By Shawn D. Allison, II
What’s good everyone! “The Hawk” may be out and Jack Frost is giving people the cold shoulder. However, we still keep cool under all the atmospheric pressure, you dig? But check this out, I know it’s rather chilly out there, but your man—The Black Ferris Bueller has found all sorts of goodies this weekend to heat your spirits up and bring warmth to your heart! And I hope to see you all on Sunday as I get busy at Joy To The Groove: Bueller’s Christmas Boogie 2019! In the meantime and in between time, if you want to check out what’s really jumpin’ out here in the QC this weekend, peep my “Hot List” just below!
- THURSDAY—SATURDAY – BNS Productions presents “Be A Lion: The Musical”
- THURSDAY—SATURDAY – Chickspeare and Charlotte’s Off Broadway presents Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)
- THURSDAY — REBOOT: Technology & the World’s End? at Social Status
- FRIDAY – JazzArts Charlotte presents The Jazz Room: Piano Night featuring the Music of Vince Guaraldi
- FRIDAY – The Art of Easing at Tip Top Daily Market
- FRIDAY – BlkMrktCLT presents The 2nd Annual Player’s Ball
- FRIDAY – PLAYER MADE at Snug Harbor
- FRIDAY – Radio Rehab Carolinas presents “It’s A Sagittarius Thing!” at Crown Station
- SATURDAY — Getting Your Financial House In Order Workshop at Business 911 Small Business Center
- SATURDAY – Pre-Kwanzaa Workshop at The Gantt Center
- SATURDAY — Sol Afri All Things Natural Pop-Up
- SATURDAY — Covers: A Celebration of the Album Cover/Repainted Tomorrow at Tip Top Daily Market
- SUNDAY — Joy To The Groove: Bueller’s Christmas Boogie 2019
- SUNDAY — Holiday Vintage Market & Bazaar
- SUNDAY — Annual Christmas Musicale Concert
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, DECEMBER 12——–
Calling all HBCU alumni — The A.L. Harper Foundation invites you out to Bar Louie for the HBCU Night ‘Tis the Season Holiday Party! Come and celebrate the groundbreaking work that this organization has done in 2019 for keeping HBCUs alive and thriving! Charlotte’s own DJ 704 will be spinning the tunes keeping the mood light and there will be cocktails pouring up all night. FREE admission. The party starts at 6 p.m. Bar Louie is located at 8760 J.M. Keynes Dr. in the University Area.
This evening, grab your boarding pass and head down to the McColl Center for Art + Innovation for a special community dialogue entitled, “Artist Talk: Concourse A.” Like the multiple concourses we traverse in an airport, McColl Center is not the first or final destination for an artist-in-residence. How does each destination or each concourse of an artist’s journey shift their social discourse? Concourse A takes off with Dammit Wesley, HNin Nie, Helms Jarrell, Marlon Morrison and MyLoan Dinh—the first cohort of Resident Residency artists-in-residence—in a discussion exploring the various paths that they have taken to share the voices of their communities. This talk will be moderated by EmcArts Community Arts Curatorial fellow Janelle Dunlap. Admission is FREE to attend, but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artist-talk-concourse-a-tickets-85245717235. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
This weekend, experience some Latin-tinged musical magic at Middle C Jazz as they proudly present Gino Castillo and The Cuban Cowboys! Multi award-winning percussionist Gino Castillo has shared the stage with many music notables and has racked up a resume that is second to none. With vibrant rhythms molded from his Cuban roots, this infectious soundscape is a kaleidoscope of sonic wonder, splendor and unforgettable feel-good energy! Tickets can be purchased here: https://middlecjazz.com/calendar/. Middle C Jazz is located at 300 S. Brevard St. in Uptown.
Calling all creatives – head down to Social Status for a special interactive discussion entitled “REBOOT: Technology & the World’s End?” this evening. Join local musician Nige Hood as he hosts a panel discussion covering various topics related to rapid technological growth and the side effects that they impress on society. The panel will be selected from the fields of science, philosophy and entrepreneurship. FREE admission. The event will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. Social Status is located at 1519 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Theatre Charlotte’s holiday tradition is back in full effect for its new season and to kick off the festivities, prepare yourselves for the QC-flavored edition of the Charles Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol!” It’s the classic tale of the cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge making a drastic alteration from his stingy ways ultimately becoming a man of genuine charity. Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, Fezziwig, Jacob Marley, Nephew Fred will all be there and you should be too! Tickets purchases and showtimes can be found here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/a-christmas-carol-6. All performances will be held at Theatre Charlotte. 501 Queens Rd. #TheatreCharlotte
Catch some holiday joy as Chickspeare and Charlotte’s Off Broadway proudly presents Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) This fast-paced and interactive romp features holiday traditions from around the world, singalongs of every Christmas carol ever sung, and all your holiday favorites shaken up in a snow globe of Christmas cheer….and beer. Tickets can be purchased here: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=cob. There will be two performances this weekend: Thursday (12/12) at 7:30 p.m., Friday (12/13) and Saturday (12/14) at 8 p.m. All performances will be held at the JCSU Westside Arts Factory. 1545 W. Trade St. near JCSU.
Come take another magical journey into Oz as the great Rory D. Sheriff of Brand New Sheriff Productions presents the acclaimed stage production, “Be A Lion: The Musical!” Now that Dorothy has returned back home and that The Wiz has been revealed, who will step up and take the responsibility of ruling Oz? This production is filled with all of your favorite and beloved characters with over a dozen new and original songs, dance numbers and more fun that the entire family will enjoy! All performance times and tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/be-a-lion-4. All performances will be held at the Duke Energy Theatre at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown. #BeALion #BNSProductions
——–FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13——–
Liberate Your Palate CLT wants to fill you with some holiday spirits as they invite you and your taste buds out to the Holiday Punches Hands-on Cocktail Class! In this celebration of punch, you’ll learn how to create show stopping group cocktails and discover the history behind why punches were historically so popular–and still are today. Punches are visually stunning, easy to put together and can make any occasion feel special. With the holiday entertaining season currently in effect, come and take some of the stress away by serving a punch. In this class you’ll learn fail proof tips and techniques to ensure that the flavors of your punches are complex, balanced and visually stunning. You will also get to enjoy three full-size cocktails and take home recipes that you will be able to replicate for small groups of your friends. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.liberateyourpalate.com/passbook/decemberpunch. The class will begin at 6:30 p.m. at BLOC.clt. 2400 Park Rd., Suite “A”.
Dear Soul Music Company invites you out to experience some Friday frequencies as they proudly present Unplugged + Live: Arsena, Kylie, & Lee Knox! First up, come and get a taste of some stringed-out soul with Arsena Schroeder setting the scene on her good-tar, providing a down-home feel all rooted in Carolina flavor. Indie/Soul Singer-Songwriter, Kylie Odetta, is lighting a fire within the underground music scene. With music that is powerful, dreamy, and full of passion she uses the piano & raspy vocals to draw you in. By incorporating elements of studio magic yet keeping the instruments organic, her music will take you on a mellow but all-inspiring journey. Multitalented Renaissance man Lee Knox presents some new flavor for this vibrant and young generation with some classic feels and arrangements influenced from yesteryear. Sponsored by ASC Culture Blocks. Admission is FREE. Doors open at 6:45 and the show starts at 7 p.m. at The Hut. 413 Johnston Dr. in Pineville.
JazzArts Charlotte invites you out for a special Christmas jazz jig in this special holiday edition of The Jazz Room presenting, Piano Night featuring the Music of Vince Guaraldi! Join ivory ticklers Frederick Sanders, Paul Longstreth, Ariel Pocock, John Chin and Simon George as they celebrate and recreate the melodies of legendary Peanuts composer Vince Guaralidi. Accompanying them in vocal style will be Mercury Carter, Emily Braden, Young Voices of the Carolinas along with special guests, the JazzArts All-Star Youth Ensemble. It’s a feel-good show for the entire family that you don’t want to miss! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/the-jazz-room-holiday-edition-1. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at The McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Back by popular demand is Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s most-popular show of all time — The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical! What happens when the “worst kids in the history of the world” find out about free food at Sunday school? Worse yet, what happens when they decide to audition for the annual Christmas pageant? This hilarious and heartfelt musical comedy, adapted from Barbara Robinson’s classic story, will have your family laughing and crying as we celebrate the holidays. Performance schedule and tickets can be purchased here: https://www.ctcharlotte.org/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=. All shows will be held at the McColl Family Theater inside ImaginOn. 200 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
If you want to experience some extra coolness on this Friday night, head over to Tip Top Daily Market and plug yourselves into the December session of The Art of Easing! Join my good brothers ½ of Diggers Delight, Cairo Black and DJ Foundacetion as they purvey a bevy of funky frequencies ranging from Jazz to Neo-Soul, Classic Hip Hop, Rare Grooves and more surprises from their own personal vinyl collections easing you on into 2020! Admission is $FREE.99 and the tables start turning at 8 p.m. Tip Top Daily Market is located at 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
The words on pages come to life this evening as acclaimed verbal wizard Sir Abstraxxx proudly presents a special concert entitled “If Only I Could Kiss You!” Experience some mellow smoothness as Sir Abstraxxx invites you out for this intimate evening of enchanting poetry, music, art and fellowship with some scintillating spoken word sentiments. This eclectic relaxation session will also feature the voices of A Poet Named Superman, Kia Flow and Sean Kendall along with live painting from Dakota Haiyanna and Mulatto Charlie. Admission is FREE to attend. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at Not Just Coffee. 1026 Jay St., Suite “A”.
Charlotte, step out on the town and enjoy a unique and funky awards show at The 2nd Annual Player’s Ball! The Players Ball is a Blaxploitation-themed awards ceremony honoring the outstanding achievements of artists, entrepreneurs and cultural influencers in the Charlotte community. Award categories include: Player of the Year, Captain Save Em’, Hustler of the Year, Style Vanguard and of course, Player Hater of the Year, with a special live performance from recording artist Leone. Presented by BlkMrktCLT. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-2nd-annual-players-ball-tickets-80029360973. The ceremony starts at 8 p.m. at C3 Lab. 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End.
Everyone hop in your Chevy, Cadillac or Pontiac and head down to Snug Harbor for the December Southern-fried edition of PLAYER MADE! This is the jam session that celebrates Southern Hip Hop from all eras ranging from The Geto Boys, The Hot Boys, UGK, Nappy Roots, Little Brother, DJ Screw, T.I., The Dungeon Family and a lot more! Your host is local MC/DJ Elevator Jay along with DJs Jaboi B Rab, A-Huf and special guest Matt Corleone giving you the funk! Admission is FREE for everyone 21+ and $5 for persons 18-20. Doors open at 9 p.m. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
The Sol Kitchen and Sigmas of Charlotte is ready to make your holiday cheer a little more hideous as they proudly present the Super Ugly Holiday Sweater Party! Throw on some unsightly holiday threads and head on over to Stats for a night of fun guaranteed to bring the Christmas spirit up out some spirits who are dead inside! And in addition to your sweater, you’ll be sure to wear the ugly face when DJ Skillz and Tramare the DJ drop the classics from multiple eras! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/super-ugly-holiday-sweater-party-with-dj-skillz-dj-tramare-tickets-82307635353. The jump off is at 9 p.m. Stats Restaurant & Lounge is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.
Party people, Radio Rehab Carolinas returns for a special Friday night jam this evening, so gather all your friends and get ready to dance and swing at “It’s a Sagittarius Thing!” This celebration is for the last sign on the zodiac and it also will be a special birthday celebration for Radio Rehab Carolinas founder, the ever fly and ever-fine Lonni B! Come and dance the night away with a collage of funked out rhythms, rare grooves and other sonic gems from Charlotte’s best kept secret, Soul Brother DJ Justice! Admission is FREE all night long. The jump off is at 10 p.m. at Crown Station. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
——–SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14——–
While the holidays can be a fun time, it may be trouble for your finances. This morning, head down to the Business 911 Small Business Center for the Getting Your Financial House In Order Workshop. Come gather with individuals who want to have their finances flying better than Santa’s sleigh as Prudential representative and financial expert Bro. Malcolm Rose, Jr. guides you to create spending plans, protecting present and future investments and learn why investing is important as well as the best ways to invest. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/getting-your-financial-house-in-order-tickets-78781725261. The event will begin at 9 a.m. 3557 N. Sharon Amity Dr., Suite #101.
Get ready for some Saturday flyness at Charlotte’s best brunch experience as Moxie Society welcomes you out to 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 social 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. The jump off is at 11 a.m. at Recess Charlotte. 832 Seigle Ave. in the Belmont Neighborhood. #MoxieSociety #TheArtOfTheDayParty
This morning, bring the entire tribe down to The Gantt Center and come out for a special Pre-Kwanzaa Workshop! Prepare for Kwanzaa by learning its history and traditions in an artful way in this session honoring the history of Kwanzaa, best tips on how to celebrate it at home and create some Kwanzaa-inspired crafts. Kwanzaa Charlotte is an annual citywide celebration coordinated by a collective of conscious individuals and organizations. Kwanzaa Charlotte events are educational and cultural activities designed to benefit the entire Charlotte community centering on seven core principles. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pre-kwanzaa-workshop-with-kwanzaa-charlotte-tickets-84634075799. The event will begin at 11 a.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
This afternoon, get your organic shop on Chocolate-style at the Sol Afri All Things Natural Pop-Up! Bring the entire tribe down to First Ward Creative Arts Academy to scope, scour through and scoop some natural and organic health and wellness essentials, home products, healthy eats and drinks, delectable desserts, clothing, jewelry, accessories, original artworks and much more! FREE and open to the public. The marketplace will open at 1 p.m. 715 N. Caldwell St. in Uptown.
Things are getting real creative at Tip Top Daily Market this evening as the staff invites you out to a new and different art showcase entitled, “Covers: A Celebration of the Album Cover!” Explore the imaginations of some of the QC’s most brilliant artistic minds as they reimagine and recreate a menagerie of classic album covers from all styles, genres and soundscapes. FREE admission. 7 p.m. 2902 The Plaza Rd.
Spend your Saturday evening with some sophisticated and dapper brothers and sisters at The Gantt Center as Herb & Felicia Gray and V-101.9 host The 4th Annual Grays Holiday Party! This stylish soiree will serve as a fundraiser benefitting programs for The Gantt Center. Your ticket for this festive evening includes delectable sweets and savory treats, a specialty drink, live music, lots of dancing to the sounds of a special guest DJ and more throughout this evening. Tickets are $60 each and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-gray-holiday-party-tickets-82666304141. The dress code is mature. The event will begin at 8 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Join my friends Diggers Delight and the Vacation Pay crew as the proudly present the December installment of Repainted Tomorrow this evening! This half beat show/half live painting hybrid showcase will feature the sonic stylings of local talents Tango, XYN and KiddSpectro along with visual vibrations provided by Mauveoshun. 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.
Spend the night Uptown and get down with one of the QC’s fastest-growing social media meetups, Charlotte Social Society as they invite you to their CSS Christmas Party! Meet some familiar faces from the group and kick it with someone new in this evening of fellowship, food, cocktails and fun! There will also be a Secret Santa Gift Exchange and a special kiss cam photo booth under the mistletoe! FREE admission for ladies all night and men before 10 p.m.; $10 for men after. The party starts at 9 p.m. at Sports One CLT. 521 N. College St. in Uptown.
——–SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15——–
Experience some more orchestrated flyness this afternoon as JazzArts Charlotte invites you out to the JazzArts Youth Ensemble Holiday Concert! Bring the entire family out and enjoy traditional holiday jazz selections from each of the five Ensemble groups. This concert will feature lots of new students and returning ones for an evening of music and magic! Admission is FREE and open to the public. The concert will begin at 3 p.m. inside Tate Hall at CPCC Main Campus. 1206 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.
This afternoon, The Gantt Center invites you out to a special creative discussion entitled, Sunday Salon: Artist Talk With Bryan M. Wilson. Gantt Center Teaching Artist, Bryan M. Wilson will voice some eclectic and insightful sentiments on balancing life as an artist and an educator. This discussion will also include a showcase of student art from the Passport to Painting exhibition. Admission is $5 per person. The event will begin at 3:30 p.m. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The moment you’ve all been waiting for has arrived – this afternoon, I need everyone to head over to Tip Top Daily Market and come out for Joy To The Groove: Bueller’s Christmas Boogie 2019! Yours truly, The Black Ferris Bueller will be making sure you get on the good foot as I spin four whole hours of classic Jazz, Funk, Soul, R&B, Hip-Hop, Inspirational and Christmas grooves for you to enjoy! And while the music is bumpin’ give your stomachs a thumpin’ of goodness as my girl, the lovely Sharelle Curinton of Tasty Plates provides a hearty feast guaranteed to warm your soul! Admission is $FREE.99, however I will be taking up donations for the local arts community. The jump off is at 5 p.m. Tip Top Daily Market is located at 2902 The Plaza Rd. #JoyToTheGroove #BuellersChristmasBoogie
This Sunday, step into the cosmic world of Jasiatic and Peace Filled Mama as they cordially invite you out for a special Holiday Vintage Market & Bazaar! Enjoy this enticing space filled with vibrant Black energy with Black feminine creativity, delicious and life-giving eats, treats, African threads, literature, readings, body care products, jewelry, accessories, art and much more! The market opens at 5 p.m. The address is 1901 Parson St. in Villa Heights.
The birthday of the reason for the season is approaching and this afternoon head down to St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church for their Annual Christmas Musicale Concert! All are invited to come out and share in this evening of music, singing, liturgical dancing and more with Gospel recording artist Earnest Pugh with The Queen City Singers! Admission is FREE to attend. The concert will begin promptly at 6 p.m. 1600 Norris Ave.
COMING SOON…
12/20 — Fine Art Friday: Textiles for Homeschoolers, Seniors, and Families
12/20—12/21 – OnQ Productions presents “A Soulful Noel”
12/21 – The Males Place Collard Green Fundraiser Sale
12/21 – Mudcloth Ornament Workshop
12/21 – The Underground presents Battle of the ARTS
12/21 — View The RIght Thing FIlm + DIscussion Series: Boyz N The Hood
12/21 — Eric Roberson Music Fan First 10th Anniversary Tour
12/21 – AfroPop CLT: Vol. 38
12/22 – Jazz N’ Soul Music presents “A Charlie Brown Christmas” featuring The Sean Mason Trio
12/26 — Kil Ripkin X Jah Freedom : Premedicated- The Listening
12/26—1/1 – Kwanzaa Charlotte Citywide Celebration
12/28 – Su Casa: The December Edition
12/28 – Jazz N’ Soul Music presents “Soulflo Celebración”
12/29 – Scarface w/ Full Band LIVE
12/31 – Hindsight 2020 New Years Eve Party
12/31 – Prive Marketing Group presents Confetti Reign 2020 NYE
12/31 – RELEASE! New Years Eve Celebration
12/31 — Royal Excellence: A Salute to Our Culture
1/4 — #BlackOwnedCLT Cash Mob Saturday
1/4 – Off The Wall: Best of the 80s V. 19
Have a great weekend!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst