassionate eating and explores the endless benefits of vegetarian living. This event will feature a variety of vegan foods, local veg restaurants and food trucks, local vendors, speakers, nutritional experts, vegan cooking demonstrations, free prizes, gift bags and more! Admission is FREE to attend and will begin at 11 a.m. The Park Expo & Conference Center is located at 800 Briar Creek Rd.
Make some room in those stomachs and come out to the Second Annual International Sandwich Festival! This festival celebrates the vibrant cultural diversity of east Charlotte, bringing international flavor and intergenerational activities to the front lawn of Aldersgate. Enjoy food from around the world and a rich blend of entertainment featured on UNC Charlotte’s Mobile Arts & Community Experience (MAX) stage. Admission is FREE to attend. The event begins at 11 a.m. Aldersgate is located at 3800 Shamrock Dr.
This morning, celebrate the release of Ericka L. McKnight’s newest work, her book entitled, “Silence the Noise.” It’s a story of how Mrs. McKnight navigated through bevy of obstacles ranging from dealing with disturbed family members to her journey of becoming a successful life coach, real estate mogul and educator and philanthropist. Come meet Ericka, grab a copy of her book, read it, be inspired to silence the noise in your life and be a success! Admission is FREE to attend. The event begins at 11 a.m. at The Last Word. 5744 N. Tryon St.
Get your youth started on the right track this morning at The Youth Entrepreneur Fair. This annual event showcasing small businesses by Charlotte youth will feature interactive workshops that will motivate and inspire them to start their own business. It will also encourage the youth to think outside the box. Guest presenters Ms. Monica McNeill and Mr. Brian McNeill will facilitate the workshops. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-youth-entrepreneur-fair-tickets-33799249465. The session begins at 11 a.m. and will be held at the Rowe Arts Building, Room #130. 9119 University Rd.
Start your Saturday off with some throwback flavor at the “I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party!” Moxie Society invites you out to enjoy an afternoon of fine Southern cuisine, top shelf drink specials, fellowship and music! Step Black into time with B-Man rockin’ out the best of 90’s Hip Hop and R&B cuts and take a gander at the lovely Ashley Raeneil creating some of her wondrous art in front of your eyes. Admission is FREE to attend. Event begins at 11 a.m. and will be held at Sports One Bar & Lounge. 521 N. College St. in Uptown.
Bring the family out on this beautiful Saturday and enjoy an art-filled day of fun at “Art & Soul of South End!” This day-long festival will take over Camden Road from West Boulevard to Park Avenue for two music stages, food trucks, and dozens of artists and makers. Admission is FREE to attend and the fun starts at 12 noon.
Hey, kids—I’ve something special lined up for you this afternoon! Come out to the Plaza-Midwood Library for “Kid Fun with AfroPop Nation!” Enjoy a day full of art workshops, African dance classes, storytelling, printing and more! Admission is FREE to attend and all festivities begin at 12 noon. The library is located at 1623 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #BOOMCharlotte
This morning, gather at The Gantt Center for a special gallery discussion and book signing with award-winning photographer, physician and educator Zun Lee. His exhibit, “Zun Lee: Father Figure” features a photographic collection of African American fathers engaged in loving, interactive moments with their children. Zun Lee’s work is a photo-documentary that provides insight into often-overlooked aspects for Black fatherhood. Zun will share his process in creating this exhibition, as well as his efforts to demystify the Black male and stereotype of the absent Black father. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://61686.blackbaudhosting.com/61686/Zun-Lee-Artist-Talk. The event begins at 1 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 511 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Parents, your youth can have a chance to have some creative fun during this weekend! Bring them out to The Last Word this afternoon for a fun painting session entitled, “Art From the Heart: Paintopia.” Artist Christopher Clarke will provide his instruction and passion for providing your youth with a creative and educational outlet. Each child gets their own canvas to paint and keep, an easel, and a huge selection of materials that are sure to excite! Also, parents, you can participate too! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.paypal.me/artfromtheheart. The class begins at 3 p.m. The Last Word is located at 5744 N. Tryon St.
Come and celebrate the history and culture of India, which is thousands of years old as CPCC Arts presents “Dances of India.” See choreographer, Dr. Maha Gingrich, and a large ensemble of dancers present classical and folk dances; stories brought to life through dance dramas, costumes, masks and their signature dance, “Unity in Diversity,” set to international dance styles and live music. Great for all ages! Tickets can be purchased here: http://tix.cpcc.edu/events/dances-of-india-2017. The performance begins at 4 p.m. and will be held in The Halton Theatre on CPCC’s Main Campus. 1206 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.
The Siafu Group invites you out to The Little Rock Cultural Center for a special screening and discussion of the critically-acclaimed documentary, “Wilmington On Fire.” Take a rare look inside the past of Wilmington, NC—a once thriving Black Wall Street. This documentary will highlight the city’s history and how a whole community of Black constituents flourished and how their livelihood was destroyed by a vicious mob of incendiary violence and hate. The film’s director, Christopher Everett will be on hand to partake in a post-screening discussion along with other distinguished guests. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wilmington-on-fire-documentary-film-screening-tickets-33299217857. There will be two screenings today: 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Little Rock Cultural Center is located at 401 N. Myers St. in Uptown.
Brothers, I got something real special for you this evening! Head on down to House of LeMond for “Sip, Shop & Shine Saturday.” Come enjoy an array of artisan wines, delicious “dappertizers” and learn wine tips and etiquette from an expert wine enthusiast. Also, bring your shoes in to get a special treatment from Sterling Shoe Shine and get a sneak peek of some dapper Father’s Day gifts. The event will be hosted by AlphaMale Nailcare Services for Men. Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 6 p.m. 3010 Monroe Rd., Suite #110.
Got a Saturday night sweet tooth? Head down to Apostrophe Lounge as Cupcake Coop & Co. proudly presents “Cupcakes & Cocktails.” Taste some delicious desserts with all original and homemade recipes and score cupcakes based on their flavor, texture, and moisture. Admission is FREE to attend but donations are accepted and there will be some cupcakes available for purchase. Please RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cupcakes-and-cocktails-tickets-33320781354. The event begins at 7 p.m. Apostrophe Lounge is located at 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Want to House it up on this Saturday? Head over to East African Cuisine for the “North Carolina House Music Party!” Come and get busy with five turntablists—DJs Police, Cee Low, Paul Croom, Johnny Darling, Ohh Gee and Deacon as they give you nothing but House—all night long! Admission is FREE until 11 p.m. The party starts at 8 p.m. East African Cuisine is located at 3200 Monroe Rd.
Gather up your comrades, co-workers and older cousins and head down to The Morehead Tavern for “Charlotte Adult Game Night!” Hosted by Timothy and Diamond Nurse, bring your skills to the floor and compete in a variety of games including Uno, Twister, Beer Pong, Taboo, Jenga, Corn Hole and of course—Spades! Also, this event is a fundraiser for the Lynda Smith Sickle Cell Foundation–nonprofit organization that helps to provide direct care access to patients with sickle cell disease. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/charlotte-adult-game-night-nurse-monthly-mingle-tickets-33244085956. The games begin at 8 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
Stage Lights Charlotte is back again for its third Stage Lights Arts Showcase! “Stage Lights” is a faith based spoken word event that showcases artists who use their talent for the Kingdom of God. Stage Lights hosts many local talented poets as well as singers and comedians. Featured artists will include: A Poet Named Superman, Charles Mc Murray II, A’Kasha, Monica Marie and special musical guest Michaela Hope. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stage-lights-3-tickets-32100819415 or $10 at the door. The event starts at 8 p.m. and will be held at Project 658. 3646 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
The GrooveMasters Band returns to BluNotes this evening for Live Soul Saturdays! Come feel the funk as these fine-tuned musicians jam out with some classic R&B, Neo-Soul and Jazz cuts for your listening pleasure! Also, be sure to check out some delicious meal and drink specials from the kitchen! Admission is $10. The music starts at 8 p.m. BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the Northlake Area.
Get ready to feel the energy through the speakers at The Bassment this evening as Futuro Mundo and The Hit Agency proudly presents Terrence Parker, Gary “Jackmaster” Wallace and DJ Moreese! These three Midwest maestros are ready to give your ears nothing but the best of House, Deep House, Techno and Downtempo jams causing you to dance into a frenzy! Admission is $10 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/terrence-parker-bassment-charlotte-nc-tickets-33841277171. The music starts at 9 p.m. The Bassment is located at 911 E. Morehead St. near Uptown.
Sexy Lifestyle Specialist put some vibrant color and energy in your soul as they proudly present “Culture Collision Saturdays!” Slide out to Mooney’s Lounge and enjoy some exciting Caribbean, Soca, Reggae, Dancehall, Calypso, Afrobeat and more! To help get you loose, there will be plenty of drink specials to choose and catered Caribbean cuisine. Don’t miss this! The event will be hosted by iz-Real the Poet. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/culture-collision-saturdays-tickets-33195224811. The music starts at 9 p.m. Mooney’s Lounge is located at 2525 N. Graham St. #SLS
If you want a wild and energetic ending to your Saturday, come out to Petra’s for the “AfroPop + UrbanZue: After-Party!” Through an eclectic display of fashion, an interactive art gallery, live drumming, African diaspora music, creative culture in motion and dope audio-visual content the intention is to empower the community to ‘pARTy’ for a purpose. Tickets can be purchased here: http://boomcharlotte.org/speakers/afropop-urban-zue-after-party/. The event begins at 10 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #BOOMCharlotte
——-SUNDAY 4/30——-
Join the team of the Single Saved and Serious Movement (SSS) as they invite you to Imani’s Fusion Café for the Church Appreciation Meet & Greet! From pastors to parishoners, ministers to messengers–everyone come out and celebrate your life, your church, your ministry but most of all, celebrate our Lord and Savior! Come and let everyone know what kind of work you and your team is doing in the Charlotte community, exchange ideas and enjoy delicious and delightful dishes prepared by Chef Imani! This is also a celebration of the newly-minted marital union of SSS founders Brandon Chuck Brown and Judith Wilson Burkes! Don’t miss this! Admission is FREE to attend and the party starts at 12 noon. Imani’s Fusion Café is located at 3535 Randolph Rd. #SSSMovement
Ladies, join the lovely LaVonndra “Elle” Johnson and friends as she hosts her 4th Annual Royal Tea Party + Spring Brunch at the luxurious Hampton Inn & Suites SouthPark at Phillips Place this afternoon! Throw on those ravishing Spring outfits with a pair of your cutest heels and enjoy a time of sisterhood, laughter, love, networking, delicious eats and other surprising treats! Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.ellevj.com/p/royal-tea-party-spring-brunch.html?m=1. The event begins at 1 p.m. Hampton Inn & Suites SouthPark is located at 6700 Phillips Place Ct. in the South Park Area. #ElleVJ #TheOnlyWayToDressIsUp
Come celebrate the birthday of one of Charlotte’s baddest lyricists, Sir Abstraxxx as he presents “Rose 27” at Studio 110 this evening! Experience the energy of featured guest Iz-Real the Poet, mellow out to some grooves from DJ SPK, enjoy some delightful drink specials and mingle amongst other cool cats in the crowd. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sir-abstraxxx-presents-rose-27-tickets-33429332032. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Studio 110 is located at 11010 Monroe Rd., Suite “A” in Matthews.
Get ready for a steamy, sensual and sexual evening of erotic verbiage as renowned poet JstJah presents the “Erotic Poetry Slam!” Come and experience this tantalizing tryst of titillating wordplay from a host of verbally endowed lyricists as they compete for a cash prize. This night of naughty and sometimes nice wordplay is only for adults 21 and up. If you choose to participate, the fee is $10. Admission for the audience is $5 before 9 p.m. and $10 after. The event will begin at 9 p.m. at Apostrophe Lounge. 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #SayWord
——-MONDAY 5/1——-
Come out to Studio Movie Grill this evening for the Charlotte premiere of the new film, “No Regrets.” This film is a romantic comedy about a stewardess, who after 12 years of dating meets a businessman going through a divorce on one of her job layovers. As expected, sparks fire and unexpectedly a traumatic past is revealed, and the couple’s lives are changed forever. There will be a networking mixer, relationship Q&A panel and lots more. The event will be hosted by Tommy Nichols of Charlotte Black Film Festival. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/charlotte-film-screening-of-no-regrets-network-mixer-event-photos-relationship-q-a-with-special-tickets-33723511932. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. 210 E. Trade St. in Uptown.
Have a great weekend everyone! Peace! Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#TheBlackFerrisBueller #WeekendWarrior #CommunityFIrst