By Shawn D. Allison, II
Love is in the air family! That’s right everyone, it’s Valentine’s Day weekend and there’s all sorts of goodies to bring lots of warm joy to your hearts! Also, we have the 2020 PRIDE Awards happening this Friday afternoon so be sure to grab your tickets and if you already have a ticket, enjoy yourselves! If you want to follow the path of my heartbeat this weekend, just check out my “Hot List” below!
- THURSDAY—SATURDAY – BNS Productions presents August Wilson’s “Fences”
- THURSDAY—SATURDAY – JazzArts Charlotte presents The Music of Brazil with the Duda Lucena Quartet/ The Music of Love: Valentine’s Weekend with Stephanie Jordan
- THURSDAY – HUE HOUSE presents THE BLOCK
- THURSDAY – Levine Museum of the New South presents “ShapingCLT: School Segregation”
- FRIDAY – PRIDE Awards 2020
- FRIDAY–SUNDAY – Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte presents Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar And Grill feat. Janeta Jackson
- FRIDAY – Charlotte DOES Stevie Wonder
- FRIDAY — Player Made: Valentine’s Day Edition
- SATURDAY – View The Right Things Film + Discussion Series: Malcolm X
- SATURDAY — Dwell In Color: A Black Culture, Art & Home Decor Experience
- SATURDAY – Freaquency360 LIVE: Elizabeth Kowalski x Rapper Big Pooh
- SATURDAY – PDA Art Show at Crown Station
- SATURDAY — The Art of Afrobeats, Vol.3: Charlotte Edition
- SUNDAY — QC Stay-At-Home Moms and QC SuperMom presents Family Valentine’s Day Party
- 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, FEBRUARY 13——-
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library invites you out to a special exhibition of culture and art entitled I Am My Ancestor’s Wildest Dreams – A Writer’s Showcase. In celebration of Black History Month, writers of all experience and skill levels are encouraged to collaborate and share work, exchange ideas, give feedback, and meet other local amateur writers. You’ll also get to enjoy light refreshments, musical performances including local creative TuKool Tiff. Admission is FREE to attend. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the West Boulevard Regional Library. 2157 West Blvd.
Local organization Race Matters for Juvenile Justice invites you out for a special presentation this evening with A Conversation with Kuntrell Jackson. In 2012 at the age of 14, Jackson was tried as an adult and sentenced to die in prison for an offense. The U.S. Supreme Court issued a historic ruling in the case holding that mandatory death in prison sentences for all children 17 or younger are unconstitutional. Since his release in 2017, Jackson has become an outspoken activist, advocate and speaker to juveniles and adults. Tonight he will share some insight on the fight for prison and sentencing reform, the fight against stringent parole conditions and the lack of support for those re-entering communities which lead to high recidivism rates. Admission is FREE and open to the public. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at Faith Memorial Baptist Church. 211 Lakewood Ave.
This evening, the Levine Museum of the New South invites you out for a special community conversation entitled ShapingCLT: School Segregation. Local historian and author Pamela Grundy will discuss her latest publication, Color and Character: West Charlotte High and the American Struggle over Educational Equality. Drawing on nearly two decades of interviews with students, educators, and alumni, Grundy uses the history of a community’s beloved school to tell a broader American story of education, community, democracy, and race—all while raising questions about present-day strategies for school reform. Ms. Grundy’s book will be available for purchase following this event. Tickets for the event can be purchased here: https://38686.blackbaudhosting.com/38686/Author-Talk-with-Pamela-Grundy. The event will begin at 6 p.m. The museum is located at 200 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
JazzArts Charlotte invites you start your weekend off with some cultural love as they proudly present The Music of Brazil with the Duda Lucena Quartet! Brazilian-born guitarist and vocalist Duda Lucena and his quartet heat up The Jazz Room for one special night of music devoted to his homeland Brazil. Come and experience the vibrant rhythms of Brazilian jazz as he collaborates with Gerald Gregory on piano, Ron Wiltrout on drums and Kevin Hamilton on bass. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.blumenthalarts.org/events/detail/the-jazz-room-at-the-stage-door-theater-premiere-thursdays-3. There will be two performances this evening at 6 and 8:15 p.m. Both performances will be held at the Stage Door Theater. Located on the corner of E. 5th St. & N. College St. in Uptown.
It’s time to get creative with a stronger focus as HUE HOUSE invites you out to celebrate the launch of THE BLOCK! This all-new creative gathering is focused on empowering creatives, artists and entrepreneurs of color. HUE HOUSE firmly believes that to effectively support and empower a community you must first affirm it. Sadly, safe spaces that connect, affirm, value, equip and empower Charlotte’s artists, creatives and entrepreneurs of color are severely lacking. Tonight, come and get engaged with special guests, discuss the importance and vision for this new creative community movement and be sure to get down on the good foot with DJ Fannie Mae rockin’ the 1s and 2s. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-block-tickets-90260281933. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at JCSU Main Campus. 100 Beatties Ford Rd.
The crew at Middle C Jazz aims to add to your delight this Thursday night presenting The Warren Sax Experience featuring Ashanti Munir LIVE! Exuding a serious coolness factor, Warren Sax’s style is mellow, tasteful and empowering. Ashanti Munir’s aura is described as “smooth jazz mixed with a lot of soul.” If you want to enjoy some tasteful tempos, please purchase your tickets here: https://middlecjazz.com/?fbclid=IwAR1uTYx9sBJQDyduixkACnJ5aeI0qq417WlmmDLN0PVGIZirJsZsPrSTadc. The show begins at 7 p.m. Middle C Jazz is located at 300 S. Brevard St. in Uptown.
Brand New Sheriff Productions is back with some more classic theatre flavor this weekend as they present an adaptation of August Wilson’s “Fences.” This riveting tale of manhood, social acceptance and inner conflict follows Troy Maxson, a former star of the Negro baseball leagues who now works as a garbage man in 1957 Pittsburgh. Excluded as a Black man from the major leagues during his prime, Troy’s bitterness takes its toll on his relationships with his wife and his son, who now wants his own chance to play ball. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/fences. There will be four performances this weekend: Thursday (2/6) at 7:30 p.m., Friday (2/7) and Saturday (2/8) at 8 p.m. and Sunday (2/9) at 4:30 p.m. All shows will be held at the Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
——-FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14——-
Charlotte, it’s time to stand up and cheer because the PRIDE Awards 2020 is here! Everyone come down and immerse yourselves in the heart of our inner workings as we take great stride to highlight the pride in our community. For this year’s Pep Rally theme, centers around people empowering people, celebrating our victories collectively and showcasing some of our successes as we continue our efforts to provide more positive socioeconomic outcomes for everyone in the areas of affordable housing, healthcare, education entrepreneurship and more. We will celebrate some of our “wins,” as we strive to move the socio/economic needle upward while drawing inspiration from this year’s prestigious honoree, Dr. Ophelia Garmon-Brown — a leading catalyst in mobilizing our city’s efforts to create pathways of opportunity for all of Charlotte’s citizens. In addition, we will shine the spotlight and draw inspiration from some of our other “living” legends, including Harvey Gantt, Rolfe Neill, Mayor Vi Lyles, Thereasea Elder, Dorothy Counts and a special appearance by reigning Miss USA, Cheslie Kryst. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.pridemagazineonline.com/2020-pride-awards/. The gala will begin at 12 noon at The Westin Hotel. 601 S. College St. in Uptown.
Enjoy some invigorating illusions as JazzArts Charlotte proudly presents The Music of Love: Valentine’s Weekend with Stephanie Jordan! This alluring chanteuse possesses a voice that contains the quality and smoothness of a luxury vehicle with a strong influence of dignified and regal jazz vocalists of yesteryear. Tonight, be captivated as Stephanie Jordan along with a special lineup of Charlotte’s finest instrumentalists – guitarist Troy Conn, bassist Dave Vergatoon, rhythm master Dwayne Jordan and ivory tickler Stephen Esneault take you and your significant other on a musical romantic journey down Lovers Lane. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/the-jazz-room-at-the-stage-door-theater-23. There will be four performances this weekend: Friday (2/14) at 6 and 8:15 p.m. and Saturday (2/15) at 7 and 9:15 p.m. All performances will be held at the Stage Door Theater. Located on the corner of E. 5th St. & N. College St. in Uptown.
Enjoy some more riveting musical sentiments this weekend as Middle C Jazz proudly presents Dave Stryker LIVE! If you are looking for an incredible show to bring your special someone this weekend, look no further than this Valentine’s Weekend show featuring legendary jazz guitarist Dave Stryker and his quartet with special guest Jared Gold on the Hammond organ. The silky, slinky and funky soul-drenched grooves of Stryker and his quartet are sure to provide the perfect backdrop to an amazing Valentine’s weekend experience for you and your partner or just a fantastic soundtrack for a meetup with some of your special friends. Tickets can be purchased here: https://middlecjazz.com/calendar/?action=tribe_photo&tribe_paged=1&tribe_event_display=photo&tribe-bar-date=2020-02-14&tribe-bar-search=Dave%20Stryker#tribe-events. There will be four performances this weekend: Friday (2/14) and Saturday (2/15) at 7 and 9 p.m. Middle C Jazz is located at 300 S. Brevard St. in Uptown.
The lovely Ms. Danielle Outen of Black Singles in CLT invites you out to an evening of affectionate fun as she proudly presents Eat.Play.Love: A Valentine’s Day Event. Relax with your significant other or engage in the energy of someone new as you both celebrate Love Day with some scintillating sentiments of romance in the form of poetry, live music by E. Jeter with special guests, painting. appetizing aphrodisiacs provided by Jess Let It Simmer and more grooves from DJ Earl Gray. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eatplaylove-valentines-day-event-tickets-91613661929. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at Sage Restaurant & Lounge. 505 E. 6th St. in Uptown.
This Friday night, experience the love of Love Day and join Jazz Around Town for a special music performance from Saxophonist Jeanette Harris & Guitarist Terence Young LIVE! Jeanette Harris is the scintillating saxtress of smooth jazz who understands that energetic and captivating performances matched with uplifting and inspiring vibrations in the music is a recipe of enjoyment. Guitar virtuoso Terence Young has been on many stages showcasing his impeccable musicianship and tonight these two dignitaries invite you to experience some beautiful, warm and invigorating instrumental melodies bringing forth an aura of peace, unity and love. Hosted by The Jazz Diva, Tammy Greene. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/jeanette-harris-terence-young. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at the McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Treat yourselves to some audible delight as the Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte invites you out to Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar And Grill! Grab your friends and grab a seat as the alluring Janeta Jackson pays homage to the incomparable Billie Holiday in one of her final performances of her extraordinary life. Taking place in South Philadelphia in March 1959, Holiday performs in a run-down bar accompanied by Jimmy Powers on the piano. The admission for tonight’s performance is “pay what you can.” There are three final performances this weekend: Friday (2/14), Saturday (2/15) at 8 p.m. and Sunday (2/16) at 2:30 p.m. 2132 Radcliffe Ave.
The crew of Charlotte DOES is ready to do something good and wonderful to your earholes this Saturday night as they proudly presents Charlotte DOES Stevie Wonder! Get ready to experience a creative journey of sound and timelessness as a variety of vocalists and instrumentalists channel the genius of Stevie Wonder through creative interpolations and arrangements. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/charlotte-does-stevie-wonder-tickets-84680721317. Showtime is at 8 p.m. at Heist Brewery & Barrel Arts. 1030 Woodward Ave.
For all my true jazz heads, slide down to The Underground and experience a taste of greatness with Kamasi Washington LIVE! The stentorian jazz dignitary returns to the Queen City with his saxophone and band ready to belt out the voices of Black joy, love and history with some multidimensional sonic flavor for your listening pleasures. Tickets can be purchased here: https://concerts1.livenation.com/kamasi-washington-charlotte-north-carolina-02-14-2020/event/2D00577DE871A233. The show will begin at 8 p.m. 820 Hamilton St.
Calling all singles – online collective Truth Be Told invites you out for an evening of splendor and fun at their Cocktails & Kisses Valentine’s Day Party! Come out in your best red and white attire and mingle among some of the groups most loveable characters as you engage in lighthearted conversations, enjoy tasty cocktails and dance the night away to some vibrant music! Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 9 p.m. at FireWater. 8708 J.W. Clay Blvd. in the University Area.
Powered By GME wants to smooth your Valentine’s Day out with a special episode of the Friday Night Pull Up! Bring your crew or your significant other out and bask in the soulful melodies of R&B from unsung 90s R&B hitmakers, Athena, Tabitha and LaVon – Kut Klose performing LIVE! Then be sure to stick around as DJ Stacey Blackman rocks the house with a special blend of classic Hip Hop, R&B, House, Soul, Go-Go and much more! Hosted by 105.3 R&B’s Eddie Owens and Olympia D. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/friday-night-pull-up-w-female-rb-group-kut-klose-tickets-94077114181. The jump off is at 9 p.m. at Press Box Bar & Grill. 9609 N. Tryon St. in the University Area.
Love is in the air at Snug Harbor and it’s all love for the culture as the Permanent Vacation crew invites you out to Player Made: Valentine’s Day Edition! Come and show your love for the city as MC/DJ Elevator Jay, Jaboi B-Rab and DJ A-Huf rock out with the best of classic and modern Southern Hip Hop from all flavors. Then, be sure to stick around for a special performance from Charlotte’s own, the lovely and multitalented vocalist Autumn Rainwater! Admission is FREE before 11 p.m. and the jump off is at 10 p.m. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15——-
It’s a new year and the ladies of SocaFit USA invite you to get your blood flowing at 2020 SocaFit LIVE – Year For Love Edition! Get your mind, bodies and hearts in shape as you participate in a high-octane dance workout class filled with energetic movements, rhythms and cadences all set to a super dope Soca soundtrack provided by The Dynamic DJ Kato! Come in your red and pink gear and let your creative side emerge for this beautiful theme of togetherness, love and renewed energy. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-socafit-live-year-for-love-edition-tickets-87800947999. The class will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Oakdale Elementary School. 1825 Oakdale Rd.
Moxie Society is back to add some more spice to your Saturday presenting the I Still Love The 90’s Brunch Party: Feat. Micki Blendz! You know the flavor – get your grub on with a delicious Southern-inspired brunch with all sorts of cocktail specials including $5 mimosas, get your boogie on with some classic 90s Hip Hop, R&B, House and Soul tunes from the beautiful DJ Micki Blendz! Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 11 a.m. at Recess Charlotte. 832 Seigle Ave. in the Belmont Neighborhood. #MoxieSociety #TheArtOfTheDayParty
This afternoon, take a short ride out to nearby Concord and come out for the 2020 Queen City Black Expo! The 2020 Queen City Black Business Expo will feature over 40 black owned businesses and vendors from every aspect will be represented. These companies are the backbones of our communities and the current/future employers to develop the city. Attendees can expect free giveaways, coupons, discounts and special offers. Music, food, shopping and entertainment will round out the festive event. FREE admission. 12 noon. 4751 NC-49.
The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte invites you to an all-new spellbinding stage experience as they proudly present Akeelah and the Bee! Life for 11-year-old Akeelah Anderson isn’t easy, especially after losing her father and growing up in a tough neighborhood in Chicago. Akeelah finds school boring and doesn’t apply herself even though she’s academically gifted. Through the encouragement of teachers and the coaching of a special mentor, she conquers the regional bee and sets her sights on the Scripps National Spelling Bee. But will she overcome her own self-doubt and the pressures of her personal life to bring home the prestigious honor? This uplifting, family-centric story celebrates “winning” in more ways than one. All performance times and tickets can be purchased here: https://www.ctcharlotte.org/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=2F35ACCD-FA4A-410F-A685-14EA1B61C80A. All shows will be held at the McColl Family Theater at ImaginOn. 300 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
This afternoon, call all your friends and catch some action at the finale of the View the Right Thing Film + Discussion Series. For the past six months we have taken you on a journey through the lens of Spike Lee and his cinematic comrades and today we invite you to view Lee’s grand masterpiece, “Malcolm X.” The film follows the story of pivotal activist Malcolm X via vivid depictions of major moments in his life. The film is an interpretation of Alex Haley’s Autobiography of Malcolm X with classic directorial themes present in most of Lee’s work. Following the film we will have an audience talk back, exploring the artistic choices of Lee, and how his work has influenced our people and culture. Admission is FREE to attend and will be held at The Gantt Center, beginning at 12:30 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Explore some Chocolate sentiments of “hue-manistic” proportions and immerse yourselves into a special showcase entitled “Dwell In Color: A Black Culture, Art & Home Decor Experience.” Join artists Faith Rivers and Alicia L. McDaniel as they invite you to come and celebrate Black heritage in a wondrous environment with fellowship, an art gallery and with options to purchase unique and original handmade decorative pieces for your home. Light refreshments and wine will be served. FREE admission. The event will begin at 2 p.m. 604 W. Morehead St., Unit #6 in Uptown.
Slide out to Tip Top Daily Market for the February installment of the not-your-average networking jam session entitled, Freaquency360 Live! This gathering of creatives will feature some dope music of course, but at the core its main focus is to create a platform for artists and art enthusiasts to meet, greet and collectively share positive vibrations. Today’s focus will feature music veteran, the endearing and vibrant Elizabeth Kowalski giving her insight on her artful journey and how her avant-garde approach to performing and presenting is in a league of it’s own. Then be sure to stick around for some down-home flavor from Hip Hop artist and ½ (originally 1/3) of acclaimed duo Little Brother, Rapper Big Pooh! You’ll get to find out about his inner and outer workings in the industry, upcoming projects, stories and much more. My brother DJ Foundacetion will be providing the grooves for this session. Hosted by Jah Freedom. Admission is FREE. The event will begin at 2:30 p.m. Tip Top Daily Market is located at 2902 The Plaza Rd.
Enjoy an evening of romance as Gospel Happenings, Solomon’s Songs Events and MingleBerry invite you out to a special Couples Ball! Married, engaged and dating couples are all welcome to enjoy this time of elegance with fine dining, dancing, a live band and much more fun! There will also be door prizes given away and vendors spread throughout the event. Attire is formal or semi-formal. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/couples-ball-tickets-87800067365. The event will begin at 6 p.m. 3115 Providence Rd.
Art and romance go hand in hand with full embrace at the PDA Art Show! Every different generation, culture and individual has a different approach to gestures of romance and different concept of how to display affection. PDA is an interactive performance and visual art exhibition that dives into the individual experience of how each of us shows and receives affection. Artists include: Elisa Marie Sanchez, Matt Terry, Hamilton Ward, CHD:WCK!, Dammit, Wesley, Sweat Transfer, Julio Gonzalez, de’Angelo Dia and many more! Admission is FREE to attend. The showcase will begin at 6 p.m. at Crown Station. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Bring your crew out to Crown Station to experience one of Mama Africa’s greatest musical treasures as NBOC Entertainment and Africana Connections proudly presents The Art of Afrobeats, Vol.3: Charlotte Edition! Join the Nigerian rebel, The Dynamic DJ Kato on this AfroPop remix journeying deep into the jungle-infused rhythms of Afrobeats where you’ll discover that it’s more than music — it’s a way of life! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-art-of-afrobeats-charlotte-vol3-crown-station-tickets-94399648891. The experience starts at 10 p.m. Crown Station is located at 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District. #WelcomeToTheTribe
——–SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16——-
This afternoon at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, you’re invited to be part of a unique gathering of minds as they proudly present A Community Conversation – Finding Home: Where Do I Belong? Join this community conversation to discuss what it means to belong and how we define and find home for ourselves. Writers of all experience levels are welcome to join. There will be discussion prompts and writing, with an opportunity to share your work. The workshop will be curated by poet Kia Flow. The event will begin at 2 p.m. The library is located at 301 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Love is still in the air and it’s time to share it among your community at the Family Valentine’s Day Party! Join QC Stay-At-Home Moms and QC SuperMom for an afternoon family fun! For this year’s theme, “The Cat In The Hat”, kids are encouraged to dress up as the characters from the book and enjoy some live entertainment, photography, some delicious plant-based pizza and a dessert bar! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-valentines-day-cat-in-the-hat-tickets-92442380649. The fun starts at 2 p.m. at Pure Pizza. 1911 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #QCSAHM #QCSuperMom
COMING SOON…
2/19 — MIDI – Live Beat Making Experience
2/20 — WFAEats CHOCOLATE Tasting Event
2/20 – Dapper Street Productions presents “Cotton To Caviar – In The World of Eartha Kitt”
2/20—2/29 – Interglactic Soul
2/22 – Dating While Christian: Second Edition
2/22 – Su Casa: The February Edition
2/23 – Soul Food Sessions presents “Young Guns”
2/25—2/26 – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
2/27—3/1 – 2020 CIAA Tournament
2/28—3/1 – The Blackest Weekend Ever 2020
2/28 – G-R-A-V-I-T-A-T-E
2/29 — Off the Wall — “Sincerity: An Ode to Mary J. Blige & Nas V.2”
2/29 – Kindred the Family Soul LIVE
3/5 — Brooklyn & Breaking The Cycle Of Trauma
3/7 – The Color of Love
“Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.” –Zora Neale Hurston
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst