By Shawn Allison
Hey QC peeps! It’s that time once again for your Weekend Rundown provided by yours truly, The Black Ferris Bueller! The weather is scheduled to be quite alright for this fantastic Father’s Day weekend and here’s a list of goodies for you all to enjoy!
THURSDAY, June 16
Start your weekend off at one of the most jazzed-out after work social soirees in the city! Head down to The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture for another colorful edition of “Gantt After Dark!” Enjoy the museum’s awe-inspiring exhibitions before they close on June 26 while listening to the fly sounds of the Larry Draughn Music Group. Whether it’s jazz improvisation, hip hop, r&b, gospel, rock or down-home blues, they will do it and do it well. Enjoy samples from Wingzza, winner of “Best Food Truck” in Charlotte and enter a raffle for a chance to win handcrafted treasures from some of the Queen City’s premier artisans, presented by the 518 Group. At 7:00 pm you can also paint and sip wine with local creative, Cathay Dawkins. Enjoy an evening of relaxation, wine-tasting and guided painting for only $25 ($20 for members). All art supplies and a complimentary glass of wine are included. Did I also mention that this event is FREE? Well, indeed it is! All the fun starts at 6 p.m., sharp. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
This evening, local music education engine, The Jazz Arts Initiative proudly presents another fine-tuned evening of jazz instrumentation with “The Jazz Room.” Tonight’s special performance features NEA Jazz Master, and internationally-renowned vibraphonist Jason Marsalis of the famed and multitalented Marsalis family, channeling the music of jazz legend Lionel Hampton. If you have never been to a Jazz Room performance, you are definitely in for a special treat! It’s set in a small, intimate theater similar to a jazz club which you have in mind and as always, the audience is very attentive and enthralled by the selected performer. You don’t want to miss this! Tickets are sold at: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/the-jazz-room-the-stage-door-theater-31. There will be two shows this evening: 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Both performances will be held at The Stage Door Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center which is located on the corner of E. 5th St. and N. College St. in Uptown. #JAI
Brothers & sisters of all walks of life and all faiths, you are cordially invited to join the Charlotte Muslim Community this evening for a Ramadan Interfaith Iftar Dinner. Come and enjoy speeches about Ramadan from various speakers, meet the Muslim community as well as people of various backgrounds and eat delicious food! If you are looking to bridge the gap in this current volatile social climate, this is a great opportunity to bond with our Muslim family members. Admission is FREE to attend but you must RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/interfaith-iftar-dinner-tickets-25965209641. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at Islam Society of Greater Charlotte. The address is 7025 The Plaza Rd. near the University Area.
Come out to the Mint Museum Uptown for another spicy fiesta of Latino music, art, culture and fellowship at “Latin Music Concert Series!” The Latin Music Concert Series seeks to showcase different rhythms from Latin America, highlighting the talents of local musicians from the Latin American community. From classical music to Latin jazz, these concerts will provide a taste of the variety of cultures from the all corners of Latino Diaspora. Admission is $15 for Mint members and $20 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased here: https://13800.blackbaudhosting.com/13800/Latin-Music-Concert-Series-16Jun2016. The event begins at 7 p.m. The Mint Museum is located at 500 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
For those who take the first steps out into a health and fitness journey, the emotions begin at ultra-positive and will slightly dwindle down over time causing an individual to lose self-confidence. If you want to reignite that spark, I have just the event for you! Join life coach, fitness expert and author Tamara Jackson as she hosts, “REIGNITE 2016: Finish the Race!” This is a three-day and faith-based wellness event designed to inspire and encourage you to finish what you started! REIGNITE 2016 will feature powerful motivational speakers and teachers that reignite your fire for fitness and refocus your mind on God who is your strength! Tamara, more affectionately known as Coach Tam is a bold and beautiful servant of Christ who is always seeking to edify, exhort and encourage those who come in contact with her. She’s given me words of encouragement too and the messages still resonate within me. All ticket purchases and additional info can be made and found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reignite-2016-finish-the-race-the-ultimate-fitness-revival-tickets-25292155518. The intro event is entitled, “Turnaround Thursday” and will begin at 7 p.m. All weekend sessions will be held at BanquetOne which is located at 10616 Metromont Pkwy. in Pineville.
Get ready to boogie over at The Station tonight as longstanding Charlotte turntablist, DJ Tober hosts, “Nite Wave!” Nite Wave is a bit of a throwback party with the emphasis on 80’s, 90’s, and early 2000’s New Wave, Synthpop, Industrial, and Electroclash sounds. The music played will be a little more obscure, a little less mainstream, but there will be a few more well-known tracks thrown in there for good measure. Additionally, in honor of HeroesCon 2016 this weekend, comic book artist John Burgin will be in the building doing some live, dark art, as well as, having some fun giveaways at the door from SUPAH COMICS. Admission is FREE to attend and the music starts at 10 p.m. The Station is located at 2131 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
FRIDAY, June 17
Attention all you comic book junkies and superhero fanatics! Put on your capes, masks, gadget belts and fly down to the Charlotte Convention Center for “HeroesCon 2016!” Heroes Convention was founded in 1982 by Shelton Drum, owner of Charlotte’s Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find comics shop. Since then the convention has become famous for its comics-first and a family-friendly atmosphere, where fans can mingle directly with professionals and exhibitors. Boasting an incredible guest list built mainly on reputation and goodwill, HeroesCon is known nationwide as a “must” on the summer schedule, drawing fans, exhibitors, and creators from all over the world to the Charlotte Convention Center. There will be over 40 illustrators, artists, writers and more for you to meet & greet or quite possibly have a classic good vs. evil duel! Tickets are sold at: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/heroes-convention-2016-3-day-registration-tickets-20924775567. Costumes are welcome and encouraged for attire all weekend long! The event kicks off Friday, June 17th at 11 a.m. The Charlotte Convention Center is located at 501 S. College St. in Uptown.
Everyone shift your noses and stomachs into gear and head down to either Plaza-Midwood or South End because it’s time once again for “Food Truck Friday.” Admission is FREE. FTF will be behind Sycamore Brewing in South End (2161 Hawkins St.) and The Light Factory in Plaza-Midwood (1817 Central Ave.) Both locations begin at 5 p.m. #FoodTruckFriday #SupportFoodTrucks
Relax and unwind from the work week at The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art as they proudly present another installment of “Bechtler By Night.” Art enthusiasts across the city of Charlotte have made this soiree the premiere art event to look forward to the third Friday of every month. The Bechtler will provide a night of entertainment with Bob Ross-themed family fun activities. At 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 p.m. there will be a 30 minute Happy Little Trees painting activity. Try your hand at making no mistakes, just happy little accidents. There will also be a cash bar in the second-floor classroom, so you don’t have to go far to get a drink while you paint! Gather friends and view the extensive Bechtler collection under the cover of the night sky. Explore different printmaking techniques and unseen works from the Bechtler collection in ‘The Art of Print’ before the exhibition is taken down on June 19. This event is FREE to attend and all ages are welcome. The doors open at 5 p.m. The Bechtler is located at 500 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
It’s that time of the year for the Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas! This festival will be at its original host location at the House of Africa this year. Bring the entire family out for drum circles, dance performances, vendors, food, history lessons, celebration of our heritage, games and much more! The event is FREE to attend and will be today June 17 and Saturday, June 18. The festivities begin today at 6 p.m. The House of Africa is located at 1215 Thomas Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Lift your hands, move your body and get ready to House things up at FireWater for the “Father’s Day Friday Jersey House Music Edition!” Join DJ Jazzy Bee, DJ Police, and DJ Cee Low as they bring their Jersey flavor of Deep/Classic/Soulful House down to the Queen City! Doors open at 9 p.m. and admission is $10 before 11 p.m. FireWater is located at 8708 J.W. Clay Blvd. in the University Area. #HouseMusicLives
Back in the house once again at The Tavern, Jazz N’ Soul stays on a roll with featured sound engineers, Radio 77’ performing live! Everytime I see these brothers and sister jam, I’m just speechless by their pristine musicianship and timing. From Funk, Jazz, Fusion, Soul, and more, this band a show that you don’t want to miss! Get your tickets at: http://www.jazznsoulradio77.eventbrite.com. The show begins at 9 p.m. The Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
Liven up your cultural innards at Apostrophe Lounge this evening and get ready as The Bantu Fete Team proudly presents the first edition of “AfroPop Charlotte!” This is described as new monthly oasis for the Queen City celebrating all things Afrocentric through Afrobeat, Soca, fashion, networking, high-energy dance and fellowship. All sounds will be spun by DJ Kato. This month’s vendors include DRC Apeparel, ‘Elegance’ by Olive & Kandace Springs who will provide dope pieces of jewelry and accessories for purchase during the event. Please bring business cards, as there will be a raffle for vendor opportunities for next month’s event. Tickets can be purchased at the door or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afropop-charlotte-afrobeats-soca-fashion-networking-tickets-25977450253. The joint begins at 10 p.m. Apostrope Lounge is located at 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #Afropolitan #AfricanaConnections
SATURDAY, June 18
Parents! Bring your children out to C3 Lab this morning for “IMakeCLT – South End Community Make Day!” This free, family-friendly event will provide a pop-up space for neighbors from all over Charlotte to connect and create meaningful projects. Attendees of all ages can interact with artists and makers and take part in activities like bookbinding, micro-farming, laser cut paper arts, stop motion animation, 3D printing and Lego robotics. Food will be available for purchase from the local non-profit Friendship Trays. Participating makers include representatives from Digi-Bridge, Idea Box, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Discovery Place and a host of various artists, scientists and other creatives. The event begins at 10 a.m. C3 Lab is located at 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.
People, get those bones, joints and muscles moving down to The Carole A. Hoefener Center this afternoon and join FuzionFitness CLT as they host their “Dance Fitness Convention!” Get lit and lifted with classes like Zumba, Shakedown, Qfunk, MIXXED Fit, Urban Cardio Dance and more! Also, there will be plenty of vendor tables throughout the venue. Ages 12+ are permitted for entry. Admission is $15 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fuzion-fitness-dance-convention-tickets-22460756728. Tickets will be $20 at the door. The event begins at 12 noon. The Carole A. Hoefener Center is located at 610 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Society is full of adversities and at times it is hard to stand on your own two. But for two Charlotte women with longstanding challenges, they decided to take a bold stand against all odds. Join the fearlessly beautiful Monique Stamps and Keisha McLean as they host “Raw Beauty Project Charlotte.” The Raw Beauty Project is an innovative arts project that celebrates women with disabilities, educating viewers to redefine perceptions and beauty, unleashing potential for all. This will be an evening of empowerment and inspiration! Hear stories of turning disability into ability, gander at a photography exhibit featuring women with various disabilities, allowing them to redefine beauty and unleash the potential for all women. Tickets are sold at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-raw-beauty-project-charlotte-tickets-21037812664. Proceeds benefit Women Embracing Ablities Now-Charlotte and The Raw Beauty Project. Please come out everyone—this is a great cause! The event begins at 7:30 p.m. and it will be held at Dupp & Swat. 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Attention teenagers! Come out to ImaginOn this afternoon with local technology initiative, Digi-Bridge Charlotte and “Create a Frankentoy!” This interactive workshop will allow you to bring toys back to life by putting them back together with new and fascinating methods! This is for high school-aged students (12-18) and there only a few spots available. Please be sure to call (704)-416-4660 to reserve your teen’s position for the workshop. The event begins at 2 p.m. ImaginOn is located at 300 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
This afternoon, come down to the Levine Museum of the New South and treat yourselves to “The New-Southern Latino Table: An Afternoon With Sandra Gutierrez.” Award-winning cookbook author Sandra Gutierrez has been described as a “bi-cultural cook who blends ingredients, traditions, and culinary techniques, creatively marrying the diverse and delicious cuisines of more than twenty Latin American countries with the beloved food of the American South.” Ms. Gutierrez will stop by the museum for a discussion on New Southern Latino cuisine and what that means for both our plates and sense of place. Following her talk, guests will enjoy food samples and a book signing. Admission is $10 for Levine museum members, $20 for non-members and be sure to RSVP here: https://38686.blackbaudhosting.com/38686/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=ebedbcc8-4b23-4625-a723-b9bccf662a6b. The discussion begins at 3 p.m. The Levine Museum of the New South is located at 200 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Charlotte, get ready for more great live entertainment as local radio station V101.9 hosts the second annual “Queen City Jazz Fest!” Hitting the stage this evening are three contemporary jazz and R&B staples who are no strangers to your ears or to this city—Gerald Albright, Brian Culbertson and the sultry Lalah Hathaway. To purchase your tickets, go here: http://concerts.livenation.com/event/0E00507FCEF27812?dma_id=245 or call, 1-800-745-3000. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show begins at 6:30 p.m. The show will be held at the Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre located at 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. which is on the outskirts of Uptown.
This evening, come out to Advent Coworking for an all new art showcase entitled, “ACHECCENTRIC: Strange Works.” Join artist Blake Lee Ferguson as he presents a new display of abstract paintings and artwork along with a host of other brilliant, local creatives. Food and drinks will be provided by Chef Donnie Simmons of The Mandrake. Admission is FREE and the event begins at 6 p.m. Advent Coworking is located at 933 Louise Ave., Suite #101 in the Plaza-Midwood District.
This evening, head down to Spirit Square for as youth poetry initiative, BreatheINK hosts their 3rd annual “Nerd Poetry Slam!” This FREE, festive and fun display of adolescent verbiage will take a turn from the norm as the poets will slam about video games, movies, toys, comic books and more! There will also be a trivia game, costume contest prizes and other cool stuff! The slam begins at 7 p.m. Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown. #BreatheINK
The Jazz Arts Initiative returns for a special and rare Saturday night edition of “The Jazz Room.” For your listening pleasure, gear your ears to the stage and witness greatness as alto saxophonist Will Campbell pays tribute to the late, great Julian “Cannonball” Adderley. Once again I’ll state that The Jazz Room performances are some of the most acclaimed and heralded live performances in the Queen City. They are a true treasure that captures and exudes the organic beauty of jazz. There will be two performances tonight: 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/jazz-room-saturday-night-3. Both performances will be held at the Stage Door Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, located on the corner of E. 5th St. and N. College St. in Uptown. #JAI
Join Soirees Entertainment this evening as they present their annual “Bowties & Pearls Fundraising Gala.” This gala’s purpose is to raise funds for the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte. This event will feature live spoken word from acclaimed spoken word duo Grannae’s Boyz, a silent auction, music by DJ BlacJac, hors d’oeuvres with a cash bar and more. The event will be hosted by one half of Grannae’s Boyz, poet and community organizer JstJah. The dress code is cocktail attire; gentlemen, bowties are not required but suggested. Accessories can be purchased at Bangles & Bowties http://www.banglesandbowties.com and a donation will also be made to support The Men’s Shelter of Charlotte. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soirees-entertainments-bowties-and-pearls-fundraising-gala-tickets-23861970797. The event begins at 7 p.m. and will be held at Hyatt House Charlotte Center City. The address is 435 E. Trade St. in Uptown. #SoireesEntertainment #SayWord
This evening, head down to Rhino Market & Deli for the second editon of The Blak Rhino Show! This showcase will bring a live blend of premier hip hop and rock music on a beautiful summer night! Come and support the incredible and diverse talent straight from the Queen City in this FREE show! The event begins at 7:30 p.m. Rhino Market & Deli is located at 1500 W. Morehead St. in Uptown.
Slide out to Heist Brewery this evening and get ready for “The Big Heist: The Ol’ Skool Retreat!” Come and chill out as DJ FoundACEtion of Soultron DJs and the lovely DJ Lunchbeats of The JETA Team rock the house all night long with the best of Golden Era Hip Hop, Funk, Neo-Soul, House, R&B, Rare Grooves, Soul and more! Admission is FREE to attend and the music starts at 9 p.m. Heist Brewery is located at 2909 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District. #SoultronDJs #JETATeam
SUNDAY June, 19
Attention all gamers, come out to one of my new favorite hangout joints, Abari Game Bar as they host “Pinball Tournament #3” this afternoon. Test your skills and try not to tilt on a variety of pinball machines against other wizards while everyone cheers you on! There will be prize money given to contestants with the highest scores as well as other prizes. If you desire to compete, there will be an entrance fee of $5 or $10. Abari membership is only $1 and it is good for life. Registration begins at 12 noon and the tournament begins at 1 p.m. Also, while you play, head next door for the grand opening of Joe’s Doughs Desserts, Pastries & Doughnuts to fuel up those gamer bellies! Abari Game Bar and Joe’s Doughs are both located at 1721 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Attention families! Treat your family patriarch this evening and swing over to Symphony Park this evening for another as the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra presents “Summer Pops: A Night For Pops” featuring the music of composer, arranger and premiere film scorer John Williams. From E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Indiana Jones, Superman, Star Wars, Jaws, Jurassic Park and more, John Williams has created the most memorable film soundscapes to last for several generations. There will be a prelude performance by local band Charlyhorse. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.charlottesymphony.org/events/A1AFAE0D-9194-4608-A740-B71644F249C0. The gates open at 5 p.m. and the prelude begins at 7 p.m. Symphony Park is located at 4400 Sharon Rd. in the Southpark Area.
Take a trip up to The Nile Community Theatre as they present local artist JP IIZM performing for a Father’s Day celebration! This grown and sexy affair promises an evening that you won’t ever forget! The dress code is mature and please enjoy some of the drink specials that will be offered all night. Doors open at 8 p.m. The Nile Community Theatre is located at 5741 N. Graham St.
Put the perfect cap on your entire weekend and once again join local turntablist collective, The JETA Team as they host another soul-ed out edition of “Soul Clap: The Sunday Cool-Out!” Just sit back and relax as DJ Justice and DJ Aking Allah bless your ears with the best of R&B, Soul, House, Disco, Funk, Rare Grooves, Jazz and more! Admission is FREE to attend! Bring all your friends out and feel the vibes of yesteryear! The tables start turning at 7 p.m. and will be held at The NeighborHood Café located at 1635 W. Trade St. near the JCSU campus. #JETATeam
Happy Juneteenth to all of my fellow Chocolate Comrades and Happy Father’s Day all of the wonderful dads out there making it happen! God Bless You All!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior
#TheBlackFerrisBueller