By Shawn D. Allison, II
We did it everyone! We made it to 2019! I hope your first few days have been awesome but now it’s time to get the first “Rundown” of the year! There’s not too much happening in the QC but I managed to squeeze out a few goodies for you to explore and enjoy. If you want to know where I’ll be hanging out this weekend, check out my Hot List below.
- THURSDAY – HOUSE WORK #010 at SIP Charlotte
- FRIDAY – Jazz at the Bechtler presents “Post Holiday Blues VII: Many Shades of Blue”
- FRIDAY – Jazz N’ Soul Music presents The Groove Masters Band LIVE at Loft & Cellar
- FRIDAY – Blow Your Head: For the ’19 & Beyond at Snug Harbor
- SATURDAY – Family First Digital and Traditional Comic Book Creation Workshop at The Gantt Center
- SATURDAY – BBOC’s Writer’s Table Interest Meeting & Writing Workshop
- SATURDAY — Off The Wall: Best of the 80s V.16 feat The JETA Team at Petra’s
- SUNDAY – 2nd Annual Sylvia Theater Film Fest
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 3——-
Take a journey into the expanded regions of House music at Le Bang x Vacation Pay #4 this evening! Two of the QC’s hottest underground music collectives have teamed up to bring you an experience deep into the realms of industrial Hip Hop, House, Soul, Electronica, Techno, Funk and much more! Piloting the soundtrack is Longchild, Pucci Mane, FLLS, Simon SMTHING, Axnt and FLLS. Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 10 p.m. at Snug Harbor.
For some more musical exploration, head down to SIP Charlotte and get ready for HOUSE WORK #010! Join Teriyaki Noize, Sweetestcape, DOMii and special guests as they drive the grooves into the worlds of House, Deep House, Downtempo, Soul, Funk, Hip Hop and more! Admission is FREE to attend. 10 p.m. SIP Charlotte is located at 200 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
——FRIDAY, JANUARY 4——-
The holiday season is over and it’s back to the mundane misery known as the blues. However, The Ziad Jazz Quartet invites you out to The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art this evening of Jazz At the Bechtler with a special performance entitled, “Post Holiday Blues VII: Many Shades of Blue.” Come out and hear a modern-twist interpolation of song selections including “Eye of the Hurricane” by Herbie Hancock, “Zambia” by Lee Morgan and “Frame For The Blues” by Jimmy McGriff. Tickets can be purchased here: https://30796a.blackbaudhosting.com/30796a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=94e979d8-a2d2-4373-96bb-675a7f1d41f9. There will be two shows: 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. The Bechtler is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Do you desire a fun method to make new connections in Charlotte? If so, head down to Apostrophe Lounge and join Bodies In Motion Dance Fitness for a 90s Themed Networking Party! Efficient networking is the #1 way to level up in your personal and professional life. Kick off 2019 by making meaningful connections with other goal-driven people with activities such as a social hour, sampler fitness class, vendors, food & drink specials and a networking after party! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/90s-themed-networking-party-tickets-54187492248. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Apostrophe Lounge is located at 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Come and witness the power of art in motion for change at The Artist Activist Project this evening. Enjoy a cabaret-style charity concert celebrating artist activism and arts education, created by Piper Loebach and a collage of her peers for her senior project. You’ll be able to hear their thoughts of what does it mean to find your voice and how to utilize art to change the world. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
The good people of Jazz N’ Soul invite you out to Loft & Cellar to experience the heavy funk and smooth jazz melodies of The Groove Masters Band! These gentlemen have a rhythm section so powerful that you’ll want to get up and boogie—don’t miss this show! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-friday-featuring-the-groovemasters-smooth-jazz-and-hot-soul-tickets-52994087743. There will be two shows at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Loft & Cellar is located at 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
For some more spaced out sonic frequencies this evening, head out to Snug Harbor for another mind-numbing versaion of “Blow Your Head: For the ’19 & Beyond!” Join local musicians and cultural activists DJs Flock of Slagles and Jah Freedom 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.
The Sol Kitchen invites you out to ‘Stache House Bar & Lounge this evening for brand new edition of #ThankGawdIts1stFriday! Relax with some Hip Hop and R&B tunes of today and yesteryear with DJ Ngenius on the wheels of steel. There will be drink specials all night long and the event jumps off at 10 p.m. ‘Stache House is located at 1520 South Blvd.
——-SATURDAY, JANUARY 5——-
Everyone rise, shine and stretch yourselves over to the McCrorey YMCA for the 3rd Annual McCrorey Yogathon! I AM YOGA invites you out for a day full of calming yoga exercises, workshops, vendors and much more. The classes require donations with a portion of funds going towards the YMCA annual campaign and they are tax deductible. This annual campaign supports senior programs and summer camp programming. The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. The McCrorey YMCA is located at 3801 Beatties Ford Rd.
This morning, head down to The Gantt Center for another fun-filled Family First Workshop! For today’s session, you will join illustrator and graphic designer Marcus Kiser in a special Digital and Traditional Comic Book Creation Workshop. Best known for his futuristic creation Intergalactic Soul, Kiser will demonstrate the techniques to develop artistic sequential stories about your favorite superheroes and villains using digital and traditional media. Students of all ages will learn how to bring their imagination to life and study the technical aspects of their favorite comics. Bring your ingenuity and an open mind. Equipment and supplies will be provided. RSVPs and $5 ticket purchases can be made here: https://www.giveffect.com/checkout/8894. The session will begin at 11 a.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Moxie Society is ready to start your Saturday off the fun way with the I Still The 90’s Brunch & Day Party: J5 Edition! Come and kick it Crimson & Crème style as the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. celebrate their 108th Founders Day! My good brother and Nupe DJ Tramare will be in the house spinning an incredible arsenal of classic 90s Hip Hop, House, R&B, Soul, Reggae and Go-Go joints! The kitchen is ready to rock with a delicious Southern brunch menu and the bar is fully stocked with all sorts of drink specials, including $5 mimosas. Also, be sure to peep the fly colored canvassing of the alluring Alexis Grace! Get there early and get ready for Charlotte’s best brunch experience! The party starts at 11 a.m. at Sports One Bar & Lounge. 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
Calling all writers – Black Business Owners of Charlotte is looking to expand their team and this evening, you’re invited out for their event, The Writer’s Table Interest Meeting & Writing Workshop. If you feel that your words and insight would be a viable asset to BBOC and their newest publication The Black Connector, this is the meeting for you. Please be at Amelie’s Café at 6 p.m. ready to network. 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Get ready to feel the spirit in your mind, body and soul this evening at Loft & Cellar because it’s time once again for the RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party! Get down on the good foot as Jackmaster Gary Wallace, The FREEZ Project and special guest Kelly G give you the very best in House tunes all night long. The event begins at 9 p.m. Admission is $5 before 9 p.m. and $10 after 9 p.m. Loft & Cellar is located at 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown. #HouseLives
It may be 2019, but the mighty JETA Team is ready to take you back in time with another funky and retro round o’ sound with “Off The Wall: Best of the 80s V.16 + Slow Wine Edition!” Join Chief Rocka Aking Allah and Soul Brother DJ Justice as they take you on a ride with all the fly jams between 1980 through 1989! From Public Enemy to Billy Joel, Run-DMC to Whitney Houston, Prince, The Jacksons, Eric B. & Rakim, Duran Duran, S.O.S. Band, Beastie Boys, Kraftwerk and much, much, more flyness! Then, be sure to stick around as the music slows down as your two sound craftsmen provide a delightful arsenal of slow jams for you and your partner to groove to. Also, A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen Food Truck will be stationed there with a delectable menu full of hearty and delicious vegan meal options. 9 p.m. Admission is $5 before 10 p.m. and $10 after. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #TheJETATeam
——-SUNDAY, JANUARY 6——-
For some fly eats and cool treats, head down to Cuzzo’s Cuisine for the Soul Food Sunday Buffet! Chef Andarrio Johnson and crew invite you to add some delicious and delectable delight to your day — whether you’re leaving church service, out for a stroll, exercising, leaving another event or just plain ol’ hungry, gather all of your friends and come on down and enjoy a meal that’ll sho’ nuff stick to your ribs! From Cajun fried chicken, collard greens, World Famous Lobster Mac & Cheese, green beans, rice pilaf and so many other choices your stomach will be more than satisfied! Other menu items include a wonderful dining experience, fellowship and lots of community love. The buffet will be open from 12 noon to 5p.m. Cuzzo’s Cuisine is located at 3418 Tuckaseegee Rd. #CuzzosCuisine
Moxie Society invites you out to Firehouse Bar & Lounge to cap off your eventful weekend with, “Sippin On Sundays – The January Edition!” Relax in this snazzy Uptown QC venue with delicious food, drink specials, hookah, music from DJ Puff rockin’ on the 1s and 2s. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sippin-on-sundays-wild-card-edition-ft-dj-puff-tickets-53723374058. The event begins at 4 p.m. Firehouse Bar & Lounge is located at 320 W. Carson St. in Uptown.
Catch some cinematic magic at the 2nd Annual Sylvia Theater Film Fest this evening! Join other film enthusiasts as you view 12 short films from around the world and local compete for awards in a special ceremony following the viewings. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/3828030/sylvia-theater-2nd-annual-film-fest-york-sylvia-theater. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the festival will be held at the historic Sylvia Theater in nearby York. 27 N. Congress St.
——-MONDAY, JANUARY 7——-
Get your laugh on at Heist Brewery this evening and come out for the third installment of the Revolt Comedy Show! Sit back, relax and get ready to laugh away those Monday blues with a hilarious blend of raw and clever comedic performers hosted by The Revolt Duo, Brian O’Neil and Alex Spears! Music will be provided by Black Light the DJ. Admission is $3 and will begin at 7:30 p.m. Heist Brewery is located at 2909 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
COMING SOON…
1/11 — Solstice: A New Dawn Of Dance Music Euphoria, Vol. 2
1/12 – Nice & Smooth performing LIVE
1/19 — The Conversation Book Club
1/19 — AfroPop! Charlotte Vol.28
1/21 – Charlotte MLK Day Celebration
1/23 – 1/26 – The Legacy Theatre Co. presents “Blood Ties”
1/31 – 2/9 – Brand New Sheriff Productions presents August Wilson’s “Two Trains Running”
2/1 – 2/17 – Theatre Charlotte presents “Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller Musical Show”
Enjoy your weekend Brothers & Sisters! Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst