By: Shawn D. Allison, II
Greetings everyone! We are flying through January and seemingly flying into true winter weather. While it’s mighty cold outside, yours truly, The Black Ferris Bueller has found a few cool gems to keep your hearts and spirits warm out here. If you want to know the real moves to make this weekend, check out my “Hot List!”
- THURSDAY – Son Little LIVE at the Stage Door Theater
- THURSDAY — #TheResidency at Dupp & Swat
- THURSDAY—SATURDAY – Three Bone Theatre presents “Ugly Lies The Bone”
- FRIDAY — Radio Rehab Carolinas & We Are Stereotypez presents HELLA COLLAB at Crown Station
- SATURDAY — Voices of Life Fellowship Chorale presents “Turn Your Pressure Into Praise”
- SATURDAY – MacFly Fresh Printing Co. & DRC ApeParel presents Re:Fresh Party: The DENIM Experience
- SATURDAY – Su Casa: The January Edition at Petra’s
- SUNDAY – Meet The Author at 7th Phaze
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 23——–
Explore some new art at The McColl Center for Art + Innovation as they invite you out to a special Open House this evening. Join other art enthusiasts as you meet six new McColl Center artists-in-residence ranging on three floors of new artwork, including the debut of Adorned, an exhibition featuring McColl Center alumnus artist Sharif Bey (2007) and artist Shanequa Gay. As a perk for McColl Center Members, an exclusive reception with Ms. Gay and visiting curator Jonell Logan. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/open-house-at-mccoll-center-tickets-83660196901. 6 p.m. The McColl Center is located at 721 N. Tryon St. in Uptown.
This evening, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library invites you out for a special screening of the documentary “Call Me By My Name.” This film focuses on the daily lives of 6 adults experiencing homelessness in Charlotte, and how they came together over 18 months to create a play from their life stories. Admisssion is FREE to attend but please be sure to RSVP here: http://events.cmlibrary.org/eventsignup.asp?ID=343980. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Beatties Ford Library. 2412 Beatties Ford Rd.
Treat yourselves to a spectacle of musical magic as Blumenthal Performing Arts proudly presents Son Little LIVE! Son Little, the singer and songwriter born Aaron Livingston, is the easygoing musical alchemist of our time. He is a conjurer, and much like those of his heroes Stevie Wonder and Jimi Hendrix, his songs are deconstructions of the diaspora of American R&B. Deftly he weaves different eras of the sound—blues, soul, gospel, rock and roll—through his own unique vision, never forced, always smooth, each note a tributary on the flowing river of rhythm and blues. The currents empty into an estuary, and into this well water Son dips his bucket—trusting innately in the magic’s existence. And now, with his second full-length album, New Magic, he has delivered a profound statement, a cohesive creation that captures the diverse spirit of American music in a fresh and modern way. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/son-little. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. and will be held at the Stage Door Theater. Located on the corner of E. 5th St. & N. College St. in Uptown.
Some new verbal flavor is taking the stage in the QC and tonight, head down to Dupp & Swat for the inaugural session of the all-new showcase #TheResidency! This new spoken word experience from award-winning Renaissance Man Carlos Robson will feature a who’s who of Charlotte’s hottest slam poets, singer/songwriters, comedians and will highlight interviews with local creatives, entrepreneurs, community activists and much more. Admission is $10 per person. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show will begin at 8 p.m. Dupp & Swat is located at 1824 Statesville Ave. inside Camp North End.
Three Bone Theatre invites you to experience a new and cyberspaced-out stage play this weekend presenting “Ugly Lies The Bone.” Newly discharged soldier Jess has finally returned to her Florida hometown. She brings with her not only vivid memories of Afghanistan, but painful burns that have left her physically and emotionally scarred. Jess soon realizes that things at home have changed even more than she has. Through the use of virtual reality video game therapy, she builds a breathtaking new world where she can escape her pain. As Jess advances farther in the game, she begins to restore her relationships, her life, and, slowly, herself. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/ugly-lies-the-bone. There will be three performances this weekend: Thursday (1/23), Friday (1/24) and Saturday (1/25), all beginning at 8 p.m. at the Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. in Uptown.
——–FRIDAY, JANUARY 24——–
The powers of Raw Substance and Funk-Shun have combined to take you on a spaced-out voyage into the vastness of the galaxy with the January episode of their eclectic jam session, G-R-A-V-I-T-A-T-E! Join sound pilots and frequency selectors Steve Howerton, Charles Gatling, Shaanti and guest percussionist Claudio Rafael as they blow you into orbit with an eclectic mix of Soulful House, Deep House, Afro-House, Downtempo and much more funky stuff! Also, please be sure to bring nonperishable food items which will be distributed to local families in need. Admission is FREE and the vibes start flowing at 8 p.m. at Salud Cerveceria. 3306 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Slide out to Middle C Jazz Club for a special concert entitled “A Jazz Celebration of Stevie Wonder” presented by Noel Freidline! Grab your friends and grab a seat as the band strikes with vocal notables Adam McKnight, Juan Rollan and the endearing chanteuse Maria Howell paying homage to music master Stevie Wonder performing his most soulful and legendary sentiments. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stevie-wonder-tribute-presented-by-noel-freidline-tickets-65498372395. Doors open at 9 and the show will begin at 9:30 p.m. Middle C Jazz Club is located at 300 S. Brevard St. in Uptown.
The Sol Kitchen and Relik Media Group are ready to rock on this Friday night as they invites you out to Stats Restaurant & Lounge for DJ Cleve LIVE! Grab your crew and come and get in the mix as internet sensation DJ Cleve blows the spot up with a super blend of Hip Hop, R&B and Top 40 from all eras! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dj-cleve-live-at-stats-tickets-88738821203. The party starts at 9 p.m. Stats is located at 3425 David Cox Rd. in the University Area.
Relax your souls and let your ears feel the beat as Nizzo Entertainment invites you out to Fresh Furahidays! Enjoy an eclectic selection of open format music ranging from Afrobeat, Reggae, Soca, Dancehall, Hip Hop, House and more provided by mix master Steve Nizzo and DJ Styles! Admissiion is FREE and there will be drink/meal specials running all night long. The coolout starts at 10 p.m. at Mangos Caribbean Restaurant. 3112 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
Calling all emcees, producers and musicians – it’s time to make your creativity do what it do as the city’s coolest crew Radio Rehab Carolinas along with our family We Are Stereotypez proudly presents the first open jam session of 2020, HELLA COLLAB! Gather all of your fellow Hip Hop heads and feel the groove in this open mic session of however you feel like expressing yourselves, sonically. Hosted by DJ SPK, Earl Grey and Bluz. Sounds provided by The Mighty DJ DR. Admission is $5 per person. The jump off is at 10 p.m. at Crown Station. 3629 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
——–SATURDAY, JANUARY 25——–
What’s the best food to eat when it’s cold outside? Chili – and there’s plenty of it at the 2019-ish Chili Cook-Off! There’s always tons of chili cook-offs, but only ONE that matters in the Queen City! Come and enjoy endless samples of this spicy staple as 15 of Charlotte’s best amateur chefs battle it out for Chili supremacy and bragging rights! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-ish-chili-cook-off-unknown-tickets-87809240803. The event will begin at 12 noon at the Unknown Brewing Co. 1327 S. Mint St. in Historic South End.
This afternoon, come hear a joyful noise as the Voices of Life Fellowship Chorale invites you out to a special concert entitled “Turn Your Pressure Into Praise!” Bring your high praise, tambourines, washboards, sticks, blocks and whatever you need to uplift God’s holy and righteous name in this time of song with recording artists Christopher Ervin & Abraham Descendants, Antonio Thompson & Conquerers and Min. Jaquayle Stevenson! This concert will be hosted by Elder Timothy Bryson. Admission is FREE to attend. Doors open at 4 and the show starts at 5 p.m. at Clement Memorial AME Zion Church. 2207 Newland Rd.
Give your threads some new energy and flavor this evening as MacFly Fresh Printing Co. and DRC ApeParel invite you out to the Re:Fresh Party: The DENIM Experience! These two local powerhouse designers have extended their juice to team with local creatives to conjure up this one-of-a-kind fusion of an art workshop and party. Attendees will create their own denim products to customize using distressing techniques, screen printing and embroidery. Also, you are free to bring your old denim gear to add to your refreshed collection. Everyone leaves with a custom MACFLY t-shirt in addition to the denim products they create. Live music will be supplied by DJ Fannie Mae and there will be complimentary refreshments. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/refresh-the-denim-experience-tickets-90269842529. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at the MacFly Fresh Printing Studio. 301 Camp Rd. inside Camp North End.
It’s 2020 and this Saturday bring your crew down to Petra’s and join the lovely Jasiatic as she hosts the first dance jam of the new year, Su CASA: The January Edition! Step into a world of Afrofuturistic funk and dance your way into the Blackness of outer space as resident spin doctors Soul Brother DJ Justice and DJ Steel Wheel free your mind, body and soul with an eclectic mix of House, Afrobeat, Soul, Funk, Reggae, Dancehall, Afro-House, Jazz, Soca, Latin Boogie, Samba, Salsa and much more! Also, be sure to cop some fly trinkets and threads from Cosmosis Stones and get your face dazzled with colorful creativity from a guest face painter! Admission is $10 all night long. The party starts at 10 p.m. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood District.
——–SUNDAY, JANUARY 26——–
Do you need a balance in life? Join Soul Liberation Healing & Wellness for Resurrection: A Kemetic Yoga Workshop this afternoon. Based on the culture and hieroglyphics of Egypt (originally named Kemet), Kemetic Yoga renews mind, body, and soul through controlled breathing and conscious movements. Rooted in the YogaSkills School of Kemetic Yoga system, this 101 beginner class explores principles, poses, and sequences of Kemetic Yoga grounded in African-Egyptian mythology and history. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/resurrection-a-kemetic-yoga-workshop-registration-86943581593. The class starts at 12 noon. 4822 Albemarle Rd., Suite #305.
Head on down to 7th Phaze this afternoon for the start of a new monthly initiative entitled “Meet The Author.” Each month, there will be a feature of a local author of cultural children’s literature with a live reading of their work. Today’s inaugural guest is author, entrepreneur and activist Myra Foster. This event is sponsored by Operation: Education. Admission is FREE but please be sure to RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-the-author-tickets-86980883163. The event will begin at 2 p.m. 7th Phaze is located at 2424 N. Davidson St. in the NoDa District.
The Cine Casual Film Series invites you out to VisArt Video for a special screening of the film “La Camarista (The Chambermaid)” this evening. The desire of a lonely chambermaid named Eve to be someone else will make her discover different universes behind the belongings of the guests in the hotel where she works. Eve dreams through them and transforms her loneliness into company. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cine-casual-film-series-la-camarista-the-chambermaid-tickets-79982163805. There will be a screening at 5 p.m. VisArt Video is located at 3104 Eastway Dr.
COMING SOON…
1/31 – Children’s Theatre of Charlotte presents “Akeelah & the Bee”
1/31 – To Be Seen & Celebrated Art Exhibition
1/131 – Comedy & Coffee
2/1 – Off The Wall: New Jack Swing Edition feat. The Infamous JETA Team
2/5 – Raphael Saadiq’s Jimmy Lee Tour
2/6 — BNS Productions presents August Wilson’s “Fences”
2/8 – The Sol Kitchen presents Wikipedia Hip Hop Editathon Event
2/8 — “Little Red and The Hoods” by Open Cage Productions
2/8 – She’s All That: An Inspirational Arts & Crafts Activity
2/8 — The Meet Market: The All Black Affair
2/9 — Bueller’s Black Love Boogie: Vinyltine’s Day 2020
2/12 — Love & War Comedy Tour
2/15 — View the Right Thing Film Series + Discussion: Malcolm X
Have a great weekend!
Live. Laugh. Love. Learn. Listen. Give.
#WeekendWarrior #TheBlackFerrisBueller #EarsToDaSkreets #CommunityFirst