ByShawn D. Allison, II
Salutations everyone! This has been quite an eventful week, but here we are with the weekend and “The Rundown” chock full of cultural goodness! We’re scheduled to have some extraordinary weather and I’ve got some delightful delicacies for you all to indulge in and enjoy! If you really know what the big moves are this weekend, check out my “Hot List” and make it happen!
- THURSDAY—SATURDAY – The Legacy Theatre Production Co. presents “A Long Time Since Yesterday”
- THURSDAY – Get Lifted at Mangos Caribbean Restaurant
- FRIDAY – Black Food Truck Fridays Summer Music Tour – Jazz Edition
- FRIDAY – Out of Body Art Exhibition at C3 Lab
- FRIDAY – PLAYER MADE at Snug Harbor
- SATURDAY – Family First Workshop Series/Muddy Turtle Talks at The Gantt Center
- SATURDAY – SocaFit USA Studio Grand Opening
- SATURDAY – Lunch & Learn Mental Health Summit
- SATURDAY – Bearden Music Series
- SATURDAY – The Sol Kitchen presents Van Hunt 15th Anniversary Performance at The Evening Muse
- SATURDAY – Repainted Tomorrow at Tip Top Daily Market
- SUNDAY – Chef Joya’s Vegan Sunday Brunch at Loft & Cellar
- SUNDAY – Griertown Stop The Violence Solidarity Day
- SUNDAY – Satire Sundays Book Club
- SUNDAY – Second Sundays Jam at Crown Station
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, JULY 11——-
Join the Charlotte 48-Hour Film Project as they invite you to Camp North End for a special filmmaking seminar entitled, “The Art of Audio” this evening! Come and congregate amongst other cinematic creatives and discuss how to get good sound in different environments and preparation for delivering quality audio. Featuring Charlotte 48-Hour Film Project founder Will Fisher and audio veteran Scott Graham, these two gentlemen will be talking tips and tricks, equipment, tools and other resources to boot. Other focal points they will cover include: working with actors, communicating on set and active listening. Admission is FREE to attend. The workshop will begin at 6:30 p.m. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Ave.
Join BriGGsing this Thursday at The Chamber by Wooden Robot Brewery for the two-year anniversary of the Thirsty Thursday Brewery Tour! Come and be part of this milestone with all sorts of cool characters, classic crafts and a chance to connect with the community. Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 7 p.m. Wooden Robot Brewery is located at 416 E. 36th St. in the NoDa District.
The Legacy Theatre Production Company is back in action this Summer with their newest work, an adaption of “A Long Time Since Yesterday!” Set in suburban New Jersey in the early 1980’s, this potent drama is about a reunion of former college classmates, now in their thirties, at the funeral of a friend who killed herself. These women are prosperous, professional Black women who have gone through the sixties and come out on top of the eighties. At the wake, they confront the truth about their own lives and about the suicide which has again brought them together. Performance times and tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/…/det…/long-time-since-yesterday. at The Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Sir Abstraxxx is ready to start your weekend off right with a special installment of the increasingly popular Eclectic Soul Sessions! Tonight’s episode entitled “The Breezy Edition” will focus on the artistry of Chris Brown with open mic performances based upon song titles from his catalog. Eats will be provided by Chef Chianti and DJ Blanco will be spinning a sonic blend of Breezy’s hits, album cuts, remixes and much more! Admission is FREE. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at QC Social Lounge. 300 N. College St. in Uptown.
Touch One Productions invites you to raise the vibrations in the air this evening as they proudly present another episode of Get Lifted! Join host Jaycee the Poet as he invites you into a world where rhythmic words and rousing wit intersect effortlessly creating a colorful and relaxing atmosphere for you to enjoy. Tonight’s feature, Jordan Bailey, is no stranger to the stage – he is mighty in voice, tone and creativity with a knack for vocalizing emotion through a tapestry of talents. My man DJ Beskep will be handling the 1s and 2s and there will be cocktail/meal specials running all night. Admission is FREE. The event will begin at 9 p.m. at Mangos Caribbean Restaurant & Bar. 3112 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
——-FRIDAY, JULY 12——-
Bring your entire tribe down to the Gantt Center this afternoon for a very special creative arts Fine Art Fridays Watercolors Workshop! You’ll get to explore the use of watercolors in Black Contemporary Art from America and beyond in these family-friendly settings. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fine-art-fridays-watercolors-family-friendly-workshops-tickets-61945202769. The sessions will begin at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Put some funk in your Friday and head down to Recess Charlotte as Black Business Owners of Charlotte kicks off Summer 2019 with the Black Food Truck Fridays Summer Music Tour – Jazz Edition! Get ready for some more community fun as you bring all your friends and family out for an evening of community while you dine from some of the city’s finest and most delicious Chocolate culinary chariots! Also, be sure to scoop up some cool fashions and trinkets from local vendors, enter in raffles to win cool prizes and get down on the good foot to the sounds of a LIVE special guest band performing all sorts of contemporary Jazz, R&B and Soul classics! Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 5 p.m. Recess Charlotte is located at 832 Seigle Ave. in the Belmont Neighborhood.
Local life transformation and inspiration firm Pure Wisdom invites you to spend your Friday at the King & Queen Social: Vision for Success seminar this evening! Come and get engaged as you speak life into your dreams, visions and plans and lay a foundation to create the life you desire while networking with like-minded individuals! Admission is $15 per person. Fees can be paid at the door or at Cash App or PayPal: $purewisdominc. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at The Peculiar Rabbit. 1212 Pecan Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Charlotte, put some color in your vision and head down to C3 Lab for the Out of Body Art Exhibition this evening! Bring your friends down to C3 Lab’s urban event space to unveil Arthur Brouthers’ latest series of mixed media artworks that explore the human experience by simultaneously encompassing celestial bodies and microscopic processes. The exhibit will also feature an interactive digital installation for participants to simulate their own “out of body experience” with a short guided meditation, immersive visuals and ambient electronic music. Collaborators include Liz Lemon, Pureum Lee, Claire Santos and Ryan Persaud. The opening night reception will feature The Wormholes, a Charlotte-based psychedelia synth-pop duo. FREE admission. 7 p.m. 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.
Charlotte, it’s time to stand up and be known as one your favorite homegrown crews, Permanent Vacation gets down to the nitty gritty in the Queen City presenting PLAYER MADE: Ode To Southern Rap of All Eras! Join hometown heroes MC/DJ Elevator Jay, A-Huf and Jaboi B-Rab for an evening of nonstop trunk-rattlin’, subwoofer boomin’, Dirty South Hip Hop super funk! Get your cup of Crunk Juice ready because it’s about to go down! Admission is FREE for people 21+ and $5 for folks 18-20. The jump off is at 10 p.m. at Snug Harbor. 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-SATURDAY, JULY 13——-
Bring the entire tribe down to The Gantt Center this afternoon for TWO special events – first up, get those hands and minds ready for the July installment of the Family First Workshop Series! For this course, artist and instructor Kim Turner has summoned you to pull out the paintbrushes, some wood and your creative flow for this hand-painted medallions (for necklaces), pins or earrings workshop! Learn how to make your own, unique pieces that have your individual stamp on them. In this workshop, learn techniques to help you create a piece from start to finish; from designing to painting and assembling! Also, you get to create your own patterns and designs or use stencils of adinkra symbols for your pieces. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-first-presented-by-novant-health-design-your-own-jewelry-tickets-63891552353. The event will begin at 11 a.m.
Next up, join poet, author and activist Hannah Hasan of the Epoch Tribe as she hosts Muddy Turtle Talks this afternoon! This live storytelling series features the stories of the current experiences, history and future of one of Charlotte’s mostly Black and under-served communities, Enderly Park. Today’s episode entitled, “Safety At Home” will explore what it truly means to feel safe at home and in your neighborhood. With the staggering current crime numbers in Charlotte, many of which are occurring on the West Side and in or around the Enderly Park neighborhood, this is an opportunity to share the true stories of how this community has experienced violence, the systems that contribute to the violence, and the ways that healing occurs in these spaces. Following the stories, we will engage in a community dialogue that unpacks the stories that have been shared, gives healers in the community an opportunity to share their practices, and we will conduct a healing practice for all in attendance. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/muddy-turtle-talks-safety-at-home-tickets-64195757238. The event will begin at 12:30 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
It’s time to pour up some spirits and add some spice to your Saturday as Earl’s Grocery hosts Mixology with Bob Peters this afternoon! This month, Bob will show you how to make some cool and delicious Summer cocktails that you can craft at home. Admission is FREE but seating is limited. The class will begin at 2:30 p.m. Earl’s Grocery is located at 1609 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.
Moxie Society and Faze, Inc. are back for some daytime flavor as they proudly present the Summer Dreams Day Party! Relax in the comforts in one of Uptown’s hottest spots as hometown hero DJ 360 spins an incredible blend of hits, classic and lots more surprises! There will also be plentiful drink and cigar specials to enhance the experience. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/day-dreams-day-party-qc-social-tickets-64806572202. The jump off is at 3 p.m. at QC Social Lounge. 300 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
The ladies of SocaFit USA are back with another round of rhythmic aerobics this afternoon, but this time come celebrate the grand opening of their new SocaFit USA Studio! Come out for one of the best “wuk-outs” around as well as see and experience this brand new space. The Dynamic DJ Kato will be in the house rockin’ out tons of energetic Soca and Reggae tunes for you to exercise to and there will be refreshments available. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/socafit-usa-grand-opening-socafit-live-featuring-the-dynamic-dj-kato-tickets-63785678682. The party starts at 3:30 p.m. SocaFit USA is located at 7200 Albemarle Rd., Suite “K.”
This afternoon, local mental health advocacy firm Wilson Oasis Center invites you out to their Lunch & Learn Mental Health Summit! Lunch & Learn is an open discussion about men and mental health. This forum is designed to gain insight on what do men want and need in regards to psychological well-being. Wilson Oasis Center founder Ayana Davis has opened the floor for this intimate and inclusive platform I order to understand what works for men as you talk together about ways to break down the barriers that men experience daily and how to improve access to mental health services. Lunch will be provided by Bedder, Bedder & Moore. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunch-and-learn-tickets-64575522125. The event will begin at 4 p.m. at Pfeiffer University. 1515 Mockingbird Ln. in the South Park Area.
Need something relaxing for this Saturday? Head out to Romare Bearden Park this evening for another round of Bearden Music Series! For your entertainment, experience some Latin-tinged jazz flavor from Grupo Fantasma and friends, West End Mambo plus dance performances by Rumbao Latin Dance Company. Your host is none other than the lovely Jazz Diva herself, Ms. Tammy Greene. Admission is FREE to attend. Please be sure to bring your lawn chairs and blankets. There will be food trucks available too. The music begins promptly at 6 p.m. Romare Bearden Park is located at 300 S. Church St. in Uptown.
Enjoy a soothing, acoustic aura away from all the commercial hustle and bustle and head down to The Evening Muse as The Sol Kitchen proudly presents Van Hunt performing LIVE! Van Hunt, a Dayton, Ohio-born musician, made his way to Atlanta where he drew acclaim for his production efforts and crafty songwriting, featured on recordings by such diverse artists as Dionne Farris, Rahsaan Patterson, and Cree Summer as well as the platinum-selling soundtrack, “Love Jones.” His own self-titled debut album arrived in 2004, instantly establishing Hunt as a distinctive and original talent with its idiosyncratic melding of R&B, soul, funk, pop, and rock ‘n’ roll. Tonight, feel the magic he created as he celebrates 15 years of soulful melodies for your listening pleasure! Tickets can be purchased here: . Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show will begin promptly at 8 p.m. The Evening Muse is located at 3227 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Join my friends Diggers Delight and the Vacation Pay crew as the proudly present the July installment of Repainted Tomorrow this evening! This half beat show/half live painting hybrid showcase will feature the sonic stylings of local talents Tribe Down South and CJ Chat with visual vibrations provided by Nopalito. Additional sonic frequencies will be provided by resident musicians Axnt, FllS and Simon SMTHNG. Hosted by Peculiar Hippie. Admission is FREE but donations will be accepted. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at Tip Top Daily Market. 2921 The Plaza Rd.
Put some more Afro-Latin flavor in your evening and head down to Camp North End for the Samba Social with Caique Vidal and Batuque! The International Capoeira School and the NC Brazilian Arts Project are pleased to invite the community to enjoy live Brazilian music and dance with live music, drums, dancers and Brazilian appetizers all night! Freaquency360’s DJ Jah Freedom will be on the 1s and 2s spinning an eclectic blend of Afro-Brazilian House, Soul, Samba, Funk and more rhythms to groove to. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/samba-social-with-caique-vidal-and-batuque-tickets-63173688202. The event will begin at 8 p.m. Camp North End is located at 1824 Statesville Ave.
This Saturday night, take your mind on the high road down to Crown Station and get ready for Devin the Dude performing LIVE! This Houston-bred underground legend has been spittin’ some truly funky comedy for several years with his brilliant and spaced-out, oddball flow! If you’re feenin’ for some GOOD Hip Hop, this is where you need to be! The show will be opened with local MCs Shadow and Venomiss. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/devin-the-dude-in-charlotte-nc-sat-july-13th-tickets-63652101148. Showtime is at 8 p.m. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
First 2 First Ent. Is back for some more action this evening as they invite you out to Press Box Bar & Grill for VIP Saturdays! Relax with your crew and chill, grab some cocktails to spill and get ready to be thrilled with Sirius XM Shade 45’s DJ Superstar Jay rockin’ the wheels of steel! This incredible turntablist has rocked shows all over the place and tonight, he’s ready to give Charlotte a dose of his creative dopeness! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vip-saturday-tickets-65010987614. The party starts at 9 p.m. Press Box is located at 9609 N. Tryon St. in the University Area.
——–SUNDAY, JULY 14——-
Prepare your palates for some culinary delight as the beautiful Chef Joya invites you to Loft & Cellar for a special Sunday Brunch! It’s Chef Joya’s official birthday celebration and she wants to give you the gift of a delicious plant-based brunch. Enjoy the magic of Chef Joya’s exquisite vegan cuisine and experience an eclectic menu of Southern-inspired brunch classics. There will also be plenty of drink specials to accompany your taste buds. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunday-brunch-with-chef-joya-tickets-64641180511. The celebration will begin at 11 a.m. Loft & Cellar is located at 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.
The Single Saved & Serious Movement and the United Neighborhoods of Charlotte invites you to come out to the Griertown Stop The Violence Solidarity Day! Come out for a day of community empowerment with a number of local vendors, live entertainment, speakers, local leaders and dignitaries, food and much more as they aim to take charge and make change in Charlotte in effort cease the senseless violence. There will also be a special discussion highlighting single fathers dealing with homelessness in the city. Admission is FREE and all are welcome. The event will begin at 1 p.m. at the Grier Heights Community Center. 3100 Leroy St.
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 and be sure to grab some tasty brunch eats from Killer B’s food truck! Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 2 p.m. 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
The Sol Kitchen is ready to turn up the heat this afternoon as they proudly present I Love Sundayz: Day Party Series! Come experience the coolness of Uptown with two of Charlotte’s HOTTEST – The Dynamic DJ Kato and Deron Juan rockin’ out the dopeness ranging from Classic Hip Hop, Top 40, R&B, House, Go-Go, Afrobeats, Reggae, Soul and much more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-love-sundayz-day-party-series-part-3-w-deron-juan-dj-kato-tickets-64680543246. The party starts at 3 p.m. at Vine Nightclub. 222 S. Church St. in Uptown.
Join the alluring Sheena Pickett of Alpha Male Nailcare Services for Men, LLC as she invites you out to Advent Coworking for the July edition of the Satire Sunday Book Club! Today’s topic will focus on the life, lessons, music and messages of the late Nipsey Hussle. Tickets are only $8 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/satire-sunday-bookclub-present-nipsey-hussle-tickets-64150281218. The session will begin at 3 p.m. Advent Coworking is located at 933 Louise Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Need some more House music in your life? Don’t worry, I got you! Bring all your friends and fellow House heads down to Crown Station for the Second Sunday Jam! Join DJs Tony Essence, Mike Brown, Johnnie Davis and Raw Substance’s Steve Howerton as they power the place with a vibrant mix of House grooves ranging from Classic, Soulful, Afro-Latino, Deep and much more! Admission is FREE, but donations will also be accepted. 5 p.m. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
COMING SOON…
7/18 – JazzArts Charlotte presents Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues plays Muddy Waters
7/18—7/20 – 3rd Annual CineOdyssey Film Festival
7/19 – RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party feat. Ramon Rawsoul
7/19—7/20 – JazzArts Charlotte presents THE JAZZ ROOM: Dawn Anthony Sings Nancy Wilson
7/20 — Face It: Anatomy & Figure Drawing 2-Day Workshop
7/20 – AfroPop Charlotte Vol. 33 – 3-Year Anniversary Fete
7/21 – 2019 Charlotte Peruvian Festival
7/21 – Vegan Vibe Music Series
7/22—7/26 – Young Icons Recording Arts Camp
7/22—7/26 — Hip Hop Tech Camp: The Roots and STEM of Rap – A Writing & Technology Workshop
7/26 – Radio Rehab Carolinas presents HELLA COLLAB
Enjoy your weekend folks!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst