The Rundown: Things to do Thursday, July 26 – Sunday, July 29

Shawn Allison shares all the places you'll wanna be in the Queen City.

By Shawn D. Allison, II

Hey family! It’s been a rather stormy week, but “The Rundown” is here to give your weekend some much needed sunshine for you and yours! We’re at the end of July, and to close out the month, there’s tons of stuff to get into. But if you want to know where I’ll be causing trouble this weekend, follow my “Hot List” and join me in all my mischief!

 

  • THURSDAY – Panel discussion “Radiant: A Conversation By and About Women” at The Gantt Center
  • THURSDAY – Art discussion “Stimulus: Black Blooded” at The McColl Center
  • THURSDAY – The AfterWork Mixer w/ DJ That Guy Smitty at The Morehead Tavern
  • FRIDAY – Black Business Owners of Charlotte presents Black Food Truck Friday at Cuzzo’s Cuisine
  • FRIDAY – Jazz N’ Soul Music and Radio Rehab Carolinas presents House Music Live feat. Lady Alma
  • SATURDAY — CineOdyssey Film Festival presents The Filmmakers Workshop with Christine Swanson
  • SATURDAY – SociaLight and Franchise Barbershop’s Pre-Back to School Community Event
  • SATURDAY — 10th Annual Carolina Jazz Concert Series feat. Jeanette Harris & Lin Rountree
  • SATURDAY – Su Casa: The July Edition at Petra’s
  • SUNDAY – Hot Stuff Summer Pop-Up Market at Petra’s
  • SUNDAY – Dupp & Swat presents “Summatime” at Camp North End
  • SUNDAY — Play MARSports’ 2018 Summer Co-Ed Kickball Kickoff at Morrison Family YMCA

 

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, JULY 26——-

Need some cool grooves and vibes to jump start your weekend? Head over to The Morehead Tavern as Jazz N’ Soul Music proudly presents The AfterWork Mixer this evening! Sit down, take a chill, grab a bite to eat and get a glass filled with some delicious cocktails as the magnificent sounds of Charlotte’s own, DJ That Guy Smitty will be on the 1s and 2s giving you his signature #EarholeGoodness for your listening pleasure! Admission is FREE to attend. The electric relaxation starts at 6 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.

Everyone come and get all 360 degrees of your being filled with art at the July 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 Sage Salon & Studio, Mint Museum Uptown, New Gallery of Modern Art, Sozo Gallery, The McColl, UNCC Center City 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.

Head over to The Gantt Center for a special discussion entitled “Radiant: A Conversation By and About Women.” Celebrate the closing of “By and About Women: The Collection of Dr. Dianne Whitfield-Locke and Dr. Carnell Locke” with a stimulating conversation on women and art. Hear from some of Charlotte’s finest creatives about how themes of womanhood are woven into their artwork and how they, as professional artists, navigate the business side of the arts. Cultural curator Jasiatic Anderson leads a conversation with artists Bree Stallings, Carmen Neely, Georgie Nakima and Rosalia Torres-Weiner. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/radiant-a-conversation-by-and-about-women-tickets-48228365339. The event will begin at 6 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Also, during the July Uptown Crawl, head over to The McColl Center for Art + Innovation for another special art discussion entitled, “Stimulus: Black Blooded.” “Stimulus” is intended to offer visitors deeper insight into the work and ideas of contemporary artists. Join McColl Center summer artist-in-residence Stephanie J. Woods, alumna artist Marcia Jones (2011), photographer Zun Lee, and mixed media artist Stacy Lynn Waddell—each featured in the exhibition Black Blooded, curated by Jessica Gaynelle Moss. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://53393.blackbaudhosting.com/53393/Stimulus. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Join Charlotte Post founder Mr. Gerald Johnson and Black Lives Matter Charlotte Chapter for the second installment of their special discussion this evening entitled, “The Making of Black on Black Crime.” The Charlotte Post Foundation is sponsoring a three-part series that separates facts from myths. Join the conversation as veteran litigator and anti-death penalty advocate, Attorney Henderson Hill, Executive Director – 8th Amendment Project will talk about the impact the constitution’s 8th amendment has on the minority population. The 8th Amendment Project coordinates the national campaign to end the death penalty. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-making-of-black-on-black-crime-2nd-in-a-3-part-series-tickets-47718968720. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Little Rock Cultural Center. 401 N. Myers St. in Uptown.

 

 

Moxie Society has paired up with C Squared Events to present a brand new monthly shindig entitled Elevated Thursdays at Loft & Cellar! Loosen those ties and replace those pumps with flats as you cool out with your crew and co-workers and enjoy some tasty cocktail specials as The Mighty DJ DR rocks out with a special accompanying soundtrack with a fly set of supersonic tunes. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/elevated-thursdays-ft-the-mighty-dj-dr-tickets-46831297672. The event will begin at 8 p.m. Loft & Cellar is located at 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.   #MoxieSociety #CSquaredEvents

 

 

Start your weekend off on a tropical twist as On Track HD invites you to Throwback Thursdays at Mangos! Relax yourselves, forget about your woes and come boogie with a delightful soundtrack of yesteryears classic Hip Hop, R&B, House, Reggae, Dancehall and much more! Also, be sure to grab some delicious food off the menu and drinks from the bar. FREE admission. 9 p.m. Mangos Caribbean Restaurant is located at 3112 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

 

——-FRIDAY, JULY 27——-

Everyone bring yourselves, your mama and your cousins out to Cuzzo’s Cuisine brick and mortar stomping ground for another soulful round of Black Food Truck Friday! Come mix and mingle with the community as your favorite Chocolate culinary chariots corral around one of the most popular restaurants in the city for an evening of fun and fellowship celebrating our community! There will be a live DJ, vendors and more surprises in store! This event is presented by Black Business Owners of Charlotte (BBOC). Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 6 p.m. Cuzzo’s Cuisine is located at 3418 Tuckaseegee Rd.

It’s time to make a joyful noise unto Thee and celebrate all the good God has done through our creativity at The Sound – Christian Open Mic 3rd Year Anniversary! Join host and funnyman Charles McMurray, II as he leads this artistic devotional with some special guests giving the glory up to The Most High in their own creative expression! If you’re a dancer, MC, singer, comedian, instrumentalist or just want to be in that number in the audience, you’re invited out for an evening that is sure to have you shouting in the aisles! Admission is $5 and the celebration starts at 7:30 p.m. at The Third Place. 1609 E. 5th St. in Uptown.

Jazz N’ Soul Music has teamed up with Radio Rehab Carolinas on this night to set your souls on fire with House Music Live featuring Lady Alma! Philadelphia songstress Lady Alma, heralded worldwide as the music scene’s heart and soul, is bringing her soaring, searing vocals back to eagerly-awaiting audiences, hungry for her funk-house-soul stylings. From recorded club anthems and party bangers to dynamic, live shows that have left critics and fans alike breathless for over two decades, Lady Alma has shown and proven to be, one of a kind and a widely praised source of true sonic satisfaction, since her introduction. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lady-alma-direct-from-philadelphia-live-house-funk-soul-tickets-48108139741. The event will begin at 9 p.m. at The Morehead Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.   #JazzNSoulMusic   #RadioRehabCarolinas

The weekend has arrived and now it’s time to relax as Buck Long & Friends proudly presents another installment of Feel Good Fridays featuring Michael Porter! Step into the world of woodwinds as this classically trained flautist sets the mood for your Friday. Admission is $10 per person. Doors open at 8 and the band strikes at 9 p.m. The show will be held at ROC’s Jazz Bar. 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. near Uptown.

Get your laugh on this evening as the Queen City Omegas present another raucous round of Comedy Night! Bring your friends out to get ready for some side-splitting humor from headlining funnyman, the hilarious and legendary Mike Bonner and Crookd T! Then, be sure to stick around as DJ 06 burns up the speakers with a hot mix of Hip Hop and R&B tunes. The host for the evening is Brother Tito. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-city-omegas-comedy-night-tickets-48005865837. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. The Omegas of Charlotte Fraternity House is located at 3301 Statesville Ave.

The Sol Kitchen is cookin’ up something super on this Friday night at Suite – come out and witness one of the great wizards of the world, The Magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff spinning LIVE! He’s brought down the house on many occasions and here’s your chance to witness one of the greatest turntablists to ever speak with their hands! Opening set will be provided by Charlotte staple DJ Tramare aka Hot Rod. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dj-jazzy-jeff-live-tickets-45826737004. The party starts at 9 p.m. Suite is located at The Epicentre. 210 E. Trade St. in Uptown.

Fill your stomachs and souls up with some funk from the speakers and the kitchen as DJ Unspok3n invites you out to McBonie’s Bar & Grill for the official House Party! It’s time to hang lose as one of Charlotte’s hottest, up-and-coming DJs rocks the house with a special blend of classic Hip Hop, R&B, House, Reggae, Pop, Soul, Funk and much, much more! Also, be sure to grab some eats from the kitchen – the food is absolutely amazing! Admission is FREE to attend and the get down starts at 10 p.m. McBonie’s is located at 4800 Monroe Rd.

 

——-SATURDAY, JULY 28——-

Join the CineOdyssey Film Festival along with area filmmakers and screenwriters for a very special Filmmakers Workshop with Christine Swanson this morning. Award-winning Writer/Director Christine Swanson joins us in Charlotte to teach a one-day only intensive workshop on screenwriting and the filmmaking process. Learn how to become a better screenwriter, director, producer and filmmaker through this exclusive experience. Christine has developed, written and/or directed movie projects for various companies including HBO Films, Magnolia Pictures, State Street Pictures, TV One and Faith Filmworks, her own independent film company. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/filmmakers-workshop-with-christine-swanson-tickets-48238682197. The event will begin at 9 a.m. and will be held at the Char-Meck Main Library Branch. 310 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.

The Blood Center of the Carolinas invites you to donate your time and your blood at the Non-Profit Community Blood Center Drive this afternoon. Blood is in high demand for people across greater Charlotte and the BCC is calling upon you to be a vessel of life for those in need. If you choose to donate, please fill out your form here: http://www.cbcc.us. Today’s drive will begin at 9 a.m. at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. 3400 Beatties Ford Rd.

Join Little Brown Girl Publishing at NoDa @ 28th Creative Arts Studios for the Rock the Runway – Brown Girl Edition Model Call this morning. Chocolate ladies between ages 4 and 44, LBGP is looking for 14-20 models for their upcoming October fashion showcase. If interested, please come dressed in an all-black ensemble or attire, makeup free and two up-to-date profile pictures (headshot and full body). All sizes, heights and experience levels are welcome to audition. A professional modeling coach will be on site and the opportunity to sign up for professional portfolio workshop/photo shoot will also be available. The event will begin at 10 a.m. 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

Moxie Society is ready to start your Saturday off the fun way with the I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party! Come and kick it with your crew as DJ’s B-Man and the beautiful Micki Blendz spin 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. 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

It’s almost time for the young ones to head back to the classroom and today SociaLight and Franchise Barbershop have teamed up for the Pre-Back to School Community Event! Come and wind down the last days of Summer vacation with a cool collective of fun in the community including food trucks, games, discounted haircuts, free bookbags with school supplies and live music provided by young wonder DJ Ninja Kydd! Admission is FREE to attend. Monetary and school supply donations will also be accepted. The event will begin at 11 a.m. 7416 E. Independence Blvd.

It’s time to get your blood pumping this Saturday morning because it’s time for the National Dance Day Celebration & #DanceYourFit Workshop Anniversary! Can you believe that #DanceYourFit is turning one year old? Neither can I! This is one of the most vibrant dancercise classes in the city and they invite you out to celebrate this milestone with them! For this event, choreographer and fitness trainer C’Yo Brown is teaming up with the beautiful Charity Holloway, founder of the voluptuous dance troupe 4Thirty-Two for a pair of fun, hi-octane workouts followed up by an awesome dance routine! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-dance-day-celebration-and-dyf-workshop-anniversary-tickets-47904233853. The fun starts at 11 a.m. at NoDa @ 28th Creative Arts Studios. 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

Do you have the desire to write for film or television but don’t know how to get started? Head out to BlkTechCLT at Camp North End for a special workshop entitled Writer’s Block! Join the beautiful and dynamic culture duo known as The Double Scoop for an afternoon writing workshop led by award winning writer and actor Javon Johnson. The workshop will also include a panel discussion consisting of female writers, filmmakers and directors from the Queen City. Panelists include filmmaker Keema Mingo of Mingo Studio 72, Mia Davis, founder of Queen City Cinephiles and award-winning filmmaker Asha Chai-Chang of Love My Productions. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/writers-block-tickets-46257978860. The event will begin at 1 p.m. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Ave.

Ladies, it’s time to feel refreshed and renewed at the grand opening of CoCo Yoni Lounge! Grab your girls and experience NC’s newest v-steam spa lounge. It’s a day of massages, v-steams, food, vendors, swag bags, giveaways and much more! For $10, you’ll receive a chair massage and a special gift. For $20, you’ll receive a v-steam, chair massage and a special gift. If you’re unable to make it, you’ll be able to make a donation of any amount and receive a $20 gift card for future services. For ticket purchases and donations, please visit: http://PayPal.me/cocoyoni or Cash App: $cocoyonilounge. The event will begin at 3 p.m. The address is 3448 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

Do you want to connect with the local culture and support small businesses in Charlotte? If so, head down to BlkMrktCLT for #ThePopUpSeriesCLT this afternoon! This event series is a pop-up style showcase featuring entrepreneurs, small businesses and local creatives as they present their talents, products and services to the community. Participating vendors will be providing free giveaways, prizes, complimentary massages courtesy of the Pamper Us Mobile Massage Bus, food trucks and much more! Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 3 p.m. BlkMrktCLT is located at Camp North End. 1824 Statesville Ave.

This evening, get ready for a very special musical delight as Jazz Around Town proudly presents the 10th Annual Carolina Jazz Concert Series! For your pleasure this evening, experience the melodies of saxophonist Jeanette Harris and trumpeter Lin Rountree performing live! Jeanette Harris is the scintillating saxtress of smooth jazz. This lady understands that energetic and captivating performances matched with uplifting and inspiring vibrations in the music are the solid platinum recipe for success. Classically trained in both sax and piano, a graduate of Boston’s famed Berklee College of Music, and the saxophonist for the late, great Teena Marie’s final year of touring, Jeanette has weathered the fiercest challenges to bring the world her own brand of soulful healing vibes. Lin Rountree aka The Soul-Trumpeter, is an accomplished recording artist, producer and live performer. With several projects, acclamations on his resume’, he is poised to be one of the most renowned artists of his generation. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/an-evening-with-jeanette-harris. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at The McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.

Alright everyone. It’s time for one of Charlotte’s favorite underground culture jams—everyone head out to Petra’s for the July edition of Su Casa! Get down and on the good foot with residents DJ Justice, DJ Steel Wheel with Loot-Tenant Trax and special guest DJ Selah Say for an evening of nonstop dancing set to the tripped out rhythms of Afrobeat, Soca, Reggae, Funk, Dancehall, House and lots of other sonic goodness! Admission is $10 all night long. The event begins at 10 p.m. at Petra’s. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

It’s time to groove and join MOVE down at Crown Station for a special boogie session entitled, JIT NIT: A History of Ghetto Music on Vinyl! Whether you’re native to the QC or have been in this city for many years, you’ll probably remember DJ’s Adverb and Melodious Funk throwing down Ghetto House sets on four decks when nobody was doing it. Tonight, they bring back that magic joined by DJ Ray and dancers Creme Brulee and Naddy Abstract as they rock out with classic House, early Hip Hop, Funk and more! Admission is $5 and the music starts at 10 p.m. Crown Station is located at 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

——-SUNDAY, JULY 29——-

Calling all hair enthusiasts – get ready for a day of fanciful follicles at the Charlotte Braiding Expo! This is great event to get educated, motivated and inspired in the midst of acclaimed stylists, learning new techniques, networking, intimate sessions and workshops, live music, vendors and much more! The Charlotte Braiding Expo is a platform for professional braiders to showcase the art of braiding by connecting emerging professionals and potential clientele with celebrity guests, watch and learn sessions and acquiring insight from speakers. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/come-get-educated-motivated-and-inspired-at-the-charlotte-braiding-expo-july-29-2018-watch-and-tickets-45152470254. The event will begin at 8 a.m. at Hilton Charlotte University Place. 8629 J.M. Keynes Dr. in the University Area.

This afternoon, come out to Petra’s for their second annual, “Hot Stuff Summer Pop-Up Market.” Enjoy fellowship, food from local culinary creatives, live art, music and get your shop on with over 15 local vendors! Admission is FREE to attend and the entire family is welcome! The fun starts at 1 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

LG Productions wants to sizzle your Sunday afternoon as they proudly present Sunday Live Jazz! Come out and enjoy some live music from acclaimed smooth jazz guitarist Paul Dozier! It’s an intimate and fun setting that you, your significant other and your friends with heartily enjoy! Admission is $10 and can be purchased at the door. The show will begin promptly at 2 p.m. The event will be held at The Rabbit Hole. 1801 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #LGProductions

My good friends at Dupp & Swat invite you out to a Sunday grooves that’s slightly transformed while providing just a bit of a break from the norm with all the monotony and flyness that got to be describes with one word, “Summatime!” Everyone slide out to Camp North End and get a taste of community with some cool vendors, nourishment, grown folks beverages and a lineup of dope DJs providing the atmosphere of love, peace and happiness! Admission is “positive energy” and the jump off is at 3 p.m. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Ave.   #DuppAndSwat

Once again it’s on – get ready for some hi-octane, SportsCenter Top 10-playmaking, out-of-this-world kicks, catches and pitches as Play MARSports welcomes you to 2018 Summer Co-Ed Kickball! Back with a fresh lineup of athletes and veteran teams, the competition heats up under the Summer sun with new energy, new drive all wrapped up in that classic willingness to win it all! If you’re interested in playing, the table will be at the field or be sure to register at: http://www.playmarsports.com. The first pitches will be rolled starting at 4 p.m. at the Morrison Family YMCA. 9405 Bryant Farms Dr. in Ballantyne. #MARS #Funletics

Allow the power of words and music to send healing energy to your soul on this Sunday evening as Queen City CLTive proudly presents “Summer Reign: It’s All About Luv!” Sit back and relax as the melodies and verbal morals of A Poet Named Superman, Lauren Chalaire, Hydra, Valentina Escobar, Sir Abstraxxx, Swavey, Dee Dray and guitarist Kolin take your souls to a happier destination. Accompanying tunes will be provided by DJ Bezzie Beatz. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-reign-its-all-about-luv-tickets-46845686710. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at Third Place Coffee. 1604 Park Dr.

 

 

COMING SOON…

8/1 – Almost Famous Comedy Showcase feat. Blayr Nias

8/2 — Dapper Street Presents: Jazz In The Key of Coltrane

8/3 – Mosaic Live presents First Fridays August Edition – Computer LUV

8/3 – Blow Your Head – August Jam Session

8/4 – Off The Wall – The Annual Michael Jackson Tribute feat. DJ Justice & DJ Shakim

8/11 –Summer Jazz Series feat. Adrian Crutchfield & Gerald Veasley

8/11 –Puerto Rican Festival 2018

8/12 – Classic Black Cinema Series presents “A Raisin In the Sun”

8/18 – Youth Entrepreneur Networking Expo

 

Everyone have a wonderful weekend! Spread, peace, love and joy to all!

 

Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.  

 

#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst