By Shawn D. Allison, II
My people, greetings to each and every one of you! We have a three-day weekend on our hands with lots of stuff to get into! So while you find time to indulge in barbeques make sure you find time indulge in all of these goodies I have listed for you this weekend. As for me, The Black Ferris Bueller, I will be hot on the QC streets this weekend and if you want to know what’s really movin’ and shakin’, peep my Hot List just down yonder!
- THURSDAY — Beats & Bars Jam Session No. 3 at JCSU Arts Factory
- THURSDAY — MONDAY – Blk Singles CLT presents B.S. (Black Singles) Fest
- THURSDAY – FRIDAY – Opera Carolina presents “I Dream: The Story of a Preacher From Atlanta”
- THURSDAY – SATURDAY – Three Bone Theater presents “Every Brilliant Thing”
- FRIDAY – Black Food Truck Friday at Cuzzo’s Cuisine
- FRIDAY – R&B crooner Brian Christopher LIVE at Loft & Cellar
- FRIDAY – The Sound – Christian Open Mic at The Third Place
- SATURDAY — Reading Can Take You Anywhere Children’s Literacy Festival
- SATURDAY – CrownKeepers presents #TheConversationCourseCLT: The Starving Artist at Camp North End
- SATURDAY – Lobster & Beer Summer Fun Fest at Sycamore Brewing
- SATURDAY – Su Casa – The May Edition at Petra’s
- SUNDAY – A Sign of the Times presents the 2018 Straight-Ahead Jazz Series at Little Rock Cultural Center
- SUNDAY – The Sun Dipped In Black at New Era Music House
- MONDAY – Issa Vibe Adventures’ Memorial Day Family Hike
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 24——-
Celebrate the musical tradition of the Historic West End with local artists and JCSU student musicians for third revolution of a live throw down entitled Beats & Bars Jam Session No. 3! Bring your friends and family out for night of great music while learning more about Soul Junction, a two-day music festival hosted in the Historic West End. This showcase of electric jazz, soul, and funk will be led by acclaimed Charlotte multitalented Renaissance man 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-no-3-tickets-45936737017. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the JCSU Arts Factory. 1545 W. Trade St. near the JCSU Main Campus.
Start your weekend off on a tropical note and head down to Istanbul Hookah Lounge for the WORLDL!T After-Work International Kickback this evening! Bring all your friends and colleagues out for some cocktails, mingling and networking as my good brother DJ Steel Wheel takes you on a worldwide journey of musical splendor! WORLDL!T is about celebrating the rich, international, cultural fabric here in the Charlotte community. We bring you the world through parties and events. Their goal is to promote cross-cultural exchange, pay homage to our immigrant communities and provide a local but international escape for those seeking new experiences, or those looking for a taste of home. Admission is FREE and the relaxation starts at 6 p.m. Istanbul Hookah Lounge is located at 138 Brevard Ct. in Uptown.
Some new social flavor is in the QC and this weekend, join in the festivities as Blk Singles CLT hosts the inaugural B.S. (Black Singles) Fest! Kick off your Memorial Day weekend with all sorts of fly activities geared towards interconnecting with a variety of Charlotte’s most eager and progressive Chocolate bachelors and bachelorettes! This entire weekend is full of fun and who knows – you just might meet that special someone! For the full event lineup and ticket purchases, please visit this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-bs-black-singles-fest-tickets-46256652894. #BlkSinglesCLT
This weekend, enjoy a theatrical treat as Opera Carolina proudly presents the riveting stage production, “I Dream: The Story of a Preacher From Atlanta.” Set over the final 36 hours of Dr. King’s life, “I Dream” celebrates the man, his inner struggles and the movement he championed. This very human story looks back on the early days of the movement that would reshape America and transform the preacher from Atlanta into an American icon. “I Dream”, the rhythm & blues opera by Douglas Tappin, is being produced for the 50th commemoration of Dr. King’s assassination and coincides with the 55th anniversary of his historic March on Washington. Using opera, jazz and popular musical styles, composer/librettist Tappin honors the man and the legend who became almost mythical in his pursuit of a dream. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/opera-carolina-i-dream. There will be two final performances this weekend: Thursday (5/24) and Friday (5/25) at 7:30 p.m. Both shows will be held at the Knight Theater. 430 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Three Bone Theatre is back for a special and hilarious Spring production entitled, “Every Brilliant Thing.” The girl is seven. Mom’s in the hospital and finds it hard to be happy. The girl starts a list of everything that’s brilliant about the world. Everything that’s worth living for. The list takes on a life of its own as the girl grows up, facing her own challenges with mental illness. In this remarkable one-woman show, the audience is enlisted as co-conspirators in the plot to celebrate life. EVERY BRILLIANT THING is more than a play about depression, it’s a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience about the lengths we will go to for those we love. Robin Tynes directs the piece starring award-winning Charlotte comedienne, Tania Kelly. This production is recommended for ages 14+. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/every-brilliant-thing-by-duncan-macmillan. There will be three performances this weekend: Thursday (5/24), Friday (5/25) and Saturday (5/26) all beginning promptly at 8 p.m. All shows will be held at the Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
—–FRIDAY, MAY 25——-
Everyone bring yourselves, your mama and your cousins out to Cuzzo’s Cuisine brick and mortar stomping ground for another soulful round of Black Food Truck Friday! Come mix and mingle with the community as your favorite Chocolate culinary chariots corral around one of the most popular restaurants 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. Cuzzo’s Cuisine is located at 3418 Tuckaseegee Rd.
Parents, come and introduce your children to a fresh and unique art experience as Art Kiddo invites to their Art Play Pop-Up this evening! This interactive session will offer a variety of artistic mediums for kids to discover and explore. The mission of Art-Kiddo is to provide children with the necessary tools to discover the world of art through Spanish immersion and bilingual instruction. In their sessions, they strive to work together to enhance social/emotional skills, sensory regulation, motor skills, behavior and plat/leisure skills. Admission is FREE and all ages are welcome to participate. The event will begin at 5 p.m. at Camp North End. 1824 Statesville Ave.
Come make a joyful noise at the May edition of The Sound – Christian Open Mic this evening! This fun and faith-filled showcase of artistry is sure to lift your spirits and will put some joy in your heart! From music to dance, comedy, poetry to local youth vendors, this family-friendly open mic is something to truly behold! Also, your special guest host for the evening, multitalented musician Braek Haven will take the stage to give you a dose of his Gospel-infused funk! Admission is $5 per person. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. at The Third Place. 1609 E. 5th St. in Uptown.
The weekend has arrived and now it’s time to relax as Buck Long & Friends proudly presents Feel Good Fridays featuring the immensely talented Kobie Keys! Come experience one of Charlotte’s finest instrumentalists filled with rousing melodies and pulsating grooves guaranteed to add euphoria to your relaxation! There will also 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.
Charlotte, come and experience some invigorating musicianship that’s not only from out of town, but from out of this world – head down to Loft & Cellar and spend your evening with R&B crooner Brian Christopher performing live! Hailing from Washington D.C., this up-and-coming vocalist is poised to present some fine wine vocals with a special debut live band performance! Additional tunes will be spun by DJ FoundACEtion. Also, be sure to enjoy some tasty cocktail and meal specials to enhance your evening! FREE admission. 9 p.m. Loft & Cellar is located at 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.
Jazz N’ Soul Music is ready to set your weekend off in style with a special flavor of sonic delight entitled The Tavern Takeover featuring 3 Piece & a Biscuit! Experience one of the funkiest bands in the QC serving up all sorts of musical deliciousness with some hearty orders of Soul, Jazz and R&B and a special main course of the ever-fine GiGi Mack on vocals! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-tavern-takeover-with-3-piece-a-biscuit-a-refreshing-night-of-pop-soul-and-funk-tickets-46295791960. The music emerges from the hot grease and will be served at 9 p.m. at the Morehead Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. #JazzNSoul
Get your laugh on this evening as the Queen City Omegas present another raucous round of Comedy Night! Bring your friends out to get ready for some side-splitting humor from headlining funnyman, the hilarious Fredo Davis and Ray Money, Jr.! Then, be sure to stick around as DJ 06 burns up the speakers with a hot mix of Hip Hop and R&B tunes. The host for the evening is Brother Tito. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-city-omegas-comedy-night-tickets-45803115351. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. The Omegas of Charlotte Fraternity House is located at 3301 Statesville Ave.
The Sol Kitchen is ready to turn up this Friday night as they invite you out to Suite for Memorial WKD Friday! Celebrate this three-day weekend with all your friends with cocktail specials and some fly music from none other than my homeboy DJ Skillz! Admission is FREE before 11 p.m. and the jump off is at 9:30 p.m. Suite is located at 210 E. Trade St. at The Epicentre in Uptown. #TheSolKitchen
——-SATURDAY, MAY 26——-
Everyone rise, shine and head over to the University City Regional Library for the Reading Can Take You Anywhere Children’s Literacy Festival! Join Little Brown Girl Publishing as they invite you to take a look within a book and to explore the joys of reading! There will be local authors, prizes, games, giveaways and some special live set from the Wolftrap Literary performers. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reading-can-take-you-anywhere-childrens-literacy-festival-tickets-46184409813. All ages are welcome. The event will begin at 10 a.m. The library is located at 301 East W.T. Harris Blvd. in the University Area.
This morning, come out for the grand re-opening of Charlotte’s newest literary lounge and cultural center, All Eyes On Egipt Bookstore! Enjoy a day of dancing, music, readings, teachings, fellowship, refreshments, face painting and much more! Admission is FREE to attend and the store will open at 11 a.m. All Eyes On Egipt is located at 1107 Beatties Ford Rd., Suite “B.”
Parents, the school year is almost over, vacation is quickly approaching and I bet you’re wondering what you’re going to do with the little ones this Summer. Look no further! This morning, come out to The Park Expo & Conference Center to peep the open house session for Summer Camp 2018! This summer camp promises to be one of multifaceted delight for your youth. They’ll be engaged in academic growth activities, arts & crafts and a lot more fun things! The open house will begin at 11 a.m. For any further inquiries, please contact Cynthia Johnson at: (704)-491-0176. The church is located at 800 Brian Creek Rd.
Calling all artists and enthusiasts – head over to Dupp & Swat: The Concept at Camp North End and get engaged as CrownKeepers proudly presents #TheConversationCourseCLT: The Starving Artist this afternoon. The Conversation Course is a monthly program created to support community and art-driven conversations, all the while encouraging attendees to convene over a natural bonding agent–locally prepared cuisine. Today’s feature and keynote creative is none other than the great John Hairston, Jr. You will hear his story translated to how his passion has covered just about every sort of canvas you can think of. Sounds will be provided by DJ Silvio with a special menu of hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Greg Collier. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/theconversationcourseclt-the-starving-artist-tickets-44559881806. The event will begin at 12 noon. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Ave. #CrownKeepers
Everyone come and enjoy a fun-filled festival full of some hoppin’ good crustacean dopeness at the Lobster & Beer Summer Fun Fest! It’s Saturday and while there is no coast in sight, sink your teeth into some special menu items from a host of participating food trucks and enjoy some select craft brews from Wild Blossom Cider and Sycamore Brewing. The food trucks for this event are: Cousins Maine Lobster, Baltimore Crab Cake Company, Gyro Twins Truck, Papi Queso Food Truck, Cuzzo’s Cuisine Food Truck, Carolina Seafood and more who will serving up fresh lobster dishes all day. Your musical talent for the day will feature the sonic stylings of Irrashional, Lisa de Novo, Lovely Budz, TreeHouse, Pluto For Planet and Falconheart. Admission is FREE and all ages are welcome. The event will begin at 12 noon at Sycamore Brewing. 2161 Hawkins St. in Historic South End.
Take a short ride out to Gastonia and join Sae Productions as they host the Boutique It Fashion Show this afternoon! Gather your girls, let your hair down and come shop from a wide variety of local businesses and vendors, enjoy tasty foods, cocktails and very special fashion show featuring some fly threads from local designers! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boutique-it-tickets-43844384735. Also, if you RSVP, you will receive a special door prize! The event will begin at 3 p.m. at Butterfly Décor. 251 W. Main St. in Gastonia.
Brothers and sisters, come celebrate each dynamic of wellness at the Naturally Me Expo this afternoon! The good people of See It Happen, Inc. will shed light to bringing enhancement to one’s self by advocating for a more natural you which will help create a better community. This family-friendly event will have rows of vendors, live fitness classes, a sip and paint session, a fashion show, live hair and skin care demos and much more. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/naturally-me-expo-tickets-42598043896. The event will begin at 3 p.m. at the Levine Museum of the New South. 200 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Slide down to Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar and get inebriated by the musical stylings of Jessica Macks & the Good Fellas performing live! This beautiful young lady’s voice is so rich that it’ll make you put down your glass of wine and leave you begging for a second glass of her soothing vocal abilities. Backed by a powerhouse round of sound, this performance is sure to bring much delight to your Saturday night. Admission is $5 per person and the band strikes promptly at 9 p.m. Sydney’s is located at 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Get ready to get on the good foot at Petra’s this evening and join the lovely Jasiatic as she hosts Su Casa – The May Edition! Step into a world of Afrofuturistic funk as resident spin doctors DJ Justice and DJ Steel Wheel free your mind, body and soul with an eclectic mix of House, Afrobeat, Soul, Funk, Reggae, Dancehall, Afro-House, Jazz, Soca and much more! Also, be sure to cop some fly trinkets and threads from the vendors and get your face dazzled with colorful creativity from Catherine. Admission is $10 all night long. The party starts at 10 p.m. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-SUNDAY, MAY 27——-
If you got the itch to be creative this afternoon, make your way over to C3 Lab as acclaimed local artist CHD:WCK! presents an interactive art class entitled “CUTTING UP!” Being creative is about having a good time using what’s readily around you because all you need to bring is yourself. Today, CHD:WHK! Will teach you how to make a collage. Collage is a method of creating art by gluing a variety of materials (often papers, cloth, and wood) in different forms and shapes to create a new composition. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chdwck-presents-cutting-up-tickets-46173083937. Snacks will be provided and please bring a friend. The class will begin at 1 p.m. C3 Lab is located at 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.
Put some soul in your Sunday and head over to Little Rock Cultural Center for the May installment of the 2018 Straight-Ahead Jazz Series! Hosted and played by A Sign of the Times, come celebrate jazz—the “gift” our culture gave to America. This event will include a free jazz workshop where they explain the basics of playing the ‘Blues and Rhythm’ changes and a special interactive performance featuring some notable straight-ahead jazz classics from jazz masters of yesteryear! Admission is $5 per person and tickets can be purchased at the door or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-straight-ahead-jazz-series-april-thru-oct-by-a-sign-of-the-times-tickets-45283769975. The event begins promptly at 3 p.m. Little Rock Cultural Center is located at 401 N. Myers St. in Uptown.
This afternoon, come and get engaged at another round of The Red Lip Chronicles! Join the lovely Joy Nichelle Randal aka “The Beauty Influencer” as she sits down with event feature Tara Davis, fashion designer and Owner of Flow by Tara Davis! The title of the topic is “Fashion. For real.” They will chat all about the realities of the fashion industry and discuss why image is so important in today’s society. Join the off camera discussion and share your perspective with other intelligent folks in a “no judgement zone.” Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-red-lip-chronicles-tickets-45841608485. The event will begin at 4 p.m. at Vistas at 707 Apartments. 707 Seigle Ave. in the Belmont Neighborhood.
New Era Music House is set to relax you on this Sunday evening—come out and experience the May edition of The Sun Dipped In Black social! Before your work week gets into gear, come get your mind, body and soul right with some poetry, massages, holistic lifestyle tips, natural hair care discussions, food (vegan options will be available) and local vendors to the soundtrack of your favorite neo-soul, R&B and jazz jams from a dope lineup of local artists! Admission is $5 per person and the experience begins at 5 p.m. New Era Music House is located at 5814 Old Concord Rd. #NewEraMusicHouse
Do you need a calming option to center yourselves before the upcoming work week? Join Peace Filled Mama at Dupp & Swat for another relaxing session of the Weekend Wind Down. Host and yoga instructor Kelley Carboni-Woods as she guide you along a series of community-oriented breathing exercises and stretches to empower yourselves, achieve wellness, balance, affirmation, truth and light. All ages and levels are welcome. Admission is $5 per person. Please dress comfortably. The session will begin at 6:30 p.m. Dupp & Swat is located at 2521 The Plaza Rd.
Summer is almost “officially” here and three of the QC’s premier event promoters — Eddietainment, King Ent., and Nxlevel QC invite you out to Lucky’s Bar & Arcade for OVERTIME — “Memorial Weekend Finale!” Exclusive yet unpretentious, sexy yet laid back, classic yet very contemporary, Overtime at Lucky’s embodies the dopest vibes in a premium nightlife experience. With DJ Shaun Nyce aka “The Blend King” rocking the building, this will undoubtedly be the place to be tonight! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/king-ent-nxlqc-eddietainment-overtime-memorial-weekend-finale-tickets-45457724277. The party starts at 9 p.m. Lucky’s is located at 300 N. College St., Suite #104 in Uptown.
——-MONDAY, MAY 28——-
Everyone rise, shine and get that blood pumping with Issa Vibe Adventures as they host the Memorial Day Family Hike! Spend the holiday at McDowell Nature Preserve — a waterfront park sitting right on Lake Wylie. This hike is considered easy with limited to no incline. The entire family is welcome to participate so be sure to bring snacks and water. Also, you will have a small lunch break with opportunities to use a grill and more importantly, swimsuits and water guns are welcomed! Be there at 8:30 and ready to start around 9 a.m. McDowell Nature Preserve is located at 43170 McDowell Creek Dr. in the Steele Creek Area.
While everyone is enjoying downtime on the grill, head down to Petra’s for a cultural chill at the End of Art Party this evening! This multisensory exhibition highlights the work of local creative Nicholas Holman as his catalog of kaleidoscopic, eye-catching artwork in its final day of showcase. While you scope out and purchase his work, feel the energy of accompanying music from local Ghost Trees and High Cube! Admission is FREE. Doors open at 7 and the showcase will begin at 8 p.m. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
COMING SOON…
5/30 – 6/9 – Brand New Sheriff Productions’ presents “Purlie Victorious”
6/1 – Mosaic LIVE First Fridays
6/2 – Heal Charlotte’s 2nd Annual Culture Day
6/2 — International Boat Bash And After Party
6/2 – Off The Wall feat. The JETA Team
6/3 – 2nd Annual “We’ve Got The Jazz” Festival
6/7 – Black Food Truck Thursday
6/7 — Purple Note 3: Celebrating the Life of Prince through Jazz
6/8 – AfroPop! CLT: The Block Party, Vol. 2
6/10 – Euphoria Summer Soul Session
6/14 – 6/17 – 2018 Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
6/16 – 2018 MARS Kickball Classic
6/19—6/21 – OnQ Productions presents “God’s Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons In Verse”
6/19 – African Cultural Festival
6/23 – 5th Annual Carolina Veterans Appreciation Expo
6/29 – Radio Rehab Carolinas presents “OutKast on a Quest CLT”
May we humbly honor the brave servicemen and women who unselfishly served in our nation’s military and may we forever remember our Ancestors who fought, served and died for our prosperity. Rest In Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst