By Shawn Allison
Peace Brothers & Sisters! We are in new month and the hottest month of the year, but as y’all know I got the lowdown for The Rundown this weekend and there’s a ton of stuff happening in our city! Don’t just sit home and be bored, get out and enjoy life!
THURSDAY, August 4
Kick off your Thursday evening in an island-themed cool down known as “Red, Red Wine.” Join S. Kehinde& DJ Corporate at Vin Master Wine Lounge. Bring your friends out, enjoy great drink specials and let the sounds of Caribbean, Reggae, African, Soca and Lover’s Rock tunes soothe you. Admission is FREE. 6 p.m. Vin Master Wine Lounge is located at 2000 South Blvd. in Historic South End.
Join activists and community organizers Nakisa Glover and Tee Fant of local grassroots initiative, TheAgenda as they host the Brooklyn Village Redevelopment Town Hall. Brooklyn Village was a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood filled with minority residences, businesses and livelihoods. BK Partners andMecklenburg County are committed to embracing, celebrating and reviving its history. This town hall is open to the public and will be held at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center in room 267 starting at 6 p.m. 600 E. 4th St. in Uptown.
Are you looking for a way to meet new people and make a difference in the Queen City? Head down to BB&T Ballpark for the August edition of CLTtalks. Inform, engage and impact is the motto of CLTtalks and this month the focus is on mentoring and literacy. There will be 507 local nonprofits that will focus on the needs of these two elements that are looking forward to helping us make an impact in the city. This is a FREE event, but please be sure to RSVP here: http://clttalksmentoring-literacy.eventbrite.com. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. BB&T Ballpark is located at 324 S. Mint St. in Uptown.
Got a lot on your mind? Do you need a mature and understanding platform to vent your frustrations with life, relationships and the like? Join Christian Life Coach, Tina L. Jones and fellow Pride Magazine Online Contributor, and Certified Professional Life Coach Eddie D. Love as they host “Therapy Thursdays @ Bar Louie.” Admission is FREE to attend, but please RSVP here:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/therapy-thursdays-at-bar-louie-tickets-26832731422. The event begins at 7 p.m. Bar Louie is located at 8760 J.M. Keynes Dr. in the University Area.
FRIDAY, August 5
Want somewhere calm but also fun to get some work done today? Head over to Advent Coworking this morning for a FREE International Coworking Day! Get caught up on your tasks, deadlines, etc. and meet some cool people and goof off a little bit in the process! There will be lunch at 12 noon. The office will be open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Advent Coworking is located at 933 Louise Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Jazz at the Becthler gets real cool this Friday evening as in-house band, Ziad Jazz Quartet proudly pays tribute to one of jazz’s most influential figures, Thelonious Monk in the aptly-titled, “More & More Monk.” Come relive the sounds of this heralded ivory tickler, arranger, composer and overall cool cat in an intimate and fun concert. Tickets can be purchased at: https://30796a.blackbaudhosting.com/30796a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=3b8a77fb-c963-41a8-a0ea-7ce08cd7dc2f. There will be two shows this evening: 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The Queen City gets a literary taste of West Coast flavor this evening as the outrageously beautiful author and creative TomeekhaPitre presents her book and signing of her debut fiction novel, “Earth’s Quiet Chaos.” It’s the story about family, love and perseverance. This event will start at 7 p.m. and will be held at a private location. Please send an e-mail to, folami9472@gmail.com for all details and RSVP information.
Shift your body into high gear and swing to Abundant Life Creative Expressions for the Afrohouse Class. Hosted by the gorgeous chocolate gazelle Solange Ah, come learn some fun and basic dance moves ranging from Kuduro, Azonto, Coupe decale and more! This is a great opportunity to learn simple choreography and burn a ton of calories! Admission is $12 and can be paid at the door. The class begins at 7:30 p.m. Abundant Life Creative Expressions is located at 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Local poetry duo, Grannae’sBoyz are stepping away from their SayWord Tuesdays comfort zone this evening and are hosting a more intimate and mysterious affair entitled, “Covered Secrets: The Ultimate Masquerade Poetry Affair.” As told, this is not an open mic affair—there will some special guests hitting the stage tantalizing your senses with various forms of art. Music will be provided by DJ Phassad and there will be a masseuse in the building to ease your tension. Admission is $15 with a mask and $20 without a mask. The event starts at 8:30 p.m. and will be held at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse. 139 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #GrannaesBoyz #SayWord
It’s the last day of the work week and in the middle of summer—do you know what that means? Cocktail time! Gather your crew and head down to Bubble Charlotte for the “Summer Cocktail Spectacular!” A select few mixologists will handcraft five special cocktails for the Summer season. All you have to do is show up, relax and enjoy! Also, make the evening more special with a dinner reservation by calling (704)-733-9427. Tickets can be purchased at: http://summercocktail2016.eventbrite.com. The drinks start pouring at 8:30 p.m. Bubble Charlotte is located at 210 E. Trade St. at the Epicentre in Uptown.
Things get steamy and sensual this evening at The Tavern. Join the people of Jazz N’ Soul Music for another First Friday edition with the aptly-titled, “A Night of Hot Sax with Jeff Sparks!” When it comes to jazz, fusion, soul and R&B, Jeff Sparks and his band have mastered the technique. Tickets are on sale at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-n-soul-music-first-friday-a-night-of-hot-sax-with-jeff-sparks-and-band-tickets-26673295545. The show begins at 9 p.m. The Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
It’s time once again for that first Friday eclectic Afro-Caribbean experience known as Diasopora. Get your friends, get out and get on the dance floor to groove and move to the best of Afrobeat, Dancehall, Latin, Soca, Reggae, and more! The event will be hosted by DJ Kato, Paul Prince and On Track HD. Admission is FREE before 11:30 p.m. and will be only $5 after. The event will start at 10 p.m. and will be held at Apostrophe Lounge. 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
SATURDAY, August 8
Make some noise and free yourselves this morning at Park Road Park this morning and come out for “House In Da’ Park: The Movement!” Mingle with various cool people from all over in this fun and energetic midday groove with nothing but House music! Bring your own food, drinks, chair, friends, older cousins and whomever else you feel needs to experience this! Featuring a host of hot DJs from all over, the tunes are sure to be rockin! Admission is FREE to attend and the funk starts at 10 a.m. Park Road Park is located at 6220 Park Rd. in the South Park Area.
Family, it is time to get our health and wellness on the right path! This morning, bring the entire tribe out to the Harvey B. Gantt Center for the interactive and intergenerational, “Art of Living Fit + Well.” This event is a day full of fitness/wellness advice panel discussions, healthy cooking demonstrations, interactive dance classes, and guest appearances from local and renowned health and wellness professionals. This event is FREE and open to the public, but please be sure to RSVP here: http://www.ganttcenter.org/calendar/the-art-of-living-fit-well-0806/. The event starts at 10 a.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Bring your children out to The Empowerment Center of Charlotte for workshop hosted by B.Y.E. Building Young Entrepreneurs. B.Y.E. is an initiative for empowering youth through economic independence with entrepreneurship. Your child(ren) can start their business now and have some fun while doing it! Trusted and esteemed instructors will guide your youth to say “B.Y.E.” to excuses, lack of money, no direction and more economically crippling avenues. Admission to this workshop is FREE and you can RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-young-entrepreneurs-bye-tickets-24539205424?aff=es2. The workshop begins at 10 a.m. The Empowerment Center of Charlotte is located at 7925 N. Tryon St., Suite #210 in the University Area.
Parents, bring those critters, better known as your kids down to Discovery Place this morning for a total hands-on, interactive field day of experimentation, exploration and anti-extermination at Arthropod Day. Join experts who will guide you through the world of Earth’s most populous group of organisms in a day full of creepy, crawly fun! The event starts at 10 a.m. Discovery Place is located at 301 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Community is essential to the human spirit and the youth are the fruits that are the manifestation of our harvest. This morning, head out to Wilderness Trail Drive for the Community Back to School Block Party! Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, mentors, vendors and kindhearted people of all types come and show the youth that you do care and put a lasting smile on their faces. This event will be hosted by Luvleeh Poetiklocks and Lady V of 2 TEAM Ent. The event begins at 11 a.m. and is located at 640 Wilderness Trail Dr. #2TEAM
Join the beautiful Terry Berry of TerryBerry Events as she proudly hosts the “Summertime Fine Day Party!” Throw on your comfortable and colorful summer threads as DJ Ngenius sets the mood with the best of Hip Hop and R&B from today and yesteryear! Ladies are FREE and the fun starts at 4 p.m. If you desire to reserve a table, please shoot a text message to (336)-251-42330. The party will be held at ‘Stache House Bar & Lounge. 1520 South Blvd. in Historic South End. #TerryBerryEvents
Join Soul of Cinema Movie Review at Crossroads Charter High School this evening as they host a screening of “The Summer of Gods.” Created by award-winning director, writer and producer, ElicianaNascimento, this is a short film about a young girl named Lili who unites with her Afro-Brazilian religious ancestry on a summer visit with family to their ancestral village in rural Brazil. Following the screening, there will be a wonderful presentation by the healer, oracle and the free-spirited Ifasayo Egunjobi. Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-summer-of-gods-film-screening-tickets-26303928759. The event starts at 6 p.m. Crossroads Charter High School is located at 5500 N. Tryon St. #SOCMR
Head out to the Carole A. Hoefener Center this evening for a viewing of the newest project from director, writer and actress Kenya Phifer-Jones entitled, “Watchin’ Lydia.” It’s the story of Lydia, a young and creative starlet who aspires to make a way through life with her graceful singing abilities. Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.thelegacytheatreprodcom.net/. The red carpet event begins at 6 p.m. and the film starts at 7 p.m. The Carole A. Hoefener Center is located at 610 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Take your voice back in time and sing your hearts out at The Tavern for “90’s Karaoke Live!” You think you can sing? You think you bout it, bout it? Come on down and show your skills in a fun and lively atmosphere! This is a 25+ event and 90’s apparel is highly suggested. Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/90s-karaoke-live-tickets-26534264700?aff=es2. The fun starts at 7 p.m. The Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown.
Take a short drive to nearby Mooresville and head over to Queens Landing Marina Lake Norman for another relaxing edition of “Jazz Under the Stars.” For your entertainment tonight, enjoy the smooth and melodic sounds of Four80East with an opening gig by Freeport Jazz. Tickets are sold at: http://m.bpt.me/event/2495755. This event will be hosted by The Jazz Diva—Tammy Greene. Event starts at 6 p.m. Queens Landing is located at 1459 River Highway in Mooresville.
Get ready for a special editon of Blues & Grooves Saturdays at BluNotes this evening. Hitting the stage for your listening pleasure is the acclaimed and talented Gi Spot featuring GiGi Mack! If you’ve never heard this sultry Amazonian chanteuse before, you are definitely missing out! There will be two shows this evening: 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Admission is $4 per show. Blu Notes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.
Get ready to free your body and your mind at Petra’s tonight for the RELEASE! + Tambor 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 Stan Zeff who will be rockin’ the high-spirited House grooves all night long! The fusion starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 before 9 p.m. and $10 after 9 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #HouseMusicLives
Come along and ride on the fantastic Blacklight Slide this evening at Charlotte Motor Speedway! Blacklight Slide is a unique nighttime experience focused on ultraviolet neon glowing fun! Gather your friends and make your way down the water slide which will be lit with funky black light and neon light bulbs and enjoy some dope music with a special guest DJ! Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.blacklightslide.com/location/charlotte/. The slippin’ and slidin’ starts at 7 p.m. Charlotte Motor Speedway is located at 5555 Concord Pkwy in nearby Concord.
The flair and flyness of The Motherland brings all sorts of flavor to the Queen City with the African Fashion Week Fashion Show! AFWCLT aims to celebrate the beauty of African culture through fashion, showcasing designers and models in North Carolina and other states in the Southeast. Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/african-fashion-week-charlotte-fashion-show-tickets-26343381764. The event will be held at Camino Center Hill which is located at 201 Stetson Dr. in the University Area.
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 Lunchbeats 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.
Things get a little spooky at Advent Coworking this Saturday night. That’s because it’s time for the “Summer Halloween Party!” Enjoy great music, great people and a great vibe in a “ghastly” atmosphere! There will be three DJs rockin’ the grooves and setting the mood all night. Also, feel free to bring your own beverage and costume to get in. Admission is FREE to attend, but please RSVP at: http://www.adventcoworking.com/summer-halloween. The fun starts at 9 p.m. Advent Coworking is located at 933 Louise Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
SUNDAY, August 7
Wanna make your stomach shout for joy before you get your praise on? Head on down to Joe’s Doughs this morning for some Brunch Doughnuts! Enjoy chicken & waffle, strawberry & French toast, Mimosa cake and various flavors on some delicious circular pastries! Doughnut prices will vary. Food will be served starting at 7 a.m. Joe’s Doughs is located at 1721 N. Davidson in the NoDa District.
Enjoy some family time at Paint Craze this afternoon and join instructor Leslie Shrum as she hosts the “Family Friendly Selfie Portraits” paint class! Take your best selfie and recreate it on a 11×14 canvas! All art supplied will be provided and this class is for the entire family. Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.paintcraze.com/buytickets/family-friendly-selfie-portraits-paint-craze-park-road-location-1239. The colors start to run at 1 p.m. Paint Craze is located at 4950 Park Rd. in the South Park Area.
Get some cool Summer shopping done this afternoon at “Front Porch Sunday” marketplace! Featuring over 30 local vendors, there will be various products available including fresh bouquets, handcrafted jewelry, exotic terrariums, chic clothing and more. Also, Pushwater Coffee, King of Pops and Gateau Baking will have a variety of fresh brews, tasty pastries and frozen ice pops for sale. Admission is FREE to attend and the market opens at 1 p.m. Event will be held at The Shook Kelley Building located at 2151 Hawkins St. in Historic South End.
Ladies, join the ever-beautiful and stylish LaVonndra Johnson of ElleVJ Boutique this afternoon as she hosts the “Pretty, Poised & Pink Brunch!” Enjoy delicious eats, fine treats and other gorgeous ladies to meet and greet! The theme and dress code of this brunch is pink and dainty—so I’m sure you know how to work your wardrobe. Please visit: http://ellevj.blogspot.com for ticket purchases. The event will be held at Napa on Providence and it starts at 1 p.m. The address is 110 Perrin Pl. in the Myers Park Neighborhood. #ElleVJ #TheOnlyWayToDressIsUp
Crispin Robinson her first Book Swap. No admission, just bring your books, music and a positive vibe! The event starts at 2 p.m. The address is 328 Sylvania Ave. in North Charlotte.
Come out to Three Spirits Brewery for a very special affair! Join Kenya Templeton as she hosts her Soul Day (birthday) concert! Music selections will include acoustic jazz, R&B and soul provided by Mr. Mayhue Bostic on the guitar. Admission is FREE to attend. The show starts at 2:30 p.m. Three Spirits Brewery is located at 5046 Old Pineville Rd.
African Fashion Week Charlotte ends its coloful weekend with a bang this afternoon as they host a Family Fun Day & Cookout! Bring the entire tribe out and enjoy great food, fellowship, fun and of course—more fashion! Admission is FREE to attend and food prices will vary. The event starts at 4 p.m. and will be held at Sugaw Creek Community Park which is located at 943 W. Sugar Creek Rd.
Everyone stay cool, stay hydrated, stay healthy and stay in love! God Bless!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior#TheBlackFerrisBueller