The Rundown: Things To Do Thursday, May 9 – Sunday, May 12

Shawn Allison shares all the places you'll wanna be in the Queen City.

By Shawn D. Allison, II

 

What’s the word everybody? It’s been a rather long week for yours truly, but we have made it! It’s Mother’s Day weekend and while everyone and their Mother will be busy at brunches, I took the alternative route and found some things that she’ll truly be smiling about! Take a ride with me on this weekend’s “Rundown” and check out all the heat on my “Hot List”!

 

  • THURSDAY—SATURDAY – Charlotte SHOUT
  • THURSDAY—SUNDAY – BNS Productions presents August Wilson’s “Jitney”
  • FRIDAY – The Art of Easing at Tip Top Daily Market
  • FRIDAY—SATURDAY – End To End Creative Experience at Camp North End
  • FRIDAY – PLAYER MADE: An Ode To Southern Rap of All Eras at Snug Harbor
  • SATURDAY – Sol Nation Brunch & Tech Social
  • SATURDAY – Dapper Street Productions’ “Jazz On the Green”
  • SATURDAY – Soul Food Sessions’ “Sweet Potatoes & Spirits” at 7th Street Public Market
  • SATURDAY – Unified Souls presents STR8 HOUSE Soulful House Party – Taurus Edition
  • SUNDAY – Classic Black Cinema Series screening of “The Decks Ran Red” at The Gantt Center
  • SUNDAY – A Mutha Funny Comedy Show at Heist Brewery

 

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 9——-

It’s time to stand up and shout with the all-new Charlotte SHOUT ready to rock the Queen City this week! Come and experience a myriad of multisensory art and music showcases, live/pop-up performances, functions, FUNKtions and much more! For the FULL list of events, figures, venues and times, please visit: http://www.charlotteshout.com 

Join BriGGsing this evening at Blue Blaze Brewing for the May installment of the Thirsty Thursday Brewery Tour! Named after the “blue blaze” symbol on the Appalachian Trail, Blue Blaze Brewing maintains a strong connection with the outdoors and healthy living. Come see how this Historic West End nest egg operates, enjoy some tasty crafts and meet new people! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thirsty-thursday-brewery-tour-tickets-61441853237. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Blue Blaze Brewing is located at 528 South Turner Ave. in Historic West End. #BriGGsing

For some true adult fun, head over to Petra’s this evening for another round 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

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 BNS Productions presents 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, Ed Mabrey, Jr. is no stranger to the stage – he is mighty in voice, tone and creativity with a knack for vocalizing emotion through a tapestry of talents. 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 10——-

Calling all techies, nerds and geeks – everyone gather at Camp North End for the End To End Creative Experience this weekend! Part symposium. Part exhibition. Part immersive music and art installation. Full-on celebration of the creative process. End to End is a “confluence of innovation” designed to open doors and deepen connections across industries, mediums, and people through the lens of technology. Experience cross-genre collaborations that will challenge and inspire with music performances, visual art exhibitions, panel discussions, workshops and much more! For the full schedule of event listings and times, please visit this link: https://www.endtoendclt.com/.

Fridays are for creative fun and this evening, join The Guerilla Poets as they welcome you get wild with colors at Off The Wall, Vol. 4! Witness the magnificence of abstraction in real time as six painters have one full hour to complete a piece with acrylic on canvas – based upon what you, the audience encourages! There will be wine, hors d’oeuvres, raffle prizes and some complimentary grooves provided by DJ Chocolate Rocket. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/off-the-wall-paint-off-tickets-58875663695. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at Charlotte Art League. 4100 Raleigh St.

Fill your Friday with all sorts of fine flavors as LaWan’s Soul Food Restaurant invites you out to All-U-Can-Eat Seafood Fridays! Gather your friends and come enjoy a delicious seafood buffet with all your favorite eats, cocktail specials, live music and fellowship! Admission is $15 per person but please be sure to RSVP your spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seafood-fridays-tickets-60892929391. Doors open at 7 p.m. LaWan’s is located at 7520 S. Tryon St.

If you want to experience some extra coolness on this funky Friday night, head over to Tip Top Daily Market and plug yourselves into The Art of Easing! Join my good brothers ½ of Diggers Delight, Cairo Black and DJ FoundACEtion as they purvey a bevy of funky frequencies ranging from Jazz to Neo-Soul, Classic Hip Hop, Rare Grooves and more surprises from their own personal vinyl collections! There will also be a food truck on site serving up and selling the goodness! Admission is $FREE.99 and the tables start turning at 8 p.m. Tip Top Daily Market is located at 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

Swing your way over to Vibrations Night Club and get ready to kick your weekend off with Swagga Fridays – Pre-Mother’s Day Edition! Mom’s big day is on Sunday, but before you step out in the daintiness of the daylight, come get down on the good foot this Friday night as Charlotte’s premiere Go-Go band, Uptown Swagga gives you a ton of funk with original jams, classic and all sorts of rousing rhythms in-between! Also, be sure to stay on the dance floor and boogie as the infamous DJ K.L. rocks the spot with a variety of hits and classics! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/swagga-friday-pre-mothers-day-edition-tickets-60098132131. The jump off is at 9 p.m. Vibrations is located at 5237 Albemarle Rd.

Charlotte, it’s time to stand up and be known as one your favorite homegrown crews, Permanent Vacation gets down to the nitty gritty in the Queen City presenting PLAYER MADE: An Ode To Southern Rap of All Eras! Join hometown heroes MC/DJ Elevator Jay, A-Huf and Jaboi B-Rab for an evening of nonstop trunk-rattlin’, subwoofer boomin’, Dirty South Hip Hop super funk! And be sure to stick around for special guest performances from J Breezy & Pezzy P and Power 98’s DJ Mydnite giving you an extra boost of crunk juice! Admission is FREE for people 21+ and $5 for folks 18-20. The jump off is at 10 p.m. at Snug Harbor. 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

 

 

 

——-SATURDAY, MAY 11——-

This morning, join Blackberry Realty, Inc. and the Charlotte Crown Black Real Estate Association as they host the Faith Organization Homebuyer Seminar. This home-ownership seminar is meant to address the state of black home-ownership in Charlotte. This 90-min presentation will be hosted by Deidre E. Johnson, Broker/Owner Blackberry Realty Group. Attendees will gain a greater understanding of the mortgage process, down payment assistance options, the importance of having the representation of a Realist when buying, selling or investing in real estate. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask question of the professional panelist: Wells Fargo, Lender Sponsor; Robyn Jefferson, EXP Realtor; Michael Hoard, Real Estate Attorney and Charlotte Crown Association President. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/charlotte-crown-black-real-estate-associations-faith-organization-homeownership-seminar-2mn5-tickets-60909799851. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and a light lunch will be provided. The event will be held at Sanctuary Charlotte Church. 800 Culp Rd. in Pineville.

 

 

Young ladies, add some sunlight in your life as Sol Nation, Inc. invites you out for their Sol Nation Brunch & Tech Social this morning! Moms, aunties, cousins and grannies grab your favorite girl and step into the world of coding! This event is geared to build sisterhood, break bread, talk tech and even participate in a few coding activities! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sol-nation-brunch-tech-tickets-61570447867. The event will begin at 10 a.m. at Hygge Coworking at Camp North End. 330 Camp Rd.   #SolNation

 

 

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 African-American Ring Shout Class. The African-American Plantation Dance/Ring Shout represents a style of dance and music found in African slave communities on plantations in the southern United States, Caribbean Islands, and other locations. This plantation dance, or juba (giouba) dance, was often danced in a group around two performers. The dances combine several rhythms in their movement, with various rhythmic syncopations found in the shoulders, chest, pelvis, arms, legs etc. 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/10529. The class will begin at 11 a.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

 

 

Dapper Street Productions, Inc. is ready to give all mothers a special collection of love notes as they proudly present Jazz On The Green! Enjoy a delightful Saturday afternoon of relaxing fun with fellowship, food truck and soothing tunes from The Calvin Edwards Trio, The Nita B. Duo and Jazz Revolution! Also, while all the adults are enjoying the melodic music at bay, there will be a special Kids’ Zone for the young ones to be carefree, creative and to play! FREE admission. 12 noon. Mallard Creek Recreational Center. 2530 Johnston Oheler Rd.

 

Step N’ Style Catering & Events wants to liven up your Saturday as they host the Pre-Carnival Day Party! Head down to Negril Social for a day of vibrant entertainment, food, music, dance and fellowship in honor of the Caribbean festival Carnival! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/precarnival-day-party-tickets-60631459327. The party starts at 1 p.m. Negril Social is located at 3428 N. Tryon St.

 

 

It’s time to pour up some spirits and add some spice to your Saturday as Earl’s Grocery hosts Mixology with Bob Peters this afternoon! This month, Bob will be exploring the smoky agave goodness of cocktails made with mezcal – focusing on three brands: Mezcal Creyente, Ilegal Mezcal, and Montelobos Mezcal. Admission is FREE but seating is limited. The class will begin at 2:30 p.m. Earl’s Grocery is located at 1609 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.

 

 

It’s time to feast on some “killer” crabs as Killer B’s Food Truck invites you out to the Spring Finale Crawfish Boil! Dig in and dig out with a delicious smorgasbord of crawfish, corn, potatoes and ice cold brews from Pabst Blue Ribbon! Admission is FREE to chill and $10 to eat and chill. The feast begins at 3 p.m. at Tip Top Daily Market. 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

 

 

Soul Food Sessions is ready to give your taste buds something to shout about this evening as they invite you out for Sweet Potatoes & Spirits! Come and close out Charlotte SHOUT with some of the city’s finest Black culinary maestros as they prepare a special sweet potato-themed social dinner featuring guest chefs Anika Rucker of Fahrenheit, Darryl Cooper of The Cooking Coop, Marlene Barber, Treasure Williams, Maria Elena Lundy and mixologists Justin Hazelton and Jaquan Bowser. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.soulfoodsessions.org/events?fbclid=IwAR2KiriTeodQhpfVIU5z0PcbAqZiQNDP2VDM0hWJf1rlPA7V7pCSC96Z2LE. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at 7th Street Public Market. 224 E. 7th St. in Uptown.

 

 

Join my friends Diggers Delight and the Vacation Pay crew as the proudly present a very special installment of “Repainted Tomorrow” this evening! This half beat show/half live painting hybrid showcase will feature the sonic stylings of Simon SMTHNG as he invites you to celebrate his newest release entitled “Such Is Life!” Additional sonic frequencies will be provided by Trizzy, Capital L and resident musicians Axnt and FLLS. Hosted by Peculiar Hippie. Admission is FREE but donations will be accepted. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at Tip Top Daily Market. 2921 The Plaza Rd.

 

 

All my Hip Hop heads get ready for some serious head bobbin’ action this Saturday night as First 2 First Ent. proudly presents DJ Whoo Kid on the Whoo Army Tour! Come and witness one of the East Coast’s hardest working turntablists as DJ Whoo Kidd rocks the house with a super dope blend of Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, House, Top 40, Pop and other classic gems! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/whoo-army-tour-tickets-59345268295. The party starts at 9 p.m. at Press Box Bar & Grill. 9609 N. Tryon St. in the University Area.

 

 

In the beginning there was Jack, and Jack had a groove – and from this groove came Unified Souls presenting the STR8 HOUSE Soulful House Party – Taurus Edition! Get deep into the vibe of House as the Unified Souls crew, DJ Badala B, birthday honoree DJ Tony Cutlass and special guest DJ Drumroc and DJ Paul Croom as they jack your mind, body and soul with an unparalleled continuum of the best of House, Downtempo, Funk, R&B and Soul classics! Your host for the evening is none other than my girl Brooklyn Stace! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/house-music-str8house-taurus-edition-tickets-61135383578. The party starts at 10 p.m. at Crown Station. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

 

 

 

——-SUNDAY, MAY 12——-

Words & eats make for a special afternoon treat as Mooneys Lounge presents Sun – Daze Brunch! Enjoy some delicious chicken & waffles, fish & grits, mimosas and several other Southern-inspired brunch delights! Also, some soothing mood music will accompany this affair along with some riveting and rousing spoken word from host Iz-Real the Poet! Doors open at 1 p.m. Mooney’s Lounge is located at 2525 N. Graham St.

 

 

This afternoon, join Mr. Felix Curtis at The Gantt Center as he hosts the May installment of the Classic Black Cinema Series! Based upon the book, “Infamy At Sea”, the 1958 feature “The Decks Ran Red”, starring Dorothy Dandridge centers around a band of dishonest seamen planning a murderous mutiny aboard the S.S. Berwind. Admittance to the screening is FREE with museum admission. The event will begin at 2 p.m., sharp. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

 

 

Add some spunk to your Sunday and head over to Petra’s for Killing Marshmallow Dreams this afternoon! Join my girl DJ SPK and my peoples That Guy Smitty, Alan Ospina and Sativa Slcts as they rock a ton of dopeness through the speakers with House, Techno, Afrobeats, Drum & Bass, Jersey Club, Deep House, Downtempo and much more! Also, enjoy some grub from SunBurger, VegeCuisine and get your shop on at the Sunday Funday Flea Market! Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/killing-marshmallow-dreams-tickets-57067169440. The party starts at 2 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

 

 

Mother’s Day isn’t always about elegance, there’s some funny moments too! That’s why you need bring yo’ mama, Big Mama, Mother-In-Law and if she’s over 21, Lil’ Mama down to Heist Brewery for the A Mutha Funny Comedy Show! It’s all maternal glory, gloating and guffaws as local comediennes and moms Julie J, Blayr Nias and Randi Skye give their hilarious accounts on motherhood, life and other silly thrills, frills and ills in this wild world! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-mutha-funny-comedy-show-tickets-56382780414. The event will begin at 5 p.m. Heist Brewery is located at 2909 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

 

 

 

Get ready for some more community fun as Black Business Owners of Charlotte (BBOC) invites you out to LIT Lounge & Amusement for special installment of Black Food Truck Sunday! Bring all your friends and family out for an afternoon of fun and fellowship as dine from some of the city’s finest and most delicious Chocolate culinary chariots, scoop up some cool fashions and trinkets from local vendors, have chances to win cool prizes and get down on the good foot to the sounds of DJ Steel Wheel! Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 6 p.m. 6736 N. Tryon St.   #BBOC

 

 

COMING SOON…

5/14 – IgniteCHARLOTTE 9

5/18 — African Diaspora International Festival

5/18 — Charlotte X Kumasi: Art and Culture Festival

5/18 – Brut Beat Live Album Recording

5/18 – Radio Rehab Carolinas & The Sol Kitchen presents Tall Black Guy w/ DJ Preach Jacobs

5/18 – Charlotte Artsy Folk presents The Hampton University Art Tour

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

6/8 – New Era Music Fest

 

Have a great weekend and Happy Mothers Day to all the beautiful mothers out there! You rock!

 

Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.

#WeekendWarrior   #TheBlackFerrisBueller   #EarsToDaSkreets   #CommunityFirst