The Rundown: Things to Do Thursday, November 29 – Sunday, December 2

By Shawn D. Allison, II

Greetings good people! I hope everyone’s Thanksgiving was full of love, peace, laughter and good food as mine was. But here we are about to enter the last month of the year with a fresh lineup of hot events guaranteed to push that cold, bitter weather away! There’s some nifty holiday shopping, arts & crafts classes and lots of music for everyone to enjoy! If you want to know where I’ll be hanging out this weekend, be sure to check out my “Hot List” just below!

 

  • THURSDAY – Sir Abstraxxx presents Eclectic Soul Tuesdays – Friendsgiving Edition
  • THURSDAY – “The Outcome” at McColl Center for Art + Innovation
  • THURSDAY – Goals With Soul Vision Board Party
  • FRIDAY – Solstice: A New Dawn Of Dance Music Euphoria, Vol. 1
  • FRIDAY – Black Food Truck Friday at Recess CLT
  • SATURDAY – Issa Vibe Adventures’ Community Unity Gardening Project at Urban Ministry Center
  • SATURDAY – The Art of Easing at Tip Top Daily Market
  • SATURDAY – 2018 Mistletoe Market at Camp North End
  • SATURDAY – Off The Wall: Wu-Tang Forever V.6 feat. The JETA Team at Petra’s
  • SUNDAY – UNCC Voices of Eden Gospel Choir presents “A Season of Gratitude”
  • SUNDAY – JCSU Concert Choir Christmas 2018 Vespers Ceremony

 

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 29——-

For over twenty years, the City of Charlotte has invested in corridors because of the critical role each plays in supplying basic needs and opportunities for their communities. In partnership with the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition, the City of Charlotte Government invites you out to the second session of the West Blvd. Corridor Vision Workshops. This is a leading a study that will serve as a first step in providing a vision for the corridor focused on the intersections of Remount, Clanton and Old Steele Creek. In these workshops you will discuss what we’ve learned about the existing corridor, identify opportunities for investment and envision future change. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/west-blvd-corridor-vision-workshops-tickets-51077394863. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at Greater Mount Sinai Baptist Church. 1243 West Blvd.

Educate 2 Engage invites you to be part of a special social discussion entitled, “So You Voted, Now What? People | Power | Accountability” this evening. Citizen engagement should be at the center of any government. Unfortunately after an election ends, too few citizens remain involved consistently to ensure their voices continue to be heard. Tonight’s interactive session will teach constituents to hold our elected leaders accountable through sustained community engagement after an election. Refreshments will be provided. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/so-you-voted-now-what-people-power-accountability-tickets-51598375129. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at South Tryon Community UMC. 2516 S Tryon St.

 

 

The McColl Center of Art + Innovation invites you to be part of a special art party entitled “The Outcome” this evening! This gathering is a celebration of creative process and the closing of the Fall 2018 art residency at the McColl Center. There will be a host of incoming, outgoing and alumni artists curating some of their selected works and offer some creative insight to their processes. Also, be sure to grab some refreshments and get down with the sounds of my good friend DJ Flock of Slagles spinning a vast array of Classic Hip Hop, Rare Grooves, Soul, House and much more! Admission is FREE to attend. The party starts at 6 p.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Ladies, a new year in on the horizon and this evening, come and assemble all your inner desires and plans for 2019 and beyond at the Goals With Soul Vision Board Party! Join the beautiful Brittyne C. Haynie as she leads you in a special, intimate workshop designed to help you achieve your ambitions and grasp your goals! While things may not go as you plan, this class will helpful in affirming the clarity for a progressive direction. Come be part of this empowering affair including wine, herbal teas, tasty treats, uplifting group dialogues all in a tranquil and meditative environment. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/goals-with-soul-vision-board-party-tickets-52444032513. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at Coco Yoni Lounge. 3448 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

Charlotte, get ready to have your earholes fed with a dose of super soulful sounds from the lovely Leela James performing LIVE! Experience some rich and riveting R&B from this gorgeous Amazon on tour for her newest album “Did It For Love” as well as gifting the audience with some of her biggest hits and some extra vocal surprises! Tickets can be purchased here: https://concerts1.livenation.com/event/2D0055522A899546. Doors open at 7 and the show will start at 8 p.m. at The Fillmore. 820 Hamilton St.

Join BriGGsing this Thursday at Catawba Brewing Company for a special December pop-up installment of the Thirsty Thursday Brewery Tour! You’ll get to see the inner workings of this Plaza-Midwood nest egg and learn how this Charlotte staple came to be 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 7 p.m. Catawba Brewing Company is located at 933 Louise Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

If you want to mellow out on this Thursday evening, join Sir Abstraxxx as he hosts Eclectic Soul Thursdays – Friendsgiving Edition! Take a seat and glide as this wizard of words takes your soul on a ride with some riveting spoken word in a scintillating open mic set showcasing local poets, writers, musicians, singers and artists all enveloped in a special holiday flavor. To accompany the mood, there will be some Neo-Soul and R&B tunes spun by DJ Blanco with a delicious food menu provided by Chef Chianti. The event will begin at 9 p.m. at QC Social Lounge located at 300 N. College St. in Uptown.

 

 

 

——-FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30——-

Amplify & Activate is a one of a kind experience that brings diverse people together to understand the essence of the human spirit. Using tools from Yoga as a form of Self Care, we can unlock the keys to normalize conversations about race, gender, and systemic oppression through experiential learning, inquiry, and awakening in an honored space to process, heal, and be transformed. Amplify and Activate is the essence of union and a call to participate in work that creates a path towards equity. This event is presented by I Am Yoga CLT, Educate 2 Engage, LLC, SisterCare Alliances, Peace Filled Mama and Amplify & Activate. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-amplify-and-activate-summit-re-imagining-power-tickets-48655301316. The event will begin at 1 p.m. at BrandRPM. 9555 Monroe Rd.

Black Business Owners of Charlotte (BBOC) has been on a serious roll with recycling our coins back into our community and tonight, get your stomachs revved up at Recess CLT for the final round of Black Food Truck Friday for 2018! Bring all your friends and family out for an evening of fun as you 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 5 p.m. Recess CLT is located at 832 Seigle Ave. in the Belmont Neighborhood. #BBOC

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 Darren “DS” Sanders and the up-and-coming hotness known as Cuzzin’ Clyde! 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 none other than the man, the myth and legend himself Brother Tito. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-city-omegas-comedy-night-tickets-52327366562. 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.

Get ready to cut loose this Friday as OutenLove Events, Mr. 305 Events and High Society CLT proudly present Karaoke Game Night this evening! It’s some new flavor with a funky twist as you try sing your sober or sloshed hearts out with karaoke songs, play a wide variety of games and party into the night with a special guest DJ rockin’ out all the dope tunes of today and yesteryear! Admission is FREE with RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/karaoke-game-night-tickets-52172623722. The event will begin at 9 p.m. at Recess CLT. 832 Seigle Ave. in the Belmont Neighborhood.   #OutenLoveEvents

It’s time to set your feet to a different groove and dance the night away at the inaugural session of Solstice: A New Dawn Of Dance Music Euphoria! Join your host The Dynamic DJ Kato and special guests Charles Gatling, South Cakz Kelly Kelz, Paul Croom and Raw Substance as they pound your mind, body and soul with a colorful selection of music spanning across several styles, frequencies and flavors! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/solstice-a-new-dawn-of-dance-euphoria-vol1-tickets-52437309404. The party starts at 10 p.m. at Crown Station. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

 

——-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1——-

Saturday mornings are a great time to come to Atherton — and you should because it’s time for the South End Farmers & Artisans Market! There are lots of great farmers & artisans that bring in meats, produce, mushrooms, sauces, soaps, dog food, flowers, plants and so much more. Enjoy a cup of joe from Not Just Coffee, a cold beer or glass of wine form Vin Master Wine Shop, sip and shop from a variety of local artisans and farmers. Take a seat at any of the indoor or outdoor tables, relax and take in all the cool vibes and energy Atherton has to give. The marketplace opens at 9 a.m. 2104 South Blvd. in Historic South End.

Everyone rise, shine and bring your joyful hearts to the Urban Ministry Center and join Issa Vibe Adventures for the Community Unity Gardening Project this morning!   Come together to help Urban Ministry prepare their community garden as it transitions from summer to fall and into winter. You will pull weeds, put down fertilizer, transplant perennials, and many other tasks. Gloves and tools will be provided by Urban Ministry but please be prepared to get dirty! The community unity series will be comprised of all types of events that cater to providing aid for the less fortunate as well as enhancing the unity in our communities. If interested in participating, please be at Urban Ministry Center by 10 a.m. 945 N. College St. in Uptown.

Bring the entire tribe down to The Gantt Center and come be part of the December Family First Workshop this morning! In today’s session entitled “Kente Inspired Paper Weaving & Card Making”, artist, business owner and educator Natalie Chanel will help you create mixed media greeting cards for loved ones using the techniques of paper weaving, stamping and assemblage. You will then draw on inspiration from the Kente cloth of Ghana and the weaving techniques found in the Carolinas and throughout the African diaspora and create intricate, culturally significant patterns that are pleasing to the eye. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased here: https://www.giveffect.com/checkout/8430. The class will begin at 11 a.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Calling all college football fans — start your Saturday off on a high note and head over to Sports One Bar & Lounge as Moxie Society hosts the “I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party: ACC Football Championship Edition!”  Get ready to cheer on the mighty Clemson Tigers and Pittsburgh Panthers in this epic matchup to take home the title! Bring your friends out for an afternoon of nonstop fun including a delicious Southern-inspired brunch menu and drink specials and Charlotte’s own DJ 06’ and DJ C-Rob keep the energy going with a fly arsenal of grooves for you to enjoy! Also, be sure to scope out the gorgeous Whitney Austin showcasing her brilliant and vibrant skills on the canvas. Admission is FREE to attend and the get down starts at 11 a.m. Sports One is located at 521 N. College St. in Uptown.   #MoxieSociety

If you want to experience some eclectic relaxation this afternoon, 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! Admission is $FREE.99 and the tables start turning at 2 p.m. Tip Top Daily Market is located at 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

This afternoon, join The Lady B Bless Humanitarian Foundation, Inc. as they host the Introduction to The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Seminar. This class will help you understand the purpose of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals program, how they were established, designated targets and how to implement them locally and support them. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP and leave a donation here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/introduction-to-the-united-nations-17-sustainable-development-goals-tickets-52442783778. The event will begin at 3 p.m. at Advent Coworking. 933 Louise Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

Mr. 305 Entertainment and OutenLove Events are back for your Saturday steeze as they proudly presents the #JBDP (Just Because Day Party) Sagittarius Edition this afternoon! If this your birthday month, come live it up live and in living color at one of the hottest get downs in Charlotte featuring a dope blend of booming tunes from my man DJ Tramare aka Hot Rod! Doors open at 4 with FREE admission until 6 p.m. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/just-because-day-party-sagittarius-edition-tickets-53088713772. The party starts at 4:30 p.m. at Vault Charlotte. 210 E. Trade St. in Uptown.

 

 

Everyone head down to Camp North End and get some more holiday shopping done at the 2018 Mistletoe Market! Kiss those corporate lines goodbye and come support your community with a wide variety of over 25 local vintage and handmade vendors, delicious eats, tasty beverages and more! Also, come and explore some of Camp North End’s workspaces including Dupp & Swat, Blk Mrkt CLT, BlkTech Interactive and many more! For your entertainment, enjoy a live performance from Quentin Talley & The Soulful Noel Chorus, LeAnna Eden & The Garden Of, The Charlotte Storytellers and much more! Admission is FREE and the festivities begin at 5 p.m. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Ave.

For all my Dirty South Hip Hop heads, hop in the Chevy and cruise over to The Neighborhood Theater and prepare yourselves for the one n’ only Goodie Mob performing LIVE! CeeLo Green, T-Mo, Khujo and Big Gipp take the stage performing all of their biggest hits cooked up in the creative nucleus from the Dungeon in their hometown of Atlanta! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1770786?utm_medium=ampOfficialEvent&utm_source=fbTfly. Doors open at 7 and the show starts at 8 p.m. The Neighborhood Theater is located at 511 E. 36th St. in the NoDa District.

 

 

It is the month of “Wucember” and this evening, join the mighty JETA Team as they close out 2018 with one of their most-anticipated jam sessions of the year — “Off The Wall: Wu-Tang Forever Edition V.6!” Sword style raps, lyrical gun claps, and subliminal cranial twist backs all provided by Chief Rocka Aking Allah and Soul Brother DJ Justice featuring a myriad of Wu-Tang solo projects, collaborations, remixes, posse cuts along with a healthy dose of Golden Era Hip Hop, R&B, Pop, House, Soul, Rock, Reggae and lots more! Admission is $5 before 11 p.m. and $10 after. The jump off is at 9 p.m. at Petra’s. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.   #OffTheWall #TheJETATeam

 

 

Need some House in your life? Not to worry, I got you! Head on down to Loft & Cellar and join The Hit Agency for the December installment of RELEASE! The Party! Experience 360 degrees of hard-hitting, soul-snatching House, Deep House, Funk, Soul and Downtempo grooves from RELEASE!’s own “Jackmaster” Gary Wallace, The FREEZ Project and special guest Keith “Club Head” Stephens of Charlotte House Movement! So gather your friends, your whistles and tambourines and get ready to party! The jump off is at 10 p.m. Admission is $10 before 11:30 p.m. and $15 after. Loft & Cellar is located at 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.

If you want some more House flavor this evening, gather your crew and head down to Crown Station as Unified Souls proudly presents the December session of STR8 HOUSE – The Tribute! Join the Unified Souls team — DJs Marcus Wade, Badala B and Tony Cutlass as they pay tribute to some of the most legendary discotheques where House music thrived! Come and relive the memories and magic of The Warehouse, Zanzibar, Studio 54 and Paradise Garage as this fantastic trio jacks your body with a jolt of sonic juice featuring the best of House, Deep House, Downtempo and Soul cuts all night long! Your host for the evening is my girl, the ever-fine and fly Brooklyn Stace! $10 admission all night long. The jump off is at 10 p.m. Crown Station is located at 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

 

——-SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2——-

Get ready to feel the spirit of this season of thanksgiving through the power of song as the UNCC Voices of Eden Gospel Choir presents the “A Season of Gratitude” concert this afternoon! Come hear songs of thanks to The Most High for what he’s done, is doing, and will do and be blessed in an afternoon of praise, worship, fun and fellowship! Admission is FREE and all ages are welcome. The concert will begin promptly at 3 p.m. at UNCC Main Campus. 9201 University City Blvd.

Moxie Society invites you out to Firehouse Bar & Lounge to cap off your eventful weekend with, “Sippin On Sundays – The December Edition!” Relax in this snazzy Uptown QC venue with delicious food, drink specials, hookah, music from B-Man rockin’ on the 1s and 2s. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sippin-on-sundays-december-2018-tickets-52502176423. The event begins at 4 p.m. Firehouse Bar & Lounge is located at 320 W. Carson St. in Uptown.

 

 

Everyone head down to New Era Music House and experience a evening of Hip Hop ambition as The Mack Krew & Eklectriq Music Wave proudly presents the No Capp Showcase — Hip Hop Holiday Edition! Catch an earful from two of the QC’s hottest up-and-coming music movements with live performances from their artists, live interviews, media plugs and some dope music provided by DJ Dive on the 1s and 2s! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/no-capp-showcase-hip-hop-holiday-edition-tickets-52558592164. The event will begin at 6 p.m. New Era Music House is located at 5814 Old Concord Rd.

 

 

Come hear a joyful noise at JCSU as they host the Concert Choir Christmas 2018 Vespers Ceremony this evening! Alumni of the JCSU Concert Choir have been summoned to come perform a medley of rich, velvet holiday and inspirational selections for you in an evening that is sure to make spirits bright. This year, the choir along with the chamber orchestra from Phillip O. Berry Technology High School will perform Victoria’s Renaissance motet O Magnum Mysterium, Carol of the Bells, and a few spirituals, including Mary Had a Baby and Rockin’ Jerusalem, and Kirk Franklin’s Silent Night and Silver and Gold, just to name a few. Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 6:30 p.m. inside the Jane M. Smith Memorial Chapel at JCSU. 100 Beatties Ford Rd.

 

 

 

——-MONDAY, DECEMBER 3——-

Get your laugh on at Heist Brewery this evening and come out for the second session of the Revolt Comedy Show! Sit back, relax and get ready to laugh away those Monday blues with a hilarious blend of raw and clever comedic performers hosted by The Revolt Duo, Brian O’Neil and Alex Spears! Music will be provided by Black Light the DJ. Admission is $3 and will begin at 7:30 p.m. Heist Brewery is located at 2909 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

 

 

Kick your Monday up a notch back at New Era Music House as Yung Blaza proudly presents Lyrical Miracle: The Hip-Hop Homecoming! Whether you’ve attended a college homecoming or returning back to your home in the QC, come and get a taste of some hot and fresh sounds as Yung Blaza brings forth his newest album, “The Hip Hop Homecoming” in a special listening party! While you celebrate the new hotness, be sure to enhance your experience with some refreshments and be sure to pick up a copy of the album and a special t-shirt! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lyrical-miracle-the-hip-hop-homecoming-tickets-52364438445. The event starts at 9 p.m. New Era Music House is located at 5814 Old Concord Rd.

 

COMING SOON…

12/4 – 12/9 — A Christmas Story: The Musical

12/7 – All Black Earth Strong Bashment

12/7 – Blow Your Head – December Edition

12/7 – 12/16 – Theatre Charlotte presents Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”

12/7 – Jazz Arts Initiative presents “The Jazz Room: Holiday Edition”

12/8 – Bueller’s Christmas Boogie

12/8 — 2018 Jingle Bell Run Charlotte

12/8 — AfroPop! Charlotte, Vol.27: Goodbye 2018!

12/9 — The Classic Black Cinema Series screening of “Boycott”

12/9 – The Sol Kitchen & Jazz Around Town presents Robert Glasper LIVE

12/12 – Soul Food Sessions presents Soul Sisters – A Dining Experience

12/12 — 12/15 – Brand New Sherrif Productions presents “Be A Lion”

12/16 – Clean Comedy Brunch

12/16 – 5th Annual Chili Cook-Off

12/21 – 12/22 – On Q Productions presents “A Soulful Noel”

12/29 – Black Singles in Charlotte presents “R&B vs. Hip Hop”

12/30 — Midnight Hour Tour feat. Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younger w/ 10 Piece Band

 

Have a great weekend Brothers and Sisters! Love and light to you all!

 

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

 

#WeekendWarrior   #TheBlackFerrisBueller   #EarsToDaSkreets   #CommunityFirst