By: Shawn D. Allison, II
Hey QC! November is finally here and to kick off the month, I’ve got a whole fresh batch of goodies for everyone to enjoy! From jazz to theatre to lectures to hip hop even small business vendors to shop—I got ya’ll covered like good insurance! If you want to know what sort of mischief I’ll be getting into this weekend, be sure to peep my “Hot List” below!
- Thursday—Red, Red Wine at Vin Master Wine Lounge
- Friday—Arsena Schroeder & Her Band at The Tavern
- Saturday—Just Politicking with Blu House at the Beatties Ford Branch Library
- Saturday—Off The Wall: Slow Wine Edition V.1 at Petra’s
- Sunday—ONE Charlotte Day at Romare Bearden Park
- Sunday—Food From Home at The Levine Museum of the New South
——-THURSDAY 11/3——-
Viva Raw and Assorted Table Wine Shoppe are back again hosting their second annual “Vegan Wine & Cheese Tasting” at the 7th Street Public Market! Be the first to taste Viva Raw’s newest vegan cheese paired with one of Assorted Table’s finest vegan wines. Tickets are $20 each and this guarantees a sampling of three courses and three wines. Please be sure and visit the Viva Raw booth or call (980)-275-3834 for reservations and questions. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. The 7th Street Public Market is located at 224 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Enjoy an elegant evening of art at The Ballroom at Quail Hollow and come out to experience the newest art exhibition from reknown creative Edwin Gil and his newest endeavor, “DIVERSIVIEW.” Edwin has overcome numerous obstacles to become one of America’s premier Latino Artists. In his Faces of Diversity Project, Edwin shares his story of triumph and how it helped shape his idea of social awareness through art. Edwin takes you on his journey across Europe with his Nuestra Bandera, Nuestro Pais, Nuestro Hogar (Our Flag, Our Country, Our Home) project with images and music as he tells the stories of the more than 25,000 people who participated in his global art project. Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 5:30 p.m. The Ballroom at Quail Hollow is located at 8514 Park Rd. in the South Park Area.
Ladies, the lovely Summer Lucille of Material Girl Life Productions (MGL) this evening as she hosts an all new networking and empowerment social, “Women Business Power & Purpose!” With a goal of enriching women small business owners, this event is sure to give you inspiration for your determination to make it in this world! Refreshments will be provided and please be sure to bring business cards, flyers and samples of your products. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-business-power-purpose-monthly-meeting-tickets-27512160613. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at Material Girl Life Headquarters. 520 Collins Aikman Dr. in the University Area. #MGLife
Kick off your Thursday evening in an island-themed cool down known as “Red, Red Wine.” Join S. Kehinde & DJ Corporate at Vin Master Wine Lounge. Bring your friends out, enjoy great drink specials and let the sounds of Caribbean, Reggae, African, Soca and Lover’s Rock tunes soothe you. Admission is FREE. 6 p.m. Vin Master Wine Lounge is located at 2000 South Blvd. in Historic South End.
For the third consecutive year, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation will host Verse & Vino, an evening of prose, wine, food and laughter with five nationally recognized, best-selling authors. The evening is a memorable way to celebrate the joy of reading and reflect on the importance of libraries and literacy in our community. Tickets can be purchased here: https://foundation.cmlibrary.org/events/verse-vino. The event begins at 6 p.m. and will be held at The Charlotte Convention Center. 501 S. College St. in Uptown.
Attention all denim enthusiasts and lovers of hand-stitched quality clothing! You are invited out to “The Masterpiece Series” at Straight Stitch & Co. this evening. This networking event is geared to celebrate the finest denim craftsmen, artisans and retailers in the QC. Admission is FREE to attend and denim is strongly encouraged. The event begins at 7 p.m. Straight Stitch & Co. is located at 601 S. Cedar St. near Uptown.
Your senses and soles collide this evening at LaCa Projects with “Wine & Dance.” This is an event designed to bring together choreographers from around Charlotte to present pieces of repertoire, paired with wines from local wineries, in order to produce a multi-sensory experience for the audience to enjoy. This event also houses collaborations with LaCa Residency Artists, and local university students presenting site-specific work in LaCa Project’s art gallery. Tickets can be purchased here: http://wineanddance2016.brownpapertickets.com/. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. this evening at on Friday (11/4). LaCa Projects is located at 1429 Bryant St. near Uptown.
On Q Production’s 10th Season kicks off with a Blackbuster double-feature with two Black-to-Black stage performances: the classic Douglass Terner Ward piece “Day of Absence” and stick around for the debut of the original, organic and all-new, “Kiss My Black Angst!” If you want to REALLY see things in a Black and White perspective, come and see the work of brilliant writers, linguists, poets and playwrights in a hilarious stage variety show! “DOA + KMBA 2” has been garnering some truly RAVE reviews thus far—be part of history and support it! This work of art will run all the way to Friday, 11/4. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/…/a-black-to-black-double-feature-doa-kmba-2. Tonight’s show is at 7:30 p.m. All performances will be held at The Duke Energy Theatre at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown. #OnQ #SupportBlackTheatre
——-FRIDAY 11/4——-
Election Day is approaching and early Early Voting is nearing an end. So why not add some fun, art and culture to it? Join local spoken word and activism collective, Guerilla Poets as they provide some Early Voting Entertainment for you! Choosing the best candidates can be rather challenging and confusing at times, and these talented lyricists will help calm your nerves with amazing and creative freestyle pieces as you vote. They will be at the West Boulevard Library Branch from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. and on Saturday (11/5) from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The library is located at 2157 West Blvd. #GuerillaPoets
Come out to Club One this Friday night and join the Moxie Society as they provide a new experience with “Groove Theory: The Live Music Series!” Just chill out after a long work week and feel the power energy of The Vybez Band coming straight to your earholes! The party starts at 6 p.m. with FREE admission until 8 p.m. Also be sure to inquire about $5 martini and other drink specials. Club One is located at 950 NC Music Factory Blvd. near Uptown. #MoxieSociety
Brothers and sisters, head down to The Fillmore this evening and join PRIDE Magazine contributor and my friend Mr. Eddie D. Love as he hosts, “Kiss The Chef!” Gentlemen throughout the Queen City region will don their chef hats for the evening to serve their signature entrée, appetizer or desert to raise money for charity. This friendly competition will culminate with a “Culinary Maestro” being crowned in each category. If you want to be where the cool, conscious and collected congregate, this is the event for you! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.universe.com/events/kiss-the-chef-tickets-D23CZN. The event begins at 6 p.m. The Fillmore is located at 820 Hamilton St. on the outskirts of Uptown.
This evening, come out to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art for a special edition of “Jazz at the Bechtler.” For your listening pleasure, come and experience a more harmonic sound as world-reknowned and acclaimed instrumentalist, Frédéric Yonnet provides the sound of a harmonica in the style of jazz. This French-born musician has performed on various world stages and has always been revered for his improvisations—a true treat that you don’t want to miss! There will be two shows this evening: 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here: https://30796a.blackbaudhosting.com/30796a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=0434e8f1-715e-4b95-a57e-dcc4ab88e34a. The Bechtler is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte brings you this world-premiere musical, “Grace For President!” to the stage for all ages this evening! Based from the current electoral climate, Grace Campbell, a young Black girl with ambition wonders, “Where are the girls?” when she looks at pictures of all 44 U.S. Presidents. Come see Grace wade through the waters of an election at her school as she runs for class president. Tickets can be purchased here: https://ctcharlotte.org/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=1EEF64D7-D40E-46FC-9CDE-77B805EDC880. Remainder performances will run from tonight at 7:30 through Sunday (11/6). All shows will be held at The Wells Fargo Playhouse at ImaginOn. 200 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Calling all art enthusiasts! Head out to C3 Lab this evening for a special and different kind of art showcase entitled, “Intersection.” As the theme of this event, understand that converging differing personal styles, careers, and life doesn’t always function together in harmony, but when you intersect the common thread of the love of art throughout a creative space, with the true spirit of collaboration – an interesting collage emerges to tell a meaningful story. Participating creatives Hollis Austin, Linda Brown, Chad Cartwright, April Marten, Bree Stallings and more are sure to give you a colorful kaleidoscope of community with their work. Admission is FREE to attend and there will be complimentary refreshments. The event begins at 7 p.m. C3 Lab is located at 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.
This evening, come and experience the power of short dialogue in short films at the “3rd Annual 100 Words Film Festival.” This festival celebrates concise, cinematic storytelling. Each film must deliver a compelling tale using exactly 100 words, challenging filmmakers to focus on the essence of the story. Given this parameter, this festival is also celebration of the fastest-growing, most exciting category of filmmaking in its purest form – the short. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/100-words-film-festival-2. This festival will begin on this evening and on Saturday (11/5) both starting at 8 p.m. The McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Jazz N’ Soul continues to stroll on a roll as they present another invigorating evening of “Ella’s Speakeasy.” For you listening pleasures tonight, get ready for Arsena Schroeder & Her Band! The beautiful artist combines the melodies of Soul and Gospel with the down-home feeling of Folk set to an acoustic soundtrack. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-n-soul-music-first-friday-featuring-arsena-schroeder-and-band-tickets-28514238856. Showtime is at 9 p.m. at The Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
It’s time to get down and boogie with Africana Connections at Apostrophe Lounge because it’s once again time for, “Diasopora: The Eclectic Afro-Caribbean Experience!” For tonight’s jam session, get ready to set your body in retro motion with the flavor of “Viva Discoteca”—Funk and Disco jams blended with Afrobeat, Soca, House, Salsa, and Latin grooves! Your sound pilot for the evening is none other than The Dynamic DJ Kato. With beautiful people, nonstop dancing and great energy, this is definitely the event for you! Tickets are $5 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/diasopora-viva-discoteca-tickets-28904552294 or at the door. The party starts at 10 p.m. Apostrophe Lounge is located at 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #AfricanaConnections
——-SATURDAY 11/5——-
This morning, join youth empowerment initiative I Am My Sister as they host the “I AM Teen Empowerment Summit: Your Voices Unleashed.” This initiative gives youth a platform to examine implicit and overt forms of bias and discrimination, while providing them with opportunities and tools to do something about the injustice they see in the world. There will be various workshops included in today’s program along with a meal and giveaways. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: http://www.iammysister.org/events/event/43-i-am-teen-empowerment-summit-youth-voices-unleashed. The event begins at 9 a.m. and will be held at UNC Charlotte Main Campus. 9201 University City Blvd. in the University Area. #IAmMySister
The mighty Bruhz of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. cordially invites everyone out to the Charlotte Convention Center for “The Uplift & Unity Summit.” This community gathering will feature dynamic panel discussions, global leadership and a chance to network with community leaders. The focus of the event is to help cease the senseless violence of Black men and lift our voices towards resolution so we can move forward as one. Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 9 a.m. The Charlotte Convention Center is located at 501 S. College St. in Uptown.
Ladies, The National Coalition of 100 Black Women – Queen City Metropolitan Chapter invite you to The Last Word this morning for another edition of their Saturday Reading Circle. For today’s session, the topic at hand is “The Black Women’s Response to the War on Women.” This purpose of this program is to promote learning and discussion of topics central to the advancement of Black women and girls. The reading circles will examine issues that face Black women and girls and explore Black women’s historical and contemporary political participation. Admission is FREE to attend and the session begins at 10 a.m. The Last Word is located at 5744 N. Tryon St.
Early voting gets a double dose of fun at the Beatties Ford Branch Library this morning! First up, join QC SuperMom as she hosts the “Early Voting Party and Parade to the Polls!” Parents, get the kids together in their favorite superhero costumes and get ready for a morning full of cape making, noisemakers, story time, a superhero photo booth, stroller decorations and more! Then they will blast off to parade around the early voting location at the library where parents can cast their vote. This event begins at 10 a.m.
Next up at 11 a.m., put some soul in the poll as Hip Hop Orchestrated and ASC Culture Blocks presents, “Just Politicking with Blu House!” If you’ve never heard Blu House before, they have a blended sound with the flavors of D’Angelo & The Vanguard, Miguel and John Legend—truly a sound to put you at ease and lift your spirits up. Both events are FREE to attend and are family-friendly. The Beatties Ford Library is located at 2412 Beatties Ford Rd.
This morning, join M.A.R.S. (Main Attraction Recreational Sports) along with the Steele Creek Athletic Association and CMPD as they have aligned to create “Kicking It Together” kickball tournament! Youth (ages 12-17) and adults are invited to come out and play a few rounds of co-ed kickball in efforts to help build and strengthen the relationships between our community and law enforcement. Admission is FREE to attend and everyone is welcome! The event begins at 10 a.m. and will be playing at 13530 Choate Circle in the Steele Creek Area. #MARS #Funletics
Bring the tribe out to The Gantt Center this afternoon for another invigoratingly creative session of the “Family First Workshop Series!” Everyone come and gather ‘round the table with the beautiful mixed-media visual artist, Amber Robles-Gordon as she curates today’s session entitled, “Quilts As Social Fabric.” Amber will guide you along a six-step process of deconstruction and reconstruction to create your quilt using some assorted materials. It’s fun for the entire family! Admission to the class is FREE with museum admission if you aren’t a Gantt Center member. The class begins at 12 noon. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The good people of the Single Saved and Serious Movement (SSS) are back once again as they host the “Christian Lounge Experience & Day Party!” Come out and mingle with likeminded individuals in an afternoon full of fun, food and funky tunes for you to fellowship to! Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 1 p.m. The event will be held at Doghouse Bar & Grill located at 7200 Albemarle Rd. #SSS
Get your grub on at J.J.’s Red Hots this afternoon and get ready for “Sausagefest 2016!” This local brew and sausage tasting event includes a variety of sausages, over 30 beers from 10 local breweries, live music and lots of other goodies! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-annual-sausagefest-tickets-27552980707. The event begins at 3 p.m. J.J.’s Red Hots is located at 1514 East Blvd. in the Dilworth Neighborhood.
H∙I∙M – His Imperial Majesty is a visual arts series presented by Alan Lux Studios. This is an artistic representation and celebration of Men of Color. Please join them this evening as they reveal these amazing images capturing the strength, regal nature, appeal and diversity of H∙I∙M! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/alan-lux-studios-presentshim-tickets-27225309634. The event begins at 6 p.m. at the Charlotte Art League. 1517 Camden Rd. in Historic South End.
Join the Organization of African Students at UNC Charlotte this evening as they present the “11th Annual African Night Celebration!” Special guest Clifford Owusu hosts an evening full of culture, food, entertainment, performances, comedy, modeling and more! Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at UNCC Main Campus. 9201 University City Blvd. in the University Area.
After the celebration, shoot over to Bakadi Lounge for the “UNCC African Night After Party!” Get down with some indigenous grooves provided by DJ Sam I Am of the DMV area and DJ Fly of Atlanta. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.nolimitentworldwide.com/tickets/. The party starts at 10 p.m. Bakadi Lounge is located at 4205 Monroe Rd.
Slide out to BluNotes this evening for another soulful edition of “Live Soul Saturdays!” For your entertainment tonight, get ready for the smooth, cool grooves of The Tre King Band. If you want to come out for mixing, mingling and dancing while you enjoy some delicious food and drinks, this is the spot for you! There will be two shows: 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Admission is $5 per show. BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.
The Queen City gets some Queens, NY Hip Hop flavor this evening as Awesom, E.O.C. So Street and Firm Ent. proudly presents another installment of “The Official I Love NY Series!” For your entertainment tonight, get ready to get rough, rugged and raw with Mobb Deep and Mr. Cheeks! You know the rhymes, the vibes and the flavor—don’t miss them performing live! Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.amossouthend.com/event/1308751-official-i-love-ny-series-charlotte/. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show begins at 9 p.m. Amos’ Southend. 1423 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Fill your evening with some channeled soul at The Evening Muse and get ready to experience “Charlotte Does Al Green!” You know the voice, you know the hits, you know the feeling! Come out for an evening as a special guest musical ensemble recreates the definitive sound of one of Soul/R&B’s greatest acts! Tickets are $7 and can be purchased here: https://www.facebook.com/events/184886585274156/. The show begins at 8 p.m. The Evening Muse is located at 3227 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Get ready to feel the spirit in your mind, body and soul this evening at The Tavern because its time once again for the “RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party!” Get down on the good foot as the Deep House Providers (DJ Gary “Jackmaster” Wallace, “DJ Marcus and DJ Badala B) give you the very best in House tunes all night long. Also, be sure to stick around and get a taste of some Gospel-tinged House flavor from none other than special guest Kenny Bobien! The event begins at 8 p.m. Admission is $5 before 9 p.m. and $10 after 9 p.m. The Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #HouseLives
It’s time once again for “The Big Heist: The Ol’ Skool Retreat” at Heist Brewery this evening! Come chill and nod your head as DJ Chance and DJ BesKep fills the speakers with the best of Hip Hop, R&B Neo-Soul and more musical ingredients! Admission is FREE to attend and the music starts at 9 p.m. Heist Brewery is located at 2909 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Fade to black this evening and come experience “NOIR VII: An All-Black Affair” at the Bank of America Urban Garden. NOIR is one of the most anticipated events of the fall; Conveying the chic ambiance of Paris and the crème de la crème of Charlotte. This affair provides the energy, mystery, and action packed charisma mixed with the blends of 102 Jamz’s Deron Juan. This is a semi-formal affair. Your finest attire is requested. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.kingentevents.com/. The event begins at 9 p.m. The Bank of America Urban Garden is located at 150 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Things get “riggedy” and “iggedy” at The White House this evening because Hip Hop legends Das EFX is coming to the QC performing live! Spice Life Ent. presents an evening with these two tongue-twisting, rhyme-bending MCs along with DJ Diamond and DJ Polo! Event will be hosted by the beautiful Olympia D. of Old School 105.3. Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/das-efx-performing-live-grown-sexy-old-school-night-tickets-28203291805?aff=eac2. Doors open at 9 p.m. The White House is located at 4809 Wilkinson Blvd.
The JETA Team has been on a roll this year with some of the best true school vibes in the QC! For tonight, head over to Petra’s for “Off The Wall: Slow Wine Edition V.1!” Join DJ Justice, DJ Aking Allah and JETA Team affiliate, the beautiful DJ Lunchbeats as they rock out with the best of Golden Era Hip Hop and be sure to stick around as they provide a special slow jam set with a soundtrack of R&B, Rare Grooves and Soul joints from the 70s, 80s and 90s! As Shalamar sang some 35 years ago, this will surely be a night to remember! The get down starts at 9 p.m. Admission is $5 before 10 p.m. and $10 after 10 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #TheJETATeam
——-SUNDAY 11/6——-
Attention all gamers, come out to one of my new favorite hangout joints, Abari Game Bar as they host their eighth Pinball Tournament! Test your skills and try not to tilt on a variety of pinball machines against other wizards while everyone cheers you on! Registration begins at 12 noon and the tournament begins at 1 p.m. Abari Game Bar is located at 1721 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Slide over to South End this afternoon and come out for the last “Front Porch Sunday” small and local business expo for 2016! Over 40 local vendors featuring a variety of products will be at The Porch to celebrate an amazing market season and of course, the Carolina Panthers! Come out this afternoon with Panther pride prior to the game at 4 p.m. Be sure to bring a chair and enjoy live music, food from Now Toasted Food Truck and popsicles from King of Pops Charlotte. Admission is FREE to attend and the entire family is invited. The marketplace is open at 12 noon. 2151 Hawkins St. in Historic South End. #ShopLocalCLT
This afternoon, be part of a live taping of the hit show Order/Fire at Free Range Brewing with featured guest, Chef Greg Collier of the all-new @DawnCafe and The Yolk. After the episode plays, a chicken dinner with 2-3 sides and cornbread will be served. The suggested donation is $10 per plate, with all of the proceeds going to benefit the Community Culinary School of Charlotte. Admission is FREE to attend. Doors open at 12 noon. Free Range Brewing is located at 2320 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Everyone come and join hands at Uptown Charlotte this afternoon for “ONE Charlotte Day.” ONE Charlotte was started to acknowledge the pain in our city given the most recent police shootings and unrest; and to put into action a plan that would address core, systemic issues that create inequity in the Charlotte community. Events include a symbolic march to Romare Bearden Park, fellowship, music and food. Admission is FREE to attend and all ages are welcome. The event begins at 1 p.m. and will meet at the intersection of Trade & Tryon in Uptown. #ONECharlotte
Bring your open minds and open palates out to The Levine Museum of the New South this afternoon and experience a multicultural conversational feast entitled, “Food From Home.” Hosted by Charlotte Observer columnist and historian Tom Hanchett, this event features a conversation and food sampling with three immigrant restauranteurs. You’ll meet: Esther Ikuru from Nigeria, chef-owner of The Cooking Pot African Kitchen; Dino Mehic from Bosnia, proprietor of Bosna Grocery/Euro Grill; Zhenia Martinez from Mexico, co-owner of Las Delicias Bakery. Admission is $5 and please be sure to register here: https://38686.blackbaudhosting.com/38686/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=4658e8a1-60aa-4ddd-afec-feee68251a06. The event begins at 2:30 p.m. The Levine Museum is located at 200 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Ladies, come out to Sachhi Enterprise this evening for the “Fall In Love With Your Curls” hair seminar! Are you having a hard time falling in love with your curls? Are you seeking more information on how to style & protect your hair during the fall & winter months? Are you interested in learning how to transition your hair back to its natural state? Then this seminar is for you! This will be a fun-filled informative evening that will consist of natural hair specialists available to answer your questions, live hair demos, a fashion show, vendors, giveaways, swag bags & more! Please be sure to purchase your tickets here: http://charlottenaturalhairevents.weebly.com/. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. Sachhi Enterprise is located at 1801 N. Tryon St.
COMING SOON…
- Thursday, 11/10—CineOdyssey Film Festival Kickoff Event
- Sunday, 11/13—Art Career Development Symposium
- Saturday, 11/19—Total Children’s Wellness Fair
- Sunday, 11/27—Hot Stuff Holiday Pop-Up Market
“A life is not important except for the impact it has on others.” -Jackie Robinson
Everyone have a great weekend and always keep the love flowing! Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller