By Shawn D. Allison, II
What’s the word family? Another week is in the books and another weekend is upon us! Now while it will be noticeably cooler in the QC, I’ve found lots of dope events that are beaming with cultural hotness! I will be busy in the streets of course and if you want to keep up with me, check out what I got lined up on my “Hot List” just below!
- THURSDAY – West End Talks
- THURSDAY – Piano Jazz: The Intimate Series feat. Nicci Canada
- THURSDAY – SATURDAY – Three Bone Theatre presents “The Daffodil Girls”
- THURSDAY – “Let’s Talk Dammit” at Blk Mrkt CLT
- FRIDAY – Black Food Truck Friday Stomp-A-Roma at JCSU
- FRIDAY – Jazz N’ Soul Music presents The Tre King Band: Soul Music You Can Feel
- FRIDAY – PLAYER MADE at Snug Harbor
- SATURDAY – The HBCU Classic Battle of the Bands Weekend
- SATURDAY – 7th Annual Total Children’s Wellness Fair
- SATURDAY – Repainted Tomorrow at Tip Top Daily Market
- SATURDAY – AfroPop Charlotte Vol. 26 at Snug Harbor
- SUNDAY – Classic Black Cinema Series screening of “Body & Soul” at The Gantt Center
- SUNDAY – Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles Sunday Brunch — Veterans Day WKND Edition 2018
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 8——-
Dapper Street Productions returns to kick off your weekend with an all-new feature, Piano Jazz: The Intimate Series! Join the alluring vocalist Nicci Canada as she pays homage to the legendary songstress Billie Holiday and her timeless contributions to the world through jazz culture. Admission is FREE to attend and all ages are welcome to attend. This event is sponsored by the Arts & Science Council’s Culture Blocks Initiative. The performance will begin at 6 p.m. at the Sugar Creek Library. 4045 N. Tryon St.
The Gantt Center in partnership with the Social Justice Ministry of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church invites you out to get engaged in a much-needed discussion entitled, Civics 101: Interrupting The Cradle To Prison Pipeline. This informative session highlights the increasing jail and prison population of young, African-American men and women and its effects on the community. Tonight, an esteemed panel moderated by Bro. Jarrod Jones will explore insight pertaining to some of the strategies needed to interrupt this system and factoring the impact of the lack of education among this population. Admission is FREE and open to the public. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.giveffect.com/checkout/8437. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The LATIBAH Collard Green Museum invites you out to an evening of collective conversations at the second installment of their West End Talks series. This intimate discussion looks at the rapid changing of Charlotte communities due to urban and transit development. The program format is designed to provide information, education, and socialization. Tonight’s guest speaker and noted historian Dr. Tom Hanchett will give a talk called “Back In the Day” highlighting the building of the Historic West End, with a spotlight on McCrorey Heights. There will be art, free food and a performance by MufukaWorks Dance Company. The artist recognition will feature Nellie Ashford and Climb Ashford. Admission is FREE to attend and will begin at 6:30 p.m. at The Mecklenburg County Bar & Foundation Center, 2850 Zebulon Ave (off Rozzelles Ferry Rd.)
Join BriGGsing this Thursday at The Unknown Brewing Co. for the November installment of the Thirsty Thursday Brewery Tour! You’ll get to see the inner workings of this South End 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 6:30 p.m. The Unknown Brewing Co. is located at 1327 S. Mint St. near Uptown. #BriGGsing
Join Blessed Harvest Institute Institute as they invite you to this week-long worship and teaching lesson entitled, CHEERFULLY- “Liberated To Give Because We Love God.” Join them as author, Dr. B. Gerard Fite, takes you on the journey of cheerful giving and why it is our first act of worship to God. Giving is more than money, time and talent – ultimately God wants us entirely. This five day session is free of charge and open to anyone, whether you are committed to a place of worship or not. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cheerfully-liberated-to-give-b… . Each session will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Blessed Harvest Institute is located at 5522 Statesville Rd.
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
This weekend, catch some theatrical magic as Three Bone Theatre proudly presents “The Daffodil Girls.” Inspired by David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross, “The Daffodil Girls” turns the famous tale of manhood and cutthroat real estate sales into a dark comedy centering on a group of pre-teen girls trying to make their way through cookie sale season for their scout troupe. Far from a gimmick or simply a parody, The Daffodil Girls uses Mamet’s heightened sense of super realism as a way to weave a story about young women struggling to find their place and maneuver through an equally as harsh landscape to anything Mamet could imagine: childhood. Featuring an all-star cast of Three Bone Theatre veterans and neophytes, this piece is sure to keep you on the edge of your seats! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/the-daffodil-girls. There will be three performances this weekend: Thursday (11/8), Friday (11/9) and Saturday (11/9) all beginning at 8 p.m. All performances will be held at the Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
This evening, everyone head over to Blk Mrkt CLT for a special and necessary community discussion entitled, “Let’s Talk Dammit.” Being Black in today’s society is both wonderful and challenging. And through the exhibition of many facets of our Blackness, our creativity and mental health can sometimes be drastically altered into a negative platform. Hear from some trusted local mental health experts and learn some tips on how not to become a lost cause. Admission is FREE to attend. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Blk Mrkt CLT is located at Camp North End. 1824 Statesville Ave.
——-FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9——-
This evening, Black Business Owners of Charlotte (BBOC) have upped the ante and are pulling out all the stops as they present Black Food Truck Friday Stomp-A-Roma! Join one of the QC’s fastest growing community initatives along with a slew of Black-owned culinary chariots, vendors and DJ Steel Wheel spinning the hotness for an evening of nonstop fun! The party starts at 5 p.m. at JCSU Main Campus. 100 Beatties Ford Rd.
ESPN Charlotte, Halftime is Game Time and The 2018 World Series of Marching Bands is proud to present Stomp-A-Roma 2018: The Queen City Middle & High School Step Show! This family fun event will feature local middle and high school step teams, dance teams and majorette squads. It will be an experience that you do not want to miss! This showdown will be hosted by Keeshlinooo and NuffCed. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stomp-a-roma-2018-the-queen-city-middle-and-high-school-step-show-tickets-50910135586. Doors open at 6 and the show starts at 7pm. The event will be held at the Brayboy Gymnasium at JCSU Main Campus. 100 Beatties Ford Rd.
The weekend has arrived and now it’s time to relax as Jazz N’ Soul Music proudly presents The Tre King Band in a special show entitled “Soul Music You Can Feel!” Spearheaded by the beautiful and multitalented Tre’jae, you’re in for a special treat as she rocks your soul with timeless and energetic vocals that will not only leave you speechless but begging for more! The band is as sharp as a crease with a rhythmic institution giving them a sonic aura of true professionalism with vibrant energy. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-tre-king-band-soul-music-you-can-feel-fri-nov-9th-730-and-10p-the-loft-and-cellar-tickets-51351651171. There will be two shows this evening at 7:30 and 10 p.m. at Loft & Cellar. 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.
Everyone hop in your Chevy, Cadillac or Pontiac and head down to Snug Harbor for another Southern-fried edition of PLAYER MADE! This is the jam session that celebrates Southern Hip Hop from all eras ranging from The Geto Boys, The Hot Boys, UGK, Nappy Roots, Little Brother, DJ Screw, T.I., The Dungeon Family and a lot more! Also, be sure to tune in as host and local MC Elevator Jay performs some of his hits and some joints from his newest project, “Ain’t Nothin’ Finer.” Admission is FREE for everyone 21+ and $5 for persons 18-20. Doors open at 9 and the show starts at 10 p.m. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Tonight at Sage Restaurant & Lounge, come out for a social soiree full of flyness, elegance and culture—“Cufflinks & Cocktails!” Join hosts The Charlotte Kappa Alumni Kappas from all over North Carolina and Southern West Virginia will descend on the Queen City for the C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference in this evening of fellowship, networking, cocktail specials, appetizers and more! Music will be provided by DJ Tramare. Admission is FREE to attend the event begins at 10 p.m. Sage is located at 505 E. 6th St. in Uptown.
——-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10——-
This weekend, get up out your seat, dance in the aisles and make some noise as HBCU Halftime proudly presents The HBCU Classic Battle of the Bands Weekend! Feel the spirit of the HBCU marching band tradition with a weekend full of events ranging from the grand HBCU band and high school band competition, a career and college fair, live performances from special guest artists and much more! Additional info and ticket purchases can be made here: https://hbcuhalftime.com/.
Get down and get busy with Moxie Society this morning at Sports One Bar & Lounge as they host another fly edition of “I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party!” Enjoy a delicious Southern-style brunch with all sorts of drink specials including $5 mimosas. Your groove master for this event is none other than Charlotte’s own, Soul Brother DJ Justice and Tez the DJ rockin’ nothing but the hotness of the 90s Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, Pop, House, Go-Go and much more! Also, be sure to feast your eyes upon Jacqui Currie expressing her beautiful soul upon a blank canvas! Admission is FREE to attend. The party starts at 11 a.m. Sports One is located at 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
Join Moving Spirits, Inc. at the Tuckaseegee Recreation Center as they host African Diaspora Roots of Dance & Music Workshops this morning. Your instructor Tamara is a dance teacher, choreographer, performer and scholar who will lead four intensive workshops in traditional movements of the African diaspora. She will teach dances that were brought to the Americas by enslaved people of West and Central Africa. Participants will learn Rumba and Palo from Cuba, movements inspired by the Orixas of Brazil, Samba Raiz, Samba Afro, Samba Reggae, African American Ring Shout and will also have an opportunity to learn traditional rhythms and songs from the regions as well. Admission is FREE to attend and open to the public. The session will begin at 11 a.m. 4820 Tuckaseegee Rd.
All my fellow music heads, slide over to Lunchbox Records and join local talk radio station WFAE as they host their Amplifier Record Sale this afternoon! As WFAE celebrates the Charlotte music scene with the launch of our Amplifier podcast, the station will be selling portions its vast collection of LPs and CDs. The collection, which was compiled when WFAE was primarily a Jazz station, has been digitized and archived for broadcast on WFAE’s HD jazz channel, includes nearly 1000 LPs and a comparable collection of CDs. A selection of antiquated WFAE radio equipment – control boards, etc – will also be available for purchase. Guests to the sale will enjoy live music from Amplifier featured artists Jason Jet, Emily Sage and Vadim Kolpakov. Divine Barrel Brewing and The Masa Casa Truck will be on site with food & refreshments for sale. Admission is FREE and open to the public. 12 noon. Lunchbox Records is located at 825 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Hey kids, it’s time to have a total load of fun this afternoon at the 7th Annual Total Children’s Wellness Fair! Gather your school and neighborhood friends and come get engaged in an afternoon of fun, food and fitness with an entire lineup of goodies today! The theme for the fair is “Hakuna Matata” and we want to ensure that each child has “no worries” as we focus on the seven branches of wellness. Activities included will be a re-fashion show, horseback riding, cooking with kids demo, a family mini-workout session, giveaways and lots more! This event is presented by Queen City Stay At Home Moms, GRIND Academy and QC SuperMom and will be co-hosted by yours truly, The Black Ferris Bueller! Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 1 p.m. at KIPP Charlotte. 931 Wilann Dr. #QCSuperMom
This afternoon, join A Hero’s Ball as they invite you to a special hot-button community engagement at the Homeless to Housing Resource Fair. Come out and learn about housing resources in this city and what affordable housing means to you. This event will bring together realtors, property managers, housing resources for specific groups such as Veterans, Seniors, and more. This event will feature a Q&A session with special guest speakers include City of Charlotte Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera who’ll all give their opinion to see if Charlotte is affordable. Admission is FREE and open to the public. The event will begin at 1:30 p.m. at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. 3400 Beatties Ford Rd.
Get your taste buds ready this afternoon because it’s time for the 3rd Annual CLT’s MAC Down Macaroni N’ Cheese & Craft Brew Tasting! Over 12 local and regional craft breweries and culinary institutions will compete in this all-you-can-eat competition filled with fun, fellowship and of course—food! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/clt-smacdown-mac-n-cheese-craft-beer-tasting-tickets-50087450914. The event begins at 2 p.m. and will be held at CUVC. 2530 Whitehall Park Dr.
Join my friends Diggers Delight and the Vacation Pay Crew as the proudly present the November installment of “Repainted Tomorrow” this evening! This half beat show/half live painting hybrid showcase will feature the sonic stylings of Spaceman Jones & The Motherships. Additional sonic frequencies will be provided by resident musicians Axnt, FLLS and Simon SMTHNG. 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.
Put a final cap on your super Saturday as the fine folks of The Bantu Fete Team invite you out to Snug Harbor for AfroPop CLT Vol. 26! Get ready to feel the rhythm with two of the QC’s hardest working sonic maestros, The Dynamic DJ Kato and DJ Steel Wheel for an unforgettable night of Afrobeats, Afro-House, Soca, Reggae, Dancehall, Latin flavors, Hip Hop, R&B, some live African drumming thrown in the mix and much, much more! Also, be sure to support the various vendors supplying lots of garments, jewelry, accessories, homemade skin and hair products and more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afropop-charlotte-vol26-afrobeats-soca-fashion-vendors-tickets-51708346055. The party starts at 10 p.m. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11——-
The Culture Cooperative is ready to add a double dose of flavor in your holiday weekend as they invite you out to the Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles Sunday Brunch — Veterans Day WKND Edition 2018! Enjoy this tropical spin on your Sunday brunch as sound crafters The Dynamic DJ Kato and DJ Heff blend a sonic cocktail of Afrobeats, Hip Hop, House, Soca, Reggae, Dancehall and much more! There will be a special Caribbean-inspired brunch menu with delicious mimosas and other drink specials to enhance your experience! Please be sure to RSVP here for both events: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jerk-chicken-n-waffles-sunday-brunch-veterans-day-wknd-edition-2018-tickets-52086039747. The brunch will begin at 11 a.m. at Mango’s Caribbean Restaurant. 3112 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
This afternoon, treat yourselves to some vintage cinematic delight as Mr. Felix Curtis of Classic Black Cinema Series proudly presents a special screening of “Body & Soul.” The esteemed and regal Pau l Robeson stars as a malevolent and sinister minister behind his righteous facade. He consorts with, and later extorts from, the owner of a gambling house and betrays an honest girl, eventually driving them both to ruin. Admission to the film is FREE with a museum admission of $9 per person. Refreshments will be provided. The screening will begin promptly at 2 p.m. at The Gantt Center. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #CBCS
Elements of Empowerment, Inc. invites you out to Belmont Abbey College for the November installment of the 2018 – 2019 Community Jazz Series this afternoon. Be among the first to experience the forthcoming Community Music Series with fellowship, coffee, a dessert reception and a special live jazz performance from the David Pankey Trio on the set of “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Radio Play” by Joe Landry. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP at: ElementsOfEmpowerment@gmail.com. If unable to attend, please be sure to leave a donation by clicking this link: https://www.givelify.com/givenow/1.0/MjMwMzc=/selection. The event will begin at 4 p.m. and will be held at the Haid Theater at Belmont Abbey College. 100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Rd. in nearby Belmont.
Have a great weekend everyone! One love…
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst