By Shawn D. Allison, II
The wait is over Brothers and Sisters—CIAA 2018 is here! There’s all sorts of hotness to get into this weekend, but for this particular Special Edition of The Rundown, I wanted to keep it in the community. There’s something for everyone to enjoy and I know you will not be disappointed with what your eyes are about to read. If you want to know the most reasonably priced events happening this weekend, please peep my “Hot List” just below.
- THURSDAY – Morehead Tavern Kick Off Party
- THURSDAY – Beats & Bars Jam Session at JCSU Arts Factory
- THURSDAY – Diggers Delight March Kick-Off at Dupp & Swat
- THURSDAY – Pink Groove XIII at Ink N’ Ivy
- FRIDAY – HBCU Daze Day Party at The Imperial
- FRIDAY – AfroPop CLT: The All Day Party at Crown Station Coffeehouse & Pub
- FRIDAY – Black Food Truck Friday at Three Spirits Brewery
- FRIDAY – Blow Your Head – March Edition at Salud Cerveceria
- SATURDAY – Championship Saturday Jazz Brunch at McCormick & Schmick’s
- SATURDAY – I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party at Sports One Bar & Lounge
- SATURDAY — Carolina Curly Natural Expo – Tournament Edition at SpringHill Suites
- SATURDAY – The Ultimate Day Party Experience at Studio Movie Grill
- SATURDAY – SSS Movement’s “Resetting the Standard” Evening Social at Grier Heights Community Center
- SATURDAY – Off The Wall: The Memory Lane Edition at Petra’s
- SUNDAY – Jazz Beats & Brunch at Ink N’ Ivy
- SUNDAY – Day Ja Vu Day Party at Rooftop 210
- SUNDAY – Post Tournament Gospel Brunch at The Belle Grille
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, MARCH 1——-
The brothers of Jazz N’ Soul Music along with the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Delta Zeta Chapter invites you to start your weekend off with a serious big bang in music theory as they proudly present the Morehead Tavern Kick Off Party featuring Jemini June & The Galaxy! If you have never heard this fiercely talented queen, you are definitely in for a special treat! Jemini is definitely no amateur and she captivates you with every note she belts and every rhyme she spits — everything else becomes irrelevant once you experience her flyness! Then, be sure to stick around as DJ 300 rocks out with a dope selection of tunes from multiple eras! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/morehead-tavern-kick-off-party-featuring-jemini-june-the-galaxy-live-with-dj-300-tickets-43012238764. The show starts at 1 p.m. at The Morehead Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
Need some peace and quiet during this vibrant tournament week? This Thursday evening, get ready for a tranquil jam session like no other and come out to Blue Olive Lounge for the “Day Ja Vu Headphone Day Party!” Gather your friends and come experience a “quiet” selection of music as you dance to a variety of channels through special headphones! Three DJs playing three stations of music (Hip Hop, Old School R&B, Reggae) and you dance the night away as the music comes straight to your earholes from the headphones! Tickets can be purchased here: https://partyfixx.co/event/ciaa-kickoff-dayjavu-quiet-headphone-party-at-blue-olive-lounge/. The event will begin at 4 p.m. at Blue Olive Lounge. 14021 Conlan Cir. in Ballantyne.
Celebrate the musical tradition of the Historic West End with local artists and JCSU student musicians during a live throw down entitled the Beats & Bars Jam Session! Come on out for a night of good music while learning more about Soul Junction, a two-day music festival hosted in the Historic West End. This night of electric jazz, soul, and funk will be led by acclaimed Charlotte multitalented creative Quentin Talley and funky drummer Tim Scott, Jr. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soul-junction-bars-beats-jam-session-tickets-43109998165. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the JCSU Arts Factory. 1545 W. Trade St. near the JCSU Main Campus.
Everyone come get your musical fix with a live mix as my good friends at Diggers Delight in conjunction with Dupp & Swat proudly present the Diggers Delight March Kick-Off this evening! It’s a new month with new flavor as two of Charlotte’s finest music encyclopedias and cultural activists, Flock of Slagles & UNTAMD bust out the crates with a whole new stock of vinyl for you and your earholes to enjoy! And while you dig for some gems, be sure to get your boogie on from my man DJ L.O. rockin’ the hotness on the 1s and 2s! Admission is $FREE.99 and the jump off is at 7 p.m. Dupp & Swat is located at 1824 Statesville Ave. at Camp North End.
LG Productions invites you out to Three Spirits Brewery for a special Jazz Tournament Night featuring Grammy Award-winning producer Daniel Weatherspoon! Relax and unwind as this masterful musician puts your minds at ease with a dazzling display of his skills that will be sure to leave you in awe! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-tournament-night-featuring-grammy-jazz-pianist-daniel-weatherspoon-tickets-42615271424. There will be drink specials available with the first drink free for VIP seats. Doors open at 7 and the show starts at 8 p.m. Three Spirits Brewery is located at 5046 Old Pineville Rd.
Touch One Productions sets your Thursday off in style as they present the Tournament Poetry Vibe! Put your minds and souls at ease as host and creative Jaycee the Poet takes you on a ride away from all the hustle and bustle from tournament traffic with some of his riveting rhythmic wordplay. Also, stay tuned as he welcomes a very special guest to the QC—ladies and gentlemen get ready to step into the world of wonder from the beautiful woman a couple of states down under, the fabulous and foxy critically-acclaimed poetess, Georgia Me! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tournament-week-at-rocs-jazz-bar-tickets-43099117621. The show starts at 8 p.m. ROC’s Jazz Bar is located at 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.
One of Charlotte’s baddest and most beautiful vocalists, Blanche J. along with Be Free Entertainment cordially invites you out to Dilworth Neighborhood Grille this evening for the Vibez Open Mic Night Tournament Kickoff Edition! If you’re a singer, sang-er or spoken word artist, come out and showcase your skills on stage in front of an encouraging audience! Admission is $10. Doors open at 8 and the showcase will start at 8:30 p.m. Dilworth Neighborhood Grille is located at 911 E. Morehead St. in the Dilworth Neighborhood.
It’s all things pink and green as the lovely ladies of the Rho Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. proudly present their sequential smash soiree, Pink Groove XIII! Join these darling and dainty divas for this aptly-titled theme of the evening, “Sweet SophistAKAtion” with Charlotte’s own, The Mighty DJ DR spinning all of the biggest jams and rarities of multiple musical eras! A portion of the proceeds will go to support the Rho Psi Omega Scholarship Fund and various community initiatives. The pink and green parade begins at 9 p.m. at Ink N’ Ivy. 222 S. Church St. in Uptown.
If you want to experience a sonic fusion of jazz and Hip Hop this weekend, head down to The Imperial and join Now In Session as they present The Harvey Cummings Project x DJ Fannie Mae LIVE! One of Charlotte’s best bands along with a hot up-and-coming DJ take the stage as they blend their styles creating an incredible supernova of sound! Enjoy the city view from the rooftop with your choice from a dynamic drink selection and embrace the dope vibes with quality conversation next to some patio heaters. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-harvey-cummings-project-x-dj-fannie-mae-live-tickets-43495115060. The event will begin at 9 p.m. The Imperial is located at 300 N. College St. in Uptown.
——-FRIDAY, MARCH 2——-
Add some purpose to your CIAA celebration United Humanity Coalition is hosting a special #WAKEUp Tour which includes future events. The tour is a social experiment to engage college students across the country in a series of conscious conversations about race relations and social responsibility in America. The experience is fun and interactive and begins with a screening of the documentary “Walking While Black: L.O.V.E. Is the Answer.” The award winning documentary explores interactions between police officers and communities of color. Following the film is a panel discussion including students, community leaders and local influencers. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wakeup-tour-tickets-42892594906. The event will begin at 12 noon at Camp North End. 1824 Statesville Ave.
Upscale Entertainment invites you to out to enjoy a day of music, food and fun at the Upscale Day Party! Start your Friday off on the good foot and step in the name of love featuring the musical stylings of The Peace & Love Band playing a variety of feel-good classics from yesteryear. Then be sure to stick around and shake something as DJ Khaos spinning all of the hot tunes of today! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/upscale-day-party-with-the-peace-and-love-band-tickets-42939777029. The party starts at 1 p.m. at The Morehead Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
Join Talk of the City, LK Productions, R&R Productions, Digital Divas and Dynasty5 for The HBCU DAZE — Day Party at The Imperial this afternoon! Get relaxed and powered up in this midday jam with your friends as DJ Big Cuttz throws down on the 1s and 2s with a wide variety of Hip Hop, R&B, House and much more! There will be drink specials available. FREE RSVPs and ticket purchases can be registered here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hbcu-daze-alumni-day-party-tickets-43382730916. The party starts at 2 p.m. The Imperial is located at 300 N. College St. in Uptown.
Moxie Society and Charlotte In-Crowd have teamed up without giving a “you know what” this afternoon at Firehouse Bar & Grill presenting the “No F***s Given FriDAY Day Party!” Ladies swing your hair, fellas give em’ a reason to stare and get ready to party like you just don’t care! Join DJ HD and B-Man spinning the hottest blends of Hip Hop, R&B, Soul Top 40 and much more! RSVP reservations and tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/no-fxcks-given-friday-at-fire-house-tickets-43305407640. The party starts at 4 p.m. Firehouse Bar & Lounge is located at 320 W. Carson St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety #TheArtOfTheDayParty
Head out to NoDa for a special switch up of tournament flavor and join AfroPop Nation as they host AfroPop CLT: The All Day Party! Join hosts The Dynamic DJ Kato, DJ Steel Wheel and some of their spinning friends from NYC for a whole day of nonstop authentic indigenous energy! Get a hearty fix of Afrobeat, House, AfroTrap, Soca, Reggae, Dancehall and much more! Also, be sure to get some dancing fuel in your system with Jerk Chicken plates for $15 and veggie plates for $12 each. Admission to the party is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afropop-clt-the-all-day-party-vol-1-tickets-43001568850. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. at Crown Station Coffeehouse & Pub. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Everyone bring yourselves, your mama and your cousins out to Three Spirits Brewery for the Tournament Week Black Food Truck Friday! Come mix and mingle with the community as your favorite Chocolate culinary chariots corral around the only Black-owned brewery in the city for an evening of fun and fellowship celebrating our community! There will be a live DJ, vendors and more surprises in store! Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 5 p.m. Three Spirits Brewery is located at 5046 Old Pineville Rd.
Star 23 Enterprises and House Nic welcomes you to the Tournament Weekend Classics & Soulful House Music Party! Gather all your fellow House heads and come out for a soulful and spiritual music experience featuring “The Chosen Few DJ’s” — Terry Hunter, Wayne Williams, Charlotte’s own Gary “Jackmaster” Wallace, DJ Damon Dee from Norfolk State and WBLS-New York mix show DJ E.B.O.N.Y. spinning the best music your ears will ever hear on a 20,000 watt earthquake sound system! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/classics-soulful-house-music-party-ciaa2018-tickets-42392000615. The party starts at 6 p.m. at Extravaganza Depot. 1610 N. Tryon St.
David & Friends, LLC invites you out to the Oasis Shriners House for the 7th Annual Lowcountry Old School Masquerade Dance! Come and be mysterious in your mask as you show off your moves on the dance floor with tunes provided by DJ A-Rock. David & Friends, LLC is a 501(c) 3 geared towards assisting high school students with interest in attending HBCU for their higher education career, youth programs and expansion of community services organizations. There will be food and top shelf drinks available. Tickets can be purchased here: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/7a6bc262bbe332023268fe240/files/4405121b-57bf-4a43-8150-62e32bae983d/DavidandFriendsLLC_7th_Annual_Low_Country_Old_School_Masquerade_Dance_2018_Buy_Tickets.pdf. The event will begin at 7 p.m., sharp. Come dressed to impress! The Oasis Shriners House is located at 604 Doug Mays Pl.
Music has a lasting value like a true friend and tonight, come celebrate an anniversary milestone concert with one of Charlotte’s most talented bands – The Groove Masters! For a decade and some change, 11 years to be exact, this band of Brothers has set stages on fire with timely and impeccable musicianship – and tonight, you’ll get a front seat experience of their past projects, along with them and some special friends playing some of the most legendary smooth jazz and R&B cuts in history! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/groove-masters-band-anniversay-party-tickets-5554114506. Showtime is at 7 p.m. at The Third Place. 1609 E. 5th St. in Uptown.
If you think fried chicken is a work of art, you are absolutely, positively correct! And tonight, you are in for a special treat! Join Oso Skate Park they proudly present “The Fried Chicken Art Party!” described as a mixed media graffiti art show with works by Rebus, Phoebe Alicia, Joey Obso, Brian “BT” Twitty, Spclgst and many more. Music will be provided by Merlin and Gyromite and there will be free fried chicken from Price’s Chicken Coop and beer from PBR. This event is for folks 21+ so have your I.D.’s ready. The fun begins at 8 p.m. Oso Skate Park is located at 933 Louise Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
For some different sonic flavor in the QC this weekend, come out to Salud Cerveceria for the March session of “Blow Your Head!” Join local musicians and cultural activists DJs Flock of Slagles and Jah Freedom spinning an entire vinyl set of Funk, Soul, Boogie, Garage, House and Rare Grooves for your listening pleasures! Also, be sure to be camera ready as renowned photographer Jonathan Cooper with be abroad snapping fun still shots throughout the night! Admission is FREE to attend and be ready to dance! The event starts at 10 p.m. Salud Cerveceria is located at 3306 N. Davidson St., Suite “C” in the NoDa District.
This weekend, join the Matthews Playhouse of Performing Arts as they present to you “Freedom Train!” Freedom Train is the story of Harriet Tubman, portrayed by the beautiful and multitalented Angie Cee, and the Underground Railroad which smuggled slaves to freedom prior to the American Civil War. Using traditional songs of the period, “Freedom Train” recounts a powerful and inspiring tale of courage, dedication, perseverance, and the strength of the human spirit. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/freedom-train. There will be three concluding performances this weekend: Friday (3/2) at 7:30 p.m., Saturday (3/3) and Sunday (3/4) at 2 p.m. The Matthews Playhouse of Performing Arts is located at 100 McDowell St. in Historic Downtown Matthews.
Hip Hop is in full effect this weekend at Vibrations and tonight, gather your crew and get ready for The Hip Hop Takeover! You’re in for a special treat this evening with not one, but two Hip Hop legends setting the stage on fire tonight – Kool DJ Red Alert will be taking your ears back to the Golden Era days of WBLS on the 1s and 2s and then legendary MC Keith Murray will be performing all of his hit songs rockin’ the crowd something proper like! But before these two giants take the floor, feel the energy from two of Charlotte’s baddest turntablists, The JETA Team – DJ Aking Allah and DJ Justice warming things up! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dj-red-alert-keith-murray-hip-hop-take-over-tickets-42097414500. The party starts at 9 p.m. Vibrations is located at 5237 Albemarle Rd.
Jazz N Soul Music invites you out to The Morehead Tavern for a very special First Friday Tournament Edition this evening! For your audible pleasure, come out for a night of hot sax on a platter featuring Chicago saxophonist extraordinaire Jeff Sparks and his band! Relax in the passenger seat as Jeff drives the grooves and melodies of several classic jazz and R&B classics and then be sure to stick around with DJ Wiz heating up the Old School Basement Party! Drink specials will be running all night and the kitchen will be open late. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-friday-tourney-edition-sax-and-a-party-tickets-42331218815. The event will begin at 9 p.m. The Morehead Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
Partying can be hard work, and if you plan to go hard Uptown this weekend, stop by Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar and refuel with some Uptown Living! Join Social Butterfly, Buck TV and AMJ Catering for this Friday night cool down with some festive and relaxing grooves and be sure to fill your bellies up with some fine eats from Chef Andarrio Johnson of Cuzzo’s Cuisine Food Truck and a special guest appearance from legendary retired Carolina Panthers running back Stephen Davis! On the menu will be a Peach Cobbler Waffle, wings and the World Famous Lobster Mac N’ Cheese! The event will be hosted by V-101.9 FM and will begin at 9:30 p.m. with a complimentary breakfast buffet jumping off at 1 a.m. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uptown-living-hosted-by-v-101-panthers-legend-steven-davis-and-chef-andarrio-tickets-43105301116. Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar is located at 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
——-SATURDAY, MARCH 3——-
For 12 years, the Charlotte Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. has hosted one of the premium events during tournament week — “The Championship Saturday Jazz Brunch!” This event features an exquisite mid-morning dining experience and a live jazz from the ever-smooth sounds of national recording artists 5th & York. This year’s event will be held at McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks with a delightful brunch option menu! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-12th-annual-championship-saturday-jazz-brunch-tickets-31753485530. The event will begin at 9 a.m. McCormick & Schmick’s is located at 200 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Charlotte, need a fun way to stay in shape during this hectic tournament weekend? Join my friends of MARS, LLC as they host an Open Practice session for the upcoming 2018 Spring Co-Ed Kickball Season! This league is a great way to get in shape and have loads of fun. Come out and learn kickball basics, rules, work on drills, exercises, meet the league administrators and players, network and play a pick-up game or two! This event is FREE to attend. Be sure to send a text to (704)-412-1952 or send an email info@playmarsports.com if you’re interested in participating in the upcoming season. Practice will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Morrison YMCA. 9405 Bryant Farms Rd. in Ballantyne. #MARS #Funletics
Start your Saturday off with some throwback flavor at the “I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party – Championship Edition!” Moxie Society invites you out to enjoy an afternoon of fine Southern cuisine, top shelf drink specials, fellowship and music! Step Black into time with DJ Puff and DJ C-Rob rockin’ out the best of 90’s Hip Hop and R&B cuts and take a gander at the special guest artist/painter Slim Smith creating some of his wondrous art in front of your eyes. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-still-love-the-90s-brunch-day-party-championship-edition-tickets-42521061640. The party starts at 11 a.m. and will be held at Sports One Bar & Lounge. 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
The brilliance and radiance of Elle Johnson invites you to spend the afternoon at SpringHill Suites Uptown for the Carolina Curly Natural Expo – Tournament Edition! Poised to be the ultimate natural experience to hit the QC scene this weekend, the goal of this event is to provide you a fun and educational experience as it relates to all things natural—from skin, to hair, and even lifestyle. Enjoy vendor shopping, beauty care specialists, panel discussions, a men’s grooming lounge, rooftop reception, style presentations and lots more! If you’re looking to put some bang in your beauty for tournament weekend and beyond, this is the showcase for you! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.ellejohnson.co/events/carolina-curly-natural-expo. The event will begin at 12 noon. SpringHill Suites is located at 311 E. 5th St. in Uptown. #ElleVJ
The Sol Kitchen and Dynasty 5 is ready to send your tournament weekend beyond the stratosphere as they proudly present The Ultimate Day Party Experience! It’s going down people – an afternoon full of nonstop dope people, vibes and music piloted by one of Charlotte’s baddest turntablist tag teams – The Mighty DJ DR and DJ Skillz! If you want some good music to start your Saturday off the right way, this is definitely the place to be! Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbee.com/v/ultimatedayparty#/tickets. The jump off is at 12 noon and will be held at Studio Movie Grill. 210 E. Trade St. in Uptown.
Ladies, swing those curvaceous hips out to Material Girl Hair Boutique and get ready for The CURVY Experience this afternoon! Gather all your girls and come out for an afternoon of fashion, flyness, food, fellowship and empowerment hosted by Ms. Summer Lucille of MG Life. Need a new outfit to turn some heads during tournament week? This is the place to gather your garments and accessories for you to shine brighter than the city lights! Tickets can be purchased here: https://juicybodygoddess.com/shop?olsPage=products%2Fthe-curvy-ciaa-experience&page=1&sortOption=descend_by_created_at. The event will begin at 1 p.m. Material Girl Hair Boutique is located at 5015 N. Tryon St. #MGLife
Get ready for an all-star collaboration unlike any other — join Talk of the City, LK and R&R Productions, Herb & Felicia Gray, Posh Ent. and The Rat Pack for The Beard Game Matters National Tour Edition! This promises to be one of the hottest parties to tock Charlotte on Saturday afternoon, and for good reason – Bell Biv Devoe’s official tour DJ and SuperFriends’, the multitalented DJ Shakim will be on the wheels of steel providing all sorts of crazy sonic funk for you to dance to! Brothers, come out and rock your best facial follicles in fly fashions – big beards, short beards, salt & pepper beards or no beards! Ladies, come and gaze upon these godly kings and be the compliment to their royal status! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-official-beard-game-matters-tournament-day-party-tickets-43121140492. The party starts at 2 p.m. Loft & Cellar is located at 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.
Singles, are you looking for a different kind of tournament party this weekend with clean and enjoyable fun? Join the fine folks of the Single Saved & Serious Movement as they invite you out for “Resetting the Standard” this evening! Partnering with Jennifer Wendy Brown of Single and Souled-Out from the RDU area, come mingle, network and enjoy light bites in an atmosphere of excitement, curiosity, vendors and ice-breaking games, while listening to upbeat Gospel tunes spun by DJ Infinite! Then, get ready for the love energy of heavenly vocals and vibrant grooves of Washington, DC’s own Gospel Go-Go Band, Body of Evidence! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/resetting-the-standard-singles-tournament-party-tickets-42237319961. The party starts at 7 p.m. at Grier Heights Community Center. 3100 Leroy St. in the Grier Heights Neighborhood. #SSSMoves
Do you need a calming option during this hectic weekend? Head over to MoveStudio Charlotte and join Root to Crown Productions as they proudly present the Yoga Soul Lounge this evening! In the midst of all the vibrancy in Charlotte going on this weekend, come and center yourselves with a relaxing yoga session with three DJs spinning accompanying grooves and #EarholeGoodness to get you relaxed and centered: Jah Sun Rising, That Guy Smitty, and Chris Tyndell. Admission is only $5 and can be purchased here: https://www.paypal.me/roottocrown/5. The event will begin at 7 p.m. MoveStudio Charlotte is located at 1111 Hawthorne Ln. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Alright family, this Saturday night—the party you DO NOT want to miss! Everyone head over to Petra’s and join the The JETA Team for a super dope session of “Off The Wall: The Memory Lane Edition!” Arguably the coolest crew in the QC hits the decks for a night of pure, raw and uncut musical energy. Join chief rockers DJ Aking Allah, DJ Justice and special guest, longtime collaborator and comrade, New Edition/Bell Biv DeVoe’s official tour maestro DJ Shakim will be joining them for an unforgettable night that will sure enough take you back to your youthful days of Video Soul, YO! MTV Raps, Video Music Box, Rap City, 106 & Park, Soul Train and Midnight Love! But wait, there’s more! If you want to enjoy a combo of head nodding and fancy footwork with some foundational grooves, be sure and check out my man DJ Jah Freedom on the back patio spinning nothing but House, R&B, Soul, Boogie, Rare Grooves and The Funk on an all-vinyl set! Tickets are $10 can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/off-the-wall-memory-lane-edition-feat-bbdnew-editions-dj-shakim-tickets-43097043417. The hippest trip departs at 9 p.m., sharp and admission will be $15 per person after 11 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #TheJETATeam #OffTheWall
Nizzo Entertainment & Africana Connections present the debut of a new event Afrobeat event series of epic proportions — The Art of Afrobeat – Tournament Edition! This is the ONLY Afrobeat event going on Saturday during Tournament Weekend in the heart of Uptown Charlotte! Join Steve Nizzo (of his native Kenya) and The Dynamic DJ Kato (rooted in Nigeria) spinning a unique blend of music from the African diaspora all night long in a sexy atmosphere! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-art-of-afrobeat-tournament-edition-tickets-42999991131. The party starts at 10 p.m. at EMZY Sushi Bar & Asian Kitchen. 550 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Charlotte, in the vast abundance of Trap music in the air this weekend, don’t you want to hear some melodic rhythm and blues grooves? This Saturday, I’ve got just the thing for you! Head over to Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar and get ready for “What Happened To R&B?” this evening! Join DJ Supreme and DJ Hour Glass as they fill your hearts with the best R&B and Soul tunes from several eras and be sure to grab some tasty libations from the bar to enhance your mood! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/whathappenedtornb-charlotte-nc-tickets-42908119340. The event will begin at 10 p.m. Sydney’s is located at 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
——-SUNDAY, MARCH 4——-
The Sol Kitchen tag teams up with Jazz Around Town to bring you the Jazz & Beats Brunch this afternoon! Step out in your Sunday best with your friends and enjoy a Southern-style brunch full of delicious buffet-style menu items, drink specials, smooth jazz from a special guest band and some accompanying tunes from DJ Darryl Krush! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-beats-brunch-tickets-42634080683. The party starts at 11 a.m. at Ink & Ivy. 222 S. Church St. in Uptown.
Cuzzo’s Cuisine is back to set your Sunday off with some delicious flavor as they invite you out to Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar for the Sydney’s Finale Brunch & Day Party! Come one, come all, enjoy some delectable eats and have a ball as Chef Andarrio Johnson whips up the brunch, the bar provides the spiked punch and Regime Squad’s DJ Blac Jac spins the tunes putting your body in a hump! Ok, that doesn’t rhyme, but still come out anyway for a good time! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sydneys-finale-brunch-day-party-tickets-43529355474. The festivities begin at 12 noon. Sydney’s is located at 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Step out into the sun and get ready for some post-tournament flavor at the Day Ja Vu Day Party! You and your crew come out and hang with your lovely host and famed tattoo artist Dutchess of the hit VH1 show “Black Ink Crew”! Then get your boogie on with DJ Freedom and Cirocboy DJ Quest opening up for NYC legend DJ Mister Cee! The party starts at 12:30 p.m. and will be held at Rooftop 210 at the Epicentre. 210 E. Trade St. in Uptown.
The Single Saved & Serious Movement is proud to invite you out to The Belle Grille for the 2nd Annual Post-Tournament Gospel Brunch! Cap off this eventful and exciting tournament week with an afternoon of clean comedy, faith-filled music and the captivating songstress Akya Canada! Share your HBCU and tournament memories as you feast upon a delectable brunch menu. Admission is FREE to attend but donations are always accepted. Please RSVP and make your donations here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-post-tournament-gospel-brunch-tickets-42867082598. The event will begin at 1 p.m. The Belle Grille is located at 3200 Weddington Rd. in Matthews. #SSSMoves
AlphaMale Nailcare invites you out Packard Place for the February session of the Satire Sunday Book Club Meetup! Take a break from all the wild weekend festivities and come and be part of this cool, co-ed literary lounge as you all will sit down chat, laugh and discuss the newly-released book “The Makings of a Trap God: The Autobiography of Gucci Mane.” You will also have a chance to enjoy food, signature drinks and partake in a panel discussion with esteemed guests, including PRIDE Magazine’s very own contributing columnist and my good friend, Eddie D. Love. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-makings-of-a-trap-god-the-autobiography-of-gucci-mane-ciaa-day-party-tickets-42776445500. The event will begin at 3 p.m. at Packard Place. 222 S. Church St. in Uptown.
Charlotte, come out for a very new and different musical experience this afternoon! It’s time for the Charlotte Synth Meet! This event is a crowd-sourced user group for synthesizer lovers and audio enthusiasts with live presentations of synthesizers, hardware performances of live electronic music, and group discussions. The general focus is on electronic music created during live performance, synthesis techniques, sound generating devices, and regional electronic music shows or events. Admission is FREE to attend and it will begin at 4 p.m. at Petra’s. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Join CALMmiss LLC, Eightsideways Entertainment Group and nationally acclaimed artist, Breeze The Poet as they host an intimate community pot luck and roundtable dialogue entitled “Get Together To Keep Black Love Together.” The aptly-titled discussion is centered around the issues of childhood trauma and cultural programming, how it may or may not be affecting the livelihood of happy and healthy relationships in our communities and what can we do to heighten the vibration of love. Please be sure to bring a covered dish and a beverage for everyone to enjoy. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/get-together-to-keep-black-love-together-tickets-43559779473. The event will begin at 6 p.m. The location of the event will be provided once you RSVP.
COMING SOON…
3/9 – “The Livest One” – 7th Annual Notorious B.I.G./Bad Boy Tribute
3/10 – Rhythmic Soul Dance Company presents “Broadway: The Remix”
3/17 – AfroPop Charlotte: The Bantu Experience
3/24 – Abari Game Bar 2nd Anniversary Block Party
4/7 – A Tribute to the Music of Marvin Gaye & Luther Vandross
4/14 – The Sol Kitchen presents Bobbito Garcia aka Kool Bob Love
I hope everyone has a fun and fantastic tournament weekend! Please make an effort to support your community as much as possible—eat local, shop small, attend a basketball game or two and put a smile on an extended family member’s face!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst