By Shawn D. Allison, II
People, people! What’s the word ya’ll? Everything is smooth sailing on this chocolate ride and I hope everyone is well. What’s good for the weekend, you ask? A ton of stuff! From book fairs, to hip hop, a lil’ bit of jazz, cultural festivals and more! Now if you want to know what trouble I’ll be getting into this weekend, just peep my “Hot List” below, ya’ dig?
- Friday/Saturday—Breakin’ Convention CLT Friday
- Friday/Saturday—Vinyl Me, Please
- Saturday—2016 Charlotte Literary Festival
- Saturday—Jupiter Strong: The Autumn Afternoon Block Party
- Saturday—Off The Wall: Native Tongues Tribute, V.4
——-THURSDAY 9/29——-
Gather at The Third Place: Coffee. Community. Common Ground this evening with local community initiative Educate to Engage as they host the discussion, “Change the Narrative.” Last week’s unfortunate events rocked this city to its core and tonight, you and your skillsets are invited to engage with others in taking action to dismantle pillars of injustice. Admission is FREE to attend and the discussion begins at 6 p.m. The Third Place is located at 1609 E. 5th St. in Uptown. #NoMoreBystanding #PowerShift #ChangeTheNarrative
Come out to the Mint Museum Uptown for another spicy fiesta of Latino music, art, culture and fellowship at “Latin Music Concert Series!” The Latin Music Concert Series seeks to showcase different rhythms and highlighting the talents of local musicians from the Latino community. From classical music to Latin jazz, these concerts will provide a taste of the variety of cultures from the all corners of Latino Diaspora. Tickets can be purchased here: https://13800.blackbaudhosting.com/13800/Latin-Music-Concert-Series-29Sep2016. The event begins at 7 p.m. The Mint Museum is located at 500 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
——-FRIDAY 9/30——-
Start your day off at C3 Lab as they host a Friendship Picnic! Partnered with CLTure, this social gathering will be filled with all sorts of delicious and healthy treats to make your stomach and spirits smile! There will be a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, desserts, vegan and gluten-free options. You will be able purchase the delicious Friendship Market’s Grab-n-Go boxed lunches in the C3Lab Event Space and picnic with friends at the communal tables. The picnic begins at 11:30 a.m. C3 Lab is located at 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.
The culinary creativity of Terra Flora – Fine Plant Foods and Advent Coworking have teamed up to present to the public, “Harvest Up!: A Seasonal Dinner Series!” Come out for a seasonal artisan collaborative filled incredible color schemes, Fall flavors, seasonal sangrias, excellent music and fellowship welcoming the crisp vibes for October. For ticket purchases and menu options, please visit this link: http://www.eventbee.com/event?eid=107548585. The event starts at 7 p.m. Advent Coworking is located at 933 Louise Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Join FABO Coffee & Art Bar as they host Soul-Folk artist Arsena Schroeder, Adayla Turner and Hip Hop/Soul artist Ms. Melody Monroe performing live in three separate, intimate solo sets. I’ve heard all of these beautiful and talented ladies before and I’ll admit that this isn’t a performance that you should not miss! Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fabo-coffee-art-bar-free-live-music-tickets-27795745824. The show begins at 7 p.m. FABO Coffee is located at 8428 Park Rd.
Get ready, Brothers and Sisters! Breakin’ Convention–the renowned international festival of Hip Hop dance, is returning to the Queen City! Direct from London’s Sadler’s Wells theater, Breakin’ Convention CLT will feature performances by hip-hop stars from around the globe and from the neighborhoods of Charlotte at Levine Center For The Arts! Performance lineups, ticket purchases and additional info can be found at: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/breakin-convention-1.
For a truly soul-ed out experience this Friday and Saturday (10/1), slide down to Kanvas Gallery & Lounge for another relaxing installment of “Vinyl Me, Please.” Take a load off from the week, enjoy delicious cocktails and enjoy the sounds of DJ Sincier and DJ FoundACEtion spinning some Neo-Soul, Hip Hop, R&B, House and Downtempo from their own personal collection of vinyl. Admission is FREE to attend and the tables start turning at 9 p.m. on each day. Kanvas is located at 525 E. 6th St. in Uptown.
Relax yourselves this Friday night at UpStage NoDa as Be Free Ent. Proudly presents “Vibez: Open Mic Nite!” Join host, the vocally wondrous Blanche J. & Rhythm4U for an evening full of talent from some of the QC’s brightest artistic figures! Cool down music will be provided by DJ Spinn. Admission is $10. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the event begins at 9 p.m. UpStage is located at 3306 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
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.
——-SATURDAY 10/1——-
Don’t miss the 6th Chocolate for a Cure Gala and reception by TMB Marketing Firm. This annual event for Breast Cancer Awareness will feature keynote speaker Karen Jackson, Founder/CEO of Sister Network, Inc. Proceeds will benefit American Cancer society. For tickets or donations visit www.chocolateforacure2016.eventbrite.com
Make your way over to C3 Lab with your children this morning so they can catch some STEAM! (STEAM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math.) Join Digi-Bridge for a fun morning of exploration and innovation! Your K-8 scholar will be introduced to a variety of object-oriented computer programming (coding) languages. The personalized learning platform allows individuals to move at the own pace, making this course valuable for learners of all levels. All the fun starts at 9 a.m., sharp. C3 Lab is located at 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.
Everyone get your eat and fellowship on at Sycamore Brewing this morning and come out for the Food Truck Brunch! Enjoy brunch select menu items from CLIMB’s Roast Food Truck, New Wrap Order and Gyro Twins Truck. Admission is FREE to attend and the event starts at 9 a.m. Sycamore Brewing is located at 2161 Hawkins St. in Historic South End.
You’ve heard of the Food Truck Rally before right? Well this Saturday, head over to 7th Street Public Market for the inaugural Fashion Truck Rally! Over 14 trucks will be on hand with tons of clothes, jewelry and accessories. In addition, there will also be live music and a couple of food trucks present to satisfy your stomach’s cravings. Admission is FREE to attend and the event starts at 10 a.m. The address of the event is 224 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Calling all families! Bring the entire tribe out to The Little Rock Cultural Center this afternoon for the 5th Annual 2016 Literary Festival of Charlotte. Enjoy some storytelling, rhythmic song, dance, drumming and enlightening author readings. Also, a key benefit to this festival is giving the youth access to literacy experiences fosters imaginations, innovation, and positively affects their communities and families. Admission is FREE to attend and the event starts at 10 a.m. The Little Rock Cultural Center is located at 401 N. Myers St. in Uptown.
Everyone is invited to celebrate the first anniversary celebration of Premier Pharmacy and Wellness Center. Premier Pharmacy and Wellness Center defines wellness in a holistic way–they believe wellness goes beyond the physical being. Their definition of wellness includes, physical, mental, financial and more. This afternoon, bring the family out for a Wellness Fair filled with kids’ activities, health screenings and info, vendors and more! Admission is FREE and the event begins at 11 a.m. The address is 3010 Monroe Rd.
Bring the tribe out to The Gantt Center this morning for another fun edition of Family 1st Series! In preparation of for the upcoming series, “The Family Collage” featuring A’Lelia Bundles, the museum is seeking vintage, family photos from the community! Gantt Center teaching artist, CHD:WCK!, will lead participants through a process using submitted photographs as collage material. The session is FREE with museum admission and it begins at 11 a.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Parents with so many choices for legit institutions of education, choosing the one most suitable can be a little confusing. This afternoon, come out to The Levine Museum of the New South for the Charlotte Area School Fair. Charlotte Parent Magazine, Charlotte Magazine and Truliant Federal Credit Union proudly host an event in the QC where you can meet one-on one with representatives of the best public and private Charlotte-area schools — all in one place! There will be also be food trucks, storytime for kids, giveaways and free museum admission for the day! The fun starts at 12 noon. The address is 200 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Mix and mingle with your Latino brothers and sisters this afternoon at the HOLA! Charlotte Festival 2016! This is a family event full of music, culture, art, dance, children’s activities, Latin cuisine and more! Admission is FREE to attend and will be at the corner of Trade & Tryon starting at 12 noon.
It’s time once again for the International Jerk Festival. Put some island flavor in your afternoon with some delicious Caribbean and African cuisines, fellowship, live music from The Dynamic DJ Kato, On Track Disco, DJ Dr. C and a special guest performance from Dancehall legend Elephant Man featuring Thriller U and The Imperial Band. Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.charlotteinternationaljerkfest.eventbrite.com The festivities begin at 12 noon and will be held at CenterStage@NoDa. 2315 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Fly over to Dupp & Swat this afternoon “Jupiter Strong: The Autumn Afternoon Book Party!” children’s book series! Who is Jupiter Strong? It’s a children’s book series featuring the tales of a young and ambitious Black girl who has tons of morals and adventures with African people portrayed in a positive light. There will also be drumming, dancing, refreshments, spoken word, arts & crafts and more! Children are FREE to attend! Adult tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jupiter-strong-the-autumn-afternoon-tickets-27457561305?aff=efbeventtix. The adventure begins at 1 p.m. Dupp & Swat is located at 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District. #TheLoop
Ladies, the weather is getting cooler and I’m sure that you all would like to add more creative and colorful editions to your wardrobe. Gather up all your homegirls and come out to Revolution EGO for the “Onion Trunk Show!” The eclectic and beautiful fashion designer, Whitney Mero is back once again to give your womanly curves a boost with some elegant flair and flavor. There are sizes to fit everyone and there is a communal dressing room so that you can try the items on and find your favorites. After you’ve made your selections, the items are cut to length by hand. Admission to the event is FREE. The event begins at 3 p.m. Revolution EGO is located at 312 N. Myers St. in Uptown.
Harvest Fest is here! Your neighbors, Park and Recreation, and the City of Charlotte, invite residents to a community dinner in Anita Stroud Park. Everyone will be celebrating the work that has been done over the past year as part of the Knight Foundation funded No Barriers Project to build community and create connections. Everyone will also share ideas to keep the momentum going for the future over dinner! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/no-barriers-project-harvest-fest-weekend-community-dinner-tickets-24941339217?aff=es2. Dinner is served starting at 5:30 p.m. Anita Stroud Park is located at 2215 Double Oaks Rd. in the Double Oaks Community.
Get ready to free your body and your mind at The Tavern tonight for the RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party! Join the Deep House Providers (DJ Gary ‘Jackmaster’ Wallace, DJ Marcus and DJ Badala B) as they combine funky flavors with the internationally-known The King Of House Farley Jackmaster Funk and special guests DJ Jason Brooks and DJ Tony Cutlass who will be rockin’ the high-spirited House grooves all night long! The fusion starts at 8 p.m. Admission is $5 before 9 p.m. and $10 after 9 p.m. The Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
Do you ever get tired of hearing the same ol’ songs over and over? Do you want to experience a new vibe? Head down to The Folk Rap Mansion this evening for FUNK SHUN! What is FUNK SHUN you ask? It’s a space for the true underground, anti-radio, music with soul and a message–built for and by the underground. Admission to attend is $FREE.99 but please be sure to RSVP and acquire additional info for the address here: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/future-soul-house-funkshun-tickets-27370966297?aff=es2.
This evening, head out to UpStage NoDa for a very special and creative treat! Join the gorgeous Kia L. Moore aka “Kia The Writer” as she hosts, “The Great Awakening: Poems From the Paperback Hero!” You’re invited out to this creative galaxy where comic books and spoken word collide with the ever-brilliant lyricist, Mason Parker, as he guides you on a journey with vivid rhymes and verbal innovation. There will also be performances and visual art from DJ SPK, Deneer Davis, Sir Abstraxxx and Bri BLVCK. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-great-awakening-poems-from-the-paperback-hero-tickets-26980508427. Blast off is at 9 p.m. UpStage is located at 3306 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Things get real “native” at Petra’s this evening as The JETA Team proudly presents, “Off The Wall: ATCQ/Native Tongues Tribute, V.4!” Get your indigenous Hip Hop fix on with the best of A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Queen Latifah, Monie Love, Leaders of the New School and more! Sounds will be provided by the beautiful DJ Lunchbeats, soul brothers DJ Justice, DJ Aking Allah and special guest turntablist, DJ Shakim of The Superfriends! Admission is $5 before 11 p.m. and $10 after. The party starts at 9 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #TheJETATeam
Head to Heist Brewery and get an earful of fly sounds at “The Big Heist: The Ol’ Skool Retreat!” Your sound engineers DJ Chance and DJ Freedom will be rockin’ all the best of Golden Era Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, Funk, House and then some! Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 9 p.m. Heist Brewery is located at 2909 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Everyone slide over to Spice Lounge this evening for The Official Nigerian Independence Day Celebration. The Dynamic DJ Kato and DJ Atomix will be providing the most unique sonic mix ringing in Nigeria’s Independence Day properly with the best of Soca, Afrobeat, Reggae, Hip Hop and more! Also, there will be vendors available with fly threads and accessories. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-official-nigerian-independence-day-celebration-charlotte-tickets-27759901613. The party starts at 10 p.m. Spice Lounge is located at 4116 N. Tryon St. #AfricanaConnections #NBOCEnt
——-SUNDAY 10/2——-
This afternoon, come re-center your being at Dupp & Swat and join Musa Moon, LLC as they host the “D.I.Y. Mason Jar Herb Garden Workshop.” Come and sip some organic tea and engage in a relaxing, informative workshop where you’ll get to learn about the healing properties of the designated herbs, leave with ideas for herbal remedies and fellowship with others. Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/diy-mason-jar-herb-garden-workshop. The workshop begins at 2pm. Dupp & Swat is located at 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
CLT Entertainment brings legendary R&B crooner Howard Hewett to The Tavern for another installment of their “First Sundays, Live!” series. Also performing alongside Mr. Hewett will be contemporary vocalist Le Velle and a chill-out session with DJ Base. Tickets can be purchased at: https://get.crowntickets.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=673. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. The Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
“I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who’s for or against it.” -Malcolm X
I hope everyone has a great, safe and community-filled weekend! Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller