By Shawn D. Allison, II
Seasons’ Greetings Brothers and Sisters! I hope everyone is doing well and full of joy as I am. Check the method, there’s not a whole lot going on this weekend, however, I was able to scrape up a few goodies for everyone to enjoy. Now if you really want to know where Santa Claus and The Black Ferris Bueller will be partying this weekend, be sure to check out my “Hot List” below!
- FRIDAY – Jazz N’ Soul Music hosts The Sean Mason Trio playing “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
- FRIDAY–SUNDAY – Black Nativity — The Musical Experience 2018
- FRIDAY–SATURDAY – OnQ Productions’ presents “Soulful Noel”
- FRIDAY – Knocturnal presents The They Reminisce Over You Tour feat. CL Smooth
- SATURDAY – Freaquency : So Wavy at Tip Top Daily Market
- SATURDAY – Black Christmas Party at Recess CLT
- SATURDAY — The Passport: Global Riddims Day Party, Vol. 1 at Crown Station
- SATURDAY — Plus Size Barbies 3rd Anniversary Party at NoDa @ 28th Creative Arts Studios
- SATURDAY – Su Casa: The December Edition at Petra’s
- SUNDAY – Holiday Jazz feat. Guitarist Terence Young at Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar
If you would like your event to be listed in “The Rundown” please send a detailed e-mail to me at: sdallison85@yahoo.com
——-FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21——-
Jazz N’ Soul continues to get you in the holiday mood and this Friday, head out to Loft & Cellar for one of their most popular showcases, The Sean Mason Trio presents “A Charlie Brown Christmas!” Enjoy classic tunes from this beloved tale with everyone’s favorite gang! Joining this trio of young instrumentalists is the lovely Tyra Scott on vocals. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-sean-mason-trio-a-charlie-brown-christmas-early-and-late-shows-tickets-52964827224. Children 12 and under are admitted FREE. Showtime is at 7:30 p.m. 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.
This weekend, Porch Productions, Inc. invites you out to witness Black Nativity — The Musical Experience 2018! Directed by Qwa Dorsey, this testament to the timeless work of Langston Hughes tells the story of the Nativity through a combination of Bible scripture, poetry, dance and song from the African-American perspective. Tickets can be purchased here: https://porchproductions.yapsody.com/event/index/332206/black-nativitythe-musical-experience. There will be three performances this weekend: Friday (12/21) and Saturday (12/21) at 7 p.m. and Sunday (12/23) at 5 p.m. All shows will be held at Greater Mount Moriah Primitive Baptist Church. 727 W. Trade St.
Moxie Society is ready to kick your weekend off on a cool, relaxing note presenting Havana Nights this evening! Join one of Charlotte’s finest leisure firms as they turn the heat up with positive vibes, fresh-rolled Cuban cigars and delightful Mojito specials to put yourselves at ease. And for your audible amusement, Charlotte’s own DJ Shogun will blend some spicy, classic and contemporary Hip Hop and R&B jams to enhance your experience! Admission is FREE and the dress code is mature and classy. 8 p.m. at Secret Society Cigar Lounge. 2415 W. Morehead St. near Uptown.
Come jingle and mingle all night long at the first ever Truth Be Told Holiday Party! Join members of online conversationalist group Truth Be Told for an evening full of nonstop fun, food, music and conversation that’s sure to make your spirits bright! Come dressed to impress and look your best as you never know who you may see under the mistletoe. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/truth-be-told-holiday-party-tickets-52758668598. The event will begin at 9 p.m. at Loft & Cellar. 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.
One of Charlotte’s best known chocolate-covered culture collectives, OnQ Productions is back one mo’ gin’ with their acclaimed seasonal jam this weekend, “A Soulful Noel!” Join host and performer Mr. Quentin Talley along with drummer/musical director Tim Scott, Jr. as they take you on an energetic sleigh ride with several of your favorite Christmas melodies performed by an all-Black cast! The singing will leave you speechless, the music will leave you begging for more and you’ll be up dancing during a lot of the show so be sure to ask Santa to bring you some pain meds if you get sore, you dig? Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/a-soulful-noel-3. There will be three performances this weekend: Friday (12/21) at 8 p.m. and Saturday (12/22) at 2 and 8 p.m. All shows will be held at The McGlohon Theater in Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown. #YouAreNowOnQ
Catch some classic Hip Hop flavor at Snug Harbor this Friday night as Knocturnal proudly presents the They Reminisce Over Your Tour feat. CL Smooth! Relive the funky foundation of 90s Hip Hop as one ½ of our culture’s most talented duos rocks the stage performing all of his biggest hits with his partner in rhyme, MC Mell Star! Opening sounds will be provided by Knocturnal resident DJ Justin Aswell and Soul Brother DJ Justice. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/they-reminisce-over-you-tour-w-cl-smooth-mell-star-live-tickets-53148673112. 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.
It’s time to turn up the Christmas flavor as OutenLove Events, Mr. 305 Ent. and High Society CLT proudly present Merry Trap-mas Christmas Karaoke & Game Night! Gather all your friends and come set your Friday night off in style as your try your hand at reenacting the hottest Trap, Hip Hop and R&B songs of today and yesteryear! There will also be plenty of drink and meal specials plus a wide variety of games to add to your experience! Admission is FREE before 10:30 p.m. Party starts at 9 p.m. at Recess CLT. 832 Seigle Ave. in the Belmont Neighborhood.
——-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22——-
Moxie Society is ready to start your Saturday off the fun way with the I Still The 90’s Brunch & Day Party! Come and kick it with your crew as my man DJ Puff gets busy spinning an incredible arsenal of classic 90s Hip Hop, House, R&B, Soul, Reggae and Go-Go joints! The kitchen is ready to rock with a delicious Southern brunch menu and the bar is fully stocked with all sorts of drink specials, including $5 mimosas. Get there early and get ready for Charlotte’s best brunch experience! The party starts at 11 a.m. at Sports One Bar & Lounge. 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
December 25th is almost here and before the big guy hitches off into the night, bring the entire family down for the Black Santa Meet & Greet! Here’s your final opportunity to catch the soulful Santa Claus days before he dips out into the night sky spreading joy, happiness and fly gifts for all the kids of the world. Also, be sure to take a few pictures with the Chocolate Kris Kringle and share the moment with everyone! The event will begin at 12 noon at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
This afternoon, slide out to Tip Top Daily Market for the third installment of the not-your-average networking jam session entitled, “Freaquency : So Wavy.” This gathering of creatives will feature some dope music of course, but at the core its main focus is to create a platform for artists and art enthusiasts to meet, greet and collectively share positive vibrations. Today’s focus will feature the flyness of boutique owner, stylist, published model, photographer and philanthropist LeMond Crayton-Hart. Hear some insight about his life as an entrepreneur, his definition of style and more. Also, catch some sonic flavor from DJ L.O., Vinnie Knuckles and much more! Admission is FREE. The event will begin at 2:30 p.m. Tip Top Daily Market is located at 2902 The Plaza Rd.
It’s time to take a musical flight overseas with Paradice Ent. and The Dynamic DJ Kato as they proudly present The Passport: Global Riddims Day Party, Vol. 1! Feel the flavor of various musical styles with Afrobeats, Soca, Dancehall, Reggae and much more! Food will be available via authentic Caribbean food truck on site, so come hungry and come ready to dance. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/passport-global-riddims-day-party-vol-1-crown-station-tickets-53552334474. The event will begin at 3 p.m. at Crown Station. 3629 N. Davidson St.
Black Business Owners of Charlotte want to add some extra joy in your holiday mix as they proudly present their annual Black Christmas Party! Come out for an afternoon of fun, food and fellowship with all of your friends and family – complete with drink and meal special, vendors, music, giveaways, raffles and much more! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-black-christmas-party-tickets-53637188274. The event will begin at 4 p.m. at Recess CLT. 832 Seigle Ave. in the Belmont Neighborhood.
Everyone come out to NoDa @ 28th Creative Arts Studios and show your love at the Plus Size Barbies 3rd Anniversary Party! Come and celebrate this empowering movement in honor of all the vivacious and voluptuous queens with an evening full of vendors, music, food, a mini fashion show and much more! Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 6 p.m. 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Feel the power of Black Girl Magic this Saturday night at Snug Harbor and come experience For the Love of She, Vol. 2! Join hosts FLLS and Gemynii as they bring forth some of the hottest up and coming creativity from the QC’s flyest female artists! Get ready to be wowed with live performances from Bleu From Indigo, Celeste Moonchild & Boomchld, Mara Robbin, Levi Darosa and Ludy Tee! Tickets can be purchased here: http://snugrock.tunestub.com/event.cfm?cart&id=291284&fbclid=IwAR2qpZBJZ-ZmFHeXloE4j_g8c1_8NuOIFmoWA1nuXay17jvpdkASti5NnQ0. Doors open at 9 and the event will begin at 10 p.m. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Charlotte has been on a whirlwind of positive energy in 2018 and tonight, come get this year’s finale at the city’s premiere oasis for the culturally-starved as Jasiatic hosts “Su Casa – The December Edition!” Celebrate all elements of your life on the dance floor and be ready to freely express yourselves in rhythm to a vibrant soundtrack of Afrobeat, House, Soul, Reggae, Deep House, Funk, Downtempo, Dancehall and more indigenous flavors from in-house maestros DJ Justice, DJ Steel Wheel with special guests Ngola and DJ Frase giving their own special dose of Afrocentric flavor! Admission is $10 all night long. The party starts at 10 p.m. at Petra’s. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23——-
For some fly eats and cool treats, head down to Cuzzo’s Cuisine for the Soul Food Sunday Buffet! Chef Andarrio Johnson and crew invite you to add some delicious and delectable delight this afternoon! Whether you’re leaving church service, out for a stroll, exercising, leaving another event or just plain ol’ hungry, gather all of your friends and come on down and enjoy a meal that’ll sho’ nuff stick to your ribs! From Cajun fried chicken, collard greens, World Famous Lobster Mac & Cheese, rice pilaf and so many other choices your stomach will be more than satisfied! Other menu items include a wonderful dining experience, fellowship and lots of community love! Admission is $15 per person. The buffet will be open from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Cuzzo’s Cuisine is located at Tuckaseegee Rd. #CuzzosCuisine
Relax on this cool Sunday evening at Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar and come hear some Holiday Jazz featuring guitarist Terence Young! This virtuoso has been on many stages showcasing his impeccable musicianship and tonight, come experience Terence and his band performing your favorite Holiday classics with a touch of smooth jazz flavor! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sydneys-sunday-holiday-jazz-concert-with-terence-young-tickets-53028154638. Showtime is at 7 p.m. Sydney’s is located at 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
COMING SOON…
12/26 – Kwanzaa Charlotte Citywide Celebration 2018
12/29 – Black Singles in Charlotte presents “R&B vs. Hip Hop”
12/29 — Radio Rehab Carolinas presents JUSTICE 4 ALL
12/29 – R&B vs. Hip Hop
12/30 — Midnight Hour Tour feat. Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younger w/ 10 Piece Band
12/31 – The New Years Eve Experience
1/3 – HouseWork 010
1/5 – Off The Wall: Best of the 80s V.16
1/7 – The Kid Chef in Training
1/7 – Revolt Comedy Show #3
May the love of Christ encircle you and your families this weekend and always remember to extend your love to your neighbors! Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst