By Shawn D. Allison, II
What’s good family? Summer 2019 is finally here! Take a load off your shoulders and get ready for “The Rundown” because there’s lots of fun in the sun this weekend! I’ll be speaking at the “I Am My Brother’s Keeper Community Cookout” on Saturday so be sure your face is in the place! For all the other dopeness lined up this weekend, check out my “Hot List” just below!
- THURSDAY — Between Love & Hate Podcast Talk “Battle of the Sexes” LIVE broadcast
- THURSDAY – Black Business Owners of Charlotte presents Black Food Truck Thursday
- FRIDAY–SATURDAY – JazzArts Charlotte presents Saxophonist Steve Wilson LIVE
- FRIDAY – Who You Be Mixer at Dupp & Swat
- SATURDAY — Charlotte Caribbean Children Carnival
- SATURDAY – I Am My Brother’s Keeper Community Cookout
- SATURDAY – “Gospel Meets Jazz: It’s All About Her” feat. Toni Tupponce, Kathleen Tunson and Dawn Anthony
- SATURDAY – Su Casa: The June Edition at Petra’s
- SUNDAY – Prive’ Marketing Group presents #aMEENWeekend Day Party
- SUNDAY – PROJECT SAPPHIRE art showcase at Dupp & Swat
- SUNDAY – Bill Hanna’s Jazz Sessions 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, JUNE 20——-
This evening, everyone head down to Sydney’s Martni & Wine Bar as Between Love & Hate Podcast Talk invites you to be part of a live recording of a special “Battle of the Sexes” podcast episode! Men, Women this never ending debacle will never disintegrate and with each passing era, the excursions of emotions becomes more and more engrossing! For today’s episode, podcast hosts Mo Better and Andree Taylor will dissect the topic of “What Scares Men Away.” This interactive showcase will feature a plethora of intimate opinions, theories, humor and in-depth philosophies so be sure that you’ll be present for this piece of history! This podcast will also double as a special happy hour gathering so while you’re engaged in conversation with the crowd, be sure to enjoy some specially-crafted cocktails for this occasion! Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/happy-hour-live-podcast-between-love-hate-tickets-63501504710. The event will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Sydney’s is located at 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Fill your stomachs with all sorts of soulful goodness as Black Business Owners of Charlotte and Black Enterprise proudly presents Black Food Truck Thursday! Get your friends and appetites ready for an evening full of food, fun and fellowship with over a dozen of your favorite Black-owned culinary chariots, vendors and more in this festive community celebration! This is also a great opportunity to network with various business owners in the Charlotte area. Admission is FREE but donations will be accepted. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and will be held at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. St. and S. Brevard St.
Step into the creative world this evening and head down to The McColl Center for Art + Innovation as they’ve partnered with Sozo Gallery to present “Stimulus: Creation in Threads.” What is the process of creating with fabric and thread? How does the artist’s hand and the sewing or embroidery machine work together harmoniously? Tonight’s platform brings together artists creating in textiles to answer these questions and more. Conversation participants include McColl Center alumna artist Beverly Y. Smith (2001), mixed-media artist Kenny Nguyen and conceptual artist Stephen Wilson. Visiting curator Marisa J. Pascucci will guide the conversation. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stimulus-creation-in-threads-tickets-63226540284. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Calling all aspiring filmmakers – head down to Camp North End for a special workshop entitled, “The Assistant Director – A Filmmaking Seminar.” Making a film is a team effort and once you’re on set it is a race against the clock. Join the 48 Hour Film Project and noted industry Assistant Director, Kevin Patterson as they analyze how a well-organized set communicates passion for the story and retains everyone’s belief in the project. An unorganized set undermines trust in the leaders of the project and puts the story at risk of being bland and uninspiring because the cast and crew doubt the quality of the final product. The Assistant Director role is one of the most valuable because they heavily influence the experience of everyone on the team during production. Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Ave.
The hilarious local theatre troupe Charlotte Squawks is back for 2019 with their latest project, Charlotte Squawks 15: Quackceañera! Who is Charlotte Squawks you ask? Simply put, it’s the satire of Saturday Night Live mixed with Broadway, welded with the socioeconomic climate of the Queen City. The creative duo of Mike Collins and Brian Kahn collaborates with the area’s most talented performers to parody current events, pop culture, sports, life and politics on a local and national medium. Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.carolinatix.org/…/charlotte-squawks-15-quackcea…. There will be three performances this weekend: Thursday (6/20) at 7:30 p.m., Friday (6/21) at 8 p.m. and Saturday (6/22) at 2 and 8 p.m. All performances will be held at The Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. The address is 130 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
——-FRIDAY, JUNE 21——-
JazzArts Charlotte is ready to set your Summer off with another special episode of The Jazz Room! This weekend, gear your ears to the stage and feel the soul, funk and hook of acclaimed saxophonist Steve Wilson. Known as a “musician’s musician”, Wilson’s saxophone style is mellow, yet colorful but echoes the spirituality of jazz greats John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, Sonny Rollins, Ornette Coleman, Dexter Gordon, Cannonball Adderley and many more! Having been part of over 150 recordings, Wilson is not only a gentle giant in the jazz world, he’s definitely someone that you should experience yourselves! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.blumenthalarts.org/events/detail/the-jazz-room-at-the-stage-door-theater-19. There will be four performances this weekend: Friday (6/21) at 6 and 8:15 p.m. and Saturday (6/22) at 7 and 9:15 p.m. All shows will be held at The Stage Door Theater. Located at the corner of E. 5th St. and N. College St. in Uptown. #JazzArtsCLT
Calling all fellow media figures – everyone head over to Dupp & Swat this evening to relax and get engaged at the Who You Be Mixer! Presented and hosted by the lovely Jasmine Miles of Ensoul Media & Network, you’re invited to be part of this interactive info session which will feature a who’s who of Charlotte’s brightest, up-and-coming arts, media and community dignitaries. Poised to be an environment of total ease, you’re free to come as you are with no corporate-rehearsed mantras or personas – just be you! There will be crafty cocktails and fly music to accompany the mood and this moment. Admission is FREE with RSVP, however donations can be accepted here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/who-you-be-mixer-tickets-61474559061. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Dupp & Swat is located at Camp North End. 1824 Statesville Ave.
Jazz N’ Soul Music is proud to welcome the sultry and soulful Smooth Jazz saxophonist and vocalist Paula Atherton for a LIVE performance this weekend! Kick back and relax as this siren of sound and soul adds some delight to your Friday night performing a medley of classic numbers and original material as she’s accompanied by one of the QC’s most talented music machines, The GrooveMasters Band! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paula-atherton-the-groovemasters-smooth-saxy-jazz-and-soul-fri-june-21st-730-and-10p-the-loft-and-tickets-58925542885. There will be two performances this evening at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Both shows will be held at Loft & Cellar. 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoulMusic
Test your knowledge of Black Music Month and come out for Black Music Bingo at Queen’s Coffee Bar this evening! Gather your friends and get ready to enjoy this fun and funk-filled fast-paced take on traditional bingo. You will be given a free bingo card where traditional bingo board numbers are replaced with song names, artist names, music titles or a mixture. There will be a number of categories and four rounds with a winner from each round. FREE admission. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Queen’s Coffee Bar is located at 1720 Pegram St. in the Belmont Neighborhood.
Everyone kick-flip, ollie and glide over to Oso Skate Park this evening for “Go Stupid, Go Dumb Go Skate” this evening! If you’re a skateboarder, here’s your time to shine! Join local MCs Phaze Gawd and A Man With Antlers for an evening of nonstop hi-octane skate action featuring a live performance from the two creatives, a “best trick” competition, prizes, giveaways and much more! Admission is $5 per person and the jump off is at 8 p.m. Oso Skate Park is located at 933 Louise Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-SATURDAY, JUNE 22——-
This morning, get ready to experience some vibrant West Indian energy at the Charlotte Caribbean Children Carnival! In honor of the upcoming Charlotte Caribbean Carnival, this kickoff festival is geared towards the youth with a wide variety of local artists, African and steel drummers. Attendees and onlookers will enjoy a street parade featuring the best of Carnival-inspired costumes, entertainment and arts showcases as well as witness the crowning of Charlotte’s first Charlotte Caribbean Carnival Queen. Admission is FREE to attend. The festivities begin at 11 a.m. at Venue@1801. 1701 W. Trade St. near Uptown.
This morning, join local grassroots initiative B.E.S.T. (Believing Everyone Succeeds Together) as they host the I Am My Brother’s Keeper Community Cookout! Fathers and mothers bring your sons, sisters bring your brothers, uncles bring your nephews and grandparents bring your grandsons for a day of family, unity and bringing the essence of community back to the forefront. There will be vendors, music, food and speakers – including yours truly. Admission is FREE. The event will begin at 11 a.m. at Tuckaseegee Park. 4820 Tuckaseegee Rd.
Get some weekend shopping done as Starving Artist Market CLT hosts the Metropolitan Take Over Popup Market! Grab your entire tribe and come gather a variety of household trinkets, artworks, gizmos, gadgets, crafts, fabrics, garments, treats, eats, pet products, jewelry, accessories and much more! Admission is FREE and the event will the begin at 1 p.m. Metropolitan is located at 1111 Metropolitan Ave. in Uptown.
Brothers and Sisters, stand tall, feel proud and enjoy the energy of each other at the Black Love & Appreciation Cook Out this afternoon! Hosted by The Black Love Power Couple & GODDess Drip, come out and enjoy an afternoon of unity, fun, fellowship, food, games and the power of community with each other! Your only admission is the glorious color of your skin. The event will begin at 3 p.m. at Hornets Nest Park. 6301 Beatties Ford Rd.
Charlotte, come hear a joyful noise as The Charlotte Chapter of Charms, Inc. invites you to a riveting musical showcase entitled “Gospel Meets Jazz: It’s All About Her.” This concert will highlight the musical contributions of women in the styles of Gospel and Jazz featuring legendary and groundbreaking songs that continue to echo the brilliance of their cultural significance today. Three of Charlotte’s finest, Toni Tupponce, Kathleen Tunson and Dawn Anthony will take the stage performing a myriad of melodies from some era-defining, soul-stirring classics accompanied by A Sign of the Times and the talents of two special guest high school vocalists. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/charlotte-chapter-of-charmsinc-gospelmeetsjazzits-all-about-her-concert-tickets-60958769320. The event will begin at 5 p.m. at 1729 Griers Grove Rd.
This evening, 5 Burroughs Ent. invites you out to experience the essence of our culture presenting the 30 Years of Hip Hop Reminisce Party! Gather your crew and come relive the classics of yesteryear and the creative voices behind the music! Two special guest DJs will be rockin’ the spot all night long with a special blend of classic Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, House, Pop, Reggae and much more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/30-yrs-of-hip-hop-reminance-edition-tickets-63432732009. The party starts at 9 p.m. at Press Box Bar & Grill. 9609 N. Tryon St. in the University Area.
Get ready to get on the good foot at Petra’s this evening and join the lovely Jasiatic as she hosts Su Casa – The June Edition! Step into a world of Afrofuturistic funk and dance your way into the glory of Summer as resident spin doctors DJ Justice and DJ Steel Wheel free your mind, body and soul with an eclectic mix of House, Afrobeat, Soul, Funk, Reggae, Dancehall, Afro-House, Jazz, Soca and much more! Also, be sure to cop some fly trinkets and threads from the vendors and get your face dazzled with colorful creativity from a guest face painter. Admission is $10 all night long. The party starts at 10 p.m. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——–SUNDAY, JUNE 23——-
This afternoon, slide out to Tip Top Daily Market for a special sonic brunch entitled Scrambled Eggs! Come and relax as DJs Luke Stemmerman and Flock of Slagles sets the mood with a selection of avant-garde Dub, Reggae, Fusion, Soul and Jazz tunes from their own personal vinyl collections. Also, be sure to grab a tasty mimosa from the bar and be sure to grab some tasty brunch eats from Killer B’s food truck! Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 11 a.m. 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Get ready for a birthday celebration unlike any other—come fellowship and celebrate Prive’ Marketing Group’s founder Yameen Thomas in his aptly-titled #aMEENWeekend! It’s Yameen’s grand entry into the 30/30 club and the celebration of live, happiness and good times! There will be a guest DJ rockin’ the house with all of today’s hits and classics and you know the bar will be fully stocked with all the goodness! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reset-sundays-brunch-trap-tickets-62504150597. The jump off is at 11 a.m. at Loft & Cellar. 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.
OutenLove Events invites you to come and remember when romance and music blended like your favorite cocktail at the Rhythm N’ Booze Brunch & Day Party this afternoon! Bring your friends out to enjoy some delectable delicacies, drink specials, live music from El Lambert & A Few Dope People and a special guest DJ dropping all the hottest R&B jams and ballads from today and yesteryear. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rhythm-n-booze-brunch-day-party-tickets-63543769124. The event will begin at 12 noon at Explict Bistro & Lounge. 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.
Put some soul in your Sunday and head over to CPCC Main Campus for the June installment of the 2019 Straight-Ahead Jazz Series! Hosted and played by A Sign of the Times, come celebrate jazz—the “gift” our culture gave to America. This event will include a free jazz workshop where they explain the basics of playing the ‘Blues and Rhythm’ changes and a special interactive performance featuring some notable straight-ahead jazz classics from jazz masters of yesteryear! Admission is $5 per person and tickets can be purchased at the door or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-straight-ahead-jazz-serie…. The event begins promptly at 3 p.m. inside Tate Hall, Halton Performing Arts Building at CPCC Main Campus. 1206 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.
Catch an eyeful of creativity at Dupp & Swat this afternoon and come out for a special, interactive art showcase entitled “PROJECT SAPPHIRE.” Presented and created by artist Shawn Michael, this exhibition explores the Sapphire Caricature and the role it has played in shaping the culture of today. This caricature portrays black women as rude, loud, malicious, stubborn, and overbearing. This is also known as the Angry Black Woman popularized in the cinema and on television. The Sapphire Caricature is a harsh portrayal of Black women, but it is more than that; it is a social control mechanism that is employed to punish black women who violate the societal norms that encourage them to be passive, servile, non-threatening, and unseen. During this evening there will be a live accompanying performance from musician & vocalist Emil Ford, Curt Keyz along with Shayla St. James, Dexter Jordan, and Keon Sunkins on background vocals. Admission is FREE to attend. The showcase will begin promptly at 3 p.m. Dupp & Swat is located inside Camp North End at 1824 Statesville Ave.
For your Sunday night coolout, head over to Petra’s for Bill Hanna’s Jazz Sessions! Charlotte jazz legend Bill Hanna brings his famous jazz session live and in living color for your enjoyment featuring a who’s who of Charlotte’s finest musicians in an intimate setting. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bill-hannas-jazz-sessions-tick…. The band strikes at 8 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
COMING SOON…
6/27 — Mosaic Live presents Bars & Beats
6/27 — Swag N Turf-Coed Kickball
6/27 — Just Community: A Decolonizing Wealth Conversation
6/28 – Congo Festival 2019
6/29 – East Side Block Music Festival
6/29 – Radio Rehab Carolinas presents “Justice 4 All”
7/1 – Revolt Comedy Show #09
7/5 — Sweet Leaf Map Festival 2019
7/6 — Off the Wall “8 Year Anniversary” Edition
7/18—7/20 – 3rd Annual CineOdyssey Film Festival
Enjoy your weekend folks!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst