By Shawn D. Allison, II
Greetings everyone! The “snow” has finally melted and the weather has decided to warm up. I’ve found a ton of things for everyone to do this weekend and I hope that you all will take great advantage to not only engage in the community but to honor a man who fought so diligently for equality. If you want the scoop of what’s really poppin’ this weekend, check out my “Hot List” down yonder!
- THURSDAY-SATURDAY—Rory D. Sheriff’s “Boys to Baghdad” at Spirit Square
- THURSDAY—MLK Storytime & Celebration at CMPL-Beatties Ford Branch
- FRIDAY—BreatheINK Youth Poetry Slam at Spirit Square
- FRIDAY—Mid-Month Get Down at Label Ivory Lounge
- SATURDAY—Family First Workshop at The Gantt Center
- SATURDAY—Covered Girls, Inc.’s “Covered Me Project 2017” at Project 658
- SATURDAY—2017 Pride Awards & After Glow Party at The Westin Charlotte
- SUNDAY—Classic Black Cinema Series screening of “Boycott” @ The Gantt Center
- SUNDAY—Verbal Expressions at Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar
- SUNDAY—Black Folks Dinner: Charlotte at The Third Place
- MONDAY—MLK Day Celebration at The Gantt Center
- MONDAY—“K(NO)W Justice, K(NO)W Peace” at The Levine Museum of the New South
——-THURSDAY 1/12——
Parents! Bring the little ones out to a special birthday party this evening! Join QC SuperMom, QC Stay At Home Moms, Moms Rising NC and CMPL-Beatties Ford as they host MLK Storytime & Celebration! There will be snacks, arts & crafts, MLK stories, playtime, music and a chance to make lots of new friends! Admission is FREE to attend and all ages are welcome! The celebration begins at 5 p.m. and will be held at the Beatties Ford Rd. Branch of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library. 2412 Beatties Ford Rd. #QCSuperMom #MomsInCharlotte
Join local grassroots initiative Educate to Engage this evening at The Third Place: Coffee, Community & Common Ground this evening for a discussion of the newly-released book “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” by Michelle Alexander. For tonight’s session, you will discuss Chapter 1 – “The Rebirth of Caste” and begin the dialogue from chattel slavery to Jim Crow. Admission is FREE to attend and the discussion begins at 6 p.m. The Third Place is located at 1609 E. 5th St. in Uptown. #NoMoreBystanding
Ladies, head up to LA K Hair & Makeup Studio this evening as Perfectly Brown, LLC hosts “Sip N’ Paint: The Essence of Her.” Come and enjoy your friends and networking with other queens in the Queen City, indulge in a glass of wine, an energetic instructor, and soothing R&B music while painting a masterpiece. The piece that you will be working on will be a woman standing in her power. While standing in her power stance, she stands on the words “I AM.” Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sip-n-paint-the-essence-of-her-tickets-30545515459. The paint session begins at 6 p.m. LA K Hair & Makeup Studio is located at 8910 S. Tryon St.
At Google Fiber this evening, come and free your minds at “Mind & Meditation.” This session is an introductory session to understand how the mind, body and breath are closely connected. The session includes relaxing breathing techniques along with a guided meditation through which you’ll experience how to handle your mind, thoughts and emotions. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mind-meditation-google-fiber-tickets-29824866980. The session will begin at 6 p.m. Google Fiber is located at 301 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
For some true adult fun, head over to Petra’s this evening for “Potions & Pixels: Video Games, Board Games and Community.” There will be a wide variety of multiplayer games from all eras and for all skill levels. From Mario Kart, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, Super Smash Bros., Love Letter, Click Clack Lumberjack and more! Admission is only $5. Bring as many friends as you desire and have a good time! The games begin at 7 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District. #PotionsAndPixels
Get your health off to a great start in 2017 with the lovely Tamara “Coach Tam” Jackson this evening as she hosts a “Free Train w/ Tam Workout Session!” Are you tired of all the same old new years weight loss resolutions? Do you want to try a plan that not only gets you in shape but coaches you to better realm of positive living? Then I highly recommend this session for you! Coach Tam is not only an inspiration, she’s a living testimony. Come break a sweat in this short, but impactful session to help you kick the year off to a great start! Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-train-with-tam-workout-friday-16-tickets-30700994501. The session begins at 7 p.m. and will be held at The Carole A. Hoefener Community Center. 610 E. 7th St. in https://www.facebook.com/messages/753765305Uptown. #265Point
Grab your lightsabers and join The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra for an electrifying journey to a galaxy far, far away as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of Star Wars! Relive the excitement of these iconic and majestic John Williams scores live at Knight Theater! Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/charlotte-symphony-star-wars-the-music. There will be 3 shows: Thursday (1/12) at 7:30 p.m., Friday (1/13) at 8 p.m. and Saturday (1/14) at 8 p.m. All performances will be held at The Knight Theater. 430 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The brilliant Rory D. Sheriff returns to Spirit Square once again to present is acclaimed stage play, “Boys to Baghdad!” It’s a story intertwining Sheriff’s creativity, personal life experiences and militarized dramatic circumstances that highlight a battalion of soldiers who eventually become a band of brothers. The men encounter a series of obstacles and conflict and learn to set aside differences to fight for the common good. There will be four performances: Thursday (1/12) at 7:30 p.m., Friday (1/13) at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday (1/14) at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/boys-to-baghdad-1. All performances will be held at the Duke Energy Theatre. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
One of Charlotte’s baddest and most beautiful vocalists, Blanche J. along with Be Free Entertainment cordially invites you out to Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar this evening for the all-new Vibez Open Mic Night! If you’re a singer, sang-er or spoken word artist, come out and showcase your skills on stage in front of an encouraging audience! Admission is $10. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the showcase will start at 8:30 p.m. Sydney’s is located at 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
——-FRIDAY 1/13——-
Deltas of Charlotte Foundation (DOCF) is proud to host its 14th Edition of the Legacy of Black Women Film Showcase. This year, the DOCF will showcase a variety of films from both local and national independent filmmakers that are written, produced, directed and/or feature Black women. This event will host a small marketplace with local vendors and refreshments at a pre-film reception. Also, a portion of the proceeds will go towards college scholarships. http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/14th-legacy-of-black-women-film-showcase. This event has a rating advisory of NC-17. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at The McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
Join Tamu Curtis of Liberate Your Palate CLT as she hosts “#ShakeStirSipSocialize: Mixology 101” at Level Co-working this evening! Come out for a truly unique cocktail class as Emily Elda aka “The Crazy Bar Lady”, will school and show you how to master essential cocktail making techniques. There will be intimate professional instruction, take-home recipes and syrups, food samples, free cocktails, fellowship and more! Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.liberateyourpalate.com/passbook/charlottecocktailclasses. The session will begin at 7 p.m. Level Co-Working is located at 227 W. 4th St. in Uptown. #LiberateYourPalateCLT
Create Amazing, LLC invites you out to Industry Coworking this evening to create some fun at “Paint & Play 2017!” Vivid colors and words fly around in a wondrous display of urban art featuring some of the most gifted spoken word artists and painters from right here in Charlotte. Come out and let your creativity flow along with great food, music and a fashion show. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-play-2017-tickets-30886019917. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Industry Coworking is located at 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.
Head out to Spirit Square this evening and get ready for an evening of words in rhythm—it’s time once again for the BreatheINK Youth Poetry Slam! These young lyricists are ready to express their minds spit hot fire in the first slam competition of the new school year. If your youth desires to compete, the registration open at 7 p.m. and closes at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5 to the slam and it begins at 8 p.m. Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown. #BreatheINK
GiGi Mack & The Gi Spot is ready to put some sass, soul and spice in your Friday night at BluNotes with “The Friday Release!” Get up and get down with some homegrown Detroit sounds in the QC as this vivacious vixen delivers some sweet vocals to your ears. Admission is $10 and be sure to ask about some great meal and drink specials. The performance begins at 8 p.m. BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the Northlake Area.
Slide out to The Morehead Tavern as Jazz N’ Soul in conjunction with local jazz maestro and enthusiast, Mayhue Bostic as they proudly present, “SPECTRUM: Funky Jazz With a Shot of Soul!” Hear this all-new concoction of some of the city’s most talented musicians channel the legendary sounds of The Crusaders, Johnny Guitar Watson, Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Ramsey Lewis and many more! Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spectrum-funky-jazz-with-a-twist-of-soul-tickets-30825982343. Showtime is at 9 p.m. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
If you’re in the cool-down mood, head over to Heist Brewery and the sounds of Charlotte legend and staple, DJ That Guy Smitty relax you! Grab some food from the kitchen, enjoy a cold beverage and feel the vibes of House, Downtempo, Funk and Soul grooves relax you. Admission is FREE to attend and the tables start turning at 9 p.m. Heist Brewery is located at 2909 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District. #EarholeGoodness
The vivacious and Ms. Terry Berry is back once again to put your minds at ease in a state of total relaxation this evening at Label Ivory Lounge as she hosts the “Mid-Month Get Down!” Take a load off from the hectic work week with your crew, delicious cocktails and some fly sounds from Celebrity DJ Shogun! Admission is FREE before 11 p.m. The party starts at 10 p.m. Label Ivory Lounge is located at 900 NC Music Factory Blvd. #TerryBerryEvents
——-SATURDAY 1/14——-
At The McColl Center for Art + Innovation this morning, come exhibit your artistic creativity at a Writing, Meditative & Modular Origami Workshop. McColl Alumnus creative John W. Love, Jr. hosts this session entitled, “Grinding Paper Diamonds: Book of Lists” will use your “unusable truths,” “beautiful lies,” and “untold myth” to help construct a personal narrative using origami techniques worth living and creating into. Everyone is encouraged to bring a favorite writing instrument and journal. Tickets can be purchased here: https://53393.blackbaudhosting.com/53393/Writing-Meditative–Modular-Origami-Workshop. The session will begin at 10 a.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The League of Intelligence invites you to their workshop “Getting Bank Ready” this morning. As part of their Financial Empowerment Series they will discuss how banks are required to provide the community they serve with business loans provided the person or group is “bank ready”. Find out how to be bank ready and more at our financial empowerment series! The Series is comprised of 4 workshops covering the key components to being bank ready and increasing financial intellect. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/financial-empowerment-series-part-1-tickets-30755291906. The session will take place at Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church starting at 10 a.m. 1901 Rozzelles Ferry Rd.
This morning, head down to The Gantt Center for another fun-filled Family First Workshop! For today’s session, you will join Gantt Center exhibiting artist and curator, Charles Farrar, as he provides a glimpse of the history and practice of working with wood as a medium and what it means to “turn” vessels. From conception to creation, follow along Charles Farrar’s process as he and fellow wood artists demonstrate the use of the lathe. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: http://www.ganttcenter.org/calendar/woodturning-workshop-with-charles-farrar/. The session will begin at 11 a.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
It’s time to sweat everyone! Come on down to the Carole A. Hoefener Center this morning and get a hearty dose of Caribbean Sweat! Loosen those cold and tired limbs with an energetic and fun Zumba workout session set to a lively Caribbean music soundtrack. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/caribbean-sweat-tickets-30464387804. The class begins at 11 a.m. The Carole A. Hoefener Center is located at 610 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
The holidays are over and do you need to learn how to better manage your budget? This morning, head over to Hygge Coworking West for The Friendly Budget Workshop. Hosted by The Resurrect Love Project, LLC, this session is an introduction to budgeting basics for individuals with little to no experience in creating a household budget. They will address the psychology of budgeting as well as the stress and anxiety that many experience when reviewing monthly expenses and spending habits. The ultimate goal is to make budgeting approachable and give participants the tools they need to take control of their finances! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-friendly-budget-workshop-tickets-30449218432. The event begins at 10 a.m. Hygge Coworking West is located at 2128 Remount Rd.
This morning, come out to Harambee Gardens for the Open Air Marketplace. Hosted by #BlackOwnedCLT and Ethnic by Ali, this small Black business marketplace will host a number of vendors with a variety of products and services that are beneficial to the entire tribe. There will also be refreshments, live music, children’s activities and a special tour through the History Tunnel. Admission is FREE to attend. If you are interested in becoming a potential or recurring vendor, please send an email to: ethnicbyali89@gmail.com or tajiya.b@harambeegardens.com. The marketplace opens at 11 a.m. Harambee Gardens is located at 1801 N. Tryon St.
Young ladies, I got something special lined up for you! The beautiful queens of Covered Girls, Inc. invite you and your parents out for an afternoon of fun, networking, empowerment and more! Their upcoming, “Cover Me Project Spring 2017” is nearing and they are looking for 20 teen girls (ages 12-17) to be a part of this project. There will be goodies bags, giveaways, light refreshments and details about the program. Please be sure to register at: http://www.coveredinc.org/covered-girls. The event will begin at 12 p.m. and will be held at Project 658. 3646 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
The good people of Nubian Rootz invites you out to the Little Rock Cultural Center this afternoon for a Community Building Dialogue. Join your Brothers and Sisters for a series of conversations with topics including, criminal justice, bridging the generational gap of activism, cooperative economic strategies and more. Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: http://www.evite.com/event/03A9IO6PKBTVPIBESEPG22QPY2QPVM/rsvp?utm_campaign=send_sharable_link&utm_medium=sharable_invite&utm_source=www.facebook.com. There will be refreshments available and please be sure to bring business cards, pamphlets from your organizations and more necessary elements. The event begins at 1:30 p.m. 401 N. Myers St. in Uptown.
Attention Church Leaders, Ministers of Music, Art and Dance! Join the team of the Single Saved and Serious Movement (SSS) as they invite you to The Morehead Tavern for the Church Appreciation Meet & Greet! From pastors to parishoners, ministers to messengers–everyone come out and celebrate your life, your church, your ministry but most of all, celebrate our Lord and Savior! Come and let everyone know what kind of work you and your team is doing in the Charlotte community, exchange ideas and more! Admission is FREE to attend and the event begins at 5 p.m. The Morehead Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #SSSMovement
Get ready to have a hand clapping and foot stomping praise party as Firm Entertainment Enterprise and Four Hearts Ministry team up once again to host their 2nd Annual MLK Youth Gospel Showcase! Families from all walks of life come and witness uplifting dance and choral numbers and a live performance from Stellar Award-winning artist Kierra “KiKi” Sheard! The event will be hosted by Gospel comedian Anna Douglas. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-mlk-gospel-showcase-ft-kierra-kiki-sheard-tickets-28555045911. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show will start at 6:30 p.m. Performance will be held at Halton Theater CPCC Central Campus. 1206 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.
The wait is over—it’s time for the 2017 Pride Awards! This annual gala honors those who are committed to making a difference in our community. For tonight’s theme, “Building Communities—Changing Lives”, Pride Communications has teamed up with Habitat for Humanity to service the West Boulevard Corridor and Reid Park Neighborhood. Tonight’s honoree is “Habitat senior” Taye Martin and Reid Park Neighborhood Association President, Rickey Hall. The dress code for this evening: denim. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.pridemagazineonline.com/pride-awards/. Reception begins at 6 p.m. and the ceremony will start at 7 p.m. After you celebrate achievements in the community, come and celebrate yourselves on the dance floor at the Pride Awards After Glow Party! This elegant evening of excitement, fashion, cocktails will be sonically powered by none other than the legendary DJ Kool! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pride-awards-after-glow-party-featuring-dj-kool-tickets-30118080991. The party starts at 10 p.m. and both events will be held at The Westin Charlotte. 601 S. College St. in Uptown. #CLTPrideAwards
Ladies, come and take a load off at 7th District this evening and treat yourselves to a networking social mixer entitled, “Queens in the City: Dining With Divas.” Gather all your homegirls and come meet new and pretty faces who want to help you reach for higher places. There will be grab bags available and please bring business cards to share. Admission is FREE but you are responsible for your own meal and drinks. The event begins at 6 p.m. 7th District is located at 321 N. Caldwell St. in Uptown.
In anticipation of Hypnotic Brass Ensemble’s live concert Jan. 26 at McGlohon Theater, Blumenthal Arts proudly presents a free screening of “Brothers Hypnotic”, the award-winning documentary from filmmaker Reuben Atlas, which explores their music, work ethic, life and experience of being raised by their jazz legend father Phil Cohran. This is a FREE screening and all are welcome to view it. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the film starts at 8 p.m. The McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
The Groove Masters Band is back with Jazz N’ Soul Music at The Morehead Tavern this evening as they bring the funk to a special Saturday edition of Ella’s Speakeasy. If you know how they get down, come see them again. If you don’t know, you need to come and check them out. It is definitely a performance that you don’t want to miss! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/groovemasters-live-jazznsoul-music-saturday-edition-2017-ellas-speakeasy-tickets-30238754930. Showtime is at 9 p.m. The Morehead Tavern is located at 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #JazzNSoul
If you want some Hip Hop flavor, head over to BluNotes for another edition of “The Official I Love NY Series!” Join Awesom & E.O.C. So Street, Ent. this evening as they provide and evening of fun, love and classic Hip Hop with legendary MC, Chubb Rock! Grab your friends and “treat em’ right” with food and drink specials and a hype performance. Also, DJ Freedom will set the mood before and after The Chubbster rocks the stage. Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-official-i-love-ny-series-wchubb-rock-tickets-30647735201. The event begins at 9 p.m. BluNotes is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the Northlake Area.
Come chill out at Kanvas Gallery & Lounge, with DJ FoundACEtion this evening for another fly edition of “Vinyl Me, Please?” Cool relax with a drink and your friends as he rocks a whole set of Hip Hop, R&B, Neo-Soul, House and Downtempo grooves totally on wax! Admission is FREE to attend and the cool-down starts at 9 p.m. Kanvas is located at 525 E. 6th St., Suite #117 in Uptown.
Moxie Society and NxLevel Charlotte team up to bring you “Living the Dream: MLK Weekend Celebration” for your Saturday night fun! Get down with none other than DJ Weatherman who will bring the heat and send chills down your spine providing the hottest tunes of today and yesteryear! Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-friday-nite-reserve-tickets-726364576. The party starts at 10 p.m. and will be held at Vida Cantina at The Epicentre. 210 E. Trade St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety #NxLevelCLT
——-SUNDAY 1/15——-
Parents and kids! Head on down to The Mint Museum because it’s time for Sunday Fun Day! For today’s session entitled, “Fired Up”, construct a suncatcher mobile & design a “stained glass” window, explore watercolor pencils & paint, get ‘Fired Up’ with family yoga and learn about art & science at Discovery Place’s Colorama STEAM Studio. Also, please be sure to stick around for a mini-concert featuring the Voices of Eden Choir and a reading of speech excerpts from Dr. King speeches by actor Troy Scarborough. Admission is FREE for children and Mint Museum members and $6 for nonmember adults. The fun starts at 1 p.m. The Mint Museum is located at 500 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Join Mr. Felix Curtis at The Gantt Center this afternoon for a special Sunday editon of Classic Black Cinema Series. Today’s screening is the 2001 film, “Boycott” starring Jeffrey Wright and Terrence Howard. Based on the book “Daybreak of Freedom” by Stewart Burns, this film tells the story of the 1955-56 Montgomery Bus Boycott. Admission is FREE to attend and the film will start at 2 p.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. #CBCS
This evening, treat your ears to some good vibes as A Sign of the Times, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra String Quartet and the UNCC School of Arts & Design proudly present to you “Bridging Musical Worlds.” Bring the family out and hear songs of inspiration dedicated to the life, works and mission of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rev-dr-martin-luther-king-2017-bridging-musical-worlds-tickets-30545902617. The concert will begin at 5 p.m. and will be held at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. 3400 Beatties Ford Rd.
2016 ended with a rousing regimen of rhythmic rhetoric, and now to kick off 2017, the ravishing Chosen the Poet invites you back to Sydney’s Martini & Wine Bar for another round of “Verbal Expressions!” Take a seat and relax as a number of spoken word artists take the stage to make you think, laugh and gasp with a special feature in the form of Charlotte’s own, CLTLIVE! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/verbal-expressions-tickets-30573779999. Doors open at 7 p.m. Sydney’s is located at 401 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
Opera Carolinas is proud to present to you “Art-Poetry-Music: A Celebration of Charlotte’s Black Culture.” Come and feel 360 degrees of art, sight and sound from The Ocie Davis Quintet featuring Bluz, a performance from Opera Carolina and On Q Productions, Firebird Alliance and more! Admission is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-poetry-music-celebrating-charlottes-black-culture-tickets-30525421357. The program starts at 7 p.m. and will be held at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. 3400 Beatties Ford Rd.
Brothers and Sisters, what’s the perfect remedy to any eventful day? A meal with your loved ones? Healthy conversation? This evening, head down to The Third Place: Coffee. Community. Common Ground for the first installment of an all-new meal and fellowship series, “Black Folks Dinner: Charlotte.” This monthly potluck dinner is designed for and by us celebrating our various elements that make us totally unique. It’s a space to build our community and a space to feel good and free about being Black. Admission is FREE to attend. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. The Third Place is located at 1609 E. 5th St. in Uptown.
Charlotte Nightlife Entertainment and Tom Tom Productions is ready to lay down the funk on your Sunday evening with the “Atlanta Meets Charlotte MLK Go-Go Invasion!” Charlotte’s Premier Go-Go Band, Uptown Swagga and Atlanta’s Premier Go-Go Band, Off Script, team up for a colorful collision of sound that’ll make you want to get up and move your body like you don’t have to go to work tomorrow—when in fact, you don’t! Also, be sure to stick around as D.C.’s own DJ Al-V lays down a hot soundtrack for you to further dance to! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/atlanta-meets-charlotte-go-go-invasion-2017mlk-weekend-edition-wuptown-swagga-band-off-script-band-tickets-30444726998. Showtime is at 7 p.m. and will be held at BluNotes. 3425 David Cox Rd. in the Northlake Area.
Local creatives unite at Petra’s tonight for a totally unique fusion of Presidential pandering and public pondering with “Pinning Our Hopes.” This night of arts and activism is geared around the issues of social justice and citizenship in the 2016 Election. Whether your voice is for Black Lives Matter, immigration matters, access to basic necessities or environmental issues, come out and speak your peace! Artists, writers, activists, community organizers and dancers are asked to come out and let your concerns be heard. Admission is FREE to attend and the event will begin at 8 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——-MONDAY 1/16——-
Everyone and I mean everyone gather at The Gantt Center this morning as Food Lion presents the annual MLK Day Celebration! Come and commemorate a great man, his message and motives with a day full of panel discussions, film screenings, spoken word, live music, guided tours, scavenger hunts, fellowship and more! Admission is FREE all day long and the festivities will begin at 9 a.m. The Gantt Center is located at 551 S. Tryon St. in Uptown.
The Levine Museum of the New South invites you to their facility this morning to view the grand opening of their newest exhibit, “K(NO)W Justice, K(NO)W Peace.” This is a community-created exhibit highlighting police-involved shootings throughout the nation and here in Charlotte. Co-created with activists, law enforcement, students, clergy and civic leaders, this exhibit explores the historical roots of the profound distrust between police and community, tells the human stories beyond the headlines, and engages viewers in creating constructive solutions. Admission will be FREE all day long. The museum opens at 10 a.m. 200 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Get Connected on MLK Day 2017! New Growth Hair Magazine is bringing entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs together to network, to discuss business strategy, share information about the power of social media, and marketing. Business owners who attend Get Connected will have an opportunity to share information about their business and connect with other businesses owners. Please come prepared with a 2 minute pitch about your business to share with all attendees. Also, please bring business card and other marketing materials to share with everyone. Admission is FREE to attend, but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/get-connected-tickets-29357418830. The event will take place at Wadsworth Estate at 6 p.m. 400 S. Summit St. in the Wesley Heights Community.
On Q Productions is back again to put some funk in your Monday with another fly edition of “Mo’ Betta!” Join host Quentin Talley and On Q musical director Tim Scott, Jr. for an evening full of great music, spoken word, film, comedy, dance and more visual art! Your featured act for the evening is none other than the talented MC Mason Parker & Brave Entertainment! Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/mo-betta. Showtime is at 6 p.m. and it will be held at The Morehead Tavern. 300 E. Morehead St. in Uptown. #OnQ
COMING SOON…
- Saturday, 1/21—AfroPop Vol. 8
- January, 1/21—Bars, Bands & Brews
- Thursday, 1/26—January Uptown Art Crawl
- Saturday, 1/28—ASC’s Connect With Culture Day
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands at time of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” -Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
May you all have a fun, faith-filled and festive weekend and may you continue to reach for your own dreams and desires. Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller