By Shawn D. Allison, II
What’s good everyone? We have finally made it to the end of July and what a month it has been! However, there’s quite a bit of colorful activity going on in the streets this weekend! A few festivals, dance parties, all sorts of performances, grand openings and more. You’ll definitely want to get out the house this weekend for sure. As for me, I’ll be busy in the community spreading love, but if you want to know what are the moves to make, peep my “Hot List!”
- THURSDAY-SATURDAY – First Annual CineOdyssey Film Festival
- THURSDAY – Dupp & Swat Grand Re-opening at Camp North End
- THURSDAY – Uptown Art Crawl
- THURSDAY – Hip Hop After Work at 360 Lounge
- THURSDAY – LG Productions’ Old School House Party at East African Restaurant & Bar
- FRIDAY-SUNDAY – Third Annual QC Summerfest
- FRIDAY – Second Anniversary of The Sound Christian Open Mic at The Third Place
- FRIDAY – The Art of Sound at New Era Music House
- SATURDAY – Kickball Tournament & Back to School Fundraiser at Naomi Drenan Rec Center
- SATURDAY – Onion Trunk Show at Revolution EGO
- SATURDAY – Summer Jazz Series at Freedom Park
- SATURDAY – Year of the Persona feat. Personal Bell at Spirit Square
- SATURDAY – P31 Productions’ “Bad Manners at the Dinner Table” at Little Rock Cultural Center
- SATURDAY – MOVE #38 at SERJ
- SUNDAY – Hot Stuff Pop-Up Market at Petra’s
- SUNDAY – 704 Shop’s “So Good” at Vine Nightclub
- MONDAY – “Session: A Listening Party” at Petra’s
- TUESDAY – Grannae’s Boyz “SayWord Tuesdays” at Seeds on 36th Urban Farm Store
- TUESDAY – B.Y.O.V. (Bring Your Own Vinyl) at Petra’s
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 7/27——-
Need some medicine? Join Thrive, Center for Personalized Healthcare and Wellness and Specialty Shops SouthPark as they host “Food Is Medicine – Part 1.” Be enlightened as they’ll be sharing information on the impact of REAL FOOD on disease prevention. In this session, they will be exploring fruits and vegetables. There will be lots of amazing samples to try, plus you’ll walk away with healthy recipes for sharing! Admission is $25 per session or $90 for all four sessions. Be sure to register here: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/launch or call (704)-390-7169. The class will begin at 6 p.m. and will be held at Thrive, Center for Personalized Healthcare & Wellness. 6401 Morrison Blvd, Suite “2A” in the South Park Area.
All of you cuisine connoisseurs, dining dons and divas get ready to fulfill your appetites because the Charlotte Restaurant Week is in effect! Come diversify your palates with a choice of over 130 participating restaurants in the Charlotte metro area. No tickets are required, however reservations are recommended. The full list of participating restaurants and additional info is found here: http://www.charlotterestaurantweek.com
It’s finally back! The creative sibling duo of Davita and Dion Galloway have resurrected one of Charlotte’s most beloved creative arts studios, Dupp & Swat at a new location! Tonight is their grand re-opening filled with lots of fellowship, music, art, appetizers and libations. Bring your good energy, yourselves and your friends out to the studio starting at 6 p.m. 2521 The Plaza Rd. #duppandswat #CLTisDope
Everyone come and get all 360 degrees of your being filled with art at the July Edition 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 The Gantt Center, Mint Museum Uptown, New Gallery of Modern Art, Sozo Gallery, The McColl, UNCC Center City, Goodyear Arts 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.
Cachet Nail Boutique invites you to the ultimate summer fashion party, “SUMMER VIBES.” Join them as they celebrate the opening of their new location, Cachet Nail Boutique by having some of their favorite boutiques showcase their ultimate sexy summer collections, music will be spinning, and the full bar will be serving your favorite cocktails all night. The event begins at 6 p.m. Cachet Nail Boutique is located at 4620 Piedmont Row Dr. in the South Park Area.
This weekend, get your cultural cinematic fix in at the first-ever CineOdyssey Film Festival! The CineOdyssey Film Festival seeks to introduce audiences to diverse, contemporary films from around the world. The festival intends to give a platform to the next wave of filmmakers of color, celebrating their artistic achievements, as well as cultivating an appreciation of the art form, inspiring audiences to bridge cultural understanding. The three-day event will showcase the works of filmmakers from the U.S. and African, Caribbean, Latino, Asian, and Native American diasporas. Panel discussions, guest speakers, and networking events will augment the festival. Tonight, there will be an opening reception featuring screenings and classic soundtrack listening. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cineodyssey-film-festival-tickets-35128674812. The opening reception will be held at The Little Rock Cultural Center starting at 7 p.m. 401 N. Myers St. in Uptown. #CineOdyssey #ColorYourVision
Join Vin Master, Fine Wine Trading Company and Almost Home Cooking Caterer for a Summer Wine & Food Pairing event! Indulge in an assortment of fruits, meats, cheeses, vegetables, desserts and wines. Tickets are $40 per person. Please call (704)-307-5565 to make reservations. The event begins at 7 p.m. at Vin Master Wine Shop. 2000 South Blvd. in Historic South End.
Are you feenin’ for some true Hip Hop flavor, come out to 360 Lounge this evening for “Hip Hop After-Work!” My brothers DJ FoundACEtion and DJ Chance will be giving you nothing but that good, street-flavored, soulful, gritty Hop Hop that you and I love so dearly! Also, be sure to grab some drinks, wings and things in a variety of specials! Admission is FREE and the tables start turning at 8 p.m. 360 Lounge is located at 3060 Smith Corners Blvd. in the Northlake Area.
LG Productions invites you out to East African Restaurant & Bar this evening for the Old School House Party! Get down on the good foot as a special guest DJ rocks out with your favorite R&B, Soul, Funk, House jams of yesteryear! There will be food and drink specials available. Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 6 p.m. 3200 Monroe Rd. #LGProductions
——-FRIDAY 7/28——-
All of you grown & sexy music and jazz enthusiasts get ready because it is time for the third annual “QC Summerfest!” Hosted by the good people of Jazz Around Town, come and enjoy an entire weekend full of live performances from acclaimed artists such as, Boney James, Gerald Albright, Eric Roberson, Althea Rene, Kirk Whalum and more! Tickets and additional info can be purchased and found at: http://www.carolinatix.org.
Feast Food Tours & Culinary Events aim to give your stomach some smiles this Friday night as they host the “Soul of the South Uptown Food Tour!” On this walking food tour, you’ll sample and sip your way through some of Uptown Charlotte’s best representations of the region and hear chefs and restaurant owners explain the influence of Southern heritage on their cuisine and menus. Many of their recipes are Southern family traditions, others are inspired by fresh local produce, and some are a modern twist on traditional dishes. Your group will get a taste of local craft beers and stroll along city streets to explore examples of Charlotte’s historical past. Tickets can be purchased here: https://feastfoodtours.com/walking-food-tours/soulofthesouth-uptown/. The event begins at 4 p.m. and the meeting place will be revealed upon ticket purchase.
Bring the family out to Spirit Square this evening and enjoy the new Summer series, “Sounds on the Square.” For your entertainment pleasure tonight, come experience the stylings of The Vinyl Sirens and the beautiful pianist/vocalist Persona Bell. Admission is FREE to attend and the music starts at 7 p.m. Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
The People’s Gallery is pleased to welcome critically acclaimed jazz performer Damon K. Clark to Charlotte for a collaborative evening of art and jazz. Clark is a member of the award-winning Dallas Opera, and has performed extensively throughout the US and Europe. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Mr. Clark, as well as view local artwork from The People’s Gallery. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-peoples-gallery-presents-july-jazz-with-damon-k-clark-tickets-34212954869. The event will take place in The Great Room of the Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte at 7:30 p.m. 6700 Phillips Place Ct. in the South Park Area.
Liberate Your Palate CLT invites you to go retro again as they host the part two of the “Shake, Stir, Sip & Socialize: Tiki Masterclass!” A proper rum blend is the key to a balanced tiki cocktail. This class will present the fundamentals for blending base spirits for cocktails. These refreshing, Polynesian-inspired drinks were all the rage in the ‘40s and ‘50s. Now they’re back with the benefit of fresher, higher quality ingredients like fresh-squeezed tropical juices, layered flavors, multiple liquors – like two or more rums, homemade syrups and flavor accents like homemade grenadine, and fresh spices, like nutmeg, cinnamon and almond. Guests will be able to shake, stir and enjoy their libations and you’ll also receive detailed recipes so you can recreate these cocktails at home. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.liberateyourpalate.com/passbook/tikimasterclass1-pk4p8. Your ticket will include three full-sized cocktails, individual bar stations and take home recipes. The class begins at 7:30 p.m. and will be held at Hygge Coworking. 1776 Statesville Ave. #LiberateYourPalateCLT
Relax at The Third Place this evening and get ready for another round with The Sound as they host and celebrate the second anniversary of “Christian Open Mic!” Singers, MCs, instrumentalists, poets, comedians and artists come out to showcase your talents for a family-friendly audience honoring The Most High! Admission is $5 per person. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. The Third Place is located at 1609 E. 5th St. in Uptown.
Sexy Lifestyle Specialist is set to sizzle up your Friday as they proudly present “FOREPLAY: An Erotic Showcase.” Featuring erotic poetry, body paint, modeling, sensual foods, music, dance and more. Indulge yourself into the world of erotica and come experience various art forms and tantalizing acts that will serve as your foreplay. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/foreplay-an-erotic-showcase-charlotte-nc-tickets-35849143754. Doors open at 7:45 p.m. and will be held at Mooney’s Lounge. 2525 N. Graham St.
All my beatniks and music heads come out to New Era Music House for “The Art of Sound.” This is the show where the hottest producers in the city come to show out and connect the vibrations! There will also be live art from artist and other surprises too! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-art-of-sound-tickets-36455447224. The event will be hosted by Ron Styles of New Era Music House and Allamuto. 9 p.m. 5814 Old Concord Rd.
Need a downtempo groove for your Friday evening? Head over to Twenty-Two Art Lounge as Dance In the Park CLT proudly presents “Sessions @ Twenty-Two!” Relax in a calm and eclectic atmostphere with some cool House, Deep House and Soul grooves provided by DJ Mike Snyder and DJ J Lazy. Admission is FREE all night and there will be plenty of drink specials. 9 p.m. 1500 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
The Hit Agency and The SoulJunkies have combined forces to bring you another round of House Music Unity this evening! It’s Friday and it’s time to let the troubles of the work week disappear. Come and get busy with DJ Jazzy Bee and Gary “Jackmaster” Wallace spinning all your favorite House, Deep House, Soul, R&B and Downtempo classics. Admission is FREE before 10 p.m. and the party starts at 9 p.m. at Mooney’s Lounge. 2525 N. Graham St. in Uptown.
Let loose at Petra’s this evening and take a musical journey into yesteryear with “Mirror Moves: The Free Alternative Dance Party!” DJ’s Cody Hare and Jason Herring will be dropping the best of 80s & 90s Pop, New Wave, Techno, House, Synth Pop, EDM and more! Admission is FREE to attend. The party starts at 9 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-SATURDAY 7/29——-
Everyone wake up and let your noses guide you down to Charlotte Regionals Farmers Market for National Lasagna Day! Several vendors will be handing out free lasagna recipes that use fresh ingredients. Who knew there were so many different recipes to try? Stop by the market today to pick up your free recipe and work the magic in your kitchen for your friends and family! Admission is FREE and the market opens at 8 a.m. 1801 Yorkmont Rd.
Get down and get busy with Moxie Society late this morning at Sports One as they host another fly edition of “I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party!” Enjoy a delicious Southern-style brunch with all sorts of drink specials including $5 mimosas. Your groove master for this event is none other than Charlotte’s own, DJ Shogun rockin’ nothing but the hotness of the 90s Hip Hop and R&B. Also, be sure to feast your eyes upon the canvas of Nu Decadent Designs ! Admission is FREE to attend. The party starts at 11 a.m. Sports One is located at 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
It’s time to get busy and this morning at MoveStudio Charlotte as the sassy Jazzy J presents Hip Hop Yoga! Join Jazmin’s every last Saturday of the month with a challenging and invigorating Power Vinyasa Yoga Flow to your favorite old school and new school Hip Hop, Reggae & R&B Jams! This class focuses on increasing energy levels, improving flexibility, strengthening muscles and improving balance while jamming to your favorite hip hop party tunes. Tickets can be purchased at the door or here: https://www.paypal.me/jazzyjyoga. The class starts at 11 a.m. MoveStudio Charlotte is located at 1111 Hawthorne Ln. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Fabulous Pink Events is proud to invite you out to the Carol A. Hoefener Center for their Charlotte Block Party! Bring the entire family out for food trucks, a Zumba dance party, live music, contests, face painting, bounce houses, family games and more! The purpose of this party is to help spread awareness about human trafficking prevention. Admission is FREE and the event begins at 11 a.m. 615 E. 6th St. in Uptown.
Mecklenburg County Parks & Rec invites all out to the Naomi Drenan Rec Center for the Kickball Tournament Back to School Fundraiser! Bring your skills to the field and your hearts to the cause for a day full of nonstop kickball action, food, music, live entertainment, community resources, vendors and more! There will also be a table designated for school supply and bookbag drop-offs. If you choose to play, there is a $25 registration fee per team. Please call Kevin George at (980)-314-1100, Stacy Guinn at (704)-701-2357 or go to: http://www.pwpcoalition.org. The festivities begin at 12 noon. The Naomi Drenan Rec Center is located at 750 Beal St. near the Grier Heights Community.
Ladies, Summer is here and it’s time to shine! Bring your friends down to Revolution EGO and come out for the Onion Trunk Show! The eclectic and beautiful fashion designer, Whitney Mero is back once again to give your womanly curves a boost with some elegant flair and flavor. After you’ve made your selections, the items are cut to length by hand. Admission to the event is FREE. The event begins at 3 p.m. Revolution EGO is located at 312 N. Myers St. in Uptown.
Queen’s Collective is back in action! Come out for a celebration at Bennu Gardens entitled, Caesar’s Solar Return. This gathering of positivity and community will center around young savant Caesar Edward James Singleton, a gifted artist, scientist and entrepreneur who is celebrating his birthday. Caesar envisioned the urban garden and community that we’re building today so we gather every year to celebrate his life and legacy. There lots of food, music and art to enjoy. Sounds will be provided by Quisol, Celeste Moonchild, Jasmine Fuego and Princeton. Admission is $10 and can be purchased at the gate or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queens-collective-ep-5-ceasars-solar-return-at-bennu-gardens-tickets-35859462618. The party kicks off at 4 p.m. Bennu Gardens is located at 500 S. Turner St.
Mecklenburg County Parks & Rec invites you out to Freedom Park this evening for another installment of the “Freedom Music Series!” Bring your friends, lawn chairs and blankets and get ready for the vibes of Israeli Jazz guitarist Amos Hoffman and the soothing, jazzy vocals of the beautiful Alicia Olatuja. Admission is FREE to attend and there will be food trucks on hand to satisfy your stomach’s needs. The show starts at 6 p.m. Freedom Park is located at 1900 East Blvd. in the Dilworth Neighborhood.
P31 Productions invites you to the Little Rock Cultural Center as they proudly present their newest stage piece entitled, “Bad Manners at the Dinner Table.” Written by Renee Necole, it’s the story of Denise—a young woman who explains the ups and downs of life that landed her in the lowest place ever. Denise pleads with the audience to help her solve the age old tale of “who done it” as she quests to find the sin who waged her death. Meet her sins as they round table to discover who the culprit is. Listen to the pleas from Greed, Envy, Lust, Sloth, Wrath, Pride and Gluttony as they try to convince the audience that they are innocent. This is an interactive stage play that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats and brings some of their very own truths to light when they find out what happens when you invite your sins to dinner. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bad-manners-at-the-dinner-table-tickets-36050401722. Doors open at 6:30 and the show will begin promptly at 7 p.m. 401 N. Myers St. in Uptown.
Fresh from China and back in the Queen City, the lovely and classically trained pianist/vocalist Persona Bell invites you to spend an evening with her with a special performance entitled, “Year of the Persona.” With new inspiration she has prepared an evening of beautiful uplifting songs both new and old. On this night bring family, friends and lovers to enjoy a performance that will leave you feeling lifted as she will sing and play songs that acknowledge the greater love of humanity as well as call for renewing trust and respect between all people divided. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/year-of-the-persona. Doors open at 7 and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. The performance will be held at the Duke Energy Theatre at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Gather up your comrades, co-workers and older cousins and head down to The Morehead Tavern for “Charlotte Adult Game Night!” Hosted by Timothy and Diamond Nurse, bring your skills to the floor and compete in a variety of games including Uno, Twister, Beer Pong, Taboo, Jenga, Corn Hole and of course—Spades! Also, this event is a fundraiser for RAIN Charlotte—a nonprofit organization that ensures access to quality, personalized care in nurturing enviornment for individuals and their families who are living with HIV and associated chronic conditions so they my live healthier lives. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/charlotte-adult-game-night-tickets-35860091499 . The games begin at 8 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
Get ready to boogie at the 38th edition of MOVE tonight! DJ and producer, T. Mixwell offers dance floors unconventional concoctions of House, Techno, Nu-Wave, Downtempo, Deep House, Funk and Minimal, all stirred into one big melting pot of edgy banging fun. She’ll be making her Charlotte debut spinning alongside local DJs Melodious Funk, MalFunkShun, Kevin Nowell, Kaotika & Rob Reeves and DJ G3X. Admission is $5 before 10 p.m. and $10 after. The party starts at 9 p.m. and will be held at SERJ. 2906 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-SUNDAY 7/30——-
This morning at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, come out for the Civics 101—A Roadmap to Voter Empowerment course. For today’s session, Atty. Brandon Neal and Rev. Sandra Caldwell-Williams will discuss “The Fight For Equality: Sit-Down Movement, SNCC, Core, Freedom Riders, the Birmingham Church Bombing and Entrepreneurship.” There will be two classes today at 11:45 p.m. in room #359 and at 3:30 p.m. in the Conference Center. Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is located at 3400 Beatties Ford Rd.
It’s family time at the Mint Museum—bring the entire tribe out for Sunday Fun Day! In this special Art + Science edition, enjoy family-friendly art projects, gallery visits, artist demos, STEAM studio, and family yoga sessions. Learn about weather and wind by making a whirling pinwheel, be in two places at once with a double exposed photograph and pound out a work of art using the colors of nature in the Smash Lab! Amazing things happen when art, science, technology, and engineering get together. Also, be sure to check out innovative art on view in the museum’s State of the Art exhibition, and experiment with other creative projects! Admission for Mint members and children is FREE. Nonmember adult admission is $6 per person. The fun starts at 1 p.m. The Mint Museum is located at 500 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
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.
This afternoon, head over to Vine Nightclub as 704 Shop proudly presents, “So Good!” A selection of special guest DJs will set the afternoon mood as they play an all throwback set of music set around good vibes. Today’s soundtrack will leaves the current pile of Top 40 “hits” in the garbage and will revert to jams you know but have forgotten—the tracks that have been sampled on today’s joints, Funk, Disco, Hip Hop’s Golden Era, and any song that fits in between all those grey areas. Admission is FREE and the party begins at 3 p.m. Vine Nightclub is located at 222 S. Church St. in Uptown.
Join the beautiful Kelley Carboni-Woods aka Infectiously Happy at the Grier Heights Community Improvement Center for another relaxing session of the “Weekend Wind Down.” Join her for this community offering where we can slow down, center your breath and movement and steady your mind with a selection of breathing and stretching exercises. Be sure to dress comfortably and bring a yoga mat. Admission is $5 and the session will begin at 6:30 p.m. 3100 Leroy St. in the Grier Heights Community.
——-MONDAY 7/31——-
If you’re in the traveling mood, take a short drive up to Winston-Salem for the 2017 National Black Theatre Festival. Enjoy five days full of performances, workshops, mixers, parties, youth events, health seminars and lots more. This festival will be hosted by the North Carolina Black Repertory Company. For all further info, lodging and event itineraries please visit: https://ncblackrep.org/nbtf-overview/ or call (336)-723-2266.
This evening at Petra’s enjoy an underground sound delight LeAnna Eden & The Garden Of presents another edition of “Session: A Listening Party!” This eclectic u showcase features some of the hottest up-and-coming musical acts. Tonight, get ready to experience the sounds of BLVCK, Favelas and The Charles Walker Funk Band. Admission is $5. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-TUESDAY 8/1——
Wait, do you hear that? Yes! SayWord Tuesdays are back! Grannae’s Boyz in part with J Depp NC Events have resurrected one of Charlotte’s most beloved spoken word cool out joints! Your host, Jst Jah is sure to keep you entertained with fresh and recycled material. Also, there will be several creative heads in the house ranging from poets, visual artists, singers, instrumentalists, comedians and fly tunes spun by DJ Phassad. Admission is $5 and will be held at its new location, Seeds on 36th Urban Farm Store. The event begins at 7 p.m. 200 E. 36th St. in the NoDa District. #SayWord
OutenLove Events and the Ellipsis Podcast proudly presents, #ForTheCulture Trivia at Pressbox Bar & Grill! Everyone get your teams together for a night of trivia, music by DJ-06, food/drink specials, mixing, mingling, networking and all those other delightful –ings! Admission is FREE to attend and the fun starts at 7:30 p.m. Press Box Bar & Grill is located at 9609 N. Tryon St. in the University Area. #OutenLoveEvents
All you vinyl enthusiasts, music lovers, collectors and cool people, join DJ Justin Aswell as he hosts another fly session of “B.Y.O.V. (Bring Your Own Vinyl)!” Whether you have wax or not, come out and hear a diverse array of tunes, grooves, jams and more! Also, my peoples Digger’s Delight will be in the joint with a few crates of albums for purchase. Admission is FREE and the tables start turning at 8 p.m. at Petra’s. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
COMING SOON…
8/5 – Dance In the Park CLT
8/5 – Off The Wall Annual Michael Jackson Tribute
8/13 – Back to School Funk Shun
8/30-9/9 – August Wilson’s “Jitney”
9/2 – Bearden Birthday Bash
9/9 – Charlotte International Jerk Fest
Everyone have a great weekend! Keep the peace, increase the peace and be the peace!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #CommunityFirst