By Shawn Allison
What’s happenin’ my Queen City Brothers & Sisters? School is out,
the weather is beautiful this weekend and there are tons of colorful, enriching and festive activities for everyone to get into! From theatre, to jazz, to workshops, to art showcases, these ‘skreets’ are poppin’ this weekend! Let’s hop right into the Rundown, shall we?
THURSDAY, June 9
Parents, take the kids on a short journey out to Huntersville and head over to Discovery Place-KIDS for the exciting and interactive “Kick-Off to Summer Fun!” Presented by Fun4CharlotteKids Playgroup, this is a fun and enriching event filled with STEM-related stories, toy construction, painting and edible experiments! The admission is FREE to attend, but please RSVP by calling or texting (704)-769-5447. The event begins at 10 a.m. Discovery Place-KIDS is located at 105 Gilead Rd. in Huntersville.
Join LaCa Projects (Latin American Contemporary Art) and Argentine creative Santiago Quesnel in celebrating the opening of his new exhibition, “Repetitions.” Repetitions is a name that honors Quesnel’s intention to create mutations and variations of the same mental image, resulting in an examination of non-traditional landscapes generated from the intersection of record, experience, and memory. While the ethereal scenes might initially appear conventional, a discovery occurs—a burst of color in an otherwise subdued palette, an object that seems out of place, subtle traces of human inhabitance, or perhaps, interference. The landscapes confront the viewer, resulting in a mixed sensation of a melancholic absence of something unknown against a vibrant and beautiful scene. Admission is FREE to attend and all ages are welcome. The showcase begins at 6 p.m. LaCa Projects is located at 1429 Bryant St. which is on the outskirts of Uptown.
This evening, come out to the Uptown branch of the Mint Museum and join the Young Affiliates of the Mint (YAM) as they host, “80 x 80: An Art Show.” This colorful showcase from 80 selected entries out of 1100 will have a periodic home at the Mint signifying the museum’s 80th anniversary. The featured works were span a variety of mediums including photography, painting, site specific installation, video, ceramic, textile, and metalwork. Admission is FREE to attend and if you would like to donate, please visit: https://13800.blackbaudhosting.com/13800/Sponsorship-for-80×80-An-Art-Show. All proceeds from the Young Affiliates of the Mint’s inaugural juried art show, 80×80, provide free school tours of the Mint to public school students in hopes of inspiring a new generation of artists and art enthusiasts. The event begins at 6 p.m. The Mint Museum is located at 500 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
This evening, come out to The Levine Museum of the New South for the much-needed discussion, “Homelessness In Charlotte.” Back in the first week of 2015, a coalition of government sectors, businesses, nonprofits and churches announced that they plan to end chronic homelessness in the Queen City by the end of 2016. However the question on everyone’s mind is, “what’s being done?” Join Dr. Lori Thomas, Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at UNC-Charlotte as she moderates a panel of individuals involved in the efforts coming together to discuss their work and progress and how communities are addressing the issue. This is a FREE discussion for the public but please RSVP here: https://38686.blackbaudhosting.com38686/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=8c26397a-6cf4-4ba4-83a7-a5d6127a2d8d. The discussion begins at 6:30 p.m. The Levine Museum of the New South is located at 200 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
The hilarious local theatre troupe Charlotte Squawks is getting rave reviews of their latest project, “12 Angry Hens.” 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.carolinatix.org/events/detail/charlotte-squawks-12. Tonight’s show begins at 7:30 and it will run all the way to Sunday, June 26. Come out and see who all will get ‘squawked’! All performances will be held at The Booth Playhouse at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. The address is 130 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
On Q Productions is nearing the end of its season entitled, Adaptation, and for the final performance of the season, take a playwright journey ‘Black’ in time as they proudly present a stage adaptation of Toni Morrison’s, “The Bluest Eye.” It is a riveting and thought-provoking tale of a young Black girl in the 1940s who battles internal and external demons and circumstances thinking that a vision in a lighter tint will provide her with a new lease on life. This heralded story conveys and interprets the story of the Black community and our longstanding battle with racism. There are three shows left in this run. Tickets are $28 and can be purchased at: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/the-bluest-eye. The performance for tonight, June 8 will be at 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11 both at 8 p.m. All performances will be held at The Duke Energy Theatre at Spirit Square. Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown. #OnQ #BlackTheaterMatters
FRIDAY, June 10
We’ve all had our share of life’s disappointments. But for one man, he’s channeled his experiences of misfortune and misery into an autobiography. Head out to BluNotes and meet author, entrepreneur and motivational speaker Aramith Trimiar as he hosts a book release party for his newest work, “Homeless 2 Homeowner.” Before you purchase a copy of his book, hear how he overcame loss, regret, confusion, self-sabotage, depression and destruction and listen to how he discovered and trod down a new path filled with inspiration, finding comfort in discomfort and Divine Intervention. “Homeless 2 Homeowner” will take you on the author’s heartfelt journey from desperation and hopelessness to fulfillment and promise. Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 5 p.m. BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.
This evening, enjoy a fine evening of music and art at The McColl Center for Art + Innovation as they present another installment of their “New Frequencies @ McColl Center” series. The feature for the evening is none other than Ghost Trees Big Band who will lay a soundscape of eclectic and colorful jazz. Also, opening for them are longstanding duo, Josh Berman and Keefe Jackson with some boppish abstraction grooves. Tickets can be purchased here: https://53393.blackbaudhosting.com/53393/JAZZ-GHOST-TREES-BIG-BAND—New-Frequencies-at-McColl-Center. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
This evening, head out to The Tavern as Jazz N’ Soul teams up with local jazz enthusiast and conductor, Mayhue Bostic presents an evening with his newly-formed collective, SPECTRUM. If you’ve never heard them before, some of Charlotte’s most acclaimed musicians will take you on a journey of sound as they channel the grooves of Sly & the Family Stone, The Gap Band, The Isley Brothers, Johnny Guitar Watson, George Benson, The Elements—better known as Earth, Wind & Fire and many more! Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here: https://jazzspectrum.eventbrite.com/. The show begins at 9 p.m. The Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
Get on the good foot and hop out to Vibrations Night Club for “Grown Folks Friday!” Take a load off from the work week and let the funk flow from Uptown Swagga—Charlotte’s Premier Go-Go Band work your body into a frenzy! The event is hosted by Old School 105.3 personalities Rae Styles and DJ Short Dawg who will provide additional tunes for you to groove to! Admission is $10 all night long and this event is for people 25+. If you wish to reserve a table, please call or text (704)-614-6214. The doors open at 9 p.m. Vibrations is located at 5237 Albemarle Rd. which is at the intersection of Albemarle Rd. & N. Sharon Amity Rd.
SATURDAY, June 11
For over four decades, there has been one toy that continues to twist and contort the mind more than our hands. That toy is the one and only, Rubik’s Cube. If you want to get an inside and interactive scoop on this geometric phenomenon, come out to Discovery Place this morning for “Beyond Rubik’s Cube: The Ultimate Hands-On Exhibition.” Explore how the Rubik’s Cube emerged from a workshop in Communist-era Hungary to become a worldwide phenomenon, fostering creativity across the fields of science, technology, engineering, robotics, the visual arts, music, film, architecture and mathematics. Learn about what inspired creator Ernő Rubik to build the Rubik’s Cube and even design a puzzle of your own. Try dozens of memory games, matching games and robot games, each one honing a different skill set needed to become a Rubik’s Cube expert. This event is for the entire family, and it is FREE with museum admission. Doors open at 10 a.m. Discovery Place is located at 301 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
You’ve seen me write about Co-Ed Kickball quite a bit and I bet you have been curious to try it out, haven’t you? Well, this morning, come out to Park Road Park as M.A.R.S. (Main Attraction Recreational Sports) hosts an Open Practice! You will be able to learn some basic drills, exercises, become knowledgeable about kickball rules and regulations, meet active players and finish off with a full kickball game! This is a FREE event and it begins at 11 a.m. Park Road Park is located at 6220 Park Rd. and it the practice will be held on Field #5. #MARS #Funletics
This afternoon, join the lovely Summer Lucille, head of Material Girl Life Productions as she hosts the first annual “Charlotte Spring Block Party!” Filled with fun, food, games, fellowship, vendors, giveaways, art, networking and special guest DJ spinning today’s hottest tunes! This is sure to be an afternoon that you won’t forget! Material Girl (MG) is a local and international hair extension retailer based in Charlotte. Tickets can be purchased at: http://charlotteblockparty.eventbrite.com/. The event begins at 11 a.m. and will be held at the MG headquarters located at 520 Collins Aikman Dr. in the University Area. #MaterialGirlLife
Bring the family out to The McColl Center this afternoon for another fun edition of Open Studio Saturday with a party to celebrate the opening of the aptly-titled, “prompt”, an exhibition of new installations by Alumni Artists-in-Residence Quisqueya Henríquez, Susan Lee-Chun, and Willie Little. “prompt” is an experiment, it is a set of parameters, from artist to artist, that are catalysts for inspiration, creativity, and change. In addition to the exhibition, please enjoy live music, interactive hands-on activities, various visual arts performances and eats from Two Chicks and A Truck. Admission is $5 and the party starts at 12 noon. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Everyone get ready and get those limbs loose for a total-body experience like no other! This afternoon at The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, come out and experience Umfundalai. The lovely host and choreographer, Ashley Suttlar Martin will teach you the basics of Umfundalai. It is a movement experience in African culture without the structures and strictures of ethnically-bound traditions. In other words, it respects tradition without being ‘traditional.’ With the rituals and customs of various African peoplesas its artistic wellspring, Umfundalai empowers the dancinf artist with movementand song to cultivate his or her own ‘Africa.’ With a contemporary lens and a systematic pedagogy, Umfundalai opens African dance to anyone and everyone who enters the ‘Bantaba.’ The workshop is FREE with museum admission, but please RSVP here: http://www.ganttcenter.org/calendar/umfundalai-with-ashley-suttlar-martin/. The class begins at 12 noon. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Are you hungry? Of course you are! Head down to the West Side of Charlotte and come over to TMG Seafood Express for “Seafood Saturday!” Crab legs, shrimp, fish, corn on the cob, crawfish, potatoes and more! Meal combos range from $8 to $20. If you’d like to pre-order, please call, (704)-750-8131. The food starts being served at 12 noon. TMG Seafood Express is located at 3301 Freedom Dr.
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, join one of Charlotte’s best bartenders, Mr. Bob Peters as he teams up with Lindsey Pittman of The Daily Press in a quaint interactive session entitled, “Coffee Mixology.” Bob and Lindsey will be whipping up coffee-based cocktails with local favorite roaster, Pure Intention Coffee. The class is FREE to attend. It begins at 2:30 p.m., sharp, but please get there early because space fills up very quickly. The event will be held at Earl’s Grocery which is located at 1609 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.
Step over to the Cathode Azure Club and get ready to House your body in the “Ibiza Lounge!” Join DJ Kneeka, DJ Real and DJ Lady Let as they provide the fly sounds of Deep/Classic/Soulful House, Downtempo, Funk and Soul. Admission is $5 and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local community organization. The grooves begin at 3 p.m. Cathode Azure is located at 1820 South Blvd. in Historic South End.
Bring your significant other and your friends out to Queens Landing Mariana in Mooresville as The Jazz Diva—Tammy Greene, hosts, “Jazz Under the Stars.” Take a load off near the banks of Lake Norman as the smooth jazz grooves of saxophonist Warren Hill and guitaristChieliMinucci fills the atmosphere with mellow sounds. Be sure to bring a blanket and lawn chairs but no tents. There will be food and a cash bar available as well. Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2495750. The gates open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. Queens Landing is located at 1459 River Highway in Mooresville.
This evening, open your minds and head down to The Stage Door Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and prepare yourselves for “Recital of the Lotus.” This multicultural performing arts showcases music, poetry, drumming, belly dancers and more creative acts from around the Charlotte region. “Recital of the Lotus” is presented by THE SECRET POETS SOCIETY with a mission to unite performing artists from cultures around the world forming a union of love, enlightenment, awakening and rebirth through the art of performance. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.blumenthalarts.org/events-performances/coming-performances/detail/recital-of-the-lotus-1 and this show is filled with suggestive content, language and is only reserved for people ages 21+. The show begins at 7 p.m. The Stage Door Theater is located on the corner of E. 5th St. and N. College St. in Uptown.
Get your senses rocked this Saturday evening at The Dirty Hippie and get ready for “IMPULSE: Oddities & Art.” This eclectic showcase will feature some of Charlotte’s brightest and brilliant creatives. Figures include comic book artist Elf, sculptor Merf O’Bryant, painter Alyona Amberlii and acclaimed photographer Jonathan Cooper. There will also be a vivid assortment of additional visual art performers, musicians, models and more creatives for you to experience. Admission is only $5 for early bird tickets and can be purchased here: https://paintcraze.com/buytickets/impulse-an-eclectic-showcase-of-oddities-and-art-1147. Tickets will be sold for $10 at the door. The event begins at 8 p.m. The Dirty Hippie is located at 5028 South Blvd.
This evening, soothe your soul and uplift your spirits at Dupp & Swat as you rise to new levels in “Ascension.” Hosted by the gorgeous wonder sisters Camik and Monica McNeill of Mique Entertainment, Ascencion was designed to be a space created for people that enjoy uplifting music and being around good people that like to spread positive vibes. Come out to dance and mingle with others as DJ Mad Phlexx spins some classic Hip Hop, Soul, House and R&B! Ticket and vendor admittance can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ascension-charlotte-tickets-25187026073#tickets. The event begins at 8 p.m. Dupp& Swat is located at 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Gather up your comrades, co-workers and older cousins and head down to The Tavern for “Charlotte Adult Game Night!” Hosted by Timothy and Diamond Nurse, bring your skills to the floor and compete in Uno, Twister, Beer Pong, Taboo, Jenga, Corn Hole and of course—Spades! There will be plenty of food, fun, fellowship and trash-talking! Admission is FREE to attend but please RSVP here: http://cltgamenight611.eventbrite.com/. The event begins at 8 p.m. The Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
Join local promotion teams Awesom, E.O.C. So Street Ent. and Board of Directors Ent. as they host another throwback editon of the “I Love N.Y. Series!” Tonight’s guests are heralded as hip hop royalty—The Diabolical DJ Biz Markie and Cutmaster DJ Cool V, with an opening set by Charlotte staple, DJ Shaun Nyce aka “The Blend King.” Enjoy a Come out and witness greatness with other great people! Tickets are sold at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/white-house-i-lve-new-york-series-tickets-25515800446?aff=ebrowse#tickets. The event will be held at The White House (not President Obama’s residence) and the doors open at 9 p.m. The address is 4809 Wilkinson Blvd.
At Soul Gastrolounge this evening, get ready for all things purple once again. DJ’s Ray Anderson and Andy Kastanas host “Purple Music V.” Get on the dance floor and celebrate the life, love and legacy of Prince. Admission is FREE to attend and the grooves start at 9 p.m. Soul Gastrolounge is located at 1500 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
SUNDAY, June 12
Ladies, rise and shine this morning, head over to Dupp & Swat for another fun and empowering edition of GIRL GANG! Your objective and mission for today, is to get high. Yes, you heard me right! You are going to be one with Mother Nature and take a group hike up Crowder’s Mountain. Join creative and community homegirl Davita “Sincerely Swat” Galloway as she hosts a morning of exercise, positivity and sisterhood. If you’ve never been hiking before, this is a great icebreaker for you to try. Who knows, you just may encounter a new hobby! Please be sure to dress comfortably and bring a backpack, water, snacks and a ‘can do’ attitude. Admission is FREE to attend but please register at: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/sincerelyswat-presents-girl-gang-the-get-high-edition-tickets-25652963705?aff=es2. You all will meet up at Dupp & Swat at 8 a.m. and will make a group commute to Crowder’s Mountain. Dupp & Swat is located at 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District. #duppandswat #GIRLGANG
After you get your praise and worship on, join Prive’ Marketing, FAZE, Inc., and The Sol Kitchen as they host another fly edition of “Corks & Forks Brunch Day Party.” Take a load off at The Mandrake and enjoy delicious drink and entrée specials, the fellowship of cool people and the sounds of DJ Hot Rod rockin’ the best tunes of today and yesteryear. Admission is FREE to attend, but if you desire to place a reservation for a table, please call (704)-370-3006. The brunch begins at 11 a.m. The Mandrake is located at 333 W. Trade St. in Uptown. #PartyWithPrive #FAZE #TheSolKitchen
Put some color and elegance in your Sunday afternoon and head down to C3 Lab where the beautiful creative and activist Bree Stallings hosts her “Brush Calligraphy Workshop.” Learn how to paint watercolor floral designs with a number of brush techniques and learn how to design your own distinctive font. Also, bring in one of your favorite inspirational quotes to create from calligraphy and take it home in a framed holder. There will be some wine and refreshments available to help you loosen up while you paint. Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.c3-lab.com/classes-workshops/brushcalligraphy. The workshop begins at 12 noon. C3 Lab is located at 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.
Back spinning again this afternoon, come out to the Tip Top Daily Market for another musical explorative edition of “Digger’s Delight Pop-Up Record Swap!” Music lovers, vinyl enthusiasts and collectors come out and dig in the crates for some unheard albums ranging from Soul, Hip Hop, R&B, Funk, Rock, Jazz and much more! You can bring some of your own collection in to swap or make a purchase for some. Also, Pepperbox Doughnuts will be on hand with some fresh, delicious pastries for your delight! The hosts of the event are local creatives and activists, Flock &Untamd. The digging begins at 2 p.m. Tip Top Daily Market is located at 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Join Mr. Felix Curtis of Classic Black Cinema Series this afternoon at The Gantt Center as he hosts another afternoon of great cult film with “Under the Cherry Moon.” This 1986 piece features His Royal Badness, Prince who was still standing on the heels of success from “Purple Rain” in a rousing musical comedy. Fitted with a talented cast of characters, great storyline and a timeless soundtrack, this film is sure to make your heart smile. The admission to the film is FREE along with a $9 Gantt Center admission. There will be light refreshments available for consumption. The film begins at 2 p.m., sharp. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #CBCS
This evening, join local musical ensemble Jazz Munkee performing live at the Swap Meet Boutique! Take a load off, do some light shopping and enjoy delicious food as these gentlemen soothe your ears with some smooth Jazz, Funk, Neo-Soul and R&B. If you’ve never heard them before, you’ll love them! Your social experience out there will be unforgettable! Admission is FREE to attend and the band performs at 5 p.m. The address of the event is 7713 Old Statesville Rd. in the Northlake Area.
Swing over to Symphony Park this evening for the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra presents “Summer Pops: Symphony Swings.” This jazzy performance is filled with jump, bossa nova and big band favorites from Glenn Miller’s, “In The Mood” to a medley of Duke Ellington greatest classics. The Summer Pops prelude will be performed by the rich and velvet Tenya Colemon Trio. Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.charlottesymphony.org/evets/114FBD3C-D4CE-46F3-8089-72B7BD439BAD. 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.
This Sunday evening, rock your body back over to BluNotes for the “Kizomba Charlotte Sundays” dance workshop. This energetic and fluid African dance is sure to get your blood flowing! Join hosts and choreographers Eric and Veronika as they introduce you to this vibrant style of rhythmic movement. Admission to the workshop is FREE and while you’re there, please take advantage of the food and drink specials that are available. The workshop begins at 6 p.m. BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.
Rounding out your weekend, slide over to Petra’s for the “Second Sunday Jazz Workshop & Improv.” Host, instrumentalist and conductor, John Shaughnessy will team up with the Charlotte New Music Festival to present their New Music Open Mic. Composers and performers from all over the globe will be presenting new and experimental compositions in classical, improvided music, electronic music and jazz. Although the in-house band will be performing a shorter set to accommodate the CNMF, you are invited to come out and experience some new, great music. Admission is FREE to attend and the session begins at 8 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
I hope everyone has a fun-filled, festive and fantastic weekend and please be sure to spread love to a stranger! God Bless You!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior
#TheBlackFerrisBueller