By Shawn Allison
Peace and greetings my Queen City Brothers and Sisters! I’m back in the zone with another weekend chock full of cultural goodness for your soul. From jazz, to films, to art, heritage festivals and more, you’ll be sure to have a blast this weekend! So as always, let’s just hop right into the mix, ya dig?
THURSDAY July 21
Begin your weekend at The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture with another slammin’ and soulful edition of “Gantt After Dark!” Mellow out with a mature and sophisticated crowd, enjoy some delicious treats, shop from local vendors and enjoy the smooth sounds from local band, 5th & York. Admission is FREE and the event begins at 6 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Join Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce (CMBCC) this evening for an after hours monthly professional networking event. Come meet the right connections with Charlotte area business owners and professionals. Come early, bring a friend and plenty of business cards! CMBCC members are FREE; non-members are $5. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and will be held at Imani’s Fusion Café. 3535 Randolph Rd. neat the Cotswold Area. #CMBCC
This evening, head over to C3 Lab and partake in the much-needed discussion entitled, “What Is Dada and Who Cares?” Join the discussion on where the Charlotte Arts Scene is headed.There will also be discussion about a recent media piece that asks the question, “Is Charlotte beer culture making us stupid?” in response to the assertions that we need to do more as a city to attract “creatives.” This discussion is FREE to attend and it begins at 6 p.m. C3 Lab is located at 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.
Got a lot on your mind? Join Christian Life Coach, Tina L. Jones and fellow Pride Magazine Online Contributor, and Certified Professional Life Coach Eddie D. Love as they host “Therapy Thursdays at 7th District.” By request of the hosts, brothers are highly encouraged to come out and mingle. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/therapy-thursdays-at-7th-district-tickets-26606746495?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&aff=esfb&utm-source=fb&utm-term=listing. The event begins at 7 p.m. 7th District is located at 321 N. Caldwell St. in Uptown.
Everyone come on down to UpStage this evening as Touch One Productions hosts a very special edition of WineUp! The spoken word feature is the beautiful and bold Telesa Hines. I’ve heard this lady’s words and she is sure to set fire to your eardrums. For your musical entertainment, enjoy the sounds of R&B crooner Dexter Jordan, house band, Devin & The Entertainment and DJ SPK on the turntables all night long. TAdmission is $10 per person. Doors open at 9 p.m. and the show begins at 10 p.m. UpStage is located at 3306 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District. #TouchOneProductions
FRIDAY, July 22
Put on your dancing shoes and glide over to BluNotes this evening for “Uptown Swagga’s Birthday Bash!” Join Charlotte’s Premiere Go-Go Band as they celebrate the born days of three of its members–King, Brandon and Cliff. DJ I.Q. will be on the 1’s and 2’s and there will be a special performance from recording artist, Lawd Dweez. Admission is FREE to attend and the party starts at 7 p.m. BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.
TerryBerry Events hosts “Movie Under the Stars!” Slide over to the Wadsworth Estate with your significant other, your friends and get ready for a viewing of the classic film, “Love Jones.” There will be food, drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) vendors out there as you watch the film. Admission is $8 and tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/movie-under-the-stars-tickets-26474371558. The venue opens up at 7 p.m. and the film will begin at 8 p.m. The Wadsworth Estate is located at 400 S. Summit St. in the Wesley Heights Community. #TerryBerryEvents
Tonight, get ready to get funked all the way up at FireWater Restaurant & Bar because it is time for RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party! Rockin’ the turntables all night are the Deep House Providers (Gary “Jackmaster” Wallace, DJ Marcus, DJ Badala B, DJ Cee Low) and The SoulJunkies (DJ Jazzy Bee and DJ Police)! I’ve heard all of these gentlemen spin before and each one of them touches your soul in their own unique way. Light that dance floor on fire, forget about your troubles and just RELEASE! Admission is $5. The party starts at 8 p.m. FireWater is located at 8708 J.W. Clay Blvd. in the University Area. #GottaHaveHouse #HouseMusicLives
This evening, join The Sol Kitchen and The Art of Cool as they proudly present the critically acclaimed soul brother, Donnie featuring All Cows Eat Grass. If you have never heard or heard of these two brilliant acts, you are definitely in for quite a delight! Donnie will be performing tunes from his much-raved about album, “The Colored Section.”The Neighborhood Theater beginning at 9 p.m. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1216191. The Neighborhood Theater is located at 511 E. 36th St. in the NoDa District.
This evening, come out to Crossing Paths Park in Indian Trail for another fun edition of the Tyris Live Jazz Series! For your listening pleasure this evening, TLJS will make some jazz improvisations of tunes from the late, great Michael Jackson! Admission is FREE and there will be food vendors on site. The music starts at 8 p.m. Crossing Paths Park is located at 120 Blythe Dr. in Indian Trail
The ever-funky Jazz Munkee will be jammin’ this Friday evening at The Tavern with their signature sound of funk, jazz, soul and fusion! If you’ve never heard these Brothers jam before, you will not want to just sit in your seat and listen—their sound is totally infectious and interactive! Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazznsoul-music-presents-jazz-munkee-friday-july-22nd-tickets-26545320769. The Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
Calling all playas, ballers, shot callers and the like! Hop in your ‘Lacs, Bourbons, Duece & a 1/4s, Caprice Classics and head down to Snug Harbor for “PLAYER MADE!” Join DJ Overcash and DJ Elevator Jay as they take you on a funky ride through all eras of Southern Hip Hop. From OutKast, Goodie Mob, UGK, Master P, Nappy Roots, Little Brother, 8Ball & MJG, Trick Daddy, 2 Live Crew, Three 6 Mafia and more! The doors open at 9 p.m. and the funk starts at 10 p.m. Admission is FREE for people 21+ and $5 for people 18+. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
SATURDAY, July 23
Before you get your Saturday started, come join Certified Yoga Instructor, Kiesha Battles as she hosts, “Yoga On the Lawn. Center your spirits and souls in an intimate and calming Yoga session with others at a private location. Also, after the session, enjoy light refreshments and laughter with your hostess Candace Jennings. The session is $10 and can be purchased here: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/home?studioid=104879. Once you fill out the form and pay your fee, you will be provided with the address of where the session will be held. Please remember to dress comfortably and bring a Yoga mat with you. The class begins at 10 a.m.
This afternoon, for the “The Puerto Rican Festival 2016!” Hosted by the Puerto Rican Cultural Society of Charlotte, everyone is invited to come and fellowship with some beautiful and jubilant Boricuas and partake in some Latino dancing, enjoy authentic Puerto Rican cuisines, games, live music and much more! Admission is FREE to attend and the party starts at 12 noon. Marshall Park is located at 800 E. 3rd St. in Uptown.
For another cultural celebration this afternoon, head over to Cordelia Park as Cape Verdeans of the Carolinas Association (CVCA) hosts their “3rd Annual Independence Day Celebration!” This family-oriented event is filled with music, food, fellowship, games and more! Even if you do not have Cabo Verdean roots, the people of CVCA and other natives will be more than happy to teach you about Cabo Verdean culture. Admission is FREE to attend. The celebration begins at 12 noon. Cordelia Park is located at 2100 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Put some color and vigor in your Saturday afternoon and head down to Advent Coworking for the “Queen City Urban Art Showcase!” The spectrum of radiance is filled with work from some of Crown Town’s brightest and upcoming talents and they want you to experience their work. Admission is FREE to attend. The event begins at 12:30 p.m. Advent Coworking is located at 933 Louise Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Parents, this afternoon, bring the youth out to Spirit Square where Breakin’ Convention CLT hosts the interactive and informative workshop, “The Fundamentals of Hip Hop.” From the art of MC-ing, DJ-ing, Breaking, Graffiti Tagging and more, this is sure to lead them on a path of preserving Hip Hop Culture. Activities included are a beat-making course instructed by DJ/Producer Khrysis, a culinary and graffiti workshop. This workshop is FREE to attend and all ages are welcome to participate! The event kicks off at 1 p.m. Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
The Spoke Easy has put together a battle of brains and brawn in this Summer’s big team event–THE SPOKE EASY FIELD DAY! They’re takin’ it all the way back to elementary school and challenging all the teams to ride their bikes to field day events around town that will test their wits and coordination! Wrangle up your crew with teams of 2-4 Riders ($20 per team). Creative/Color Coordinated team jerseys/uniforms will get you more points! Bust out your short-shorts, ringer socks, headbands, wristbands! Also, please make sure to bring a charged cell phone. There will be various prizes from various bicycle retailers in the city and an awards party in the evening. The fun starts at 2 p.m. The Spoke Easy is located at 1523 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.
This afternoon, head out to TCB 5400 Bar & Grill for the NC A&T and WSSU Alumni Day Party! Aggies and Rams, come out, see old friends, represent your HBCU, meet new people, network and more! Hosted by Nekie Boyd and TJ Swann, this is a party with a purpose. In addition all of the fun and camaraderie, there will also be people there who are willing to assist you with credit building and repair, housing approval assistance, starting/growing a business, commercial property purchasing, business marketing and advertising, website development and more! Please come out and bring your friends to help each other build as well as have a good time. Please be sure to register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nc-at-and-wssu-alumni-day-party-july-23rd-2p-8p-tickets-26502186754?aff=es2. The social begins at 2 p.m. TCB 5400 is located at 5400 Nevin Rd.
Head over to the Atrium on N. Davidson for the Queen City Young Entrepreneur Expo. Together we stand, divided we fall. Make it your priority to come network, socialize, support build and BUY!! With young urban Entrepreneurs; showcasing, selling and educating to the public about their business, goals and products. Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 3 p.m. 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Come out to ProCure Agency for the Reflection Girls Group Interest Meeting. Join Deona Frierson of The Intentional Woman Series, as she hosts this nine-week journey for young ladies ages 14-19. This session group enables participants an opportunity to explore their journey through life and the limitless possibilities now and in the future. Parents must be in attendance for the interest meeting. If you wish to attend, please RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reflections-girls-group-interest-meeting-tickets-26470138898?aff=es2. The event begins at 4 p.m. ProCure Agency is located at 2301 W. Morehead St. which is on the outskirts of Uptown.
Brothers and Sisters gather at Crossroads Charter High School this evening for an interesting forum and showcase full of health goodness. Join herbalists Baratunde and Kayah as they host “The Forgotten Foods Remembered.” You’re invited to come and sample Connoisseur Herbal Tonics. Our Ancestors knew about regeneration and aging gracefully, now you can learn their secrets. Come experience a herbal tonic tasting event with Qi Kung moving meditation. Discover what’s missing in your maintenance and prevention regiment. Learn to strengthen your immune system so that the body can fight its own battles. Also, discover what you can do to fight disease and add a healthy quality to your life. The admission to this event is FREE. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the event begins at 5 p.m. Crossroads Charter High School is located at 5500 N. Tryon St.
Come to the The McColl Center for Art + Innovation for “Bloom: Transformations.” Performers from around the country will be bringing you their passion using movement on the ground, in the air and through the flames. This immersive experience will be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, allowing you to delve into the deepest caverns of your consciousness to create a deep connection with your power, sadness, fear and intense joy. There will be an all ages show at 5:30 p.m. and an adults only show at 8:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2536912. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Cool out and relax at Freedom Park for the Freedom Summer Series with featured guests, Urban Jazz Coalition featuring Dante Lewis. Urban Jazz Coalition will continue with their critically-acclaimed “beautifully written melodies”. Admission is FREE to attend and all ages are welcome. Be sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets. The music starts at 6 p.m. Freedom Park is located at 1900 East Blvd. in the Dilworth Neighborhood.
Join LockStar Lifestyle Natural Hair Salon for the “LockStar Block Party!” for an evening filled with games, fellowship, music, cocktails, delicious eats and other cool treats! Also, there will be a vendor display filled with various services covering health and wellness, culinary, jewelry and more! The party is FREE to attend and please be camera ready because there will be lots of pictures being taken. The party starts at 6:30 p.m. LockStar Lifestyle Natural Hair Salon is located at 1110 Morningside Dr. Unit “B” in the Plaza-Midwood District.
This evening, join the Guerilla Poets and several other cool cats for “ENCORE! Open Mic!” at The Last Word. Every 4th Saturday of the month, gather ‘round as various and diverse individuals engage an open mic with song, poetry and riveting visual artwork. And if you are the drawing/painting type, I strongly suggest this event for you. Admission is FREE and the love starts at 7 p.m. The Last Word is located at 5744 N. Tryon St.
This evening, put on your brown leather jackets, archaeologist fedoras and artifact knapsacks and head down to C3 Lab for a special screening of “Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made!” After Steven Spielberg’s classic Raiders of the Lost Ark was released 35 years ago, three 11-year-old boys from Mississippi set out on what would become a 7-year-long labor of love and tribute to their favorite film: a faithful, shot-for-shot adaptation of the action adventure film. They finished every scene…except one; the film’s explosive airplane set piece. Over two decades later, the trio reunited with the original cast members from their childhood in order to complete their masterpiece. Featuring interviews from a few of the original film’s stars, this is the story of this long-gestating project’s culmination, chronicling the friends’ dedication to their artistic vision—mixed in with some movie magic—to create a personal, epic love letter to a true modern classic. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here: https://quick.crowdtorch.com/142911. The event begins at 7 p.m. C3 Lab is located at 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.
Gather up your comrades, co-workers and older cousins and head down to The Tavern for “Charlotte 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! There will be plenty of food, fun, fellowship and trash-talking! Admission is FREE to attend but please RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/charlotte-adult-game-night-nurse-monthly-mingle-tickets-26529428234?aff=es2. The event begins at 8 p.m. The Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
Get ready to get your body jacked this Friday night at Soul Gastrolounge as DJ Gary ‘Jackmaster’ Wallace proudly presents the July edition of “House Beatz & Eatz!” Enjoy fine, eclectic cuisine as the best of Classic, Soulful and Deep House tunes groove your body into the night. Admission is FREE and the funk begins at 9 p.m. Soul Gastrolounge is located at 1500 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #HouseMusicLives
It’s that time once again! Everyone head out to Petra’s for the July edition of Su Casa! The theme of this month is “The Black Power Mixtape Edition”—filled with the funkiest, boldest grooves to stir your soul, spirit and the soles of your feet into a frenzy! DJ Justice & DJ Steel Wheel will be delivering the freshest cuts and joining them is Queen City staple, DJ Fannie Mae! Also, be sure to stick around for a live performance from Blame the Youth, a live mural painting from Dammit Wesley, face painting by Catherine Courtlandt and other cool elements! The funk begins at 10 p.m. Admission is $5 before 11 p.m. and $10 after 11 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
SUNDAY, July 24
It’s time for Sunday Fun Day at The Mint Museum this afternoon! Families are invited to come down during this hot summer and cool off with some pooch-inspired projects! Paint a portrait of a pup, search for paintings depicting man’s best friends, and meet a K9 member of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department. Admission is FREE for children and Mint members and $6 for nonmembers. The fun starts at 1 p.m. The Mint Museum is located at 500 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Has anyone ever told you to “turn down that noise?” If yes, good for you! If not, you need to live a little! Either way, head out to The Schiele Museum of Natural History as they host the demonstration workshop entitled, “Things That Go Boom.” Discover the science of getting loud, making noise and raising a racket! Find out the properties of sound and how human hearing works with demonstrations and hands-on /ears-on activities. Admission is FREE to attend and all ages are welcome. The fun begins at 2 p.m. The Schiele Museum is located at 1500 E. Garrison Blvd. in Gastonia.
Teenagers, head down to Extravaganza Depot this afternoon for the “All Summer ’16 QC Come Up!” Come on out with your squad for fun, giveaways and guest performances. DJ Stampede will keep the party live on the turntables. This is one event you don’t want to miss! Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/all-summer-16-qc-come-up-tickets-26422913646?aff=es2. Extravaganza Depot is located at 1610 N. Tryon St. on the outskirts of Uptown.
Ladies, join Davita “Sincerely Swat” Galloway this afternoon as she hosts another fun, empowering and relaxing edition of “GIRL GANG!” For the month of July, you all will get a chance to hit the streets of Uptown Charlotte in segway style. Resverations and ticket purchases can be made here: http://www.sincerelyswat.com/tickets/rsvp-for-girl-gang-we-be-in-the-city-edition. 2 p.m. Dupp & Swat is located at 2424 N. Davidson St. in Uptown. #duppandswat #GirlGang
Everyone get your gloves, baseball caps and bats and gather ‘round Pint Central as they host a screening of the 90s classic, “The Sandlot.” Part of their bi-monthly film series, “Movies @ the Park”, they will screen a classic comedy film of yesteryear for the remainder of the Summer months. Admission is FREE to attend. There will also be FREE popcorn along with some food and drink specials. Please bring out your lawn chairs. The film starts at 9 p.m. Pint Central is located at 1226 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
MONDAY, July 25
Parents, want your children to nurture their creative side this summer? Paint Craze is offering a “Famous Artists Kids Camp” this week! This camp is recommended for children ages 8-12. Tickets can be purchased and additional info can be found here: https://paintcraze.com/events/view/july-2529-famous-artists-paint-craze-kids-camp-1155. The class begins at 9 a.m. Paint Craze is located at 4950 Park Road.
The ultimate underground force known as Radio Rehab Carolinas returns with another nostalgic beacon for the people who are true music lovers. Everyone head over to Hattie’s Tap & Tavern for the all-new, “Motown on Mondays!” Every last Monday of the month you will get to take a step back in time, when the music was live, the brothers were clean and the sophisticated lady was the quintessential paramount of beauty. Begins at 8 p.m. Admission is free. Hattie’s Tap & Tavern is located at 2918 The Plaza Rd. #MOMCLT
Everyone have a fantastic weekend, keep the faith and always spread love to a stranger! God Bless!Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller