By Shawn D. Allison, II
What’s good family? Not this weather for sure! I know you all are still reeling from the energy of NBA All-Star last weekend, but guess what…there’s more dopeness goin’ down this weekend! There’s lots of Black History Month events for everyone to indulge in including networking and gaming events, cultural socials, documentary screenings and some truly funky music for you to dance to! If you want to keep up with my footprints, check out my “Hot List” just below!
- THURSDAY – Dapper Street Productions presents Piano Jazz – The Intimate Series
- THURSDAY –SATURDAY – Jazz Arts Initiative’s “The Jazz Room” performances
- THURSDAY–SATURDAY – The Legacy Theatre Production Company presents “SISTAS!: The Musical”
- FRIDAY – Kami Shalom presents “Call Me Madam: The Making of a Millionaire”
- FRIDAY – J Macks & The Good Fellas LIVE at Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar
- FRIDAY – Release! Meets Solstice Dance Party, Vol. 3 at Petra’s
- FRIDAY—SATURDAY — Dancers For Christ Charlotte Dance Ministry’s “Warriors Arise Worship Arts Conference”
- SATURDAY – NFluence presents a screening of “Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges & Universities”
- SATURDAY – Honoring Black Artists: A Celebration + Discussion at The McColl Center
- SATURDAY – The Dew Group presents “In White America: A Documentary Play”
- SATURDAY – 4 Black Centuries presents From Trauma to Healing – A People’s Journey
- SATURDAY – Freaquency360 presents FRESH: An Art, Music & Food Festival at Snug Harbor
- SATURDAY – Dilla Day Charlotte at Tip Top Daily Market
- SATURDAY – Su Casa: The Black History Edition at Petra’s
- SUNDAY – The Paul Dozier Experience Jazz Brunch at Prime@6538
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 21——-
Dapper Street Productions invites you to start your weekend on an infatuated artistic vibe as they proudly present Piano Jazz – The Intimate Series this evening. Take a load off and come experience the passion of Dapper Street Jazz Band with special guest vocalist Dawn Anthony setting the mood with a special Torch Song & Blues medley. Admission is FREE to attend and there will be light refreshments available. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and will be held at the Tyvola Senior Center. 2225 Tyvola Rd.
Free Press invites you to a community forum entitled News Voices and the Charlotte Observer: A Public Conversation this evening. Come and get engaged with community members and reporters as they bond together to build relationships, discuss the state of local news and the kinds of coverage we envision for the future. This is one in a series of conversations that will happen around the city in the coming months. This one will focus on how local news impacts and covers housing, gentrification and ongoing displacement in Charlotte. The goal is to foster strong relationships between the Observer and the people of Charlotte so that coverage reflects the lives and realities of all. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://act.freepress.net/survey/journ_story_charlotte. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at LaCa Projects. 1429 Bryant St. near Uptown.
The Jazz Arts Initiative is ready to set your weekend off with two sets of rousing tribute performances! First up, come out for a special and rare Thursday edition of The Jazz Room presenting “Adrian Crutchfield reimagines Grover Washington, Jr.!” For one night only, the Queen City’s native son Adrian Crutchfield celebrates the smooth sounds of the legendary groove master, saxophonist Grover Washington Jr. Crutchfield and his band will perform music from across Washington’s career, from his Grammy Award winning album “Winelight” to his popular 70’s classic “Mister Magic.” Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/the-jazz-room-premiere-thursdays-2. There will be two performances this evening at 6 and 8:15 p.m. at the Stage Door Theater. Located on E. 5th St. and N. College St. in Uptown.
Join BriGGsing this Thursday at Three Spirits Brewery for the February installment of the Thirsty Thursday Brewery Tour! You’ll get to see the inner workings of this South End nest egg and how Charlotte’s only Black-owned brewery came to fruition. This tour is also a great way to connect with the community and meet new and exciting people. Admission is FREE and the event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Three Spirits Brewery is located at 5046 Old Pineville Rd. in Historic South End. #BriGGsing
The Legacy Theatre Production Company is proud to present their premiere of Dorothy Marcic’s “Sistas – the Musical” this weekend. After a matriarch’s death, the women in the family clean Grandma’s attic and find love and old memories packed away, and in the process, hit tunes that trace the history of black women, from the trials of the 1930s through the Girl Groups of the 60s to the empowerment of the 90s. Songs include “Oh, Happy Day,” “Mama Said,” “I Will Survive,” “Tyrone,” “I am Not My Hair” and “A Woman’s Worth.” Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/sistas-the-musical. Tonight’s show begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
This weekend, the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte invites you and your family out for the premiere of the all-new stage musical, Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds.” Inspired by the music of the legendary reggae legend Bob Marley, this jammin’ show takes audiences to the beautiful island of Jamaica. Three little birds share their sweet songs with Ziggy, a shy child who’s content on seeing the world from his television inside the safety of his own room. Ziggy’s friend Nansi, though, encourages him to venture outside his room and experience Jamaica. But Ziggy’s afraid of hurricanes, mongooses and, most of all, the voodoo villain Duppy, who steals the hair of children. The music of the one and only Bob Marley weaves through the friends’ adventures in this reggae-infused musical. Showtimes and tickets can be found here: https://www.ctcharlotte.org/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=1A3A45E3-1223-4676-AD46-95EC60B2B3C4. All Shows will be held at the McColl Family Theater inside ImaginOn. 300 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
CPCC Theatre Arts invites you to the grand premiere of the stage classic “Gypsy” this weekend! Considered by many to be the greatest of all American musicals, “Gypsy” tells the story of Gypsy Rose Lee and her indomitable mother. Often called the King Lear of musicals, Mama Rose’s Turn is a tour de force that climaxes an evening of musical theatre filled with amazing tunes like “Everything’s Coming up Roses,” “Let Me Entertain You,” and the show-stopping “You Gotta Get a Gimmick.” Gypsy promises to be a night of theatre to remember for a lifetime! Showtimes and tickets can be found here: http://tix.cpcc.edu/events/cpcc-theatre-presents-gypsy. The Halton Theater is located at CPCC Main Campus. 1206 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.
——-FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22——-
Jazz Arts Initiative is back for more weekend flavor as the present The Jazz Room: Neal Caine plays Charles Mingus! Best known for his work with Harry Connick Jr., the Delfeayo Marsalis Quintet, Diana Krall, Betty Carter and more jazz notables, the St. Louis-born double bass virtuoso Neal Caine pays tribute to one of the most important figures in twentieth-century American music, Charles Mingus. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/the-jazz-room-at-the-stage-door-theater-15. There will be four performances this weekend: Friday (2/22) at 6 and 8:15 p.m. and Saturday (2/23) at 7 and 9:15 p.m. All shows will be held at the Stage Door Theater. Located at E. 5th St. and N. College St. in Uptown.
This weekend, use your entire body to praise His great and merciful name as Dancers For Christ Charlotte Dance Ministry hosts the Warriors Arise Worship Arts Conference! If you want to learn how to praise The Most High in colorful rhythm, this is the workshop for you! Under the guidance of the beautiful Fanesha Hawkins and Kimberly McDuffie, you will experience prophetic dance, warfare dance, pageantry, praise fitness and much more to equip you and your ministry for Kingdom building through the arts. Ticket purchases and additional info can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/warriors-arise-worship-arts-conference-tickets-48299786963. The event will kick off tonight at 7 p.m. All activities will be held at Shalom Hall at Myers Park Baptist Church. 1900 Queens Rd.
Are you single and looking to make a solid connection? Join Jane Doe CLT as they invite you out to the Venus -vs- Mars Mix & Mingle this evening! Gather your friends and get ready for a night of quality conversations, games, prizes, cocktails and fly music from a guest DJ! Tonight’s topic covers “Red Flags” and you’ll get to engage with another individual or group about what you feel the biggest red flags are when it comes to dating and relationships. The event will be hosted by Myeisha Hamilton and Troy Spry. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jane-doe-presents-venus-vs-mars-4th-fridays-monthly-mix-mingle-tickets-56155587875. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. at Apostrophe Lounge. 1440 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The beautiful and multitalented Kami Shalom returns to Charlotte for a performance of her award-winning production of “Call Me Madam: The Making of a Millionaire” this evening. The true story of Madam CJ Walker, written and performed by Mrs. Shalom is a dynamic one woman show that chronicles the life of an unforgettable visionary who was born on a plantation in 1867 yet overcame homelessness and poverty to become America’s first self-made female millionaire. She masterfully details Madam Walker’s fascinating story through the vivid portrayal of more than 20 characters, with clarity, sensitivity, humor and passion. This is truly an amazing show—please do not miss this! Tickets are $15 per person. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and will be held at Greater Mount Moriah Primitive Baptist Church. 727 W. Trade St. in Uptown.
Slide out to Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar and get ready for an evening of awe-inspiring sounds from J Macks & the Good Fellas! This vocal vixen is known to many as head of local promotion firm J Macks Ent., but tonight, she retains her organic status as the beautiful Jessica Macks to stir your soul with a magnificent medley of original tunes! Her voice is rich like velvet and is akin to fine wine being poured down your ears – don’t miss this show! $10 admission. Doors open at 8 and the show starts promptly at 9 p.m. Sydney’s is located at 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Get your laugh on this evening as the Queen City Omegas present another hilarious round of Comedy Night! Bring your friends out and get ready for some side-splitting humor from comedians Shaun Jones and D. Moore! Then, be sure to stick around as DJ 06 burns up the speakers with a hot mix of Hip Hop and R&B tunes. The host for the evening is Brother Tito. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-city-omegas-comedy-night-tickets-55596130523. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. The Omegas of Charlotte Fraternity House is located at 3301 Statesville Ave.
Two of Charlotte’s hottest House parties join forces for a night of epic proportions at Petra’s and it’s time to come and experience the Release! Meets Solstice Dance Party, Vol. 3! It’s all things soulful House, classic House, Afro-House and more funky stuff as The Dynamic DJ Kato, DJ Jason Brooks, Jackmaster Gary Wallace and Raw Substance’s Charles Gatling and Steve Howerton give your ears a jolt of some serious sonic juice guaranteed to free your mind, body and soul! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/release-meets-solstice-dance-party-vol-3-tickets-56457898093. The party starts at 9 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
It’s time to relive your youth as an adult as online social group Truth Be Told hosts their 90s Themed Party this evening! Come out and mingle with some of the QC’s coolest people and get engaged with fun icebreakers, cocktails and music from a guest DJ! Admission is FREE The party starts at 9 p.m. at Loft & Cellar. 305 W. 4th St. in Uptown.
Black Singles in CLT, Mr. 305 Entertainment and High Society CLT invite you to step back into time as they host I Love The 90s! From “Award Tour” to “Creep”, “Back That Thang Up” and much more, gather your crew and come relive the decade which made Hip Hop and R&B the most memorable! There will be drink and meal specials all night long and don’t forget to showcase your karaoke skills! Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-love-the-90s-tickets-56834873637. The jump off is at 9 p.m. at Recess CLT. 832 Seigle Ave. in the Belmont Neighborhood.
——-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23——-
Local activist collective NFluence invites you for a special screening of the documentary “Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges & Universities.” The rich history of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) began before the end of slavery, flourished in the 20th century, and profoundly influenced the course of the nation for over 150 years — yet remains largely unknown. This latest film from Stanley Nelson and Marco Williams highlights the powerful story of the rise, influence, and evolution of HBCUs in contemporary life, American history, culture and national identity. A panel discussion with distinguished guests will compliment this film after the screening. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tell-them-we-are-rising-the-story-of-black-colleges-universities-tickets-55277083244. The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. 115 W. 7th St. in Uptown.
Project 70Forward and Queen City Unity invites the community out for EBT SNAP Food Distribution Day. For individuals and families, iff you have an EBT card, a valid ID and are in need of food supplies, a distribution center will open at 10 a.m. and serve until rations are depleted. The event will be held at the Brookhill Community Resource Center. 407 Basin Dr.
It’s time to wake and shake things up this morning as the beautiful ladies of SocaFit USA invites you out to SocaFit LIVE — Celebrating 10 years of SocaFit USA! Get ready to celebrate a whole decade of “wuk up” waists, mashing up da’ place and getting some sweat on your face as you enjoy and endure a morning of nonstop, hi-octane dancing and exercise with a fresh and vibrant Soca soundtrack provided by The Dynamic DJ Kato! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/socafit-live-celebrating-10-years-of-socafit-usa-featuring-the-dynamic-dj-kato-tickets-54075148224. Light refreshments will be provided. The class will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. at 2332 Mount Harmony Church Rd. in Matthews. #SocaFit
Warren Publishing Co. invites you to take a look in some books as they host the Lit For The Culture Book Fair! Bring your entire family out and come celebrate African-American culture through literature and the arts. There will be African drummers, face painting, book read-a-longs, local vendors and an arts & craft table to further explore your creativity. Admission is FREE to attend. The event will begin at 11 a.m. at Cato Campus Middle College. 8120 Grier Rd.
The McColl Center of Art + Innovation invites you out to be part of a special creative forum entitled, “Honoring Black Artists: A Celebration + Discussion” this afternoon. McColl Center artist-in-residence Antoine Williams leads and moderates a discussion with alumni artists John W. Love, Jr. and Michaela Pilar Brown; Lydia Thompson, UNC Charlotte Chair and Professor of the Department of Art and Art History; and B. E. Noel, President of Noel Art Liaison. These distinguished professionals will share their individual and collective experiences with the Charlotte arts community. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://53393.blackbaudhosting.com/53393/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=4e32158c-cb44-4d5e-8c36-51353c14d77f. The event will begin at 1 p.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
History and social justice initiative 4 Black Centuries invites you out to their From Trauma to Healing – A People’s Journey community discussion this afternoon. There is a beauty in the souls of the African-American. With understanding of the uniqueness of our collective experience, we are empowered to explore our resilience from our souls to our DNA. An esteemed panel will be discussing the link between the past of the African-American, it’s current effects on our DNA, and the plan for healing. Panelists include: Vernessa Bowles, PhD, Janeen Bryant, Eli Davis, Patrice Funderburg, Alvin C. Jacobs Jr., Ray McKinnon and Frederick Murphy. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/?fbclid=IwAR3P5iIKmbUF9eX59hzZY_bUzI8ZDbxN_iUoZKv-VFlNcN4cjuZuqEElgco#/596199. The event will begin at 2 p.m. The address of the event is 2516 S. Tryon St. in Historic South End.
Freaquency360 is back in action this afternoon at Snug Harbor and today they invite you out for an all new experience entitled FRESH: An Art, Music & Food Festival! The name of this joint derives from creative’s desires to present and showcase talent in a fresh, new way. There’s a need to create and foster a community of artists and art-appreciators that understand that the gallery is everywhere the artist is whether its audio, visual or culinary. This in-person, interactive, virtual gallery exhibition and collective space will feature works, sounds and eats from See Bird Go, ELI, Jah Freedom, GrittyGaudyGal, Cedric Umoja, Infamous Jean Claude, tastings provided by The Vine and much more! Admission is FREE. 3 p.m. Snug Harbor is located at 1228 Gordon St. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Slide out to the Charlotte Museum of History this afternoon and get ready to experience “Traveling Blue: Live Music from Latin America to New Orleans.” This concert will be the final installment of the series “Traveling Blue.” Today, you’ll have the pleasure of enjoying the sounds of Latin American folk music to Mississippi blues and traditional Jazz as featured vocalists Tenya Colemon and Ana Lucia Divins will share separately and together the songs that stir their souls. For this interactive and educational music program the vocalists are accompanied by guitarists Carlos Crespo and John Gurske and special guests Dave Vergato on bass and Trevor Cook handling drums and percussion. The event will begin at 2 p.m. Charlotte Museum of History is located at 3500 Shamrock Dr.
This afternoon, join Ms. Aisha Dew of The Dew Group as she hosts “In White America: A Documentary Play.” Come experience the strength of the human spirit to survive from slavery to freedom as American history and Afro-American history connect in one inseparable story. This play is written by Martin Duberman and directed by Ruth Sloane. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children (5-12) and $12 per person in groups of 10 or more. There will be two performances today at 2:30 and 7 p.m. and a performance on Sunday (2/24) at 4 p.m. All shows will be held at C.N. Jenkins Memorial Presbyterian Church. 1421 Statesville Ave.
Endless streams of green and yellow can only mean one thing – it’s time for A Night In Rio Brazilian Carnival Experience! For ten years the Latin American Coalition have given Charlotte a taste of vibrant Brazilian culture and now here’s your chance to celebrate one of the city’s biggest cultural festivals with a night full of traditional dancing, live music, delicious authentic food and drinks and a marketplace full of cultural garments! Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.latinamericancoalition.org/rio/About. The party starts at 8 p.m. at The Neighborhood Theater. 511 E. 36th St. in the NoDa District.
All my Hip Hop heads come over to Tip Top Daily Market and celebrate one of our culture’s most brilliant minds at Dilla Day Charlotte! It’s records, remixes and rap as we pay homage to the late, great J-Dilla featuring a DJ set from DJ Ray, instrumentals from Chimdale and a few hot verses from the aptly-tiled creative, The Best Rapper In Charlotte! Admission is FREE and the event is presented by Peculiar Hippie. 8 p.m. 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
February is nearing the end, however the celebration of Blackness doesn’t stop here! Tonight, step into a world of cosmic Chocolate Afrofuturistic proportions as Jasiatic proudly presents Su Casa: The Black History Edition! Get down on the good foot with resident turntablists DJ Justice, DJ Steel Wheel & Loot-Tenant Trax setting off the rhythm with Afrobeat, House, Funk, Jazz, Downtempo, Brazilian Samba, Soul, Rare Grooves, Dancehall, Reggae and lots more! Also, enjoy live canvassing from Dammit Wesley, face canvassing by Catherine and be sure to scoop up some fly trinkets and threads from the vendors in the building. Admission is $10 all night long at Petra’s. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24——-
When combined, what does Hip Hop and food equal? A good time! This morning, head up I-77 N to the town of Cornelius and slide over to Cork and Cask for the “Old School Hip Hop Brunch!” Your stomach will be filled with culinary goodness while your ears will be filled with the flyness of Golden Era Hip Hop. It’s a head-bobbing and hand-raising experience like no other! Admission is FREE to attend and the funk starts at 10 a.m. Cork & Cask is located at 9624 Bailey Rd. in Cornelius, NC.
If you’re in the mood for some more soothing sounds, join LG Productions at Prime@6538 for The Paul Dozier Experience Jazz Brunch! Enjoy a delicious brunch menu with cocktail specials and some mellow smoothness from acclaimed jazz guitarist Paul Dozier. Tickets can be purchased at the door or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-paul-dozier-experience-jazz-brunch-tickets-55865690785. The event begins at 12 noon. Prime@6538 is located at 6538 N. Tryon St. #LGProductions
This afternoon, head over to Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church as they present the Black History and Empowerment Lecture. Motivational speaker, community activist, Afrocentric educator, senior minister and pastor Rev. Dr. Sheldon R. Shipman will speak about life, lessons, trials and triumphs regarding Black history in America. The day will begin with Harambee Mass Celebration and after the message there will be live drumming and refreshments served. FREE admission. 11 a.m. The church is located at 2301 Statesville Ave.
This afternoon, Diamond Girl Project invites you out for some color and splendor at the ‘CHIC’ Happens Fashion Show Production! Come experience a platform where fashion, film, courage and confidence intersect giving young girls and women from all walks of life a new rhythm of empowerment through the power of fashion. Proceeds of this event will go towards benefitting the Center of Hope Women’s Shelter. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chic-happens-fashion-show-production-tickets-52805950018. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. 3716 West W.T. Harris Blvd.
COMING SOON…
2/26 — 2019 Breakfast Conversations™ Business Networking
2/28 – 3/2 – CIAA Tournament 2019
2/28 – 3/9 — Three Bone Theatre presents “By The Water” by Sharyn Rothstein
3/2 – Radio Rehab Carolinas presents “House Iz My Release” feat. Lady Alma/”OutKast On A Quest”
3/2 – The Sol Kitchen presents “Sisters In Song: Saluting Music’s Greatest Divas”
3/2 – The JETA Team presents “Off The Wall: Sincerity An Ode to Mary J. Blige & Nas” feat. DJ Shakim
3/9 — THE B.I.G.G.I.E. BRUNCH | Steak, Cheese Eggs & Welch’s Grape
3/9 — POPPA | The 8th Annual Notorious BIG & Bad Boy Tribute
3/10 – The Sol Kitchen presents Robert Glasper at The Fillmore
3/15 — Culture + Kicks: The Intersection of Sneakers & Justice
3/23 — 19th Annual Black History Concert: Women Movers of the Movement
Everyone have a great weekend! Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst