By: Shawn D. Allison, II
We made it family! 2017 is in full effect! Time for new experiences, new ventures, new chapters and a new outlook on life! If you want to continue to bring in the new year with some fun, check out all I got in store and get a load of my “Hot List” just below!
- THURSDAY—Free Train w/ Tam Workout Session at The Carole A. Hoefener Center
- FRIDAY–“Post-Holiday Blues VI: Many Shades of Blue” at The Bechtler Museum
- FRIDAY/SATURDAY—“Let God F.I.G.U.R.E. It Out” at The McGlohon Theater
- SATURDAY—Open Air Marketplace at Harambee Gardens
- SATURDAY—Super Saturday Credit Restoration Seminar at Home 2 Suites by Hilton
- SATURDAY—“Vinyl Me, Please?” at Kanvas Gallery & Lounge
- SATURDAY—“Off The Wall: Best of the 80s V.10” at Petra’s
- SUNDAY—Classic Black Cinema Series screening of Anna Lucasta at The Gantt Center
- SUNDAY—Diggers Delight Pop-Up Record Swap at Tip Top Daily Market
- MONDAY—Jazz and a Movie screening of “Hidden Figures” at Cinebarre Arboretum
——-THURSDAY 1/5——
Need a good chuckle or a rousing guffaw? Head out to BluNotes this evening for “Laff It Up Thursdays!” Come a release some stress through laughter, music listening and fellowship hosted by nationally-recognized funnyman and Charlotte native, Tone-X! Also, be sure to holler at the kitchen for great meal and drink specials. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.blunotes.com/laffitupthursdayswithtonex or at the door. Show time is at 5 p.m. BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the Northlake Area.
Get your health off to a great start in 2017 with the lovely Tamara “Coach Tam” Jackson this evening as she hosts a “Free Train w/ Tam Workout Session!” Are you tired of all the same old new years weight loss resolutions? Do you want to try a plan that not only gets you in shape but coaches you to better realm of positive living? Then I highly recommend this session for you! Coach Tam is not only an inspiration, she’s a living testimony. Come break a sweat in this short, but impactful session to help you kick the year off to a great start! Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-train-with-tam-workout-friday-16-tickets-30700994501. The session begins at 7 p.m. and will be held at The Carole A. Hoefener Community Center. 610 E. 7th St. in https://www.facebook.com/messages/753765305Uptown. #265Point
——-FRIDAY 1/6——-
The first work week of 2017 has come to a close and it’s time to let loose at BluNotes for “The Friday Release!” Come enjoy delicious food, great drinks and the soulful sounds of John Dillard & Co. If you’ve never heard this brother before, he’s one of the baddest bassists in the QC. Hear for yourselves—you won’t be disappointed! The show starts at 8 p.m. BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the Northlake Area.
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 VI: Many Shades of Blue.” Come out and hear an modern-twist interpolation of song selections including Charles Mingus’ “Noddin Ya Head Blues”, John Coltrane’s “Equinox”, Joe Henderson’s “Isotope” and more. Tickets can be purchased here: https://30796a.blackbaudhosting.com/30796a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=1089f34c-3bbb-49ef-94af-e7db8b79f567. There will be two shows: 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. The Bechtler is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Parents, the Oneaka Dance Group is ready to give you a break on this Friday night as they cordially invite your youth out for the “Kids Night Out Pajama Party!” Your youth will get to enjoy games, kid-friendly music, dance classes, movies, pizza and beverages! They also will get to receive a FREE t-shirt! This is reserved for youth ages 4 – 12 years and please make sure they bring a pillow and mat or a sleeping bag. Admission is $20 per child and $15 for siblings. Please call, (704)-299-7432 for reservations. The event begins at 6 p.m. Oneaka Dance Group is located at 4450 The Plaza, Suite “A”.
This evening, head over to C3 lab for a total out-of-body art experience! Join local creative Lara Americo as she proudly presents an opening reception of her newest exhibition entitled, “Chrysalis – A Study of Human Life.” Chrysalis is an exploration of what it means to inhabit a human body. It is common to assume that we are our bodies. Our bodies are a shell and our true selves are much more than human flesh. Chrysalis examines this flesh and what if means to navigate the world in these bodies using photography and 3-D molding. Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 7 p.m. C3 Lab is located at 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.
This weekend, treat yourselves and to a delightful stage production from the beautiful mind of Monica D. Murphy as she proudly presents her newest work, “Let God F.I.G.U.R.E. It Out.” The play, an acronym standing for, (Families In God Unite Relying on El’Shaddai) is the story of a family trapped in a world of trouble with problems hitting them all at once. However, a group of ladies reminds the family matriarch that her Help is always right there. Filled with tons of hilarities, this play is sure to bring joy to your heart! Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/let-god-figure-it-out. There will be three shows: Friday (1/6) at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday (1/7) at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. All performances will be held at The McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
In anticipation of Hypnotic Brass Ensemble’s live concert Jan. 26 at McGlohon Theater, Blumenthal Arts proudly presents a free screening of “Brothers Hypnotic”, the award-winning documentary from filmmaker Reuben Atlas, which explores their music, work ethic, life and experience of being raised by their jazz legend father Phil Cohran. This is a FREE screening and all are welcome to view it. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the film starts at 8 p.m. The McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Art, music and creativity collide at Area 15 this evening at the second episode of “Queens Collective.” Come and enjoy an evening of liberating grooves, moves and words with musicians Diaspoura, Kevin Venom, Quisql and Black Linen and visual art from Jameilyara Moore. Admission is $5 to attend and the funky ride sets off at 9 p.m. Area 15 is located at 514 E. 15th St. near the NoDa District.
The good people of Jazz N’ Soul invite you out to The Morehead Tavern for another colorful editon of Ella’s Speakeasy. For tonight’s show, get ready 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/groovemasters-jazznsoul-music-first-friday-2017-ellas-speakeasy-morehead-tavern-tickets-30238754930. Showtime starts at 9 p.m. The Morehead Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
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.
Things get real colorful and cultural tonight at Apostrophe Lounge with the January installment of “DIASOPORA: An Eclectic International Experience!” Join hosts, the lovely Ms. Gifty and sound engineer, The Dynamic DJ Kato as he takes you on a whirlwind of sound with audible flavors including, Afrobeat, Soca, Reggae, Dancehall, Bachata, Salsa and a teaspoon full of Top 40 hits. Admission is $5. The music starts at 10 p.m. Apostrophe Lounge is located at 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #AfricanaConnections
——-SATURDAY 1/7——-
People, you want to make 2017 your year? Head down to The Harvest Center of Charlotte this morning for “PURSUE 2017: Charlotte’s Ultimate 3rd Annual Vision Board Party!” Join a host of multi-range life coaches to help empower and guide you along this fresh new year. There will be breakfast served and supplies provided. Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pursue-2017-charlottes-3rd-annual-ultimate-vision-board-party-tickets-29423581725. The event will begin at 9 a.m. The Harvest Center of Charlotte is located at 2225 Freedom Dr.
The holidays are over and do you need to learn how to better manage your budget? This morning, head over to Hygge Coworking West for The Friendly Budget Workshop. Hosted by The Resurrect Love Project, LLC, this session is an introduction to budgeting basics for individuals with little to no experience in creating a household budget. They will address the psychology of budgeting as well as the stress and anxiety that many experience when reviewing monthly expenses and spending habits. The ultimate goal is to make budgeting approachable and give participants the tools they need to take control of their finances! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-friendly-budget-workshop-tickets-30449218432. The event begins at 10 a.m. Hygge Coworking West is located at 2128 Remount Rd.
This morning, head down to The Gantt Center for another fun-filled Family First Workshop! For today’s session, you will join Gantt Center exhibiting artist and curator, Charles Farrar, as he provides a glimpse of the history and practice of working with wood as a medium and what it means to “turn” vessels. From conception to creation, follow along Charles Farrar’s process as he and fellow wood artists demonstrate the use of the lathe. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: http://www.ganttcenter.org/calendar/woodturning-workshop-with-charles-farrar/. The session will begin at 11 a.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
This morning, come out to Harambee Gardens for the Open Air Marketplace. Hosted by #BlackOwnedCLT and Ethnic by Ali, this small Black business marketplace will host a number of vendors with a variety of products and services that are beneficial to the entire tribe. There will also be refreshments, live music, children’s activities and a special tour through the History Tunnel. Admission is FREE to attend. If you are interested in becoming a potential or recurring vendor, please send an email to: ethnicbyali89@gmail.com or tajiya.b@harambeegardens.com. The marketplace opens at 11 a.m. Harambee Gardens is located at 1801 N. Tryon St.
Is your credit stuck like jam and can’t shake you loose like jelly? Then head out to Home 2 Suites by Hilton this morning for the Super Saturday Credit Restoration Seminar. This seminar, will feature a few trusted and experience financial experts who have a strong passion for helping people get back on their feet and stand on solid financial ground. They have expertise in helping with home foreclosures, identify theft, college loans, bankruptcy, tax liens and more. Admission to this seminar is FREE. If you need help with your credit, I strongly recommend this event for you! The event will begin at 11 a.m. Home 2 Suites by Hilton is located at 625 McCullough Dr. in the University Area.
Listen, are you having trouble meeting your fitness goals because you are stressed out, stretched out and overworked? I’ve got just the thing for you! This afternoon, join Coach Shonda Caines as she hosts a Health & Wellness Vision Map Workshop. This lovely and driven lady will show you how to create and navigate a map on a path to better health. This type of visioning is special because the focus is on your overall healthy well-being. Light refreshments and all materials will be provided. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/health-and-wellness-vision-map-workshop-with-coach-shonda-tickets-30215006899. The session will begin at 1 p.m. 3025 N. Davidson St., Suite #205. in the NoDa District.
Young ladies, I got something special lined up for you! The beautiful queens of Covered Girls, Inc. invite you and your parents out for an afternoon of fun, networking, empowerment and more! Their upcoming, “Cover Me Project Spring 2017” is nearing and they are looking for 20 teen girls (ages 12-17) to be a part of this project. There will be goodies bags, giveaways, light refreshments and details about the program. Please be sure to register at: http://www.coveredinc.org/covered-girls. The event will begin at 1:30 p.m. and will be held at Project 658. 3646 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Get ready to feel the spirit in your mind, body and soul this evening at The Tavern because its time once again for the “RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party!” Get down on the good foot as the Deep House Providers (DJ Gary “Jackmaster” Wallace, DJ Marcus DJ Badala B and DJ Tony Cutlass) give you the very best in House tunes all night long. The event begins at 8 p.m. Admission is $5 before 9 p.m. and $10 after 9 p.m. The Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #HouseLives
DJ Chance is back at Heist Brewery to steal your ears with “The Big Heist: The Ol’ Skool Retreat!” one mo’ gin’! Join this gifted turntablist on a voyage into the far reaches of Hip Hop, Neo-Soul, House, The Funk and more! Admission is FREE and he starts getting busy at 9 p.m. Heist Brewery is located at 2909 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
It may be 2017 but the mighty JETA Team wants to take you on a musical voyage “Black in time” with “Off The Wall: Best of the 80s V.10!” Hop in your DeLorean time machine with DJ Aking Allah, DJ Justice and the beautiful DJ Lunchbeats as they bring you a blast from the past with Hip Hop, The Funk, R&B, Rare Grooves, Pop, House, Nu-Wave, Reggae, Rock N’ Roll and more! Admission is $5 before 11 p.m. and $10 after. The party starts at 9 p.m. at Petra’s. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #TheJETATeam
Come chill out at Kanvas Gallery & Lounge, with DJ FoundACEtion this evening for another fly edition of “Vinyl Me, Please?” Cool relax with a drink and your friends as he rocks a whole set of Hip Hop, R&B, Neo-Soul, House and Downtempo grooves totally on wax! Admission is FREE to attend and the cool-down starts at 9 p.m. Kanvas is located at 525 E. 6th St., Suite #117 in Uptown.
After a long hiatus, it’s finally back! “What’s Going On In Charlotte” has exploded into one of the largest events groups, period! The mixers were always a highlight for everyone to put faces to names, and turn-up the only way we know how. The event will be hosted by Dani Outen of OutenLove Events & The Culture Cooperative and Hip-Hop, R&B & Reggae curated by The Dynamic DJ Kato! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-wgoic-mixer-re-birth-tickets-30733292104. The fun starts at 9:30 p.m. at Press Box Bar & Grill. 9609 N. Tryon St. in the University Area.
Get ready to move and groove at Bakadi Lounge this evening at the “Africana New Year Party!” Loosen those limbs and get down to the rhythms of Zouk, Ndombolo, Makossa, Salsa, Kizomba, and more! For the fellas, I hear there will be an abundance of beautiful African women in the joint—make sure you come make yourselves known! Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-year-franco-african-party-zouk-couper-decaler-ndombolo-and-more-tickets-30215584627. The party starts at 10 p.m. Bakadi Lounge is located at 4201 Monroe Rd.
——-SUNDAY 1/8——-
Attention all Crate Diggers, Vinyl Enthusiasts and Music Lovers… Spin yourselves over to the Tip Top Daily Market for the “Diggers Delight Pop-Up Record Swap” this afternoon! Sift and scour through a healthy selection of Jazz, Funk, Soul, Hip Hop, R&B and Rock LPs for trade or purchase! Admission is FREE. The fun begins at 2 p.m. Tip Top Daily Market is located at 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Join Mr. Felix Curtis at The Gantt Center this afternoon for another Sunday editon of Classic Black Cinema Series. Today’s screening is the 1958 film, “Anna Lucasta” starring late greats Eartha Kitt and Sammy Davis, Jr. It’s the story of a lady who’s young, wild and free falls into street life and eventually into the arms of a sailor, but is brutally reminded of her sordid past by her vengeful father. Admission is FREE to attend and the film will start at 2 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #CBCS
——-MONDAY 1/9——-
The Jazz Lifestyle is poised and proud to present to you another fly edition of “Jazz and a Movie” for you this evening! Everyone gather ‘round the silver screen for a special screening of the new film, “Hidden Figures” starring Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae and Octavia Spencer. Before the film, there will be a performance from the beautiful vocalist Ms. Nicci Canada and a delicious meal in the main lobby. Tickets can be purchased here: http://m.bpt.me/event/2734333. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and will be held at Cinebarre Arboretum. 8008 Providence Rd. #TheJazzLifestyle
Rounding out your spectacular Sunday, head out to Petra’s Bar for the “Jazz Workshop Second Sunday & 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 for raised vibrations at Spirit Square this evening from Tajmah Allison as she hosts “Reggae Yoga Flow!” This is a vinyasa style yoga class; which means asanas (poses) are synced to the breath creating a dance-like flow. The flowing asanas sequence is meant to build heat, strength, flexibility and the class ends with a calming meditation. All yoga levels are welcome and please bring your mat. Admission is $5 and can be purchased here: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=729967&sessionChecked=true. The class starts at 8 p.m. Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
COMING SOON…
- Saturday, 1/14—The 2017 PRIDE Awards
- Friday, 1/20—Jazz Arts Initiative “The Jazz Room” tribute to Hubert Laws
- Tuesday, 1/24—Arts & Activism: Artists Making Noise
Make the best of this year and always remember to spread love to your neighbors! Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller