By Shawn D. Allison, II
Salutations family! I hope you all have had a fantastic week as I have. The election has concluded and it’s now time to move our city in a new and more progressive direction. To get things started, I encourage everyone to get their feet moving in the direction of some of these delightful events I have found for you all this weekend. There’s lots of festivals honoring our noble and brave Veterans, art exhibitions, tasty treats, dope music selections, fun game competitions and all sorts of stuff for the kids to enjoy! If you really know what kind of trouble to get into this weekend, be sure to peep my “Hot List” for the real scoop!
- THURSDAY – The Forum CLT: A Community Art Showcase at Camp North End
- THURSDAY – Luv N’ Henny After-Work Mixer at Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar
- THURSDAY – New Era Music House presents “Off Beat: A Journey Thru the B-Sides” at Camp North End
- FRIDAY- SUNDAY – Afro-Soca & Djembe Dance at NoDa@28th Creative Arts Studios
- FRIDAY – SSS Talk – Roundtable Discussion & Potluck at Grier Heights Community Center
- FRIDAY – “Before the Break” at Crown Station
- SATURDAY – Brown Girls Winning – A Glow Get It Celebration at Advent Coworking
- SATURDAY – Queen City Urban Art Showcase – Paint & Play Comedy Edition at Apostrophe Lounge
- SATURDAY – Radio Rehab Carolinas presents “SALUD! A Veterans Day Tribute” at Three Spirits Brewery
- SATURDAY – The JETA Team presents “Rock Box” at Stats Restaurant & Bar
- SATURDAY – The Meet Market: A Plus One Party at Press Box Bar & Grill
- SUNDAY – Classic Black Cinema Series screening of “Get Christie Love!” at The Gantt Center
- SUNDAY – Queen City Battle Royale Poetry Slam
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 9——-
There’s all sorts of creative aroma in the air this evening at Camp North End as Lauren Chalaire and Rome D’Carlo as they host “The Forum CLT: A Community Art Showcase.” Calling all art lovers–come out to the dopest art showcase of the year, featuring poetry by Pinnacle the Poet, dance by Reliable Brother, singing by SSTEDI and some hot 16s by Railz the Principle! There will also be a poetry cypher, a special message from Koncept Beats, local small business vendors and the dope sounds of DJ Blanco on the 1s and 2s. This is a celebration of art and its ability to empower all who witness it. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Ave.
Black Singles in CLT is ready to kick your weekend off this evening as they invite you out to Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar for fun that’s plenty at the “Luv N’ Henny After-Work Mixer!” Loosen those neckties, replace those pumps with flats and come relax in one of Uptown Charlotte’s most debonair establishments. Enjoy fine wines, a bevy of cocktail specials and the company of some the area’s coolest and progressive individuals! Hennessy drinks will be $7 all night long. The event begins at 6 p.m. Sydney’s is located at 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown. #BlackSinglesCLT
The good people of Educate to Engage, LLC are back and they invite out to The Third Place for a very special Reunion Social! This local nonprofit has extensively read, studied and discussed Michelle Alexander’s book “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” and they will learn more as they partner with partnering organization Co-Learning for Action Project (CLAP). They will challenge and be challenged through provocative (facilitated) dialogue centered on ‘you cannot unknow what you now know’ and will reflect and share stories of transformative action as practice. Admission is FREE to attend and there will also be a networking segment, Black-owned craft beer samples and much more. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. The Third Place is located at 1609 E. 5th St. in Uptown. #Educate2Engage #ExposeSystems
The Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. invites you out to The Morehead Tavern for a special night on the town entitled, “Throwback Thursday Social – Denim & Pearls!” Come adorned in your finest denim and pearls and come hang with these devastating divas in red as you socialize and party with a purpose! Food and drink specials will be provided by the kitchen staff. A portion of the proceeds will be given to relief efforts for those rebuilding from natural disasters in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Donations and ticket purchases can be made here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/throwback-thursday-social-denim-pearls-party-with-a-purpose-tickets-38734173957. The event begins at 7 p.m. The Morehead Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
New Era Music House is back in effect this fall and they are re-igniting one of their most heralded events to date—“Off Beat: A Journey Thru the B-Sides!” For tonight’s installment, journey into the slick-talking world of one of Hip Hop’s most premier wordsmiths, Jay-Z! Hear the hits, album cuts and on-the-spot remixes from NEMH producers! There’s also a special contest lined up tonight–guess the top 3 songs in the Jay-Z countdown and you’ll win a special prize pack full of goodies from local Charlotte artists and clothing lines! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.neweramusichouse.com/events/off-beat-a-journey-thru-the-b-sides-feat-jay-z. The event begins at 8 p.m. New Era Music House is located at 5814 Old Concord Rd. #NewEraMusicHouse
Three Bone Theater invites you out to The Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square to view the stage adaptation of one of literature’s most beloved pieces, “Fahrenheit 451.” This powerful drama is based on Ray Bradbury’s internationally acclaimed masterwork of 20th century literature set in a bleak, dystopian future. Guy Montag is a fireman. In his world, where television rules and literature is on the brink of extinction, firemen start fires rather than put them out. His job is to destroy the most illegal of commodities, the printed book, along with the houses in which they are hidden. It is not until he meets 16-year-old Clarisse, who is filled with strange ideas, that he is led into a dangerous and highly combustible situation. Now he must choose between continuing his nonexistent existence and risking everything for the right to think. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/fahrenheit-451-by-ray-bradbury. The show will run Thursday (11/9), Friday (11/10) and Saturday (11/11) all beginning at 8 p.m. The Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
——-FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10——-
The vibrant energy of Aminata Creations invites you out to NoDa@28th Creative Arts Studios for the “Afro-Soca & Djembe Dance!” If you love the energizing sounds of Soca music and the pulsating rhythms of djembe dance, join her in this marriage of rhythmic music and movement. Today’s session will kick off a ten-day session ending on Friday, November 17. The first session of the evening will highlight Senegalese (West African) dancing paired with djembe percussionist. The second half will focus on African dancing set to Soca music. Admission is $10 for one class or $15 for both. Cash, PayPal and Square payments are all accepted. The session begins at 6 p.m. NoDa@28th Creative Arts Studios is located at 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
The good people at FUNK SHUN is back in function for the fall and tonight, join them at Salud Beer Shop as they host Game Night & Book Club 2018 Kick Off! Before the new year is in effect, come out for an evening of various and fun games including Cards Against Humanity, Spades, Shuffleboard, Dominoes and much more! You’ll also get the details of the upcoming book club in tonight’s gathering as well. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/funkshun-game-night-book-club-2018-kick-off-tickets-39558677068. 7 p.m. Salud Beer Shop is located at 3306 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Ladies, head down to M.A.D. Beauty this evening for a special “Look and Learn” Frontal & Closure Master Class with celebrity hairstylist Cherie Amor! Come learn how to boost your clientele and profits by learning all the latest beautification trends for Black women. You will also learn how to properly braid down the indigenous roots with the installation of a lace front hairpiece with an undetectable look and how to remove piece properly. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/look-and-learn-frontal-closure-master-class-w-cherie-amor-registration-38523343357. The class starts at 7 p.m. M.A.D. Beauty is located at 1501 West Blvd. Suite “C”.
Join the Guerilla Poets as they host “Vibrations” at Charlotte Art League this evening. This creative and interactive cool down is geared as a way to bridge the gap between at-risk youth while also securing them a future. There will also be an open mic segment as well. Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 7 p.m. Charlotte Art League is located at 1517 Camden Rd. in Historic South End. #GuerillaPoets
Head out to Spirit Square this evening and get ready for an evening of words in rhythm—it’s time once again for the BreatheINK Youth Poetry Slam! These young lyricists are ready to express their minds spit hot fire in the third competition of the new school year. If your youth desires to compete, the registration open at 7 p.m. and closes at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5 to the slam and it begins at 8 p.m. Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown. #BreatheINK
The good people of the Single, Saved & Serious Movement invite you out to the Grier Heights Community Center as they host their SSS Talk – Roundtable Discussion & Potluck this evening! SSS goes back to its roots and main focus–roundtable discussions about topics important to today’s singles. The goal is helping singles navigate a harsh world with these conversations. Open and honest, but always backed by God’s Word, these talks cover issues in today’s dating scene, so that the single woman or man of God is fully equipped to walk in confidence, faith and love. There will also be loads of games to play and some delicious food provided by Mama EK & T Catering. Admission is $5. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. Grier Heights Community Center is located at 3100 Leroy St.
Friday night gets live and in living color at Crown Station as they proudly present “Before the Break” this evening! Come and hear some fly verses and vivid visions from some of the city’s most talented rappers including: Black Linen, Phaze Gawd, KM, Th3 Higher and Rickey Rodgers! Additional frequencies will be provided by DJ SPK. Admission is FREE to attend. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Crown Station is located at 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
People, experience an evening of a whole lot of soul at The Morehead Tavern and get ready for Ladies’ Night Out! Hosted by the multitalented Bluz, this surely will be a night you won’t forget. Perfoming live will be DeVonda Cherry, BRAVE Entertainment and J Macks all giving their infectious and incredulous energy for you to enjoy! Tickets can be purchased here: https://moreheadtavern.primetix.com/Tickets/?perfid=1018. Doors open at 8 and the show will start at 9 p.m. The Morehead Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead 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.
——-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11——-
Everyone rise up, come out to Birdsong Brewing Co. and join QCServe as they host #HashtagLunchbagCLT. You’ll have an opportunity to give back to our less fortunate Brothers and Sisters by providing prepared meals and feel the joy being lifted in your hearts. Everyone please come out and make a difference –there will be lots of volunteers lending a hand and sharing the love. A $10 donation for supplies isn’t required, however it is suggested. The event will begin at 8 a.m. Birdsong Brewing Co. is located at 1016 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Head out to Spring Hill Suites this morning for the Charlotte Music Collectors Show! If you love collecting rare/vintage vinyl LPs, 45’s, compact discs and music DVDs, this is the joint for you! Admission is $2 and the diggin’ starts at 10 a.m. Spring Hill Suites is located at 12325 Johnston Rd. in the Ballantyne Area.
Everyone get those taste buds ready and head out to The Palisades Country Club as JESLN’s Caribbean SweetPot hosts a Caribbean Cuisine Soul Food Tasting! You and your friends will get to experience and savor a variety of meats and vegetables along with some fresh wine. There will also be some swag bag giveaways for vendors. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/caribbean-cuisine-soulfood-tasting-tickets-38134556485. For all other inquiries, please send an e-mail to Renee at: rhudson@jeslnsweetpot.com. The event begins at 11 a.m. The address of the venue is 13714 Grand Palisades Pkwy. in the Steele Creek Area.
2017 is the year of self-love and abundance and this morning, allow Musa Moon to relax your mind at the “Peace + Love Party Soul Healing Self Love Session!” Ease your souls while learning the healing properties of herbs. Detox your mind and body with their special foot soak and peace tea. You will have the opportunity to experience all of the Musa Moon products and services including: detox, journaling, guided meditation, teas and a D.I.Y herbal bath salt. Tickets can only be purchased online at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peace-love-party-1111-self-love-session-tickets-39494663602. The event will begin at 11 a.m. 2424 N. Davidson St., Suite #110-F in the NoDa District.
Get down and get busy with Moxie Society late this morning at Sports One 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, DJ Shogun rockin’ nothing but the hotness of the 90s Hip Hop and R&B. Also, be sure to feast your eyes upon the canvas of the lovely Deseray! Admission is FREE to attend. The party starts at 11 a.m. Sports One is located at 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
From the creative mind of the beautiful Lady Bizness comes a special empowerment workshop entitled, “Brown Girls Winning — A Glow Get It Celebration!” Ladies, this event is focused on celebrating the successes of Black beauty, brands, and bloggers that educate us in person and online. There will be a distinguished and lovely panel of Black and Brown bloggers and influencers who will be discussing the impact of Black buying power as it relates to new brands that illuminate the culture and diversity of Brown ladies. There will also be makeup demonstrations, holiday-inspired sangrias, tasty hors d’oeuvres, photography, vendors and a fly mix of music for you to enjoy! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/browngirlswinning-a-glow-get-it-celebration-tickets-38287986398. The event will begin at 2 p.m. at Advent Coworking. 933 Louise Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #LadyBizness #BrownGirlsWinning #GlowGetIt
The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte invites you out for a special run of the beloved children’s story Ezra Jack Keats’ “The Snowy Day & Other Stories!” Based on the 1963 Caldecott Medal-winning book by acclaimed author and illustrator Ezra Jack Keats, The Snowy Day and Other Stories will whisk your family into the classic storybook. This charming, intimate show follows a young boy as he joyfully experiences the first snowfall of the year. Join Peter and his dog, Willie, for a day of exploration and imagination. Fifty-five years since it was originally published, The Snowy Day remains a deeply loved and profoundly influential story. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.ctcharlotte.org/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=C94145BD-0FA1-4183-9482-5ACCE586F0AE. There will be two performances this weekend: Saturday (11/11) AT 3 p.m. and Sunday (11/12) at 2 p.m. Both performances will be held at the Wells Fargo Playhouse inside ImaginOn. 300 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Get your taste buds ready this afternoon because it’s time for the 2nd 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.freshtix.com/events/cltsmacdown. The event begins at 2 p.m. and will be held at Rooftop 210 at The Epicentre. 210 E. Trade St. in Uptown.
The cool folks at Create Amazing, LLC are back in action this weekend at Apostrophe Lounge as they invite you out for the Queen City Urban Art Showcase – Paint & Play Comedy Edition! This festive fusion of the arts will host activities such as spoken word, live painters, line dancing, music, free massages, free cupcakes and lots of laughter from local comedians! Videographers, photographers, bloggers, and models will round out the unique environment. The event will be hosted by comedienne and Power 104.4 radio personality Coco Lenell. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-night-showcase-tickets-39307244025. The event will begin at 6 p.m. Apostrophe Lounge is located at 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Charlotte End-of-the-Week Rotary Club invites you out to The International House as they proudly present “Island Fever – A Caribbean Party with a Purpose!” Come experience a taste of Caribbean culture with lots of food, music, dancing, fellowship as they raise money for victims of hurricanes Irma and Maria, underprivileged students and their teachers at Sterling Elementary and many other educational and developmental entities. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/caribbean-party-island-fever-tickets-36875706230. The party starts at 6 p.m. The International House is located at 1817 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
The coolest crew known as Radio Rehab Carolinas invites you out to Three Spirits Brewery for “SALUD! A Veterans Day Tribute” this evening! Come vibe with us at this soulful tribute as we honor our active and retired Veterans from all U.S. Armed Forces branches. Hosted by 105.3’s Chirl Girl, along with DJ Dayna Dee on the wheels of steel and introducing the lovely songstress, Miss Mara Robbins accompanied by her band. There will also be local vendors and a food truck to satisfy your stomach’s needs. All Veterans with I.D. and persons under 18 are admitted FREE. All other ticket purchases are $7 each at the door. The event begins at 6 p.m. Three Spirits Brewery is located at 5046 Old Pineville Rd. #RadioRehabCarolinas
Material Girl Life Productions invites everyone out to be wowed with wonder as they present the Juicy Body Goddess Plus Size Fashion Show! Ladies, check out what’s in store for the Fall and Winter collections as these curvy queens strut their stuff down the walkway in some fierce and fabulous threads! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/juicy-body-goddess-plus-size-fashion-show-tickets-37230601732. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and will be held at Material Girl Hair Boutique. 5015 N. Tryon St., Suite #114. #MGLife
Calling all friends, colleagues and older cousins—come on down to The Morehead Tavern and join Timothy & Diamond Nurse as they host their Nurse Monthly Mingle Charlotte Adult Game 90s Night! Dress in your fly-est threads from yesteryear and come enjoy a night full of lots of games, laughter, networking, food, drinks, music and lots more fun! A portion of the proceeds will benefit St. Mark’s Lutheran Soup Kitchen. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.eventbrite.com/charlotte-adult-game-90s-night-tickets-39127241633. The fun starts at 8 p.m. The Morehead Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
Calling all Chocolate college colleagues—this evening gather all your crew, fellow Greeks, friends and head down to The Fillmore for “HBCU Reunion & Friends!” Relive the days of your college years on “the yard” as DJ Skillz spins out some Hip Hop and R&B hotness from multiple eras. Feel free to don your alma mater’s apparel, your Divine Nine gear and get your stomp on as well! This event is presented by The Grays, The Sol Kitchen, Blue Goose Entertainment Group and The Eric Terry Group. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased here: https://concerts1.livenation.com/event/0E005352DF0C6088?f_PPL=true&ab=efeat5787v1. The fun starts at 10 p.m. The Fillmore is located at 820 Hamilton St. in the NC Music Factory.
Head out to the all-new Stats Restaurant & Bar as The JETA Team is proud to resurrect “Rock Box” this evening! Relax with your crew like you used to back in the good ol’ days and reminisce on the good times as DJ Aking Allah and DJ Freedom aka “Mr. Energy” rock out tons of sonic heat from Hip Hop’s Golden Era along with R&B, Pop, Soul, Reggae and more strictly from the 80s and 90s, you dig? Also, come and celebrate the Soul Day of longtime JETA Team affiliate Bro. Eric Glover. Admission is $FREE.99 and DJ Freedom will also be giving out FREE 80s & 90s mix CDs—get them while they last! The jump off is at 10 p.m. Stats Restaurant & Bar is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the Northlake Area. #TheJETATeam
OutenLove Events and Black Singles in CLT wants to add some spice to your Saturday night as they proudly present “The Meet Market: A Plus One Party!” I know you’re probably asking, “what is a plus one party?” It’s a gathering where everyone brings a friend of the opposite sex to mingle and network with each other. Even if you don’t have a plus one, you’re still more than welcome to engage in all the fun. DJ Hearltless will rock out sounds for the brothers and DJ SPK will be delivering all the goods for the sisters. Please dress to impress. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-meet-market-a-plus-one-party-tickets-39229498486. The event will begin at 10 p.m. at Press Box Bar & Grill. 9609 N. Tryon St. in the University Area. #OutenLoveEvents #BlackSinglesCLT
——-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12——-
If you want to get started on some holiday shopping, stop by NoDa Brewing Co. and come out for the November edition of Finders Keepers Market! Come patronize a wide range of vendors from the community that carry a variety of handmade home goods and artisanal creations for easy shopping. From haberdashery to jewelry, graphic prints to succulents, clothing for men, women, and children alike. There will be a little something for every member of your family – including the furry four-legged ones. Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 1 p.m. NoDa Brewing Co. is located at 2921 N. Tryon St.
Kids and parents, get ready for another creative day at the Mint Museum and come out for Sunday Fun Day this afternoon! For today’s unit, “Around the World”, you’lll be working with clay, paint and paper to explore and create art from around the world. Design a 3-D African mask, construct a Japanese-inspired clay mold and create a painting inspired by Czech glass. You’ll also get to explore world geography and track down international art in the Craft + Design collection. Admission for children and Mint members is FREE. General admission is $6 per person. The fun starts at 1 p.m. The Mint Museum is located at 500 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
This afternoon, join Mr. Felix Curtis for another culturally cinematic afternoon with Classic Black Cinema Series! Today’s feature film is the 1974 classic, “Get Christie Love!” starring the late, great and gorgeous Teresa Graves. Christie Love was a very beautiful and quite charming Black woman who also happened to be a skilled undercover operative with the Los Angeles Police Department. Her smarts and skills often came in handy when posing as a prostitute, jewel thief, etc. in an effort to bring down the bad operates. The film viewing is FREE with museum admission. The screening will begin at 2 p.m. at The Gantt Center. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #CBCS
Get ready for a battle of words unlike any other—bring your friends out to Camp North End for the Queen City Battle Royale Poetry Slam! Rhymes and stanzas stand tall as QueenCity CLTive takes on Respect Da Mic in this creative contest of the lexicons. Both teams are on fire and well known in Charlotte and surrounding areas–this is not something you want to miss! There will be opening acts, music, and lots more. The event will be hosted by Rome D’Carlo. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-city-battle-royale-queencity-cltive-vs-respect-da-mic-tickets-39011457319. The main event will commence at 6 p.m. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Ave.
COMING SOON…
11/17 — Science on the Rocks: In a Galaxy Far, Far Away
11/18 – 2017 UNCC African Night
11/19 — #FeastYourEyesCLT – A Dinner Experience
11/24 – Black Food Truck Friday
12/1 – Shop, Sip & Chew Winter Wonderland
12/2 – Off The Wall: “Wu-Tang Forever V.5’
12/15 – 12/16 – On Q Productions presents “A Soulful Noel”
Be sure to bundle up this weekend and exhibit a warm extension of love to everyone!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #CommunityFirst