By Shawn D. Allison, II
What’s poppin’ everybody? We made it to the weekend and we made it to a new month! Hello November! There’s A LOT of stuff happening this weekend and as an extra bonus, Daylight Savings is rolling our clocks back so we get an extra hour of fun this Saturday night! I will be extra busy this weekend, in which I’ll be co-hosting the Early Voting Party & Parade to the Polls on Saturday, so come out and be part of the action! If you want to know what else is really happenin’ out here, check out the digs on my “Hot List” below!
- FRIDAY – Black Food Truck Friday at Recess CLT
- FRIDAY – Radio Rehab Carolinas and DJ Rich Medina presents HOME at Crown Station
- FRIDAY – Blow Your Head – 1-Year Anniversary Party at Snug Harbor
- SATURDAY – Early Voting Party & Parade to the Polls
- SATURDAY – The 15th Annual 15 Short Film Festival at Heist Brewery
- SATURDAY – Off The Wall: The Memory Lane Edition at Petra’s
- SATURDAY – The Cypher at New Era Music House
- SATURDAY —
- SUNDAY – Scrambled Eggs at Tip Top Daily Market
- SUNDAY – From Corporate to Impact Seminar feat. Nakisa “Sista Sol” Glover at Advent Coworking
- SUNDAY – The Elements: Music Production Courses Kickoff Party at New Era Music House
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, NOVEMBER 2——-
Join Northeastern University this morning for the “Authentic Learning in the Workplace: Upskilling Employees” luncheon. At this session, you will explore how organizations align learning and development to their business objectives and organizational culture. Learn how companies set strategies and leverage human capital to improve their organizational effectiveness at an individual, team, organizational, and industry level. Dr. Rashid Mosley, assistant teaching professor at Northeastern University’s Graduate School of Education, will lead the discussion. Admission is FREE to attend, but please be sure to RSVP here: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07efs33rpwec7d58b1&oseq=&c=&ch=. The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. Northeastern University is located at 101 N. Tryon St. on the 11th Floor.
Black Business Owners of Charlotte (BBOC) has been on a serious roll with recycling our coins back into our community and tonight, get your stomachs revved up at Recess CLT for another round of Black Food Truck Friday! Bring all your friends and family out for an evening of fun as you dine from some of the city’s finest and most delicious Chocolate culinary chariots, scoop up some cool fashions and trinkets from local vendors, have chances to win cool prizes and get down on the good foot to the sounds of DJ Steel Wheel! Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 5 p.m. Recess CLT is located at 832 Seigle Ave. in the Belmont Neighborhood. #BBOC
If you have a taste for some classic jazz flavor, come out to The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art for the November installment of the Jazz at the Bechtler concert series. For tonight’s showcase, The Ziad Jazz Quartet is proud to present tonight’s showcase entitled, “Smokin’ Saxophones!” Some of the hardest swinging LPs of the hard bop era featured two-tenor frontlines, and the Ziad Jazz Quartet — with guest tenor and Berklee College of Music grad Danny Walsh — will see what kind of massive grooves they can generate during this concert with their own version. Walsh is regarded as one of the most gifted and versatile recording artists in the jazz and R&B circuits, and has performed with everyone from Greg Allman and Aerosmith to Phil Woods and the Mingus Dynasty Big Band. Tickets can be purchased here: https://30796a.blackbaudhosting.com/30796a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=663cbe35-2a0f-429b-a06c-bbbac9a1bc9f. There will be two shows this evening at 6 and 8:15 p.m. The Bechtler is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Slide out to VisArt Video this weekend and catch a viewing of the new, riveting and critically-acclaimed documentary, “Bodied.” This feature follows the life progressive graduate student who simultaneously finds success and sparks outrage when his interest in battle rap as his college thesis subject becomes a competitive obsession. Tickets can be purchased here: https://squareup.com/store/charlotte-film-society/. Presented by Back Alley Film Series. The screening will start promptly at 7:30 p.m. VisArt Video is located at 3104 Eastway Dr.
Jazz N’ Soul Music invites you out to Loft & Cellar for the return of one of their most popular jams, 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! This all-star group of musicians featuring Lovell Bradford, Ernest Priester, Andrew Williams and Thia Reynolds on vocals will be sure to bring delight to your Friday night! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-friday-breakon-em-davis-fri-nov-2nd-730-and-10p-the-loft-and-cellar-tickets-51351100524. There will be two performances at 7:30 and 10 p.m. 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.
Radio Rehab Carolinas returns with more of that dopeness for your soul this Friday as they invite you out to Crown Station presenting the great DJ Rich Medina as he prepares to take you on a trip HOME! Step away from the mainstream scene, put on your dancing shoes and get ready to embrace a colorful cornucopia of Funk, House, Garage, Boogie, Rare Grooves, B-Sides and lots of other joints that are NOT on the radio! Opening set will be provided by DJ JLazy. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rich-medina-presents-home-tickets-51703286923. This get down will be held at Crown Station and is presented in conjunction with MindElixir. 9pm. 3629 N. Davidson St. #RadioRehabCarolinas
The Sol Kitchen is back to provide some electric relaxation this evening at ‘Stache House with another installment of “Thankgawdits1stfriday!” Sound provider and Charlotte staple DJ Ngenius will spin the best of today’s and yesterday’s Hip Hop and R&B grooves. Admission is FREE. 10 p.m. ‘Stache House is located at 1520 South Blvd. in Historic South End. #TheSolKitchen
For some more spaced out sonic frequencies this evening, head out to Snug Harbor for the 1-Year Anniversary of “Blow Your Head!” Join local musicians and cultural activists DJs Flock of Slagles and Jah Freedom spinning an entire vinyl set of Funk, Soul, Boogie, Garage, House and Rare Grooves for your listening pleasures! Also, be sure to be camera ready as renowned photographer Jonathan Cooper with be abroad snapping fun still shots throughout the night! Admission is FREE to attend and be ready to dance! The event starts at 10 p.m. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3——-
Early voting gets a dose of fun at the Beatties Ford Branch Library this morning! First up, join QC SuperMom and MomsRising NC as they hosts the Early Voting Party & Parade to the Polls! Parents, get the kids together and get ready for a morning full of carnival snacks, noisemakers, story time, a kids voting booth, face painting and a special voter Jeopardy hosted by yours truly, The Black Ferris Bueller! This is also the last day for early voting before Election Day on Tuesday, November 6, so be sure to get those ballots casted. Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 9 a.m. 2412 Beatties Ford Rd. #MomsVote #BeAVoterRaiseAVoter #QCSuperMom #MomsRisingNC
Take a short ride out to Gastonia and bring the entire family out to the Gastonia Community Health Fair this morning! This festival will feature vendors, live music, food sampling, health screenings and a special lecture with detox and nutrition advisor Amanda Gabbert who’ll provide insight to proper exercise, nutritional value of foods and giving tips to lead a healthier lifestyle. This event is presented by Brooklyn Media Publishing. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gastonia-community-health-fair-festival-tickets-46390449082. The event will begin at 10 a.m. at the Rotary Centennial Pavilion. 111 N. South St. in Gastonia.
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 guys B-Man and DJ 06’ spin 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
This morning, The Gantt Center aims to give you a close up shot as they proudly present the Family First Intro to Photography Workshop! Learn about the art of photography and the groundbreaking impact of African-American photographers in a new workshop with noted photographer Chris Charles. The session includes a show and tell about gear and lighting, a discussion about types of photography and an opportunity for participants to get behind the lens. Find out the answers to your burning questions about how to build your portfolio and land that major client. A Q&A session will follow the talk. Please note: attendees should bring their own camera or smart phone. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.giveffect.com/checkout/8393. The event will begin at 11 a.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Put some Afro-Latin flavor in your Saturday and come out to Mangos Caribbean Bar & Grill for the Cocoa Leche Latin American Brunch! The Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles crew is ready to add some Latin spice to the menu and to the soundboards as The Dynamic DJ Kato and Tab The Million Dollar DJ D’Biassi rock out with a special sonic blend of Afrobeats, Latin grooves, House, Hip Hop, Salsa, Reggae, Soul and much more! The kitchen staff has altered the menu and has included some tasty Latin American dishes and cocktails to have your palates dancing in rhythm. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cocoa-leche-latin-american-brunch-mangos-vol-2-tickets-51707892699. The party starts at 11 a.m. Mangos is located at 3112 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Come and fill your stomach with goodness at the Lovin’ From The Oven All-Star Bake Sale this afternoon! The flour will be tossed in the air as the aroma of baked pastries and breads will surround you with “loaves” of “unleavened” delight! This bake sale will feature 20 of the Charlotte area’s best bakers and pastry chefs. Enjoy a treat with a cup of coffee or one of Free Range’s incredible brews (there will be a list of suggested pairings) or take home an amazing dessert or fresh baked loaf made by top local talent. Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 12 noon. Free Range Brewing is located at 2320 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Catch some hi-octane HBCU gridiron action today at the Commemorative Classic featuring JCSU vs. Livingstone College! It’s football time and it’s time to cheer on the hometown heroes as the Golden Bulls of JCSU takes on the Bears of Livingstone College in this legendary matchup — and you don’t want to miss the ever-popular Halftime Show! Tickets can be purchased here: https://goldenbullsports.com/sports/2009/12/1/GEN_1201095257.aspx?id=8. The game starts at 1 p.m. at the Irwin Belk Complex at JCSU. 100 Beatties Ford Rd.
This evening, join Queen City Unity and A Head in the Count Productions for a special screening of the film “The Conversation.” Come out for this thought-provoking red carpet premiere and a night of film and social discussion — for the open-minded. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-conversation-film-premiere-tickets-51365818546. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at Aldersgate Senior Living Community. 3800 Shamrock Rd.
Catch some more cinematic magic at Heist Brewery this evening and come out to The 15th Annual 15 Short Film Festival! During it’s existence for nearly two decades, this small, but mighty film festival is now considered a major stop and an international short film festival. There will be 25 award winning short films from 20 countries and will be filled with a night of unexpected fun and surprises. Admission is FREE to attend but donations are welcome. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Heist Brewery is located at 2909 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Floyd Hodge, Mr. 305 Entertainment & OutenLove Events invites you to Stats Restaurant & Bar for a medley unlike any other as they proudly present, R&B vs. Hip Hop! This menagerie of music will feature the battle between the melodies of timeless and contemporary R&B tracks matched up against the hard-hittting street flavor of your favorite Hip Hop joints! DJs Tramare and Tab the Million Dollar DJ will be piloting this unforgettable night blending and mixing all the musical magic with some sonic surprises in between! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/r-b-versus-hip-hop-tickets-51538222210. The party starts at 9 p.m. Stats is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.
This Saturday night get ready for another round of sonic flyness as one of the QCs hottest dynamic duos, The JETA Team invites you, yo’ mama & yo’ cousins out to Off The Wall: The Memory Lane Edition! Join Chief Rocka Aking Allah and Soul Brother DJ Justice for an unparalleled evening of Classic Hip Hop, R&B, Pop, Soul, House, Rock, Reggae, Rare Grooves, Slow Jams and a very special, long-awaited, highly anticipated Dirty South Super Mix! Trust me — you DO NOT want to miss this joint — it’s gon’ be crunk! Admission is $5 before 10 p.m. and $10 after. The jump off is at 9 p.m. at Petra’s. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
If you desire some House flavor this evening, gather your crew and head down to Crown Station as Unified Souls proudly presents the November session of STR8 HOUSE – The Sankofa Edition! Join the Unified Souls team — DJs Marcus Wade, Badala B, Tony Cutlass and special guest and Atlanta House pioneer Salah Ananse as they give your Saturday night a jolt of sonic juice with the best of House, Deep House, Downtempo, Soul cuts all night long! This jam will be hosted, the ever-fine and fly Brooklyn Stace! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unified-souls-pres-sankofa-ft-salah-ananse-tickets-50022208773. The party starts at 10 p.m. Crown Station is located at 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Catch some more Hip Hop action at New Era Music House this evening and feel the energy from The Cypher! A few of Charlotte’s hottest MCs are prepared to step to the microphone with words of fury, punchlines and clever colloquialisms ready to clash in this battle of artistry for bragging rights and cash prizes! This showcase will also be recorded as an episode of the upcoming docuseries, “Barz.” This event will be hosted by JP Films and Ron Styles and is sponsored by Da’ Lucky Spot Barbershop. The showdown starts at 10 p.m. New Era Music House is located at Old Concord Rd. #NEMH #BARZ
Need more House? Not to worry, I got you! Head on down to Recess CLT and join The Hit Agency proudly presents RELEASE! The Party! Experience 360 degrees of hard-hitting, soul-snatching House, Deep House, Funk, Soul and Downtempo grooves from RELEASE!’s own “Jackmaster” Gary Wallace, The FREEZ Project, special guest Johnnie Davis and a very special live performance from the beautiful and alluring vocalist Dajae! So gather your friends, your whistles and tambourines and get ready to party! The jump off is at 10 p.m. Admission is $10 before 11:30 p.m. and $15 after. Recess CLT is located at 832 Seigle Ave. in the Belmont Neighborhood.
——-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4——-
My peoples at New Era Music House have always been for the culture and now they want to take it back to the basics of Hip Hop as a culture presenting The Elements: Music Production Courses! Get ready for an entire week of activities including songwriting exercises, DJ-ing, production and mixing workshops, a business seminar and lots more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.neweramusichouse.com/events/the-elements-music-production-classes. New Era Music House is located at 5814 Old Concrod Rd. #NEMH
Step out in style and stroll the Uptown streets over to QC Social Lounge for The Collective | Launch + Day Party this afternoon! This new monthly brunch series and day party will introduce a highly curated selection of musicians spanning all musical genres from contemporary jazz to Latino American music. In addition to the fine music, give your palates a dance with culinary romance from a carefully selected menu with a seasonal mimosa bar. Additional 80s & 90s tunes will be provided by DJ Roam. The event will begin at 12 noon. QC Social Lounge is located at 300 N. College St. in Uptown.
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 to your day — 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, green beans, 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. The buffet will be open from 12 noon to 5p.m. Cuzzo’s Cuisine is located at 3418 Tuckaseegee Rd. #CuzzosCuisine
This afternoon, slide out to Tip Top Daily Market for a special sonic brunch entitled Scrambled Eggs! Come and relax as DJs Luke Stemmerman and Flock of Slagles sets the mood with a selection of avant-garde Dub, Reggae, Fusion, Soul and Jazz tunes from their own personal vinyl collections. Also, be sure to grab a tasty mimosa from the bar, enjoy some fresh-grilled food and be sure to scoop some sounds from the newly-minted record store in the back! Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 2 p.m. 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Have you ever thought you should be doing more? Do you have questions on how to transition from corporate America? Have you ever felt like there was more? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then come down to Advent Coworking for the From Corporate to Impact Seminar this afternoon! Join keynote speaker, activist, entrepreneur and community organizer, the alluring Nakisa “Sista Sol” Glover will share her story on how she left corporate America and became one of the most sought after organizers in the non-profit world. She has been able to create a career that not only has personal satisfaction but national impact as well! She has found the work-life balance that so many of us desire. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/from-corporate-to-impact-presented-by-urban-roots-realtors-registration-50973359691. The event will begin at 3 p.m. Advent Coworking is located at 933 Louise Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Craft beer and classical music collide this afternoon as Orchid Records recording artist, Tesla Quartet, kicks off the new season WDAV Small Batch Concerts! Praised for their “superb capacity to find the inner heart of everything they play, regardless of era, style or technical demand” (The International Review of Music), the Tesla Quartet brings refinement and prowess to both new and established repertoire. Tickets can be purchased here: https://events.wdav.org/smallbatch/. The event will begin at 4 p.m. at Free Range Brewing. 2320 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Moxie Society invites you out to Firehouse Bar & Lounge to cap off your eventful weekend with, “Sippin On Sundays – The November Edition!” Relax in this snazzy Uptown QC venue with delicious food, drink specials, hookah, music from DJ Puff rockin’ on the 1s and 2s. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sippin-on-sundays-november-2018-tickets-51291536366. The event begins at 4 p.m. Firehouse Bar & Lounge is located at 320 W. Carson St. in Uptown.
Do you need a calming option to center yourselves before the upcoming work week? Join Peace Filled Mama at NODA Yoga Annex for another relaxing session of the Weekend Wind Down. Host and yoga instructor Kelley Carboni-Woods as she guide you along a series of community-oriented breathing exercises and stretches to empower yourselves, achieve wellness, balance, affirmation, truth and light. All ages and levels are welcome. Admission is $5 per person. Please dress comfortably. The session will begin at 6:30 p.m. NODA Yoga Annex is located at 3100 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
——-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5——-
Get your laugh on at Heist Brewery this evening and come out for the first session of the Revolt Comedy Show! Sit back, relax and get ready to laugh away those Monday blues with a hilarious blend of raw and clever comedic performers hosted by The Revolt Duo, Brian O’Neil and Alex Spears! Music will be provided by Black Light the DJ. Admission is $3 and will begin at 7:30 p.m. Heist Brewery is located at 2909 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
COMING SOON…
8/8 – West End Talks
8/8 – Thirsty Thursday Brewery Tour
8/10 — WFAE Amplifier Record Sale
8/10 — AfroPop! Charlotte, Vol.26
8/11 — The Classic Black Cinema Series – Body And Soul
8/11 – 7th Annual Total Children’s Wellness Fair
8/15 — Pangaea Thursdays
8/17 – Friendsgiving
8/17 – An Evening with the Baylor Project
Please get out and vote and use your voice for change!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst