By Shawn D. Allison, II
Greetings to you all and Happy International Women’s Day! On behalf of
PRIDE Magazine, I celebrate each and every woman out there doing their thing and making humanity better and more beautiful. And if you want to continue the celebration into the weekend, “The Rundown” has got all sorts of things for you to enjoy and radiate your heavenly glow wherever you go! If you want to know what’s really the business this weekend, check out my “Hot List” and see for yourselves!
- THURSDAY-FRIDAY — “The Mountaintop” at Queens University
- THURSDAY – International Women’s Day Celebration at Beatties Ford Regional Library Branch
- THURSDAY — Race & The Media Panel Discussion at CPCC Main Campus
- FRIDAY – Diggers Delight presents Simon SMTHNG at Dupp & Swat Concept
- FRIDAY – Documentary screening of “1804: The Hidden History of Haiti” at The International House
- FRIDAY – Soul Session feat. Gena Chambers at The Morehead Tavern
- FRIDAY – “The Livest One” – 7th Annual Notorious B.I.G. + Bad Boy Tribute at Loft & Cellar
- SATURDAY – PowerHouse Project presents “Loving Me & Hip Hop” at Bette Rae Thomas Rec Center
- SATURDAY – Rhythmic Soul Dance Company presents “Broadway: The Remix” at JCSU
- SATURDAY – 2nd Annual Nevins Chili Cook-Off at Resident Culture Brewing Co.
- SATURDAY – “I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party/The Soundtracks” at Sports One Bar & Lounge
- SATURDAY – 2nd Annual #RePurposedCLT: An Upcycled Fashion Show + Auction at Warehouse 242
- SUNDAY – Soul Food Sunday at Cuzzo’s Cuisine
- SUNDAY – Classic Black Cinema Series screening of “St. Louis Blues” at The Gantt Center
- MONDAY – Soul Food Sessions CLT presents “The Afrodisiac Dinner” at 7th Street Public Market
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 8——-
Celebrate International Women’s Day at the Beatties Ford Regional Library and get engaged in an intentional conversation around, culture, gender parity, economics, social justice, and human rights issues that affect women in our community and around the world. By relaxing and recharging with meaningful conversation, sharing of local resources and inspiration, the goal is to make a positive influence in every women’s life. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/international-womens-day-tickets-42995563889. The event will begin at 5 p.m. The library is located at 2412 Beatties Ford Rd. #PressForProgress
Calling all art enthusiasts—head over to Grace on Brevard and join the creative board of BOOM Charlotte for a special Happy Hour Social! This is a gathering of entrepreneurs and artists interested in supporting each other and BOOM CLT. There will be a few sneak-peak performances, art displays and information on volunteering and supporting the upcoming 3rd Annual BOOM Performing Arts Festival. There will also be info about Innovate Charlotte’s work with local entrepreneurs, fresh crafts from NoDa Brewing Co. and delicious food from TIN Kitchen for purchase. The event is FREE attend. 5:30 p.m. Grace on Brevard is located at 219 S. Brevard St. in Uptown.
Join BriGGsing this Thursday at Wooden Robot Brewery for the March installment of the Thirsty Thursday Brewery Tour! You’ll get to see the inner workings of this Uptown Charlotte nest egg and learn how their Belgian-style traditional beer became a hit in America and enjoy some fresh brews! This tour is also a great way to connect with the community and meet new and exciting people. Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Wooden Robot Brewery is located at 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
For some true adult fun, head over to Petra’s this evening for another sound of “Potions & Pixels: Video Games, Board Games and Community.” This time around, in addition to all of your favorite retro, modern and indie video and board games, they invite you to step into the vivid world of virtual reality! Admission is only $8. Bring as many friends as you desire and have a good time! The games begin at 7 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #PotionsAndPixels
Join Central Piedmont Community College for a very special community dialogue entitled, “Race & The Media Panel Discussion.” How do journalists determine when it’s appropriate to mention race in a news story? What types of conversations happen in newsrooms when racial tensions are high in the city? Can local viewers and readers influence how race is covered in the news? A esteemed panel of current and former journalists, share their perspectives on these questions and more. If you choose to ask questions to the panel, please submit them by filling out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzzoJAq6U4TQpxgaiEvfRStDO8clx1XztgpSXcn0Pwpx0BxA/viewform. Admission is FREE to attend. The event will begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at Tate Hall at CPCC Main Campus. 1206 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.
Join Charlotte’s own A Sign Of The Times band at Little Rock AME Zion Church as they proudly present the final installment of 2018 Diggin’ Black History Thru Music and Dance this evening! This multisensory showcase is a historical exploration into the contributions and struggles of Africans and African Americans, as presented through spoken word, music and dance. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-diggin-black-history-thru-music-and-dance-tickets-42293079740. The event will begin at 7 p.m. 401 N. McDowell St. in Uptown.
The Actors Theatre of Charlotte is proud to present to you Katori Hall’s acclaimed piece, “The Mountaintop” this weekend. “The Mountaintop” is gripping re-imagination of events the night before the assassination of the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On April 3, 1968, after delivering one of his most memorable speeches, an exhausted Dr. King retires to his room at the Lorraine Motel while a storm rages outside. When a mysterious stranger arrives with some surprising news, King is forced to confront his destiny and his legacy to his people. This play is directed by April A. Jones and stars Gerard Hazelton and Erica Truesdale. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/the-mountaintop-1. Tonight is “Pay-What-You-Can-Night”. Performances will begin Thursday (3/8) at 7:30 p.m. and Friday (3/9) at 8 p.m. at Hadley Theater on the campus of Queens University. 2132 Radcliffe Ave. in the Myers Park Neighborhood.
The good people of Jazz N’ Soul Music are back with a special Thursday night cool down and tonight’s guest is no stranger to the Queen City— come feel the energy of The Calvin Edwards Trio as they provide “A Night of Smokin’ Blues & Soul Jazz.” Smooth covers and original tunes with feel-good vibe! Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-calvin-edwards-trio-a-night-of-smokin-blues-and-soul-jazz-free-rsvp-tickets-43656654228. Performance starts at 8 p.m. and it’ll be held at The Morehead Tavern located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
——-FRIDAY, MARCH 9——-
Ladies and open-minded gentlemen, Silent ATL invites you out to Dupp & Swat for “Booze & Nudes” this evening! Instead of the usual protocol of painting an element of nature, come re-create your own wonder of Mother Nature on canvas featuring a live nude male model. All male models are handpicked professionals who will be posing as you channel your inner artist. This event is great for a girls’ night out, an adventurous date or just a spicy way to start your weekend! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/booze-nudes-sip-and-paint-w-nude-male-model-tickets-42218120535. Tickets will include all art supplies, unlimited wine and of course, some delicious eye candy! 6 p.m. 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
PCO (Palestinian Cultural Organization) & PACC (Palestinian American Community Center) invites you out to UNCC Main Campus for a very special performance from Dal’ouna Ensemble & Children of the Stone this evening. The tour will celebrate Palestinian musician and educator Ramzi Aburedwan and his belief in the power of music and culture to transform lives and resist oppression. Come and enjoy this beautiful arrangement of Palestinian classical music expressing the hopes of people who seek peace and freedom. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dalouna-ensemble-tickets-42599927530. All ages are welcome. The performance will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Cone Center, inside McKnight Hall at UNCC. 9201 University City Blvd.
Diggers Delight is back to add some flavor to your Friday night – join the dynamic duo, Flock of Slagles and UNTAMD as they host Simon SMTHNG performing live this evening! Simon SMTHNG is a brilliant up-and-coming Hip Hop instrumentalist who has quite an ear for experimental sonic frequencies. His style is vivid, colorful and above all else, just really dope! Come experience some fly sounds from his new album, “You Will Know Fear” as well as some made-from-scratch-from-record-digging joints! Admission is FREE. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at Dupp & Swat Concept at Camp North End. 1824 Statesville Ave. #DiggersDelight
This evening, join my friends of the online grassroots community initiative, Building Africa’s Future for a very special screening of the newly-released documentary “1804 – The Hidden History of Haiti.” Produced by the creator of the best-selling Hidden Colors film series, Tariq Nasheed, “1804” goes in-depth about the four principal players who were instrumental in the Haitian Revolution and the gain of Haiti’s independence: Makandal, Dutty Bookman, Toussaint L’ Ouverture, and Jean-Jacques Dessalines. This documentary gives a competing look into the strategies, the motivation and the mindset that led to Haiti being the only slave population who successfully overthrew their oppressors. Following the film will be a discussion led by the lovely Nkiru Obi. Admission is FREE to attend. The film will begin at 7 p.m. at The International House. 1817 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
J Macks Entertainment invites you out for a soulful evening at The Morehead Tavern as they proudly present Soul Session featuring Gena Chambers! Come and feel relaxing and invigorating tunes put your ears at ease on this Friday night. Ms. Chambers’ voice is both soothing and powerful as she is able to intertwine in a variety of styles and deliver a phenomenal performance every time she sets foot on stage! Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soul-sessions-with-gena-chambers-tickets-43461265816. Doors open at 8 and the show starts at 9 p.m. The Morehead Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
The weekend has arrived and now it’s time to relax as Buck Long & Friends proudly presents an evening with Willie Walker & Conversation Piece! Come experience one of Charlotte’s finest instrumental collectives filled with rousing melodies and pulsating grooves guaranteed to make you feel good! There will be drink and meal specials available to enhance your experience. Admission is $10 per person. Doors open at 8 and the band strikes at 9 p.m. The show will be held at ROC’s Jazz Bar. 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. near Uptown.
Once again it’s on—The JETA Team in partnership with DRC ApeParel fills your Friday night with all of their flyness as they invite you out to Loft & Cellar to “The Livest One: The 7th Annual Notorious B.I.G. + Bad Boy Tribute!” Come get in a Brooklyn state of mind as “The Mash Out King” DJ Skillz and The Mighty DJ DR rocks all the classics from the legendary Bad Boy label and honoring one of Hip Hop’s greatest MCs on this day of remembrance! Dress code is fresh to def, Coogi down to the socks, red and black lumberjack with the hat to match or whatever creative and colorful schemes you can think of! This event is sponsored by the good folks at No Grease Barbershop, Inc. Tickets can be purchased here: https://bigtribute7.brownpapertickets.com. The party starts at 9 p.m. Loft & Cellar is located at 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown. #TheJETATeam #DRCApeParel
——-SATURDAY, MARCH 10——-
This morning, join the PowerHouse Project for a special community social entitled “Loving Me & Hip Hop.” This 90’s theme event will feature community education and empowerment with a focus on National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. There will be FREE and confidential rapid HIV testing, guest speakers, vendors, food, music and giveaways. Admission is FREE and open to the public. The event will begin at 10 a.m. at The Bette Rae Thomas Rec Center. 2921 Tuckaseegee Rd.
After an eventful CIAA Tournament week, Moxie Society has revved up their engines and is back on the street with another “I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party!” Gather your friends, grab some delicious eats and get your fix of fun with DJ ’06 rocks out the best of classic 90s Hip Hop and R&B! Also, for a special treat, take a gander at Silas Boyd creating some art inspired by the street and meet local author Angelique Boyd, of “Goodnight Heartache” which is a novel that describes the challenging and inspiring journey of a young woman who adores 90’s Hip Hop greatness. Admission is FREE to attend, and trust me you’ll enjoy this joint from beginning to end! 11 a.m. at Sports One Bar & Lounge. 521 N. College St. in Uptown.
The wait is over—it’s time to feel the power of the groove as the Rhythmic Soul Dance Company proudly presents “Broadway: The Remix!” Get ready for a day full of hi-octane, colorful, vibrant routines in a totally brilliant kaleidoscope of various dance styles! Several dance teams will compete in several categories including: Junior & Senior Solo/Duo/Trio, Small & Large Groups and Production Teams (creative dance). Also, there will be a special Junior & Senior Stand Battle Competition. Your host for this grand event is Rhythmic Soul Dance Company founder, the lovely Siobhan Washington and the maestro for this throw down will be my brother DJ Steel Wheel. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rsdc-dance-and-standbattle-competition-tickets-42399345584. The event will begin at 11 a.m. inside the Brayboy Gymnasium at JCSU. 100 Beatties Ford Rd.
Join the clever craft crew known as Liberate Your Palate CLT for another special session that’s sure to add spice to your spirits! This afternoon, get ready for “More Than the Basics: Brunch Cocktail Class.” There’s always an excuse to drink at brunch — a birthday, holiday, or simple fact that you survived the work week might merit a pour of something festive. And fortunately, there’s never been a better time for brunch cocktails. Brunch cocktails are becoming more creative, innovative, and modern. In this class we will explore how to create a refined Bloody Mary to your taste, a fruity take on our signature Morning Margarita and the world’s prettiest Pimm’s Cup. You will get to enjoy three full-sized cocktails, light bites and some live music. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.liberateyourpalate.com/passbook/charlottecocktailclass-9tm6t-nxwzl-32j9x-63yb7. The event will begin a 12 noon at Nest Restaurant & Lounge. 505 E. 6th St. in Uptown.
Attention sneaker heads—head down to the Carole A. Hoefener Center this afternoon and get ready for Sneakers Over Everything! This is a great chance to scoop up some Spring and Summertime kicks in this buy/sell/trade expo filled with a huge selection of sneakers featuring retro and classic favorites. Food and drink is not permitted inside the building. Admission is $15 per person. 12 noon. 615 E. 6th St. in Uptown.
What’s one of the best foods for cool, chilly weather? Chili! Grab your family, friends and appetites because it’s time for the 2nd Annual Nevins Chili Cook-Off! Get your afternoon grub on and sample some delicious chili from several restaurants and individual cooking teams. There will be live music, raffle prizes, games, giveaways and lots more! Admission is $15 per person and can be purchased at the gate or here: https://www.paypal.com/webapps/shoppingcart?flowlogging_id=9c540b0b6c8d1&mfid=1520524255990_9c540b0b6c8d1#/checkout/openButton. The fun starts at 12 noon at Resident Culture Brewing Co. 2101 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Calling all music nerds! Head out to Midwood Country Club for the Midwood Music Swap Meet this afternoon! Bring all your friends out for some good ol’ fashioned community congregation with over 20 vendors selling/buying/trading everything from used instruments, hi-fi gadgets, classic vinyl LPs and more! The event will begin at 1 p.m. Midwood Country Club is located at 2123 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
For the second half of Charlotte’s best brunch experience, join Moxie Society at Sports One Bar & Lounge for a very special segment of the I Still Love The 90s Day Party entitled, “The Soundtracks!” Join DJ Shogun as he mixes and blends the hottest songs from your favorite 90s flicks! “Poetic Justice”, “Juice”, “Brown Sugar”, “Boomerang”, “Friday”, “Menace II Society”, “Boyz N the Hood”, “House Party”, “Belly”, “Mo’ Better Blues” and more! Admission is FREE and the tables start turning at 4 p.m. 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
Everyone get your threads together and come on down to Warehouse 242 for the second annual specialty social soiree entitled, “#RePurposedCLT: An Upcycled Fashion Show + Auction.” Join more than a dozen local fashion and accessory designers who have scoured through Goodwill, Value Village and a variety of thrift/consignment stores to create some timeless, environmentally-amicable, upcycled masterpieces turning trash into treasures! Presented by CrownKeepers and the City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services, #RePurposedCLT will educate local residents about upcycling while encouraging them to consider this option as a way to reduce waste. Local vendors will also be present too with fully-stocked tables of their creative merchandise for sale. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/repurposedclt-an-upcycled-fashion-furniture-show-tickets-40752647265. The event will begin at 5 p.m. Warehouse 242 is located at 2307 Wilkinson Blvd.
——-SUNDAY, MARCH 11——-
Slide out to Cuzzo’s Cuisine Food Truck mothership brick & mortar location for the Soul Food Sunday Buffet! Whether you’re leaving church or just out enjoying this gorgeous Charlotte weather, put your stomach in the mix with a delicious fix of your favorite soul food menu items — Cajun fried chicken, collard greens, macaroni & cheese, greens beans, rice pilaf, fish, green beans, World Famous Lobster Mac & Cheese and lots more! Admission is $15 per person and the buffet will run from 12 noon – 5 p.m. 3418 Tuckaseegee Rd.
This afternoon, join Mr. Felix Curtis at The Gantt Center as he hosts the March segment of Classic Black Cinema Series! Today’s feature is the 1958 classic, “St. Louis Blues” starring the late, great Nat King Cole. It’s the story of Will Handy who grew up in Memphis with his preacher father and his Aunt Hagar. Will’s father intends for him to use his musical gifts only in church, but Will can’t stay away from the music of the streets. After he writes a theme song for a local politician, Gogo, a speakeasy singer, convinces Will to be her accompanist. Will is estranged from his father while he writes and publishes many blues songs. At last, after many years, the family is reunited when Gogo brings them to New York to see Will’s music played by a symphony orchestra. There will be refreshments provided. The film screening is FREE along with museum admission. 2 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Head over to the Mint Museum Randolph branch for a special Art of Public Reading Tour this afternoon. Bring the family out as you delve into a book tour for “The Lacuna”, an epic journey from the point of view of Mexico of artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera to the America of Pearl Harbor, FDR, and J. Edgar Hoover. After discussion, take a docent-led tour of Spanish Colonial, Pre-Colombian, Mayan and Mexican galleries. See selected works that bring to life events and cultures depicted in Barbara Kingsolver’s 2010 Orange Prize winning work. The tour is FREE with museum admission but please be sure to RSVP here: https://13800.blackbaudhosting.com/13800/The-Lacuna-Public-Tour. The event will begin at 2 p.m. The museum is located at 2730 Randolph Rd.
Join Ms. Eternity Philops this afternoon at Yoga Warrior Studio as she hosts a Soul Liberation Yoga Community Class. Soul Liberation Yoga is about delving deeper into self and connecting mind, body, and energy through the lens of Black culture and experiences. It focuses on inner transformation by creating holistic union with all aspects of our divine Black being: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Students of Soul Liberation Yoga are guided to go beyond body poses, to explore Yoga and self-care on a more conscious level that affirms their Black identities. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soul-liberation-yoga-community-class-registration-43792440368. The session starts at 3 p.m. Yoga Warrior Studio is located at 1200 E. Morehead St., Suite #190.
Ladies, do you already have a business, brewing goals or an aspiring entrepreneur or just want to network and be inspired by some women bosses? If so, head down to Project 658 and join Anchor’D Events and Queendom of NC for “Bosses Do Brunch” this afternoon! March is Women’s History Month so it’s only right to celebrating local lady bosses who are making HERstory! Join your beautiful host Davita “Miss Swatty” Galloway and an amazing panel as they touch on balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, business taxes/finance ,PR moves and Startups just to name a few! And of course, be sure to partake some networking, community building and enjoying all of the delicious foods and mimosas prepared for this event! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bosses-do-brunch-tickets-42791798421. The event will begin at 4 p.m. Project 658 is located at 3646 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Soulful Sundays has been capping off your weekends for some time and tonight, come out for their 4-Year Anniversary Celebration! Get ready for an evening of sonic frequency, poetic creativity and the love of community featuring Kobie Keys, Rome D’ Carlo, A Poet Named Superman, fresh tunes provided by DJ Strategy and canvassed essence from the lovely Jade the Artist. Also, this is the one year anniversary celebration of one of Charlotte’s fastest-growing independent marketing and advertising firms, SociaLight! It’s an evening of Black excellence and prosperity and you do not want to miss this! Doors open at 7 and the event will begin at 8 p.m. at Red@28th. 9539 Pinnacle Dr. in the University Area.
——-MONDAY, MARCH 12——-
Charlotte’s only Black-owned and operated culinary collective, Soul Food Sessions CLT is back for the month of March as the present this month’s delight entitled, “The Afrodisiac Dinner!” Join kitchen maestros Anthony Denning, Robert Knight, Cornelius Hodge, Michael Bowling, Jamie Suddoth, Jamie Barnes, Greg Williams, Michael Bowling and Greg Collier as they present a multisensory, multi-course feast full of soulful aphrodisiacs so good your taste buds won’t require any prophylactics! Also, while you enjoy these fine eats, mixologists DiSean Burns and Justin Hazelton will be manning the bar crafting all sorts of special spirits. So if you want an eclectic Monday night dinner option complete with culture, creativity and conversation—this is the joint for you! Tickets can be purchased here: https://wix.tickettailor.com/checkout/view-event/id/74343/chk/8834/ref/website_widget/compId/comp-j98q53gy. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at the 7th Street Public Market. 224 E. 7th St. in Uptown. #SoulFoodSessionsCLT
COMING SOON…
3/15 — Dooby Shop School of Cosmetology Open House & Networking Mixer
3/16 – Dapper Hour: Best Foot Forward
3/17 – AfroPop CLT: The Bantu Experience
3/17 – A Very Dangerous Fundraiser
3/21 – Hump Day 3.0
3/23 – Black Linen Album Release
3/24 – Abari Game Bar 2nd Anniversary Block Party
3/30 — Detroit Rising: A Cosmic Jazz Funk Adventure Listening 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”
“We can say “Peace on Earth.” We can sing about it, preach about it or pray about it, but if we have not internalized the mythology to make it happen inside us, then it will not be.” -Dr. Betty Shabazz
Enjoy your weekend family! Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst