By Shawn D. Allison, II
What’s the word, family? Summer is finally here! The sun, barbecues, sangrias, block parties and a lot more is underway! To get this season started off the right way, your man, The Black Ferris Bueller has got some true dopeness in store for you this weekend! As you know, I’ll be making my rounds in this town, and if you want to track all my troubles, just check my “Hot List” below, dig?
- THURSDAY – Nikii Vonn’s “Inside My Head” Art Showcase @ Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar
- THURSDAY –
- FRIDAY – Unity Classic & Soulful House Party at Mooney’s Lounge
- FRIDAY – Jazz N’ Soul Music presents AFFECTUAL at The Morehead Tavern
- FRIDAY-SUNDAY — #aMEENWeekend Celebration
- SATURDAY — Summer Night Vibes –X The Renaissance Indie Concert at Three Spirits Brewery
- SATURDAY – LG Productions’ “Saturday Night Live Dance Party” at East African Restaurant & Bar
- SATURDAY – Su Casa – The Anniversary Editon at Petra’s
- SUNDAY – Social Sundays at 7th District
- SUNDAY – Single Saved and Serious Movement’s Sunday Gospel Brunch at Conversation Peace
- SUNDAY – SociaLight Sundays Day Party Michael Jackson Tribute Edition at Studio Movie Grill
- MONDAY – Session: A Listening Party 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 6/22——-
Travel into the wondrous, mysterious, creative and lovely mind of local Renaissance Soul Sister Nikii Vonn as she hosts her premiere art showcase “Inside My Head.” Her artwork is just as riveting and ravishing as she is—full of color, curves and consciousness. You’ll be able to catch glimpse of her creative thoughts in acrylics, gouache, mixed media prints and more! Admission is FREE to attend and there will be a limited supply of complimentary cocktails. The event starts at 6 p.m. and will be held at Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar. 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Everyone come and get all 360 degrees of your being filled with art at the June 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.
Herb and Felicia Gray are back to add some sophistication in your work week as they present another round of “Charlotte’s Favorite Happy Hour!” Come out to Napa on Providence and enjoy food, cocktails, jazz and the ultimate networking experience. Admission is FREE to attend and it begins at 6 p.m. at the all-new ROC’s Jazz Bar. 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.
City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services is hosting the Heathy Communities Savory Summer Barbecue on at the David Williamson Jr. Pavilion in Hornets Nest Park this evening! Enjoy delicious food, great company, and learn how to host a Pinterest worthy minimum waste barbecue, all completely FREE! Please be sure to RSVP here: http://www.healthycommunitiesclt.com/new-events/. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. Hornets Nest Park is located at 6301 Beatties Ford Rd.
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art screens the film, “Telos: The Fantastic World of Eugene Tsui” during the museum’s Modernism + Film series. A documentary, biography, comedy and fantasy based on an architect who struggles for recognition for his unconventional visions of the future until he finds unexpected allies in a small town where he hopes to build his architectural fantasia. By documenting the ranges of influences that impact Tsui’s life, the viewer is able to see a peak into his childhood as well as his education. While his sustainable building principles have become a trend and a necessity, his aesthetics have yet to receive mainstream approval. Tickets can be purchased here: https://30796a.blackbaudhosting.com/30796a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=effb7e5f-71e3-4f62-8906-425dc23cb761. The event begins at 6 p.m. The Becthler is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Start your weekend off at The Light Factory and come witness the opening reception for the facility’s new photo exhibition entitled, “Of Women, By Women.” This exhibition highlights photographs of women and by women selected from The Do Good Fund, a non-profit organization that shares its collection to encourage community-based programming. The Fund has, to date, collected over 400 images of the South from a variety of photographers. In this selection, you’ll face a rich array of women as both image-makers and as subjects. The images invite us to contemplate “The South” and the dynamic roles women play in its varied communities. Admission is FREE and all ages are welcome. 6:30 p.m. The Light Factory is located at 1817 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
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. Tonight’s acts include the Tenya Colemon Trio, Greg LaBarbera, 2nd Hand Gypsies and more. Tickets can be purchased here: https://13800.blackbaudhosting.com/13800/Latin-Music-Concert-Series-22Jun2017. The event begins at 7 p.m. The Mint Museum is located at 500 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Celebrate with the creative community for an evening of art and film during this once-in-a-lifetime moment honoring the exhibition, Alison Saar: The Nature of Us. In honor of the final days of the exhibition, the Gantt Center celebrates the legacy of creativity within the Saar family with the feature documentary “Betye & Alison Saar: Conjure Women of the Arts.” This film explores mystic traditions, femininity, motherhood and human behavior. Admission is FREE and the screening begins at 7 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The hilarious local theatre troupe Charlotte Squawks is back with thirteenth installment, their latest project, “Charlotte, We Have A Problem.” 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, politics on a local and national medium. Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.blumenthalarts.org. There will be five remaining performances this weekend: Thursday (6/22) at 7:30 p.m., Friday (6/23) at 8 p.m, Saturday (6/24) and 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday (6/25 at 3 p.m. All performances will be held at The Booth Playhouse at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. The address is 130 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Head out to Three Spirits Brewery for a relaxing evening with “Stogies, Games & Brews.” Wind down with your friends as you light up premium cigars and enjoy tunes from Charlotte House Music Movement. Cigars will be provided by Tailored Smoke Cigar Lounge. Admission is FREE to attend. 8 p.m. Three Spirits Brewery is located at 5046 Old Pineville Rd.
——-FRIDAY 6/23——-
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 instrumental stylings of the Loonis McGlohon Young Jazz Artist winners. 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 Hit Agency and The SoulJunkies have combined forces to bring you the all-new Unity Classic & Soulful House Party! It’s Friday and it’s time to let the troubles of the work week disappear. Come and get busy with DJ Jazzy Bee, Gary “Jackmaster” Wallace and feel the energy from special guest Stan Zeff of Tambor House ATL! Admission is $10 all night long and the party starts at 8 p.m. at Mooney’s Lounge. 2525 N. Graham St. #TheHitAgency #SoulJunkies
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 his recent accomplishment of graduating from grad school and there’s an entire itinerary set up for the whole weekend! For itinerary listings, venues, prices and all other info please purchase tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ameenweekend-tickets-35019284623.
Jazz N’ Soul Music is back for another jam-packed Friday evening with local delight! They are no stranger to any stage in the QC—everyone get ready to spend an affectionate evening with AFFECTUAL! This band of brothers really know how to wow a crowd with impeccable and interactive musicianship, you’ll want to get up and dance along! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/affectual-a-night-of-sax-infused-hot-jazz-and-soul-tickets-35364900369. Show starts at 9 p.m. and will be held at The Morehead Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
——-SATURDAY 6/24——-
Want to learn how to master your brand? Slide out to Industry Coworking this morning and get ready for The Fearless Entrepreneur Branding Masterclass! Today, you’ll be hearing and learning from Soirees Entertainment creator and founder Arletha McClelland. With a successful career in the corporate world, Arletha has navigated through which let her to start her own company in 2014. Today, she will give you useful tips and methods to help you to expand your brand and build your empire. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-fearless-entrepreneur-masterclass-featuring-arletha-mcclelland-tickets-34779032021. The session begins at 10 a.m. Industry Coworking is located at 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.
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.
Ladies, get all dolled up and head down to Brio Tuscan Grille for the Faith Beauties & Brunch afternoon social! Presented by Enjoy Your Faith Ministries, join an intimate group of Christian ladies for an afternoon of spiritual refreshment and encouragement. Enjoy an eclectic and delectable brunch menu, activities, testimonies and spiritual encouragement with host Jasmine Love and featured guests, Dominique Inspires and Tiffany Bost! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/faith-beauties-brunch-presented-by-enjoy-your-faith-ministries-tickets-35162463876. The event begins at 12 noon. Brio is located at 4720 Piedmont Row in the South Park Area.
June is National Caribbean American Heritage Month and the good people of Step N’ Style Special Events & Catering invite you out to the Soca/Reggae Fitness Fete! Get your Carnival body ready as you dance and exercise to a variety of vibrant Soca and Reggae tunes. Walk with your rags, flags, shells, blow horn, and we provide the glow sticks and excitement. It’s a celebration that you don’t want to miss! Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/socareggae-fitness-day-fete-tickets-34704658568. Tickets will be $30 at the door. The fun starts at 1 p.m. and will be held at Please Believe Fitness Center. 2734 N. Graham Street.
LG Productions is proud to present the Saturday Night Live Dance Party! Get ready to show your skills on the dance floor with the hottest old school sounds and then stick around for a special performance from the beautiful and talented Ashanti Munir! There will be drink and food specials all night long. Admission is $5 and the event begins at 7 p.m. The event will be held at the East African Restaurant & Bar. 3200 Monroe Rd.
Head over to Haylo Healing Arts Lounge for the third annual Summer Solstice Elemental Art Party! The theme of the evening is “For the Fire Within, Honor Your Brightest Self” and all artists are invited to create fire. Also, performers of pyro artistry, you are also invited to come show the audience how it’s done! Experience this annual communal gathering to stoke the fires of life and burn away what no longer serves. DJ Skinner and DJ Tober on deck spinning some funky mood music and downtempo grooves. Also, there will be a specialty beer and cocktail bar pop-up! This event is FREE so come out and feel the unlimited creativity and spirit within and expand it to others! The event begins at 7 p.m. Haylo Healing Arts Lounge is located at 1111 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
True Dreams Radio, Session and The Underground is proud to present to you “Summer Night Vibes –X—The Renaissance Indie Concert!” Come out for this evening full of great performances from some of the city’s most promising and gifted musical talents! Acts include Legend Status, Black Linen, Nige Hood, Autumn Rainwater, DJ Ryan Clarke and many more! Admission is $5. The event begins at 7 p.m. and will be held at Three Spirits Brewery. 5046 Old Pineville Rd.
This evening, join the Guerilla Poets and several other cool cats for “ENCORE! Open Mic & Potluck!” 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. This is a love-filled atmosphere and there will be cool art activities for the kids! If you plan to paint, please bring your own supplies and everyone is encouraged to bring a dish representing their cultural background. Admission is FREE and the love starts at 7 p.m. The Last Word is located at 5744 N. Tryon St. #GuerillaPoets
Bring the family out to Midwood Park and get ready to travel back in time as you view the cinematic science fiction classic, “Back to the Future!” Hop in your DeLorean, rev it up to 88 mph and get ready for an evening of fun under the stars. There will be reps from King of Pops Charlotte on hand selling some cool treats, but feel free to pack a picnic and mix and mingle with neighbors. Admission is FREE to attend and the movie will start promptly at 8 p.m. Be sure to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Midwood Park is located at 2100 Wilhelmina Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
For six years the creative minds of Jasiatic and Carlton Hargro have been giving the QC some of the best anti-mainstream entertainment. Tonight, come and celebrate this milestone at Petra’s and get ready for “Su Casa – The Anniversary Edition!” Get your underground eclectic music and dance fix on with some sonic funk flavors of Afrobeat, House, Soca, Reggae, Dancehall, Funk, Soul and a special Hip Hop tribute to the late, great Prodigy of the Infamous Mobb Deep. Your sound engineers for the night are resident turntablists DJ Justice and DJ Steel Wheel w/ Loot-Tenant Trax and a special set from OkayAfrica and Main Ingredient’s DJ Jahsonic! There will also be live painting, photography, face painting, vendors and a whole lot of love in the building! Admission is $10 all night long. The celebration starts at 10 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-SUNDAY 6/25——-
Join the Hip Hop Caucus-Charlotte, the Juice Crü and Streetz 103.3 for “Social Sundays”, an interactive experience that will teach you all about local politics and community issues over brunch and mimosas. Please note this is an interactive experience and we will be playing the game “Are You Black Smart :: The Political Edition.” Bring your friends and get prepared to get engaged! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hip-hop-caucus-presents-social-sundays-tickets-35358618580. The event begins at 11 a.m. and will be held at 7th District. 321 N. Caldwell St. in Uptown.
This morning at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, come out for the Civics 101—A Roadmap to Voter Empowerment course. For today’s session, join hosts Judge Carla Archie and Friendship Senior Minister Dr. Clifford A. Jones, Sr as they discuss The Civil War – 1861 and the Emancipation Proclamation – 1863 . There will be one class today at 11:45 a.m. in room #359. Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is located at 3400 Beatties Ford Rd.
Attention all gamers, come out to one of my new favorite hangout joints, Abari Game Bar as they host their fourteenth Pinball Tournament. Test your skills and try not to tilt on a variety of pinball machines against other wizards while everyone cheers you on! Registration begins at 12 noon and the tournament begins at 1 p.m. Abari Game Bar is located at 1721 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Join the beautiful Alexys Taylor of The Gantt Museum this afternoon on a two-wheel stroll as she hosts a Plaza-Midwood Art Ride! will lead a group bike ride with stops at each of the 11 Inside Out Charlotte art installations in our neighborhood. You’ll start at Midwood Park at 1 p.m., with Alexys giving background on the two displays there. Then everyone will depart for a 3.5-mile ride throughout the neighborhood, stopping at nine other locations to enjoy the art and hear the stories of the artists who created them, wrapping up in the Plaza Midwood commercial district around 2:15. We’ll have a special stop at Rita’s Italian Ice of Plaza Midwood for a cool treat midway through the ride, and at the finish line, The Peculiar Rabbit – A Jackalopes Restaurant will have live music and specially priced beverages for participants. Please be sure to RSVP here: http://plazamidwood.org/event/plaza-midwood-art-ride/. Midwood Park is located at 2100 Wilhelmina Ave.
Head back over to Friendship Missionary Baptist Church for a special discussion of the Oscar-nominated documentary, “I Am Not Your Negro.” FMBC’s Social Justice Ministry and African American Heritage Ministry have joined forces to discuss the late, great James Baldwin and his social commentary through his fiery literature and rhetoric. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://campscui.active.com/orgs/FriendshipMissionaryBaptistChurch#/selectSessions/1971502. The event begins at 3:30 p.m. and will be held in the Conference Center. 3400 Beatties Ford Rd.
Sunday evening gets real smooth as the Single Saved and Serious Movement hosts another Sunday Gospel Buffet! Slide out to Conversation Peace and enjoy a delicious buffet as Will McCray and the WEMJ Productions Ensemble and upcoming Gospel sensation Nikki Dunn sets the mood with some smooth inspirational grooves. Admission for the buffet is $15.95 per person. The event starts at 4 p.m. Conversation Peace is located at 846 Union St. South in Concord. #SSS
SociaLight, Inc. in conjuction with DJ Unspok3n present SociaLight Sundays Day Party at Studio Movie Grill. On the eigth anniversary of Michael Jackson’s passing, they bring you the Michael Jackson Tribute Edition. DJ Unspok3n will be bringing you all of The King of Pop’s hits, remixes and some songs you never heard! Admission is FREE with RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/socialight-sundays-day-party-michael-jackson-tribute-edition-tickets-35419678211. Admission at the door is $5. The party starts at 4 p.m. Studio Movie Grill is located at 210 E. Trade St. in Uptown.
The lovely ladies of Reggae Central are proud to bring to you another round of “Reggae on the Lake!” Gather your significant other and friends for a 3-hour cruise on a chartered yacht, sailing the waters of beautiful Lake Norman. Aboard this cruise you will be treated to non-stop Reggae music, free Caribbean hors d’oeuvres, and prize giveaways throughout the evening. Tickets are cash only and $50 per person, available only at Reggae Central, located at 1506 Central Ave. Each ticket package will include directions to the shuttle bus load-in location in Mooresville. Please call (704)-377-2782 for additional details.
Get ready for a steamy, sensual and sexual evening of erotic verbiage as renowned poet JstJah presents the “Erotic Poetry Slam!” Come and experience this tantalizing tryst of titillating wordplay from a host of verbally endowed lyricists as they compete for a cash prize. This night of naughty and sometimes nice wordplay is only for adults 21 and up. If you choose to participate, the fee is $10. Admission for the audience is $5 before 9 p.m. and $10 after. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at Apostrophe Lounge. 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #SayWord
——-MONDAY 6/26——-
After you’ve enjoyed all of your delicious feasts throughout the course of the day, slide over to Petra’s for a special evening treat as the lovely LeAnna Eden and DJ FLLS hosts another edition of “Session: A Listening Party!” This eclectic underground showcase features some of the hottest up-and-coming musical acts out of the QC. For tonight’s delight, get ready to experience the sounds of Autumn Rainwater, Ricky Rogers and Sidenote. 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.
COMING SOON…
7/4 – BYOV – July Edition
7/7 – Jazz at the Bechtler: Maria Howell
7/16 – Old School Music Sunday
7/28 – 7/29 — 2017 Water Walkers Faith Conference
Enjoy your weekend and have some fun in the sun! Peace!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #CommunityFirst