By Shawn D. Allison, II
What’s the word brothers and sisters? I hope that you all have had an amazing week. But now, the weekend is here and it’s time to relax! Thanksgiving is quickly approaching but before we all indulge into the cornucopia of food, family and fellowship, check out what I got in store for you this week in “The Rundown!” There’s lots of cool stuff to choose from, including a special multisensory dinner that yours truly, The Black Ferris Bueller will be serving on this Sunday evening! Before you come and get your senses stimulated on Sunday, check out all the stuff to do on my “Hot List” for this weekend!
- THURSDAY — “Pre-Game Mixer for the Aggie-Eagle Giving Challenge” at Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar
- THURSDAY –
- FRIDAY – Science On the Rocks: In A Galaxy Far, Far Away at The Discovery Place
- FRIDAY – Jazz Arts Initiative presents “The Jazz Room” with Kobie Keys giving tribute to Philly Joe Jones
- FRIDAY-SATURDAY – “From Scratch” at New Era Music House
- FRIDAY – Jazz N’ Soul Music presents The Groove Masters Band at The Morehead Tavern
- SATURDAY – Soca Fitness Class at Camp North End
- SATURDAY – Listening party for Seph.Dot and Earl Grey at The DRC Concrete Jungle
- SATURDAY – The Author & The Artist at Camp North End
- SATURDAY – UNCC Organization of African Students presents 12th Annual African Night at UNCC Main Campus
- SATURDAY – Moxie Society presents “Friends With Benefits: The First 48” at Firehouse Bar & Lounge
- SUNDAY – Paintopia Thanksgiving Painting Extravaganza at The Last Word
- SUNDAY – Soul Sunday at Snug Harbor
- SUNDAY — #FeastYourEyesCLT at Camp North End
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, NOVEMBER 16——-
TransitCenter, Sustain Charlotte and Charlotte Chamber invite you out to The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art this evening for a special community conversation entitled, “Public Transit and Urban Prosperity: What’s Next?” Across the country, and right here in Charlotte, a growing network of civic and city leaders is building support for public transit. Despite the emergence of new forms of mobility, rail and bus service remains an essential tool to attract major employers and provide affordable access to all. This will focus on what makes transit work. TransitCenter will share its findings on strategies cities can take to increase transit ridership, fix underperforming buses, and build alliances to win transportation improvements. The panel will discuss opportunities for advocates, elected officials, and agency leadership to win meaningful change in Charlotte’s transit system—and opportunities that exist in cities large and small. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/public-transit-and-urban-prosperity-whats-next-tickets-39407253155. The discussion will begin at 6 p.m. The Bechtler Museum is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
HBCU football takes center stage at Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar this evening as North Carolina A&T State University Alumni Association, Inc. hosts the “Pre-Game Mixer for the Aggie-Eagle Giving Challenge” this evening! The Aggie/Eagle Giving Challenge will provide North Carolina A&T State University and North Carolina Central University fans an opportunity to raise support for their respective schools. The giving challenge coincides with the N.C. A&T vs. NCCU Eagles football game being played on Saturday, November 18th. If you’d like to donate, please do so here: http://www.ncat.edu/givenow/. The event will begin at 6 p.m. Sydney’s is located at 401 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Pardon My Grind and Crown Keepers have teamed up to bring to you The Listening Room at Dupp & Swat this evening! This is a special private listening session with some of the hottest up and coming recording artists in the nation. Listen exclusively to their new projects, give feedback and discuss your thoughts of their music. Tonight’s featured act is Billionaire Rob–in a generation where it is becoming increasingly harder to distinguish one artist from another, it’s good to know there are still emerging artists that are still exercising their creative originality to press forward and move music to higher heights. Rob is one such artist that possesses the ability to express sentiments of the heart through music that creates a connection with the listener. Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 8 p.m. Dupp & Swat is located at 2521 The Plaza Rd. #DuppAndSwat
——-FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17——-
Do you have what it takes to become a Jedi Knight? If so, join Discovery Place Science as they present Science on the Rocks: In A Galaxy Far, Far Away” this evening! Gather all your Rebel Pilots, Smugglers, Stormtroopers, Wookies, Droids and Sith Lords and make the jump to lightspeed for this special Star Wars-themed night at the Museum just for adults! There will be lots of activities to choose from including Cantina Karaoke, Droid Racing, creating some Jabba the Hutt slime, a fun drink n’ draw challenge, a costume contest and much, much more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://15106a.blackbaudhosting.com/15106a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=3c9f7cf4-170f-4690-8214-a07292ded0b3&property=dps&property=dps&_ga=2.118117961.1719542802.1510265973-1565286681.1510265973. Only persons 21+ with proper I.D. will be admitted. The Death Star will fire promptly at 5 p.m. The museum is located at 301 N. Tryon St. in Uptown. #SOTR
The Historic West End Initiative invites you out to out to engage the community and participate in their Better Block Community Event this weekend! Better Block is a community-led approach to test ideas for creating great spaces. This temporary transformation will ultimately shape the final design for the City’s Capital Improvement Project for the intersection of West Trade, State Street, 5th Street, Rozzelles Ferry Rd. and Beatties Ford Road. Participants will be invited to brainstorm, build, stage, and program the Five Points Plaza for the multi-day project. There will be music, food and fellowship and the admission is FREE for all ages! The event will begin at 5 p.m. Five Points Plaza is located at 1735 W. Trade St. near the JCSU Main Campus. #WestSideBestSide
Gather your friends and come out to The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art for another fun edition of “Bechtler By Night!” Hailed as a leisure haven for art enthusiasts in the Charlotte region, this event for this evening will be themed as “Fall In Love With Art.” Hors d’oeuvres and margarita cocktails will be available. Admission is FREE and it begins at 5 p.m. The Bechtler is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The Charlotte Art League invites you to expand and express your minds on canvas this evening as they proudly present another dope edition of “Brush N’ Beats!” Tonight is totally organic–paint whatever comes to mind as you are exposed to a multitude of musical genres from around the world. Then you will watch as the creations evolve over the course of the evening, and you will share interpretations of other participant’s works as the event comes to a climax. Admission, paint and utensils are FREE, but canvases will available for a discounted price. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. Charlotte Art League is located at 1517 Camden Rd. in Historic South End.
Make a joyful noise unto The Most High this evening as Young Adults in Christian Ministry presents “Friday Night Live!” This bi-monthly open mic event welcomes all singers, rappers, musicians, poets, comedians and more artists to come show off your God-given talents! Everyone is welcome to come and light refreshments will be available for purchase. Admission to the event is FREE. The event begins at 7 p.m. and will be held at Little Rock AME Zion Church. 401 N. Myers St. in Uptown.
Jazz Arts Initiative (JAI) is back for the month of November with a two days full of invigorating performances at their critically acclaimed tribute jam session, “The Jazz Room.” This weekend, get an earful of melodies, rhythms and funk as renowned drummer Kobie Watkins pays tribute to legendary jazz drummer Philly Joe Jones. Kobie has cultivated dynamic relationships with his peers in and out of the Jazz, Latin, and Gospel community as a drummer, percussionist and a mentor. He has played and recorded with numerous artists including jazz legend Sonny Rollins, Branford Marsalis and several more music dignitaries. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/the-jazz-room-at-the-stage-door-theater-1. There will be four performances this weekend: Friday (11/17) at 6 and 8:15 p.m. and Saturday (11/18) at 7 and 9:15 p.m. All shows will be held at The Stage Door Theater which is located on the corner of E. 5th St. and N. College St. in Uptown. #JAI
New Era Music House is back one mo’ gin’ cooking up something spectacular for your Friday night—get ready for the aptly-titled, “From Scratch!” Three distinct ingredients: 1 artist, 1 producer and 1 chef combine their creative elements together to make something special that only Charlotte would know best. The lovely Sloane Siobhan will be painting, Bro. Ron Styles will be on the soundboards creating something funky and Justin Witherspoon will be whipping up something tasty in the kitchen. Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased here: https://www.neweramusichouse.com/events/from-scratch. The event will begin at 7 p.m. New Era Music House is located at 5814 Old Concord Rd. #NewEraMusicHouse
The good people at Liberate Your Palate CLT are back to add some spice to this season’s spirits as they proudly present “Shake, Stir, Sip & Socialize: Holiday Cocktail Class!” The holidays are around the corner and the season is filled with epic meals, great company and of course amazing cocktails. Join bartender and Charlotte newcomer Madison McCarly as she ups the ante of your holidays entertaining with a seasonal twist on classic cocktails. Take the stress out of trying to please the diverse palates of all your guests. They will feature some classic holiday cocktails as well some new ideas using local, seasonal ingredients. Also, they will delve into the flavors of the holidays and teach you how to turn them into delicious drinks. After sipping a classic holiday punch upon arrival, you’ll then be given step-by-step instructions on how to create three of your own renditions of classic boozy concoctions so you can be the delight of these holiday nights. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.liberateyourpalate.com/passbook/holidaycocktailclass. The session will begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at Hygge Coworking West. 2128 Remount Rd. #LiberateYourPalateCLT
Roxanne & Co. and Society Lounge invites all Winthrop University Alumni and friends out to The Gantt Center for the “All Black Affair” this evening! Get dressed down, dapper and debonair in your best all-black outfit and come party the night away with other sophisticated individuals. Music will be provided by a special guest DJ. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/all-black-x-tickets-38768404341. The party starts at 8 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Get ready to stone cold jam at The Morehead Tavern as Jazz N’ Soul Music proudly welcomes back with the Groove Masters Band this Friday night! Enjoy an evening with your friends as you experience this brilliant band of Brothers with fine-tuned musicianship, impeccable instrumentation and a whole lot of soul! Relive your favorite Funk, Soul and Jazz classics and some other treats in their musical medley. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-groovemasters-live-a-night-of-smooth-funky-jazz-and-soul-ellas-speakeasy-tickets-39423559929. The band strikes at 9 p.m., sharp. The Morehead Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
It’s time to set things off and celebrate with Winthrop University as Line Leaders Creative Group proudly presents “No Limits – WU Homecoming Kickoff!” All Winthrop Alumni and friends come out to The White House for an evening of nonstop fun with DJ Fannie Mae rockin’ out on the wheels of steel! Also, be sure to wear your Divine Nine apparel and get your stomp on! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/no-limits-homecoming-kick-off-friday-tickets-39029376917. The event will begin at 10 p.m. The White House is located at 4809 Wilkinson Blvd.
——-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18——-
Join Action NC at The International House this morning as they embark on a powerful community conversation entitled, “Impacts of Racism on Women of Color.” At this forum, they will discuss the different types of structural and institutional policies that have historically played a part in the current practices that support and implement racism today. The forum will have diverse panels of women that will discuss the impacts of economic inequality and opportunity, immigration, and criminalization on women of color in Charlotte, and will also discuss some of the steps we can take to begin to dismantle them and advocate for change. Lunch will be provided. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/impacts-of-structural-and-institutional-racism-on-women-of-color-tickets-39083024378. The event will begin at 9 a.m. The International House is located at 1817 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Rise up this morning and feel the rhythm as the lovely ladies of SocaFit USA invite you out to Camp North End for a special Soca Fitness Class! Work up a hearty sweat with SocaFit USA instructor and founder Keisha Bridgeman as you exercise Caribbean style with a vibrant, colorful and energetic workout session guaranteed to move every muscle in your body. The workout soundtrack will be provided by The Dynamic DJ Kato. Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/socafitusa-live-soca-fitness-class-featuring-dj-kato-tickets-39824049805. The class will begin at 10 a.m. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Ave.
Start your Saturday off with some throwback flavor at the “I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party!” 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 B-Man rockin’ out the best of 90’s Hip Hop and R&B cuts and take a gander at the lovely April Nealey creating some of her wondrous art in front of your eyes. Admission is FREE to attend. Event begins at 11 a.m. and will be held at Sports One Bar & Lounge. 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
DRC ApeParel and MacFly Fresh Apparel invite you out for a special listening party featuring Seph.Dot and Earl Grey this afternoon! These two rising MCs on Charlotte’s music scene have been giving our ears tons of creative work and now is the time to help them celebrate the release of their newest EP entitled, “Today!” Come be a part of history and help support some of our homegrown heroes! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/today-the-ep-listening-session-tickets-39857981295. Options for shirt sizes are available upon ticket purchase(s). The event begins at 3 p.m. at The DRC Concrete Jungle. 635 Atando Ave., Suite “J”.
Need an eclectic retreat from all the hustle and bustle this afternoon? Head out to Camp North End as Respect Da’ Mic Slam Team and The Underground proudly present, “The Author & The Artist!” The vision is to connect local authors, writers, readers and visual artists with the community and those who support the arts by creating a platform edify our local creative dignitaries. Bring everyone out for lots of food, fellowship, live music, vendors, paintings, tunes from DJ SPK and lots more! Admission is FREE to attend for all ages. The event begins at 4 p.m. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Ave.
Come one, come all, head on down to Firehouse Bar & Lounge and get ready to ball out with Moxie Society as they host “Friends With Benefits: The First 48!” this evening! Throw on your flyest fall threads and come celebrate Moxie Society co-founder Bro. Ron Tate’s 48th birthday! Your maestro for the evening is none other than DJ Shaun Nyce aka “The Blend King” mixing up some dopeness on the 1s and 2s. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/friends-with-benefits-the-first-48-tickets-39556481501. The party starts at 4 p.m. Firehouse Bar & Lounge is located at 320 W. Carson St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
Are you ready for the most anticipated event of the semester? Join the UNCC Organization of African Students for their 12th Annual African Night! Be ready to witness dancing, modeling, skits, singing, food, a special guest performer and much more! This is an event with a wicked twist you surely don’t want to miss! Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 6:30 p.m. The event will be held in the Cone Center on UNCC Main Campus. 9201 University City Blvd.
Jessonda Productions invites you out to Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square to view their newest stage piece entitled, “STUCK” this evening. The life of Margaret, a middle age woman, is continually spiraling out of control due to anger, unforgiveness and broken dreams. Not only does she suffer from the lack of inner peace and joy, but her children and grandchildren are subject to it as well. The generational strong hold continues to agonize her entire family. From generation to generation the family has its share of financial difficulties, substance abuse and dysfunction. However, one family member decrees and declares that the family’s struggle for peace and happiness will end now! The journey to this declaration is not an easy task to fulfill, but through laughter, tears, dancing and music the family will realize their victory was always inside of them. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/stuck-2. The performace will begin promptly at 8 p.m. Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
The Loc GODS want to send you into 2018 with a great big smile on their face as they proudly present their 2018 Calendar Release Party! These lovely ladies invites you out to Dupp & Swat for a night of wonder and splendor with lots of live entertainment, paintings, vendors and more—and there will be some calendars for sale too! Admission is FREE but please be sure to leave a donation at the door or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-groovemasters-live-a-night-of-smooth-funky-jazz-and-soul-ellas-speakeasy-tickets-39423559929. The event will begin at 8 p.m. Dupp & Swat is located at 2521 The Plaza Rd.
This evening, head down to The McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square as The Jazz Diva and Jazz Around Town proudly presents the Carolina Jazz Concert Series! For tonight’s entertainment, come and feel the passion, power and prowess of trombonist Buff Dillard and the string-plucking sensuality of guitarist Terence Young! Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/terence-young-and-buff-dillard. The event begins at 8 p.m. Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Come and get down with the UNCC African Student Union at Bakadi Lounge as they host “One Wicked African Night After Party!” Hosted by No Limit Ent., come journey through time and space with the opportunity to travel to another continent without a passport. DJ Nightmare and The Dynamic DJ Kato will be rockin’ the house giving your senses all sorts of African and Caribbean musical flavor. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/one-wicked-nc-en-fete-the-official-uncc-african-night-after-party-tickets-36366396872. The party starts at 10 p.m. Bakadi Lounge is located at 4205 Monroe Rd.
——-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19——-
Hey kids, want to have some creative fun this afternoon? Gather your parents and all your friends and slide down to The Last Word for the fun-filled Paintopia Thanksgiving Painting Extravaganza! Join Art From the Heart founder and acclaimed painter Bro. Christopher Clarke as he guides your inquisitive hands and minds along creating your own special image in the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday! It could be a turkey, a cornucopia of food, a family photo—who knows! Best of all, you get to take your picture home and showcase it to your family on Thanksgiving Day! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.paypal.me/artfromtheheart. The class starts at 1 p.m. The Last Word is located at 5744 N. Tryon St. #ArtFromTheHeart
Do you need to ease and rejuvenate your soul from all as these dividing and trying times sit thick in the air? If so, come out to Snug Harbor this afternoon for their third Sunday jam session entitled “Soul Sunday!” Enjoy a potluck dance party to celebrate all things soul-filled with edible refreshments and DJs Sir Chocolate Milk & Elon supply only the funkiest groove thangs to help your soul shine while that booty moves! Diggers Delight and Premium Sounds will be on deck with a few crates of delicious vinyl for your ears’ pleasure! FREE admission and the event begins at 2 p.m. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
This afternoon, join one of Charlotte’s baddest musical collectives, A Sign Of the Times at Statesville Avenue Presbyterian Church for a Jazz Vespers Free Concert! The “Giving Thanks” Concert will be performed in the tradition of the Jazz Vespers Concerts that became popular in New York during the 1960’s. A Sign of the Times will perform a blend of sacred and secular music that weaves together a story about our faith, love, spirituality and the legacy of our ancestors. Admission is FREE and all ages are welcome. A love offering will be taken during the performance intermission to help support the organization’s many programs and 10% will be tithed to the church. The event will begin at 4 p.m. The church is located at 3435 Nevin Rd.
Feed your soul, spirit and stomach this evening at Camp North End as the creative energies of Jonathan Cooper, Davita “Miss Swatty” Galloway and Chef Greg Collier proudly presents #FeastYourEyesCLT! Feast Your Eyes is a collaborative dinner with cocktail pairings where visual art is translated through various bites and beverages. Come and get your senses stimulated through food, crafted cocktails, art and music as they intertwine–one with the other throughout the evening. The intent is to spark conversations, highlight the unfamiliar and deepen your sensory connection via the assistance of artists, chefs and mixologists, all the while elevating your tastebuds! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/feastyoureyesclt-fyeclt-tickets-38894178535. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Ave.
COMING SOON…
11/24 – Black Food Truck Friday
11/25 – South End Small Business Saturday
11/30 – Wine + Chocolate Sip & Shop
12/2 – Off The Wall: Wu Tang Forever V.5
12/7 – SpiceLAB Media presents “A Night of Giving”
12/8 – Gentlemen of Jazz Tour
12/15 – 12/16 – On Q Productions presents “A Soulful Noel”
12/17 – The Christmas Christian Queens of Comedy
12/23 – Art Wars CharLIT Edition
Everyone have a fantastic weekend and be sure to bundle up! Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #CommunityFirst
Follow me on Instagram: @BlackFerrisBuellerCLT