By Shawn D. Allison, II
What’s happenin’ everyone? I’m back with another Rundown of get-downs around Crown Town. Now I know you’re probably wondering how to choose which events to attend every weekend. Well, you’re in for a treat. Below, are a few great recommendations from me to you.
- Mint To Move on Friday 8/12
- SPECTRUM on Friday 8/12
- Off The Wall on Saturday 8/13
- Classic Black Cinema Series on Sunday 8/14
——-THURSDAY, August 11——-
Get your read on at the Beatties Ford Branch of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Library this evening for another edition of their “Summer 2016 Meet the Author” series. Tonight’s guest award-winning author Omar Tyree. He will be on hand to meet longtime and new fans and to discuss his newest book, “All Access.” This event is FREE to the public and begins at 6 p.m. 2412 Beatties Ford Rd.
Everyone gather at The Little Rock Cultural Development Center for a Community Town Hall Meeting with Mechanics & Farmers Bank. Come hear how M&F Bank already supports our community and how they continue to do so in the midst of the “Bank Black Movement.” This event is sponsored by the Ubuntu Community Project in conjunction with #BlackOwnedCLT. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Little Rock Cultural Development Center is located at 401 N. Myers St. in Uptown.
Come out to The Third Place: Community, Community & Common Ground for part two of the newly released book, “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” by Michelle Alexander. Hosted by Educate 2 Engage. This discussion is FREE to attend and it begins at 6 p.m. The Third Place is located at 1609 E. 5th St. in Uptown.
For some true adult fun, head over to Petra’s this evening for “Potions & Pixels: Video Games, Board Games and Community!” There will be a wide variety of multiplayer games from all eras and for all skill levels. From Mario Kart, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, Super Smash Bros., Love Letter, Click Clack Lumberjack and more! Admission is FREE! Bring as many friends as you desire and have a good time! The games begin at 7 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #PotionsAndPixels
Head out to C3 Lab this evening for a special, yet absent-titled showcase named, “Untitled.” What’s this mysterious performance about? You will have to venture there yourself to find out! Admission is “Pay What You Can” and it starts at 7 p.m. C3 Lab is located at 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.
Take a trip down to Flight this evening and get ready for the Carolina Panthers Kickoff Party! For $15, you and your crew can indulge in all the shrimp you want! Cheer on the boys in black and blue and roar into the new season as they face the Baltimore Ravens in the preseason opener! The fun starts at 7 p.m. Flight is located at 314 N. College St. in Uptown.
FRIDAY, August 12
Put some vivid color in your imaginations this evening and head down to Shain Gallery for the “Abstract Invitational Art Showcase!” Enjoy new works by featured artists: Lauren Bolshakov, Renee Bouchon, Christina Cottingham, Katherine Freeman, Natalie George, Lesley Grainger, Josh Jensen, Erin McIntosh, Annie Simpson, Leslie Weaver and Augusta Wilson. Admission is FREE to attend. The showcase starts at 6 p.m. Shain Gallery is located at 2823 Selwyn Ave in the Myers Park Neighborhood.
Bring the entire tribe out to Symphony Park this evening for another fun edition of Movies Under the Stars! Tonight’s feature is the new family classic, “Zootopia.” Before settling down to enjoy the film at dusk, kick-off the evening with live music from Mr. Nigel and Friends and activities for the entire family! Guests can also purchase an assortment of summer snacks to enjoy during the movie. As always, moviegoers are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Come early, get a spot and take in the sights and sounds of summer! The festivities begin at 7 p.m. Symphony Park is located at 4400 Sharon Rd. in the South Park Area.
Language is one of the most powerful elements of human existence and this Friday, you are invited to The International House for “Igbo Conversation Hour!” Igbo Conversation Hour is a cultural group that teaches and advocates for learning the rich Igbo Language in its spoken and written form. Come to learn the language spoken by 25 million people around the world. Admission is FREE. 7 p.m. The International House is located at 1817 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Got some questions and concerns about the “L” word? Then head out to My Bento Asian Diner with author, entrepreneuer, orator, fellow Pride Magazine columnist and overall good Brother, Eddie D. Love as he hosts a book signing of his newest work, “Let’s Talk About Love: The Blog Book.” FREE. RSVP here: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-about-love-book-signing-yickets-27040294248. The event starts at 7 p.m. My Bento Asian Diner, 8640 University City Blvd. in the University area.
Calling all aspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts! Spend an eventful weekend at The Light Factory as they host their annual “Filmmaking Weekend Festival & Seminar!” Writers, directors, crew and actors will have 48 hours to work together in creating a 6-8 minute short film. Team registration can be made here: http://www.48hourfilm.com/charlotte. Tonight’s inaugural session begins at 7:30 p.m. The Light Factory is located at 1817 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Swing those hips down to The Mint Museum for a spicy, Summer edition of “Mint to Move Cultural Dance Night!” Enjoy Afro-Cuban and Latin-American dance rhythms with a DJ and live musicians to celebrate ethnic and gender diversity, dance, visual and performing art. Admission is $8.50 for Mint members and $12 for non-members. The music starts at 8 p.m. The Mint Museum is located at 500 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
If you want to chill and hear some mellow tunes this evening, head out to Kanvas Gallery for the “End of Summer Chill-Out Series, Vol. 1.” Relax and unwind to impeccable sounds of Charlotte staple DJ Tober spinning some classic House, Downtempo, Soul and Rare Grooves. He’ll be spinning there Friday AND Saturday night. Please check him out—he is truly a hidden gem in this town! The music starts at 9 p.m. Kanvas Gallery is located at 525 E. 6th St. in Uptown.
Slide out to The Tavern as Jazz N’ Soul in conjunction with local jazz maestro and enthusiast, Mayhue Bostic as they proudly present, “SPECTRUM: Funky Jazz With a Shot of Soul!” Hear this all-new concoction of some of the city’s most talented musicians channel the legendary sounds of The Crusaders, Johnny Guitar Watson, Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Ramsey Lewis and many more! Tickets can be purchased at: https://jazznsoulspectrum.eventbrite.com. The show begins promptly at 9 p.m. The Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
Put some pizazz in your Friday evening and head over to the all-new Club One for “Friday Night Live!” Join Moxie Society and special guest host, Hip Hop legend Yo-Yo for an evening full of fly music, dancing, drinks and fellowship! The dress code for this event is mature. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/friday-night-live-at-club-one-tickets-25199721044. The event begins at 8 p.m. Club One is located at 950 NC Music Factory Blvd. on the outskirts of Uptown.
SATURDAY, August 13
This morning head down to Little Rock Culture Center for the “Summer 2016 Know Your Rights” event. Hosted by local community radio station, WGIV, there will be a live demonstration from the Public Defenders Team and some live entertainment from Jason Jet. FREE. The event starts at 10 a.m. Little Rock Culture Center is located at 401 N. Myers St. in Uptown.
The members of Clement Memorial AME Zion Church extend an invitation to celebrate with them during our Family and Friends Weekend as they host their “Praise Day Party: Praising & Worshipping our Lord & Saviour!” This family-friendly extravaganza of positivity is set to be filled with dancers, music, spoken word, games, food and lots of love! This event is FREE to attend and it starts at 11 a.m. Clement Memorial AME Zion Church is located at 2207 Newland Rd. in the Lincoln Heights Community.
Grab your homeboys and homegirls and stroll down to Sports One Bar & Lounge for the “I Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party!” Your hosts, Moxie Society and DJ Loui Vee will be setting the musical mood. There will be a 90’s dance contest and that the entire party will be extended an extra two hours! Admission is FREE to attend and the party starts at 11 a.m. Sports One is located at 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
Head out to Earl’s Grocery this afternoon and get ready for another fun-distilled edition of Bob Peters’ Mixology Class! Today, the master bartender is going to have some fun with Bourbon. FREE but please get there early—seats fill up very quickly. The class begins at 2:30 p.m. Earl’s Grocery is located at 1609 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.
Things get lyrically wet at Snug Harbor this afternoon at the Squirt Day Party! Enjoy a live performance from local artists Tanje Lomax, Rapper Shane and Elevator Jay. Special guest and Dirty South Hip Hop legend Project Pat will be in the house spitting his classics! FREE. The music sets off at 3 p.m. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Join entrepreneur and host Heka Ma’at Kemet as he presents, “MELANOMICS: Getting Black to Basics.” There will be a performance from local MC Dee Dray, spoken word creative Sir Abstraxxx and DJ Steel Wheel will set the speakers ablaze with some dope tunes. Admission is $15. The event begins at 5 p.m. Crossroads Charter High School is located at 5500 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
This evening, you are invited to The McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square for the 3rd annual Miss Congo USA Beauty Pageant. Hosted by Heritage Wind Events, the purpose of this pageant is to make Congolese beauty a means of raising awareness to the American public about the dramatic situation facing the Congolese woman and child, also to bring unity between the two Congo, by the means of their common culture. Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/miss-congo-usa. The event begins at 6 p.m. The McGlohon Theater is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Bring the family out to The McColl Center for Art + Innovation this afternoon for the Opening Reception of the McColl Center Member Show. This showcase of resident artists is a non-juried, salon-style exhibition, featuring the artwork of Quisqueya Henríquez, Susan Lee-Chun, and Willie Little. There will also be a live musical performance from Merge Records recording artist Benji Hughes. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Head out to City Art Room for a night of social painting! This is a freestyle session where you are encouraged to paint anything that you prefer. All art supplies will be provided to you. Artists will be available to assist you with your painting of choice. You are highly encouraged to bring your own food and soft/hard drinks. Admission is $15. www.eventbrite.com/e/social-painting-byob-tickets-26982168392?aff=es2. The colors fly at 8 p.m. City Art Room is located at 5019 Wilkinson Blvd.
Get an earful of musical smoothness this evening at The Nile as Willie Walker & Conversation Piece serenades you into the night with some smooth jazz, soul and downtempo tunes. If you’ve never heard them perform before, you are definitely in for a treat! The performance kicks off at 8 p.m. The Nile is located at 5741 Graham St. in the Derita Area.
This evening, relive the grand elegance of the Harlem Renaissance with a purpose and come out for “Harlem Nights for the Cure.” Dress in your best Roaring 20s attire and come enjoy an evening of music, dancing, fellowship. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/harlem-nights-for-the-cure-tickets-25779284534. The event begins at 8 p.m. and will be held at Private Affairs of Charlotte. The address is 520 Clanton Rd.
Come out to Dupp & Swat this evening for the “Somethin’ The Lord Made” album release party! Join artist J. Davon Harris as he presents his upcoming and anticipated new musical work. Tickets www.eventbrite.com/e/milis-records-tgns-somethin-the-lord-made-album-release-party-tickets-25932642231. The event starts at 8 p.m. Dupp & Swat is located at 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Still reveling in their half-decade long run of success, this evening join the ever-jammin’ JETA Team at The NeighborHood Café as they proudly present “Off The Wall: Pop-Up Edition!” Also, there will be a special tandem Born Day tribute for DJ Justice and the late, great Michael Jackson. FREE and the tunes start groovin’ at 9 p.m. #JETATeam
One of the Queen City’s most talented and in-demand turntablists, DJ Shaun Nyce aka “The Blend King” is poised and set to take you on a sound journey back in time as he hosts his “YO! Remember the 80’s & 90’s Party!”The re will be a cash prize given to the best dressed male and female in 80’s or 90’s attire in attendance. Ladies are FREE til’ 11 p.m. The time machine sounds off at 10 p.m., The White House. 4809 Wilkinson Blvd.
SUNDAY, August 14
Looking for something fun to do after church lets out? Head over to 360 Lounge for the Single, Saved & Serious Movement’s Documentary Viewing Party! Hosted by Stan Norfleet & Jennifer Cook, this is a place to relax, have fun, network and love each other. Three Brothers Catering will also have an all-you-can-eat fish fry for $12. Admission is $5. The fun starts at 1 p.m. 360 Lounge is located at 3060 Smith Corners Blvd. in the Northlake Area. #SSS
Come out to the Tip Top Daily Market for another musical explorative edition of “Digger’s Delight Pop-Up Record Swap!” Music lovers, vinyl enthusiasts and collectors come out and dig in the crates for some unheard albums ranging from Soul, Hip Hop, R&B, Funk, Rock, Jazz and much more! 2 p.m. Tip Top Daily Market is located at 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Classic Black Cinema Series presents a double-feature film presentation. For your viewing pleasure, the late, great Dorothy Dandridge in two short films. First up, “Bright Road” (1953), Dandridge plays a highly optimistic teacher who strives to win the trust of a troubled student. For the final presentation, stick around for “Blues For A Junkman” (1962). Dandridge plays a drug addicted ex-con who seeks to re-establish her career as a Blues singer. 2 p.m. and refreshments will be available. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #CBCS
Join local artist, Cathay Dawkins, creator and organizer of Youth Art Workshop at The Last Word for the Youth Art Workshop. Each week students are introduced to a fun lesson while learning proper techniques, and how to use various mediums. Visit, beyondthearts.blogspot.com/ for all art classes, ticket purchases and additional info. 3 p.m. Ages 4-16 are welcome to participate. The last Word is located at 5744 N. Tryon St.
Rounding out your spectacular Sunday, head out to Petra’s Bar for the “Second Sunday Jazz Workshop & Improv!” Join host, instrumentalist and local jazz enthusiast, John Shaughnessy as he conducts a live jazz session in front of an intimate audience. All are welcome to join in! Whether you are a flautist, guitarist, funky drummer, vocalist, horn-blower, percussionist or ivory tickler, this is the workshop for you! FREE. The jam session begins at 8 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Get ready to eat, drink and laugh at Pint Central as they host a screening of the wildly hilarious comedy, “Wet Hot American Summer!” Free popcorn, food and drink specials as you relive this classic film. The film starts at 9 p.m. Pint Central is located at 1226 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
MONDAY, August 15
Head to the Beatties Ford Branch of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Library for the Brooklyn Village History & Culture Programming meeting. Come learn in-depth about how this lively community once maintained its prominence and get an inside scoop for the blueprint to revive this place. T FREE to attend and all ages are encouraged to attend. 6 p.m. 2412 Beatties Ford Rd.
Hurry down to The Tavern for another rousing and eclectic edtion of On Q Production’s new mid-month performance showcase known as Mo’ Betta! Join hosts Quentin Talley and Tim Scott, Jr. for an evening full of enigmatic spoken word, music, comedy, film and more! Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/onq-presents-mo-betta-tickets-26743035138. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 6:45 p.m. The Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #OnQ
“You can’t go through your entire life wearing a catcher’s mitt. Sometimes you’re going to have to be able to throw back.” -Dr. Maya Angelou
Have a great weekend everyone! Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior#TheBlackFerrisBueller