By Shawn D. Allison, II
Yo, what’s the word family? It seems like winter’s cold snaps has finally disappeared for good. At least until late October. But before we fire up our grills, take a gander at all the flyness going down in the QC this weekend! Yours truly, The Black Ferris Bueller, has been hitting the street and online pavement hard and I’ve found all sorts of goodies to get into! If you want to tag along, feel free to check out all the choices on my “Hot List” just below.
- THURSDAY – Dapper Street Productions presents Piano Jazz – The Intimate Series
- THURSDAY–SATURDAY – BNS Productions presents August Wilson’s “Jitney”
- THURSDAY — Community Conversation: Children First, Ending Generational Trauma at Sage Restaurant & Lounge
- FRIDAY — Deep Vibes Friday Nights at Camp North End 2019
- FRIDAY — Using Your Unique: Artist Branding Workshop
- SATURDAY — Charlotte Artsy Folks’ Hampton University Art Museum Tour
- SATURDAY — African Diaspora International Festival
- SATURDAY – Wellness Health Showcase
- SATURDAY — Charlotte X Kumasi: Art and Culture Festival
- SATURDAY – Freaquency360 LIVE at Tip Top Daily Market
- SATURDAY – Brut Beat LIVE Album Recording/Tall Black Guy w/ Preach Jacobs at Snug Harbor
- SATURDAY – AfroPop Charlotte, Vol. 31 at Crown Station
- SUNDAY — Intro to Tibetan Singing Bowls Wellness Workshop
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, MAY 16——-
Dapper Street Productions invites you to start your weekend on an infatuated artistic vibe as they proudly present Piano Jazz – The Intimate Series this evening. Take a load off and come experience the passion of Dapper Street Jazz Band with special guest vocalist Dawn Anthony setting the mood with a special Torch Song & Blues medley. Admission is FREE to attend and there will be light refreshments available. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and will be held at the Sugar Creek Library Branch. 4045 N. Tryon St.
Why do some artists choose photography? How does the camera allow for the telling of unique stories? This evening, step into a picturesque world at The McColl Center for Art + Innovation as they hosts a special creative event, “Stimulus: Photography.” Photography brings you together with curators, photographers, and visual artists to discuss these questions and more. Join McColl Center alumnus artist Ben Premeaux, photographers Melissa Alexander, Gina Esquivel, and Mitchell Kearney and visual artist William Paul Thomas as they talk about their relationship with photography and the creative process behind their works. Jonell Jaime Logan, independent curator and executive director of the Charlotte League of Creative Interventionists, leads and moderates the conversation. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://53393.blackbaudhosting.com/53393/Stimulus-16May2019. The event will begin at 6 p.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
In recognition of National Mental Health, National Foster Care and National Trauma Awareness Month, Alexander Youth Network and Justice Initiatives invites you out for a special dialogue entitled, “Community Conversation: Children First, Ending Generational Trauma” this evening. This will be an opportunity to have open dialogue around resources, collaboration, existing legal framework and we, the community, can advocate to truly put our children first. Panelists and guests to include legislators, judges, counselors, physicians, mental health providers and community advocates. This discussion will be moderated by author Carla A. Carlisle. FREE admission but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-conversation-children-first-ending-generational-trauma-tickets-60733172554. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at Sage Restaurant. 505 E. 6th St. in Uptown.
The stunning and multi-talented Arsena Schroeder of Dear Soul Music Company, LLC. invites you to cast your cares away and experience a collection of eclectic entertainment as she hosts FREE: Unplugged + Live Featuring Ke’Andra and J Macks! This riveting showcase highlights local singer-songwriters in an intimate, acoustic setting. The features for this episode are local vocalists, soul sisters Jessica Macks and Ke’Andra. Admission is $FREE.99. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at Unwind Tea & Coffee House. 333 Main St. in Pineville.
The esteemed Rory D. Sheriff of BNS Productions is proud to bring you the return of one of theatre’s most acclaimed pieces—get ready for the adaptation of August Wilson’s “Jitney”! It’s the story of a gang of Black taxi cab drivers in 1970s Pittsburgh who jumble through the jungle of society battling institutional racism, gentrification, forgiveness and definitive manhood. Filled with rousing and emotional performances from some multitalented actors, it’s a story that you do not want to miss! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/jitney-2. There are five performances this weekend: Thursday (5/9) at 7:30 p.m., Friday (5/10) at 8 p.m., Saturday (5/11) at 2:30 and 8 p.m. and Sunday (5/12) at 4 p.m. All shows will be held at The Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Touch One Productions invites you to raise the vibrations in the air this evening as they proudly present another episode of Get Lifted! Join host Jaycee the Poet as he invites you into a world where rhythmic words and rousing wit intersect effortlessly creating a colorful and relaxing atmosphere for you to enjoy. Tonight’s feature is the multi-award-winning Georgia peach of poetry, the one and only Georgia Me! If you’ve never this queen of words in person before, do yourselves a serious favor and grab a seat quickly! My brother DJ Beskep will be providing additional melodic grooves on the 1s and 2s and there will be cocktail specials running all night. Admission is FREE until 9 p.m. and $10 after. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar. 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
——FRIDAY, MAY 17——-
The Discovery Place transforms into Westeros this Friday night for a special installment of the wildly popular adult experimentation series, Science on the Rocks! Winter has arrived and it’s time to play the Game of Thrones with your favorite nobles. In tonight’s episode, you’ll get to find out how long you can protect Bran as Hodor in a “hold the door” tug-of-war challenge, attempt to defend the Night’s Watch with a catapult and The Wall, learn to fight like Podrick with Swordwinds Historical Swordfighting, embark on a collaborative woodburning activity of house sigils, become the Unburnt and light your hand on fire and much more! There will also be specialty cocktails and treats provided throughout the evening. Tickets can be purchased here: https://15106a.blackbaudhosting.com/15106a/tickets?tab=3&txobjid=1b87ef14-b89d-4a5c-803f-79124cc2bcd8&property=property&_ga=2.99501022.1182024117.1558002492-21706926.1548917256. The event will begin at 5 p.m. The Discovery Place is located at 301 N. Tryon St. in Uptown. #SOTR
Friday is here and it’s time to let the funk of the work week go and let the TRUE funk in your soul stand, shout and dance at Deep Vibes Friday Nights at Camp North End 2019! Let loose and be free as Raw Substance’s own DJ Charles Gatling sets a cool, but energetic mood complete with a fulfilling, vibrant and soulful helping of Classic House, Downtempo, Deep House, R&B, The Funk and more of that good stuff! There will be food trucks, vendors and tons of fellowship — bring all of your friends! Admission is $FREE.99. The jams start at 6 p.m. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Ave.
The weekend is hoppin’, but it’s time to get your body poppin’ and in shape as the ladies of Socafit USA invite you out to Soca Stamina Pt. 2 this evening! Come and “wuk up” your body in the evening sun as you learn and perform some traditional Soca dances as exercise to build strength and endurance as a preparation for Carnival! Please bring comfortable shoes, water and a rag to wipe your sweat. Admission is $6 per person. The class will begin at 6:30 at Freedom Park. 1900 East Blvd. in the Dilworth Neighborhood.
Are you a local creative and desire to enhance your brand for more a more lucrative appeal? If so, Dear Soul Music Co. invites you out to Camp North End for the Using Your Unique: Artist Branding Workshop this evening. This 4-week program for emerging creatives looking to market and present their creative works. In this series, participants learn healthy marketing and branding skills to aid them in their efforts through a course-end photo shoot, and social media & graphic design tips. Today’s lesson is entitled, “Intro to Using Your Unique: Defining Your Brand.” All classes will be taught by singer, instrumentalist and Dear Soul Music Co. founder Arsena Schroeder. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/using-your-unique-artist-branding-workshop-tickets-58400884618. The session will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Hygge Coworking at Camp North End. 330 Camp Rd.
The good people of Jazz N’ Soul Music are back with a special Friday 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 Soul Jazz.” Armed with a fine-tuned guitar, melodic keys and rhythmic drums, The Calvin Edwards Trio always gives a quality performance. From classic Soul and R&B covers, this trio provides that organic down home flavor like sitting at grandma’s house listening to old 45’s. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-calvin-edwards-trio-a-soul-jazz-and-blues-journey-fri-may-17th-700-and-930p-the-loft-and-cellar-tickets-59801867997. There will be two performances this evening at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. at Loft & Cellar. 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.
——-SATURDAY, MAY 18——-
If you’re in the mood to get out of Charlotte for the day, get on the bus for the Charlotte Artsy Folks’ Hampton University Art Museum Tour! Join your hosts of Charlotte Artsy Folks — Quincy Lee, Katrina Pride, Keith Cradle and Christy Ross Lee as you spend the morning on the open highway and spend the day at Hampton University in this fun, educational exhibition to interact with art collectors and local artists. There will be raffles to win original pieces of art work to start your art collection or add to it. Also, each person will receive a discount on art framing. Hampton University’s Museum is home to one of the most important collections of African-American art in the country. For ticket purchases, departure times and additional info, please visit this link here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hampton-university-art-tour-ti….
Get in rhythm at The Gantt Center this morning and come out for another round of the Moving Spirits Dance Workshop! For today’s episode, join host, dancer, choreographer, and founder of Moving Spirits, Inc., Tamara Williams for the Variations of Samba Dance Class. Samba was created by African people in Brazil from the music and dance culture they brought from Africa, with origins from the Congo and Angola. Samba-reggae is a mix of reggae beats created by Samba drums. It has birthed a style of African-influenced dance which has been obtained from the styles of Afro-Brazilian and candomble dance. These African diaspora forms are a study of the connections between the rhythms and the traditional movement, archetype and story, and spirituality interpreted as an art form. Tickets can be purchased here: https://give.ganttcenter.org/checkout/10530. The class will begin at 11 a.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Everyone rise, shine and be proud as The Dew Group invites you out to the African Diaspora International Festival! Come and experience the various flavors of worldwide Black pride with all sorts of cultural traditions, dances, foods, music, drumming, poetry, songs and art from several African and Caribbean nations. Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 11 a.m. at C.N. Jenkins Memorial Presbyterian Church. 1421 Statesville Ave.
Come and get your mind, body and soul right as A Place of Healing invites you out to the Wellness Health Showcase this afternoon! This is a great opportunity to explore the amazing options of wellness that we have locally in the Queen City. You’ll experience live demonstrations, panel discussions and vendors in the areas of acupuncture, womb therapy, emotional freedom tapping, intuitive healing, herbalists, nutrition, Reiki, massage therapy and much more! There will also be vendors with products and services of the aforementioned areas of wellness. Admission is FREE and open to the public. The event will begin at 12 noon at the McCrorey Family YMCA. 3801 Beatties Ford Rd.
Join ourBRIDGE Kids this afternoon for some family fun at the Charlotte X Kumasi: Art and Culture Festival! Did you know Kumasi, Ghana is one of Charlotte’s sister cities? In conjunction with Charlotte International Cabinet and the University of Ghana Learning Centers, come explore the connection of these two cities with some art, dancing, arts & crafts, music by DJ Atomix and authentic Ghanaian cuisine from Mama Gee’s West African Take-Out. FREE admission. The event will begin at 12 noon. ourBRIDGE Kids is located at 3925 Willard Farrow Dr. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Kings and queens, take a royal stride down to Independence Park this afternoon and come out for the 5th Annual Queen City Naturals in the Park! Bask in this glorious day to commemorate the allure that is uniquely you with a bevy of games, food, family activities, live music, local vendors, giveaways, fellowship and more! The event is hosted by The Alesia Thomas Foundation, Inc. Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 2 p.m. Independence Park is located at 300 Hawthorne Ln. in Uptown.
Also on Saturday afternoon, slide out to Tip Top Daily Market for another installment of the not-your-average networking jam session entitled, Freaquency360 LIVE! This gathering of creatives will feature some dope music of course, but at the core its main focus is to create a platform for artists and art enthusiasts to meet, greet and collectively share positive vibrations. Today’s focus will highlight the magnificence of homegrown multi-talented cultural maven Jasiatic Anderson — hear her story about how Su Casa came to be as well as managing several elements of her creative output. Also, you’ll hear some words of wisdom, wit and insight from Hip Hop Renaissance Man SlopFunkDust as he gives some colorful input about the business of music. Sounds will be provided by my good brother DJ Ray Krol on the 1s & 2s and this event will be hosted by Jah Freedom. Admission is FREE. The event will begin at 2:30 p.m. Tip Top Daily Market is located at 2902 The Plaza Rd.
Three of Charlotte’s FINEST take the stage this Saturday afternoon giving you taking you on a funky ride at the Uptown Vibes Day Party! Join my brothers The Mighty DJ DR, Celebrity DJ Shogun and Al Lindstrom giving you the best of Classic Hip Hop Soul, R&B, House, Funk, Reggae and more flyness! There will be plenty of drink and meal specials to enhance your experience! Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uptown-vibes-day-party-tickets…. 3 p.m. at Loft & Cellar. 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.
Get ready for a huge Latin-flavored explosion at the 11th Annual Charlotte Cuban Festival! Bring the family out for some vibrant live music performances, fun kids’ activities, arts and crafts and delicious Cuban cuisine as you experience the history and culture of Cuba! Admission is FREE until 5 p.m. and $5 after. The festival will begin at 3 p.m. at A Piece of Havana Restaurant. 11126 S. Tryon St.
Brothers & Sisters, Radio Rehab Carolinas invites you to come and be a part of history as Charlotte’s best newest & hottest groove machine, Brut Beat records their first album LIVE! Although they are essentially a jazz quartet, Brut Beat concocts their creative output from a collage of various musical foundations — from Afrobeat to heavy Punk Rock, Freeform/Bebop/ Fusion Jazz and Classic Hip Hop flavor mixing a blend of intricate rhythms. They are precise and punctual as they are funky and formidable — but don’t take it from me, Come scope out the sounds for yourself! There will also be performances from the incomparable soul rockstress LeAnna Eden, the sultry Mara Robbins, the lively emcee with a loveable flow Indigo JO, and the infamous percussionist/producer Justin Aswell and Charlotte’s most beloved turntablist That Guy Smitty dropping off nothing but that #EarholeGoodness setting your Saturday off with his extensive elements of funk and frequency! And of course, our very own Bluz will be on post as your host with the most! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brut-beat-live-album-recording-tickets-60662434976. Doors open at 4 and the show will begin at 5 p.m. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Everyone head Uptown and get on the move at Charlotte’s inaugural Party In The Park | Relay 4 Life this evening! Bring the entire family Uptown for a taste of a variety of food trucks, celebrity guests, a live performance by a special Grammy-nominated group, vendors and a diverse array of tunes provided by The Dynamic DJ Kato. This event is presented by A Party Life, IT Factor Media and Relay For Life of Charlotte. FREE RSVPs and ticket purchases can be made here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inaugural-party-in-the-park-for-relay-2019-tickets-59897166036. The party starts at 9 p.m. at First Ward Park. E. 8th St. and N. Brevard St. in Uptown.
The sun may be out, but the fine folks of The Bantu Fete Team are turning up the heat some more this Saturday night with AfroPop Charlotte — Vol.31! Experience Mama Africa in style with two of the QC’s hardest working sound maestros, The Dynamic DJ Kato and DJ Steel Wheel for an unforgettable night of Afrobeats, Afro-House, Soca, Reggae, Dancehall, Latin flavors, Hip Hop, R&B, some live African drumming thrown in the mix and much, much more! Also, be sure to support the various vendors supplying lots of garments, jewelry, accessories, homemade skin and hair products and more! Presented by The Culture Cooperative, Africana Connections and DRC ApeParel. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afropop-charlotte-vol31-afrobe… The party starts at 9:30 p.m. at Crown Station. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Charlotte’s coolest crew is back one mo’ gin’ for some Saturday seriousness and this time, it’s time to look up — WAY up and get even more lifted as Radio Rehab Carolinas and The Sol Kitchen presents Tall Black Guy with Preach Jacobs! Literally a giant in person, Tall Black Guy is an even bigger presence on the music scene with noteworthy production credits, instrumental skills and he’s pretty doggone dope on the wheels of steel too! His immaculate musical skills simultaneously draw you in, leave you speechless and bring out the inner flavor from out your ears! Joining him, will be my creative comrade, MC and DJ Preach Jacobs — who’s got a knack for digging in the crates for fly tracks and showing other DJs why they shouldn’t be a hack — or if they transition wrong, they just might get whacked! Tickets to this amazing show can be purchased here: https://snugrock.tunestub.com/event.cfm?cart&id=297930. Jump off is at 10 p.m. at Snug Harbor. 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
And for that late night chill with all of the Hip Hop feels, head up to nearby Huntersville for The Pangea Cool-Out! Join my good brothers 1/2 of the JETA Team, Chief Rocka AkingAllah and supersonic sound man DJ Chance as they rock the spot with a healthy dose of Classic Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, Pop, Reggae, Quiet Storm grooves and more! There will be plenty of drink & meal specials to enhance your experience. Tables start turning at 10 p.m. Pangea Tapas Bar and Grill is located at 13016 Eastfield Rd., Suite B-100 in Huntersville.
——-SUNDAY, MAY 19——-
This afternoon, join Eternity Philops of Soul Liberation Holistic Wellness as she invites you out for a relaxing session of inner vision at the Intro to Tibetan Singing Bowls Wellness Workshop. Sound therapy is an approach to healing through vibrational energy. There are many ways to experience sound therapy, with one of the most popular methods being with Tibetan singing bowls. In this wellness workshop, we will explore the cultural background and spiritual significance of Tibetan singing bowls. Together we will practice learning how to make our bowls “sing” as well as identifying the frequencies of our individual bowls. Students will also be guided to create their own healing sound meditation rituals. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wellness-workshop-intro-to-tibetan-singing-bowls-registration-59909041556. The class will begin at 12 noon at Soul Liberation & Wellness Center. 4822 Albemarle Rd., Suite #305.
The Sol Kitchen is ready to turn up the heat this afternoon as they proudly present I Love Sundayz: Day Party Series! Come experience the coolness of Uptown with two of Charlotte’s HOTTEST – The Dynamic DJ Kato & DJ Shaun Nyce aka The Blend King rockin’ out the dopeness ranging from Classic Hip Hop, Top 40, R&B, House, Go-Go, Afrobeats, Reggae, Soul and much more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-love-sundayz-day-party-series-tickets-59253808737. The party starts at 3 p.m. at Vine Nightclub. 222 S. Church St. in Uptown.
Ladies, bring a towel, bring your friends and bring your heels out to the Heel Couture Dance Class this evening! Get in your sexy stance and learn some sensual and scintillating dance techniques from Rhythmic Groovement’s dance instructor Devante Terrell. These moves are featured in the dance videos by Aliya Janell, Yanis Marshall and other notable dancers and choreographers that can be purposeful for yourself or that special someone! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/heel-couture-class-by-rhythmatic-groovement-tickets-61012762816. This event is presented by Lioness Business Group Productions. The class will begin at 7 p.m. at 514 E. 15th St. in the Belmont Neighborhood.
COMING SOON…
5/23 – Mosaic Live presents “Bars & Beats”
5/24 — This Is Art | This Is Public Health
5/27 – 3rd Annual Jazz Under the Stars
5/31 — LET LOVE: A Conversation with Common & Bishop Claude Alexander
6/7 — AfroPop! Charlotte: The Block Party, Vol. 3
6/7 — PURPLE NOTE 4: Celebrating The Life Of Prince Through Jazz
6/7 – The Sol Kitcken presents “A King & A Prince w/ Mad Skillz”
6/8 — Attending An HBCU: Lunch & Learn
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst