By: Shawn D. Allison, II
Greetings everyone! Hope you all have had a great weekend. But the weekend is here and so is The Rundown and it is chock full of cultural flyness! I will be out spreading the love to all this Sunday afternoon on the turntables at my event “Bueller’s Black Love Boogie: Vinyltine’s Day 2020” so please be sure to come through and get some of this musical magic! If you want to know what the major moves are to make this weekend, follow the path of my heartbeat on my “Hot List” below!
- THURSDAY—SUNDAY – Brand New Sheriff Productions presents August Wilson’s “Fences”
- THURSDAY—SATURDAY — The Residency feat. Ronnie Laws & Jaman Laws at Middle C Jazz
- FRIDAY—SATURDAY – Arts & Science Council Connect With Culture Days
- FRIDAY – Brian “BT” Twitty presents “Visualist” at The Artisan’s Palate
- FRIDAY — Prism Exhibit Opening Celebration at C3 Lab
- FRIDAY — WOKE NIGHT OUT — Soulful Sounds at Kemetic Science Institute
- FRIDAY – Blow Your Head February Edition at Crown Station
- SATURDAY — Wikipedia Hip Hop Editathon Event at The Gantt Center
- SATURDAY — Black History Literary Festival
- SATURDAY — Theatre Workshop with Playwright Stacey Rose
- SATURDAY – Black Singles in CLT presents The Meet Market All Black Affair
- SUNDAY — Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles Sunday Brunch —February Edition 2020
- SUNDAY – Classic Black Cinema Series presents “Black Girl” at The Gantt Center
- SUNDAY — Bueller’s Black Love Boogie: Vinyltine’s Day 2020
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 6——–
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, but please be sure to RSVP here: http://events.cmlibrary.org/eventsignup.asp?ID=371064. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the West Boulevard Regional Library. 2157 West Blvd.
Calling all film buffs – join Charlotte Black Film Festival as they proudly present the February installment of the Charlotte Black Film Collective. This group was created as a network for African-Americans in the arts, fashion, film, music and technology areas. The motive is to engage in conversation, host seminars and training sessions, invite Industry leaders, speakers and provide networking opportunities for collaboration and to grow economically in the Carolinas. Admission is FREE to attend. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at Queen’s Coffee Bar. 1720 Pegram St. in the Belmont Neighborhood.
Middle C Jazz is hoppin’ with more classic flavor this weekend as they proudly present The Residency feat. Ronnie Laws & Jaman Laws! The jazz master Ronnie Laws is back for another weekend of melodies, music and magic as he performs his greatest “saxual” sentiments live alongside his multitalented son and fellow saxophonist, Jaman Laws! If you have never seen these two before, you are definitely in for a very special treat! Showtimes and tickets can be purchased here: https://middlecjazz.com/calendar/?action=tribe_photo&tribe_paged=1. 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 7——–
Charlotte, explore and experience many facets of art as the Arts & Science Council proudly presents Connect With Culture Days this weekend! Here’s your chance to absorb a multitude of arts, sciences and history at various library branches and museums on Friday and Saturday! For a full list of events, schedules, locations and additional info, please visit this website: https://www.artsandscience.org/programs/for-community/connect-with-culture-days/.
Prepare your senses for a ride of visual splendor and take a gander through the eye of one of the QC’s most acclaimed photographers, as Brian “BT” Twitty proudly presents his opening reception, “Visualist”. This new solo exhibition will feature BT’s eye popping work through a multitude of views, lenses and techniques as he showcases some eclectic captures of life with his high-resolution photography methods. There will be refreshments, giveaways and a sonic stew of earhole goodness provided by That Guy Smitty. Admission is FREE and will begin at 5 p.m. at The Artisan’s Palate. 1218 E. 36th St., Unit “A” in the NoDa District.
Love is in the air at The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art this evening as they present to you a special edition of Jazz at the Bechtler! Grab your sweetie, other half, boo thang and head down to the museum for an intimate concert entitled, “Jazz For Lovers!” Relax as the sounds of in-house sound machine The Ziad Jazz Quartet with guest vocalist Toni Tupponce evokes the moods of love for the upcoming Valentine’s Day. Two shows this evening: 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here: https://30796a.blackbaudhosting.com/30796a/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=f050b1b0-099a-4ff0-9f46-07f15bef71ce&fbclid=IwAR2p5M-k1WfIEGqKWdaxinETFtGJQCXYqODYI7_UlUkpdUySr3MHyLyEfBA. The Bechtler is located at 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Get ready for some more multisensory magic this evening at C3 Lab and come out for the Prism Exhibit Opening Celebration. When the white light of inspiration flows through the artist, they become a prism, a medium that magically transforms the convoluted rainbow of thoughts and emotions, radiating in many different directions, into colors and forms meaningful content. It is through the creative soul that the intangible thought transcends into physical matter and helps humans see, hear, feel, touch, interpret and understand that which is divine. The featured artists for tonight’s exhibition are: Austin Ballard, Christopher Holston, Kenny Nguyen, Hilary Siber, Jessica Singerman and Niki Zarrabi. Admission is FREE and will begin at 7 p.m. C3 Lab is located at 2525 Distribution St. in Historic South End
Tonight, come experience a showcase of art that will feed your soul and raise your vibrations at the inaugural session of WOKE NIGHT OUT — Soulful Sounds! Bring your comrades out for a night of creative consciousness filled with delicious vegan dishes, elevated conversations and music guaranteed to have your senses tingling with positive energy. There will be a live performance from vocalist Morgan Gayla with a live band channeling the sounds and frequencies of our culture’s most timeless sentiments of yesteryear. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here: https://kemeticscienceinstitute.com/products/woke-night-out. The showcase will begin at 8 p.m. at Kemetic Science Institute. 1001 E. W.T. Harris Blvd., Unit “S”, in the University Area.
Black Singles in CLT and Mr. 305 Entertainment have teamed back up for their weekend party jam, Hip Hop Vs. R&B 1st Friday’s Edition! Step in the zone and rep your sonic flavor with The Blend King DJ Shaun Nyce giving you some head bobbin’ vibes as he gives you the best of classic and modern Hip Hop and R&B! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rb-vs-hip-hop-glow-in-the-dark-party-tickets-90706418339. The party starts at 9 p.m. at Stats Restaurant & Bar. 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.
For some more spaced out sonic frequencies this evening, head out to Crown Station for the February episode of Blow Your Head! Join local musicians and cultural activists DJs Flock of Slagles and Jah Freedom 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. Crown Station is located at 3629 N. Davidson St. in the District. #BlowYourHead
——–SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8——–
Hip Hop intersects with education this morning at The Gantt Center as The Sol Kitchen invites you and your crew out for the Wikipedia Hip Hop Editathon Event! Get engaged in this day of technology, art and culture themed to align with Wikipedia’s Wiki Project Hip Hop, a project that seeks to expand coverage on topics significant to Hip Hop culture. The event will feature a hands-on training session designed to equip new Wikipedia editors with the skills needed to begin contributing to the encyclopedia, though experienced editors are also welcome. Following light refreshments, there will be a conversation and Q and A on the importance of documenting artistic histories with DJ, rapper, and producer Mad Skillz and film director and editor Farah X, whose credits include the award-winning film The Remix: Fashion X Hip Hop, as well as music videos for Rapsody, Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Prince, and others. Admission is FREE to attend, but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wikipedia-hip-hop-editathon-event-tickets-90186966645. Please be sure to bring a laptop. The event will begin at 10 a.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Rise and shine and head over to the Mallard Creek Rec Center for a special presentation entitled Black History Month: Where Did the Black Farmers Go? Come out and learn about some of the prominent African-American farmers from the past to the present, and discover the importance of their delicious crops as you explore their impact. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://apm.activecommunities.com/mecklenburgparks/Activity_Search?txtActivitySearch=109501&applyFiltersDefaultValue=true&cat=Activities. The event will begin at 10 a.m. 2530 Johnston Oheler Rd. in the University Area.
Charlotte’s best brunch takes a special spin on Foundation Avenue this afternoon as Moxie Society invites you out to the I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party! Bring your crew out for some Saturday swingin’ with a delightful Southern-inspired brunch menu, drink specials, $5 mimosas and more! And while your food steaming, get ready for some smokin’ hot true school flavor from Soul Brother DJ Justice giving your ears a special helping of classic 90s Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae, Neo-Soul and much more! Admission is FREE and the tables start turning at 11 a.m. at Recess Charlotte. 832 Seigle Ave. in the Belmont Neighborhood.
Bring the entire tribe out to the University City Regional Library Branch for the Black History Literary Festival this afternoon! Celebrate the literature, arts and culture of Black Americans with activities including local author readings, arts & crafts activities, meet and greet illustrator Gordon C. James, Cultural Rhythms Workshop with Kerra Don and a live broadcast from The Black Guy Who Tips Podcast. Also, local authors participating with the Black History Month Literary Festival will have the opportunity to display their books and engage with the community. FREE admission. The event will begin at 11 a.m. The library is located at 301 E. W.T. Harris Blvd. in the University Area.
The curvaceous, courageous and captivating queens of 4Thirty-Two invites you out to a special Hip Hop Dance Class this morning! Come and enjoy over an hour of fun choreography that makes you sweat in a judgment-free zone set to vibrant Hip Hop music of all eras. Admission is $5 per person. 11 a.m at NoDa @ 28th Creative Arts Studios. 2424 N. Davidson St., Suite #110 in the NoDa District. #4ThirtyTwo
Young Black girls, gather your friends and head down to JCSU Main Campus for the She’s All That Exhibition! She’s All That is an inspirational and educational initiative for girls 5 years old and up that infuses the arts with history showcasing positive African-American females while creating a keepsake scrapbook. This program will have the young girl in your life will leave feeling “She’s All That”. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shes-all-that-charlotte-tickets-88177422043. The event will begin at 12 noon. JCSU Main Campus is located at 100 Beatties Ford Rd.
Calling all writers — BOOM Charlotte invites you out to a special Theatre Workshop with Playwright Stacey Rose this afternoon! Join the endearing and effervescent Ms. Rose as she guides you and other participants into a world of exploring new stage play development, researching roles which each collaborator plays, as well as discussing resources for playwrights looking to get their work out into the world. Admission is $10 per person. The event will begin at 12 noon at the JCSU Arts Factory. 1545 W. Trade St. near JCSU Main Campus.
This afternoon, hear some words of wisdom and enlightenment with a special visit from the esteemed Dr. Ray LIVE in Charlotte! Dr. Denyse Hicks-Ray specializes in innovative mental health training and treatment methods to eradicate the cycle of physical and emotional pain as they relate to addiction, suicidal thoughts, depression, performance anxiety, and other mental health challenges. For RSVP, please sent a text to: (984)-999-1714 or send an e-mail to: info@traumaservicesassociates.com. The event will begin at 2 p.m. at Hygge Coworking at Camp North End. 330 Camp Rd.
OutenLove Events wants to add some spice to your Saturday night as they proudly present The Meet Market All Black Affair. The weather is getting colder and if you’re looking for a new boo for Valentine’s Day and desire to eventually 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 it’s always guaranteed to be a surefire hit! There will be a social hour and some dope musical vibes provided by DJ Glory who’ll turn up the heat with more hot tracks to enjoy! Hosted by The SuberMan Lovah. Please dress to impress. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-meet-market-all-black-affair-tickets-90711495525. The event will begin at 9 p.m. at Press Box Bar & Grill. 9609 N. Tryon St. in the University Area. #OutenLoveEvents #BlackSinglesCLT
Catch some local Hip Hop action this weekend at The Evening Muse and come experience the sonic stylings of C.Shreve the Professor, DJ Jet, QWYK & Vonte Piccassionte performing LIVE! C.Shreve the Professor is a North Carolina based MC and founder of the hip-hop collective Free The Optimus. FTO. The Professor moniker stems from the fact that he is a senior lecturer at Appalachian State University, and it’s also part of his rap ethos: to profess and to teach. C.Shreve defines Free the Optimus as “a call to action—to set free our optimal ability & our optimistic perspective, and to transform the world around us.” As described by the writers at Earmilk, “FTO is known for bringing positive and poetic lyrics that flow over jazz influenced hip hop beats that bring in a hint of soul. Their lyrical talent goes above and beyond of what is expected in rap music these days.” Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cshreve-the-professor-and-dj-jet-tickets-88691441489. The jump off is at 10 p.m. The Evening Muse is located at 3227 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
——–SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9——–
The Culture Cooperative is ready to add an extra serving of weekend fun as they invite you out to the Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles Sunday Brunch —February Edition 2020! Enjoy this tropical spin on your Sunday brunch as sound crafter, The Dynamic DJ Kato and friends blend a sonic cocktail of Afrobeats, Hip Hop, House, Soca, Reggae, Dancehall and much more! There will be a special Caribbean-inspired brunch menu with delicious mimosas and other drink specials to enhance your experience! Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jerk-chicken-n-waffles-brunch-february-2020-tickets-91774759777. Admission is $5 per person at the door. The brunch will begin at 11 a.m. at Mango’s Caribbean Restaurant. 3112 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
This afternoon, join film and cultural curator Mr. Felix Curtis for the February installment of the Classic Black Cinema Series. Today’s feature is the 1974 classic “Black Girl”, directed by the beloved actor/activist Ossie Davis. Black Girl is a bracing alternative to the portrayals of African-American life that dominated U.S. screens in the early ’70s. Instead of the lurid violence of blaxploitation flicks or the pandering melodrama of message pictures, Black Girl is a straightforward story about a young woman trying to find her way in a world rife with unique expectations and pressures. Adapted by J.E. Franklin from her own play, the story concerns Billie Jean (Peggy Pettit), a black teenager living with a volatile extended family in Los Angeles. The screening is FREE with museum admission. The event will begin at 2 p.m. at The Gantt Center. 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Need some House music in your life? Don’t worry, I got you! Bring all your friends and fellow House heads down to Crown Station for the Second Sundays Jam. Join Raw Substance DJs Steve Howerton, Charles Gatling along with Mike Brown and special guest the ever-fine DJ DK as they send jolts of sonic juice with a vibrant mix of House grooves ranging from Classic, Soulful, Afro-Latino, Deep and much more. Admission is $5 per person. 3 p.m. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Love is in the air and this evening, join yours truly, The Black Ferris Bueller as I warm your souls and spirits with some romantic revelations with Bueller’s Black Love Boogie: Vinyltine’s Day 2020. Feel the joy of love, mingle with others and cool out as I spin some classic R&B, Soul, Jazz, Rare Grooves, Fusion and Spoken Word sentiments that exude the essence of Black Love for your listening pleasures on an all vinyl set! And while your ears get a taste of sound, give your stomach a reason to smile as the lovely Sharelle Curinton of Tasty Plates provides an exquisite menu full of satisfactory eats and treats! Also, I will be collecting donations that will be given directly to the arts. Donate with cash or CashApp: $ShawnDAllison. The tables start turning at 5 p.m. at Tip Top Daily Market. 2902 The Plaza Rd. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
COMING SOON…
2/12 — Love & War Comedy Tour
2/14 – Jeanette Harris & Terence Young LIVE
2/14 – Charlotte DOES Stevie Wonder
2/14 – 2020 PRIDE Awards
2/14 – Player Made: February Edition
2/15 — View the Right Thing Film Series + Discussion: Malcolm X
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 – Su Casa: The February Edition
2/23 — 3rd Annual Black Fathers Rock Awards Celebration
2/27—3/1 – 2020 CIAA Tournament
2/28—3/1 – The Blackest Weekend Ever 2020
2/29 — Off the Wall — “Sincerity: An Ode to Mary J. Blige & Nas V.2”
Have a great weekend!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst