By: Shawn D. Allison, II
People! Hope you all have had a great week because it’s time once again for
another getdown with “The Rundown!” I got plays, musicals, business mixers, art classes, a special tribute for one of Hip Hop’s greatest luminaries, jazz and more! If you’re curious about what trouble I’m getting into this weekend, peep my “Hot List” below!
- THURSDAY—BreakOn’Em Davis Jam Session at The Morehead Tavern
- FRIDAY—Fried Chicken Art Party at Studio 1212
- FRIDAY—Jackie Venson – Smokin’ Blues, Rock & Soul at The Morehead Tavern
- FRIDAY—UNLEASHED – The Soca Experience at Island Hub Restaurant & Lounge
- FRIDAY—The Mid-Month Getdown at Label Ivory Lounge
- SATURDAY—“Let God F.I.G.U.R.E. It Out” at The Duke Energy Theatre
- SATURDAY—Umu Igbo Unite’s Inagural Soiree Night at Bakadi Lounge
- SATURDAY—“Dreams: The 6th Annual Notorious B.I.G. + Bad Boy Tribute” at Club One
- SUNDAY—M.A.R.S. Co-Ed Kickball Open Practice at Bryant Park
- SUNDAY—Classic Black Cinema Series screening of “Anna Lucasta” at The Gantt Center
- SUNDAY—Church Appreciation Meet & Greet/Christian Day Party at Imani’s Fusion Café
- SUNDAY—Verbal Expressions at Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar
——-THURSDAY 3/9——-
This evening, come out to 7th Street Public Market this evening for a discussion and input session entitled, “Building Community: People + Places + Partners.” Presented by Charlotte Center City Partners, City of Charlotte and the Knight Foundation, this is an all-voices meeting for this series of talks geared towards community improvement. Everyone is invited to this FREE event but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-community-people-places-partners-tickets-32368492031. Dinner will be served as well. The discussion starts at 6 p.m. The 7th Street Public Market is located at 224 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Calling all Chocolate Techies out there! The Plug is back for the month of March for #BlkTechClt–Charlotte’s only interactive tech experience dedicated to the advancement of diverse founders and technologists. So for all of you developers, software engineers, startup founders, tech employees, gamers, business professionals, marketing and communications consultants, graphic designers, web designers, incubator program managers, coworking space owners and tech enthusiasts, this is the joint for you! Admission is $20 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blktechclt-march-event-tickets-31639866693. The discussion starts at 6 p.m. and will be held at Hygge Coworking West. 2128 Remount Rd.
The FAM Fest International Film Festival invites you out to Ayrsley Theater for a special screening of the award-winning documentary, “Mining For God.” The aim of this documentary is to interview people from all walks of life and backgrounds, in order to discover the current understandings and opinions held about Christianity. Everyone is invited to this FREE screening and discussion. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/faith-and-film-presented-by-the-fam-fest-international-film-festival-tickets-31901205364. The event begins at 6 p.m. Ayrsley Theater is located at 9110 Kings Parade Blvd.
With this new incumbent political fiasco we’ve just inheirited, people have all sorts of questions about health care. If you’re one, I’ve got something just for you! Everyone come out to The International House for a special discussion entitled, “Healthcare Justice NC: A Proposal to Bring Equity and Sanity to Health Care.” Join Dr. Robert Zarr, an expert on single-payer universal health care and international health systems, will speak in Charlotte about what a single-payer system could look like in the United States, how it could be paid for and the benefits to consumers, businesses and providers. Admission is FREE to attend and it is open to the public. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. The International House is located at 1817 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
For some true adult fun, head over to Petra’s this evening for “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
Think you got some top notch trivial skills? If so, head over to Coco and the Director for Free Trivia Night! Join host and local improviser Carey Head as he conducts a fun and FREE game night full of random trivia. There will be drink specials and half off all pastries and a special prize for the winning contestant! The fun starts at 7 p.m. Coco and the Director is located at 100 W. Trade St. in Uptown.
One of films most rousing and remarkable romantics comes to life on stage at The Blumenthal Center this weekend—get ready to fall in love again with “The Bodyguard – The Musical!” The story of the pop superstar and the Secret Service agent becoming engulfed in an unprecedented whirlwind romance filled with lots of chills and thrills! The award-winning musical will star Grammy Award-nominated R&B chanteuse Deborah Cox and will feature a number of songs from the smash hit soundtrack! Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/the-bodyguard. Tonight’s show is at 7:30 p.m. The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is located at 130 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Jazz N’ Soul Music invites you out to Ella’s Speakeasy at The Morehead Tavern for the special inaugural session of BreakOn’Em Davis! Spearheaded by one of Charlotte’s baddest rhythm masters, Mr. Ocie Davis, Jr., come and experience a night of progressive, straight-ahead jazz with a full band! If you dig The Roots, The Robert Glasper Experiment, Esperanza Spalding or anything with a Neo-Soul/Hip Hop groove, this is the jam session for you! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-n-soul-music-ocie-davis-presents-breakonem-davis-tickets-32282608150. Showtime is at 8 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
——-FRIDAY 3/10——-
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 first slam competition of 2017. 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
If you think fried chicken is a work of art, you are absolutely, positively correct! And tonight, you are in for a special treat! Join Armada Skate Shop and PBR as they proudly present “The Fried Chicken Art Party!” Described as a mixed media graffiti art show with works by Rebus, Phoebe Alicia, Joey Obso, Spclgst Brian BT Twitty and more. Music will be provided by DJ Justin Aswell and there will be FREE fried chicken from Price’s Chicken Coop and FREE beer from PBR. This event is for folks 21+ so have your I.D.’s ready. The fun begins at 8 p.m. Studio 1212 is located at 1212 E. 10th St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
GiGi Mack & The Gi Spot is ready to put some sass, soul and spice in your Friday night at BluNotes with “The Friday Release!” Get up and get down with some homegrown Detroit sounds in the QC as this vivacious vixen delivers some sweet vocals to your ears. Admission is $10 and be sure to ask about some great meal and drink specials. The performance begins at 8 p.m. BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the Northlake Area.
Jazz N’ Soul gets some down home flavor this Friday evening at The Tavern. For this edition of Ella’s Speakeasy, please gear your ears to the stage and experience the sounds of guitarist and vocalist Jackie Venson! Come out for a night of smokin’ Blues, Rock, and Soul from this beautiful songbird as she makes a very rare appearance in the QC! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jackie-venson-a-night-of-smokin-blues-rock-and-soul-fri-march-10th-tickets-31694507124. Showtime is at 9 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
- Kehinde and DJ Corporate are back one mo’ gin’ with some all new flavor for 2017! Join them as they host the all-new, “UNLEASHED – The Soca Experience!” Gather your co-workers and crew together and come out to Island Hub Restaurant & Lounge for some high-energy Soca vibrations, a delicious and authentic Caribbean cuisine and lots of tasty drink specials. Admission is $10 all night long and the event begins at 10 p.m. Island Hub Restaurant & Lounge is located at 3723 Monroe Rd.
The vivacious and Ms. Terry Berry is back once again to put your minds at ease in a state of total relaxation this evening at Label Ivory Lounge as she hosts the “Mid-Month Get Down!” Take a load off from the hectic work week with your crew, delicious cocktails and some fly sounds from Celebrity DJ Shogun! Admission is FREE before 11 p.m. The party starts at 10 p.m. Label Ivory Lounge is located at 900 NC Music Factory Blvd. #TerryBerryEvents
——-SATURDAY 3/11——-
Young teenage ladies, I’ve got something special for you! Rise, shine and head over to The Harvest Center this morning for a cool workshop entitled, “Breaking the Black Girl Rules!” Attending this workshop will improve your daughters’ self-esteem, advocacy skills, and strengthen her since of purpose. This full-day workshop provides young women of color the additional tools they need to make the subconscious conscious and mindfully create a balanced and well life. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/breaking-the-black-girl-rules-tickets-31513858800. The evnt begins at 10 a.m. The Harvest Center is located at 2225 Freedom Dr.
Get your groove on at The Gantt Center this afternoon and come out for the first edition of “Moving Spirits: Intensive Dance Workshop.” Led by Gantt Center teaching artist and Assistant Professor of Dance at UNC Charlotte, Tamara Williams, she will demonstrate the importance of empowerment of the female form, explorations of spirituality, and ritual practices as they relate to movement of the body. By exploring global perspectives through dance, we create even more opportunities to share and celebrate Black heritage. Today’s session focuses on Afro-Caribbean rhythms led by Vanessa Carr. The class is $5 for general admission and FREE for Gantt Center members. 2 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Slide out to The Last Word and throw some express the colors in your soul at “Paint & Sip: Art From the Heart” this afternoon. Gather your friends and come out to unleash your inner artist with some after-work relaxation and creativity. Painter Christopher Clarke will be on hand to guide your hands through a sequence of color, pattern, stroke and technique to help you create your very own take home masterpiece. Admission is $20 per person and $35 per couple. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.paypal.me/artfromtheheart. All materials will be provided. The event begins at 3 p.m. The Last Word is located at 5744 N. Tryon St.
From the mind of Monica D. Murphy comes an all-new Gospel comedy that is set to have you laughing to the point of stitches—get ready for, “Let God F.I.G.U.R.E. It Out!” It’s the story of a family matriarch battling a whirlwind of screwball problems within her tribe and receiving messages of encouragement from an unexpected group of spiritually seasoned ladies. Will she fail, fare or fly? Will she crumble or conquer? Come find out for yourselves! Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/let-god-figure-it-out-1. There will be three shows: Saturday (3/11) at 3 and 7 p.m. and Sunday (3/12) at 5 p.m. All performances will be held at The Duke Energy Theatre at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
For some more Gospel stage humor, head over to West Charlotte High School for Diva & Me Productions’, “Temptation!” The moment the things that you think you desire, need, want, miss and require may arrive at the right time—but from the wrong person. Featuring a cast of local creatives, it’s something to bring joy to your spirit this afternoon! Written and directed by Kemisha W. Ebron. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/temptation-stage-production-play-tickets-31708376608. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m. West Charlotte High School is located at 2219 Senior Dr.
Profound Gentlemen, Inc. presents to you, “Night of Impact: Celebrating The Impact Of Our Gentlemen.” During the evening, they will highlight their supporters and gentlemen who bring our vision to life! Pull out your favorite cocktail attire and enjoy a night of bliss, together! Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/profound-gentlemen-night-of-impact-tickets-31786258555. The event begins at 6 p.m. and will be held at 2700 Dorchester Pl. in Historic South End.
Are you looking to expand your business network and sponsor a fellow entrepreneur? Head out to FireWater Restaurant & Lounge this evening for the SociaLight Business Launch Party! Enjoy great music, delicious cocktails, appetizers and come ready to build and expand your brand with exciting and eager new people. Bring plenty of business cards with you to distribute. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/socialight-business-launch-party-tickets-32549013977. The event begins at 7 p.m. FireWater is located at 8708 J.W. Clay Blvd. in the University Area. #SociaLight
You want more soul? I got you some! This evening at BluNotes, come and get a full body experience at the all-new “Rare Soul Series!” Headlining tonight is the gorgeous and talented Gena Chambers! Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. Show time is at 8 p.m. BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the Northlake Area.
The devastating divas of the Concord chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. invite you out to Conversation Peace this evening for the Battle of the Decades Old School Jam! Whether you are child of the soulful 70s, eccentric 80s or the naughty 90s come and show your decade-ent pride with a fly outfit and get ready to bust some fly moves all night with DJ 06 on the 1’s & 2’s! Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/battle-of-the-decades-old-school-jam-tickets-32053462770. The getdown starts at 9 p.m. Conversation Peace is located at 846 Union Street South in Concord.
The Charlotte Chapter of Umu Igbo Unite presents their Inaugural Soiree tonight! Umu Igbo Unite (UIU), a Nigerian organization of Igbo professionals with mission of networking other Igbo professionals and/or those interested learning more about the rich Igbo culture. Come out and get on the good foot as The Dynamic DJ Kato and Uche Rich aka DJ 9JA rocks all of the hottest Motherland grooves! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/umu-igbo-unite-uiu-clt-inaugural-soiree-tickets-32340041936. The party starts at 10 p.m. and will be held at Bakadi Lounge. 4205 Monroe Rd.
Once again it’s on—The JETA Team in partnership with DRC ApeParel fills your Saturday night with all of their flyness as they invite you out to Club One to experience “DREAMS: The 6th Annual Notorious B.I.G. + Bad Boy Tribute!” Come get in a Brooklyn state of mind as DJ Justice rocks all the classics from the legendary Bad Boy label and honoring one of Hip Hop’s greatest MCs on his birthday! Dress code is fresh to def, Coogi down to the socks, red and black lumberjack with the hat to match or whatever creative and colorful schemes you can think of. Tickets can be purchased here: http://dreambiggie.brownpapertickets.com/. The party starts at 9 p.m. Club One is located at 950 NC Music Factory Blvd. near Uptown. #TheJETATeam
——-SUNDAY 3/12——-
Kickball season is nearing kickoff and if you’re curious about how it goes down on the diamond, join M.A.R.S. (Main Attraction Recreational Sports) as they host an Open Practice! You will be able to learn some basic drills, exercises, become knowledgeable about kickball rules and regulations, meet active players and finish off with a full kickball game! This is a FREE event and it begins at 12 noon. Practice will be held at Bryant Park. 1701 W. Morehead St. near Uptown. #MARS #Funletics
Join the team of the Single Saved and Serious Movement (SSS) as they invite you to Imani’s Fusion Café for the Church Appreciation Meet & Greet! From pastors to parishoners, ministers to messengers–everyone come out and celebrate your life, your church, your ministry but most of all, celebrate our Lord and Savior! Come and let everyone know what kind of work you and your team is doing in the Charlotte community, exchange ideas and more! Then, be sure to stick around for the Christian Lounge Day Party filled with delicious and delightful dishes prepared by Chef Imani and inspirational grooves by DJ Kue One! Admission is FREE to attend, however, donations will be accepted. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/church-appreciation-meet-greetcle-day-party-tickets-32521824653. The event starts at 1 p.m. Imani’s Fusion Café is located at 3535 Randolph Rd. #SSSMovement
Attention all Crate Diggers, Vinyl Enthusiasts and Music Lovers… Spin yourselves over to the Tip Top Daily Market for the “Diggers Delight Pop-Up Record Swap” this afternoon! Sift and scour through a healthy selection of Jazz, Funk, Soul, Hip Hop, R&B and Rock LPs for trade or purchase! Admission is FREE. The fun begins at 2 p.m. Tip Top Daily Market is located at 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Join Mr. Felix Curtis at The Gantt Center this afternoon for another Sunday editon of Classic Black Cinema Series. Today’s screening is the 1958 film, “Anna Lucasta” starring late greats Eartha Kitt and Sammy Davis, Jr. It’s the story of a lady who’s young, wild and free falls into street life and eventually into the arms of a sailor, but is brutally reminded of her sordid past by her vengeful father. Admission is FREE to attend and the film will start at 2 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #CBCS
Verbal Expressions is back one mo’ gin’ with some all-new poetic flavor for the month of March! Join your lovely host, Chosen the Poet as she proudly presents “A Night of Spoken Word for the Grown & Classy!” Bring your friends out to hear and experience what lies between the stanzas of creativity and imagination from a number of spoken word artists and a special performance from acclaimed Renaissance Man, Ed Mabrey. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this! Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/verbal-expressions-tickets-31942131776. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. at Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar. 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Craving some food for your soul? This evening, slide over to The Third Place for the March edition of the Black Folks Dinner. This monthly potluck dinner is a gathering by and for Black folks. It is a space for Blackness that spans nations, nationalities, mediums and mindsets, which also serves as a place for us to build community and to just be comfortable with ourselves. Feel free to bring any dish you please. Admission is FREE to attend and it will begin at 7 p.m. The Third Place is located at 1609 E. 5th St. in Uptown.
——-MONDAY 3/13——-
Rounding out your marvelous Monday, head out to Petra’s Bar for the “Second Monday Jazz Workshop & Improv.” Join host, instrumentalist and local jazz enthusiast, John Shaughnessy as he conducts a live jazz session in front of an intimate audience. All are welcome to join in! Whether you are a flautist, guitarist, funky drummer, vocalist, horn-blower, percussionist or ivory tickler, this is the workshop for you! FREE. The jam session begins at 8 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
COMING SOON…
3/21—Drumline LIVE!
3/25—We’ve Got the Jazz Festival
Enjoy your weekend Brothers and Sisters! Peace!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#TheBlackFerrisBueller #WeekendWarrior