The Rundown of Things to Do: Thursday, August 1 – Monday, August 5

Shawn Allison shares all the places you'll wanna be in the Queen City.

By Shawn D. Allison, II

 

Greetings family! Time just keeps flying by because we are now in the month of August! And to kick off the hottest month of the year, I’ve found some true hotness boiling and brewing in the Queen City streets this weekend! From jazz, to food trucks, tributes, games and much more, you will definitely not want to remain indoors! If you want to know what kind of trouble I’m getting into this weekend, follow me on my “Hot List”!

 

  • THURSDAY – POTIONS & PIXELS – Gaming For Charlotte at The Park Church
  • THURSDAY – Dapper Street Productions, Inc. presents Color of Jazz – The XMEN Play Robert Glasper
  • FRIDAY— Black Food Truck Fridays Summer Music Tour – DC Go-Go Edition
  • FRIDAY – Black Kaleidoscope: Artist Exhibition at Dupp & Swat
  • FRIDAY – Jazz at The Bechtler: Curtis Taylor Plays Freddie Hubbard
  • FRIDAY – Isaiah Little LIVE at Apostrophe Lounge
  • FRIDAY – Blow Your Head – The August Edition at Snug Harbor
  • SATURDAY – Turf Wars 2K19
  • SATURDAY – 2nd Annual Back To School Community Event
  • SATURDAY – First Carolinas Ecuadorian Festival at The International House
  • SATURDAY — RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party at Snug Harbor
  • SATURDAY – Off The Wall – Annual Michael Jackson Tribute at Petra’s
  • SUNDAY — Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles Brunch: Hello Summer, Vol. 3
  • MONDAY – Revolt Comedy Show #10

 

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, AUGUST 1——-

This afternoon, join the Guerilla Poets at Promise Resource Network for a special Free Poetry Workshop! These sessions will be in effect every month highlighting the stigma of mental health. Come learn and create together in these healing workshops while in a supportive and safe environment. FREE admission. 1 p.m. 1041 Hawthorne Ln. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

Get your gaming on for a purpose at POTIONS & PIXELS – Gaming for Charlotte this evening! For tonight’s installment, you’re invited to play the Growing Better Places game and to help provide feedback regarding the future of the Queen City. The game, “Growing Better Places: A More Equitable and Inclusive Charlotte” is a component of the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan process. It’s a fun, interactive way to get input from a diverse cross-section of the community about the future of Charlotte. Growing Better Places is designed to be played by everyone and is about better understanding the needs and impacts of growth and change citywide. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/potions-pixels-gaming-for-charlotte-tickets-65562654665.  The event will begin at 6 p.m. at The Park Church. 6029 Beatties Ford Rd.

Dapper Street Productions, Inc. returns for the month of August with another installment of its heralded performance series Color of Jazz – The XMEN Play Robert Glasper. For tonight’s episode, feel the energy of one of Charlotte’s most prolific and creative ensembles, The XMEN as they channel the musical mystique of Grammy Award-winning composer, arranger and pianist Robert Glasper. With a style that’s totally spellbinding, The XMEN will be sure to bring light to the darkness of your minds with a colorful array of arrangements from Glasper’s catalog with some improvisational surprises. Admission is FREE to attend and all ages are welcome. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Mallard Creek Rec Center. 2530 Johnston Oheler Rd. in the University Area.

SouthEnd ARTS and K. Liles Art invites you to be part of a riveting community discussion as they host the opening night for the Social Justice Speaker Series this evening. Join Dr. Ricky Woods, First Baptist Church-West and Pete Kelly, Retired BOA Executive, as they walk us through the impactful community book-read of the acclaimed book, “Color of Law.” This provocative dissection of Charlotte’s truth will reveal its history and the impact of legislature and laws passed that disproportionately affected many. Admission is FREE, however donations can be given here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/housing-and-justice-tickets-65331866371.  The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. SouthEnd ARTS is located at 1507 Camden Rd. in Historic South End.

Election season is near and the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg invites you out to CHAT & CHOOSE: Conversations with Candidates this evening. There is no better way to understand a candidate’s platform than to sit at their table and chat. Make plans to attend this public “Chat and Choose,” forum where you can personally meet the candidates and make sure that your voice is heard with your concerns for our communities. FREE admission. 6:30 p.m. at St. Paul Baptist Church in the Belmont Neighborhood.

——FRIDAY, AUGUST 2——-

Bring your entire tribe down to The Gantt Center this afternoon for a very special creative arts Fine Art Fridays – Jazz Dance Workshop!   Come move with us and discover your hidden talents in this unique workshop as we explore Jazz moves and groves that will keep you and your family coming back for more! Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fine-art-fridays-jazz-dance-family-friendly-workshop-tickets-66516080387https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fine-art-fridays-jazz-dance-family-friendly-workshops-for-all-ages-tickets-66536595749. 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 brings the heat with Black Food Truck Fridays Summer Music Tour – DC Go-Go 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 DJ Steel Wheel giving you a taste of DC with all sorts of funky Go-Go music! Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 5 p.m. Recess Charlotte is located at 832 Seigle Ave. in the Belmont Neighborhood.

Take the family on a Friday evening stroll and head down to the SouthEnd ARTS’ interACTION First Friday Gallery Crawl! SEA’s monthly equity art exhibitions treat you to a wide range of local artists and their affordable art. All are welcome to build cultural bridges and empower our art community. Meet 12 artists and their prize-winning Juried Art as you sip on Dover Vineyards wines and develop new relationships with Charlotte creatives. Also, enjoy the live vocals of local musician Julia Figueroa, tasty foods and fellowship among community members. FREE admission. 5:30 p.m. 1507 Camden Rd.

Catch a glimpse of a riveting dark vision through the eyes of creativity at Black Kaleidoscope: Artist Exhibition this evening. Join local artists —Teresa Hopson, F. Kernes and Christopher Clarke are combining their talents for this one night only showcase! A kaleidoscope is a viewing tool which when viewed inside contains a myriad of hues, forms, patterns and designs that morph in to various forms by altering the foundation. However, this conundrum of colors all connects to create a cornucopia of collective creativity. With their own unique, artistic perspectives, these three painters have different viewpoints and purposes behind their art. They are providing their own individual frame to make an even bigger picture…a Black Kaleidoscope. Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 6 p.m. at Dupp & Swat inside Camp North End. 1824 Statesville Ave.

Dapper Street Productions, Inc. keeps the fire burning this Friday as they invite you out to Jazz At The Hut featuring Nicci Canada! Come and experience one of the QC’s most alluring, charming and beautiful chanteuses for an evening of soothing and energetic vocal jazz, backed by an intuitive and wondrous rhythm sections. Ms. Canada and special guest vocalist Jasmine Lloyd will be performing a collective of classics ranging from golden era staples to contemporary. Do not miss this show! Admission is FREE with RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-at-the-hut-featuring-nicc…. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at The Hut. 413 Johnston Rd. in Pineville

Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Curtis Taylor and international pianist and composer, Sean Higgins plays tribute to the legendary Freddie Hubbard II with The Ziad Jazz Quartet during a very special performance of Jazz at the Bechtler this evening! Taylor’s lyrical and melodic improvisational style displays a level of maturity far beyond his counterparts. His unique blend of soulfulness, harmonic sensibilities and rhythm melt together for an unforgettable sound that directly connects with the soul of the listener. According to Taylor, “When played honestly, music is the ultimate conveyer of truth and beauty.” Tickets can be purchased here: https://30796a.blackbaudhosting.com/30796a/tickets…. There will be two performances at 6 and 8:15 p.m. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Ladies, on this Friday, feel the rhythm from within and head over to the all-new SocaFit USA Dance Studios for Senegalese Dance with Aminata! Local wonder woman Aminata Mitchell is a lady of many talents and tonight she invites you to participate in a special dance class with her. Come and experience the vibes of the Motherland set to the rhythm of Senegalese music and dance routines. While it is a total cultural experience, this class is also geared towards getting yourselves in shape. Admission is $10 per person and can be paid with cash at the door or through CashApp: $AminataCreations. The class will begin at 6:30 p.m. SocaFit USA Dance Studio is located at 7200 Albemarle Rd., Suite “K”.

Step away from all the hustle and bustle of thundering speakers, 808s and such and head down to Apostrophe Lounge for an evening with Isaiah Little peforming LIVE! It’s said that music is the language of the soul, and nothing could be truer for this singer/songwriter. An inspirational artist, Isaiah Little has earned his reputation as a gifted vocalist and talented performer. From live gigs to studio sessions and more, Isaiah Little continues to touch fans around the world with his distinct and enjoyable style while sharing a deeper side of his faith, passion and love for music. Tickets can be purchased here: https://tickets.aftonshows.com/cgi-bin/show.pl.  The show will begin promptly at 7 p.m. Apostrophe Lounge is located at 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

Get ready for a whole ‘lotta soulful vocal energy this evening as Jazz N Soul Music proudly presents Rhonda Thomas LIVE! Slide out to nearby NoDa and enrich yourselves from one of my favorite voices, the endearing and ever-fine Rhonda Thomas who is prepared to share her daring and enlightening “song-sational” talents for your evening pleasure! She has shared the stage with many of R&B/Soul’s greatest and legendary dignitaries and if you’ve never seen this dazzling diva take the stage before, do yourselves a favor and come be enchanted by this versatile vocalist! Tickets can be purchased here: https://rhondathomascharlotte.bpt.me/…. There will be two performances at 7 and 9:30 p.m. at Heist Brewery. 2909 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

 

 

OutenLove Events and Mr. 305 Entertainment have teamed back up for their weekend party jam, Reggae vs. Hip Hop – First Friday Edition! Step in the zone and rep your sonic flavor with DJ Heff making your whine and rock with the finest of Dancehall and Reggae mixes and get in your stance and head bob yourselves into a trance as DJ Shaun Nyce gives you the best of classic and modern Hip Hop and R&B! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1st-friday-90s-vs-2000-edition-tickets-62032488844. The party starts at 9 p.m. at Stats Restaurant & Bar. 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.

If you want to experience some different sonic flavor this Friday night, come out to Snug Harbor for Blow Your Head – The August Edition! My good brothers of Blow Your Head, Flock of Slagles and Jah Freedom will be spinning an entire vinyl set of Funk, Soul, Boogie, Garage, House and Rare Grooves for your listening pleasures! 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.

Get some bass in yo’ face this evening as Original DJ MAC invites you out for DJ Magic Mike performing LIVE! Charlotte gets a strong arm taste of South Florida as legendary Miami Bass producer DJ Magic Mike rips and rocks the stage with a vibrant arsenal of classic Hip Hop, Miami Bass sounds, Funk and much much more! Charlotte’s own Mal Funk Shun will be adding some classic Soulful House, Underground mixes to the joint! Don’t miss this! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dj-magic-mike-presented-by-cro…. The jump off is at 10 p.m. Crown Station is located at 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.

 

——-SATURDAY, AUGUST 3——-

The wait is over and the battles have begun — come enjoy a full day of nonstop, hi-octane competitive athletic action at the Turf Wars 2K19! Play MARSports and ESPN Charlotte have teamed up to bring you this fierce tournament kickball battle of epic proportions! There will be local, regional and a few teams from around the Southeast competing for a grand cash prize of $5000 and bragging rights. There will be lots of other activities, food, music and fellowship. Admission is FREE to attend. The games begin at 9 a.m. at Charlotte Soccer OrthoCarolina Complex. 13307 Dorman Rd. in Pineville.   #MARS #Funletics

Calling all comic book nerds and superhero enthusiasts – grab your costumes and fly down to the Charlotte Comicon Summer 2019 this weekend! Shop and have some SUPER FUN as you scour through thousands of new and vintage comic books and toys and everything comic related for sale and trade. There will be costume contests and various works from the area’s best comic creators and artists. For more info on cosplay, please visit this link: http://charlottecomicon.info/cosplay/.  The festival will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday (8/3) and Sunday (8/4). 5400 John Q. Hammons Dr. NW in Concord.

Experience some sweet treats this morning at The Great American Cookie Crumble! Bring the family out to come watch, taste, and vote for your favorite cookie from local Charlotteans. There will be activities for kids and entertainment for all ages. FREE admission. 11 a.m. at the 7th Street Public Market. 224 E. 7th St. in Uptown.

Also this morning, explore your creative side some more as Bree Stallings invites you to the Yummy Lines: Getting Over The Fear of Drawing Workshop! Come learn how to tap into your intuitive mark making and fall in love with drawing with your whole body through these intensive, fun exercises. Tickets can be purchased here: https://breestallings.bigcartel.com/product/yummy-lines-workshop.  The session will begin at 11 a.m. at C3 Lab. 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.

Get ready for the grand return of Charlotte’s best brunch experience as Moxie Society welcomes you out for some new hotness at the I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party! Same festive Saturday flavor but now in a different neck of the Carolina woods – join one of the OC’s hottest entertainment firms as they fill your day with some of that cultural coolness with an revamped Southern-inspired brunch menu, mimosas, cocktail specials and fly 90s Hip Hop, R&B, Neo-Soul, Reggae tunes from my good brother, Celebrity DJ Shogun! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-still-love-the-90s-brunch-summer-series-section-tickets-66996904545. The jump off is at 11 a.m. at Recess Charlotte. 832 Seigle Ave. in the Belmont Neighborhood. #MoxieSociety #TheArtOfTheDayParty

Parents and kids, join Franchise Barbers and SociaLight, Inc. for the official 2nd Annual Back To School Community Event! Come on down and engage the community with a day full of nonstop pre-school networking fun including FREE hygiene packs, health & wellness info, a FREE bookbag with school supplies, food, discounted haircuts, music from QC teen sensation DJ Ninja Kydd and much, much more! Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 11 a.m. Franchise Barbers Inc. is located at 7146 E. Independence Blvd.

Hey kids, wake your parents up and bring them out to the West Boulevard Library Branch for FREE Art, Music & Poetry Workshops! Hosted and curated by The Guerilla Poets, the goal for these workshops is to empower the community through the skills they will learn and to enrich the community in culture and togetherness building stronger neighborhoods and more successful individuals. Today’s sessions will focus on creative mask-making and guitar lessons. All ages are welcome to join and the event is FREE. 11 a.m. The library is located at 2157 West Blvd. #GuerillaPoets

Bring the family and experience the culture of the America down under at the First Carolinas Ecuadorian Festival! Immerse yourselves in the atmosphere of Ecuador with an eclectic mix of music, food and folklore! FREE admission. The event will begin at 12 noon at the International House. 1817 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

The Gantt Center has got some more family creativity up its sleeve as they invite you out to their Family First Collage Art Workshop! For today’s session, you’ll create mixed media collages inspired by contemporary artist Kevin Cole’s “Stuck in the Middle” series. Instructor and artist Dulce Tavares will facilitate this workshop. As a self-taught mixed media artist and muralist, born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, this multifaceted and multitalented professor of microbiology and immunology in her native land decided to follow her passion and pursue a career in visual arts when she moved to the States, more than two decades ago. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-first-presented-by-novant-health-tickets-66502291143. The class will begin at 1 p.m. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.

OutenLove Events and Black Singles in CLT wants to add some spice to your Saturday night as they proudly present The Meet Market: A Singles Party! Summer is in full swing is not too far away and if you’re looking to spring into the arms of someone new, bring yourselves, your own flyness and your friends out for an evening of nonstop fun! Over 500 people have attended each of these events in the past and this episode is guaranteed to be a surefire hit! There will be live music from DJ Heartless spinning all the hits and the event will be hosted by The SuberMan Lovah. Please dress to impress. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-meet-market-singles-mixer-tickets-65504043357. The event will begin at 9 p.m. at Press Box Bar & Grill. 9609 N. Tryon St. in the University Area. #OutenLoveEvents #BlackSinglesCLT

This sophisticated Saturday continues to get even more sultry as Moxie Society invites you to Professionals Night Out! Enjoy a breezy and warm Summer night in a debonair atmostphere with your friends, delicious cocktails, tasty eats and some funky treats from DJ Loui Vee spinning the hottest of classic Hip Hop, R&B, Top 40, Pop and much more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/professionals-night-out-presented-by-rontatejr-and-louiveemydj-tickets-66201116321. The event will begin at 9 p.m. at Explict Restaurant & Lounge. 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.

The Hit Agency is back for some more action this Saturday as turn up the heat at Snug Harbor with another energetic edition of RELEASE! Classic & Soulful House Party! For your pleasure tonight, Jackmaster Gary Wallace set things off properly with special guest Stan Zeff returning with his Tambor House groove with Afrobeat and Afro-House flavor combined in an unforgettable night of dance and unity! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/release-classic-soulful-afro-a…. The party starts at 9 p.m. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

Everyone grab your glitter gloves, jackets, sparkle socks, black fedoras & your friends and head down to Petra’s for Charlotte’s ULTIMATE sonic homage of of the King of Pop — Off the Wall “Annual Michael Jackson Tribute”! Dance, shout & #ShakeYourBody to the ground as The JETA Team — Chief Rocka Aking Allah and birthday honoree Soul Brother DJ Justice are ready to #RockWithYou all night to show you #WhosBad with all of Michael’s hits, album cuts, remixes, B-Sides, Jackson 5/The Jacksons classics — including fly tunes from the rest of the Jackson Family dynasty! But that’s not all—this jam will also feature a super dose of Classic Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, Pop, Rock, Rare Grooves and much more! Also, special guest DJ Steel Wheel will be on the patio making things tropical with a special blend of Afro-Caribbean tunes and K&J’s Kitchen will be serving up the Caribbean goodness outside! $5 before 10 p.m. and $10 after. The jump off is at 9 p.m. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

 

——-SUNDAY, AUGUST 4——-

Charlotte’s fastest growing brunch experience is back for some solstice action as The Culture Cooperative proudly presents Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles Brunch: Hello Summer, Vol. 3! Join The Dynamic DJ Kato and friends for an afternoon of nonstop Afro-Caribbean flavor featuring the vibrant sounds of Soca, Reggae, House, Soul, Hip Hop, Afrobeats, R&B and much more! The kitchen also be fired up with all sorts of delicious meal & drink specials. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jerk-chicken-n-waffles-brunch-…. The jump off is at 11 a.m. at Mango’s Caribbean Restaurant. 3112 N. Davidson St.

This afternoon, slide out to Tip Top Daily Market for a special sonic brunch entitled Scrambled Eggs! Come and relax as ½ of Diggers Delight, Bro. Cairo Black sets the mood with a selection of avant-garde Dub, Reggae, Fusion, Soul and Jazz tunes from his 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 11 a.m. 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

Moxie Society invites you out to Firehouse Bar & Lounge as they proudly present, Sippin’ On Sundays – The August Edition! Relax in this fly Uptown QC venue with delicious food, drink specials, hookah, music from DJ Tramare and a patio to enjoy your fresh and fat-rolled stogies. Admission is FREE but if you’re interested in VIP seating, please register and pay here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sippin-on-sundays-feat-dj-tramare-tickets-65358056707. The event begins at 4 p.m. Firehouse Bar & Lounge is located at 320 W. Carson St. in Uptown.

For your Sunday night coolout, head over to Petra’s for Bill Hanna’s Jazz Sessions! Charlotte jazz legend Bill Hanna brings his famous jazz session live and in living color for your enjoyment featuring a who’s who of Charlotte’s finest musicians in an intimate setting. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bill-hannas-jazz-sessions-tick…. The band strikes at 8 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.

 

——-MONDAY, AUGUST 5——-

Get your laugh on at Heist Brewery this evening and come out for the August 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…

8/7 – Kenya Templeton’s Birthday Concert

8/8 — Eclectic Soul Sessions – Beyoncé Edition

8/9 – The Art of Easing – New Jack Swing Edition

8/10 — Adrian Crutchfield’s Private Party

8/10 – Community Roundtable Discussion: African Youths & Sustainable Development

8/11 – Black August in the Park (Durham)

8/15—8/16 – The Jazz Room: Matt Lemmier reimagines Stevie Wonder

8/16 – KRS-One LIVE

8/17 – “View The Right Thing” Spike Lee Film Series

8/17 — Reid Communtiy Back To School Block Party

8/17 — AfroPop CLT Vol. 34: The Flag Party

8/17 – Undisputed Saturday feat. Fatman Scoop

8/18 – Charlotte Day Festival

8/23 – Common – Let Love Tour feat. Maimouna Youssef aka Mumu Fresh

8/29 – Hot Gumbo feat. Jamison Bethea

8/30 – Using Your Unique: Songwriting Workshop

Everyone have a great weekend! Peace.

 

Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.

 

#WeekendWarrior   #TheBlackFerrisBueller   #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst