By: Shawn D. Allison, II
Salutations everyone! We have come to the end of September and what a ride it has been. My birthday month has been filled with insurmountable splendor and joy and I’ll be sure to close it out with some more celebratory dopeness. There’s quite a bit to do this weekend and with this beautiful weather in the forecast, I wouldn’t plan on staying at home either! If you want to know what’s really poppin’, peep my “Hot List!”
- THURSDAY – “Gantt After Dark: Fall Kolors Edition” at The Gantt Center
- THURSDAY – R&B Nights at Loft & Cellar
- FRIDAY – “The Give Back” at Dupp & Swat
- FRIDAY – “Stories Told: A Communal Dinner” at The Gantt Center
- FRIDAY – “Vinyl Me, Please?” at Loft & Cellar
- SATURDAY – Energy Hero Community Festival at Arbor Glen Outreach Center
- SATURDAY – Family Connections with Angie Cee at The Levine Museum of the New South
- SATURDAY – Youth Resource Fair at Mosaic Village
- SATURDAY – Soul to Sole West Side Glow Ride
- SATURDAY – 14th Annual Nigerian Independence Celebration at Bakadi Lounge
- SUNDAY – Stage Lights Art Showcase at Project 658
- MONDAY – Alphamale Afterwords: A Co-Ed Book Club at Loft & Cellar
- TUESDAY – B.Y.O.V. (Bring Your Own Vinyl) at Petra’s
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, SEPTEMBER 28——-
Join SpiceLAB Media, LLC for an evening of song, rhythm and melody at Loft & Cellar as they proudly present “R&B Nights!” Relax in an artsy and modern atmostphere, enjoy a delightful dinner, drink specials and let the sounds of crooners J. Bowman, Alfred Clemonts and a special guest DJ serenade you into the night! Admission is $10 per person and tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spicelab-media-presents-rb-nights-tickets-37135291657. Doors open at 5 and the performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Loft & Cellar is located at 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.
Everyone head out to The Gantt Center for a social soiree full of flyness, elegance and culture—“Gantt After Dark: Fall Kolors Edition!” Join hosts, The Charlotte Kappa Alumni in this evening of fellowship, vendors, art and all sorts of goodness! Music will be provided by jazz band 5th & York and DJ Hot Rod will set the speakers on fire with some Hip Hop and R&B! Also, join local creative and teacher Cathay Dawkins as he hosts a special “Paint N’ Sip” course! Dawkins will guide your hands to create your own masterpiece on canvas as you enjoy some select wines. The course is $20 for Gantt members and $25 for nonmembers. You can pay here: https://61686.blackbaudhosting.com/61686/Fall-Kolors-Paint–Sip?_ga=2.67719057.1803652457.1506026770-2091206786.1506026770. Admission to Gantt After Dark is FREE and the event begins at 6 p.m. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Everyone come and get all 360 degrees of your being filled with art at the September Edition Uptown Crawl! All of Uptown Charlotte’s art treasures will be open for the general public this evening and you’ll get an opportunity to scour and scope art at The Gantt Center, Mint Museum Uptown, New Gallery of Modern Art, Sozo Gallery, The McColl, UNCC Center City, Goodyear Arts and The Levine Museum of the New South. You’ll be able to begin the tour at any of the featured institutions, then travel freely between the stops by foot, trolley, or bike. Each stop on the tour will feature a special look at the art held within. Admission is FREE! All venues and museums are in the Uptown area and will begin at 6 p.m.
Moxie Society invites you to start your weekend off the right way in competitive fashion as they host their HBCU Football Viewing Party! Tonight’s matchup will be the Rattlers of Florida A&M University taking on the Eagles of North Carolina Central University! All HBCU alums, Divine Nine members and gridiron fans come out for an evening of fellowshipping, networking, tasty eats and treats, music and of course the big game! Sounds will be provided by DJ 360. Patrons who wear their HBCU Alumni apparel will receive a 10% discount. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at The Factory Café. 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. #MoxieSociety
——-FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29——-
Goodyear Arts has a new location at Camp North End and they want you to come and celebrate their first event entitled, “Wet Paint!” “Wet Paint” is a group show featuring 31 Charlotte-based artists in a range of visual and performing arts disciplines. The name “Wet Paint” is a nod to their new digs but more importantly refers to the extra-recent nature of the art, all of which has been made in 2017. Come celebrate risk and support these artists as they share their newest work! There will be fresh brews, food and live music available for your extra enjoyment. Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 6 p.m. Camp North End is located at 1776 Statesville Ave.
Essential Thrive invites you out for a special screening of the new, controversial and acclaimed documentary, “What the Health” this evening. “What the Health” is the Netflix documentary that is a surprising, and at times hilarious, investigative documentary that will be an eye-opener for everyone concerned about our nation’s health and how big business influences it. Bring your friends, a dish to share, snacks for everyone or your own dinner for the viewing party. Admission is FREE to attend. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. The address of the event is 3346 Spencer St. in the NoDa District.
Give your ears a delightful treat as the beautiful songstress Morgan Gayla performs live at Common Market this evening! This vocal powerhouse has rocked many stages and made many ears stand tall with her multi-octave range ability. She is soulful and fierce, but above all else, she is just Morgan. Come out and witness some musical magic with a FREE concert this evening with your friends and let her set your weekend mood off the right way! The performance starts at 7 p.m. Common Market is located at 4420 Monroe Rd.
Relax at The Third Place this evening and get ready for another round with The Sound as they host and celebrate the second anniversary of “Christian Open Mic!” Singers, MCs, instrumentalists, poets, comedians and artists come out to showcase your talents for a family-friendly audience honoring The Most High! Admission is $5 per person. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. The Third Place is located at 1609 E. 5th St. in Uptown.
Have you ever wondered what life was like for enslaved people? This evening at The Gantt Center, participate in a family-style dinner with small group conversations on U.S. Slavery and the American experience at Stories Untold: A Communal Dinner. The evening will feature Mr. Joseph McGill, Founder and Executive Director of the Slave Dwelling Project, as the keynote speaker. For nearly three years, the Slave Dwelling Project has aimed to bring community stakeholders together to identify extant slave dwellings, and work towards their preservation. Mr. McGill will challenge program participants to think differently about historic preservation and interpretation, particularly as it relates to slave dwellings and the history of U.S. slavery. Following the keynote conversation, guests will enjoy food and intimate, small group discussions on topics including race, U.S. slavery, family ties, home, southern culture and the American experience. Participants will be entered into a raffle for an overnight experience in a representative slave cabin at The President James K. Polk State Historic Site in Pineville with winners chosen at random. Tickets can be purchased here: https://61686.blackbaudhosting.com/61686/Stories-Untold-A-Communal-Dinner?_ga=2.28397244.1803652457.1506026770-2091206786.1506026770. The event will begin at 6 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Dupp & Swat and The Urban Ministry Center has joined forces to present to you “The Give Back.” The mission and purpose of this event is to collect Items and cash to create Welcome Home Kits for neighbors of Urban Ministry Center. Reach into your hearts and reach out with love for an awesome cause of charity! Please bring cash donations or gift cards from Wal-Mart, Family Dollar, Target, etc. so that they will be able to go out and gather the necessary ingredients for the kits. The event will begin at 6 p.m. Dupp & Swat is located at Camp North End. 1824 Statesville Ave.
Let loose at Petra’s this evening and take a musical journey into yesteryear with “Mirror Moves: The Free Alternative Dance Party!” DJ’s Cody Hare and Jason Herring will be dropping the best of 80s & 90s Pop, New Wave, Techno, House, Synth Pop, EDM and more! Admission is FREE to attend. The party starts at 9 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
For a special Friday night groove session, slide on down to Loft & Cellar for another installment of “Vinyl Me, Please?” Relax with your crew, some good conversation and cold drinks as my friend DJ FoundACEtion rocks out an all-vinyl set of 90s and 2000s Hip Hop, R&B and Neo-Soul cuts. Admission is FREE to attend and the music starts at 9 p.m. Loft & Cellar is located at 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.
——-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30——-
The good people of RETI have invited you out to Arbor Glen Outreach Center for the Energy Hero Community Festival! RETI (Renewable Energy Transition Initiative) created this event as it will serve as a kicking off point for Energy Action Week, and you will get to hear from local elected officials throughout the festival on why energy must be a priority for policy decisions. With a wide range of nonprofits, community groups, and government represented at the event, attendees can travel to the energy-themed stations to learn more and get connected to resources. There will be complementary swag bags, free goodies, and live entertainment to show that any and everyone can be an ‘Energy Hero’ in his or her own way. Last, but certainly not least, the festival will feature a kids zone, with interactive inflatables and other games. Additionally, RETI will be giving out FREE energy efficiency kits and offering a raffle worth hundreds of dollars! Admission is FREE to attend. The fun starts at 10 a.m. Arbor Glen Outreach Center is located at 1520 Clanton Rd.
This morning, join McColl Center resident artist Nelson Morales for a special Portrait Photography Workshop. In partnership with The Light Factory, Mr. Morales invites participants to create still images about identity and self-portraiture. This course is geared toward people who have basic technical knowledge of using a camera and who are interested in developing a photographic project and acquiring the tools to promote their work. In today’s introductory session, you will receive a brief review of history of Mexican photography and what is contemporary Mexican photography today. You will also share photographic influences and some important authors that students should know and lots more. Tickets can be purchased here: http://lightfactory.org/workshop-nelson-morales/. The session will begin at 10 a.m. The McColl Center for Art + Innovation is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Bring the entire tribe out to The Levine Museum of the New South for a special Family Connections community session this morning! Using knowledge of participants maternal, paternal or other caregiver extended family, the beautiful educator, thespian and activist Andrea “Angie Cee” Chandler will guide families with creating a model family tree, knowledge of our personal and communal history and how history can nurture family bonds. Participants will take home a family tree they can display and with a deeper understanding of history. Families should bring copies of pictures they may want to include on their family tree. Tickets can be purchased here: https://38686.blackbaudhosting.com/38686/Family-Connections-with-Angie-Cee. The event will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. The Levine Museum is located at 200 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Everyone come out to NoDa@28th Creative Arts Studio for the NoDa@28th Fall Marketplace! It’s a new season and over 20 of your favorite vendors are fully stocked ready to showcase some nifty trinkets and treats for you and your loved ones! From health and beauty, African attire, visual art pieces, jewelry and accessories to exotic foods and a lot more—there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Admission is FREE to attend and there will be raffle giveaways each hour on the hour. The marketplace begins at 12 noon. NoDa@28th Creative Arts Studio is located at 2424 N. Davidson St., Suite #110 in the NoDa District.
Join the lovely My Darling Doula at Baby + Co. this afternoon for “Bottoms Up!: Diaper Drive for Diaper Need Awareness Week.” Diaper Need Awareness Week was proclaimed for September 25 – October 1 by Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts. Diaper Need is the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers to keep an infant or toddler clean, dry and healthy. In conjunction with Bottles N Bottoms, Inc., these two organizations have partnered up to raise awareness regarding the serious concern of Diaper Need, within our community. One diaper may seem like a small thing, but not having enough can subject a baby to adverse health conditions like dermatitis and urinary tract infections. Also, not having the funds to purchase diapers can limit a parent’s ability to go to work, because most childcare centers require parents to provide diapers for their child. By working together, the community can get diapers to all the local families in need. Today’s event will feature a “Happy Hour”, light refreshments, networking and learning more about this particular cause. Donations can be given in person or by PayPal at: mydarlingdoula@gmail.com The event will begin at 12 noon. Baby + Co. is located at 131 Providence Rd. near Uptown. #DiaperNeed
The Teach A Man to Fish Foundation invites everyone out to Mosaic Village for the Youth Resource Fair this afternoon. Now that school is back in full swing, “Operation: Education” along with other community partners are offering Charlotte-area parents and youth a variety of valuable resources to take advantage of to make the most of this school year. There will have be wide several organizations, dance, step, and drill demonstrations, youth vendors on site and much more. Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 1 p.m. Mosaic Village is located at 1635 W. Trade St. near Uptown.
How many pieces of art does it take to build a collection? What is the value of the art on my walls? If you have ever asked these questions, then you’ll want to head down to The Gantt Center for a special community dialogue entitled, “Collecting Your Legacy: A Conversation on Art.” Art collector Darryl Atwell returns to Charlotte for an intimate conversation with Spelman College curator and art historian Dr. Andrea Barnwell Brownlee about the ins and outs of creating a noteworthy art collection. This program is designed for those who don’t know where to start and those with burgeoning collections. Join us for a rare look at the process and a first-hand view of one of the nation’s most impressive arrays of collected works. Admission is $5 for Gantt Center members and $10 for nonmembers. Tickets can be purchased here: https://61686.blackbaudhosting.com/61686/Collecting-your-Legacy-A-Conversation-on-Art?_ga=2.134502577.1354221755.1506282291-1773668553.1506282291. The event will begin at 5 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Feel the down-home energy of Grammy Award-winning songstress and musician Rhiannon Giddens this evening at The Neighborhood Theater! This Greensboro-bred singer and instrumentalist is not only a core member of the acclaimed Black folk band, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, but she has crafted her own niche in the music world creating a sound that will totally bring you back down to Earth. As part of her newly-released album tour, The Freedom Highway Tour, come experience her soulful, old-time styled vocals accompanied by a significant banjo twang—you’ll be sure to imagine yourself deep in the North Carolina countryside! Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1504914?utm_source=fbTfly&utm_medium=ampOfficialEvent. Doors open at 7 and the show will begin at 8 p.m. The Neighborhood Theater is located at 511 E. 36th St. in the NoDa District.
When you’re looking for fun, in your neighborhood, who you gonna call? Hit up the Plaza-Midwood Neighborhood Association and join them at Midwood Park for a special Saturday screening of the 1984 comedy/sci-fi classic, “Ghostbusters!” Gather all your friends, strap on your proton packs, grab a six-pack of Ecto-Cooler and view the film with all sorts of awesome people! Two Scoops Creamery will be on hand with some tasty treats. Be sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 8 p.m. Midwood Park is located at 2100 Wilhelmina Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
This evening, bring the entire family out and ride into the evening in style at the Sole to Soul West Side Glow Ride! Charlotte B-Cycle along with BCBSNC, JCSU, No Grease Barbershop, Historic West End Initiative and National Coalition of 100 Black Women will host this community festival in Charlotte’s Historic West End community. Bring your own bicycle or borrow one courtesy of Charlotte B-Cycle, use some supplies to decorate your bike and then enter in a competition for the best decorated bike! After the group ride, there will be a community cookout with all sorts of fun games and actives and some deluxe “Earhole Goodness” from the legendary DJ That Guy Smitty! Admission is FREE and open to the public. If you need to register for a bicycle, please RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sole-to-soul-west-side-glow-ride-tickets-37253046866. The meeting place will be at Mosaic Village at 6 p.m. 1601 W. Trade St. near Uptown.
It’s time once again for the “Loose Leaves Showcase” dance recital. This colorful concoction of choreography features new and unexpected dance works by local Charlotte dancers in a variety of styles. Acts include: Salena Mable Stamp and Shakeela Mays, Mackenzie Smith, Mayela World Dance, Fallon McKeon and many more There will be two shows: Saturday (9/30) and Sunday (10/1), both performances are at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/loose-leaves-showcase-4. Both performances will be held at The Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Get ready to relax and jam with the Souljam Trio performing live at Loft & Cellar this evening! From soul, to jazz, to R&B, this trio of musicians headed by a lovely and joyful vocalist by the name of Joy, has the ability to belt out some truly beautiful harmonies. The rhythm section is not one to be reckoned with—they are timely, effiecient and above all else, funky. Don’t miss this show! Admission is FREE to attend. The show will begin promptly at 9 p.m. Loft & Cellar is located at 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.
NBOC Entertainment and Africana Connections is ready to rock the house with one of the longest running events in Charlotte–The 14th Annual Nigerian Independence Celebration! Get ready to party Lagos style with a fly mix of African music, fashion, dance, food and fellowship! Music will be provided by DJ Atomix, Abu Kamara-Djunique and The Dynamic DJ Kato. Also, be sure to get some dancing fuel in your system with some authentic jollof rice, suya meat and other African delicacies. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nigerian-independence-day-clt-2017-welcome-to-lagos-tickets-37358553439. The event will begin at 9 p.m. at Bakadi Lounge. 4205 Monroe Rd.
——-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1——-
Come and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Discovery Place Science in partnership with Comitè De Fiestas Patrias! Bring the entire family out to engage in Latin American dancing, Spanish songs, Uruguayan drumming and lots of other fun activities! Admission is $17 for adults and $13 for children. The fun will begin at 12 noon. Discovery Place is located at 301 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Food and color take center stage at Loft & Cellar as they host a special Brunch & Brushes Canvas Art Event this afternoon! Join artist Shamar Davis along a guided art tutorial as he helps you to create your own take home masterpiece. Also, while you paint, the kitchen is fully stocked with a delicious Southern brunch menu with various delectable to choose from and two mimosas with ticket purchase. To purchase your tickets, please visit this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brushes-brunch-paint-parties-tickets-37850815809. The event will begin at 1 p.m. Loft & Cellar is located at 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.
Moxie Society invites you out to Firehouse Bar & Lounge to cap off your weekend with, Sippin On Sundays Vol. 6! Relax in this snazzy Uptown QC venue with delicious food, drink specials, hookah and music from DJ Louie Vee giving the hottest R&B and Hip Hop joints of today and yesteryear! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sippin-on-sundays-vi-tickets-37631369439. The event begins at 3 p.m. Firehouse Bar & Lounge is located at 320 W. Carson St. in Uptown.
This afternoon at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, come out another installment of the Civics 101—A Roadmap to Voter Empowerment course. For today’s session, there will be a panel discussion on the topic “The Message Politics: Hip Hop & Social Justice.” Join host and moderator Brigida Mack and panelists Ms. Tiffany Capers, Mr. Mark Jarrell, Mr. Dennis Reed who will give their own opinions of how the art form has affected the sociopolitical landscape. The event will start at 3:30 p.m. Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is located at 3400 Beatties Ford Rd.
Stage Lights Charlotte is back again for its fourth Stage Lights Arts Showcase! “Stage Lights” is a faith-based spoken word event that showcases artists who use their talent for the Kingdom of God. Stage Lights hosts many local talented poets as well as singers and comedians. Featured artists include: A Poet Named Superman, Valentina Escobar, Lauren Chalaire, A’Kasha, Curtis Lavon, Monica Marie, Charles McMurray and more. The headlining vocalist is the beautiful and talented Erica Lanette along with a special praise and worship team, the duo Graft3d coming to bless the stage. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stage-lights-4-tickets-37458693962. The event begins at 6 p.m. Project 658 is located at 3646 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-MONDAY, OCTOBER 2——-
Alphamale Nail Care Services is proud to present the inaugural session of “Alphamale Afterwords: A Co-Ed Book Club!” This eclectic co-ed book club is where men and women can discuss their love of books and reading experiences. Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Loft & Cellar. 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.
——-TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3——-
My fellow film enthusiasts, gather at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille this evening for the Carolina Film Committee October 2017 Meeting. Come mix and mingle among other cinematic cats where you will hear from voice over artist Lisa Biggs and catch some awesome short films as well! Admission is $10. The lights, camera and action begins at 7 p.m. Dilworth Neighborhood Grille is located at 911 E. Morehead St. on the outskirts of Uptown.
All you vinyl enthusiasts, music lovers, collectors and cool people, join DJ Ray as he hosts another fly session of “B.Y.O.V. (Bring Your Own Vinyl)!” Whether you have wax or not, come out and hear a diverse array of tunes, grooves, jams and more! Admission is FREE and the tables start turning at 8 p.m. at Petra’s. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
COMING SOON…
10/6-10/7 – Art of Cool Festival Charlotte
10/7 – 6th Annual Literary Festival of Charlotte
10/14 – UNC Charlotte International Festival
10/16 – 10/22 – Charlotte Black Restaurant Week
10/21 – Off The Wall: ATCQ/Native Tongues Posse Tribute Vol. 5
10/28 – 2017 Queen City Arts & Crafts Expo
Enjoy yourselves. Enjoy each other. Enjoy life. Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #CommunityFirst