By Shawn D. Allison, II
What’s the word Brothers & Sisters? It is MLK Weekend and the QC is filled with lots of fun, educational and inspirational events for the entire family. As for me, I’ll be busy as usual on the trail and engaging the community. However, if you want to track my steps, be sure to check the itinerary on my “Hot List” and join in on the fun!
- THURSDAY—SATURDAY – The Jazz Arts Initiative presents “The Jazz Room: Tenor Madness”
- THURSDAY – Meet The Director screening of “The Farmer That Feeds Us” at Dupp & Swat
- THURSDAY –
- FRIDAY – Science on the Rocks: Fantastic Bugs & Where To Find Them at The Discovery Place
- FRIDAY – Jazz N’ Soul Music presents The Calvin Edwards Trio at Prime@6538
- SATURDAY – 2019 Annual MLK Holiday Parade
- SATURDAY – Freaquency : Soundwave II at Tip Top Daily Market
- SATURDAY – Weird Awesome Tour feat. Nige Hood, Whitty & Friends at Skylark Social Club
- SATURDAY – AfroPop! Charlotte: Vol. 28 at Crown Station
- SUNDAY – Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles Sunday Brunch: MLK Weekend Edition at Mangos Caribbean Restaurant
- SUNDAY – Bridging Musical Worlds 2019 at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
- MONDAY — 2019 Annual MLK Day Celebration at The Gantt Center and Levine Museum of the New South
- MONDAY — Art, Poetry & Music: Celebrating Charlotte’s Black Community at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
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, JANUARY 17——-
The City of Charlotte invites you to be part of an all-new conversation series entitled Bridging the Difference this evening. Bring the family out for an engaging time geared towards access and opportunity featuring a dynamic panel of special guests including Civil Rights Activist Dorothy Counts-Scoggins. There will also be some riveting poetry provided by multi-award winning poet, slam master and coach Boris “Bluz” Rogers. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bridging-the-difference-a-community-engagement-series-access-opp-tickets-53197759932. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Halton Theater at CPCC Main Campus. 1206 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.
Join Carolina Farm Trust at Dupp & Swat for a special Meet the Director social featuring a screening of the documentary “The Farmer that Feeds Us.” This film highlights food scarcity and the lack of healthy options in Charlotte’s various West Side communities. After the viewing, you’ll have an opportunity to meet the director and a number of invested individuals as we tackle a critical issue, together. Admission is FREE but donations are suggested. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Dupp & Swat is located at 1824 Statesville Ave. at Camp North End.
Fill your spirit with an abundance of creativity and come out to Artists Spotlight Thursdays this evening! Step into a world where words and visuals harbor a harmonious vibrancy with featured acts and power creative couple CFour Black and Aiden Lee! This ongoing showcase will also feature local creatives bring forth their talents of singing, instrumentalism, visual art, spoken word or however else they feel creative led to express themselves. Admission is FREE and there will be plenty of drink specials, $5 wing baskets, $15 hookahs and other leisurely elements to enhance your experience. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at The Rack CLT. 6912 Old Lawyers Rd.
What do you get when five tenor saxophonists walk into a room? A weekend full of nonstop, soulful jazz melodies! This weekend, join Jazz Arts Initiative as they proudly present a special installment their acclaimed showcase The Jazz Room entitled “Tenor Madness!” Treat yourselves to a diverse array of five renowned tenor saxophonists from the Charlotte region and beyond as they come together for an explosive and unprecedented three-day celebration of tenor saxophone masters. Saxophone is considered an essential to jazz and you’ll be sure to experience some covers of many of the legends that made it iconic, such as Lester Young, Sonny Rollins, and North Carolina born great John Coltrane. Showtime listings and tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/the-jazz-room-at-the-stage-door-theater-14. Tonight’s show will begin at 8:15 p.m. with all shows being featured at The Stage Door Theatre. Located at the intersection of E. 5th St. & N. College St. in Uptown. #JAI
——-FRIDAY, JANUARY 18——-
Is this season, illnesses are common and today NC MedAssist invites you out to the Mecklenburg County Mobile Free Pharmacy. Come and get engaged with local pharmacists and physicians and pick up some FREE over-the-counter medicines, bandages and other medical supplements. The event will begin at 9 a.m. at Intellicor International Academy. 4301 Shamrock Dr.
All of you cuisine connoisseurs, dining dons and divas get ready to fulfill your appetites because it’s time for the Queen’s Feast Charlotte Restaurant Week 2019! Come diversify your palates with a choice of over 130 participating restaurants in the Charlotte metro area. No tickets are required, however reservations are recommended. The full list of participating restaurants and additional info is found here: http://www.charlotterestaurantweek.com/.
Get into some creepy crawly fun this Friday night as The Discovery Place proudly presents “Science on the Rocks: Fantastic Bugs & Where To Find Them!” Wizardry and wonder fill the air in this adults-only, magical night at the Museum, featuring its all-new exhibition, Bug Lab. This magical world of interactive art installations will envelop you, as you venture through larger-than-life “bug chambers”. Explore the world as bugs do, through incredible multisensory experiences. Tickets can be purchased here: https://science.discoveryplace.org/explore/events/science-on-the-rocks-wizarding-word-of-fantastic-bugs. Only persons 21+ with proper I.D. can attend. The event will begin at 5 p.m. The Discovery Place is located at 301 N. Tryon St. in Uptown. #SOTR
Explore your inner creativity this evening as Charlotte Art League invites you out to Brush N’ Beats! Buy a canvas at the door and enjoy unlimited, open painting all night along with drinks and jams to get you in the creative zone! All ages and abilities welcome! Live music provided by Charlotte’s own MOJO Squad Industrious People. Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brush-beats-tickets-54977060869. The event will begin at 6 p.m. Charlotte Art League is located at 4100 Raleigh St.
The Deltas of Charlotte Foundation (DOCF) is proud to host its 16th Annual 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. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/16th-annual-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.
Charlotte and surrounding areas, come learn about the new rules of money guaranteed to have your cash flowing immediately at the all new Wine Down Friday! Join your hosts Supreme and Dee Dee as they introduce you to a fresh, inspiring and totally legit program designed to help your finances grow from the convenience of your smartphone. This is also an opportunity to meet with other likeminded individuals and engage in some solid networking. All drinks and admission is FREE to attend. If interested, please send a text to Supreme at (704)-492-4161 and you’ll receive the address for the social.
The good people of Jazz N’ Soul Music are back with a special Friday night cool down and tonight’s guest is no stranger to the Queen City— come feel the energy of The Calvin Edwards Trio as they provide “A Night of Soul Jazz.” Smooth covers and original tunes with feel-good vibe! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-calvin-edwards-trio-a-night-of-soul-jazz-with-a-touch-of-blues-tickets-54055861537. Performance starts at 8 p.m. at Prime@6538. 6538 N. Tryon St. #JazzNSoul
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-54836126330. The jump off is at 9 p.m. at Recess CLT. 832 Seigle Ave. in the Belmont Neighborhood.
The Sol Kitchen is ready to kick your weekend off with the flyness as they proudly present the one and only MICK spinning live! Formerly known as Mick Boogie, this multitalented turntablist brings forth an infectious and fun energy everytime he touches a set of 1s and 2s. Totally creative with his mixes, he’s sure to leave you in a state of euphoria! Accompanying sounds will be provided by QC heavy hitter DJ Loui Vee. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mick-formerly-known-as-mick-boogieat-suite-w-loui-vee-tickets-53122079570. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. at Suite. 210 E. Trade St. in Uptown.
Catch some classic Hip Hop flavor at The Press Box Bar & Grill this Friday night as Powered By GME proudly presents the They Reminisce Over Your Tour feat. CL Smooth! Relive the funky foundation of 90s Hip Hop as one ½ of our culture’s most talented duos rocks the stage performing all of his biggest hits with his partner in crime, DJ Mell Starr! Additional sounds and hosting duties will be provided by DJ Stacey Blackman and Eddie Owens. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-friday-night-pull-up-with-cl-smooth-mell-starr-live-tickets-54678554027. Doors open at 9 and the show starts at 10 p.m. The Press Box is located at 9609 N. Tryon St. in the University Area.
——-SATURDAY, JANUARY 19——-
Everyone line the streets and bundle up with each other with some warm love, peace and harmony because it’s time for the 2019 Annual MLK Holiday Parade! Come out for this colorful spectacle featuring over 100 community organizations, floats, dance routines, band performances, giveaways and lots more! The parade will start at 9 a.m. and will move through N. Tryon St. & 9th St. all the way down to S. Tryon St. & Stonewall St.
The Arts & Science Council invites you and your family to be part of an African Drum Circle this morning! As part of the ASC’s Culture Blocks initiative, join local drum performance troupe Drums 4 Life as they gather everyone in a circle to experience the spontaneous creation of music on a variety of drums and percussion instruments. The circle is a symbol of wholeness and integration. Because a circle has no beginning and no end, the agreement to connect in a circle allows energy to circulate from one person to the next. Admission is FREE to attend. The event eill begin at 11 a.m. at Albemarle Road Recreation Center. 5027 Albemarle Rd. in Mint Hill.
Calling all Sorors and Frats of the Divine Nine — Start your Saturday off with Moxie Society and ready to stomp the yard with throwback flavor at the “I Still Love the 90s Brunch & Day Party!” Come rock your organization’s colors and get your step & cheer on as one of Charlotte’s finest, Soul Brother DJ Justice rocks out with the best of 90’s Hip Hop, R&B, House, Dancehall, Reggae and Neo-Soul cuts. Also, the kitchen will be hot with a delicious Southern cuisine and lots of drink specials. Admission is FREE to attend. Event begins at 11 a.m. and will be held at Sports One Bar & Lounge. 521 N. College St. in Uptown. #MoxieSociety
Start 2019 off learning how to become more financially sound as the lovely Resha K. Washington of Little Brown Girl Group cordially invites you out to “A Brown Girl’s Guide to Financial Literacy and Wealth Development Seminar.” Join Resha along with financial experts Stephanie Washington and Sharon Allen as they teach you nuggets of wisdom regarding improving your net worth, creating a substantial nest egg, improving your credit score and much more. If you’re ready to indulge in the knowledge, please purchase your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-brown-girls-guide-to-financial-literacy-and-wealth-development-tickets-53846858403. The event will begin at 11 a.m. at Hampton Inn & Suites. 8419 N. Tryon St. in the University Area. #Melaninaire
This afternoon, slide out to Tip Top Daily Market for the fourth installment of the not-your-average networking jam session entitled, “Freaquency : Soundwave II.” This gathering of creatives, hosted by cultural activist Jah Freedom 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 is one of Charlotte’s most beloved turntablists and producers Justin Aswell Blackwood! Come and hear about his life in beatmaking, artistry and the inner workings of the longstanding Knocturnal. Special guests include DJ Dayna Dee, Snap Nation and Eli. Admission is FREE but donations are welcome. The event will begin at 2:30 p.m. Tip Top Daily Market is located at 2902 The Plaza Rd.
The Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles Crew and A Party Life have finally made their mark on the Uptown scene proudly presenting The Southern Fried Kickback Day Party! Enjoy one of the QC’s most fastest growing and festive social gatherings filled with riveting and colorful energy and tons of dope music from the Nigerian maestro himself, The Dynamic DJ Kato – giving all sorts of music a special dose of Afro-Fusion funk! There will be drink and meal specials running all day long. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-southern-fried-kickback-day-party-firehouse-edition-tickets-54418711832. The jump off is at 3 p.m. at Firehouse Bar & Lounge. 320 W. Carson Blvd. in Uptown.
Get ready to make a joyful noise and shout for freedom at the 2019 MLK Gospel Showcase! Come out and get your praise on as the best of the best in gospel music showcase their talents. Featured acts are The Park Church, DeMario “Mr. Mime” Carr, The Connecting Place at Greater Salem, with special guests Kelontae Gavin and host Dae-Lee! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-mlk-gospel-showcase-tickets-52640038773. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at Halton Theater at CPCC Main Campus. 1206 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.
Media personality, author and Charlotte champion Ryan Jor El invites you out for a celebration of America’s unsung hero—the Black patriarch with a special tribute entitled, Black Fathers ROCK! This ceremony will highlight stories of amazing fathers who exist in the Charlotte community as well as provide resources for fathers who are in need of guidance. In conjunction with Dreambuilders Communications, Inc., the 90-minute awards ceremony will feature the presentation of six honorees and two entertainment performances. With this initiative, Ryan aims to help change the narrative that all black fathers are absent. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-fathers-rock-tickets-47175448035. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Pease Auditorium at CPCC Main Campus. 1206 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.
Thirsting for some alternative music flavor? Head on down to Skylark Social Club and get ready for the Weird Awesome Tour feat. Nige Hood, Whitty & Friends! Nige Hood is not your average MC – in fact, don’t even consider him part of the norm. With a sound infused with various styles, this Charlotte staple will take you on a mind-bending journey filled with all sorts of vivid lyricism and his sound machine, The Folk Rap Band delivers a sonic punch unlike any other! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/3337178/whitty-the-album-release-party-charlotte-skylark-social-club-cil. The show starts at 8 p.m. Skylark Social Club is located at 2131 Central Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
This afternoon, head over to the Beatties Ford Library Branch and get ready to experience another riveting installment of “Traveling Blue: Live Music from Latin America to New Orleans.” This concert series is the third of five programs included in 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. Admission is FREE to attend. The event will begin at 2 p.m. The library is located at 2412 Beatties Ford Rd.
The winter weather may be making things chilly outside, but the fine folks of The Bantu Fete Team are turning up the heat with AfroPop CLT Vol. 28! Enjoy your holiday weekend in style with two of the QC’s hardest working sound maestros, The Dynamic DJ Kato and DJ Steel Wheel for an unforgettable night of Afrobeats, Afro-House, Soca, Reggae, Dancehall, Latin flavors, Hip Hop, R&B, some live African drumming thrown in the mix and much, much more! Also, be sure to support the various vendors supplying lots of garments, jewelry, accessories, homemade skin and hair products and more! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afropop-charlotte-vol28-afrobeats-soca-vendors-live-drums-tickets-54249421480. The party starts at 10 p.m. at Crown Station. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
——-SUNDAY, JANUARY 20——-
Everyone, gather your crew and come experience some tropical heat in this cold weather as The Culture Cooperative is back in action one mo’ gin for the Jerk Chicken N’ Waffles Sunday Brunch: MLK Weekend Edition! Come and let freedom ring in a fun and cultural way and join sound master, The Dynamic DJ Kato as he spins an eclectic blend of House, Afrobeats, Reggae, Dancehall, Soca, Hip Hop, R&B and much more! There will be lots of delicious items on the menu with a fully stocked bar so be sure to give your stomach a few smiles as the music moves you! Please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jerk-chicken-n-waffles-sunday-brunch-mlk-weekend-edition-2019-tickets-54497785343. The celebration starts at 11 a.m. Mangos is located at 3112 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Look, I know it’s Sunday and you want to be lazy, right? How about you come out to Petra’s instead and experience Hazy Sunday! This afternoon cool down is a meeting for those who appreciate the finer things in music. Join sound selectors, my man DJ Ray and Probably Will as they cultivate a carefully curated selection of vibes from jazzy instrumentals, Hip Hop, avant-garde frequencies, trippy Deep House music, and whatever else your purveyors of waves care to dig. Admission is FREE and the music starts at 3 p.m. Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
This evening, treat your ears to some good vibes as A Sign of the Times, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra String Quartet, My Sister’s House and the UNCC School of Arts & Design proudly present to you “Bridging Musical Worlds 2019.” 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/bridging-musical-worlds-2019-celebrating-rev-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-tickets-53040847603. The concert will begin at 5 p.m. and will be held at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. 3400 Beatties Ford Rd.
——-MONDAY, JANUARY 21——-
Everyone come and gather at The Gantt Center this morning as Food Lion presents the 2019 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. http://www.ganttcenter.org/calendar/mlk-day-2019/
Join Atrium Health as they proudly present the 2019 MLK National Observance & CMS Arts & Writing Conte this morning. This multimedia display of the arts, featuring Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students in spoken word, music and dance performances, as well as their paintings, sculptures and other works of art. The program will engage people of all ages in reflecting on the words of Dr. King as a moral opinion leader. Admission is FREE to attend. The event will begin at 10 a.m. at Halton Theater at CPCC Main Campus. 1206 Elizabeth Ave. in Uptown.
The Levine Museum of the New South invites you out for a day full of art, honor and education as they host the 2019 Dr. MLK Legacy Celebration! The day includes performances by the McCrorey YMCA Senior African Drummers, Charlotte Children’s Choir, the West Charlotte EduHam Group, children’s story time, arts and crafts, and much more. Admission is FREE and all ages are welcome. The museum will open at 10 a.m. 200 E. 7th St. in Uptown.
Ladies, are you ready to match your finances with your lovely features? If so, join Premier Online Education for The Currency of Beauty Networking Social this morning! Join author, entrepreneur and financial expert Sheena Pickett for this brand new launch of a life-changing platform. Mingle with other Beauty Professionals and discuss topics on being financially successful. Sheena is going to briefly share a basic understanding of money and how it works as an essential life skill necessary to succeed in business and personal development. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-currency-of-beauty-registration-52799618079. Lunch will be served and there will be giveaways as well. The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. at Advent Coworking. 933 Louise Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
Opera Carolina invites you out to Friendship Missionary for a very special creative collaboration entitled, “Art, Poetry & Music: Celebrating Charlotte’s Black Community” this evening. This eclectic showcase will feature some of the QC’s finest arts dignitaries who’ll cultivate a lush portrait of Black Renaissance for your pleasure. The players include: Quentin Talley, The Ocie Davis Quartet, poet Boris “Bluz”Rogers and many more talents to captivate your senses. Admission is FREE to attend. The program will begin at 7 p.m. 3400 Beatties Ford Rd.
COMING SOON…
1/23—1/26 – The Legacy Theatre Production Co. presents “Blood Ties”
1/25 – Venus vs. Mars Mix & Mingle Social
1/25 – Three Bone Theatre presents “Every Brilliant Thing”
1/26 — 3rd Annual KiNGDOM Networking Meet and Greet
1/26 — Su CASA: The January Edition
1/31—2/9 – Brand New Sheriff Productions presents August Wilson’s “Two Trains Running”
2/2 – Off The Wall: Annual J-Dilla Tribute feat. The JETA Team
2/8 — Bueller’s Vinyltine’s Day Boogie — The Quiet Storm Session
“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” –Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Have a great weekend Brothers and Sisters! Peace.
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst