By Shawn D. Allison, II
What’s good in the neighborhood family? I first want to thank each of you for all of the wonderful birthday love that you extended to me upon last weekend. I am greatly appreciative. However, the celebration will continue all month long and this weekend, there’s a lot more stuff to get into! I will once again be super busy hitting the QC streets, but if you want to keep track of all my mischief, just check out what is smokin’ on this week’s special “Hot List” you dig?
- THURSDAY-SUNDAY – OnQ Productions’ “A Brown Tale” at The Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square
- THURSDAY – MARS 2017 Co-Ed Fall Kickball at Park Road Park
- THURSDAY – Classic Black Cinema Series fundraiser/screening of “The Emperor Jones” at Little Rock Cultural Center
- FRIDAY-SATURDAY – 2nd Annual Soul Junction — The Historic West End Music Festival at JCSU
- FRIDAY – DJ/Producer extraordinaire Prince Paul at Snug Harbor
- SATURDAY – Charlotte In Crowd presents the “Indoor Cookout” at Apostrophe Lounge
- SATURDAY – Charlotte’s Big Block Party at Camp North End
- SATURDAY – History of Hip Hop with Professor Griff and DJ Terminator X at Petra’s
- SUNDAY – “CRAVE: A Brunch & Day Party” at 7th District
- SUNDAY – Midwood Market Block Party
- SUNDAY – Soul Sunday at Snug Harbor
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 9/14——-
LaCa Projects is thrilled to present an all-new attention-grabbing exhibition to their facility—everyone get ready for the opening reception of “Enfoque: Contemporary Photography in Mexico.” Come and meet the three photographers whose impeccable work is featured in this exhibition and hear their stories of how their cameras helped them capture a different vision. Admission is FREE to attend. The event will begin at 6 p.m. LaCa Projects is located at 1429 Bryant St. near Uptown.
Head down to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art for another installment of their Film + Modernism Series. Tonight’s feature is the documentary, “Picasso & Sima – Antiba, 1946.” In June 1946, the sculptor and photographer Michel Sima met with Pablo Picasso in Antibes. At Picasso’s request, day after day Sima photographed Picasso’s works-in-progress in the workshop he found for him at Grimaldi Palace. The artists’ work and friendship eventually resulted in the creation of the Picasso Museum. This unique showcase in Antibes has recently been renovated and the works of art returned to their proper home, providing visitors the opportunity to step into a moment in art history. Tickets can be purchased here: https://30796a.blackbaudhosting.com/30796a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=c1c8be7c-b45c-499f-b95d-ecf249410c84. The event will begin at 6 p.m. The Bechtler is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The McColl Center for Art + Innovation is back in session and tonight, they invite you to come out to their Open House! Come experience the new resident artists for the Fall and the flavors they bring to the center. Featured artists will be: Zoë Charlton, Julio Gonzalez, Amy Johnson, Nelson Morales, Carmen Papalia and Leah Rosenberg in their respective studios. Refreshments will be available and the musical earhole goodness will be provided by none other than DJ That Guy Smitty! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://53393.blackbaudhosting.com/53393/Open-House. The doors will open at 6 p.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
This evening, join Historic West End Initiative as they host the Five Points Better Block Project Community Kick-Off! This community-wide event will introduce the Better Block Project goals and methodology to the Historic West End community. During this event, members of the community will learn more about the Better Block Project and learn how the City of Charlotte, Historic West End Initiative and community leaders can work together to test physical and programming improvements to the public spaces at the Historical Five Points Intersection. Additionally, participants at this community kick-off event will help build a project at the Five Points intersection. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/five-points-better-block-project-community-kick-off-tickets-37550436366. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Five Points Intersection. 100 N. Beatties Ford Rd.
M.A.R.S. (Main Attraction Recreational Sports) has kicked its way through Spring and Summer with some unforgettable kickball games and tonight is the opener for the 2017 Fall Co-Ed Kickball! Come and cheer us on as we try to kick, run and score our way to glory! If you’re interested in joining a team, there will be an information tent stationed at the park or be sure to visit: http://www.playmarsports.com. The first game starts at 6:30 p.m. at Park Road Park. 6220 Park Rd. in the South Park Area. #MARS #Funletics
For some true adult fun, head over to Petra’s this evening for another sound of “Potions & Pixels: Video Games, Board Games and Community.” There will be a wide variety of multiplayer games from all eras and for all skill levels. From Mario Kart, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, Super Smash Bros., Love Letter, Click Clack Lumberjack and more! Admission is only $5. 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
Join Classic Black Cinema Series at Little Rock Cultural Center for a special fundraiser screening this evening! Bring the family out and get ready to step back in time with “The Emperor Jones.” Playwright Eugene O’Neill’s early work often combined memorable characters and stories with social commentary and innovative theatrical concepts–and among his first great successes was this feature film which starred perhaps the single finest black actor of the 1920s and 1930s, the esteemed, regal, late, great Paul Robeson. As noted earlier, this screening is a fundraiser for the upcoming 6th Annual Literary Festival of Charlotte which aims to bring a strong artistic consciousness to our communities. The suggested donation is $10. Doors open at 7 p.m. The Little Rock Cultural Center is located at 401 N. Myers St. in Uptown.
On Q Productions is back for their eleventh season entitled, “Redemption Song” and they have a whole new lineup of classic and eclectic theatrical performances ready to seize your senses. To kick off the new season, come witness the brilliance of the all-new piece, “A Brown Tale.” Penned and performed by James T. Alfred this tapestry of stories woven together creates this coming-of-age narrative which takes is on a journey through Alfred’s child hood to his adult life. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago in public housing, Alfred explores the impact that community has on an individual’s personal development, commenting on a number of topics steeped in the community, such as public schools, church and local commerce. Playing a multitude of characters, James T. Alfred is a tour de force in this comedic one-man show! Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/a-brown-tale. There will be four performances this weekend: Thursday (9/14) at 7:30 p.m., Friday (9/15) and Saturday (9/16) both at 8 p.m. and a Sunday (9/17) matinee at 3 p.m. All performances will be held at The Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown. #YouAreNowOnQ
——-FRIDAY 9/15——-
The beautiful Tammy Greene aka “The Jazz Diva” of Jazz Around Town invites you out to Lake Norman for the Waterfront Music Fest! Enjoy three days of fun, live jazz and Carolina beach music performances and sightseeing cruises along the waterfront on Lake Norman. Performers include Buff Dillard, Brian Simpson, The A.J. Ghent Band, Leslie & Friends, Summerdaze and much more! Drinks and food will be available for purchase. Ticket purchases, boat departures and additional info can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-waterfront-music-fest-at-queens-landing-tickets-36319700201. All performances will be held at Queens Landing Marina Lake Norman. 1459 River Highway in Mooresville.
Everyone head down to the campus of JCSU for the second annual Soul Junction — The Historic West End Music Festival! Bring the entire family and all your friends out for two full, jam-packed days of fellowship, art, vendors and live music from some of the most creative, diverse and invigorating artists in the QC! Acts includes: Derrick Hodge, Georgia Anne Muldrow, The X-Men, Arsena Schroeder, DJ That Guy Smitty, Micki Miller, DJ Marcus Wade, Shelby J and many more! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soul-junction-historic-west-end-music-festival-tickets-37078576019. The festival will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday (9/15) and 3 p.m. on Saturday (9/16). 100 Beatties Ford Rd. #WestSideBestSide #SoulJunctionCLT
Try your hand at a few games of scientific luck at Discovery Place and come out for another wildly popular edition of Science on the Rocks! For this month, the museum is all in and all cards have been dealt in the theme of “Vegas!” Come experience some fun casino games, karaoke contests, magic shows and get married (not really) Vegas style! Remember, what happens at Discovery Place, stays at Discovery Place! Tickets can be purchased here: https://15106a.blackbaudhosting.com/15106a/page.aspx?pid=196&tab=2&txobjid=404e4209-3e4b-45de-84df-ee0138eefcee. Only persons 21+ with proper ID will be admitted. The fun starts at 5 p.m. The Discovery Place is located at 301 N. Tryon St. in Uptown. #SOTR
The Jazz Arts Initiative is back to soothe your souls with the September edition of The Jazz Room! This weekend, come hear the melodic vocal stylings of Melissa Morgan paying musical homage to the late, great Billie Holliday. Morgan’s voice speaks with knowing sophistication. Her mastery of innuendo is supreme. Backed by an excellent rhythm section, she has an uncanny ability to bring a contemporary outlook to the classic jazz sound of the 1950s and ’60s. Don’t miss this show! Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/jazz-room-the-stage-door-theater-12. There will be four performances this weekend: Friday (9/15) at 6 and 8:15 p.m. and Saturday (9/16) at 7 and 9:15 p.m. All shows will be held at the Stage Door Theater located at the corner of E. 5th St. and N. College St. in Uptown. #JAI
Get ready for a funky mashup of epic proportions at The Gantt Center and come experience AFROFUNK CLT 2017! Old school precision merges with new school energy as A Sign of the Times Band and DJ Fannie Mae create a sonic soundscape with contemporary and throwback joints, mixed with some Afrobeat, Caribbean and Latin grooves. It’s a dance party that you don’t want to miss! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afrofunk-clt-2017-tickets-36485318570. The party starts at 6:30 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
2017 is the year of abundant self-care and self-love and the lovely ladies of Musa Moon, LLC invite you out for their Peace & Love Party – Self-Love Healing Session! Allow Musa Moon to relax your mind while learning the healing properties of herbs. Detox your mind and body with their special foot soak and peace tea. Please feel free to bring a sitting pillow, journal, crystals, a fresh pair of socks and something to add to their specialized D.I.Y potion. This includes your favorite scents, oils, herbs or whatever elements you desire. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peace-love-party-self-love-healing-session-tickets-37157289453. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Musa Moon is located at 2424 N. Davidson St., Suite #110-F in the NoDa District.
She’s been on many stages before wowing lots of crowds, and tonight she’s back once again at The Morehead Tavern—get ready as Jazz N’ Soul Music enthusiastically welcomes back Songstress Extraordinaire Gena Chambers! If you’ve never heard this lady blow before, you are definitely missing out on a rare musical delight. Do your senses a favor and come experience some sultry, rhythmic and powerful vocals! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/songstress-extraordinaire-gena-chambers-live-tickets-37539090430. Showtime is at 9 p.m. The Morehead Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
Charlotte, get ready for to experience one of Hip Hop’s most innovative and underrated figures performing live this evening—Prince Paul! Beginning his career as a DJ for Stetsasonic, rapper and producer Prince Paul has lent his skills to albums by Boogie Down Productions, Gravediggaz, MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane, and 3rd Bass, among others. Paul’s big break came when he produced De La Soul’s debut masterpiece “3 Feet High & Rising.” Shattering the acknowledged rules of hip-hop production, he sampled not only Funk, but all types of music to create fresh and original backing tracks. Tickets can be purchased here: http://snugharbor.tunestub.com/event.cfm?id=267555&cart. Doors open at 10 p.m. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-SATURDAY 9/16——-
Brothers and sisters, The Ministry of Science and Technology of The Greater Charlotte Area LOC invites you out to the Stratford Richardson YMCA for the 2017 Science & Technology Fair. The purpose of this event is to introduce youth to the exciting world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), agriculture and art. There will be 25 + exhibitors from science ministries, colleges, universities, institutes, youth organizations and businesses. Various science projects will be on display whose subject will be associated with the theme of the day “Disaster Preparedness.” This is a learning experience for the entire family! Don’t miss this! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-2017-science-and-technology-fair-disaster-preparedness-tickets-33328523511. The event will begin at 9 a.m. The Stratford Richardson YMCA is located at 1946 West Blvd.
Young ladies, get your parents up and have them bring you to East Meck High School this morning for the #BeBoldforChange: Annual EmpowHERment Summit. 300 girls in grades 6-12 will be connected with, and inspired by dynamic women leaders in our community. Girls will participate in panel discussions, team building activities and career exploration. They will also have afternoon breakout sessions on civic engagement, philanthropy, personal branding and social media. Admission is $10 per child and this will cover the cost of lunch, t-shirt and summit materials for each participant. You fee can be paid here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beboldforchange-annual-empowherment-summit-tickets-36233873491. The event will begin at 9 a.m. East Meck High School is located at 6800 Monroe Rd.
Join Tisun Beauty and Hair 180° for the inaugural Charlotte Beauty & Wellness Fest this morning. This exhibition is a celebration of healthy hair, skin and body, while being beautiful inside and out! The event will feature local vendors in the health and beauty industries, demonstrations, classes and more. Admission is FREE but be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-inaugural-charlotte-beauty-wellness-fest-tickets-37454401122. The event will begin at 10 a.m. at Tisun Beauty Supply. 9011 S. Tryon St.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library invites you out for a special screening of the 1989 cinematic masterpiece, “Do The Right Thing” this afternoon! Directed by and starring Spike Lee along with Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis and Danny Aiello this film centers around rising racial tension and social awareness on a hot Summer day in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. After the film, there will be a discussion of how the film correlates with social issues of today. Admission is FREE to attend. The screening will begin at 2 p.m. at the Main Library. 310 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Charlotte In Crowd invites you out to Apostrophe Lounge this afternoon for the Indoor Cookout! Food, drinks, fun, music and games all indoors! That’s right—you don’t have to worry about spraying any “Off!” on your body or swatting the flies away. The culinary captain, Chef David Mallard will be serving up some Southern-inspired goodness in the form of BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, beef sliders, corn on the cob, grilled chicken wings, four-cheese mac & cheese, turkey sliders, potato salad, green beans, BBQ baked beans and a lot more! Games included will be corn hole, Connect Four, Jenga and you know the Spades table will be hot! Music will be provided by DJ Unspok3n. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/charlotte-in-crowd-presents-the-indoor-cookout-tickets-37338674982. The cookout will begin on C.P. time, starting at 4 p.m. Apostrophe Lounge is located at 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
In partnership with Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, the Pizza Peel & Tap Room brings back Peeltoberfest! This outdoor community event will feature contests, prizes, giveaways, live music, food and lots of fellowship! Admission is FREE but be sure to bring funds for food and beverages. The event will begin at 4 p.m. Pizza Peel is located at 1600 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Salt Shaker Music Group, Futuro Sounds and Raw Substance have teamed up to bring you one of the last great outdoor Summer jams this year—get ready for Charlotte’s Big Block Party! Enjoy a day full of fellowship, delicious eats from our favorite culinary chariots, games and live music from a slew of superb sound creators! Live entertainment will include DJs Jason Brooks, Marcus Wade and Charles Gatling pumping out all your favorite House, Deep House, Soul and Downtempo classics! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/charlottes-big-block-party-tickets-36323612904. The fun starts at 5 p.m. and will be held at Camp North End. 1776 Statesville Ave. #CLTBlockParty
Black people. It just rings beautiful doesn’t it? This evening, come out to Studio 1212 for the aptly-titled cool out session, “Black People: Our People. Our Culture. Our Party.” Enjoy some drinks, food and each other in this sacred space of soulful energy. To set the mood, DJ Fannie Mae will be bringing the sonic flavor from her turntables and Dammit Wesley will be doing his creative color schemes on a canvas. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-people-tickets-37562864539. The party starts at 7 p.m. Studio 1212 is located at 1212 E. 10th St. near Uptown.
Fill your minds with knowledge at Petra’s this evening and come out for the History of Hip Hop with Professor Griff and DJ Terminator X of Public Enemy! The Minister of Information has come to the QC to give you insight on the revolutionary of Hip Hop as an art form and culture. This interactive session will feature slide shows, communal dialogue and much more. Then be sure to stick around as the silent assassin, DJ Terminator X gives his part of the lecture speaking with his hands giving your ears the best of Hip Hop, Funk, Soul and other glorious frequencies! Early admission is $20 and can be paid here: https://www.paypal.me/professorgriffcorp. Admission will be $25 at the door. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Join Just4U Apparel and J. Elliott Exclusives this evening as they proudly present “A Night For Us By Us.” Bring your crew out and enjoy an evening of Black art, businesses, entertainers, fellowship and more! The special blend of Hip Hop, R&B and Neo-Soul tunes will be provided by my good friend DJ BesKep and a special performance from Alex J. Admission is FREE to attend. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and will be held at The J. Ford Rec Center in nearby Belmont. 37 Woodrow Ave. Belmont.
This evening, head on down the “faa-scape” and slow bop onto the “fif-flo” at Charlie’s in Gastonia for the “Bruh-Man” & Ray Money Comedy Show! Reginald Ballard, better known to many as “Bruh-Man” from the television show “Martin” will bring his laconic, witty, side-splitting humor live on stage this evening. Ray Money is another funnyman who will bring you to stiches with his off-the-wall improvisations. Be sure to stick around and jam with Power 98’s DJ Strategy on the 1s and 2s and a special musical performance from AL3. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reginald-ballard-aka-bruh-man-ray-money-live-in-gastonia-nc-tickets-37098154579. Doors open at 8 a.m. and the show will start at 9 p.m. Charlie’s is located at 124 S. South St. in Gastonia.
——-SUNDAY 9/17——-
The creative and curvaceous queens of OutenLove Events and PnutButta&Gellie.com have teamed up to bring you some Sunday afternoon flavor at 7th District with “CRAVE: The Brunch & Day Party!” Bring your friends out for some delicious food, delightful conversations among your peers and enjoy a hot mix of today’s and yesteryear’s tunes from DJ Tramare! There will be $20 mimosas and lots of meal specials available. Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 11 a.m. 7th District is located at 321 N. Caldwell St. in Uptown. #OutenLoveEvents
Everyone, gather your entire tribe and come out to the Midwood Market Block Party this afternoon! Meet some cool people and get your creative shop on from several merchants located in the heart of Plaza-Midwood with some special features of live art, music, entertainment and of course, food! Admission is FREE. 1 p.m. The festival will be on a stretch of Commonwealth Ave. between Gordon St. and Thomas St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Do you need to ease and rejuvenate your soul from all as these dividing and trying times sit thick in the air? If so, come out to Snug Harbor this afternoon for their third Sunday jam session entitled “Soul Sunday!” Enjoy a potluck dance party to celebrate all things soul-filled with edible refreshments and DJs Sir Chocolate Milk & Elon supply only the funkiest groove thangs to help your soul shine while that booty moves! Diggers Delight and Premium Sounds will be on deck with a few crates of delicious vinyl for your ears’ pleasure! FREE admission and the event begins at 2 p.m. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
The lovely ladies of Reggae Central are proud to bring to you the final round of “Reggae on the Lake” for 2017! Gather your significant other and friends for a 3-hour cruise on a chartered yacht, sailing the waters of beautiful Lake Norman. Aboard this cruise you will be treated to non-stop Reggae music, free Caribbean hors d’oeuvres, and prize giveaways throughout the evening. Tickets are cash only and $50 per person, available only at Reggae Central, located at 1506 Central Ave. Each ticket package will include directions to the shuttle bus load-in location in Mooresville. Please call (704)-377-2782 for additional details.
Kinfolks Entertainment wants to send your Sunday off in style as they present “Throwback Jams & Jokes” this evening! Bring out your older cousins and coworkers into a healthy environment full of laughter, good energy and music! Hitting the stage and splitting your sides will be legendary comedians Shuckey Duckey, Alonzo “Hamburger” Jones, Tyler Craig and Chris Thomas who will also serve as host. For your musical pleasure, take a ride with R&B and Funk legends Lakeside performing all their biggest hits! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/throwback-jams-jokes-tickets-37095302047. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show will start at 7 p.m. The show will be held at The Oasis Shrine Auditorium. 604 Doug Mayes Pl. in the University Area.
COMING SOON…
9/21 – Gantt Symposium 2017: A Conversation with Iyanla Vanzant
9/22-9/24 – Festival In the Park
9/23 – Carolina Curly Men’s Lounge
9/23 – Charlotte Does Sade
9/30 — Nigerian Independence Day CLT 2017
10/6-10/7 – Art Of Cool Festival Charlotte
10/14 – UNC Charlotte International Festival
10/16-10/22 – Charlotte Black Restaurant Week
Let’s make some noise, spread some love and bring the funk this weekend! Enjoy yourselves!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #CommunityFirst